The holiday season is upon us and there’s bound to be an outdoorsman/woman in your life who only wants expensive outdoor gear for Christmas. I don’t blame them. In fact, I’m with them. Over the past year there has been a lot of awesome new gear released, and each of them would make your loved one (or yourself) drool over the wads of wrapping paper. Below is a list of five outdoor gift ideas that we think is cool, innovative, unique and sure to make your outdoor junkie happier than hell (hint hint.)
Klymit Inertia X-Frame
Any backpacker on your gift list would appreciate the Inertia X Frame from Klymit. It’s is an anatomically patterned, very light weight (9.1 oz) camping pad that weighs less because of “body mapping.” This means Klymit cut out the parts that aren’t needed and left the areas where body weight needs support. The cut-out sections also serve the purpose of being “Loft Pockets,” which reduces the compaction of sleeping bags, lessens conductive heat loss and captures body heat in the dead-air space.
The Intertia X Frame also inflates with only three breaths, yet comes with a tiny hand pump to top off the pad. Plus, if it’s used with a standard camping pad, it acts as a cot to lift a person off the ground for even more warmth. The top of the pad is made from 30D Ripstop Nylon and the bottom fabric is durable 75D Polyester. What’s even more impressive is the Klymit Inertia X Frame compresses down to the size of a Red Bull can. You can purchase the Klymit Inertia X-Frame at Campsaver.com MSRP: $99.95
Easton Kilo Tent
The backpacker in your life will also salivate over the Kilo Tent from Easton Mountain Products. It’s a 2-person tent that weighs in at a measly two pounds, which will have the backs of anyone on a multi-night trek. The tent features ION carbon fiber AirLock poles that are 59% lighter than standard poles because they don’t contain shock cord. The AirLock connectors replace shock cord with a short monofilament tether that keeps pole sections together.
Not only does the Kilo Tent weigh less, but the weight saved in the poles means the fabric can be used with more durable materials. The canopy consists of 20D nylon mesh that can be covered with a rain fly made from 20D nylon ripstop. The floor is a durable 30D nylon ripstop. For more, check out EastonMountainProducts.com MSRP: $399
Salomon Quest 12 ski boots
The Quest 12 all-mountain ski boot from Salomon is a high performance ski boot that is designed to ski like a top-of-the-line alpine boot, but also hikes like a top-of-the-line backcountry boot. They are super stiff with a flex rating at 120, have a burly three-buckle system, oversized power strap, a hike/ski switch, and boa laces on liners that are super comfortable right out of the box.
If your loved one tours the backcountry as much as he shreds the resort, then you can’t go wrong with giving the Salomon Quest 12. If you need any more convincing, read my full review. If you’re already convinced, go ahead and order them at Backcountry.com MSRP: $549
Surface Live Free Skis
Surface Skis is a small Utah company that is known locally for creating skis that are unusual and innovative. The Live Free skis are a backcountry touring setup that are fat with rocker in the tip and tail. They also feature an early rise in the tail for easy tuirn initiation and hybrid camber underfoot. Very light weight for a ski of this size, the Live Free skis from Surface look like the ideal boards for a backcountry setup to eat up all that Wasatch Powder.
DIMENSIONS
181cm……….146 / 110 / 130
191cm……….156 / 120 / 135
You can purchase the Surface Live Free skis at their website. MSRP $599.95
Marker Tour Backcountry Bindings
Hot on the heels of the successful Marker Duke and Baron bindings comes the Marker Tour. They’re a much more backcountry friendly version with a lighter weight and improved ski/tour mode switch. But the lighter weight doesn’t mean these bindings are any less burly than other Marker models. The company claims they’re built for hard chargers looking to access the steepest, most agressive lines in the backcountry, but without fatiguing your legs with weight on the skin up.
Not much has been heard from the backcountry community yet on how they perform in the field, but judging by the look of things, they may be a game-changer. Just think how lucky anyone would be to find these babies under the Christmas tree. You can buy the Marker Tour bindings online at Backcountry.com
Tour F10 MSRP: $445.
Tour F12 MSRP: $475
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