Gear Reviews

2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: Gifts With Gumption

posted by gumptiongear November 29, 2019 0 comments

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 2019 list has a little something for the seriously savvy outdoor fanatics on your list.

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

Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L

If you’re on this site then the chances of you having a global explorer on your list are pretty high. No matter where they are going, the Global Companion 40L Travel Pack is the perfect travel aid. 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. This particular organizational machine allows access from the top or bottom, along with middle access to a wide butterfly opening with dual interior compartments. Access whatever you need, wherever you are and however you’re carrying the bag.
eaglecreek.com; MSRP $159

Patagonia Nano Air Hoody & Vest

The perfect warmth for just about everything, the updated Nano Air Hoody (available in men’s and women’s) from Patagonia is everything you want in a do-it-all adventure jacket. Revolutionary 60-g FullRange® insulation (now 40% recycled) warms and stretches, and combined with the shell and lining, supplies outstanding mechanical stretch and air permeability (40CFM), so excess heat can escape.  All told, this jacket makes any adventure, whether on the trail or headed to town, even better.
patagonia.com; MSRP $299

KELTY ZYP Backpack

Winner of our Editor’s Choice Award, the all-new Zyp is a legit lightweight hiking pack intelligently designed with comfort, convenience and breathability in mind. Available in 2838 and 48 liter sizes, the Kelty ZYP packs embody the brand’s new tech aimed at making the outdoors more welcoming for everyday consumers, while introducing new performance features for avid outdoor enthusiasts. 
kelty.com; MSRP $129 – $169

Klymit 20 Degree Sleeping Bag

The ultimate sleeping bag for three-season comfort. The Klymit 20˚ Full-Synthetic Sleeping Bag features pillowy synthetic fill that will keep them warm and comfortable all night long. Outer fabric has a durable water repellant treatment to protect the insulation from moisture that can impede thermal performance and add weight. But what they will really love about this sleeping bag is when the stretch baffles allow them to sit up, stretch, and freely cross their legs without unzipping the bag.
klymit.com; MSRP $103.96

Vasque Laplander UD (Women’s)

The Laplander UltraDryTM from Vasque is a women’s winter go-to that combines form and function into a boot that keeps feet warm and dry on trail or in town. When temperatures drop, the Laplander provides peace of mind with 400g of 3MTM ThinsulateTM insulation to keep warmth in and an UltraDryTM waterproof membrane to lock moisture out. The boot is built on a solid foundation with ColdHold rubber in the outsole for trustworthy traction across slick surfaces. The boot’s sleek upper blends leather, suede, and knit mesh for a modern outdoor look that stands up to the elements.
MSRP $159.99

Leatherman Free P2

The Leatherman name has been synonymous with multi-tools for 35 years, but with the Leatherman FREE they decided it was time to rethink everything about their signature product. Redesigned end-to-end, the Leatherman Free collection puts a new spin on an American icon, offering uncompromising performance through revolutionary design.  Featuring a first-of-its-kind “magnetic architecture”, integrated magnets ensure smooth, frictionless deployment of the implements via a simple roll of the thumb. 
leatherman.com; MSRP $119.95

adidas Outdoor Terrex Free Hiker

The Free Hiker from adidas Outdoor is not just the answer to any trail that’s considered difficult, but the answer for the difficult hiker on your Christmas list. Every ingredient in these shoes aims for comfort on long-distance hikes. The sock-like build and adidas Primeknit upper hug your foot for an adaptive, snug feel with every step. A sturdy heel cap and midsole stiffener give a natural flex while delivering stable footing. Traction on slick surfaces – Continental™ Rubber outsole for extraordinary grip even in wet conditions. Adaptive grip – The Continental™ Rubber outsole combines with a responsive midsole for all-terrain traction. These were our hikers of choice when our team recently took on the famed Inca Trail.
adidasoutdoor.com; MSRP $200

Otterbox Venture Coolers

If there’s someone on your list that falls with that broad hiking, fishing, camping and BBQ type, they need a cooler that has as much gumption as they do. Enter the OtterBox Venture coolers:  American-made and built tough, Venture offers dad a right-size cooler for any and every adventure (25L45L65L). 

With so many options around, why should you roll with the Venture? First, Venture coolers keep ice for up to 10 days. Second, each Venture cooler is injected molded rather than rotomolded resulting in high quality product that can be customized with OtterBox Accessories. And did we mention you can use the Venture Locking Kit ($99.99) to make the cooler certified bear-resistant
Otterbox.com; MSRP $229.99 – $449.99

Eagle Creek Duffels

Duffels are trending thanks to their easy, hands-free carry, and ability told hold more honey than your average bear. Eagle Creek offers a vast array of duffel bags, from the super lightweight Packable Duffel to the super-burly-but-sleek National Geographic All Purpose Duffel to the bright and sustainable Migrate Duffel, and of course the new, amazing Cargo Hauler Duffels.

Spacious, flexible and adaptable, the ever versatile duffel lets you easily pack all of your climbing, hiking, or adventure gear. Whether you’re shopping for an enviro-explorer aiming to consume and carry less than the average traveler, or just someone who has higher expectations for their luggage, Eagle Creek has the perfect option available.
eaglecreek.com

Astral Astropad

Don’t forget about your best adventure buddy! The paddle sports brand Astral just released a new batch of AstroPads— a dog bed made from recycled PFD scraps. Not only is the AstroPad fang and odor resistant, it’s removable cover is machine washable and comes equipped with a carry handle for life on the go. Best of all, the luxurious bed insert is made from scraps of closed cell UL approved foam. Available in three colors: ocean blue, olive green and cranberry. 
astraldesigns.com; MSRP: $127.50

Stanley Go Bottle With Ceramivac

Truth be told, we’ve got a wide array of bottles stashed away in our cabinets. But the one we reach for time and again is the Stanley Go Series with Ceramivac. Featuring a double-walled, smooth-fired ceramic wall over stainless steel, these guys are 100% BPA free without the metallic taste or smell. Whether you pick the 16oz Tumbler, the 24oz Stein or the thirst crushing goodness of the 36oz bottle, double-vacuum insulation keeps your beverage cold for up to 70 hours and hot for 13 hours.

For that adventurer on your list that demands just a little more, check out Stanley’s MASTER SERIES. Built for those who demand the absolute best, the Master Series offers unrivaled durability and thermal retention.
stanley-pmi.com; MSRP $30-$65

Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Gift Box

Drawing on decades of running and innovating socks to improve performance, Feetures changed the rules of how socks work with the foot in motion. Now, just in time for the holiday season, the brand’s most popular sock is now available in a Limited Edition Gift Box. This Holiday Gift Box includes 3 pairs of socks in your choice of Basics or Stardust Colors.
feetures.com; MSRP $50