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There are few things we appreciate more than quality in the great outdoors. One of those things? The oodles of gear that come with giant trips into the less-than-explored outdoors and backyard hangs alike: from knives to hydration packs, tents to coolers, there’s acreage of gear necessary for braving wide-open spaces across the country, whether you count yourself among outdoor enthusiasts and novices.
Chances are you know someone who falls in the previous two categories, and whether your gifting list includes outdoor veterans with years of experience or newcomers that are just stepping foot into the unknown, there are tons of outdoor gifts to bestow. Rest assured, the gifts we’ve hand-selected are sure to stoke a passion for the outdoors, no matter who you’re shopping for.
Just looking at the name of these socks tells you what you need to know. These socks will be able to withstand anything you put them through for years to come.
An aluminum- and baking soda-free deodorant is hard to come by. Bravo Sierra has a strong fragrance available in four scents: White Vetiver & Cedarwood, Citrus & Cedarwood, Sandalwood & Fig and Tonka Bean & Lemon. The scent also lasts all day and doesn’t stain your clothes unlike some other well-known brands. If you just want the anti-perspiration and no additional scent you can pick up the classic unscented option. Bravo Sierra also has a line of body sprays, body washes, dry shampoo and much more.
Norwegian ski label Helly Hansen remains our first choice for adventure gear when the mercury freezes, on the merit of their storied legacy and innovative technology alike. The new Lifa Infinity membrane featured on the men’s and women’s Alpha Infinity Jacket, in particular, blows our minds: it’s thoroughly weatherproof, incredibly breathable and, with the help of recycled face fabric and PCF-free DWR, functionally sustainable, all while retaining the core ski features HH is so known for.
The Retro-X Fleece is a solid staple for fall and winter. It can block the wind thanks to the knit mesh lining and it keeps you warm with the thick sherpa fleece that Patagonia is known for.
These jeans are treated with a water-repellent DWR. These jeans are woven with a fleece-denim weave. These jeans have a reinforced, triple-stitched inseam, gusset and back rise. These jeans are the end-all-be-all of outdoor jeans.
You’ve seen mules everywhere over the last few years, thanks to the rise of Birkenstock Bostons and the beloved garden clog. But The North Face has a mule of their own designed for the winter, thanks to the cozy Thermoball insulation. Perfect for a quick run to the grocery store or chilly morning dog walk.
A lightweight but durable titanium camping mug made by one of Japan’s greatest outdoor brands. It also has all the details you’ll need while camping, with a collapsible handle for easy storage, a smooth lip making it easy to drink and the titanium is corrosion resistant.
Every outdoors enthusiast needs a reliable folding knife. You want something that’s lightweight, durable and most importantly sharp. The Opinel’s stainless steel blade sits on an oak handle. It also has a 3.28-inch length and virobloc safety lock.
The Hoka Kaha is designed for hiking from the upper layer to the sole. The Gore-Tex upper adds warmth and durability, and the rubber midsole adds cushioning and support during longer outings. Plus, you can avoid nasty falls thanks to the Vibram grippy hi-traction outsole.
The rugged VSSL container looks more like a piece of outdoor gear designed by West Elm than it does a potentially lifesaving tool, but the waterproof, military-grade housing is nearly indestructible. The Flask features an 8oz capacity with an SOS-capable 4-mode LED flashlight, a highly precise compass topper, and two collapsible shot glasses built right in.
Backpacking cult-favorite Mystery Ranch delivers an all-in-one experience with their 2-Day Assult Backpack, perfect for everything from the daily commute to stints off the grid. Clocking in at just over 3 lbs, the 27-liter compartment is big enough to hold essentials while maintaining the lightness and accessibility necessary for any kind of trek.
Aventon’s no-frills commuter bike makes for a snappy gift, with a 20mph top speed and 40-mile range for the less-than-expert cyclist on your list. Perfect for functional commuting and a casual weekend joy-ride, it’s step-through option makes it and an ideal present for shorter and female-identifying riders.
The post-sneaker movement has reached even the gear space, with Jungle Mocs enjoying a (well-deserved) resurgence in the past year. It makes sense, as Merrell’s laceless footwear is a winning formula of easy-on versatility, batter-proof suede and a bulbous, space-shoe look that’ll fit right in on your waviest of outdoor adventures.
Yeti hard coolers have become as much about status as they have about functionality, but there’s no doubt they outclass the competition. And yet, most people don’t need a substantial, tailgate-worthy cooler, but rather, a smaller alternative like the Camino 35 Carry-All. With a carrying capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, you should have zero problems toting that six-pack and cheese board out of the park.
InsideHook favorite The James Brand makes a classy, streamlined folding knife that’ll give your husband/dad/brother’s old swiss army knife a run for its money. You can check out our full review here, but here’s the skinny: VG-10 stainless steel blade, one-handed symmetrical thumb-disc open and the perfect discrete weight make it a contender for best pocket knife ever.
The Targhee II was one of our favorite boots of last year, and the updated version runs with the core components we loved so much — a durable, waterproof exterior and superior traction — with an abundance of additional features, mostly centered around comfort. A best-seller in the space, the Targhee III delivers smooth transitions between casual hikes and technical climbs. And did we mention it looks good, too? Use that as an excuse to wear it around town after you’ve had a chance to fall in love.
The Rumpl NanoLoft blanket is soft, durable, lightweight and constructed of a recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric. It will be able to withstand any outdoors adventures thanks to its tough construction and DWR coating, which makes it easy to wipe off any moisture and dirt. The NanoLoft insulation mimics down but feels akin to a pillow. It’s easy to store in a backpack while trekking through a hike or camping trip.
Few gifts can claim that they swaddle, but athletic boutique Outdoor Voices’ oversized mass of 63% recycled wool MegaFleece fabric ensures a held feeling for the wearer at all times.
Solo Stove’s smokeless fire pits are ideal for your cold-weather backyard get-togethers — but they also come with a free carry case for road adventures.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself of for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
