Our editorial team picked a few favorite pieces of gear for 2016. You can’t go wrong with this solid gear.
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Backcountry Chef: Collapsible Pot
The soft-side, collapsible X-Pot ($55) by Sea To Summit might be my favorite item in my backpacking kit. Its functionality for boiling water, straining, and space savings works wonderfully. — Sean McCoy
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Superlight Hammock
At under 7 ounces, the ENO Sub 7 is one light hammock suitable for the backpack. It’s best for fairly short users. For those counting ounces who want to backcountry hammock, this one is a solid ultralight choice for $70. — Kyle Nossaman
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Cold Climates: Thermoball Jacket
We’ve put Thermoball jackets through rigorous testing and trust the design where cold and wet weather are likely. The North Face’s Desolation ($200) is a breathable, insulated jacket designed to be layered under shells or worn alone. Stretchy fabrics at the shoulders and underarms give freedom of movement. — Sean McCoy
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For Dark Nights: GearAid Spark
This mini lantern ($50) is roughly the size of a wallet but kicks out 160 lumens of light. It’s dimmable, water-resistant, and quickly changes into a hanging lantern with an included diffuser bag and hang hooks. — Kyle Nossaman
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Tech-Minded: The North Face Access
Commuting everyday and traveling across the country has me needing a reliable method of transportation for delicate electronics, notably my camera and laptop. The rigid shell and dedicated sleeves of the Access Pack ($235) keep my gear safe and quick to draw. –Nate Mitka
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Multitool? Give This One
Its simple, highly-usable design (and its light weight and good feel in the hand…) has kept the SKELETOOL ($69.85) from Leatherman in my pocket for years. Buy this for anyone as a everyday-carry tool. You cannot go wrong with this pick. — Stephen Regenold
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Gift Of Light: Mini Headlamp
A tiny light that is mega-bright, I have been happy with the Iota from Black Diamond. At just $39.95, this is an affordable gift great for runner, bikers, and hikers who go out after dark. — Stephen Regenold
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For The Hat Lover: Trucker Hat
Headsweats has a line of trucker-style hats made for the outdoors. I have been running and hiking with the custom GearJunkie Trucker and love its absorbing headband and comfy fit. The company sells a few styles for around $25, including this cool bigfoot motif. — Stephen Regenold
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Cold Hands? Buy Them Mittens
Few things spoil a winter outing quicker than cold hands. If the special someone in your life tends to have frozen fingers, investing in great hand protection is an investment in good times. Among our favorite gloves are the Hestra Heli insulated mitt, $140, or the three-finger “lobster claw” version for extra dexterity. — Sean McCoy
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Ultimate T-shirt: Icebreaker Merino
Lightweight and perfect for activity and travel, Icebreaker’s Anatomica Short Sleeve Crewe ($70) is a go-to adventure shirt made of merino wool. I love it for trips, backpacking, or daily wear and a night on the town. — Kyle Nossaman
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Adventure Traveler: Silk Liner
For years, silk liners ($100, on sale for $60) have made their way into my pack, luggage, sleeping bag, and hammock to keep me warm, for use as a pillow, or to act a barrier between me and a questionable hostel bed. — Jake Ferguson
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Shell For Your Endurance Nut
A light, highly-breathable shell over insulating layers blocks wind and precipitation, letting your beloved skimo racer, fat-bike rider, or cold-weather runner keep at it all season. We’ve fallen for the Arc’teryx Norovan SL, a super light, waterproof, packable, but pricey ($300) shell. For those on a tighter budget, check out the water-resistant Patagonia Houdini ($99). — Sean McCoy
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Coffee Junkie? Vacuum-Insulated Mug
A vacuum-insulated mug is as much a lifesaver in the wild as it is around town. I’m a big fan of the Stanley 16-oz. Mountain Vacuum Switchback ($35). — Adam Ruggiero
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Headwear For Cold: The Buff
A gift for any season and almost any activity, the Buff does it all. It’s a sweatband, neck-warmer, dust mask, balaclava, full-face thermal, and more. I love it for staying warm and blocking the cold air while winter biking. I think everyone should have. — Adam Ruggiero
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Nobody Has Too Many: Wool Socks
There are a ton of good sock brands, but a few we like are Darn Tough, Smartwool, Farm To Feet, and Wigwam. We look for American manufacturing when buying. Plan to spend $20 or more per pair. Get specialized socks for skiing or snowboarding, or shorter hiking socks for daily use. — Sean McCoy
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Versatile ‘Liquid Vessel’
Pro tip: Flasks aren’t just for booze! My wife and I use them for olive oil, maple syrup, and, erm… booze. For camping or luxury backpacking, these $20 flasks make super-tough storage containers. Pass along the tip about cooking liquids in a note in the stocking. — Sean McCoy
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A Plaid ‘Shacket’
A shirt-jacket like this is one of the most useful all-around garments for casual times in cool weather. Layer under and over it, or wear it as a tough outer layer. This $135 version from G.H. Bass & Co. is a wool/synthetic blend. Check out some other favorite Shackets here. — Kyle Nossaman
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