It’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for the outdoors lovers in your life. To make that holiday shopping easier, we curated this impressive list of the stuff gear lovers will want most for this season.
Orvis
Superfine Glass Rods
There’s nothing like the feel of a fiberglass rod—the slow action and precise placement they give you harken back to those slower days in the 1950s and ’60s when glass was king. Orvis’ present-day interpretation is just as sweet and ideal for the narrow streams and tricky waters of Appalachia. The rods come in sizes ranging from a creek-friendly 6-foot, 6-inch 2 weight to a beefy 8-foot, 8 inch 8 weight. All cast like butter. $449; orvis.com
Rab
Xenair Alpine Jacket
This multi-functional, 15.8-ounce layer can hold its own on brisk winter walks through the woods but also serves as a toasty midlayer when the mercury really drops. And while that makes it a nice piece for daily rambling, it really comes into its own in the backcountry, where the synthetic insulation breathes when you heat up and provides warmth when it gets cool. Rab is committed to sustainability, too, and the jacket gets its performance qualities from 55% recycled PrimaLoft Gold Active+ synthetic insulation. $225; rab.equipment
Dometic
CFX3 75DZ
The cooler of your dreams does not just keep your beers chilled; it will keep goodies frozen when you are off the grid, too. The ultimate powered cooler can be operated via Bluetooth from your phone, making it the perfect gift for the tech-savvy gearheads in your life. $1,400; dometic.com
Minus33
Trailbreaker Full-Zip Hoodie
This fifth-generation New Hampshire-based wool manufacturer impressed us with the soft hand feel and warmth of its plush merino midlayers. And what better gift is there than comfort? Best of all, it comes with a one-year warranty. $140; minus33.com
Osprey
Heritage Waistpack
Don’t call it a fanny pack. Yes, this waistpack can be worn similar to one of those, but you can also sling it over your shoulder for casual carrying. It’s built from sustainable, Bluesign-approved materials and swallows enough stuff for a long day on the trail. $60; osprey.com
Life in Tents
16-foot Fernweh Canvas Bell Tent
Here’s a roomy, airy tent that can serve as anything from basecamp to outdoor office. The traditional construction is hip, but don’t just love it because it looks dreamy—the double-weave Army duck cotton canvas is far more durable than many technical fabrics. Mark this one down as a present for the whole family. $1,590; lifeintents.com
Cardo
Packtalk Ski
Keeping your crew in line on the ski hill can be a challenge when everyone’s moving at a different pace. This speaker system keeps you all in communication with clear audio that automatically adjusts volume according to wind interference and connects up to 15 people with up to eight hours of talk time. $250; cardosystems.com
BioLite
AlpenGlow 500
This groovy LED lantern features a wide choice of light modes that can either replicate the glow of sunrise and sunset or power up a campground cribbage game. And when you want to get funky it will cycle through a range of colors for a festival feel no matter where you are. $80; bioliteenergy.com
Primus
Kamoto Fire Pit
The portable fire pit has become a must-carry item for car campers in these days of too many wildfires and crowded campgrounds. You can cozy up anywhere you park your vehicle, create a safe conflagration, and not make a mess. Weighing just under 14 pounds, this durable stainless steel model folds up flat for easy transport. $160; primus.us
Stegmann
Eco Wool Clogs
Once you slip into a pair of these wool clogs you won’t want to take them off. They make the ideal cool-weather shoe around a cabin or just lounging at home on a lazy weekend. And you can feel even better wearing them since the wool itself is sourced only from small farms who care compassionately for their animals. $150; stegmannusa.com
Arc’teryx
Agrium Hoody
Sure, this warm, incredibly packable jacket may cost a bit more than your standard puffy—but we guarantee you will own it far longer. It’s crafted with both performance and sustainability in mind with RDS-certified, 850-fill European white goose down and Bluesign-approved synthetic insulation that provides plenty of loft and bounces back in a hurry after you have scrunched it down into your pack. $400; arcteryx.com
Brunton
Teton Topo Compass
Do you have to own a compass these days when you can access every bit of geographical info you need on your phone? No. But this sleek, 2.2-ounce piece makes one hell of a gift and there’s a chance you just might need its ability to find north when your battery dies. $200; brunton.com
Howling Moon
Apple Pie Moonshine
Here’s moonshine from the source, as the boys at Howling Moon date their distilling endeavors back to before the Whiskey Rebellion in the 18th century. The taste—sweet and rich with just the right amount of apple—proves that backwoods pedigree matters. It’s a drink that goes down easy anywhere (and fits well in a stocking). $25; howlingmoonshine.com
Prana
Marin Beanie
Simple, always in style, and cozy, this hat is a gift sure to please. It’s made with recycled polyester so there’s no guilt involved, and it’s one-size-fits-all for easy shopping. $40; prana.com
