This year has been hard on everyone, so a few simple comforts can go a long way when it comes to the holidays. With the season of giving upon us, we present our top outdoor gift picks to lift the spirits of the avid adventurers in your life.
5.11 Pathfinder Watch
Running on solar power, this rugged-but-classy timepiece is just the ticket for those who prefer analog over digital when it comes to staying on schedule out in the wild or back in town. Scratch-resistant glass and a tough nylon band that doesn’t interfere with adventure action seal the deal. $89.99; 511tactical.com
KO Distilling Bare Knuckle Straight Wheat Whiskey
Based in Manassas, Va., this local craft distiller pulls no punches when it comes to tasty brown liquor that makes for the perfect present to share with friends. The Straight Wheat Whiskey—a mix of corn, wheat, and malted barley mashes—is the brand’s bread and butter and makes for a great sipper on its own or mixed in your favorite cocktail. $41; kodistilling.com
Glerups Shoe with Leather Sole
Your dogs get worked pretty hard if you are an outdoor enthusiast and these to-die-for felt wool shoes with a leather sole make relaxing easier. That’s not to say they are strictly for chilling out. With a long history that traces back to the fields of northern Denmark, these kicks can handle casual walks and day-to-day business in style too. $95; glerups.com
Houdini Mono Air Houdi
Available for men and women, this snuggle-tastic performance sweatshirt from sustainability-minded Swedish brand Houdini will become your new best friend wherever you go. This recycled and recyclable fleece jacket is built to minimize the shedding of microfibers—those unseen plastic demons that leach off synthetic fabrics and into the water, and thus animals, when you put them in the wash—thanks to an innovative Polartec Power Air fabric. $200; houdinisportswear.com
DynamiteStarfish Women’s Hooded Long Sleeve for Climbers, Misfits, and Lovers
The name says it all. This is the gift for the climber in your life who will not stand for the status quo. A blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, the hoodie is perfect for hanging out at the crag or kicking around town and making a subtle statement. The brand is the brainchild of L.A.-based climber and artist Leslie Kim who wants to share the joy of climbing with everyone. $42; dynamitestarfish.com
Bluegrass Hemp Oil Genesis Blend Pain Bundle
First let’s get this out of the way: CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp (not marijuana) that does not contain THC and is legal to grow in 46 states. Athletes from former pro cyclist Floyd Landis to soccer star and Olympian Megan Rapinoe swear by its ability to soothe inflammation and anxiety. This bundle–made by the family-owned company that grows its hemp in-state—gives you a bath soak, roller application, and extract (strength of your choice) that will help take away the pains of training and help make you feel more at ease in case 2020 gets even more nutso. $68 (with 300mg extract); bluegrasshempoil.com
Stio Men’s Buckhorn Insulated Snap Shirt
The ultimate guy layer, this rough-and-ready shacket made from organic cotton is the kind of thing your favorite dude can wear on a winter hike with the dogs, hanging out in front of the fire pit, or just spending a comfy day at home. Plus, since it’s based in Jackson, Wyoming, Stio just oozes authentic mountain cred. $169; stio.com
Orvis Recon Premium Outfit
This complete set—four-piece 5-weight Recon rod, Mirage LT II reel, and Pro Trout textured 5-weight line—is the perfect gift not just for those who want to up their fly game, but also for hard-core anglers who are looking for another rod or a full kit to take hiking and backpacking. The star of the show is the Recon rod, a supple, versatile stick that’s ideal for everything from presenting dries to finicky rainbows to hauling in aggressive smallmouth bass. $1,006; orvis.com
prAna Women’s Polar Escape Vest
The vest is a versatile winter piece—all you need for a hike on balmier days and essential layering for cold snaps. Made with 100% recycled polyester, the vest not only keeps you warm, it also makes you feel good about your purchasing decision as we rethink supply chains and our impact on the planet. $99; prana.com
TVLA Align[mat] V2
A brand created by yoga teachers, TVLA understands the importance of a good mat for those who make practice an integral part of each day. It’s soft yet tough, and grippy as well as moisture absorbing, so you won’t slip during a tough session. Best of all, it includes markers to keep you aligned properly as you move through asanas. $98; tvlashop.com
Kinis Lucy
Richmond-based Kinis has put the barefoot philosophy that so many trail runners have embraced into a more casual kick. The Lucy can handle a walk in the woods but looks just as good when you head to town. Plus, it provides all the biomechanical benefits of letting your feet spread and strike naturally when you walk. $95; kinis.com
VSSL Flask
The perfect flask for everything from backpacking to tailgating to heading to your favorite spot in the woods, the 9-oz. VSSL not only stores your favorite libation, it also stores two collapsible stainless steel shot glasses. Tippled a bit too much? The built-in LED light and compass will get you back home. $95; vsslgear.com
The Man Behind the Maps
If you ski or ride, you know James Niehues. He’s the guy who illustrates all those ski maps you shove in your pocket when you go to a new hill and pull out on the lift to plan your run. And this book—an outstanding procrastination tool—collects all those illustrations from resorts across North America and beyond. It’s the perfect gift for those who dream of their next mountain getaway. $90; jamesniehues.com
Seirus Innovation EVO Arc Masque
Like it or not, your mask has become required gear every time you leave the house. Ideal for outdoor activities, this high-performance model made by alpine glove and face-covering manufacturer Seirus Innovation is more breathable than most, and the HeiQ V-Block antimicrobial treatment helps to keep you healthy and others safe. $21; seirus.com
