I came to the realization this week that we’re half way through December and I still have a long list of to-do’s to check off – including skiing some powder days and wrapping a few more Christmas gifts. If you’re anything like me, your procrastination game is on-point. Thankfully, we have your back. Here are some last minute gift ideas that are sure to be a hit for the outdoors-loving folks on your list this year!
Ombraz Classics Armless Sunglasses
The future is bright, you might as well gift shades, right? Ombraz Sunglasses bring a new take to an old idea. These polarized shades are armless. Instead of protruding appendages just waiting for a self-inflicted eye poke or hair tangle, they come equipped with a woven cord to cinch down around your head or drop securely around your neck. The Obraz Classics model has a great shape, is form-fitting, stay in place and the style, comfort and durability are fantastic!
Artilect Boulder 125 ¼ Zip
Every once in a while, a fresh product pops up in our inbox that we get really excited for. And when the field tests confirm our assumptions, it’s hard not to celebrate it from on top of the highest hill! That’s how I felt about the Artilect Boulder 125 ¼ Zip. One of several pieces in their A/SYS-1 Merino Baselayer lineup, this ultralight Nuyarn merino layer is made of an Australian wool that won’t irritate your skin. It’s perfect as a layer or on its own – I personally love it paired with ski bibs in the backcountry or a vest for those apres moments.
Fjällräven Keb Pant
Available in men’s and women’s fit, the Fjällräven Kebs pant is a game-changer. Rugged and insanely comfortable, the Keb is perfect for any day on the trail, whether you’re playing, working, hiking, snowshoeing, or even cross-country skiing. We love the fit-everything pockets and the ventilation features let wearers dump heat and regulate temperature easily.
Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka
Looking for a burly puffy? The Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka take it to the next level and now that winter has finally arrived in Colorado, it’s the perfect companion for the all-weather go-getter. This jacket features a durable Pertex® Quantum Pro exterior and 800 fill power down insulation for enhanced warmth. Plus, it also has all the pockets to fit all the things. Warmth, durability and functional style. Done, done and done.
Eddie Bauer W’s DownClime Alpine Parka
I’m going to be honest, I wanted to include an ultralight, less puff-tastic down jacket in this lineup, but after testing this jacket, I would be remiss if I did not include the Eddie Bauer DownClime Alpine Parka. This feather-light, 800 fill, StormRepel® Super DWR-equipped down jacket has made its way to the top of my must-have list. Available for pre-order through the end of December, this jacket will become an EB fan favorite in a heartbeat. The internal mesh dump pockets fit everything from gloves to climbing skins, the chest pocket is the perfect size for everything from chapstick and wallet to a cell phone, and the hip and hood drawcords are perfectly placed to keep wind and weather out and heat in.
Chaco Ramble Puff
Sticking with our puffy theme at the moment, have you see the Chaco Ramble lately? Their Ramble Puff – available in men’s and women’s versions – is the ultimate house slipper, camp shoe, grocery runner, and office slip-on you’ll want this holiday season. The Ramble Puff features rip-stop nylon outer with a custom quilted wave design and soft fleece lining inside. Paired with the molded LUVSEAT contour of the combined midsole/outsole, your friends and family won’t stop thanking you for keeping them warm and cozy this winter.
Skida High Pile Hat & Mitt
You can never have enough hats. Whether flatbrims or fuzzy beanies, hats are a gerat gift, year-round. And this winter, Skida has released a new collection of cozy high pile fleece hats and mitts. Timeless, perfectly warm and wonderfully stylish. A few pieces from this collection are must-haves this holiday season!
VSSL Coffee Grinder
Coffee lovers, unite! If your special someone believes the best companion when navigating a at home, at work or in the backcountry is coffee, the VSSL Coffee Grinder will quickly become their #1 gift this year. This grinder feels amazing in your hand, it’s easy to load (thanks to push button enabled pop-off top) and it’s incredibly efficient, grinding enough beans for a single serving in just a minute. Tired arms, be gone!
Primus Lite Plus Backpacking Stove System & Coffee/Tea Press
Camp stoves are a must for any outdoor enthusiast on your list. Road trip? Cowboy coffee, here we come. Overnight camping trip with some friends? Heat it up with a camp stove – hot toddies at night & coffee in the AM, right?! Post-alpine start warm up? A camp stove has your back. Power outage at home? A trusty camp stove will come to the rescue. And the Primus Lite Plus Backpacking Stove System – paired with their Coffee/Tea Press – will keep you and your best bud ready to take on the day or the night, fully fueled and ready for a good time, every time. Plus, this combo is lightweight and super packable. Win-win!
VSSL x Tincup Flask Collab
I love a good whiskey snowball, but sometimes, I struggle with adding another beverage vessel to my pack – I’m not a weight weenie, I just like to keep it light, I swear! But when a multi-functional piece of gear shows up on the market, you better believe I’m going to put it to the test! Cue the VSSL x Tincup collaboration flask. This collaboration was created to help you toast the summit, an epic pow day, or good friends around a fire. We’ve used it for all of that and then some. While it holds enough Tincup for a few shots with friends (or solo), it also includes classic VSSL flask features including 2 metal shot glasses, LED flashlight, compass and a bottle opener. And if you’re into gifting with purpose, you’ll appreciate that Tincup and VSSL will donate proceeds from the sale of the flasks (up to $15,000) to Leave No Trace.
Nocs Standard Issue Binoculars
Whether you’re scoping backcountry lines or birding in the backyard, a solid pair of optics is a must. We’ve been testing the Nocs Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars and they just keep delivering. They are a great all-around optic for everything from playing in the backcountry to hanging out at your local wildlife area. While we love the bright colors (available in orange, blue, and yellow, among others) and durability (they’re waterproof and fog-proof!), we also think you’ll appreciate how light and packable they are, too. They also pair well with cell phone cameras, allowing you to easily snap photos through the eye cap!
Wagan Lithium Cube 1200
I have tested a lot of battery packs on the market and the Wagan 1200 Lithium Cube is one that I trust for any type of adventure – whether it’s being prepared for a potential power outage, living out of an adventure rig for a while or simply needing a battery pack to power essentials for a weekend trip. The 1200 Lithium Cube is one of three in their latest Lithium lineup, standing beside the 500 and 325 and our favorite features on this pack is the abundant outlets to charge multiple devices, the easy to read Digital LCD Display, and the fact that it can be easily recharged with a solar panel. It’s a great gift for anyone looking to add some preparedness to their next adventure!
Gregory Border Traveler 30
We’re traveling again! Living in a pandemic era definitely put a damper on us travel bugs, but it sure does feel good to be back at it! And if you have a traveler on your list this year, the Gregory Border Traveler 30 is a great addition to their travel kit. This kit features a split-case design – with one side as an ActiveShield compartment with Polygiene® Stays Fresh treatment to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay, and the other as an organization equipped pockets to neatly organize travel essentials. It also features quick-access external laptop pocket, backpack style carry straps and all the comfort needed for a weekend on the road or a week of airport hopping.
Mountainsmith Adventure Office Bag
We all know (and love) the quintessential Mountainsmith fanny/hip pack, but did you know they also have some other pretty stellar gear picks? From can cooler tubes to commuter gear, Mountainsmith is more than a one hit wonder and their Adventure Office bag is proof. Featuring 610d Cordura® HP outer material and 210d Nylon Embossed inner liner, this bag will handle everything from sunshine to snow squalls. It loads up easily with a large main dump pocket and keeps other essentials organized and secure in a back panel pocket and accessory pockets.
Ruffwear Vert Dog Jacket
We can’t forget our favorite pooches this time of year! We have a pack of 3 four-legged family members in our house and each and every one of them absolutely loves Ruffwear gear. They have the most rugged toys and apparel for your adventure pup and if you’re looking for a bombproof winter coat for your furry friend, look no further. The Ruffwear Vert features extended, waterproof coverage over the hips and thighs and the recycled, lofted insulation will keep your pup warm for a full day of adventure. The Vert also features leg loops to keep it secure in windy conditions and a harness-ready leash portal.
Kelty Hoodligan
Give the gift of cozy and multifunctional with the Kelty Hoodligan! While I thought the adults in our house would get the most use out of this blanket/poncho, I quickly realized our two kiddos had claimed it as their own. Whether they snuggle together in camp or on the couch or wear it solo for backyard shenanigans, they love its warmth and I love its durability!
