For Him
1. MSR Beta Snow Science Saw
Giving a man a tool as a gift never goes out of style. One section of this avy safety saw is made for slicing into snow to build avalanche pits, shelters, etc.; the other will do what a saw does best—cut through wood. $50; msrgear.com
2. Westcomb Subzero Parka
We have all the technical jackets we need, but you don’t exactly like heading out for a night on the town with us looking like we are about to skin laps at Berthoud Pass. This stylish parka can do the town but it’s also stuffed with Primaloft’s Gold insulation, a blend of down and synthetic, as well as Schoeller NanoSphere technology on the shell to shuck off the elements. $550; westcomb.com
3. Deerhammer Downtime
The whiskey crisis is for real: Brown liquor is going to be in short supply (and pricey). But that is a good thing for people like Lenny Eckstein of Deerhammer in Salida. The first-class craft distiller is in positon to ramp up production to meet that growing demand. For now, one of these coveted bottles will fit quite nicely into our stocking. $48; deerhammer.com
4. Tenkara usa rhodo set
The great thing about tenkara, an easy-to-learn Japanese style of fly fishing that uses a telescoping rod and requires no reel, is that both guys who don’t fish much, and fly-fishing freaks enjoy it. Keep the rod in a pack, then pull it out for some casual casting. This package gives you everything you need to get started. $265; tenkarausa.com
5. Acoustic Research Lighthouse Outdoor Wireless Speaker
Hey, it looks like a lighthouse and it’s nigh indestructible. It’s the perfect Bluetooth speaker for guys like us who like to work and recreate in the yard, the garage, the tailgate, even the ski area parking lot. The weather-resistant speaker pumps out rich sound and runs on AA batteries or AC power. $80; acousticresearch.com
6. Prana Gomez Corduroy Shirt Jacket
Is it a jacket? Is it a shirt? In these days of lumbersexual fashion, who cares? This shaket is damn comfortable and its good for everything from microbrew sessions to The War on Drugs shows to working on the car. Lumbersexual? Seriously? We call it the same stuff mountain dudes like us have been wearing for years. $129; prana.com
7. Avex HIGHLAND Travel Mug
Not only will this baby hold hot and cold beverages (hint: fill up past security while you are waiting before that long plane flight) it also will not spill thanks to a thumb-activated open/close that’s easy to operate on the go. $25; avexsport.com
8. Thunderbolt Jeans
First, these are not “dad jeans.” But they do have a nice, comfy fit that silly hipster skinny jeans can’t offer. Made from stretchy Schoeller soft shell, they can deal with a little bouldering session or a hike with the pooch followed directly by a night out. $189; thunderboltsportswear.com
9. RuffWear Approach Pack
You know when you got us, you got him, too. And you know you like when he licks your face (maybe not when we do that). This pack carries all we need to keep our pup fed and happy on everything from backcountry ski jaunts to desert backpacking trips. $80; ruffwear.com
For Her
1. Moving Comfort Urban Gym Capri
This soft but supportive legging is a solid all-around performer with a comfortable (true to the name) waistband and chafe-free seams. It’s also gentle on the budget, leaving you room to layer on other gifts. For yogis, pair with the Manduka mat or Prana dress. $60; movingcomfort.com
2. Fjallraven Totepack No.1
This take-anywhere tote is stitched from Fjallraven’s waxed G-1000, a durable fabric inspired by Nordic expeditions. With the option to carry by short leather handles or long shoulder straps that convert to a backpack, this bag is as optimal for travel as it is for work on upper Pearl. Available in 10 classic colors. $110; fjallraven.us
3. Icebreaker Crave Long Sleeve HoodY
The mid-weight, wool-blend hoody feels scrumptious in and out of doors. Layer a colorful scarf over this multi-season piece for weekend wear, or throw it on between home and gym. Plus, we love the hemline, which dips in the back for extra warmth/booty coverage. $149; us.icebreaker.com
4. Teva Figueroa WP Boots
A classic waterproof boot in the front, fun zig-zag strapping in the back. Put it together with fuzzy, faux-fur liners and you’ve got a toasty après boot. As cute with down skirts as with jeans or leggings. But no jeggings, please. $200; teva.com
5. Prana Nanette Dress
Made from mid-weight, super soft organic cotton terry, this dress is so comfortable and flattering that it will make heavy rotations in wardrobes this winter. Includes a hood for quick extra warmth. $89; prana.com
6. Manduka LiveON Mat
Available in vibrant hues or subdued gray, this yoga mat makes reincarnation tangible. Made from PLUSfoam, an environmentally friendly material, the mats are 100 percent reclaimable and recyclable, ensuring the mat’s future life as another inspiring yoga product. $118-$140; manduka.com
7. Smith Optics Facet Sunglasses
Bold and dark (dare we say chunky) frames may be in, but why not enjoy a little west-coast glam with these wear-everywhere shades? Two frame-color options come with polarized Chromapop lenses to filter the intense sun on snow, water, and more. $80–$209; smithoptics.com
8. Elemental Herbs All Good Lips Tinted SPF18
The six colors in this scrumptious set defend lips from wind, cold, and chapping—from first lift to après. Made with protective organic olive oil, beeswax, and calendula, plus nontoxic zinc oxide to deflect the sun’s rays. $25; elementalherbs.com
9. Piece, Love & Chocolate Colorado Spirits Collection
Can you say “Stranahan’s Whiskey Ganache” or “West Flanders Black Immaculate Caramel” without salivating? We can’t either. Inspired by the passion and patience of local brewers and distillers, chocolatier Sarah Amorese highlights unique flavor profiles of beers, wines, or spirits in this box of 15 chocolates. Available online or at their boutique on west Pearl. $49.50; pieceloveandchocolate.com
–Reviews by Doug Schnitzspahn and Radha Marcum.
