By Brooks Forester, Melissa McGibbon, Rebecca Petersen, and Jenny Willden
Still shopping for the holidays? Find the perfect present for everyone on your Nice List (and a few things for your Santa wish list too) in this categorized guide. Organized by price to make sticking to your budget easy.
The Backcountry Explorer
- 1. MSR Chef Knife
Slice and dice your favorite veggies for tin foil dinners using this stainless-steel blade knife that’s designed to stay sharp even with frequent use. $15 cascadedesigns.com
- 2. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Waterproof .9
Take care of minor trail injuries with a comprehensive first aid kit stored in a waterproof bag. $36 adventuremedicalkits.com
- 3. Princeton Tec Vizz Headlamp
Waterproof housing makes it the headlamp of choice when the weather turns inclement. Features three beam profiles with 110-hour burn time. Bring on the rain! $50 princetontec.com
- 4. Rustic Roasters Timber S’more Sticks
Handcrafted in Park City, these s’more sticks are a one-of-a-kind gift for camping couples. Built from reclaimed wood or antlers with heavy-duty stainless steel rods so you can roast for years to come. $55 rusticroasters.com
- 5. RobeTowl™
When packing space is limited, travel with a quick-dry, towel/robe combo that soaks up four times its weight in water and wrings out almost dry. $75 cascadedesigns.com
- 6. Mountainsmith Modular Hauler 3br
Organize gear on the road with a color-coded hauler system. Three cubes fit in the ballistic fabric bag with handles for easy toting. $80 mountainsmith.com
- 7. Osprey Volt 60 Men’s Backpacking Pack
A hipster’s dream. Osprey’s unique LightWire frame transfers weight from your shoulders to your hips. For 2–5 day trips. $180 ospreypacks.com
- 8. Gregory Cairn 58 Women’s Backpacking Pack
Utah-based Gregory has been making killer packs for decades, but the women’s-fit Cairn really wows with its smart gear organization system, integrated rain cover, and perfectly placed pockets. $279 gregorypacks.com
The Fitness Fanatic
- 1. Swiftwick Zero Vibe Socks
Eliminate friction blisters with ultra thin compression socks that feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. $13 swiftwick.com
- 2. StrengthTape
The official tape of Ironman, this ion-infused product supports and stabilizes muscles and joints to get you back to your favorite activities faster. Use for sprains, strains, and knee stability. $16 strengthtape.com
- 3. Baktuli Workout Towel
Designed with style in mind, drape this towel on a workout bench or your neck during intense sweat sessions. An antibacterial treatment keeps it germ free. $25 baktuli.com
- 4. Achiva Native Energy
Stuff a stocking with single-serving packets of this dehydrated chia seed and coconut water drink that’s made in Utah and designed to sustain energy during activity. $36 for box of 24 packets achivaenergy.com
- 5. Moji 360 Foot Massager
A foot massager is knot a bad way to show you care, and Moji’s helps to banish plantar fasciitis with rotating spheres that relieve tension and break up scar tissue. $40 moji.com
- 6. G-Loves
Built tough for weight-lifting, pull-uping, and other gym activities, get enhanced grip with half-finger gloves featuring a silcone palm. For men and women. $45 g-loves.com
- 7. Moving Comfort Flex Hoodie
Pretty in the gym or out, sport a seamless long sleeve made of odor-resistant DryLayer® fabric to keep you smelling fresh when working hard. $65 movingcomfort.com
The Gadget Guru
- 1. Road ID App
Turn your loved one’s smartphone into a tool to keep them safe. Use eCrumb Tracking to show others where you go, and turn the Lock Screen into a medical info display for first responders. roadid.com/ecrumbs
- 2. Klingg Headphones Clip
Powerful magnets attach Klingg to your shirt to keep earphone cords out of the way when you’re active. You’ll wonder how you worked out without it. $20
- 3. Hot Logic Mini
Heat food anywhere you have outlet access, be it your office or a campsite, with your own bitty portable warming oven. $50 myhotlogic.com
- 4. Outdoor Tech Buckshot
Stuff a stocking with this tiny, handlebar-mountable Bluetooth speaker that makes cycling with music safer. Doubles as a speakerphone. $50 outdoortechnology.com
- 5. Yurbuds Adventure Line Headphones
Developed for athletes, the Kevlar cords prevent tangling and sweat-resistant signature buds deliver a secure fit while allowing ambient noise for safety. $80 yurbuds.com
- 6. TaskOne iPhone Case
Every outdoorsperson needs a 21st Century Swiss Army Knife that’s cleverly disguised as an iPhone case. It’s as light as a standard case, but inside you’ll find 22 useful tools like a removable knife, screwdriver, and wire cutters. $100 thetasklab.com
- 7. Eton BoostSolar
When disconnecting isn’t an option, power up with a lightweight, solar rechargeable battery pack that straps to a backpack. $100 etoncorp.com
- 8. Osprey Pixel Port Bag
Perfect for commuters and the tech obsessed, a clear zippered front sleeve lets you access tablets without removing them. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve and organization pockets for everything else. $119 ospreypacks.com
The Little One
- 1. Sno-Tool Snow Mold
Snow forts are so last decade. Expand your snow architecture sphere with circular snow molds. This may end up in the kid’s present pile, but the parents will steal it. And play head architect. $6 onestepahead.com
- 2. Snow Strider Ski Accessory
A Strider balance bike teaches your mini-me to ride a bike, pedal and training-wheel free. Harness their early motor skills by getting them comfortable on snow before they can spell their own name. S.H.R.E.D.D.E.R. $29 stridersports.com
- 3. Whamo Snow Crossbow
Take your firepower to a whole new level during the neighborhood snowball fight. Or ambush your kids…which sounds infinitely more fun. $39 amazon.com
- 4. Keen Sorrento Boys’ Shoe
Your love affair with all things Keen can be more than a summer fling with this fabulous workhorse in the winter months. The Sorrento is perfect for school with an updated oxford styling and nonmarking sole; passing the test of recess, trails, and uniform requirements with ease. $55 keenfootwear.com
- 5. L.L. Bean Kids Winter Walker Snowshoes
Your explorer won’t be hindered by drifting snow with this easy-on/easy-off (hurray!) showshoe for their winter treks through the backyard and beyond. Hardened-aluminum crampons for traction with an anodized aluminum frame that’s lightweight and nearly indestructible. $59 llbean.com
The Race-aholic
- 1. Salted Caramel GU
Sweet, salty, and packed with electrolytes, fuel with a holiday flavor of this classic gel that’s a perfect stocking stuffer for any athlete. $10/8-pack guenergy.com
- 2. Moving Comfort Just Right Earwarmers
Overheat in hats? Use ear warmers to stay just the right amount of toasty on cold runs. $18 movingcomfort.com
- 3. Amphipod Race-Lite Go Belt
If nothing irks you like poking holes in a $60 tank at a race, this belt is for you. Holds your race number without pins with an expandable pocket on back for a phone, gels, or sunglasses. $24 amphipod.com
- 4. Nathan Quickshot Torchlight
Make hands-free hydration a reality for the runner in your life. The 8-ounce size is great for racing or training with reflectivity to improve visibility. $24 nathansports.com
- 5. Allied Medal Displays Rack
Race medals aren’t meant to be stuffed in drawers. Now your favorite runner can display their accomplishments with a laser-cut stainless steel rack. Available in assorted designs with room for 8–30 medals, dependent on how many bars you order underneath. $40 and up medalhangers.com
- 6. Brooks Adapt Vest
Arctic temperatures call for extra protection, and the Adapt has you covered. The vest’s shell is wind- and water-resistant fabric with Thermacool insulation for a warm core. Men and women. $110 brooksrunning.com
- 7. Nathan Speed Shift Gloves
Change songs without removing these touchscreen-friendly gloves with USB rechargeable LED lights that make runners visible from 1300 feet away. $50 nathansports.com
- 8. Asics Thermopolis LT Tight
Cozy as your favorite blanket, but far more moisture wicking, choose these warm, well-fitting tights for winter runs. Pair with the similarly comfy Thermopolis long sleeve. For men and women. $60 asics.com
- 9. Zoot Ultrarun Megaheat Hoodie
Hit the trails in any weather wearing a superwarm hoodie with a patented TUCKhem® to keep the cold out. $85 zootsports.com
- 10. Brooks Adrenaline ASR 10 GTX Waterproof Trail Runners
Don’t let snow stop your run. These trail runners have a waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane with the same award-winning fit of Brooks’ traditional Adrenaline shoe. $140 brooksrunning.com
The Winter Warrior
- 1. Swany X-Cell II Mitts
Stay warm and dry with these gauntlet-style leather mittens. Made with a smooth grain LeatherShield with reinforced digitized palms, Swany’s Tri-plex insulation system, and stay-dry lining. $134 swany.com
- 2. Icebreaker Crave Hooded Sweater
This gorgeous hooded sweater sits at the lower waist and is made from 260g merino wool. It’s naturally odor resistant and has a UPF rating of 50+ to protect against harmful UV rays. $140 icebreaker.com
- 3. Smith Virtue Goggles
Updated for 2014, a new inner lens coating prevents fogging, even in demanding conditions. The semi-rimless design increases peripheral visibility so you can see your surroundings more easily than ever. $140 smithoptics.com
- 4. Marmot Safire Jacket
This down jacket is made with a recycled polyester shell and has 650-fill down to provide cozy insulation that can be worn alone or paired with a shell. $165 marmot.com
- 5. Wild Outdoors Park Place Snap-Front Jacket
Styled like your favorite button up, this waterproof men’s coat is stuffed with 700-fill down and wears well from street to summit. $195 wildoutdoorapparel.com
- 6. Smith Vantage Helmet
Protecting your head is worth every penny, so it’s smart to splurge on a high-quality helmet. The new Koroyd® construction offers increased impact protection while promoting better airflow. The Boa® FS360 system dials in a perfect fit. $220 smithoptics.com
- 7. Rab Strata Jacket
Slim fit and lightweight, this wind- and water-resistant jacket is filled with highly breathable synthetic insulation. Wear it and stay warm whether you’re mountaineering or holiday shopping. $225 rab.uk.com
- 8. Columbia Whirlibird™ Interchange Jacket
Get three jackets for the price of one! There’s a warm Omni-Heat® liner that looks great alone, or pair it with the fully-waterproof tailored shell for ski days. $230 columbia.com
- 9. Helly Hansen Men’s Mission Jacket and Pants
Bright colors, a clean design, and innovative features make this men’s jacket/pant combo stand out from the crowd. Primaloft insulated with the H2 Flow system to promote airflow and prevent overheating. Both are waterproof–breathable to a professional level so you can keep skiing in wet conditions. Jacket $400, Pants $250 hellyhansen.com
- 10. K2 Eco Lite Board and Tryst Bindings
Shredding ladies will love riding Gretchen Bleiler’s signature board that’s updated with Tweekends for increased snow contact and better float in powder with more rideable surface area. Pair with the Tryst bindings that offer smooth ratcheting for easy entry and exit. Board $480, Bindings $200 k2snowboarding.com
- 11. Dynafit TLT Radical ST Bindings
Über light bindings with a frameless system dramatically lightens any touring set up. The Radical STs are easy to use and are great for both resort and backcountry skiing. $499 dynafit.com
- 12. Salomon Q-115 Skis
Floaty and powerful, the Salomon Q Series are made for big mountain and backcountry. They feature Utility Rocker for versatile direction and new Honeycomb tip and tail for increased agility in challenging terrain. $699 salomon.com
- 13. Scarpa Freedom SL Ski Boots
These high-performance boots are made of lightweight carbon fiber and have FR speed liners that offer the warmest thermo-moldable foam in a multi-density alpine liner. Compatible with Dynafit bindings. $769 scarpa.com
The Yogi
- 1. Hugger Mugger Towel
This eco-friendly bamboo yoga towel is super absorbent making it a great mat companion for sweaty classes. $39 huggermugger.com
- 2. Athleta Neon Stripe Racer Back Tank
Any gal would love this gorgeous yoga top as a gift. It’s designed to provide comfort and support during even the most challenging practices. $49 athleta.com
- 3. Monkey G Men’s Om Short
Give your favorite yogi the gift of style and comfort. These board shorts combine the performance of supplex fabric with high performance to create a surf-inspired style for men. $54 monkeygus.com
- 4. prAna June Yoga Tote
This beauty is made of hemp and organic cotton and can stash a yoga mat, towel, change of clothes, and other studio essentials. $80 prana.com
- 5. Athleta Heavenly Hail Hoodie
The perfect to and fro studio piece! This French terry pull over half-zip hoodie is semi-fitted and has a rear mesh panel for extra breathability. $89 athleta.com
