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Holiday Gifts for Your Favorite Outdoorists

Still finishing up your holiday shopping for those last few hard-to-buy-for friends and family members? Here’s the list you’ve been waiting for. From snuggly splurges to small (but incredibly useful) stocking stuffers, we have ideas to help your giftee unwrap a smile as we wrap up another year. Cheers!

Dave and Matt Vans 

Feeling especially generous this holiday season? Give your loved one the trips of a lifetime. The lifestyle vehicles from Dave and Matt Vans feature a lofted bed, zoned cabin lighting, five-drawer kitchenette, induction cooktop, 12v refrigerator, and numerous other bells and whistles–all for a relatively affordable $86,000 starting ticket price. If a new ride isn’t quite in the budget, you can still surprise your sweetheart with a few nights away in one of their rentals. Starting at $179 per night, dmvans.com  

Mountain Hardwear Men’s Stretchdown Light Shacket

For Goldilocks days where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold, your guy will love the Men’s Stretchdown Light Shacket from Mountain Hardwear. A dapper silhouette–think snap cuffs, double-breast pockets, and button-down face–belies the fact that this 750-fill down midlayer is ready for anything thanks to an exclusive stretch-woven fabric. $230, mountainhardwear.com 

Artilect Women’s Eldorado Merino Hoodie Jacket

With performance that’s ready for the elements and a laid-back, chic aesthetic, there’s a lot to love about the Women’s Eldorado Merino Hoodie Jacket from Boulder-based Artilect. The  midlayer is made with Bluesign-approved Nuyarn merino fabric, which promises to outperform traditional ring-spun merino on multiple levels: dry time, stretch, loft, and durability. It’s also naturally odor resistant. $230, artilect.studio 

Appalachian Gear Company 8020 Sun Hoodie

Know your person has an aversion to smearing sunscreen all over their upper body? A sunshirt is just the thing. We like this lightweight option from Appalachian Gear Company made with … wait for it … 80% alpaca wool, which is sustainable, quick-drying, and designed to regulate temperature even when breaking a serious sweat. The remaining 20% is Tencel, meaning this hoodie is made completely with natural fibers. Available in men’s and women’s versions. $110, appalachiangearcompany.com 

100% Norg Goggle

When it comes to eyewear with both top-of-the-line lens quality and a whole lot of panache, it’s hard to beat 100%. The brand leans into its long history in the moto, cycling, and running worlds to bring its first-ever snow collection to market this season. The award-winning Norg goggle is our pick for its seamless lens-to-goggle chassis fit, ability to fit over prescription glasses, and proprietary lens technologies that enhance clarity and contrast. The 3DPlane lens technology boosts structural integrity to the lens, while keeping the frame soft and comfortable, while the Gravit8 magnetic system makes it easy to switch between two lenses that come with your purchase. Available in a wide range of lens colors to fit the conditions your giftee typically shreds in (and their personality). $250, 100percent.com 

Bogs Winter Boots

Give the gift of cozy toes with the iconic tall boots from Bogs. Both men’s and women’s versions boast the familiar just-below-the-knee height and brand’s 100% waterproof promise. We recommend the insulated Arcata Tall for guys and the Whiteout Faded for gals, which feature slip-resistant soles. If Junior wants in on the action, there are plenty of sure-to-please patterns in their kids’ styles. $160, $160, $95, bogsfootwear.com 

Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack

Maybe your recipient is already looking ahead to summer backpacking season? If that’s the case, then be sure to add the Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack from Outdoor Vitals to your virtual cart. The pack lives up to its ultralight name, but (thankfully) it’s far more comfortable than other haulers that carry the moniker. A specialized, ripstop fabric (used instead of canvas or cotton) contributes the bulk of the weight savings, which allows for extras like a roll-top closure, top cinch strap, multiple pockets, and padded hip belt–and it still clocks in under 2 pounds for the 45-liter version. Add the Nylofume Pack Liner ($9) to keep moisture out on rainy expeditions. $200, outdoorvitals.com 

VSSL Java Coffee Grinder

VSSL claims their Java Coffee Grinder is “engineered for folks who give a damn about their coffee.” Standing about 4.5 inches tall and weighing a little over three-quarters of a pound, this portable grinder isn’t exactly lightweight, but with a handy carrying handle and compact design, it’s perfect for weight-doesn’t-matter outings like short morning hikes and car camping. Truth be told, we actually use this device on the regular to make a morning cuppa without waking the kiddo. $160, vsslgear.com 

Partners Specialty Instant Coffee

For days when you’re racing out the door to catch first chair or watching weight in your backpack, try the specialty instant coffee varieties from Partners. We promise, you won’t know it’s instant. Go for Partners’ Brooklyn option if your giftee likes chocolate and toffee tasting notes or their El Ramo if option they prefer a sweet, nuanced light roast. If they prefer fruity hints, then the cranberry and orange nuance in their Miracle On North 6th Street option is where it’s at. $16 to $17 for six sachets, partnerscoffee.com 

Wondery Parks of the USA Bucket List Water Bottle

Driven to empower women in the outdoors, Wondery makes comfortable, durable, and stylish apparel for women with a focus on size inclusivity. However, their Fifty States Bucket List Water Bottle is sure to please any giftee on your list. This hefty, 32-ounce, double-wall, vacuum-insulated sipper comes with 63 U.S. park stickers to help you keep track of–and reminisce about–your adventures in America’s wild lands. And 5% of every purchase goes to the National Parks Conservation Association. $58, wonderybrand.com 

Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

Not only do we dig Darn Tough’s punny name, we’re also big fans of their socks. No matter the kind of athlete you’re buying for–hiker, runner, skier, couch surfer–this Vermont-based brand has something that will make them smile. The Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, available for both him and her, is a great all-around option. We love it for hitting the trail (obviously), though we’ve also been known to take it out on chilly runs and use it as a go-to toe warmer when lounging around on lazy weekends. $25, darntough.com 

Cozy Earth Ultra-Soft Bamboo Hoodie

When it’s finally time for post-adventure relaxation, your gift recipient will find themselves grabbing their new Ultra-Soft Bamboo Hoodie time and time again. With enough shape to look respectable for a quick bevvy run, this top also boasts serious sustainability cred thanks to its considerable brushed bamboo content. Hers, $145; His, $112.50 (on sale), cozyearth.com 

Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes

We love to travel but hate those single-use toothpaste tubes that are nonetheless sized just right and uber handy. More than likely, your outdoors-loving gift recipient feels the same. Pop a pair of Matador’s Refillable Toothpaste Tubes into their stocking and solve their travel woes. The kit comes with two tubes for one- and two-week trips. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe. $10 for two tubes, matadorup.com 

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