With the Holiday Season fully upon us, it’s time to grant loved ones their gear wishes. Whether their passion of choice is hiking, ascending mountains, or just good ol’ fashioned outdoor revelry, we’ve got you covered. Following is our editors’ definitive holiday gift guide chock-full of do anything, go anywhere products for the seriously savvy outdoor fanatics.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel
Travel has transitioned from the formality of the 1950’s into a rough-and-tumble free-for-all. And that’s exactly why the Cargo Hauler Duffel‘s have made it onto our Holiday Gift Guide again this year. These are the only bags we trust to haul up mountainsides, down rivers, and on the sketchiest airplanes you can find.
Made with an extra-durable, water-repellent coated Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite fabric, this gear hauler withstands a lifetime of abuse. Listen, when you’re trying to pick a new duffel, there’s no shortage of options available.Our choice is the Cargo Hauler Duffel because they are lighter, stronger, and pack away The Cargo Hauler is available in 45L, 60L, 90L and 120L sizes. Whichever size you pick, your Cargo Hauler Duffel is equipped with gear pockets, grab handles, backpack straps and tie-down daisy chains. Built resilient for big adventures, it’s just itching to hit the back roads.
eaglecreek.com; MSRP $89, $99, & $109 respectively
L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Hooded Down Sweater
The perfect warmth for just about everything, L.L. Bean’s classic Ultralight Down Sweater Jacket (men’s and women’s) is everything you want in a do-it-all jacket. Every 850 Down Sweater is equipped with revolutionary DownTek treated down, a specially coated 850-fill that actually repels water when unexpected weather tries to dampen your spirits. It dries faster, stays dry longer and makes your adventure, on the trail or headed to town, even better. The colorblock version adds some extra style points to your ‘Be An Outsider‘ moments. Slip this jacket over your shoulders and you’ll find yourself longing for a never ending winter.
llbean.com; MSRP $219
Yakima FatCat EVO
Listen, we get it… shopping for the outdoorist in your life can be a daunting task. But if they love getting a little gnarly and shredding deep pow, then this is your go-to option. Yakima has updated the most aerodynamic and premium-styled snowsport mount on the market making them even “phatter” for 2017 with more room for gear, a new color option, and a T-slot hardware accessory for a super-low profile.
Available in 4– and 6-ski options, the FatCat EVO features over four inches of total additional space for snowboards and today’s wider all-terrain skis, allowing all skis to each be 136 mm wide at the tips. The new HangOver™ clamp location is an optional clamp-mounting position that makes it easier to reach skis or boards.
yakima.com; MSRP $229, $279
Orca 26 QT Cooler
It seems as though the world is awash in hard-sided roto-molded coolers. Rather than spend hours in your local outdoor retailer staring at the options, cut the clutter and follow this simple rule: Go with ORCA. Simply put, it’s a state-of-the-art, durable, roto-molded cooler that keeps your stuff cold for a really REALLY long time. It’s American made, lifetime guaranteed and gives the gift of 200 hours of cool, so you can always keep having fun without worrying about replenishing your ice supply. The 26 QT size gives the gift of convenience without compromising on storage. Did we mention that in third party comparisons it crushes the competition? Go ahead and be the hero of Christmas 2017, grab an ORCA cooler and then load it up with popsicles under the tree.
orcacoolers.com; MSRP $199 – $299
Leatherman Signal Black
Quite simply, this is the multi-tool no outdoor enthusiast should be without. Back in black for that sleek and gritty feel outdoorists crave, the Signal pairs Leatherman’s traditional functional tools with preparedness features like a shaped diamond coated sharpener for maintaining your straight and serrated blade, fire-starting ferro rod, and an emergency whistle. Weather have you socked in at basecamp? Lightening your load on that day hike? No problem. Stay ready for the expected (and unexpected) no matter where you are with everything you need to stay safe and take your adventure further. Nylon sheath included.
leatherman.com; MSRP $99.85
Boundary Prima Pack
Holiday Gift Guide Rule 4: You can never go wrong with a premium pack, and Boundary has stepped up the entire pack game with their premium modular backpack. Built around the idea of adaptability, the Prima expands from 25 liters to 30 liters making it perfect for traveling, commuting or weekend getaways. All the while, seven magnetic quick-latch buckles allow for easy one-handed operation. Side note: it’s sustainably made (Bluesign) and so durable a firehouse won’t even phase it.
boundarysupply.com/fl17iaproject/prima-system; MSRP $199.99
Cotopaxi Sueño 15-Degree Down Sleeping Bag
Once winter melts away and the wanderlust starts to kick in, they’ll need a sleeping bag worthy of meeting those adventures head on. Enter the Cotopaxi Sueño 15-Degree Down Sleeping Bag, versatile enough to use in 3 seasons it’s a no-brainer for the backpacker who loves to be outside in rain, snow or shine. The Sueño’s hydrophobic 800-fill responsibly sourced duck down insulation keeps them comfortable when the temperatures begin to dip. It will also keep them dry when a little wet weather is unavoidable. A comfort mummy fit offers wiggle room while they sleep, and a soft lining is reminiscent of a beloved comforter back at home base. Truth be told, the Sueño checks all of the boxes for a quality sleeping bag which is why it was our favorite bag of 2017.
cotopaxi.com; MSRP $349
Fjallraven – Vidda Pro Trouser
If you truly love them, you’ll never let them suffer the indignity of hitting the trail in a pair of old school denim pants. The answer? Fjällräven‘s Vida Pro Trousers (men’s and women’s). These adventure cargo pants are made from durable, wind and water resistant G-1000 with reinforcements and double fabric on the back and knees. Low waist and regular fit with articulated knees let you move free and easy when stalking your perfect Christmas tree. Seven pockets, including a map pocket, axe pocket and inner safety pocket. All told, these are the best adventure pants we’ve ever slipped into.
fjallraven.us; MSRP $150
Hazen Gourmet Kitchen Cutlery
Much like the brand’s field knives, the Hazen Kitchen Collection is designed with a shape, balance and design that result in superior performing tools enhancing performance, productivity and enjoyment in every use. Whether you choose the Classic Kitchen Set, the Gourmet Kitchen Set or the Hazen Deluxe Set, you’re buying American made tools that are not only a pleasure to use but will be handed down from generation to generation.
hazenknives.com; MSRP $198 $349, $624
Slumberjack Nightfall 2 Tent
Adventure is always better when you’ve got the right equipment. Slumberjack’s Nightfall 2-Person, 3-Season tent is light, quick to set up, and easy to use. External pitch pole architecture keeps the inner tent dry while pitching in the rain. Near vertical side walls provide huge interior space (31.4 sq feet) and the Fast-Pitch option allows the inner tent body to be left behind for a super-light & very compact shelter. Fast, light, supremely versatile and affordable. In other words, the perfect gift for the backpacker or hunter on your list.
slumberjack.com; MSRP $139.95
Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho
Equal parts poncho and blanket, the Honcho Poncho from Therm-a-rest is at home on frigid Friday night playoff games in January or drizzly summer evenings around the campfire. It can be worn to stay warm around camp or layered on top of your sleep system to add some extra warmth to your night. The water-resistant shell repels light rain, while 37.5 synthetic insulation keeps them cozy without weighing them down. A warm kangaroo pocket keeps hands warm while cooking in colder-weather or resting between bouldering attempts. For the bonus round, the Honcho Poncho doubles up as a blanket. All told, this handy little piece is not only technical, it’s a heck of a lot of fun.
Thermarest.com; MSRP $129.95
Granite Gear Crown2 Multi-Day Backpack
Got a backpacker on your list? The Granite Gear Crown2 60L Backpack is an ultralight multi-day pack for logging serious miles on the trail, whether it be an overnighter or a two-month thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. This new and improved successor to the classic Crown V.C. 60, boasts the brand’s patent-pending fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, a new and innovative compression molded PP frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and removable bonus lid. And while that sounds like a mouthful, it all weighs in at a meager 2.2lbs.
granitegear.com; MSRP $199.95
Teva Arrowood Adventure Shoe
Hands down, the Arrowood is the most comfortable adventure shoe we’ve ever worn – EVER. For the adventurer that’s as capable outdoors as they are in the office, the Teva Arrowood offers as splash-read adventure-seeking sneaker with style. Outfitted with lux full-grain waterproof leather, this premium take on an adventure-seeking sneakerboot brings stepped up style and function for the dad who’s street savvy perfectly aligns with his backwoods shrewdness.
teva.com; MSRP $120
adidas Outdoor Terrex Stockhorn Fleece Jacket
You’ve got your baselayers, your shell, all you need now is a trusty midlayer to keep you toasty. The adidas Outdoor Terrex Stockhorn Fleece Jacket (for men and women) combines Pontetorto Tecnostretch and 37. 5 Activated Carbon to offer the brand’s most popular mid layer. This durable jacket is constructed with Elite Pontetorto fleece insulation to trap heat, and a body hugging fit ensure a sleek look. Whether you wear it under a puffy for brutally cold hikes, over your professional duds for the commute to work, or under a shell for some early morning ski runs, this jacket breathes well to keep air flowing and manage moisture.
adidasoutdoor.com; MSRP $139
CRKT Amicus & Amicus Compact Knife
Every outdoor enthusiast knows that life in the outdoors is full of little problems. From shaving down kindling to fending off rogue squirrels; from forging shelter to tackling unexpected emergencies, being prepared with the right equipment is a necessity. Carrying a knife in the outdoors is a no brainer – carrying the Amicus or Amicus Compact from CRKT is an indicator that sweet experience has taught you how to be an outdoor boss. Designed in the great Viking tradition by Jesper Voxnaes, and tested in some of the toughest conditions available – the fjords and forests of his backyard in Loegstrup Denmark – these blades are not only ready and willing for a harsh life, but versatile enough to tackle whatever task tumbles your way.
crkt.com; MSRP $59.99 & $49.99
adidas Outdoor Flyloft Vest
Whether worn on its own or under a shell, the adidas Outdoor Flyloft Vest (available for men and women) provides lightweight, compressible, and wind-resistant insulation for cool-weather romps. Because of its synthetic insulation and moderate warmth-to-weight ratio, Flyloft caters to a variety of activities, ranging from cold-weather trail runs to blustery days on the skill hill. A hardy, wind-resistant ripstop exterior deters grabby tree branches on the trail, and the DWR treatment is designed to handle light drizzle.
adidasoutdoor.com; MSRP $99.99
Bogs Crandall Wool Boots
Sometimes the best gift you can offer for the outdoorist on the go is a beautiful blend of practicality and comfort. Enter the women’s Crandall Wool Boots from Bogs. Run the kids to practice, hit the grocery store, then rinse and repeat. These women’s boots are made for busy weekends. An insulated, waterproof design means you stay warm and dry, and plush lining offers a cozy feel. Shock-absorbing Rebound cushioning keeps you comfortably out and about for hours.
bogsfootwear.com; MSRP $160
Klymit Traverse Double Hammock
It’s no secret. In the backyard, at the riverbank, in the forest, or for a little lunchtime snooze in the office, life is just better in a hammock. The Traverse Double Hammock from Klymit features a diagonal, seamless hem that provides extra strength and support where the body naturally rests. Factor in the featherlight weight, and these backcountry luxury dream machines are ready for any road trip.
klymit.com; MSRP $89.95