For the savvy runner, the campfire gourmet and every other outdoorist on your list, here are 25 right-priced presents sure to make the holidays merrier.
$15 and Under
Bag Balm First Aid
Athletes and adventurers know the magic a good moisturizer can work on rough and ripped skin. Bag Balm’s new First Aid formula provides those same soothing qualities but adds an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent to help heal minor cuts, scrapes and burns faster while minimizing infection. The 4-ounce tin will fit right into your go bag. $11. bagbalm.com
BarCountry Pocket Cocktails
You can’t take the bar cart with you into the wilderness, but you can take these packets and make a darn fine drink. Just add water and liquor, the rest is all-natural, gluten-free and vegan goodness. Flavors include Coconut-Lime Margarita, Pickled Bloody Caesar, Cherry Infused Old Fashioned and All-Dressed Bloody Mary. $10 per four-pack. barcountrycocktails.com
EcoSurvivor by Jasco Pyramid Tent Light
At 24 lumens, this low-power LED will create a soft glow inside your tent. The pyramid shape sits flat, or use the built-in hook to hang it or prop it up kickstand-style. One AAA battery provides 2.5 hours of light. EcoSurvivor donates 50 percent of its net proceeds to Water4, a charity that provides at-risk, indigenous people access to clean water. $10. byjasco.com
Lorpen T3 Running Mini
Yes, nonbelievers, a good pair of running socks really can make a difference when it comes to comfort and performance. The three layers in the T3 Mini work together to provide a soft feel, quick moisture evaporation, and durability and support where it’s needed. Sizes include S-XL in gender-specific cuts. $12. lorpennorthamerica.com
Nikwax Concentrated Tent & Gear Solarproof
There’s nothing worse than a weatherproof jacket or tent that has lost its mojo. Breathe new life into the water repellency and UV blocking ability of old synthetic fabrics — or double the effective life of new ones — with this safe and easy-to-use agent. Simply add water and spray, brush or sponge on. $13. nikwax.com
$25 and Under
Chaos Sandman
Not the knit cap type? This faux suede baseball hat has a full fleece liner to keep your noggin toasty this winter. You’ll get style points for the camo fabric and leather patch while clandestinely blending in with your outdoor surroundings. $23. chaoshats.com
Goodr Donkey Goggles
The low cost of these shades will ease your pain when you misplace them after a long trail run or day-drinking session. The frames are streamlined and have a special grip coating to prevent bouncing and slippage. The lenses are polarized and offer 100-percent UV protection. Available in 22 colors. $25. playgoodr.com
Heroclip
Sometimes two hands aren’t enough to hold all the gear that comes with living a full, outdoor life. Heroclip lets you hang packs, lanterns, wet clothing and anything else up to 50 pounds using its modified carabiner and swiveling, rubber-tipped hook. Made of lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s more than worth the minimal space it occupies. $20. myheroclip.com
Uncharted Supply Company Tug Out
When you need a tow strap to pull another vehicle, you need to know it can do the job. The Tug Out is rated to support 5 tons and boasts reinforced loops for abrasion and scratch resistance. Measuring 14 feet long by 2 inches wide, it weighs less than 1 pound. Plus, it perfectly doubles as a slack line. $18. unchartedsupplyco.com
Zippo HeatBank 3 Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Long days spent in the cold can do a number on your digits. This techy solution to finger-thawing fits in your pocket and provides gentle warmth on both sides — up to three hours using the rechargeable battery. Bonus: the HeatBank also serves as a portable power bank for any USB-compatible device. $25. zippo.com
$50 and Under
ESPRO Ultralight Press
Start your morning off right no matter where your travels take you with the lightest stainless-steel insulated brewer in the world (it weighs just 9.5 ounces). The ESPRO’s patented double filter creates the distinct, rich flavor of a French press without any grit. Or, remove the filter/press assembly and use it as a water bottle. $40. espro.ca
Full Windsor Muncher
This 22-gram titanium multi-utensil is packed with uses. Shall we count the ways? Spork, serrated knife, can opener, bottle opener, peeler, fire starter, cord cutter, pry bar, box cutter and flathead screwdriver. The included pouch and carabiner let you attach it almost anywhere for safekeeping. $50. full-windsor.com
MPOWERD Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0
Lightweight and easy to pack — it collapses to become nearly flat — the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 is a 150-lumen, solar-powered camp light that can top off your smartphone with its USB port. The adjustable strap lets you attach it anywhere without needing an extra hook. It can provide light for up to 50 hours and is waterproof, too. $35. mpowerd.com
P.L.A.Y. Scout & About Outdoor Chill Pad
This cute and comfortable dog bed rolls up compactly and features a convenient carrying handle for easy travel. And don’t worry if Rex jumps in the lake; the Scout & About Outdoor Chill Pad is waterproof and machine washable. Comes in sizes S-L for dogs of all breeds and weights. $45 (small). petplay.com
UCO Air Headlamp
You might forget you’re wearing this headlamp — it’s that “airy” at just 45 grams, including the rechargeable battery. The 150-lumen LED provides up to five hours of light, three power settings and a red night-vision mode. The no-slip strap is a highly adjustable neoprene, made to not constrict or stretch out over time. $35. ucogear.com
$100 and Under
Dakota Grizzly Shayne
Every outdoorsman needs a warm, cozy (and stylish) flannel for those chilly nights on the trail. The Shane is a vintage inspired ombre shirt with embossed snap buttons, side seam pockets and a thermal-waffle lining. Rich color patterns include moss, crimson and current. $88. dakotagrizzly.com
Helinox Chair One
It packs down to 13.8 inches long by 4.7 inches high and weighs just 2 pounds, but Helinox’s original camp chair pays big dividends around the campfire. The poles are DAC aluminum, and the fabric includes a breathable mesh back and seat panels. Self-locating shock cord technology makes assembly and disassembly a snap. $100. helinoxstore.com
Ottolock Cinch Lock
Stronger than a cable lock and lighter than a U-Lock, Ottolock is ideal for quick, strong, worry-free security of your bike. Its multi-layer steel and Kevlar band makes it extremely hard to sever, even with bolt cutters. The 30-inch length is versatile, and the three-dial combination lock can be reset as needed. $65. ottodesignworks.com
Ultimate Direction Marathon Vest
You need to stay nimble, and you need to stay fueled. At 4.94 ounces, this vest is crazy light but can still hold a 2-liter reservoir in back, a bottle in a holster, and bars and gels in a stretch mesh pocket. And there’s even room left over for a zippered iPhone 7 compatible front pocket. $80. ultimatedirection.com
VSSL Supplies
Save precious cargo space — and possibly a life — with the critical gear stored inside this 9-inch by 2-inch aluminum tube. Contents include a triple mode LED light, compass, six-hour candle, razor blade, water purification tablets, wire saw, emergency whistle, waterproof matches, fire starters, fishing gear, signaling mirror, 25 feet of marine-grade rope, reflective trail markers, can opener, first-aid supplies and survival instructions. $100. vsslgear.com
$200 and Under
BioLite FirePit
Nobody likes to sit directly downwind of a campfire for long, and now you don’t have to. The BioLite FirePit uses air jets to inject oxygen along key locations; this creates a more uniform temperature and mixing of gases to improve combustion and reduce smoke. Control the size of the flames manually or remotely using the Bluetooth app. $200. bioliteenergy.com
Blue Ridge Chair Works Caravan Chair
The seat base of the Caravan Chair nests into the back support and is held there by pressure. This means there are no moving parts to break, and when taken apart, it lays flat for space-saving storage. The real beauty of this item, though, is its handcraft yet rugged good looks. $135. blueridgechair.com
Rumpl Puffy Sherpa Blanket
With nylon fabric on one side and soft sherpa fleece on the other, you’ll never want to leave the bear hug this blanket gives. The Puffy Sherpa comes with built-in carry straps, so you can take your coziness from camp chair to van to cabin effortlessly, and a zippered pocket that can be used to stash your keys or wallet. $160. rumpl.com
Tenkara Hane
Think of the sport of tenkara as a minimalist version of fly fishing: all you use is a rod, fixed length of line and fly. The Hane measures 15 inches long when collapsed, making it super easy to take backpacking or bikepacking. Or stash it in your car for a few minutes of zen during your lunch break or after work. $150. tenkarausa.com
Teva Ember Moc Lace
Teva describes them as part sleeping bag and part sneaker, perfect for lounging around the campsite or wherever home base happens to be. The shoe is made with lightweight, nylon ripstop fabric and cozy quilting for a slipper-like fit but also has a responsive PU-EVA-foam midsole and rubber outsole. Terrain friendly yet couch-certified. $150. teva.com
Author: Brad Kovach is the editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine.
Thank you! I just made my Christmas list a little longer!