This week we'll celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S., which also marks the start of the holiday shopping frenzy. Over the course of the next few weeks leading up to Christmas we'll all be going in search of that perfect gift for the loved ones in our lives. Over the next couple of days, I'll be putting together a series of gift guides for those who have outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and would-be explorers on their shopping list.Each day this week I'll be offering a few suggestions under a different category for items that just might make a great gift this holiday seasons. Today, that category is for the general outdoorsman or woman who loves to do just about anything outdoors.
Keen Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Boots ($150)
Keen's Targhee hiking boot has been a staple in the company's line-up for years, but with each iteration it keeps getting better. Built for day hikers and light-duty backpacking use, the Targhee is comfortable, good looking, and durable. The waterproof version does a great job of keeping excess moisture out, while still hanging to vent heat and perspiration. The result is a boot that can keep your foot warm and dry on a wide variety of trails and in a wide variety of conditions.
Osprey Hikelite 18 Backpack ($85)
If you're favorite hiker needs a backpack that can serve double-duty both on the trail and as an everyday carry, the new Osprey Hikelite 18 will fit the bill. It offers 18-liters of carrying capacity, an internal hydration sleeve for a 3-liter reservoir, an integrated rain cover and attachment loops for hauling trekking poles. That same hydration sleeve can also accommodate a laptop for daily commutes or travel, while internal organization pockets helps to keep everything well situated. Versatile, comfortable, and backed by Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee, this is a pack that can be used on numerous adventures.
Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20ºF Sleeping Bag ($380)
Packed with 800-fill hydrophobic down, the Therm-a-Rest Parsec sleeping bag is warm and comfortable, even when used in temperatures dropping down to as low as 20ºF (-6ºC) or lower. The bag is comfortable and lightweight, with the medium sized model tipping the scales at just 1 pound, 15 ounces. Zoned insulation and the patented "Toe-asis" help to keep campers cozy and well-rested on their backpacking excursions, while Therm-a-Rest's SynergyLink Connectors keep the bag secured to a sleeping pad at all times.
Mountain Khakis Original Mountain Pant ($85)
Comfortable and good looking on and off the trail, Mountain Khakis makes an array of fantastic pants that are perfect for hiking, travel, or just running errands around town. The Original Mountain Pant is the one that started it all and remains an excellent option. Designed to fit someone with an active lifestyle, these pants look great and are extremely durable. For me, they've become my go-to when ever I'm heading out on an adventure.
Suunto 9 Sports Watch ($600)
If you have an active outdoor enthusiast on your list, chances are they're into a number of different outdoor sports. The Suunto 9 watch can help them track their workouts in a variety of activities, including hiking, trail running, cycling, swimming, and 75 more than 75 others. Waterproof down to 100 meters, the Suunto 9 also features onboard GPS tracking, an integrated heart rate monitor, smartphone notifications, and exceptional battery life. It is also durable enough to survive anything you can throw at it and look good enough to wear even when you're not working out.
BioLite Sunlight ($25)BioLite makes some of the most well thought out tech products for the outdoor space and the SunLight is a great example of this. The solar-powered light can crank out as much as 100 lumens on its brightest setting and has a burn-time of up to 50 hours when the intensity is turned down some. This camp lantern is small, compact, and lightweight too, making it easy to throw in a backpack and carry with you wherever you go. And with its party mode offering a blend of alternating colors it is sure to be a major hit around the campsite.
Smartwool PhD Light 1/4 Zip Shirt ($95)
Merino wool is one of the best materials for creating active outdoor apparel, and Smarwool knows how to get the most out of it. The PhD Light 1/4 Zip shirt is a great example of this, bringing breathability, moisture-wicking, and odor-fighting properties to a garment that looks as good as it performs. This shirt is so soft and comfortable that your loved ones won't want to take it off, at it somehow manages to keep them warm on cold days, and yet comfortably cool when the temperature starts to heat up. Whether they're heading out for a day hike, running to the store for groceries, or traveling to far flung places, this is a shirt they'll be glad they have in their closet.
Jackery PowerBar 77 Portable Charger ($130)
Keeping our gadgets fully charged while on the go is a necessity in this day and age, and Jackery's PowerBar is a great option for doing just that. Not only does it come with two standard USB-A ports, it includes a fast-charging USB-C port as well. Best of all, the PowerBar is even equipped with a standard AC outlet, allowing it to charge laptops, as well as tablets, smartphones, and other devices. It's 20,000 mAh battery is enough to recharge an iPhone 6+ times, making those long flights, weekend backcountry excursions, and all-day work sessions much easier to get through.
Stance Socks ($14-$18)
Yes, I know, I know, socks for as a Christmas present? While its true, giving socks seems like a lame gift, but when they are performance socks like the ones made by Stance, your favorite outdoor enthusiast will thank you. More often than not we don't put much thought into the socks we wear, but when you put a truly great pair on your feet you can feel the difference. Their feet deserve the comfort and protection that premium socks provide.
Leatherman Signal Multitool ($110)
A good multitool can be an outdoor enthusiasts best friend, serving many purposes on day hikes, weekend backpacking excursions, or globetrotting adventures. Leatherman's Signal is one of the best options around, packing 19 different tools into a compact, rugged, and easy to use package. Carrying the Signal is like having a toolbox in your pocket, including pliers, saw, hammer, bottle opener, and much, much more.
