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Let’s face it, it’s been a year. But with the challenges of this year the one ray of sunshine has been the reconnection with nature that has happened. More people are getting out into the woods, whether it’s in their own backyards, on public or state lands or in the nations national parks.
Many have since discovered their inner adventurer. So, what do you get that adventurer on your list for the holidays you might be wondering?
I’m here to break down some of my favorite gear from this year. And I am going to do it by category, so you can find the activity that speaks to that particular type of adventure traveler.
Best gifts for the backcountry camper
For those adventurers that enjoy a multiday hiking trip in the backcountry these are my top gear recommendations.
Tents
I love this tent. It’s perfect for 2 people and a dog, while still being relatively lightweight and compact. Make sure you also get the footprint with it to keep your tent in good shape longer.
Water filtration
There are a lot of options on the market. Some prefer to purify their water with iodine tablets but having a filtration setup is the best for thru hikers and multiday trekkers. Below are a couple of recommendations depending on you and your adventure travelers needs.
Sagan Water Systems and Filtration Bottles – Free Shipping on all orders over $50
Meals
Having food that is nutritious and lightweight is important for those burning big calories in the backcountry. I recommend Mountain House Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food. They are simple and easy and lightweight and the breakfast skillet is amazing!
Packs
For women: I highly recommend the Deuter Women’s 70 Liter Backpack. I have a 45-L Deuter pack and love it but could use one with a bit more room and the 70L would be great for a big multiday hike. The straps can be moved to adjust to your back, there are plenty of side pockets and straps to tack down all your gear, and of course the cute flower is a nice addition.
Sleeping
I just purchased a new sleeping bag and it’s the best purchase I have ever made. The Big Agnes Women’s Torchlight Ultralight Sleeping Bag is super comfortable and warm enough to handle the freezing nights.
I would also make sure you get the expandable version. If you are a side sleeper like me and like to curl your legs up, being able to expand the sleeping bag out makes you feel less trapped and sleep better.
Headlamp
Sometimes you have to hike in the dark. Either you get an early start to make sure you put in the mileage or the hike takes longer than you anticipated, and you roll into your campsite in the dark. Either way, a good headlamp is a must.
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp are by far the most popular and considered the best in headlamp technology.
Best gifts for the day hiker
Day pack
I just got a Gregory Mountain Products Maya 22 Liter Women’s Daypack and it’s perfect. It has pockets on both hip straps and is the perfect size for a day hike. I also found that it is super comfortable on my shoulders and back, which I think is sometimes hard to find in a pack.
Water bladder
Having a good Hydration Backpack Pack that can hold 2-3 L of water will make sure you have enough water for your hike without needing to filter any.
Hiking poles
To me hiking poles are key, not just for day hikes but for trekking up mountains and multiday hikes. If you are like me, without poles my hands swell. But not only that, it definitely saves your knees, ensuring that you can continue hiking for years to come.
Windbreaker Jacket
There are so many options out there for a good windbreaker jacket, that is also either water resistant or Gore-Tex. Arc’teryx has a really nice shell jacket that is Gore-Tex and highly recommended, though at the higher price point.
I personally have a North Face and couldn’t be happier. I wore that in the Azores while hiking and the sky opened up in a downpour and I didn’t get wet. It is also breathable, unlike most waterproof jackets and the price is good.
Hiking shoes
Hiking shoes are probably the most important piece of gear. No one should be hiking in sandals. Ever.
However, hiker’s preference changes by the person. Some, like me, prefer trail runners. Light weight, sneakers style shoes that are comfortable and not bulky.
Others prefer a true hiking boot. And if you are planning to hike the seven summits, ankle support is important.
Best gifts for the peak bagger
Crampons
Is your adventure traveler planning to hike some big mountains? For some of those mountains, like Mount Elbrus and Denali, crampons are a must.
Help your adventure traveler get organized for their big climb and show your support with a good pair of Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons.
Parka
Those mountains are high, and they are cold. A proper down jacket is one of the most important pieces of gear you can take with you.
I recommend a jacket with a down of at least 700+ and make sure you look to see just how much down there is, because a 700+ down is not going to keep you warm enough if there is only 2 ounces of it in the whole jacket.
I recommend the jacket you see below, with a down rating of 800 and there is plenty of it!
Insulated water bottles
Hiking mountains brings about their own challenges, including having your water freeze in your water bottles.
Therefore you need a special type of water bottle system to keep your water fluid and on the ready as your adventure traveler achieves their goals of summiting some of the biggest mountains in the world. Stanley insulated mugs are a great option for both the winter camper and the mountaineer.
Best gifts for the snow shredder
Because I am a snowboarder, I am going to focus on other snowboarders because well skiers don’t like us. But we need gear too, in order to shred those mountains like a boss!
Helmet
There was a time when wearing a helmet was uncool. But let me tell you, if your snowboarder likes hitting the halfpipe or riding those black diamond trails or tree runs, get them a good helmet. It’s one of the best gifts you can get them.
My favorite, and in my opinion, the best that’s out there is the Smith Vantage helmet with MIPS. I love mine. It’s comfortable and has saved my head more often than I can count. Not to mention the colors it comes in.
Goggles
Googles are good for snowboarders and big mountain climbers to avoid snow blindness. Smith goggles have lots of options and, like me, your adventurer wears glasses, they also have the option for prescription inserts. Bonus!
Bindings
In my opinion Burton has the best bindings. Maybe I am biased because that’s what I have but the technology is on point. Not only that but the company puts in the effort to be less impactful on the environment. And I am all about that.
Snowboards
Snowboards are specific to the person; everyone has specific needs. Some boards are stiffer for the more advanced rider and some have more flex for the beginner rider.
Again, Burton is my favorite but there are so many options out there.
Boots
Having a good pair of snowboard boots takes a good day on the mountain to a great day. I don’t know how the skiers do it in those super uncomfortable ski boots!
The Burton’s with the new boa system for lacing is awesome and makes life so much easier. Previously, I had boots with laces that I tied like a pair of skates and multiple times throughout the day I would need to tighten them.
Get the boots with the boa system. You won’t regret it. It’s one of the best gifts this year!
Accessories
GoPro Hero 8
The GoPro HERO8 is perfect for the outdoor adventurer. It comes with several different accessories, so you can choose to have it attached to your newly purchased Smith snowboard helmet, with the selfie stick, or on your head, headlamp style.
It takes great video, and the photos are pretty good too. It’s my go-to for any outdoor adventure.
GPS
If you are going to be backcountry, a working GPS can mean life or death. I recommend the Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS, it’s the one I have and have been extremely happy with it.
Interested in my recommendations for last year or just want more gift ideas, check out my post on Top Gifts for Adventure Travelers 2019 Edition.
