Looking for those last-minute gifts for outdoor loved ones? Or just want the perfect gear for your next adventure? Here are 10 top-recommended gear from our outdoor experts and wear-testers.
Protect your phone from the elements: this waterproof thermal phone koozie, constructed of NASA-inspired materials, is cold-proof, heat-proof, drop-proof, and sink-proof (it floats!). By maintaining a constant temperature for your phone, it provides up to three times longer battery life, too. Yet it’s ultralight and slim, easily sliding into pockets.
This affordable, lightweight multi-day pack (also available as the women’s Renn pack) is a new release for spring 2019. It includes a new adjustable suspension harness for on-the-go comfort and ventilation, as well as an integrated cover.
This high-performance mid-layer exceeds the quality and durability of leading brands, but without the high price tag. (They sell direct to consumer online, avoiding distributor and retailer markups). At just 12 ounces, the NESSH jacket is super lightweight and comes in either goose down or synthetic insulation. It handled our Southern Appalachian winter as well as any high-end jacket we’ve tested. Best of all, for every jacket they sell, they donate another jacket to someone who is homeless. One sold, one given. Every time.
These waterproof, breathable, built-in heat gloves offer four heat settings and provide over 150 degrees of warmth. They can run from 2 to 8 hours on a charge depending on the setting and include a battery charger. The shell keeps out the elements, while the patented Zero Layer Heat System uses ultra-thin heating wires permanently bonded into the fabric lining to provide efficient heat transfer. Whether you are skiing, camping, hiking this winter, the Volt Heat keeps your hands and fingers toasty warm.
HART Outdoor First Aid Kit Extended, $37
Many first-aid kits offer the cheapest, least reliable products that have a hard time delivering when you need it most. HART’s first aid kits are stocked with top-of-the-line products that can withstand the most punishing elements. The Extended Kit has everything you need for eight days of emergency family first aid.
Buttons are so 20thcentury. Put on the MagnaReady flannel, line up the front sides one over the other and click, click, click, click—hidden magnets button it for you.
Instead of the normal footprint or tarp under your tent, the CGear mat outside can make all the difference by creating a self-cleaning surface for storing gear, taking off and putting on shoes, or throw it down next to the campfire for seating.Available in a variety of sizes, including larger mats with d-rings for staking, CGear mats are made with a patented weave that acts as a one-way street. Dirt and dust can fall through the top surface, but particles from the ground can’t make it through the openings and stay trapped underneath the mat.
Bear Edge 61106 Knife, $22
For an affordable, versatile knife, the Bear Edge is your go-to blade. Its rugged metal frame with black Zytel handles provide durability and reliable grip in all conditions. A reversible metal pocket clip provides convenient right- or left-hand pocket carry in a “tip up” attitude for fast deployment. The sideliner lock keeps the blade secured while folded yet allows quick, smooth release thanks to the assisted opening.
Uncommon Green’s Stainless-Steel Insulated Maps Water Bottles, $35
This 21 oz Hydration Bottle is powder-coated for durability and grip and forged from indestructible stainless steel, while being vacuum-insulated to keep your water ice cold. Each is etched with signature map designs from college towns, home towns, cities, and topographies around the U.S. and the world.
prAna Becksa Bralette and Leggings ($59, $89)
The recycled polyester blend features a fitted interior shelf bra with mesh lining; the leggings are also a recycled 1×1 compressions stretch rib polysester blend wode side pockets and a wide waistband. Best of all, they are Fair Trade Certified and bluesign®approved, so you feel good, inside and out.
myCharge Portable Power Outlet, $180
The Portable Power Outlet from myCharge provides up to 10x extra battery life and features USB ports as well as a built-in AC Power Port. The powerful charger can run a 34” TV for up to four hours and has power-stay technology that allows the battery to maintain power for up to one year. 
This 100% waterproof sock provides three layers of protection: an inner layer of Merino Wool, a waterproof membrane, and a Lycra outer layer to provide stretch and protection.
