One sure bet to make your holiday season even merrier: Gift a few high-quality gear goods to get you and yours outdoors. We made some select picks from brands we know and love at Backcountry to help you make the most of shorter winter days — and to start planning warmer escapes ahead. Stuff a stocking to equip a loved one, or go big with a well-featured (and well-priced) selection of hard goods to stash under the tree.
Coalatree Kachula Adventure Blanket: $48 – $89
Use this versatile blanket five, count ’em, five different ways: as a blanket outside; a self-packing travel pillow for on-the-go naps; a light sleeping bag that snaps together; an emergency poncho (with hood attachment); and a picnic/camping mat, with a water-resistant base to keep moisture, dirt, and debris out. The modular design is an added bonus that allows multiple blankets to snap together.
Garmin Fenix 9 Sport Watch: $999–$1,149
By doubling the display brightness (numbers stay legible in the sun), this multisport GPS smartwatch fits training and expeditions alike with all the bells and whistles you’d expect, and then some. A multi-band GNSS holds a steady signal under cover, an updated mapping engine renders routes fast, and a titanium bezel and sapphire lens resist scratches. Dive-rated to 40 meters, it comes in three case sizes and an extended battery life that keeps it off the charger for days.
Sea to Summit Sentinel Tent (3-Person): $575
The biggest tent in the Sea to Summit family, this free-standing shelter has a beefy, expedition-grade, 40-square-foot floor, a 50-mph wind-stability rating (thanks to self-equalizing guylines) and a 47-inch peak height — meaning go ahead and bring in the camp chair. Twin vestibules add nearly 22 square feet of covered gear storage, and its clever fly-first pitch (and dry takedown) protects the inner tent during setup, even in a deluge.
Basin and Range Plenty Warm Polar Fleece Jacket (Men’s): $74
Safeguard your loved one against the cold with this full-zip midweight fleece, made for camping, hiking, shoveling the walk, or running errands. Delivering warmth and moisture-wicking without the bulk, it regulates temperature on the go, with two hand pockets for keeping essentials close.
Fubuki Nozawa Clog: $118
Don’t worry about slush in these all-weather slippers. Clogs are back, and they don’t get any better than this slip-on, made for everything from lounging in your lodge to grabbing an early-morning latte. Waterproof EVA shells keep your feet dry, removable felt insoles add insulation, and felt-lined interiors keep your toes warm. Bonus: a cleated rubber outsole is built for gripping, not slipping.
Basin and Range Bivy Suit: $199
Bring sleeping-bag warmth with you beyond the tent and around camp in this bivy suit, featuring a water-resistant DWR nylon shell wrapped around 120 GSM synthetic insulation from the ankle to the hood. Made for those nights when temperatures drop fast, a relaxed fit layers easily over camp clothes, a hood holds head warmth, and pullover booties and gloves warm the hands and feet.
Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill: $349
Keep those chestnuts roasting on an open fire location of your choice with this collapsible, modular firepit that’s easy to transport and quick to set up. Made from durable stainless steel and designed for camp and backyard use, its three-position grill height lets you dial in heat for different cooking needs, while the included grill bridge and mesh-grate ‘net’ lets you cook directly over an open wood fire.
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 10×25 Binocular: $99
Pinpoint wildlife (and maybe even reindeer) with these water- and fog-proof, no-slip-grip 10×25 binos, ideal for on-water or trail activities. High-quality optics, 10x magnification, and a lightweight, compact design (less than 12 oz.) make them perfect for your chosen pursuit. Bino bonus: Pair them with the Photo Rig smartphone adaptor for photography.
Katin EMB Hooded Fleece (Men’s): $74
Stroll your ’hood in style and comfort in this cotton-poly blend hoodie. Its soft interior feels silky smooth. Made for daily wear and casual layering, the midweight fleece provides warmth without overheating. It also has an adjustable hood that adds style (and body heat) when you need it, plus a clever kangaroo pocket that adds hand warmth and storage.
Julbo Vermont Classic Spectron 3 Sunglasses: $165
Celebrating sunglasses pioneer Julbo’s 125 years of making outdoor eyewear, these glacier glasses — originally made to help miners on Mont Blanc — employ its heritage frame and Spectron 3 polycarbonate lens to block high-elevation rays to limit damage and fatigue. Leather nose pieces and side shields block reflected light, and adjustable arms let you dial in fit.
Kavu Downhill Boot Bag: $68
Make boot-hauling go easy with this bag, featuring padded shoulder straps and side-entry boot pockets to keep goggles, layers, snacks, and other schussing accessories safe and sound. Nice touch: Drainage grommets let snowmelt out, keeping the recycled 600D polyester bag dry.
Metolius Nano Rings: $49
Drape these compact climbing training blocks over the stocking mantel as a festive finger strengthener. Made for home use or easy travel (7.7 oz.), the rings’ multiple edge depths (10mm to 25mm) let you train varying finger grip strength, either on one hand or both. Their ultralight construction lets you easily pack them for the crag, campsite, or friend’s house where you’re crashing on the floor.
This article is sponsored by Backcountry.
