By Outdoor Sports Guide Editorial Staff
Shop for everyone on your list with this categorized gift guide that helps you find just the right present. Stocking stuffers are found at the beginning with higher-priced picks at the end. See more gift ideas at sportsguidemag.com.
For Backcountry Explorers
Alite Cloverware Lite Utensils
This featherlight spoon, fork, and knife set is perfect for the camper, picnicker, or backpacker on your list. $8 alitedesigns.com
Clean Ethics Bottle Bright
Give the gift of a clean-as-new water bottle this holiday season. These effervescent tablets safely clean bottles and water reservoirs without dangerous chemicals. $11 for 10-pack cleanethics.com
PackTowl Ultralight
Skip heavy cotton and stuff your backpacker’s stocking with this packable, quick-dry towel. $14-$35 packtowl.com
Flip-Box Iceless Cooler
Chill drinks or food without ice in this fully collapsible, stowable cooler. It keeps drinks cold for up to six hours and food warm too! $30 sport-brella.com
Snow Peak Mini Hozuki
Hang this bitty portable lantern on a Christmas tree or clip it to a gift to delight your favorite backpacker. Use the “Candle Mode” to create romantic ambience. $40 snowpeak.com
Kelty Lumaspot Rhythm Lantern
Get the party started with a light and music-enhanced campsite. It’s all built in to this LED lantern featuring a rotating spotlight, color-changing disco lights, and an MP3 speaker. $65 kelty.com
Little Griddle Sizzle-Q
Cook gourmet food at a campsite by placing this griddle on top of a grill for making pancakes, eggs, grilled veggies, and even cookies! $70 littlegriddle.com
Grand Trunk Nano-7 Super Ultralight Hammock
At a mere 7.4 ounces, the pop can-sized Nano-7 is easily the lightest production hammock in the world, and the perfect gift for the ultralighter on your list. $80 grandtrunk.com
MyChacos
For true Chaconians, no gift beats a customized pair of Chacos. Choose the webbing, buckles, footbed, and more with their easy online design tool. $125 chacos.com
BioLiteTM Camp Stove
Charge your smarphone while enjoying a real wood fire in a camp stove. The stove converts heat from the fire into usable energy that charges electronics. Works with twigs found on your journey. $129 biolitestove.com
For Man’s Best Friend
Lickety Stik
Nothing like doggy treat crumbs lining your pockets, right? Keep your gloves on with this liquid treat by PetSafe. It looks like roll-on deodorant but dispenses a flavored liquid pets will flip for. $7 petsmart.com
Orbee-Tuff Snowball
Toss him a Snowball that won’t disintegrate. This is world’s first doggie-durable, buoyant, bouncy, minty rubber ball that’s 100% guaranteed, non-toxic, recyclable, washable, and non-melting. $10 planetdog.com
Hide-A-Squirrel Dog Toy
Rover will shred the wrapping when he spies this plush “log” with three, cute squeaky squirrels that taunt him from various openings. Your dog scatters the squirrels and you stuff them back in the log, making it a toy for both of you. $18 shop.kyjen.com/hide-a-squirrel-large.html
Mountain Leash
A leash that not only looks tough but can take a good beating is what you’ll want this year. The thick nylon rope with water-resistant hardware holds up whether it’s being dragged through snow or used as a chew toy. $18 petco.com
Petmate Vari Kennel Ultra
Those without dogs may consider a kennel akin to cruelty, but dogs think of them as home. Perfect solution for security on long ski days or when you want to keep your dog from getting dirt everywhere. $80 petco.com
For Yogis
Bani Bands Headbands
Keep hair off your face with these no-slip adjustable headbands. A slider moves to customizes the fit for all head shapes. $15 banibands.com
Gaiam Yoga Mat Carrying Bag
Choose this hand-embroidered, Fair Trade Certified yoga mat bag with Thai Hill Tribe designs for a unique gift. No two are alike! $36 gaiam.com
Manduka eQua HOT Yoga Towel and Hand Towel
This super soft, double knit microfiber towel is perfect for managing sweaty, high-intensity yoga sessions. Pair it with the microfiber hand towel for wiping your face. Towel $60, Hand Towel $16 manduka.com
Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat
A favorite among hot yoga fans, this mat is a lighter, zero-waste, non-slip mat for in the studio and on-the-go. $72 manduka.com
Juil Grounding Shoes
Slip these on after yoga and stay connected to the earth’s natural energy field with copper conductors in the footbed and sole. Each pair comes with a free yoga mat bag! Use code OSGMAG to save 15% on your order. $155 Holland (women), $135 Yuba (men) juil.com
For Frequent Fliers
PlatypusR PlusBottleTM
Don’t waste precious carry-on space on a large water bottle. Instead, pack this collapsible one through security, then fill it up on the other side. $17 platy.com
Sockwell Circulator Socks
Travelers will love these graduated compression socks that improve circulation to prevent swollen feet upon arrival. Made for all-day wear. $20 goodhew.us.com
Twelve Ways Convertible Dress
Give a lady the gift of easier packing with this multifunctional dress that can be worn as a dress, skirt, or top. $85 twelveways.com
Lug Cartwheel Fitness/Overnight Bag
Go from Zumba to Zanzibar with this gym- and travel-ready tote with a side strap for yoga mats or jackets, ring holder for your jewelry at the gym, ventilated compartment for dirty laundry or shoes, and strap to attach it to your rolling carry-on. $95 luglife.com
Zeal Optics Essential Sunglasses
Part of Zeal’s “Active” line that bridges the gap between lifestyle and performance sunglasses, the Essential (unisex) features exceptionally clear optics using Zeal’s Hyperion™ polarized lens with frames made from a castor bean oil-based polymer. $99 zealoptics.com
Merrell Adventure Men’s Rest Ridgeland Hoodie
Use this Primaloft insulated men’s jacket on your travels, then transform it into a cozy neck pillow when you need to catch some z’s. $170 merrell.com
Dakine Luggage Set
Matching, high-quality luggage is always a perfect gift. The 90L Roller holds enough for week-long treks with U-shaped easy access top and interior pockets. The Travel Kit/Diva hangs on the back of hotel doors and stores personal care products in organized zippered mesh and vinyl pockets. 90L Roller $170, Travel Kit/Diva $35 dakine.com
Kelty China Clipper
Old school is in, and this vintage bag is a hit with men on the move. Zips open like a traditional suitcase with an externally accesible laptop sleeve for speeding through security. $175 kelty.com
Eagle Creek Flip-Switch 22L Carry-on
Rolling bags may be the best luggage innovation of all time, but on Europe’s cobblestone streets, they’re still impractical. This carry-on bag has removable backpack straps and hip belt for times when two wheels aren’t better than none. $275 eaglecreek.com
For Families
Vapur Quencher
Choose these refillable, flat, freezable drink containers for lunches and hikes to avoid the waste of one-use juiceboxes while allowing you or your toddler to pick the liquid of your choice. $12 vapur.com
Lifefactory Baby Bottle
No more feeling guilty about chemicals leeching from your baby’s bottle into his milk with this glass bottle made breakproof by encasing it in protective silicone. As your little one grows, change out the top to a sippy cap. $17 lifefactory.com
Northside Alberta II Boots
Get these sturdy, waterproof boots to take on every puddle and snowstorm. They’ll keep your little one warm and your pocketbook from squeaking when outfitting growing kids for every season. $35 northsideusa.com
Kelty Woobie Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is small enough for your toddler and warm enough for outside use. Fits kids 1–4 with a temperature rating of 30 degrees. Dual zippers make late night changes easy. $45 kelty.com
Keen Howser
Masquerading as a house slipper, the Howser’s sole is tough enough for outdoor wear. Boys and girls will love the bright colors, and the easy-on, easy-off style appeals to parents and kids alike. $45 keenfootwear.com
I’m the Daddy Diaper Pack
While your other half might claim he can rock your retro pink floral diaper bag, you know better. He secretly hates it. This sleek black number with innumerable pockets allows Dad to parent in his own style. $70 daddyscrubs.com
Mountain Mama Trinity Maternity Trekking Pant
An expectant mama’s go-to sport pant. Handles camping and weekday errands in all of its many forms; pants, capris, cuffed shorts, and all of the above with the optional suspenders to ensure gravity and your baby bump don’t send the pants on a southward trek. $79 mountain-mama.com
Mountain Mama Fairview Maternity Fleece Wrap Jacket
Well priced, wonderfully warm, and generously cut (while avoiding the tent effect) the Wrap extends via an interior and exterior tie. Also fits post-pregnancy with a baby carrier and mini-me strapped in underneath. $140 mountain-mama.com
For Techaholics
Yurbuds Inspire Talk
Yurbuds are best known for making comfortable headphones that never fall out, but this new model also offers improved sound quality and a mic so you can take calls on the go. $40 yurbuds.com
Lifeproof Fre Case for iPhone 5
Drop, drown, or smash your iPhone 5. It can take it…with a Lifeproof case. These innovative cases protect your phone completely while allowing full access to the touchscreen and buttons. Also available for other devices, including Samsung Galaxy. $80 lifeproof.com
Motorola Talkabout MT350R Radios
Stay connected skiing, hiking, or camping when you’re out of cellphone range using weatherproof two-way radios with a flashlight and NOAA weather channel. $90 motorola.com
Lifeproof iPad 2/3/4 nüüd Case
Give the gift of protection with an nüüd iPad case that provides water, dirt, snow, and shock protection without compromising the look or feel of your favorite gadget. $135 lifeproof.com
Mophie Juice Pack PRO (Outdoor Edition)
Transforms iPhones into dedicated GPS devices that include complimentary access to detailed U.S. maps and trail info, even when out of network coverage. Extends battery life by 150% and protects your phone from water, sand, and dust. $150 mophie.com
JayBird BlueBuds X
Set yourself free with JayBird’s newest earbuds that play music and take calls though the power of Bluetooth. Couple that with superior audio performance, an 8-hour battery life, and a secure sport fit to create the best wireless headphones you can buy. $170 jaybirdsport.com
GoPro Hero 2
The perfect gift for anyone who documents their adventures on snow, water, and land. This updated camera boasts a redesigned, easier-to-use interface and improved optics. Pair it with a free GoPro app to use your smartphone or tablet as a video remote with on-screen live preview. Outdoor Edition $199 gopro.com
For Pavement Pounders
SpiBand
Stuff a stocking with this slim wristlet made to secure and stow keys, cards, cash, and jewelry safely when you’re active. Use it running, at the gym, or anywhere a wallet’s impractical. $10-12 spiband.com
Nathan QuickShot Bottle
Don’t run a race without one of these! The bottle holds keys/cards and a few ounces of water. $16 nathansports.com
Oofos Clogs
Make race recovery easy with clogs made from Oofoam that absorbs 37% more shock than EVA to reduce pain and fatigue while helping recharge tired limbs. $50 oofos.com
Lucy Quick Witted Jacket
Say yes to winter runs! With fleecy fabric on the inside and quilted overlays, you’re sure to stay warm. If you get hot, mesh panels will cool you off. Reflective details enhance visibility on short winter days. $98 lucy.com
Brooks PureDrift Shoe
Brooks’ newest, lightest shoe let runners customize the heel-to-toe drop from 4mm to 0mm by removing the insole. The flexible, anatomical fit makes you forget you’re wearing a shoe at all. $100 brooksrunning.com
K2 ALEXIS 84 Boa
Your favorite activity of the ‘90s is back! Inline skating is making a comeback as a way to train and stay fit in every season. This K2 boot is modernized with a Boa closure for a perfect, adjustable fit with a stability cuff for complete ankle support. Available locally at SkateNow in Sugarhouse. $190 theskatenowshop.com
Garmin Forerunner 610 Sports Watch
A slim, yet robust and weatherproof touchscreen solution for serious runners seeking an extra advantage. Offers an on-screen pacer to keep you on track. $349 garmin.com
For Road Warriors
Specialized Lo Down Gloves
These affordably-priced, full-finger gloves protect hands in winter weather while the LifeLine palm fits like a second skin. The slim fit gives you optimal control in tricky conditions. $25 specialized.com
Footbrake Shoes
Stow these fold-up flip flops in your jersey pocket and prevent wear and tear on your cleats when you hop off your bike. $30 footbrake.net
Columbia Windefend Jacket
Wear this during blizzardy rides and you won’t feel the icy wind. Wind-blocking front and back panels and Omni-Shield rain-and-stain repellency keep you warm and dry in any weather. $70 columbia.com
Moji 360 Massage Kit
You control the intensity with this massager featuring omni-directional rollers that break up scar tissue at a fraction of the cost of massage therapy. The two-piece pack includes a palm-sized piece and a larger stick. $70 gomoji.com
Specialized Works Kit
Newbie road bikers will love this color-coordinated kit that includes everything you need to get started…except the bike. Contains a saddlebag, water bottle holder, pump, tire lever, and cycling computer. $110 specialized.com
For Winter Worshippers
Hot-Can
Imagine hot soup, coffee, and hot chocolate anywhere in just three minutes. With these self-warming cans, it’s a reality. Just pull the tab and enjoy one snowshoeing or skiing. $2.50 hot-can.com
Stanley 100th Anniversary Vacuum Bottle
The only thing worse than lukewarm coffee is no coffee at all. Enjoy yours hot in a green vacuum bottle like outdoor enthusiasts of yesteryear. This nostalgic edition includes cap cup and a 100th anniversary seal. $40 stanley-pmi.com
Isis Chantilly Long Jane
Take baselayers to a new level of fashion with the Chantilly! The soft, stretchy fabric is at home under ski gear or when paired with a sweater dress and boots. $59 isisforwomen.com
Spenco Cold Snap Shoes
Uggs are cozy, but the lack of arch support makes them as good for your feet as a flip flop. Enjoy a fuzzy shoe interior with a supportive Spenco insole built right in. $80 spenco.com
DaKine Rider’s Duffle
The tarp-lined Rider’s Duffle features a U-shaped opening that provides easy access to the entire main compartment and folds out into a changing mat to keep your socks safe from slushy asphalt while you change out of your boots at the end of a powder day. $85 dakine.com
Sierra Designs Cascade Skirt
Insulation…it’s not just for jackets and sleeping bags anymore. Layer up with this clever number that covers your assets on outdoorsy winter pursuits. $99 sierradesigns.com
Zoot Performance CompressRx THERMOmegaheat Tights
The best in compression just got better. Designed to keep you warm while reducing muscle fatigue and recovery time so you can enjoy winter activities without missing a beat. $110 zootsports.com
Teva Chair5 and Jordanelle Boots
Stiff, heavy boots are SO 2012. Update your kicks with Teva’s stylish Lifty Boot collection. They compress to regular shoe size for easy packing, and the removable Thinsulate liner makes a great house slipper. $170 teva.com
Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket
Helly is all about innovation, and the H2 Flow™ Jacket goes where no midlayer has gone before. It uses a Hollow Heat Flow system to warm and cool you using positive and negative space for temperature regulation. $180 hellyhansen.com
Columbia Powerfly Down Jacket
Need an uberlight, warm down jacket? Get this! Packs to the size of a soda can, and it’s lined with Omni-Heat® thermal reflective lining to keep you warmer with less weight. $220 columbia.com