Help the outdoor enthusiasts and fitness freaks train hard and recover better with these athlete-focused gifts.
Whether you know someone who loves hitting the gym, working out at home, or training for backcountry adventures, we have a gift for them. We’ve waded through the enormous, and sometimes dubious options (neoprene “altitude mask” I’m looking at you), to find the best fitness-related gift options.
Happy holidays. Here’s to continuing fitness efforts to enhance enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Deuter Pulse 3 Hydration Pack: $80
Help a friend or family member stay hydrated on the trail with this well-designed hip-mounted hydration system. The Deuter Pulse 3’s specially shaped bladder ensures comfort and stability while providing 1.5 L of fluid. Well-ventilated back panel mesh ensures ample cooling and zipped exterior pockets carry other essentials.
Shop NowBollé Cycling Helmets: from $158
Whatever your preferred ride style, it’s imperative to protect your noggin while you’re in the saddle. Bollé offers the Trackdown MIPS ($180) for hard-charging trail riders. The Trackdown features a 360-degree retention system that is fully adjustable to your head size. Doesn’t sound like the right fit? Bollé’s also has the Furo MIPS ($240), an aerodynamic cycling helmet that’s a great choice for serious miles on the road. Removable ‘aero-shells’ give you options for additional venting when needed. Both helmets offer MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection) to keep you safe in case things don’t go to plan.
Check Trackdown Helmet price at AmazonCheck Furo Helmet price at Amazon
Scarpa Spin RS — Men’s & Women’s: $112-150
Scarpa’s Spin RS, available in both men’s and women’s, is designed for the masochistic high-mileage trail runner. The Spin RS is light (verified 10.6 ounces in a men’s size 10) yet well-cushioned. It has an 8mm drop, Vibram Megagrip outsole with Lightbase technology, a TPU toe cap, and a quick-drying, highly breathable synthetic mesh and leather upper. Sock-Fit LW construction eliminates a traditional tongue and replaces it with a stretchy softshell material, providing a better fit while reducing weight and bulk.
NordicTrack S22i Bike: $1,999
Like having a personal trainer in your home, the NordicTrack s22i Studio Cycle is more than just a bike. The 22-inch touchscreen gives you access to an expansive library of classes and personal trainers. And the LIVE Interactions option means you can join trainer-led classes where the instructor digitally adjusts your LIVE incline and resistance, so you can stay focused on training. With 20 percent incline, 10 percent decline, and 24 digital resistance levels, there’s no limit to your fitness goals.
Shop NowVuarnet Racing Medium Sunglasses: $250-280
Iconic brand Vuarnet can protect your eyes from wind, damaging rays, projectiles, and that one branch that always gets someone. Available in four different lens tints with varying degrees of light spectrum absorption, the Racing Medium is sure to please even the vainest athlete with its curved shape and not-too-flashy looks.
Shop NowAddaday BioZoom Percussion Massager: $199
This cordless massager provides vibration and percussion with pressure resistance technology to soothe muscles after tiring adventures. The BioZoom has 5 different frequencies to target different levels of soreness, and comes with 5 interchangeable heads for a variety of pressure intensities. Check out this, or the latest model, the BioZoom Edge, which comes with Bluetooth to connect to Addaday’s app.
Check price at REIJanji Mercury Knit Track Pants — Men’s & Women’s: $88
Janji’s midweight Mercury Knit running pants are a godsend for cool weather runs. The pants have a slimmer fit (but aren’t restrictive like leggings), cropped ankles, two side zipper pockets and one back zippered security pocket. The band sits nicely just above the hips and the material keeps you warm yet wicks sweat away.
Check men’s price at REICheck women’s price at Janji
Honey Stinger Cracker Bars: $28/12-pack
Honey Stinger nailed these chocolate recovery snacks. The Recovery Chocolate Cracker Bars ($2.50) — trust us, not as dry and way more delicious than they sound — are our current favorite energy booster after a run. The bars are chock-full of carbs and plant-based protein (10g), and have a nice balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Check price on AmazonWahoo Fitness TICKR HR Monitor Armband: $80
A great alternative to a chest strap monitor, the TICKR HR Monitor comes with two different sized straps so you can adjust for fit and comfort, and measures heart rate and calorie burn during exercise. The armband has a water-resistant IPX7 rating and a 30-hour run time.
It also connects via Bluetooth so you can pair it with your Apple watch, Garmin cycling computer, Strava, Zwift, or Nike Run account, Wahoo Fitness trainer, and more.
Check price at BackcountryNEMO Helio Pressure Shower: $75-110
Do you have fitness freaks on your list who are always on the go? Help them maintain a civilized level of hygiene with the NEMO Helio Pressure Shower. This shower system packs small in an included stuff sack, so it can stay in the car at all times. And it delivers five to seven minutes and 11 L of pressurized water via a 7-foot hose and spray nozzle. A foot pump charges the system, which can be filled anywhere without a hose and can heat up in the sun. Perfect for rinsing off after a sweaty or muddy workout, surfing, or paddleboarding. It also works on four-legged training partners.
Shop NowTheraBand Kinesiology Tape: $9
TheraBand’s Kinesiology Tape ($9/roll) is designed to support muscles and joints and provide pain relief for people at all levels of physical capability. The cut-your-own roll is made of an allergy-tested, non-latex cotton-spandex blend and is available in 7 different colors.
Check price at AmazonGarmin VivoActive 3 GPS Smartwatch: $145 (42% off)
The Garmin Vivo family of fitness trackers covers all the bases for the data-hungry on your gift list. The range of Vivos goes from children’s models that encourage daily movement to full-blown smartwatches. Like the VivoActive 3 GPS Smartwatch, currently 42% off. The smartwatch tracks and records exercise parameters such as heart rate and GPS positioning, and VO2 max, and it can also suggest specific workout routines.
Shop the VivoActive 3 SmartwatchShop the full Garmin Vivo Series
