Unexpected, unique, ‘extreme,’ silly, and fun. . . those are some operative words for the products below, a spread of gear we are sure will delight and surprise those finicky gear hounds on your holiday list. —Amy Oberbroeckling
Wearable Sleeping Bag — That’s right, the Napsack from Poler is a hooded sleeping bag with openings at the shoulders and bottom so that you can wear it around like an extra-long puffy coat. $130. Purchase gift/More info
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Throwback Fleece Jacket — Relive Christmas 1987 in this rad turquoise fleece top from Topo Designs, a Colorado-based apparel brand. Purchase gift/More info
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Alaska-Made Survival Bracelet — A simple bracelet could save your life. The ParaCord Fishing Bracelet is made of parachute cord wrapped around an inner core containing 8 feet of fishing line and two fishing hooks. $10. Purchase gift/More info
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Build-a-Shovel — Brooks-Range lets you custom-make a backcountry shovel via a page on its site where you choose color, shaft size, shovel type, handle shape, and other features. $54.95. Purchase gift/More info
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iPhone Video Dolly — Get a bit more Hollywood with your iPhone videos. This wheel-equipped dolly lets you film smooth pans and tracking shots. An 11-inch adjustable arm allows for unique angles on a shoot. $59.95. Purchase gift/More info
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‘Extreme’ Sled — A far cry from wooden toboggans of yore, the Stealth-X from Snolo Sleds is no small childs’ toy. This carbon-fiber beast is made to shred down hills at top speeds. But there’s an insane price tag for the fun at $2,999! Purchase gift/More info
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Hoboroll — Keep organized travelers happy with the Hoboroll from Gobi Gear, a lightweight sack that keeps items separated with wedge-like compartments. The bag compresses down when cinched closed. $28. Purchase gift/More info
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Squeezable Pint — Pack ‘em, drop ‘em, microwave ‘em. . . the uses are endless for the Silipint, a squeezable pint glass made out of silicone. $9.95 and up. Purchase gift/More info
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Hot Hands! — Leather, lithium-polymer battery packs, and a “paper-thin, nanotech film” that seeps heat are the key ingredients in these top-end gloves from Chaval Outdoor Corp. We got a test pair last month and so far are impressed.
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The gloves can crank up to 144 degrees inside to heat frozen fingers. The battery can last up to 6 hours on a full charge. You do pay for the heat, at $389 a pair. Purchase gift/More info
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Packable Camp Comfort — You don’t always need to sacrifice pack space for comfort. The Cush from Klymit is an inflatable pillow that compresses down to the size of a fist. It also works great as a padded seat. $19.95. Purchase gift/More info
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For the Proud Racer — Show off hard-earned race bibs in style with the ready-to-hang frame system from RACER. $20. Purchase gift/More info
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The Quiver ‘Pack’ — Made to hold modern-day tools, The Quivver carries your money and phone (and a few other necessities) in a pocket that slings across your body. $50 and up. Purchase gift/More info
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Fashionable Function — The look of a skirt with the warmth of a light down blanket. . . that’s the theme of the Trekkin from Mountain Hardwear. Wear it outside for fashion as well as warmth on cold days. $100. Purchase gift/More info
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6 Foot Scarf — New York-based Outlier sells six feet of merino wool in scarf form ready for necks, chins, ears, and anything else wrap-able in its long, lux length this winter. $60. Purchase gift/More info
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Whip it Good! —The TRX Rip Trainer was created by a Tae kwon do champion. For outdoors types, it promises insane core strength if wielded right for paddlers, rock climbers, cyclists, and more. $189.99. Purchase gift/More info
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Tech Mesh Top (looks good, too) — In a category of its own, the Kanaha shirt from Maui-based Bluesmiths doubles up on its water resistance via a treatment (Schoeller NanoSphere) as well as a special fabric, both of which breathe yet make water bead up and run away.
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We tested the water-oriented shirt on dry land this fall and were impressed with its comfort, style, and aversion to sweat and moisture. (The brand calls the top a hydrophobic paddle shirt.) It’s fast drying, light, airy, breathable, and sun protective with a UPF 40 rating, in the water or out. Made in Canada. $90. Purchase gift/More info
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Kate’s Grizzly Bar —Made in small batches with yummy ingredients in Victor, Idaho, Kate’s bars are an alternative energy bar choice. Great stocking stuffer alternative to candy. Purchase gift/More info
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Robo-Eye for Skiers — Oakley’s Airwave goggles have a tiny embedded display screen and sensors in a module that let a skier see his or her real-time stats (speed, jump height, vertical feet skied per run, etc.) as well as view music playlists and text messages. Cool but not cheap, $599. Purchase gift/More info
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Waxed-Cotton Coat — Old school and proud, the Craghoppers Raiden Jacket has a “classic English country” look with abundent pockets and snaps. It’s lined with fleece and waterproof with a waxed-cotton outer. $200. Purchase gift/More info
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‘Toe-Less’ Socks — Made for yoga, these socks keep your toes free for maximum articulation on the mat. Grippers on the bottom keep you upright as the poses get further contorted and tough. $16. Purchase gift/More info
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Pretty Pannier — It hooks onto a standard rear bike rack like a pannier. But the BASIL Jada-Mirte Shopper unclips to convert to a lady’s purse/bag for use around town. Water-repellent polyester outer (flower print motif). $75. Purchase gift/More info
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100-Year Vacuum Bottle — Stanley is 100 years old, and with its anniversary the brand is re-issuing a classic 1.1-quart vacuum bottle in a brushed-green finish that debuted way back in 1944. Stainless steel construction. $40. Purchase gift/More info
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Solar-Rechargeable Watch — This tech watch from Casio, the Pro Trek PRG550B-5, recharges from the sun when you’re on the move outside. Features include barometer, altimeter, thermometer, time, and alarm. Its second hand acts as a compass needle to point you north. $350. Purchase gift/More info
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Foamy iPhone Case — The SYSTM case line includes designs with a spongy, absorbing foam to offer impact protection in a fall. Company touts the foam absorbs and dissipates the force of a fall more evenly, protecting the phone inside. $29 and up. Purchase gift/More info
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Asphalt Surfer — Made of bamboo and fiberglass, the Drop Hammer is a unique, deep-carving longboard with wheels that in our test rolled smoothly and seemed to levitate over bumps. Great entry point into the sport and a standby ride for experienced road surfers alike. $237. Purchase gift/More info
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—Amy Oberbroeckling is an assistant editor.