Christmas is almost here, and the outdoor gear lover in your circle of friends and family is surely in need of something awesome. Or, perhaps you’re shopping for your loved ones and can’t figure out what to buy. In either case, we’ve got favorite gear that will hopefully give you some ideas, or maybe even be the one perfect gift you’ve been looking for. Scroll down and happy shopping!
Mountain Khakis Stagecoach Jacket, Teton Twill and Trapper Henley Shirts
Clothes are always a hit as a gift (unless you’re a kid) so why not give something well built that will last forever and looks stylish all year? We’ve found that Mountain Khakis make some of the most bomber outdoor clothes that are appropriate both outdoors, and in town.
I recently got to try out the new Stagecoach Jacket. A prerequisite of wearing this is that you must live in a log cabin and trim brush all day. Okay, not really, but you will feel like a rough and tumble mountain man in this canvas jacket. It features 10.4oz proprietary cotton canvas and triple-stitched seams. Details are also important here like nylon-lined sleeves for easy on/off, hidden zip pockets, cozy brushed tricot, and adjustable snap cuffs. It comes in four different colors. I wore this jacket on cold, windy days and while it isn’t particularly warm on winter days, it did block out the wind surprisingly well. Combined with a flannel shirt, the Stagecoach was a great outer layer for raking leaves… or for hiking to my log cabin.
Purchase the Stagecoach Jacket here.
The Teton Twill Shirt is pretty dressy for outdoor gear, but still appropriate and rugged enough for wearing by the campfire. It’s made from super soft cotton twill and is finished with Mountain Khakis’ Lava Wash process that gives it a super “buttery,” lived-in feel. I liked to wear it to the home improvement store because it made me feel manly. The Teton Twill shirt has two chest pockets, Grosgrain-reinforced placket and pocket openings. Comes in five colors.
Purchase the Mountain Khakis Teton Twill Shirt here.
Finally, you can complete your Mountain Khakis layered look with the Trapper Henley. This 3-button shirt looks like its name implies – long underwear for beaver trappers circa 1845. In fact, frontiersmen of the west are what inspired the company to make their own version of the Henley shirt. I guess what’s old is new again. The Trapper Henley is a cotton/merino wool blend which makes it a perfect base-layer for non-aerobic activities… like drinking beer while you wax your skis.
Purchase the Mountain Khakis Trapper Henley here.
Brooks Range Ski Scraper and Heli Ski Guide Straps
Brooks-Range has a lot of gear for your backcountry ski-touring lover that are small enough to be perfect stocking stuffers.
The Brooks-Range Ski Scraper is a super simple, do-it-all tuning tool that really comes in handy if something goes wrong on the mountainside. It’s ideal for scraping ice and gunk off your skis or climbing skins, or for shaving off excess wax after tuning your boards in the garage. It also has a sharp corner for clearing out fussy touring bindings of snow or tech fittings on your ski boots. Plus, it’s so small and light you have no excuse not to have one in your pocket or backpack.
Purchase the Brooks-Range Ski Scraper here.
Also from Brooks-Range is the Heli Ski Guide Strap. Now, you don’t have to be plunking down big bucks on a heli ski trip to use these suckers, but if you do hop in a chopper, you’ll want these burly velcro straps to keep your boards together. Unlike the standard rubber ski strap, these are made from nylon embroidered webbing and a metal D-ring. They’re long enough to accomodate fat powder skis and can be used for many other, creative uses. Sold in pairs so you have a spare, or share one with a friend.
Purchase the Brooks-Range Heli Ski Guide Strap here.
Duofold by Champion Varitherm Mid-Weight Long Underwear
Skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts in general all need one thing to keep warm, dry and comfortable in cold weather – good long underwear. But finding just the right kind can be a challenge. Buy too thick and you’ll be hot and sweaty when you get a workout. Buy too thin and of course you’ll get chilled. We recommend you go for the middle, and Duofold by Champion makes the perfect mid-weight long-sleeve crew neck tops and base-layer tights for staying out all day on the slopes. They feature stretchy fabric for ease of movement, flat-locked seams, and they’re odor resistant. Best of all, these base layers are very affordable.
Purchase the Duofold by Champion Mid-Weight Base Layers here.
New Balance 360 Degree Jacket
For the runner on your holiday list, keep them pounding the pavement with the New Balance 360 Degree Jacket. Winter months are cold, and the days are short. This reflective jacket features 3M Scotchlite trim, which is ideal for visibility when you sneak in those after-work runs in the dark. It also features side zip pockets for secure storage, lined sleeves for warmth, and an adjustable drawcord at the waist to keep cold weather from seeping in. Give the gift of safety and keep the runner in your family visible during the dark winter months. Available in both men’s and women’s versions.
Purchase the New Balance 360 Degree Jacket here.
Stanley Nineteen 13 One Handed Vacuum Mug
You gotta’ have hot drinks during the holidays, but with our busy schedules you need to be able to take your coffee or hot chocolate on the go. Stanley has come up with the perfect thermal mug for easy drinking with their Nineteen 13 One Handed Vacuum Mug. It holds 16 ounces of any hot drink and keeps it that way for hours. It’s made from a double-walled, vacuum insulated stainless-steel body that will not only keep hot drinks hot, but also cold drinks cold. We especially like the leakproof lid that you can operate with one hand, so you can take a sip while driving, or even riding your bike. On that note, it fits into bike cages perfectly!
Purchase the Stanley Nineteen 13 One Handed Vacuum Mug here.
Acorn Tech Travel Moc II Slippers
When you’ve thrown yourself at frozen mountains all day, you need to take care of your poor toes once you get back indoors. I’ve been wearing the Acorn Tech Travel Moc II Slippers for months now, and I really love them. After a long ski day I put them on first thing. Maybe I like them so much because these moccasin-style slippers are pretty teched-out for the gear head in us all, such as soft shell, rip-stop uppers that are water repellent and breathable. In addition, the soft, mircofleece lining quickly wicks moisture away from my skin. Not only that, but they’re easily packable. Just roll them up, stuff them inside the included sack, and toss them in the pack. Mobile comfort.
Purchase the Acorn Tech Travel Moc II Slippers here.
D-fa Dogs Ice Barker Merino Jacket
You can’t forget your best friend when shopping for presents! Hell, outdoorsy types consider dogs as members of the household, so of course they deserve a little something for the holidays. Why not get your pooch something warm and snuggly, like the Ice Barker Merino Jacket from D-fa Dogs? It’s a dog jacket made with 100% merino wool from New Zealand that will keep your dog toasty, even when wet. In fact, we put it on our dog, Lucy, after she gets her bath and it immediately stops her from shivering. It comes in 7 sizes for small to gigantic dogs.
Purchase the D-fa Dogs Ice Barker Merino Wool Jacket here.
Great list! Here’s some additional ideas from GearGuide – http://bit.ly/GearGuideGifts