With the Holiday Season fully upon us, it’s time to grant loved ones their gear wishes. Whether their passion of choice is hiking, traveling or just good ol’ fashioned outdoor revelry, we’ve got you covered. This 2018 list is our most comprehensive gift guide to date. It’s chock-full of do anything, go anywhere products for the seriously savvy outdoor fanatics.
For the Adventurer…
You know those hard-to-shop-for people who live and breathe the great outdoors. Fueled by fresh air, these adventure-seekers would rather spend a weekend—or an entire week—trekking a ridgeline trail, sleeping under the stars and making coffee at sunrise on a mountaintop. This holiday season, get them the gear that will warm their hearts and ensure they have the best year on the trail yet.
Mountainsmith Vasquez Peak 2
Once winter melts away and the wanderlust starts to kick in, they’ll need a tent worthy of meeting those adventures head on. The Mountainsmith Vasquez Peak has been is the brands most advanced backpacking tent to date, and has been our go to option all year long. Just under 4.5 pounds on trail, this 2-person tent offers added head space, best-in-class waterproofing, and a stable design without the added weight. The inter-connected pole design with the crossover brow pole allows for maximum, usable sleeping space and steeper pitched door panels. The two-door, two-vestibule design comfortably fits two adults with room for gear.
mountainsmith.com; MSRP $275.95
Sarcina Rally Pack
Holiday Gift Guide Rule 4: You can never go wrong with a premium pack, and Sarcina has stepped up the entire pack game with a durable day pack designed to tackle any adventure. Sarcina combines a classic top-loader hiking pack with the modularity and focused utility of a Cordura tactical pack. Whether it’s your escape-to-the-woods pack, your daily laptop pack or a combination of the two, the Sarcina is more rugged and modular than a typical light hiking pack, with the wealth of organization features and attention to detail that’s unique to the tactical design ethos, where seconds count and lives depend on careful preparation. As an added benefit, Sarcina is easily customized with additional pouches and accessories using the pack’s MOLLE webbing system.
cannaeprogear.com; MSRP $160
Helly Hansen Vanir Hybrid Pant
Photo Credit: Cam Rizzardini
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? Helly Hansen’s Vanir Hybrid Pants (available in men’s and women’s). These adventure pants provide a Softshell dynamic fit, allowing comfortable movement during variable conditions. Well rounded, active design provides comfort and protection whether you’re stalking summits or that perfect Christmas tree. Featuring 100% Bluesign approved fabric, it’s also a gift that you can feel good about giving (especially if it’s to yourself).
hellyhansen.com; MSRP $150
MSR Windburner Stove System
Combining MSR’s award-winning Reactor technology with the features solo travelers need most, the WindBurner Stove System is ideal for backcountry adventures and weekend camping alike. Its radiant burner and enclosed, windproof design allow the stove to boil water fast and operate in weather that leaves conventional burners in the cold. The integrated cookware with built-in heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat to the lock-on pot so you can enjoy a quick meal or hot drink after a hike, ride or paddle. The all-in-one system nests inside its pot for easy packing and assembly—leaving more time for you to enjoy your adventure.
msrgear.com/windburner; MSRP $149.95
KEEN Targhee III Hiking Boot
The KEEN Targhee III is not just the answer to any trail that’s considered difficult, but the answer for the difficult hiker on your Christmas list. KEEN’s iconic hiking boot (available for men and women) brings an updated look to all-terrain adventures. Not only does it have the stability and support for hiking rough terrain, but it also has the waterproof, breathable protection required for hiking in variable conditions. The leather exterior is as rugged as the mesh lining is cushy and breathable, and Keen treated the interior to reduce odor buildup overtime.
keenfootwear.com; MSRP $145
FITS Socks
We know… socks may not seem like the most exciting gift in the world, but we promise that putting these socks under the tree will illicit great tidings of holiday joy. Created by third and fourth generation textile manufacturers who set out to develop the absolute best fitting & most durable socks available, FITS has an array of adventure ready options from hiking to running to skiing. With proprietary engineering and technology used to create the most comfortable, best fitting socks in the world we promise that once they put them on, they’ll never take them off. Remember, better socks make for better adventures!
fitssock.com; MSRP Varies by Size and Style.
adidas Outdoor Varilite Jacket
The perfect warmth for just about everything, the Varilite Jacket from adidas Outdoor (available for men and women) is everything you want in a do-it-all jacket. Featuring the unbeatable warmth of down, the Varilite offers four-season versatility in a lightweight, packable design. A no-stitch design improves wind and weather resistance. Front pockets include media cord routers to keep you connected. All told, this jacket makes any adventure, whether on the trail or headed to town, even better.
adidasoutdoor.com; MSRP $119
For the Outdoorist on the Go…
We all know that person who’s always in the know about the latest trends in outdoor tech and style. They’re fashion forward, technology literate, social media obsessed, and always on the go. Because of all that, these are the people on your list that can be a challenge to shop for. From weekend warriors to full-fledged globetrotters, we’ve put together a list of suggestions that will have your loved ones traveling in comfort and style!
Eagle Creek Wayfinder Backpack
Eagle Creek created the Wayfinder series so you can effectively navigate busy airports, scenic trails and crowded train stations. No matter what your particular definition of travel is, there’s a good chance that you’re not traveling empty-handed. Enter the Wayfinder Collection: a series of packs equally equipped to carry you through your daily commute or an international journey. Because Eagle Creek has been designing travel gear for over 40 years, you can be assured that every detail of these packs are dialed in. From lockable zippers, lash points and gear loops for extra accessibility, and a hidden tech pocket on back panel keeps you powered and ready for your modern life on the go.
Eaglecreek.com; MSRP $59, $79, $99, $129
Helly Hansen LifaLoft Hybrid Insulator Jacket
Photo Credit: Cam McLeod/Warren Miller Entertainment
Moving through life at light speed requires insulation that’s breathable, mobile, and won’t lose its insulating properties when confronted with the more dour side of Mother Nature. Enter the Helly Hansen LifaLoft Hybrid Insulator Jacket (for men and women) – a must have in every adventurer’s wardrobe. This hybrid jacket is a great layering or travel piece with a mix of lightweight shell fabric and a slick face stretch fabric. Designed with LifaLoft, an insulation revolution that will keep you warmer with less weight and bulk due to the unique Lifa yarn technology.
Hellyhansen.com; MSRP $185
Hydro Flask Unbound Series
Let’s be honest, when you are living a life on the go, you need to keep supplies cold, fresh and close at hand. That’s where the Hydro Flask Unbound Series comes into play. Just like the Hydro Flask bottles, the new new waterproof, soft-sided coolers are serious about keeping things icy cold for a remarkably long time. The Unbound Series™ Cooler Pack (22L) and Tote (24L) are both lightweight and comfortable to wear hiking up a trail or down to the perfect spot for an outdoor concert. Load them up with plenty of room for 24 cans or whatever you’re bringing along—and keep it all cold for up to 48 hours. Dry storage pockets keep dry things dry and side pockets give you a nice place to stash keys, phone, your Hydro Flask bottles or other essentials.
hydroflask.com; MSRP $274.95
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffles
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, these gear haulers withstand a lifetime of abuse. Available in 45L, 60L, 90L and 120L sizes these duffles are lighter, stronger and pack away better than any other option we’ve tried. Built resilient for big adventures, these bags are just itching to hit the back roads.
Eaglecreek.com; MRSP $119, $109, $99, $89
KICKER AUDIO CushBT
The adventurous side of their spirit knows no boundaries. Why should their music? Kicker Bluetooth headphones and earbuds provide supreme audio performance no matter where the journey ahead may lead. Kicker’s CushBT offers the brands best sounding headphone featuring over 20 hours of wireless listening, premium materials for long lasting comfort – and don’t forget you get Kicker’s signature powerful bass. The CushBT is also optimized for use with Siri and Google assistants.
Kickeraudio.com; MSRP $149.95
Hoka One One Speedgoat II
For the person on your list that defines “travel” as mile after mile of technical terrain, there is no better gift than the Hoka One One Speedgoat II (available for men and women). Created with input from Karl Meltzer, the 100-mile specialist and holder of the Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, the Hoka One One Men’s Speedgoat 2 trail running shoe offers technical performance on challenging terrain and support and cushioning for high mileage. The stitch-free upper delivers comfort and breathability while keeping weight to a minimum. Welded microfiber underlays further promote comfort and support. A midfoot “cage” helps to stabilize your foot and comfortably lock your heel in place. With a 32mm heel and a 27.5mm forefoot, the shoe has a 4.5mm drop.
hokaoneone.com; MSRP $140
Uncharted Supply Co. ZEUS
There’s nothing worse than heading to the mountains only to get stuck in the middle of the night with a dead battery. Uncharted Supply Company lets you give the gift of security with the Zeus. This saavy piece of tech is a flashlight and dual USB Charger with enough power to jump start even the largest trucks on the road dozens of times. It can recharge your iPhone Plus from 0 to 100% up to 10 times. It can provide light for days on end. For the times when there’s nobody at the other end of the jumper cables, the Zeus will get them back on the road and back on schedule.
/unchartedsupplyco.com/products/the-zeus; MSRP $129.00
One Eleven Adventure Watch
Obsessively designed to make a bold statement, One Eleven has crafted a watch to match your hustle. The heart of every One Eleven solar watch starts with a high quality, solar powered movement that continually charges in both natural and artificial light. This eliminates the need to replace a battery, reducing the toxic waste that goes back into our planet. No matter which of the One Eleven outdoor watches you choose to take along on your adventures, you’ll find these solar powered watches are both dependable and good-looking.
111watches.com; MSRP $125
T3 Surflight Trunks
Shopping for the guy that’s always on the go? Stoke their holiday cheer with these Surflight Trunks from T3 Gear. Veteran owned and inspired by Navy Seals, you can trust that every stitch and detail of these garments is dialed in for fit, function and performance. These athletic shorts can pull duty far beyond the confines of a gym. With a rugged, four-way stretch, quick drying material and nylon bar tacks at stress points, expect these shorts to stand up to their next marathon, or a casual coffee run, in equal measure.
T3gear.com; MSRP $54
For the Camp Comfort Obsessed…
After checking your holiday shopping list, how many folks did you count who are camp comfort obsessed? You know who we’re talking about, the people that are always day dreaming about their next free weekend for camping. Those people who would rather sleep in a hammock between two firs instead of their own bed. Whether it’s in a cabin, in a tent, or just kicking it by the fire pit, these are the friends and family members that are camp-comfort obsessed.
Give them the gift of cozy comfort and fuel their internal campfire with any of these thoughtful outdoor gifts. You’re sure to earn some serious love and kudos, and definitely an invite to test out the new gear.
Yakima X Rumpl
Yakima knows adventure, Rumpl knows comfort. Along with Oregon artist Adam haynes, these two brands bring the beloved Mount Hood to you with a Limited Edition Puffy Blanket. Whether it’s kicking it at the camp fire, camping in Yakima’s SkyRise rooftop tent, or just out for a family picnic, this gem is brings coziness year round. Water-resistant fabric repels stains and dirt, and the hollow synthetic fill is compressible so you can stash it away when it’s time to pack up and drive to the next lounge spot.
explore.yakima.com/yakima-x-rumpl; MSRP $159
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
Stio Gannett Jacket & Pants
Some mornings involve sleeping in and grabbing brunch, while others call for crack-of-dawn climbing starts, but one constant no matter what’s on the agenda is the Gannett Jacket and Pants from Stio. The lightweight and stretchy Gannett Jacket (men’s and women’s) is built to keep up with your outdoor adventures, and its sleek styling ensures it doesn’t look out of place in the city when you need that latte. Meanwhile the lightweight stretch fleece recovery pants are designed to maximize relaxation without sleeping on style, making the Gannett Peak Pant the perfect before and after pant for the mountain life.
Stio.com; MSRP $159, $149, $129
Turtle Fur Beanies
Fact: You can never go wrong with a quality beanie to keep noggins warm when the mercury drops and you’re looking for comfy warmth. And if you’re going to give the gift of a beanie, then you might as well make sure it’s from Turtle Fur. Whether its the uber comfy Slater Ragg, the artisan wool knit Bholi Pom Beanie or any style in between, rest assured you’ll be getting a beanie you wish you could wear year round. Super warm, lightweight and soft beyond belief, these beanies sets the standard for winter lounging warmth.
Turtlefur.com; MRSP $23.99-$35.99
Mountain Khakis Hideaway Shirt
There are some apparel pieces that call your name like a warm fire and smooth whiskey. If that’s your style, then the Mountain Khakis Hideaway Shirt (Hideaway Pullover for women) is for you. It’s like a shirt, it’s like a sweater, but it’s so much more. The quilted style keeps you warm but when you want to put an extra shirt underneath, the button-up style makes layering easy. Fair Trade Certified.
Mountainkhakis.com; MSRP $109.95; $94.95
OluKai Nohea and Moloa Slippers
Let’s be honest, we put our feet through a lot of abuse. We kick them around, stuff them into heavy hiking boots, stuff them inside of ski boots, and then burn them to a crisp once a year at the beach. So this Christmas do something nice for your feet (or the feet of a loved one) and let them relax in a pair of OluKai slippers. Whether you go with the men’s Moloa or Women’s Nohea, you get premium nubuck leather with genuine sheepskin shearling lining and the famous OluKai fit. Even better, A portion of all proceeds directly supports the Ama OluKai Foundation, honoring those who preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage and Aloha spirit of Hawai‘i. Every pair gives back.
Olukai.com; MSRP MSRP $120
GCI Outdoor Rocker
Admittedly, our preference has always been for smaller compact chairs that take up less room in the SUV or mini-van. But that all changed once we were properly introduced to the line of outdoor rockers from GCI Outoor. Whether you go with the FirePit Rocker, the Freestyle Rocker or the RoadTrip Rocker you get a convenient chair that’s ready for crazy comfortable evenings wherever you are. We promise that once you experience the smooth rocking sensation offered by the patent-pending Spring-Action Rocking Technology, you’ll never go back to standard camp chairs again.
GCIoutdoor.com; MSRP $60