Don’t wait until the last minute to buy the outdoorsy person in your life that perfect gift. Whether they be a skier, snowboarder, hiker, mountain biker, rock climber, or just a casual get outsider, there’s a perfect gift for everyone. In this, Utah Outside’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide, we’ve curated some of our favorite gear of the year that’s perfect to put under the Christmas tree.
Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket
Got a runner or mountain biker on your nice list? Then they’ll love breaking a sweat in this shell during nasty weather. It blocks wind. It repels rain and snow. It breathes via wool mesh panels and air vents. And it packs down to nothing. I’ve been wearing this shell a lot during autumn mountain bike rides over a wool base layer. Overall I have been very happy with how well the Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket wicks moisture away and keeps me warm, but not too warm. Anyone who is high-output in cold and rain will love this shell.
Klymit Versa Blanket
Everyone loves a warm and cozy blanket, right? That’s why a nice blanket is the ideal gift for, well, everybody. But the Versa Blanket from Klymit it much more than your usual bit o’ fabric. This blanket has a 20D Polyester shell with Klymalite™ synthetic loft insulation, Corner strap, shoulder wrap and footbox, is large enough to cuddle with a partner, and weighs only 23 ounces. Use it camping. Use it on your bed. Use it while snuggling on the couch watching Netflix. Either way the recipient of a Klymit Versa Blanket will stay warm this winter.
Gear Dryer Freestanding 12
We recently reviewed this gear dryer and can’t say enough good about it. If you have a skier or really any sort of outdoorsman (or woman) in your life, then you cant go wrong getting them this machine. With 12 dryer ports, it can dry the whole family’s ski boots in a few hours. It will also dry gloves, shoes, waders, goggles, hats… pretty much any apparel that can get wet outdoors. A dry person is a happy person. So make your person happy this holiday season with a Gear Dryer.
BioLite Headlamp
Here’s a perfect stocking stuffer. The BioLite Headlamp takes headlamps to another level. Compared to other headlamps in the market, BioLite’s is smaller, lighter, ergonomic, and brighter. With an ultra-thin, flush front, moisture-wicking headband, and 330 lumens of power, there’s not a soul that won’t appreciate getting this headlamp as a present. Unfortunately, this headlamp is only available for pre-order, so it’s more like an “IOU” stocking stuffer that you can give to a loved one just in time for Valentine’s Day.
My Trail 800 Fill Down Jacket
A good down jacket is a staple in any outdoorsy person’s kit. Get them one that checks all the boxes. The 800-fill Ultralight Down Jacket from My Trail features ethically-sourced goose down, a ripstop nylon shell with DWR treatment, and classic styling. But the best part is that you’ll be buying a $250-value jacket for half the cost of other outdoor gear companies.
Ikon Pass
Alterra Mountain Company made waves in Utah when they purchased Solitude Mountain Resort. As a result, Solitude became the only ski resort in Utah that offers unlimited skiing on the Ikon Pass. In addition, Ikon pass holders get additional days to Alta/Snowbird, Brighton, and Deer Valley. For the skier who already has all the gear, get them the ultimate ski pass on the best terrain in the Wasatch.
Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: Utah
Now in it’s fourth season on bookstore shelves, “Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: Utah” is still relevant with 100 backcountry ski routes in Utah. If you need a gift idea for a skier who is just getting started in the backcountry, or an expert who plans on traveling or moving to Utah, this book gives a wide-ranging baseline of all the moderate, classic ascents and descent routes in Utah’s mountain ranges. Even I reference it sometimes and I wrote the damn thing!