If the people on your list love adventuring in the mountains, consider holiday gifts that help them hike, bike, travel, ski, and après in style. Here’s a collection of trail-ready apparel, luggage, and extras that will elevate their time at elevation.
Ortovox Fleece Grid Hoody (women’s, men’s)
Have a friend fond of going off the grid? Then, ironically, they’ll love the Fleece Grid Hoody from Ortovox, which uses an inner channel (or grid) structure to reduce bulk without compromising warmth. Tested and recommended by the German Mountain and Ski Guides Association, the hoody is highly breathable and durable with plenty of stretch and an uber-soft Merino wool layer next to skin. The hoody’s off-set color-blocking adds a touch of head-turning style. $147-$230 (select styles on sale), ortovox.com
Ripton Diesel Jorts (women’s, men’s)
As the cheeky denim fanatics at Boulder’s own Ripton like to say, “Life is jort.” Help your giftee live it up with a pair of the brand’s “blacker than the ink of a giant squid” Diesels. Featuring the perfect blend of cotton (and recycled cotton), elastane, and recycled polyester fabrics, these jorts are stretchy enough to shred in, durable enough to survive an endo or two, and rad enough to inspire good-natured envy from fellow riders. $69, riptonco.com
deuter AViANT Duffel Pro Movo
No matter where your giftee is going–and no matter how long–the AViANT Duffel Pro Movo line from deuter is a wheely good idea. Available in 36-, 60-, and 90-liter sizes and three different colors (jade-seagreen, corn-turmeric, and traditional black), this easy-rolling collection features a 600-denier exterior that’s both waterproof and tear-resistant. Stowable backpack straps and a telescoping handle make navigating airports a breeze, while multiple handles mean this hauler is easy to snag off of baggage carousels. $270-$330, deuter.com
Duer Performance Denim Jeans (women’s, men’s)
Know someone committed to their bike commute who also values looking polished at the office? They need performance denim from Duer. Made with a ready-for-anything trifecta of organic cotton, Coolmax All Season Ecomade Polyester, and LYCRA Ecomade Spandex, these jeans flex, stretch, and regulate temperature–not that you’d know it from their buttoned-up (or zipped-up) aesthetic. Choose from a range of different on-trend fits (relaxed, tapered, slim, and more), or go with a gift card and let your recipient shop at Duer’s Denver retail store (2621 Larimer St.) in person. $59-$159, shopduer.com
Fjällräven Buck Fleece Vest
Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven has been facilitating adventure for more than 60 years, and the Buck Fleece Vest is yet another example of the brand’s ability to give rugged outdoor gear a refined aesthetic. The vest’s fleece bodice pairs with Fjällräven’s proprietary G-1000 fabric in the shoulders and leather hits in the logo and zipper pull to create a soft-meets-serious look. $140, fjallraven.com
Curious Creatures Sun Dog Pant
New-on-the-scenes outdoor brand Curious Creatures offers cycling-focused bottoms and tops for the “strange, awkward creatures on this planet.” We dig their lightweight, fun-meets-functional Sun Dog Pant, which has a flattering mid-rise waistband, zippered thigh pockets, articulation built into the knees, and two cuff adjustment options. $180, wearecuriouscreatures.com
Orage MTN-X Grade 3L Light Bib and MTN-X Treeline 3L Light Bib
Feeling generous this holiday season? Wrap up the men’s MTN-X Grade 3L Light Bib or women’s MTN-X Treeline 3L Light Bib from Orage for your favorite powderhound. The bibs’ durable, three-layer construction is ready to defy winter storms, while the lightweight design ensures your giftee has the dexterity to enjoy the snow those storms leave behind. A zippered back panel facilitates simple use of the facilities. Then again, maybe skip the wrapping–and just get a pair for yourself. $525, us.orage.com
Outerknown Blanket Shirt (women’s, men’s)
The Blanket Shirt from Outerknown feels good on so many levels. Everyone knows when you look good, you feel good. There’s also the tactile goodness that stems from a 100% organic cotton composition so soft the brand calls it “the coziest shirt ever made.” And your conscience will be at ease too thanks to Outerknown’s commitment to environmental sustainability, including their use of facilities that run on renewable energy. $118-$168 (select styles on sale), outerknown.com
Topo Designs Global Briefcase
For the person who likes to get after it both on the trail and in the workplace, consider the Global Briefcase from Denver-based Topo Designs. Internal and external pockets are thoughtfully designed and placed to house all the whiz-bang gizmos and tech necessary for time in the office, but creative nods to an outdoor lifestyle–backpack carry option and heavy-duty YKK zippers, for example–will remind them of their last adventure and up the stoke for their next one. Complete the set and pair the briefcase with the Global Travel Bag Roller. $129, topodesigns.com
Poppy & Pout Gift Set, Lip Balm 3-Pack, Mint To Be
Chapped lips might seem like an inevitable part of Colorado’s snowsports season. Yet with the 100% natural, hand-poured lip balms from Utah-based Poppy & Pout, they don’t have to be. Pop a stick or two into their stocking (maybe the lovely Lemon Bloom or s’mores-worthy Marshmallow Creme?) or go for a lip-smacking three-pack like the Mint to Be collection. All come in 100% recyclable cardboard tubes featuring flowerchild-approved graphics. Vegan and tinted options available too. $27, poppyandpout.com
Hestra Wakayama Mitt
The Wakayama Mitt from Hestra might ooze old-school cool but its fixed fleece liner, synthetic insulation, and removable wool terry liner will keep your giftee’s hands nice and warm this winter. The mitt’s dressy yet functional cowhide exterior works well both on and off the slopes. Check out the five-finger option for more dexterity. $160, hestragloves.us
KOO Eyewear Cosmo
For a gift that screams “eye love you,” check out the Cosmo from KOO Eyewear. The frame’s simple yet stylish aesthetic and flexible, lightweight design work well both on the trail and around town; however, it’s the Zeiss Polycarbonate lenses that help these shades stand-out. $130-$160, kooworld.cc/us/en
Ami Ami Mulled Wine Duo
Perhaps your giftee needs an update to their après game. If that’s the case, put a bow on the Mulled Wine Duo from Ami Ami for their next ski weekend getaway. The convenient kit comes with two boxes of full-bodied vin rouge; a blend of cinnamon, pepper, and cloves with a touch of allspice; and dehydrated oranges for an eye-catching garnish–in short everything they need for an elevated après. $68, ami-ami.vin
