Hikers are a particularly demanding bunch; the repetitive motion of logging lots of miles over varied terrain means they are perpetually on the hunt for gear that can stand the test of time – and doesn’t cut the corner on performance and durability. Following is our list of top five gift choices for the day-hiking guy and gal on your list that live for a life on the trail.
For The Gumption Guy…
Dad has enough shirt and ties. What he needs is gifts that will help him get out and tackle the trail in comfort. Following are our top five gift picks for the modern day trail tackling guy in your life.
OBOZ BRIDGER HIKING BOOTS
Hiking boots are probably the most important part of the day hiker’s essential gear list. Aggressive hikes and demanding trails require a dependable and durable hiking boot like the Oboz Bridger. Classic styling gives a nod to the legendary hiking boots of yore, while modern fit and design ensure a worthy performer that can fend for itself on sharp talus, off camber paths and sloppy, slick routes.
LEATHERMAN SKELETOOL CX
They say hikers should never hit the trail alone. With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, the Skeletool CX from Leatherman is ready to become the new hiking-camping-outdoor-revelling BFF for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. Add in a sleek design and Leatherman’s 25 year warranty and this gift will garner the ‘wow’ response for which you’ve been hoping.
PLATYPUS SPRINTER 25 X.T.
Serious day hikers want a pack that can do everything except walk them up the trail—and this pack hits that sweet spot: With 22 liters of space to carry all you need, the right level of comfort and venting, and all-day load support ensure the Platypus Sprinter 25 X.T. will get plenty of use both on and off the beaten path. Did we mention the durable weatherproof construction for Mother Nature’s more fickle side?
LIFEPROOF nüüd
Out on the trail, his smartphone is working overtime as a compass, a GPS unit, and his instagraming proof of making that summit. Unfortunately, all that hiking exposes his smartphone to all kinds of trail hazards. The LifeProof™ nüüd case for both the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S4 are designed to confidently go into as many environments and situations as his adventures take him. All the while LifeProof’s nüüd screenless technology protects the smartphone from the plunges and fumbles of a life on the trail, while keeping the screen open for direct touch.
EDITORS CHOICE: HELLY HANSEN ODIN H2FLOW
A little rain – or even a huge storm — isn’t going to stop him from hitting the trail to claim the next summit on his list. When it comes to confronting mountains and Mother Nature, the Odin H2 Flow Jacket is the best we’ve ever worn. The H2Flow system features negative-space insulation (trapped air pockets, basically) to provide strategically-placed ultra-low-bulk insulation that works with the Odin’s underarm vents to regulate temperature, keeping you warm when the thermometer drops and cool when you’re working hard.
For the Gumption Gal…
She can start a campfire, find her way through the woods in the dark and she isn’t afraid to challenge Mother Nature. So doesn’t the gumption gal in your life deserve the best women specific gear this holiday season? This gear wish list includes useful items for the woman adventurer of any age, experience or ability.
KEEN MARSHALL WP HIKERS
Designed with an athletic mindset to meet the demands of todays fast and light hikers, the Marshall collection is the perfect outdoors partner for light hikers, fastpackers, and worldly scramblers. Available in both Mid and low-cut versions the Marshall collection beautifully blends the athletic performance of a trail runner with the benefits of a durable mid-duty hiker to help her tackle the weather and the trails in light-footed comfort.
OSPREY MIRA BACKPACK
Her pack is with her every step of the way, which is why the most important features are comfort and fit. The Osprey Mira is highly-ventilated multi-sport hydration pack that’s not only loaded with features but designed with a women’s specific fit. With an AirSpeed™ backpanel, ventilated BioStretch™ harness, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole feature and an integrated raincover for all-weather protection – this might just be her favorite gift of the year.
HELLY HANSEN ODIN SERIES RAPIDE PANT
If the outdoors woman in your life feeds on the changing of the seasons, channeling her energy into outdoor heaven on the backwoods trails, the Helly Hansen Odin Series Rapide Pant features just about every detail she could want in an adventure pant. The quick-drying fabric is durable, wind- and water-resistant, and stretches so she can move comfortably. Coupled with a beautiful modern styling, this pant is ready for anything she is.
SALOMON HALO DOWN SMARTSKIN
The women’s down jacket has come a long way in recent years. From lighter, easier fits accentuated with bright and fun colors, no longer does the mountainista in your life look like a slightly more feminine Michelin man. The midweight Halo Down Smartskin has stretch panels inside the arms and elbows, providing easier movement and more breathability for more tearing up the trail in winter conditions.
EDITORS CHOICE: ICEBREAKER BODYFIT RANGE
We could flood you with hype and hyperbole to describe the Icebreaker baselayers, but the bottom line is this; the Bodyfit range is our favorite hiking, camping and travel shirts, hands-down. The women’s Oasis collection is made of lighweight 200gm merino fabric that will keep her cosy when she’s hiking a trail or hitting the ski field. Slim fit for easy layering, offset shoulder seams to prevent pack rub, drop-tail hem for extra coverage and an array of beautiful prints and bold colors make Icebreaker an easy choice.