Is there an outdoor lover in your life? Perhaps a hiker, biker, camper, or other adventurer? Need a gift for them?
Below is a collection of some of the coolest new gear on the market, some favorites plucked from a variety of outdoor segments. From tents and fishing poles to gloves and boots, these will make great gifts for your adventurer this holiday season. Gift cards to any of the below brands (or outdoor companies in general) are also a good idea.
Seek Outside ‘Hot Tent’
Located on the “Western Slope” of Colorado, Seek Outside is a tent and backpack manufacturer specializing in “hot tents.” That is, tents that can house a small, lightweight stove for use in cold temperatures. The stove, which packs down into a small briefcase that slides into your pack, can weigh less than two pounds (exact weight depending on size), and the tents are also lightweight, making them ideal for hunters and other backcountry adventurers. Check out the line of hot tents from Seek Outside and learn more about how a hot tent works.
Trails Magazine Subscription
This may seem old school, but think of it as a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Trails Magazine is a brand-new outdoor publication for backpackers, and it serves up a bit of counter culture: The adventure community has had enough mass produced, ad-filled, cheap magazines from outdoor media monopolies. Trails Magazine isn’t that. We’re an independent, quarterly, print-only, high-quality coffee table magazine for the backpacking and trail community. Tell Santa about a subscription to Trails Magazine to keep the tradition of print alive.
Tenkara Fishing Rod
Got a fisherman in your life? Consider outfitting them with a new rod from Tenkara. They specialize in collapsible fishing rods that are light and easy to transport, say, to a campsite or backcountry lake. The Beartooth, for example, is designed as a “glovebox rod,” small enough to keep around for whenever the opportunity to fish may present itself. Best as a secondary rod for established fishermen, these Tenkara rods are different than a traditional fly fishing rod in that they don’t have a reel; instead, they promote simplicity (and model traditional fishing poles) with just a rod, line, and fly. Tenkara also offers a line of flies and accessories that make good stocking stuffers.
Lowa Winter Boots
One of the nicest things you can do for a friend or family member who lives in a colder winter climate is outfit them with a pair of versatile, insulated boots. The Renagade Warm GTX Mid from Lowa, for example, is worthy enough for the trail, but also incredibly useful on icy streets and, at least in my view, it looks good enough to be worn around town as a general winter boot. Your feet and toes are kept warm by the fleece insulation and wool ankle cuff, while the grippy outsole gives confidence in winter conditions.
Leki High-Performance Gloves
A good pair of gloves is hard to come by. Many don’t do well when they get wet, and if you’re anything like me, they usually last a season before you lose one (or both). Any outdoorsman will appreciate the gift of gloves, especially something like the high-performance gloves from Leki. They offer an array of both winter and all-season gloves, from the ski-friendly Copper 3D to the multi-purpose Ultra Trail Storm, which features its own “rainjackets” that tuck into the wrist band. Winter gloves are labeled by their warmth level, while all-season models offer full and partial (short) finger fits.
Dry Sack Daypacks
Fisherman, kayakers, boaters, rafters, and even regular ole’ hikers will wish they had a dry bag at some point or another. Ranging from daypacks like the Big Creek to full-size duffels, gun cases, boat bags, and special-fit kayak options, Watershed Dry Bags are useful across many activities, abliet serving the same purpose. Not only do they keep your stuff dry, they bring the peace of mind when taking expensive gear, such as cameras, on the river or near the water. It also ensures your clothes stay dry in the backcountry. In this case, a dry bag can be a worthwhile insurance policy as well as a life saver when it rains on your parade.
Sea to Summit Cookwear
Old-school outdoorsmen tend to use and abuse their gear until the final thread tears. Chances are, your backcountry buddy hasn’t bought a new cooking pot or camping bowl in close to a decade. Consider upgrading their camping kit with the gift of a new kitchen set, such as the X-Series from Sea to Summit. These collapsible bowls, cups, and pots eliminate the bulk of traditional kitchenware and will stash away easily in the smaller pockets of your bag. With most costing less than $20, redoing the kitchen won’t break the bank, either.
VaporAir Hydration Pack
Finally, you may have a runner in your life. Their largest challenge is often the issue of water, and how to hydrate when on a long-distance run. Try upgrading their running vest for a useful and practical gift. For example, the recently updated VaporAir Hydration Pack offers a 2-liter reservoir for extended trots, and features exposed air mesh shoulder straps and various pockets for phone and key storage, including one on the back for larger items, like a thin layer.