Nothing can stop Christmas from coming. Not even a pandemic.
And while some of our holiday traditions may look a little different this year, we can still grant loved ones their gear wishes. Whether their passion of choice is hiking, shredding the mountain, traveling or just good ol’ fashioned outdoor revelry, we’ve got you covered. This 2021 list has a little something for all of the seriously savvy outdoor fanatics on your list.
Wildhorn Pipeline Goggles
wildhornoutfitters.com; MSRP $95.99
Osprey Transporter Duffel
Let’s be honest: you can never go wrong with a proper duffel for the adventure savvy soul on your shopping list. Built for the biggest trips and the heaviest gear, Osprey Transporter® Duffel features ruggedly dependable, weather-resistant fabrics. More than a duffel, a stowaway harness means this bag is comfortable to carry and perfect as either a travel companion gear storage. Built from bluesign® approved recycled polyester with dual-sided TPU coating inside and out, burly hardware, stiffened main body fabric with protective accent ribs, overlapping zipper and a PFC-free DWR coating that protects your gear from the elements.
ospreypacks.com; MSRP $130 (wheeled duffel $260)
Mystery Ranch In and Out Pack
Moment of honesty: Most summit packs are glorified stuff bags with flimsy shoulder straps, but that’s not how Mystery Ranch does business. This brand was founded upon premise of building with the best materials available and the most durable construction methods around all to ensure that so that your gear will never let you down when it matters most. The In and Out Pack is compact enough to stuff into its own front pocket yet large enough to hold a day’s worth of essentials. Thanks to its durable Cordura mini-ripstop fabric, you can rest easy knowing it’s tough enough for any trail. Contoured shoulder straps offer breathable and ergonomic comfort all day, compression straps on the side give you quick access to an outer layer, and tool-carry loops let you bring along trekking poles or ice axes.
mysteryranch.com; MSRP $79.00
Stanley Limited Edition Stargazing Collection
Created especially for the season, this iconic bottle transforms the brands Stan the bear into a constellation of stars in a Nightfall sky. The rugged, stainless-steel construction and vacuum insulation is made for outdoor treks, road trips and workplace. It’s the perfect addition to an evening under the stars or warming up in their winter cabin. Vacuum Bottle, Camp Mug and Flask all available for a limited time.
stanley1913.com; MSRP $40, $28, $22
XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot
Dubbed the “Alaskan Sneaker” XTRATUF Boots have been performance-tested and proven across the toughest stretches of water, from the Misty Fjords to Kodiak, from the Bering Sea to Harrison Bay. Flexible, and durable XTRATUF Boots are designed to keep your feet dry and protected in the harsh and wild parts of outdoor lifestable. If these boots can handle Alaska, then you’d better believe they can handle your little winter walks through the park, or that last stretch of sketchy ice laden parking lot that stands between your car and the chairlift. Grab a pair of 6” Ankle Deck Boots, or get a little more protection with the 8” Insulated Legacy Lace — either way, your winter escapades just became a lot more manageable.
Xtratuf.com MRSP $95-$175
Wildhorn Outfitters Dover & Frontera Ski Jackets
We all know that a long day on the snow isn’t complete without a trusty shell, and the Dover and Frontera jackets step right in as a high-performing go-to for those who get out early and often. In these performance driven jackets, Wildhorn Outfitters set out to achieve the pinnacle piece for all-weather protection, equally at home earning turns or riding free refills at the resort. We know because we spent the entirety of last season riding hard with these jackets at resorts across Northern California and Utah. After all that time, we feel confident in saying these jackets are set to become a favored option by powder hounds everywhere based on their big performance, rugged waterproofing, sleek styling and price point.
wildhornoutfitters; MSRP $129.99
KLYMIT Everglow Light Tubes
Easily one of the most innovative (and helpful) new products in the outdoor space, the Everglow Light Tubes are ready to brighten up any adventure. The LED tube takes advantage of air-filled construction for added convenience and versatility, easily mounting to a vehicle or awning as an overhead light. The Large and Extra Large models have a dimmer switch with 3 lighting options with the brightest maxing out at 270 lumens of white LED that provide a surprisingly warm light. Even better, both the large and XL Everglow tubes pack down into an included translucent carry case providing lantern style ambient lighting.
Klymit.com; MSRP $19.95-$39.95
Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite 2P Backpacking Tent
On long treks, bucket list backpacking trips or simple weekend outings, a lightweight shelter and system to carry it all can turn a taxing trip into a total breeze. Enter the UL Granite 2P Backpacking Tent from Featherstone Outdoor. This adventurous tent is surprisingly robust for how little it weighs, and even more surprisingly compact compared to some 2-person tents. With a design that optimizes comfort and maximizes space, this tent will ensure you can chase new trails season after season.
featherstoneoutdoor.com; MSRP $119.99
prAna Esla & Red Slate Vests
Ah, the venerable vest, equal parts indispensable accessory and outdoor wardrobe lynchpin since lumberjacks roamed the earth. Cold mornings in camp, lunch breaks on the ridgeline and après beers in the trailhead parking lot—the insulated vest is a versatile tool for any cool-weather wardrobe. And these two options from prAna provide the perfect way to layer on some warmth during the cold season.
The women’s Esla Vest features a cool aprés-ski style and a chemical-safe fabric coating to keep your core dry in case of surprise showers or light snow. Meanwhile a miraculously soft chenille fleece lining feels like an embrace from Christmas angels. The men’s Red Slate Vest has performance for the great outdoors, and classic looks to elevate the everyday. Lightweight matte nylon shell with PFC-free DWR provides a layer of protection from the elements while the RDS certified 650 fill power down keeps your core firing on all cylinders. All told, these vests provide the warmth you need with the mountain gumption you want.
prAna.com; MSRP $129 & $169 respectively
CRKT Parascale
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 a shelter to tackling unexpected emergencies, being prepared with the right equipment is a necessity. Carrying a knife when you’re outdoors is a no-brainer – carrying the CRKT Parascale is an indicator that sweet experience has taught you how to be an outdoor boss. Designed by T.J. Schwarz this blade’s burly build and paracord wrap will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about folders. With a 3.2” drop point, deep-bellied blade with a satin finish, the Parascale is as ruggedly beautiful as it is definitively dependable. It’s our favorite knife of 2021, and a perfect gift for the outdoor boss on your list.
CRKT.com; MSRP $99.99
ICEMULE Coolers
If holiday travels are taking you somewhere fun, then ice cold drinks are necessary. Enter ICEMULE the world’s most portable high performance softshell cooler that combines the portability of a backpack with the performance of a hard cooler. An innovative drybag design with welded seams and a roll-top closure keeps ice for up to 24 hours, while a cross-body strap or set of ventilated backpack straps makes carrying a breeze. Added bonus – it floats, even when full. It comes in a variety of sizes, from 10L to a monster 40L (you can legitimately get 36 beers in it). The Pro version has ventilated backpack straps and features a heavy-duty tarpaulin exterior fabric.
Icemule.com; Sizes vary: $59.99 – $139.99
Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR
Take the natural design philosophy of the Altra build, partner it with a gritty outsole and load it with outdoor tech to keep you protected from the elements and you’ve got the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR. Altra’s waterproof upper is super light and breathable, providing the extreme weather protection you want without slowing you down or creating a sweatbox for your beloved feet. Whether you choose the low or the mid cut (available in men’s and women’s) you’ll have the perfect gift for that family member that refuses to let a little rain, mud or snow cramp their adventure style.
altrarunning.com; MSRP (Mids $170, Lows $160)