The holidays are a magical time for outdoor enthusiasts, because it’s a time to score some new gear! From store and online sales, to gifts from family and friends, or even the $5 bill grandma sent in your Christmas card, this time of year is the best time to upgrade your stuff, or get into a new sport. All year long, we’ve tested, researched and salivated over dozens of new gear, and narrowed down our wish list for the 2013 holiday season. Hopefully our list can help you find the perfect gift for your outdoorsy loved one, whether they’ve been naughty or nice.
Ever since the Voile V8 skis were announced at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, I’ve been obsessing over them. While I haven’t skied on a pair (yet) I’m confident that I would love them for the backcountry, and so will you or that skier on your list. They say the V8 are even better than the Voile Chargers, and those are my favorite skis of all time so… The V8 feature a rockered tip, wide waist (115mm) lightweight cap construction, classic camber, and a carbon/fiberglass laminate. Plus, they’re very affordable at only $625 a pair. I’ll take mine in the 176cm size please.
Arva, the European beacon company, is making a big push in North America. Part of that plan is this year’s release of the Neo, a super easy to use beacon that has good signal range (60m search bandwidth), multiple burial recognition, 3 antennas, a U-turn alarm, and a timer that switches the beacon back to transmit mode after a set amount of time in case you get buried in a secondary slide. The functions are user friendly, making the Neo great for beginner and intermediate backcountry skiers who don’t need too many bells and whistles.
I’ve been using the Suunto Ambit for a full year now, and it goes with me on every ski tour, mountain bike ride, and trail run. I love my Ambit so much that it’s hard to imagine it getting any better. Well, Suunto has gone and done it with the Ambit 2. This second generation Ambit has so many uses, I could write a book here. But basically it’s a GPS watch that can track or be used for navigation, tracks heart rate, distance, elevation, speed, direction, calories burned, V02 Max, and the list goes on and on. If you’re looking for a gift to give that uber-outdoorsy person in your life, then this is the ultimate all-in-one package.
Salomon Quest Motion Fit Jacket
Salomon is probably more known for their skis than apparel, but they’ve been stepping it up this year and the new Quest Motion Fit Jacket is on top of the jacket pile. What Salomon has done is take your standard ski jacket and completely re-thought it, and this is the result. The big news is that it’s designed to move as you do, with a nylon and elastane blend shell that is ergonomically cut, with extra fabric in the back and gusseted underarms to increase freedom of movement, plus Lycra inner cuffs with thumb loops keep your sleeves from sliding up and letting snow in. There’s even a removable stretch powder skirt and it snaps together with compatible pants to keep cold and snow out. Think of it as the ultimate resort-skiing jacket.
Also in the new Quest line from Salomon is the Q-105 skis. I tried these puppies along with the Q-98 and Q-115 skis at Alta, and I have to say the Q-105 were by far my favorite. For a resort ski, they have the perfect combination of width underfoot and tip rocker for both powder and groomers, with a flatter tail that is forgiving if you get tired and fall into the backseat. Features include utility rocker, hook-free taper, honeycomb tips, full wood core and semi-sandwich construction. Basically, these skis rip all snow, all conditions, in all terrain. The Salomon Q-105 are truly a quiver killer.
Mountain Khakis Canvas Recycled, Waterproof Dog Bed
Of course you have to give your best friend a gift at Christmas! So why not splurge on a super nice, high-quality bed that will keep your pooch warm and comfortable all winter long. The MK Canvas Recycled, Waterproof Dog Bed is filled with an eco-batting made of as many as 70 recycled plastic PET bottles. The batting is contained in 3 baffles for non-migration, then covered with a waterproof, zippered, removable liner cover. On the outside, a proprietary 10.4oz 2-ply canvas cover is removable and washable, and has a beefy 10-gauge zipper with slider garage to avoid temptation to chew. Plus, you can custom-make your bed with a your dog’s name embroidered on the side.
Every year, you just have to get or give a new sweater for Christmas. Well, I totally recommend the Kuhl Team 1/4 Zip Sweater. It’s made from 100% washable merino wool, it’s durable, and has integrated thumb loops to prevent the sleeves from riding up and letting the cold in. Plus, it just looks damn stylish. I’ve been using it as a mid-layer for backcountry ski tours and couldn’t be happier with it. Also Kuhl is a local company based right here in Salt Lake, so if you buy one, you’ll be supporting a Utah business.
Mountain Collective Season Pass
Sometimes, Christmas and all its materialism can get out of hand. Case in point: this gift guide. So why not give the gift that actually gets someone outdoors? The Mountain Collective Pass is the ultimate ticket to ski 12 days at some of the best resorts in the world. The best part is that 2 of them, Alta and Snowbird, are included on that list. Other nearby resorts include Jackson Hole, Aspen/Snowmass, Mammoth, Alpine Meadows, Whistler/Blackcomb, and Squaw Valley. The best part? The pass only costs $379. So inspire some wanderlust this holiday season!
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Bib Pants
Utah’s own Black Diamond launched their long-awaited apparel line this year, and I’ve already seen a ton of Black Diamond logos up in the Wasatch. Don’t be a poser and represent with the new BD Dawn Patrol Hybrid Bib Pants. They’re super technical with Schoeller StretchWoven for ultimate mobility and breathability plus NanoSphere technology that resists water, dirt, and oil better than most DWR coatings. Black Diamond also added a waterproof laminate in key areas. Plus there’s also a Dawn Patrol Jacket to go along with it.
Get your outdoorsy special-someone any of these gift ideas, and you’ll be guaranteed to make them damn happy for the holidays.