It’s less than a week until Christmas. If you’re anything like me—a childlike adult living kid-free—that means you might have just enough time toĚýget a gift to your nieces, nephews, and friends’ offspring sometime before January.

Two years ago, I wrote a piece explaining my program of purchasingĚýchildren the most dangerous, parent-annoying knives, motorcycles, and archery gear possible. But since then, I’ve had something of an epiphany: If I don’t cause lost fingers, bloody noses, or extensive damage to homes and vehicles, those parents will actually let me spend time with their kids. And that can be fun, especially if those kids are set up to enjoy the same activities you do.

Through experience with my own nephew Roscoe, who I’m pretty sure is about 12Ěýand lives in rural France, plus a varied assortment of other kids with parents I like, here’s how I go about setting them up for success outdoors.

1. Determine the Kid’s Current Age

Children often change ages at irregular, unpredictable moments. And, in some circumstances, they may even grow and change clothing sizes. Determining where those numbers currently lie is the key to successfully buying the right gifts.

When in doubt (read: is all the time), you can ask the parents or grandparents for their kiddo’s ages and sizes. If questions like “How old is Penelope again?” will ignite a contentious conversation over the irregularity of your visits, then you can simply look inside their jackets or shoes, which may be hanging in a mudroom. Last year’s receipts, likely buried somewhere in your spam folder, are also a good source of clues.

Not all items are appropriate for all ages. For example, a pocket knife that may be a good choiceĚýfor a nine-year old could seem lame to a 13-year old. And, buying clothing in a larger size than currently fits the child in question may allow them to enjoy that item for longer.

Last year, I flewĚýto France to visit my family. And rather than stab in the dark at my nephew’s current sizes or interests, I simply borrowed him one day, and took him to an outdoors store for a shopping spree. There, he was able to make his own mistakes purchasing clothing, absolving me from my sister’s judgement. I did make sure to buy him a new pocket knife on the way out the door,Ěýthough. The biggest, scariest looking one seemed like an appropriate choice.

2. Decide Which Interests You Want a Child to Develop

Hanging out with kids can be pretty boring if they don’t enjoy the same activities you do, or if they’re bad at them. So equipping kids with theĚýskills necessary to keep up can make it way cooler to spend time with them.

When he was ten, I took my friend’s kid Russell on his first camping trip. Wildlife watching is one of my favorite activities and I want Russell to be able to enjoy it too. So, I got him a ($195). Not only are monoculars more affordable than binoculars, but they’re also more robust, lighter, and easier to use.

Kids will be bad at your favorite hobbies before you bully them into getting good, so it’s a good idea to reduce their potential points of failure and barriers to enjoyment. Not only can Russell now enjoy watching the coyotes, rabbits, and hawks in his backyard, but when I eventually put him in front of a wolf or grizzly bear, he’ll know how to operate his scope and won’t need to ask annoying questions.

3. Buy a Toy You’ll Enjoy, Too

Often, social obligations dictate that your relationship with a niece, nephew, or friend’s kid doesn’t stop with the act of giving a gift. You may be expected to help the human child assemble, learn to use, or practice with whatever you bought them. Choosing something that you will enjoy playing with,Ěýtoo,Ěýis a great way to avoid boredom or worse: having your expansive knowledge of how all things work called into question.

This year, I got Roscoe a model truck from ($89), a new toy brand based in Bozeman, Montana, that uses advanced CNC automation and 3D printing techniques to make high-performance gravity vehicles. Not only does the box say “12+” on it, which I’m pretty sure aligns with my nephew’s current age, it has 273 parts to assemble. That sounds like enough time to drink at least two beers, and after we complete the truck we’ll be able to send the thing off sweet jumps while I explain how suspension works. Since I enjoy both beer and suspension lectures, I’m setting myself up for the most enjoyable afternoon possible. And he may also get something out of our day.

4. When in Doubt, Try an Activity

After that shopping spree last year, I took Roscoe to a climbing gym in a nearby town. Not only did this require no gift wrapping, planning, or shipping, but it also gave me the chance to be better at something than a small child. It turns out that your nieces and nephews actually like hanging out with their uncles and aunts, and spending time with the little ones can be fun for you, too.

Wes Siler is so notorious for not having kids that his vasectomy was discussed in Glenn Beck’s most recent book. He treats his three big rescue dogs like his own children. You can ask Wes for help with your outdoor adventures, gear, and travel .

The post Last-Minute Gifts from a Bad Uncle appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Climbers are a notoriously picky bunch to shop for, so keep it simple this holiday season. The editors at Climbing have been testing non-stop in 2024, and we’ve highlighted the best new gear that your hard-earned money can buy. We’ve field tested everything on the list below—from cushy socks and comfortable hardshells to innovative belay devices and ropes—and can confidently say these will earn the appreciation of the climber in your life.

Best Gifts Under $75

Camp Nano 22 Rack Pack ($40)

The Nano 22 is billed as the lightest “fully functional” carabiner in the world, and we wholeheartedly agree. There are certainly lighter carabiners out there—but they are typically much smaller and therefore a nightmare to handle when pumped or while wearing gloves. The Nano 22, meanwhile, has a surprisingly deep basket for its featherlight weight (22 grams), enabling us to clip them in a hurry when pumping out on long multi-pitches. These carabiners live on our alpine draws and cam slings when we’re shaving grams.

Arc’teryx Merino Wool Grotto Mid Sock ($30)

All but the least-kempt climbers in your life wear socks and, unlike spoiled children, will be thrilled to receive a fresh set. The Merino Wool Grotto Mid is among our favorites from Arc’teryx: its soft and comfortable Merino wool is blended with nylon for added durability over years of use, and it’s lightly cushioned for long approaches. Whether you’re hiking to the crag, cold-weather rock climbing, or powering up an ice pillar, the Grotto Mid provides a snug, slip-free fit.

Gifts Under $150

Edelrid Pinch ($120 USD/$170 CAD at the link below)

Edelrid’s new assisted-braking belay device, the Pinch, made waves earlier this year with its ability to attach directly to the belay loop—no carabiner required. (To open the Pinch, you must press a small, tilting button while the device is simultaneously rotated 90 degrees from your body.) Climbing testers were initially skeptical of the Pinch’s ability to stay locked while belaying, but after four months of steady testing, we are now confidently catching airy whippers and belaying on big walls without the added weight or clutter of an extra locker. The Pinch feeds rope just as smoothly as other popular assisted-braking devices, and offers a smoother lower and rappel thanks to a beefy handle. An anti-panic feature—which locks the Pinch if lowering too quickly—can be disarmed if preferred.

Petzl Sirocco ($130)

The beloved Sirocco helmet is redesigned for 2024 and—somehow—is even better than before. Petzl has swapped its magnetic chin buckle for a plastic one (greater security), a bulbous forehead for a slimmed down silhouette (greater field of vision), and a better ventilation layout to encourage airflow while limiting the sand and dirt and ice that inevitably falls into big forehead vents while climbing adventurous terrain. Despite these extra features the Sirocco retains its 160-gram weight in S/M, making it our favorite ultralight helmet on the market.

Black Diamond Ultralight Ice Screw ($85-$90)

With instant bite, smooth boring, and easy-action handles, there is no need to run it out while climbing with BD’s Ultralight Ice Screws. The aggressive geometry on the steel teeth gives it a bulldog bite when placed on vertical ice, and the aluminum shaft—an ample 2cm in diameter—let us re-use most screw-holes on popular climbs that resembled Swiss cheese. Add in a snappy, fold-out plastic handle, and these things practically spin themselves in. BD has shaved 45 percent off the weight by pairing aluminum and steel—encouraging us to bring a couple more up that crux pitch.

Petzl Swift RL Headlamp ($140)

The Swift RL is a brilliant headlamp for those needing long-lasting support on their nocturnal adventures. Whether you’re sessioning crispy crimps by moonlight, accepting benightment on Epinephrine, or foregoing bivy gear in Patagonia, the Swift RL’s 1100 lumens and max burn time of 100 hours will surely outlast whatever sufferfest you’ve imposed on yourself. The rechargeable Swift RL is efficient in more ways than one: its 100 grams comes with a “Reactive Lighting” sensor that examines the ambient light and adjusts its brightness accordingly.

Gifts Under $300

Scarpa Arpia V ($169)

Designed for intermediate climbers, the Arpia V is both moderately downturned and asymmetrical, and gets especially high marks in both comfort and edging performance. It’s a supportive shoe, thanks to its full-length midsole and outsole, and should be attractive to heavier climbers who need stiff, supportive shoes while standing on small edges. That said, the Arpia V still has enough shape and toe-box sensitivity (thanks to the asymmetry and downturn) to let you curl into incut edges and feel small deviations underfoot. All in all, the Arpia V is an excellent shoe for intermediate climbers looking for something that will perform equally well on face climbs in the gym or outside.

Mammut 9.5mm Alpine Core Protect Rope ($290 in 60m)

Climbing-rope security has come a long way since the days of stiff hemp cords, and Mammut has taken their ropes to a new level with the Alpine Core Protect: a 9.5mm single rope that has a second sheathe woven with burly Aramid fibers. This rope handles and catches falls just as smoothly and softly as any of Mammut’s other 9.5mm ropes, but in the event of a dangerous fall over a sharp rock edge—as often found in mountainous environments—this Aramid-infused sheath will drastically increase its cut-resistance. We’ve spent five months beating the crap out of this rope—including on Minotaur Direct (5.11+; 500m) in the Bugaboos, Mt. MacDonald’s Northwest Ridge (5.8; 900m), and Buddha Nature Direct (WI 5; 120m)—and have noticed zero premature wear. The Alpine Core Protect also comes in 8.0mm half ropes, if wandery routes are your thing.

Patagonia M10 Storm Pants ($279)

The new M10 Storm Pants is this year’s best climbing-apparel innovation. Ice climbers, alpinists, and backcountry rock climbers who need the weather-proof security of hardshell pants have historically had to sacrifice a significant amount of comfort and mobility, since run-of-the-mill hardshell pants stem and lunge about as well as a pair of suit trousers. Such a sacrifice is no longer necessary thanks to the M10, which fuses the mobility-first design of jujitsu pants with various , who has tested prototypes since 2019.

The M10 pants have a generously gusseted crotch—yes, you can do the splits in them—an elastic waistband and cuffs, a thigh pocket, a diagonal zipped fly, and little else. Coming it at just 240 grams in medium, the M10s are surely the lightest fully-waterproof pants we’ve ever worn, and have served us well while battling up ice pillars running with water and racing electrical storms in the rugged Purcell Mountains. Bonus: the M10 series also includes a . We’ve been digging the latter for its unrestricted arm mobility and low-key profile while tucked into a harness.

La Sportiva Mandala ($209)

La Sportiva’s No Edge technology is about as close to the term “divisive” as climbing technology gets: While the majority of climbing shoes have a defined, 90-degree intersection where the sole and rand meet in front of your toes, the shoes in the No Edge line have a rounded front, which La Sportiva achieved by wrapping the sole up around the toe so that it becomes toe-scumming patch on the top of the shoe. This design sacrifices some precision-edging performance, but it maximizes smedging—the ability to smear over edges and into divots—and allows you to extend on the tip of your toe like a ballerina.

With the new Mandala, the No Edge tech is paired with its most supportive shoe yet, making it an attractive choice for boulderers and sport climbers alike. Tester Matt Samet wore his extensively on a 15-degree overhanging 5.14 project in the Flatirons, while editor Anthony Walsh trusted them while onsighting 30-meter 5.11 and 5.12 limestone routes around Canmore. As Walsh put it: “I wouldn’t reach for these shoes for razor-thin edging (hello, !) or Font-style sloper problems (the !), but for everything else, they are in rotation. It’s what the La Sportiva Genius should have been.”

Gifts $300+

Coros Apex 2 Pro Watch ($449)

The Coros Apex 2 Pro is a GPS sports watch that gives mountain athletes of all kinds the ability to accurately track their training and performances. It features a touch screen made of sapphire glass and three low-profile buttons. It’s got all the bells and whistles, including geo-location data from five satellites systems, a topographic map, heart rate data, a barometric altimeter, a 3D compass, a thermometer, an oximeter, and music storage—plus specific activity tracking including the “Indoor Climbing” mode. The Coros Apex 2 Pro takes all the and brings it to a new level with an increased battery life (now 21 days with stress monitoring, and 66 hours with full GPS tracking) and a slightly larger watch face. Climbers who struggle with either over- or under-doing it in the gym will benefit from the insight and accountability this watch can offer.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT
Mountain Equipment Oreus Jacket ($449.95)

Endorsed by leading alpinists, the Oreus jacket from Mountain Equipment delivers superior warmth, functionality, and durability in challenging environments. This versatile jacket is crafted with innovative Aetherm Precision Insulation for down-like performance with the durability and weather resistance of synthetic fill. Between warmth, quick-drying performance, low weight, and pack size, it’s perfect for alpine climbing, ski touring, hill-walking and more as an outer layer, warm mid-layer, or lightweight belay jacket.

Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool ($310)

Ice climbing tools have come so far since the medieval days of straight-shafted instruments that it can be difficult to wade through all the modern-day options. Most ice tools have a balanced swing weight, comfortable grip, and aggressively shaped shaft to minimize pump and bruised knuckles. So where does a would-be consumer go from there? We’d point them toward Black Diamond’s all-new Hydra, which is quickly becoming our favorite tool of all time.

One of our favorite things about the Hydra is how customizable you can make it depending on your objective. Its innovative head weights are the real headline here: Black Diamond sank the weights into the head itself, rather than bolting them onto the pick, simultaneously providing a more balanced swing weight and a lower profile. Thanks to this recessed head, ice climbers can opt for simple 5-gram “spacers” if they’re climbing warm, wet ice and don’t need the extra heft. Or, if swinging into bullet-hard ice in Canada, as we did on the north-facing Stanley Headwall last winter, drop in two 40-gram headweights to let the Hydras do the work. We’ve also been going hybrid—one light spacer, one heavy weight—to achieve that Goldilocks-swing at medium altitudes.

Head weights aside, the Hydra comes with a suit of tools that would make a mechanic jealous, including a long “Alpine” spike for snow plunging, a “Micro” spike, a full-size alpine hammer, micro hammer, adze, and handle spacers. And don’t get us started on their razor-sharp picks…

The post The Best Gifts for the Climber in Your Life appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

I used to have a recurring dream in which I’m sitting on my mat awaiting instructions from a panel of my yoga teachers. I’m at an Iyengar yoga assessment, for which I’m completely unprepared. And I am terrified. After what seems like an eternity, they tell me my task: I’m to carve a Thanksgiving turkey right there on my mat using the props in front of me—a plastic fork and knife.

It’s possible that I had some anxiety about cooking holiday dinner.

From My Fondest Memory to the Fear of Failure

I can still smell my mother’s kitchen on Thanksgiving morning. The fragrance of her homemade pies mixed with the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven created an air of anticipation that could be felt throughout the house. My sister and I would watch the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV in our pajamas and would periodically be called into the kitchen to help my mother stir a pot or lick a bowl. The whole day was spent waiting for the moment we were called to the table. By the time dinner was ready, we were practically giddy as we loaded our plates with my mother’s delicious food in the most anticipated meal of the year.

Now that the torch of cooking the family’s holiday dinner has passed to me, my anticipation has morphed into recurring anxiety about living up to my memory of all those Thanksgivings past. One year, the turkey wasn’t fully cooked, the side dishes were cold, and I sat at the table feeling totally defeated. The pressure to replicate the magic of my childhood memories combined with the fear of failing turns out to be the perfect recipe for a really bad time.

Whether in the kitchen or on the yoga mat, fear is like a big bucket of ice dumped on the spark of adventure. Fear leaves us either too much in our own heads to access our inherent creativity and intuition—or so paralyzed that we convince ourselves we’re not even capable of trying. Fear seduces us into a place of complacency, inviting us to avoid what scares us in favor of dwelling in the comfort of our familiar beliefs. Fear prevents us from making mistakes and gaining the kind of wisdom that only comes from taking risks.

How Yoga Transformed My Holiday Stress

Patanjali’s classic text, the , offers several tools to help manage fear. Foremost among them are the principles of practice and . Practice, as outlined in Sutra 1.14, includes three aspects: We must practice for a long time, without break, and in all earnestness. This last one means we have to believe what we’re practicing is actually possible.

Sutras 1.15 and 1.16 describe detachment, which essentially means that our identities are not dependent on our successes or failures. This knowledge leads to freedom and a very real connection to the .

Practicing—continuously showing up in the face of real or potential failure—is trusting that the process is the goal. Ultimately, it’s the intention behind my cooking, the effort I’ve devoted to the meal, and the heart I’ve poured into each dish that will make the meal a success.

Even a botched attempt at cooking Thanksgiving dinner is an opportunity to practice detachment. One year, my apple pie fell apart and I had no backup plan and a table full of guests awaiting dessert. I had to let go of my original plan and quickly adapt to the new situation. So I decided to scoop out the apple filling and spoon it over some vanilla ice cream. No one knew the difference; in fact, it was a huge hit!

It’s often when things have fallen apart that I’ve realized just how much I limited myself with my own expectations. ĚýIt’s often in those moments that you get to know your own resilience and experience a true connection to the moment. Opening myself up to life often results in something greater than I could have imagined. And some of my best memories are of times when nothing went according to plan—when I was forced to surrender.

How to Make Thanksgiving Less Stressful

Once I remembered that the truth of who I am does not depend on my producing a flawless meal, I felt more at ease. Now I know how to overcome holiday stress because I’ve realized the ways that being in the kitchen cooking dinner is a lot like showing up on the yoga mat.

1. Connect With Your Inner State

Bring your yoga practice into the kitchen by tuning into how you feel as you create your Thanksgiving menu. Anxiety, doubt, and fear can all be felt in the body and are signs that you need to reevaluate your approach. Focus your attention on the process of executing what you can manage to the best of your abilities.

Taking risks in the kitchen is about listening to the motivations that drive your efforts. If I’m considering a challenging recipe, such as an apple pie with pastry made from scratch, and I can feel myself getting excited about the process, I go for it. I know that no matter how it turns out, it will have been worth it because it was my commitment to the adventure, not the result, that inspired me to be daring in the first place.

If, on the other hand, I stare at the recipe with a sense of dread or expectation, or if I’m hoping that the finished product will prove something to myself or to others, then I know that no matter how it turns out, I will not enjoy the fruits of my efforts.

2. Focus on the Journey—Not the Outcome

When you can’t do a challenging pose in yoga, the practice is to focus on and appreciate what you can do. Flailing toward an end result will get you nowhere. And if you somehow arrive at the “end goal” by doing so, you will have missed the point because you weren’t connected to yourself in the process.

It matters how you feel during a yoga practice—not what you look like. Cooking is the same: A dish’s value lies in how it was created.

3. You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind

Let go of your expectation that you need to whip up elaborate food just because it’s Thanksgiving. Really. This mindset can free you from the pitfalls of self-inflicted suffering.

It’s perfectly okay to opt out of a challenging recipe if it doesn’t feel right. I’ve learned over the years to ease up on myself by swapping out difficult, time-consuming recipes for simple, foolproof ones, such as incredible, crispy roasted brussel sprouts with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. (They take about five minutes to prepare before I pop them in the oven.)

4. Follow Your Intuition

Cooking, like yoga, is about connecting to yourself in the moment. Pose cues such as “stand equally on all four corners of your feet” are useful only when you can feel them in your own body. Similarly, a recipe is only a guideline. Great cooking happens when you listen to your gut, trust your instincts, and make the recipe your own. Follow the instructions as a starting point, but allow yourself to experiment, play, and have fun.

I’m not nervous anymore because now I know how to make Thanksgiving less stressful. No matter how the meal turns out, the people who matter most in my life will celebrate the love and effort I put into our shared experience. What I’ll remember most is the attitude I chose to bring to the kitchen and the wisdom I’ll gain from letting go.

This article has been updated. Originally published October 2, 2013.

The post Making Thanksgiving Dinner Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful. Here’s What You Need to Know. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

At a Glance

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Coba’s Coffee- and Tea-Infused Chocolate Bars

These little bars pack a perk-up punch when you need it. Pitched as a trail-ready alternative to brewed coffee or tea, I find the espresso and chai flavors particularly enjoyable in lieu of an afternoon coffee-al-desko. Each ½ ounce bar of infused white chocolate contains about the same caffeine as a cup of coffee, and the mind-sharpening boost kicks in without the jitters.

TipTop Proper Cocktails’ Whiskey Box and Gin Box

Hosting a motley crew this Christmas, where half the party is Cali sober and the other half is more, ahem, old fashioned? Look no further than TipTop’s boxes of cocktails, organized by base spirit and delivered in giftable 18-packs, plenty to host a happy hour or keep a home bar stocked with options. We give bonus points for their pocket-sized cans, perfect for chairlift nips.

Spicewalla 18-Pack Kitchen Essentials

Founded by James Beard Award-winning Asheville chef Meherwan Irani, Spicewalla’s collection of foundational seasonings include great-quality kitchen workhorses like dried and ground chiles, crushed herbs, and baking spices. The variety of flavors are sealed inside small stay-fresh tins that stack neatly in a cabinet or bounce merrily in a backpack without spilling.

Yeti 6-oz. Stackable Mugs

The cutest tea party I’ve ever attended involved two toddlers, a chilly afternoon outside, and these mini Yeti mugs perfect for little hands. They’ve become my go-to gift for the under-5 crowd. And while the tea at that particular party was lukewarm, the mugs—like all of Yeti’s–are just as effective at keeping small pours of grown-up beverages ripping hot (like espresso) or bracingly cold (like martinis). Just don’t forget to “Cheers!”

Meater Pro Duo

Our favorite meat thermometer is now twice as nice with the introduction of MEATER’s Pro Duo. The rechargeable WiFi-enabled base connects two super accurate probes to an app that keeps you informed about everything that’s cooking. Simultaneously use one on the grill and the other in the oven for a seamless and perfectly executed holiday meal.

New West Knifeworks 7” Teton Edge Santoku

New West is possibly the best knife manufacturer in America, and their 7” santoku knife serves as my go-to for making dinner every night. Its Goldilocks size and chef-knife-oomph makes it the perfect tool for almost every job. The handles come in nine color options to match your kitchen (or personality), and the Teton range etched into the blade provides both form and function. Razor sharp out of the box, New West’s knives come with free personalization and lifetime free sharpening. This is the knife I’ve told a dozen friends to register for their wedding or give as a milestone gift, and now I’m telling you, too.

The post Love to Cook? Add These Gifts to Your Holiday Wish List. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

We’re minimalist travelers here at şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř—we don’t want any extra weight slowing us down as we explore the world. What we do like are practical gifts that make traveling easier, more convenient, and more fun. So our travel editors are revealing the items on their wish list this season—and the gifts they’ll be giving to their favorite travelers.

I’m definitely adding that water bottle and the Hipcamp gift card to my wish list. —Alison Osius

1. Best Gadget

AirFly Pro ($55)

At first, I was skeptical of this tiny gadget. As a lightweight packer, I refuse to schlep more chargers or adapters than absolutely necessary to survive a long-haul flight. Yet this year, my husband, tech-savvy guy that he is, insisted we try the AirFly Pro Wireless Audio Transmitter/ Receiver on our trans-Atlantic trip to England. Usually, I just use the freebie headphones flight attendants hand out. But our vacation happened to fall during the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, which we watch obsessively, and I instantly became a convert to this gizmo: a pocket-sized, 15-gram transmitter that plugs into your seat-back audio jack and Bluetooths to any wireless headphones on the market.

We watched game after game on the plane’s live TV app, and time flew by. Since we had no cords to mess with, bathroom breaks were easy, and we streamed from two screens in tandem, each able to listen with both buds. The AirFly Pro has a nice 25-hour battery life as well, and now we never fly without it. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for any frequent flyer. —Patty Hodapp, senior contributing travel editor

2. Best Fanny Pack

Yeti Sidekick Dry 1L Gear Case ($40; strap is an additional $10)

Fanny packs, in theory, should make hands-free travel easier, right? Not always. My entire life I’ve searched for the perfect pouch, only to be disappointed in the wild by their size, or lack of pockets, or uncomfy straps, or performance in poor weather. Enter the Yeti Sidekick Dry 1L Gear Case—officially everything I need and more, available to use alone or with a strap.

The waterproof technology of the exterior has kept my stuff dry on brutally rainy trips in Iceland and Ireland, and is made from similar material to that of whitewater rafts, so it can take a beating. The case also floats if I accidentally drop it in water (been there, done that on a recent fly-fishing trip). And its internal mesh pockets ensure my passport, wallet, keys, phone, lip balm, and other gear stay organized.

I’m partial to the one-liter option because it’s the ideal size for me. But if you’ve got a camera or bulky layers to protect, you may want the three or six liter. Don’t forget the Sideclick Strap (sold separately), which attaches to the bag so it doubles as a belt or sling. Now, you can carry your gear in comfort, worry free.—P.H.

3. Best Personal Item

Longchamp Le Pliage Original M Travel Bag ($205)

I always try to carry on when I’m flying. This means that my personal item has to be incredibly efficient at holding a lot but must still fit under the seat. I have spent hours searching for the perfect backpack, but nothing has ever held as much as my nylon Longchamp tote bag does, or held up to wear and tear the same way. I jam this thing with shoes, my laptop, chargers, food, my dopp kit, you name it. The wide-top shape of the bag allows it to hold more than any other while I can still cram it under the seat. It easily attaches to my Away Carry On Suitcase, too.

The Longchamp has been on a lot of plane trips with me over the last 15 years and still looks great. It folds down to nothing when you aren’t using it and also makes a great beach, gym, or day bag once you get where you’re going. Be sure to order the shoulder strap with it, or you can to get the extract size, color, and straps you want, which is what I did. —Mary Turner, Senior Brand Director

4. Best Extra Layer

Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket ($179)

I have had a version of this Patagonia rain jacket for years, and I take it on every trip. The jacket is super lightweight and packs down to nothing. It’s great for rain protection or when you need an extra layer for warmth in cold or wind. I bought mine a size up so that I could easily layer underneath it. The Torrentshell comes in men’s and women’s versions. It lasts almost forever, too.â€Äâ.°Ő.

5. Best Gift for Long-Haul Travelers

Resort Pass (from $25)

ResortPass, which allows you to pay a fee to use hotels for the day, is the perfect gift for travelers. Maybe there’s a hotel that you can’t afford, but you’d really love to spend a day there, or you have a long wait for your red-eye flight home from Hawaii after checking out of your Airbnb. This is where ResortPass becomes wonderfully handy. You can chill by a hotel pool instead of hanging out at the airport.

I searched for day passes in my hometown of Santa Fe and found some great deals, starting at $25, at beautiful properties. ResortPass partners with more than 1,700 hotels around the world and that list is constantly growing. It’s easy to purchase . How much I would have loved this in my backpacking days, when sometimes I just needed a little TLC and a hot shower . —M.T.

6. Best Day Spa for Travelers

Olympic Spa (gift cards from $100)

If you’re ever in Los Angeles—for a few days, overnight, or during a long layover—there’s an amazing women-only spa in Koreatown, and I’ve been telling everyone about it, because it is that good. doesn’t look like much from the outside, and the website isn’t going to convince you. But let me testify: this is a spotless oasis that will leave you blissed out after a couple of hours. There are three pools (saltwater, mineral water, and cold plunge), three saunas (herbal steam, red clay, and ice, the last of which was novel but not that cold), an oxygen-therapy room with a charcoal ceiling, and—my favorite—a salt halotherapy room where the warmth thoroughly seeped into my bones.

All that would be enough, but a friend recommended the Goddess treatment ($220), and that put me over the edge: a masseuse scrubbed nearly every inch of my body, from my ears to between my toes; plied my muscles down to overcooked-noodle consistency; and moisturized me to a seal-like slickness. After I spent 105 minutes on the table, the masseuse had to guide my limbs into the bathrobe and slippers. I am returning the next chance I get. Somebody get me a . —Tasha Zemke, managing editor, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř

7. Best Phone-Camera Accessory

Joby GorillaPod Mobile Mini Tripod ($17)

I work with şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online’s astrotourism writer Stephanie Vermillion, and this past fall she recommended a tiny tripod that pairs well with smartphones. She uses her mini-tripod when shooting the northern lights and other dark-sky scenes that require long shutter-speed times with no vibrations. But honestly, I’m just tired of long-arming photos of myself and friends in beautiful places. I can tuck this accessory into my daypack—it’s about the size of a large iPhone, and weighs the same as two Hershey chocolate bars—and then set it up, adjust its flexible legs, pop my phone into its rubber jaws, set the timer, and take a snap that’s not a blatant selfie. Just what I’m looking for. —T.Z.

8. Best Gift for Nervous Flyers

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 ($349)

Listening to music while flying helps lessen the anxiety I often feel, especially during takeoff, landing, and periods of turbulence. I was gifted these excellent noise-canceling headphones a few years ago, and they were comfortable over my ears and even looked cool, but, sad to say, I left them in the seat-back pocket on a leg to Paris. I’m going to have to replace them, but I have a plan to avoid paying full price: by going to Bose’s amazing , which sells returned products at a significant discount. The brand’s tech team fixes the defects, and you’d never know the items weren’t brand-new. You also still get a year warranty. The only catch is that the item you’re seeking may not be available immediately. I just checked the shop for headphones, and they’re sold out, but upon the click of a button, I’ll be notified when the next pair comes up—and you can believe I’ll wait.Ěý—T.Z.

9. Must-Have for Star Parties

BioLite HeadLamp 425 ($60)

I always travel with a headlamp, and not just for camping and being outdoors. Headlamps are tiny and easy to pack, and I’ve stayed in cabins at the Red River Gorge or in Tahoe where the rooms were so dark I needed a light to find my socks. I still have the original Biolite 330 headlamp from when it was introduced five years ago at an affordable $50: it is super light (2.4 ounces), bright, and functional; is USB rechargeable; and has an integrated design that puts the lamp flush into the headband for simplicity and comfort. It also has a strobe light for rescues and red lights for night missions.

Compared to white lights, low-intensity red ones minimizes pupil dilation, allowing better night vision; red light is also less disruptive to wildlife. Red lights are essential for star gazing, and these days everyone is going to dark-sky parks and peering at the stars, meteors, and northern lights. Recently, looking for a headlamp for my stepsister as she went off to an astrophotography class in the Tucson desert, I picked the 425. —Alison Osius, senior editor, travel

10. Best Travel Pants

The prAna Koen Pant ($95)

When I went to Abu Dhabi to see my nephew graduate from high school, my luggage was delayed for three days out of a five-day trip. So I wore the same mahogany-colored Title IX capris nearly every day as well as on all my flights, and came back loving them more than ever, which is some testament. Sadly, I later lost those red pants. Yet I hit on a match: the Koen. I bought the Koen capris (two pairs), then the Koen shorts (also two pairs), and then the pants: my new fave travel pants and apparently fave anything pants, since I just wore them to the hospital for a finger surgery.

They are lightweight, silky, stretchy, and wrinkle free, and work for anything from hiking to around town. The front pockets are flat and unobtrusive, with hidden zippers, yet deep enough to hold a phone securely if you need a quick stow, like when juggling items in the airport. The pull-on waist is ideal for comfort and upright cat naps, since it lacks zips, snaps, or external ties. The Koen is overall sleek in its lines. I am psyched that it comes in regular, short and tall versions, and am getting the long ones for my older sister, who is taller than I am and travels 70 percent of the time for her work. Don’t tell her, because it’s a surprise.—A.O.

11. Best Gift for Campers

HipCamp gift certificates (starting at $75)

Wasn’t it Clint Eastwood, he of The Eiger Sanction lore, who said, “I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth”? No, wait, Steve McQueen. Point is, with digital for booking a campsite on Hipcamp, you can give that experience. A card ushers someone into an expanding community with sites across the country and in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. And these sites are not just for a tent in a grassy lot. They are for a yurt in the middle of a flowering meadow; they are for camping, glamping, RV spots, cabins, and canvas. The gift card never expires, nor will you ever run out of places.—A.O.

12. Best Soak With a View

Mount Princeton Hot SpringsĚý (gift cards from $50)

The old mining town of Leadville, Colorado, sits way up there at 10,000 feet, and it’s cold. Luckily within an hour you can reach any of half a dozen hot-springs resorts, some of the nicest in the state or anywhere, to warm your bones. My sister used to live in Leadville, and when I visited we often took our young sons and let them play and soak..and maybe even slow down a little. The mountain-ringed Mount Princeton Hot Springs, in Nathrop, has geothermal springs, an infinity pool, natural creekside pools, and a view of the Chalk Cliffs on the 14,197-foot peak the property is named for. It that work for day passes, lodging, and dining.—A.O.

13. Best Water Bottle for Travel

Katadyn BeFree 0.6 L Water Filter Bottle ($40)

I sure could’ve used this lightweight collapsible filtered bottle last summer for mountain hiking. On one trip with an eight-mile approach followed by a day on a peak and then the dread march out, I filled my bottles time and time again from a stream near camp, thirsty and getting careless when my filtration system took time. (Luckily I got away with it, or rather without giardia, this time.) Filtering at a rate of up to two liters of water per minute, the Katadyn is a fast and light (two ounces) system that would also be perfect for the trail runners and bow hunters in my household who don’t want to carry heavy water bottles. I would like to take the Katadyn hiking and traveling, since it’s light, packable, and makes for safe drinking.—A.O.

14. Best Reading App

Everand Subscription (from $12 per month)

Whether traveling by car or air, I always download a series of audiobooks from my Everand (formerly named Scribd) app before going. With a library of more than 1.5 million ebooks and audiobooks—plus a collection of magazines and podcasts—to choose from, I never run low on options. Often, I’ll base my pick on the destination: Desert Solitaire for a trip to Moab or A Walk in the Woods for a hiking adventure in Maine. Every time I board a flight, I pop in my earbuds and am fully entertained until we land. Or, since I like to sleep on planes, I might set Everand’s sleep timer to 30 minutes, and drift off by the time we finish takeoff. I love the app so much that I’m getting a subscription for my 14-year-old stepdaughter this year, too. —Abigail Wise, Digital Director

The post 14 Best Gift Ideas for the Traveler in Your Life appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Sometimes it feels like the outdoorsperson in your life is surrounded by a mass of tools, widgets, flannels, and doo-dads. When the holidays come around and it’s time to hunt for a gift for that scruffy loved one, finding something they don’t already own is impossible. Your last brilliant idea appeared on their desk last week, the next one they just bought; it’s coming via FedEx tomorrow. At last, you’re about to give up, exasperated.

But luckily you came here. I’m that demanding outdoorsman, the one who has already purchasedĚýall of my favorite toys. Fear not though, my wishlist is long and I always have a few special items saved for the giving season. I made this gift guide for you—and your maddening outdoorsperson. Here are the items I’d be delighted to find under the tree I’ll cut down myself.

A Really Nice Duffel Bag

Bubba Goose Large Duffel Bag

A few years ago, veteran product designer Delian Scudder discovered a treasure trove of deadstock kevlar-reinforced nylon laminate fabric originally meant for high-end sailcloth. He bought a stack and set about hand-stitching duffel bags, totes, and pouches from it. Scudder’s bags are as light, strong, and distinct as they come. And, for such transparently high–quality bags that look as good in an airport lounge as they do in a gym or truck, they’re surprisingly affordable. The large Bubba Goose Duffle—the brand is named after Scudder’s bull dog—is $180 andĚýdrew envious looks when I used it as my carry-on for a week-long trip to Paris last June.

The Best Multitool

Leatherman Arc Multitool

Tim Leatherman invented the multitool in the early eighties, and the company he still runs continues to make the most innovative, highest quality tools in its Portland, Oregon, factory. But if you’ve ever used one, you’re not going to expect the slick execution the company achieved with its latest design: the Leatherman Arc. Based around the one-handed opening Free P4, the Arc ups material quality with its black steel chassis and the inclusion of a MagnaCut knife blade. MagnaCut is the latest, greatest supersteel that’s been dominating the high-end knife world of late thanks to its ideal blend of edge retention, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping. Anyone who likes knives or works with their hands will see the Arc as a major upgrade.

Warm Hands

Beyond Guide Glove

Leather gloves give you much better grip, dexterity, and abrasion resistance than synthetic alternatives. Leather gloves soften over time and can be waterproofed again and again, allowing them to develop a patina and stay in use for years. I’ve been wearing these Guide Gloves since 2021 where I liveĚýin Montana for skiing and chopping wood at the cabin. They’ve kept my hands warm through sub-zero temperatures thanks to 50 grams of Primaloft Gold insulation with Cross Core technology, the warmest synthetic insulation for its thickness out there—one that continues to insulate when compressed thanks to air-trapping Aerogel embedded into its fibers.

A Classy Knife

GiantMouse GMF4

Designed in Denmark and made in Italy, the GiantMouse GMF4 feels like something you’d find in the MoMA gift shop. Don’t let the design fool you: this knife works as hard outdoors as its 5.6-inch blade and full-tang design suggest it will. The red canvas micarta handle is contoured to provide a comfortable, slip-free grip. The GMF4 is the perfect size for a belt knife—big enough to split firewood but not so large thatĚýit’s awkward to carry.

Cozy Feet

The North Face Thermoball Traction Bootie

At the end of a long day on the slopes or the trail or at the worksite the outdoorsperson in your life is going to want to take their boots off. Even if they’re hanging out around a campfire, sleeping outdoors, or chasing the après scene, they’re still going to need to negotiate slippery, wet surfaces in chilly weather. The North Face’s Thermoball Traction Booties are easy to slip on, very warm, and provide a surefooted step on surfaces like slick roots or icy stairs. And, at 8.5 ounces per-bootie, they’re light and compressible enough to bring along in a day pack. Available in a range of fun colors, I take mine everywhere from elk camp to the ski lodge.

A Genuinely Warm Blanket

Aeronaut Hoverquilt

Most puffy throw blankets sacrifice warmth and quality in pursuit of a low price point. The Hoverquilt is constructed like a high quality 15-degree sleeping bag. It’s complete with box-baffle construction, 700-fill Reliable Down Standard-certified down, and a full perimeter draft tube, ensuring excellent performance in harsh outdoor settings. Whether it’s for summer camping trips, a chilly lodge, emergency winter backup in a car or truck, or just draped over the back of a couch, the Hoverquilt brings tangible warmth to any environment.

Long Distance Nighttime Vision

Olight Baton Turbo

Most flashlights and headlamps prioritize a wide beam of light that works to illuminate a broad area but struggles to reach even 100 yards in distance. Not this little Olight Baton Turbo, which fits in the palm of your hand but features a tight spot beam that throws light 550 yards into the darkness. The Baton Turbo’s performance makes it uniquely useful for nighttime security, where it can illuminate wildlife or intruders before they become an immediate threat. NighttimeĚýwalks in grizzly country have never felt as safe.

The post 7 Gifts for the Hard-to-Please Outdoorsperson in Your Life appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

We tested hundreds of products earlier this year to round up the best holiday gifts currently on the market—all explicitly curated for your outdoorsy loved ones. From travel gear to tech gifts to fitness products, from $20 to $1,600, we have something for everyone. Be sure to check out the rest of our favorite picks in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.

At A Glance

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Camelbak Podium Steel 18-ounce Bike Bottle

When you’re riding in 90- or 100-degree weather, a plastic bike bottle can warm up in less than 30 minutes, even if it’s stuffed with ice. That’s why Camelbak now makes this metal bottle with double-wall vacuum insulation that will keep your loved one’s water or favorite sports drink cold during an entire two- or three-hour ride. A new, easy-chug cap will allow them to drink fast when they’re thirsty, and the bottle stays put in a bike cage.

Suunto Race S Performance GPS Watch

The Race S comes with a bright and beautiful AMOLED screen, the ability to download and use offline maps, and up to 40 hours of high-quality GPS time or up to seven days of general use with daily fitness training. All these features come in a sleek package with a comfortable fit that cinches down to snug even small wrists.

Nike Zegama 2 Trail Running Shoe

Sizing: 6-15 (men’s)

A responsive and supportive, dual-foam midsole will give the long-distance runner in your life the comfort they’ll need to put in long miles. We also loved the built-in ankle gaiter that keeps out debris, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole doesn’t slip on scree and loose dirt. Nike smartly made this version of the Zegama slightly wider to allow for foot expansion on big days.

Uvex Mtn Perform V Sunglasses

Give the gift of sight this season. Ultra-reactive photochromic lenses on these glasses go from light to dark, or vice-versa, in just a few seconds, so you can wear them any time of the day and always have the correct tint. Made for bigger heads, the large lenses and frame provide tons of coverage and an ultra-snug, no-slip fit.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY AMAZFIT
Amazfit T-Rex 3 ($279.99)

With 170+ built-in workout modes and AI-generated personalized training plans, the T-Rex 3 smartwatch from Amazfit is the perfect partner for the gym, pool, road, or trail. Track reps, sets, and rest time in strength training mode, and easily see all your workout data and sleep recovery information on the big, bright face. Plus, stay focused on your workout by fully controlling your watch with your voice and sending speech-to-text messages. With more than 3 weeks of battery life and a rugged body, the T-Rex 3 is always ready to go.

Wellen Sevens Sport Short Unlined

Sizing: XS-XXL (men’s)

Built from ripstop nylon that comes with four-way stretch, these shorts are durable enough for the most brutal CrossFit workouts but also flowy enough for a marathon. They come with five generous pockets, including one for your phone, and two with mesh that will drain water after a swim. Best of all, the non-pinching waistband stays comfy even after hours-long workouts.

On Ultralight Mid Sock

Sizing:5-11 (women’s) and 6.5-14 (men’s)

Who says socks are a bad gift? Call these the Goldilocks of socks—long enough to keep rocks and dirt out but not so high that they look dorky. Mesh around the midfoot vents tons of heat, and a little padding in the toe and heel adds comfort and fights blisters. The simple striping on the black version adds character to an otherwise regular old black sock.

Nutribullet Flip Portable Blender

This is the perfect gift for your friend who’s always in a rush. A rechargeable battery-powered blender blade is built into the lid of this insulated stainless steel tumbler, so all you have to do is add your ingredients, put the lid back on, blend, and then flip it back over to drink out of it. Add soap and water, blend for a minute, rinse, and this portable blender is clean again.

Title Nine Handful Sports Bra

Sizing: XS-L

A gift for the active woman who wants support for low-impact workouts while looking and feeling fashionable, the Handful Sports Bra is supremely comfortable. Testers were impressed by the combination of the compressive chest band and loose cups on this bra, which provided a balance of support and flexibility.

How We Tested Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

• Number of Testers: 6
• Number of Products Tested: 125
• Number of States Tested in: 7
• Tester Age Range: 30-75
• Highest Elevation Reached While Testing: 14,006 ft.

The best holiday gifts often fit in two main categories. The first category is: “A gift that makes my everyday routine that much better. “ The second goes something like: “This is a gift I’d never splurge on, so it’s amazing that I received it from someone else.” With those parameters in mind, we reached out far and wide to find gifts both big and small, expensive and affordable, and obvious and unexpected. A team of six testers put well over 100 products through their paces, and after weeks of testing and comparing, we came up with the final list.

For example, one of the products that made the cut under the “everyday routine” category was the Suunto Race S watch in our fitness category. Running tester Meg Healy loved how it was the perfect training watch that kept her motivated and updated all week long, no matter the length of her workout. Lead tester Jakob Schiller flew all over the country (Alaska, California, Seattle) with the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 pack and was always impressed with how it was perfectly sized for a three-day trip, easily fit in an overhead compartment, and was comfortable to wear while schlepping through airports.

Presents that fell into the “I’d never buy this myself category” included things like Sonos Ace headphones and Howl propane campfire in the tech category. The headphones, which are as much as a car payment, seem excessive, but you understand the appeal once you hear how they truly enrich every piece of music, from John Coltrane to Taylor Swift to Cypress Hill. A $1,300 gas campfire seems absolutely ridiculous until you stand next to one on a chilly fall night and realize that this new piece of technology is actually as warm as a campfire (if not warmer) and does a great job setting the vibe after dark.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jakob Schiller

Over the past decade as an şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editor and then columnist, Jakob Schiller has gotten to know many UPS drivers by name thanks to the frequent stops at his house for gear drop-offs. He’s opened so many cardboard boxes he could start his own recycling facility, and his garage, as you might suspect, is a mess. But thanks to all that gear, Jakob and his family of six (plus two dogs) have been able to adventure around the world and visit many of the globe’s most beautiful spots. When he and his family are not on the road, they call Albuquerque, New Mexico home.

The post Eight Best Gifts for the Gym Rat in Your Life appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

We tested hundreds of products earlier this year to round up the best outdoorsy gifts currently on the market—all explicitly curated for your outdoorsy loved ones. From travel gear to tech gifts to fitness products, from $20 to $1,600, we have something for everyone. Be sure to check out the rest of our favorite picks in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.

At A Glance

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Exped Mega Pump

The worst part of setting up camp is blowing up inflatable sleeping pads until you’re blue in the face. It can take forever, and the process always leaves you winded. That’s why we love Exped’s new rechargeable battery-powered pump, which does 95 percent of the work for you. The lightweight, hand-held pump can fill up a large or even queen-size pad in a minute or two. All you have to do afterward is top the pad off with a few puffs, and you’re ready to relax.

James Brand The Palmer

Weight: 2.5 oz

Designed to fit snugly in the change pocket of your pants or shorts, The Palmer is an ultra-versatile utility knife you’ll use for everyday tasks, from cutting paracord to prepping kindling. When your blade dulls, you can swap in a new one in less than a minute in the field. This year, James released a host of transparent, tinted-color options, which offer a playful peek into the knife’s mechanics.

Black Diamond Traverse Pro Ski Poles

Go ahead, chuck these poles in the truck bed or use them to whack snow off your boots: Thanks to a pure aluminum shaft, they’re practically indestructible. They weigh more than carbon options, but only slightly. The Traverse Pros also come with stronger locking mechanisms and extended grips, which provide better purchase and stability when sidehilling on the skin track.

Crazy Creek AirCliner

Weight: 1 lb, 13 oz

All the hours you spend glassing for elk or chatting around a campfire just got a lot more comfortable. Made from high-denier, ripstop nylon, the AirCliner inflatable chair can brush against rocks and sticks without springing a leak, and it’s easy to blow up in just a few breaths. You’ll notice the 1.8 pounds when backpacking with it, but for shorter trips, the weight is worth the comfort.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY AMAZFIT
Amazfit T-Rex 3 ($279.99)

When it comes to rugged GPS smartwatches, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is ready for any adventure. With more than 3 weeks of battery life, the T-Rex 3 can withstand temperatures from 158°F to -22°F and is waterproof to 328 feet. The large display makes it easy to check GPS maps and activity data—even in bright sunlight. Plus, stay focused on your objective by fully controlling your watch with your voice and sending speech-to-text messages. With best-in-class data privacy, the T-Rex 3 also gives you the option of GPS disablement for total privacy.

Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8×32 Monocular

If you’re like us, you always choose to leave the heavy binocs in the car—and always kick yourself as soon as an eagle flies overhead or a moose saunters through a nearby field. That’s why we love this lightweight monocular. We keep one in our glove box at all times, and since it only weighs a scant eight ounces, throwing it in the pack is a no-brainer.Ěý A large knob on top makes one-handed focusing easy, and the glass is sharp and clear.

Freaks of Nature Daily Defender SPF30 100-Percent Mineral Sunscreen

Legendary surfer Kelly Slater founded his sunscreen company Freaks of Nature this year, and the zinc oxide formula is one of the best we’ve tested. Not only does it leave very little residue, but it also moisturizes your skin thanks to the brand’s biosynthesized squalane. Bonus: it’s reef-safe, and the container is made from 100 percent recycled plastic.

Salomon Stance 96 ski

Sizing: 168, 176, 182, 188 cm

While other skis outperform the Stance 96 in one category or another, it proved to be the most well-rounded ski of our 2024/2025 Ski Test. It’s a supremely versatile ski that we think will get along with anyone—from intermediates still working on their skills to seasoned experts adventuring beyond the groomers. An energetic carver and a nimble bump ski, our testers were impressed no matter where they pointed the Stance 96.

Pret Fury X helmet

Sizing: S-L

The Pret Fury X and its women’s version, the Vision X, are crowd-pleasers. The liner’s EPS foam has an antimicrobial treatment to help keep it from getting funky, and vents in the front and across the top of the head are all controlled easily with a single switch, making the helmet highly breathable. Cozy wooly ear flaps can be removed on warm days, and the magnetic chin strap is easy to attach and can even be done using one hand.

Anon M5 goggles

The oversized Anon M5 had the beefiest and most secure magnetic lens system of any we’ve tested, making this an excellent outdoorsy gift for the skier on your list who likes changing their lenses. A flat toric lens provided full-range visibility, even in those hard-to-spot corners, and the durable hard plastic frame felt sturdier than goggles with softer, more pliable frames. Plus, you can add a neck warmer, which attaches to the bottom of the goggles via magnet, for an extra $32.

How We Tested Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

• Number of Testers: 6
• Number of Products Tested: 125
• Number of States Tested in: 7
• Tester Age Range: 30-75
• Highest Elevation Reached While Testing: 14,006 ft.

The best holiday gifts often fit in two main categories. The first category is: “A gift that makes my everyday routine that much better. “ The second goes something like: “This is a gift I’d never splurge on, so it’s amazing that I received it from someone else.” With those parameters in mind, we reached out far and wide to find gifts both big and small, expensive and affordable, and obvious and unexpected. A team of six testers put well over 100 products through their paces, and after weeks of testing and comparing, we came up with the final list.

For example, one of the products that made the cut under the “everyday routine” holiday gifts category was the Suunto Race S watch in our fitness category. Running tester Meg Healy loved how it was the perfect training watch that kept her motivated and updated all week long, no matter the length of her workout. Lead tester Jakob Schiller flew all over the country (Alaska, California, Seattle) with the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 pack and was always impressed with how it was perfectly sized for a three-day trip, easily fit in an overhead compartment, and was comfortable to wear while schlepping through airports.

Presents that fell into the “I’d never buy this myself category” included things like Sonos Ace headphones and Howl propane campfire in the tech category. The headphones, which are as much as a car payment, seem excessive, but you understand the appeal once you hear how they truly enrich every piece of music, from John Coltrane to Taylor Swift to Cypress Hill. A $1,300 gas campfire seems absolutely ridiculous until you stand next to one on a chilly fall night and realize that this new piece of technology is actually as warm as a campfire (if not warmer) and does a great job setting the vibe after dark.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jakob Schiller

Over the past decade as an şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editor and then columnist, Jakob Schiller has gotten to know many UPS drivers by name thanks to the frequent stops at his house for gear drop-offs. He’s opened so many cardboard boxes he could start his own recycling facility, and his garage, as you might suspect, is a mess. But thanks to all that gear, Jakob and his family of six (plus two dogs) have been able to adventure around the world and visit many of the globe’s most beautiful spots. When he and his family are not on the road, they call Albuquerque, New Mexico home.

The post Great Gifts for YourĚýşÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř-Obsessed Loved One appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

We tested hundreds of products earlier this year to round up the best holiday gifts currently on the market—all explicitly curated for your outdoorsy loved ones. From travel gear to tech gifts to fitness products, from $20 to $1,600, we have something for everyone. Be sure to check out the rest of our favorite picks in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.

At a Glance

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Stio Colter Mountain Slip

Sizing: 8-13 (men’s), 6-11 (women’s)

The ultra-cozy quilted poly upper, fleece lining, and synthetic insulation in these slippers will make them a favorite around the house. They’re also great for quick outdoor chores like taking out the trash or walking the dogs, thanks to grippy soles that don’t slip on snow and ice.

Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45

This weekender bag comes with a full 42 liters of storage. It’s bigger than most quick-trip bags, but you’ll need the space to pack all the essentials for a weekend adventure. It fits in the newer, larger overhead compartments on planes, but if you want to check it, just zip away the straps, and it becomes a sleek duffel that will make its way through airports with no problem.

LifeStraw Sip Reusable Steel Filter Straw

It’s easy to get ill from drinking contaminated water when traveling internationally, even if you’re careful. This reusable straw filters 99.99 percent of bacteria and 99.9 percent of parasites from drinking water. At just 10 inches and 1.8 ounces, your loved one can have it on hand at all times.

Klipsch Nashville Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This speaker will make someone on your list the life of the party, no matter where that party may roam. At a mere 2.4 pounds and seven inches wide, it produces deep and full sound. A pair of 2.3-inch full-range drivers—one on the front and another on the back—create 360-degree sound, so it works nicely in the center of a room. Plus, its 24-hour battery life makes it even better for remote destinations without power.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY KĂśHL
KĂśHL Resistor Chino ($129)

Searching for a gift for the traveler in your life? KĂśHL’s Resistor Chino is the way to go. Built out of a high-performance blend, these versatile pants are ready for that mad dash to catch the plane, or discovering the unknown upon arrival. Soft as cotton yet tough as nails, these pants are a staple for every adventure. Featuring superior stretch with rebound, the articulated design effortlessly moves on demand while maintaining form and fit. Ruggedly durable with water resistance and maximum UV protection, these chinos are ready for whatever weather lays ahead. Store a phone or passport in the double welt pocket on either side, and stash keys in the zip closure on the right pocket. Plus, these pants are machine washable for easy care—anywhere they go.

A Walk in the Park, by Kevin Fedarko

Former şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editor Kevin Fedarko’s second book is yet another exploration of, and a love letter to, the Grand Canyon. This book is about his odyssey to walk the entire length of the chasm with a friend. Filled with humor, history, and elegant prose, it’s easily the best adventure book of the year and is a perfect gift for any traveler.

Hest Cooling Pillowcase (small)

Trying to sleep when it’s hot is nearly impossible. That’s why Hest developed this pillowcase infused with jade, a material that’s known to help diffuse heat. You can instantly feel your face cool as you lie on the material.Ěý The cases will fit regular pillows, along with all sizes of Hest’s pillows.

AeroPress Coffee Maker Go Plus

For many of us, good coffee is non-negotiable. AeroPress recently launched its Go Plus, which features the classic press but comes in a metal tumbler that also serves as a cup. The setup makes a wonderful AeroPress cup of coffee that’s bold and smooth. When your coffee-lover is finished, all they need to do is rinse everything off with a little water, and they’re ready for their next caffeine hit.

NEMO Double Haul Convertible Duffel and Tote

Sizing: 30L, 55L, 70L 100L

We tested plenty of gearboxes and bags last year, and Nemo’s Double Haul Duffel was a favorite thanks to its brilliant design that allows it to transform from a duffel to a pack or tote. Testers agreed that the Double Haul isn’t just ideal for camping adventures but also day trips to the crag, ski resort, or even the gym.

How We Tested Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

• Number of Testers: 6
• Number of Products Tested: 125
• Number of States Tested in: 7
• Tester Age Range: 30-75
• Highest Elevation Reached While Testing: 14,006 ft.

The best holiday gifts often fit in two main categories. The first category is: “A gift that makes my everyday routine that much better. “ The second goes something like: “This is a gift I’d never splurge on, so it’s amazing that I received it from someone else.” With those parameters in mind, we reached out far and wide to find gifts both big and small, expensive and affordable, and obvious and unexpected. A team of six testers put well over 100 products through their paces, and after weeks of testing and comparing, we came up with the final list.

For example, one of the products that made the cut under the “everyday routine” holiday gifts category was the Suunto Race S watch in our fitness category. Running tester Meg Healy loved how it was the perfect training watch that kept her motivated and updated all week long, no matter the length of her workout. Lead tester Jakob Schiller flew all over the country (Alaska, California, Seattle) with the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 pack and was always impressed with how it was perfectly sized for a three-day trip, easily fit in an overhead compartment, and was comfortable to wear while schlepping through airports.

Presents that fell into the “I’d never buy this myself category” included things like Sonos Ace headphones and Howl propane campfire in the tech category. The headphones, which are as much as a car payment, seem excessive, but you understand the appeal once you hear how they truly enrich every piece of music, from John Coltrane to Taylor Swift to Cypress Hill. A $1,300 gas campfire seems absolutely ridiculous until you stand next to one on a chilly fall night and realize that this new piece of technology is actually as warm as a campfire (if not warmer) and does a great job setting the vibe after dark.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jakob Schiller

Over the past decade as an şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editor and then columnist, Jakob Schiller has gotten to know many UPS drivers by name thanks to the frequent stops at his house for gear drop-offs. He’s opened so many cardboard boxes he could start his own recycling facility, and his garage, as you might suspect, is a mess. But thanks to all that gear, Jakob and his family of six (plus two dogs) have been able to adventure around the world and visit many of the globe’s most beautiful spots. When he and his family are not on the road, they call Albuquerque, New Mexico home.

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