The giving season is here so it’s time to ponder what your outdoor loving loved ones need to make the winter warmer. We picked this comfy and useful selection of gifts based on what we coveted most when we perused our local retailers. We picked them for hims and hers but there’s no reason to be binary—everyone could use a good Swedish splitting axe after all.
FOR HIM
Outdoor Research
Kalaloch Reversible Shirt Jacket
This winter warmer can pull double duty: Wear the patterned option when you want to look the outdoor bro part (don’t worry there’s a woman’s version, too, and both look good on any gender)—and turn it inside out for a no-nonsense insulating layer when you forgot to do the wash. $169; outdoorresearch.com
Sage
Dart Rod and Click Reel
No matter how many rods and reels the serious angler has in the quiver one more never hurts. With short-range fast action the spry Dart rod is the perfect stick for anglers who like to fish small, adventurous spots high up in the hills—and it’s a blast to cast. Pair it with the smooth Click reel with a large palming rim that’s a godsend for fighting big fish on small tackle. $700 rod, $300 reel; sageflyfish.com
GrowlerWerks
uKeg 128
This double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless-steel growler brings a touch of craft-brew class to the keg party. The 128-ounce beauty keeps your favorite brewery’s best stuff fresh for up to two weeks and we think it’s the ideal addition to any office or off-the-grid shindig. $229; growlerwerks.com
Mountain Khakis
Camber 106
Made from comfy stretch canvas these do-it-all pants will make any mountain denizen happy. Versatility is key: They work just as well for a hike with the mutt as they do for a long plane ride. $75; mountainkhakis.com
Spirit Hound
Straight Malt Whiskey
What to get for the dude who has it all? Whiskey, of course, because once he drinks it he needs more (and it’s a gift to be shared with you). Lyons, Colorado-based Spirit Hound has concocted a smooth-drinking malt that’s up to the occasion. $44; spirthounds.com
JBL
Everest 710GA
Don’t want to be pestered while you are deep into your tunes? Just press the earcup sensor on these plush Bluetooth headphones and you can tap into your Google assistant. Not to mention they deliver crisp sound and recharge 25 hours of battery life in about two hours. $250; jbl.com
Hults Bruk
The Bjork Splitting Axe
Who doesn’t love swinging a beautiful axe? Splitting wood is a fine way to relieve stress, and prepare for cold nights, and you won’t find a better tool for the job than the Bjork. This fine piece of Swedish craftsman ship features a head shaped specifcaly for turning those raw rounds into perfect firewood. $119; hultsbruk1697.se
Wacaco
Nanopresso
Need that jolt even when you are far, far from your favorite hipster haunt? This effective little portable espresso maker hand pumps out a maximum of 18 bars (261 PSI) of stable pressure during extraction to help you create some serious backcountry crema. $65; wacaco.com/pages/nanopresso
FOR HER
Salomon
RS Skate Skis
Tap into your inner Olympian (or Nordic ski deity) with Salomon’s carbon-core RS SKATE skis. Made for agility, these lightweight skis have versatile camber for speed and stability. They make the perfect gift for women looking for a new winter sport or wanting to up their skate game this season. $350; salomon.com
One Eleven
SWI Women’s Solar Watch
Your phone can do a lot of things, but it can’t make time look this sleek. One Eleven solar watches sport bold, durable cases and hardened mineral crystal lenses, are water resistant, and yet are beautifully designed and comfortable on the wrist. $225; 111watches.com
Toad & Co
Allie Fleece Jacket
Fleece is big this season. This sweet little jacket pairs style with warmth and versatility. Perfect for winter road trips or for simply cozying up with a book. $139; toadandco.com
Arc’teryx
Sigma FL Womens Pants
Stay cozy in the alpine with these soft-shell pants. Lightweight and breathable, with adjustable cuffs and waistline, they’re an easy fit for backcountry adventures. $189; arcteryx.com
Sherpani
Faith Bag
Canvas bags can be so…utilitarian. Not this beauty. The 11-liter Faith carries just enough (laptop, check!) without getting bulky. Made from sustainable canvas, the fabric is hand-painted and hand-glazed, a centuries-old technique. Convertible from tote to cross-body. $120; sherpani.com
Ursa Major
Skin Care
This travel-ready personal care line made in Vermont was pure luxury when we tested it in the desert backcountry. Made with essential oils and non-irritating, natural ingredients, Ursa Major offers instant refresh—anywhere, anytime. We especially love the face-care towelettes and skin balm. $6.50-$14; ursamajorvt.com
Sunski
Madronas Sunglasses
West-coast newbie brand Sunski makes an array of casual frames for everyday sun protection and style. The Madronas are available with classic brown or blue lenses, both polarized. Up next: recycled plastic frames. $55; sunski.com
Stio
Azura Insulated Vest
Layer this vest for core warmth and eye-catching color. Weatherproof and filled with compressible synthetic insulation, the vest sports ample pockets and adjustable hem, particularly nice features when it serves as the outermost layer. $165; stio.com
