Give gifts that enhance the outdoor experience and relish the fact that your loved one will carry your gift along on great adventures.
All items listed here are things we’ve personally tested or brands that we love. From a tent to hiking boots, we’ve got you covered.
Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler: $250
Fill it, chill it, and never leave home without it. The Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler is a rugged, lightweight, and comfortable backpack that features dual-insulated compartments. The bottom is a dedicated cooler, complete with a leak-resistant zipper and enough room for a six-pack.
The insulated upper compartment provides excellent storage for dry goods, supplies, and more, and features a wide roll-top opening for easy access. Regardless of what you carry, you can rest assured knowing it will be safe in this durable, waterproof, tear-resistant pack.
Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit: $100
Bring fire to the backcountry without leaving a trace. The Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit sets up in a minute, burns fast, and generates about 80 percent less smoke that a typical fire pit. Best of all, it won’t scorch the earth beneath — all thanks to its “Fire Mesh” design, which allows air to draw in from below.
The result is a more efficient fire that complies with both BLM and National Forest Service regulations. Great for rafters and adventures by land where low impact is a must, the Pop-Up Fire Pit weighs 8 pounds and can hold up to 125 pounds of firewood. Best of all, it cools to the touch within minutes of snuffing the flame. We’ve tried it and are impressed.
Shop NowAppalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Hoodie — Women’s & Men’s: $145
Want to get in on what might be the next big brand? Appalachian Gear Company (AGC) uses 100-percent alpaca fiber with “no harsh chemical processing,” no synthetic fibers, and all U.S. manufacturing. The result: AGC’s trademark All-Paca material — a warm, soft, stretchy alternative to merino.
We’ve worn these hoodies through fall and winter and can attest to their comfort, whether on a chilly walk, in a drafty gear cave, or snuggling up at home at the end of an epic day. This Charlotte, North Carolina-based brand launched on Kickstarter late last year and is just now making a name for itself.
L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Hooded Down Jacket — Men’s & Women’s: $249
Give the gift of versatile, sustainable warmth with the Ultralight 850 Hooded Down Jacket. The DownTek PFC-free insulation stays dry longer, which means excellent warmth no matter the conditions. Elasticized cuffs and drawcord hem keep the cold wind out. And the internal zippered pocket keeps essentials handy.
Whether heading to the mountains or relaxing in town, this durable, sustainable, and packable jacket is an everyday essential. With plenty of styles, lengths, and colors, you’re bound to find the perfect fit.
Leatherman FREE P2: $120
A Leatherman is never a bad gift, but this year the brand gave gear lovers something to really lust for. The FREE series, new for 2019, uses magnets to rethink how we use multitools. Most notably, the pliers-based FREE P2 sports one-handed operation — flick your wrist, and the tool butterflies open with a flourish.
Plus, DIYers can access all the implements with a simple thumbroll, sure to save more than a few fingernails. We reviewed the FREE P2 and the FREE K Series pocket knife. We love them. Maybe buy two — you’re sure to want want for yourself.
REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Duffel: $90
This duffel is undeniably cool. It doesn’t just look rugged, it is rugged. We took it across the U.S.-Mexico border last year for a multiday bikepacking trip. Not only that, but since then we’ve dropped it, kicked it, strapped it down, and stuffed it in overhead bins, and it shows zero signs of fatigue.
With some cleverly designed carry options — backpack straps, shoulder sling, and suitcase carry — and not too many features, the REI Big Haul Duffel 40L wins our praise. Compression straps, ballistic nylon construction, and daisy chains make this a versatile and durable bag.
And at 40 L, it’s small enough to bring almost anywhere but big enough to bring almost anything.
Shop NowWestern Rise Evolution Pant — Men’s: $149
Functionally stylish but with a little give in the weave, the Evolution is a great slim pant and among our favorite men’s travel pants. The material has a durable weave that mimics denim. And the DWR coating is outstanding and even kept us dry while standing in a downpour.
Shop NowHydro Flask Cooler Cup: $25
It’s a koozie when you want it, a cup when you need it. Hydro Flask’s unassuming Cooler Cup has an ingenious design: The silicone lid that holds a can in place doubles as a nonslip base for the 12-ounce vessel. We’ve tried it and love it — it’s easy to use, insulated, and very packable. Great for frequent and year-round campers.
Shop NowMountainsmith Zerk 40 Backpack: $220
Ombraz No-Arm Sunglasses: $140
Vasque Clarion ’88 GTX Mid Hiking Boot — Men’s & Women’s: $160
BioLite SolarHome 620 Lights, Charger and Radio: $150
Sea to Summit Ascent (Unisex) & Flame (Women’s) Sleeping Bags: $299-549
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack: $170
Kammok Mantis All-In-One Hammock Tent: $229
Bontrager Specter WaveCel Bike Helmet: $150
NEMO Hornet Elite 2-Person 3-Season Tent: $500
tasc Performance Carrollton T-Shirt — Men’s: $38
DemerBox Bluetooth Speaker: $299
Black Diamond Solution Harness — Men’s & Women’s: $70
Rohan Nordic Jeans — Men’s & Women’s: $140
Wave Tools Therapy Myofascial Release Massager: $50
Pocketalk Language Translator: $249-299
