Holiday Gift Guide 2022
Tis' the season to stock up on gear for every reason.
This is not comprehensive of all gear I recommend by any means. However, with the mindset of gifting practical items and experiences, these are the things I'd love to receive as gifts and items I currently use the most.
More categories are in the works, so please keep an eye out. Also, if you want to see anything, please let me know!
The friend who is constantly peeing outside.
Kula Clothes are reusable antimicrobial pee cloths made for any outdoor adventure. Avoid having to drip dry and pack out toilet paper by simply clipping your Kula Cloth to your pack and throwing it in the wash to clean it post-trip. A perfect and practical stocking stuffer!
*Women-owned business
SheFly Go There Pant - Currently 30% off!
Think of the last time you had to pee outside in winter. Your butt was freezing, you may have mooned random people, and it was an overall disaster. Well, SheFly Go There pant allows you to pee easily on the trail. Their hidden zipper starts below the fly and extends to the back of the pants, allowing you to pee comfortably and safely without taking your pants off! I have tested them and they really are awesome.
*Woman-owned business
There isn't much to say besides everybody poops. If you're in the backcountry, you'll want one of these! They're small, great diggers, and only weigh 17 grams.
The Hydrator
When I say Nuun is amazing, I am not joking. First, their products are so compact you can easily fit a tube of ten hydration tabs anywhere. Unlike many other sports drinks, they use clean ingredients and only have one gram of sugar. Their products help with hydration and muscle function, and some give you an extra boost with caffeine. They have various products ranging from hydration tabs for sports, daily hydration, rest, energy, and vitamins.
I love collapsable water bottles like this one. It holds 1L and folds down into your pack super small for you to plop a Nuun in your water bottle once you get to camp to rehydrate for the next day.
The person who is always cold
I am in Canada often and do not enjoy being cold. I could write about this category forever.
We all have that one article of clothing that somehow appears in almost all of our outdoorsy photos. For me, that is my Patagonia fleece.
I love this fleece in particular, as it's lightweight and a great layer to add to any adventure. It can be worn alone or as a mid-layer, plus Patagonia always comes out with new fun patterns.
I got mine as a Christmas gift a few years ago, and I have worn it basically every hiking trip since. It is such excellent quality and packs down super small. It's water-repellent, down-insulated, and windproof. I've slept in it while camping and wear it as a regular jacket around town.
Rumpl blanket – 25% Off Almost Everything
Blankets for Everywhere! Cozy nights around the campfire, watching movies on the couch, and even your front country campsite. They are weatherproof, durable, and comfy. Plus, they're made from recycled materials. But wait, there's more. They can also be worn as a cape. A fantastic way to bundle up while still being able to move around on that chilly morning as you await the sunset.
I like to call slippers like these all-terrain slippers. These are much more than just cozy house slippers or moccasins. They are great for wearing around a campfire, as inside shoes at a backcountry hut, or even after a long day of work; they are made for indoors and outdoors alike.
Cold toes are the bane of my existence, and there is nothing more depressing than needing to go inside on a perfect ski day because your toes feel like they're going to fall off (also, please go inside before you get to this point).
Heated socks are pricy but amazing. I mean, they're basically a tiny heated blanket for your toes. They won't feel weird in your boots like toe warmers and are temperature adjustable via an app on your phone, allowing you to change your heat without taking your socks or boots off.
Similar to heated socks, they're an upfront cost but will let you keep enjoying the great outdoors even on the coldest days. I personally asked for these for Christmas so I can take photos easier and longer in winter.
The hiker and backpacker
The Minimo is the most versatile of the Jetboil stoves. It compacts down small, is lightweight, and is easy to use. I prefer the MiniMo as it has a simmer control, but the Jetboil Flash Stove is an excellent option for lightweight and quick boiling only.
These headlamps are perfect for your sunrise hike or your evening dog walk. With three night modes to choose the color from, you are ready for all those nighttime star-gazing trips.
I love the Osprey brand as their customer service is excellent. I had a water bladder that was several years old and started to leak. I contacted customer service, and they replaced the bladder and tube, no questions asked. All this to be said, I trust this brand.
I personally just used the Ariel 55L for a week of backpacking and loved it. I also have the Aura 50L, which is a great pack, too, but I love the front-loading capability of the Ariel and the more upright position on your back. If you gift a pack, take your receiver to get it fitted. Packs are all very adjustable, but having the correct settings can make a world of difference.
*Note that the size of Osprey packs does affect the how many liters it holds. Just because it says 50L does not mean 50L so check how your size impacts how much is can hold. Medium is usually truest to liter capacity.
Black Diamond hiking poles are all around the best. They're super reliable, made of lightweight carbon, and have attachments you can buy for snow baskets and more. Plus, the moisture-wicking cork grips are excellent for those hot summer hikes.
Another former Christmas gift I received that I am obsessed with. I firmly believe that everyone should have a satellite phone, whether adventuring solo or with a group. The upfront cost is well worth having access to life-saving support at the click of a button.
I love the InReach Mini because of the two-way messaging functionality from the Earthmate app on your phone. This allows you to send texts along with your coordinates to any contact on your phone. Additionally, you can set up your own website for friends and family to track your trek. I could go on and on, but if you're debating a satellite phone, definitely put this on your Christmas list or get it for your adventuresome loved one who sometimes worries you - much like my parents did for me.
*Please note there is a subscription required for having a Garmin InReach
SOCKS!
Getting socks for Christmas takes on a whole new meaning when you're outdoorsy. I am a big Smartwool fan and have had a great experience with the Darn Tough brand. I know a lot of people are loyalists, but I like and recommend both. I will say I do own more Smartwool but I prefer the Darn Tough patterns.
They're great quality for the right price—only $25 for polarized sunglasses that stay in place while doing all your outdoor activities.
The Snow Bunny
Don't let ice stop your adventures. Black Diamond spikes are reliable on any snowy or icy trail to get you out there and keep adventuring.
New Snowkit
There's something about snow pants that bring out the inner child. Bundling up to go outside and play in the snow while staying warm in winter is magical. But what brings out that inner child more than a new snow kit? There are many great brands on the market. However, I currently suit up in Outdoor Research's gear. And they are now having an up to 60% off sale.
They no longer have the same colors as my kit, but I rock the:
o While my boyfriend rocks:
Men's Skytour Ascent Shell Bib
Men's Skytour Ascent Shell Jacket
*We unintentionally end up matching in a lot of the gear we own. It's fine.
As someone who has suffered a concussion and now gets carsick, there's nothing more important than protecting our head when we are out there hitting the slopes – or in any sport. I love the POC Obex MIPS helmet not just for its ventilation system to cool down on hotter days and the warmth of the earpieces on cold days, but overall for their added head protection. The MIPS technology helps reduce rotational motion to the brain in the event of a crash, aka increased head and concussion prevention.
There are so many excellent Buff options out there. From wind and sun protection to cooling and warming functionality, they have it all. They're ideal for a day out on the mountain and pack super small to have on hand when camping and hiking.
Toques/Beanies/Hats - whatever you want to call it!
You know who you are shopping for best when it comes to picking out a style of hat, but you can never have too many! I really like the Patagonia Fishermans Rolled Beanie and the Burton Recycled DND Beanie 3-Pack.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
