2020 Gift Guide for Outdoor Recreationalists
Last week I finally got around to buying Kalem a climbing helmet. I can not believe he has climbed for all these years without one. We received it yesterday and it is already giving me more peace of mind!
In the age of Amazon Prime, I cringe when I'm forced to pay shipping fees. With only a climbing helmet in my virtual shopping cart, I started browsing trying to find something else we needed to bring the total up to the cutoff where we would receive free shipping. Luckily (we don't really have space for anything else in the van), I couldn't. I then ran into a t-shirt I thought Kalem's younger brother would love, and realized that the holidays aren't too far away. Into the cart, it went! I really love the hunt of finding the perfect thing for someone, but even more, I love sharing things I love with those I love. So, here is a collection of things I love that I want to share with you to give you ideas for everyone on your list!
Pendleton wool blankets last a lifetime, or longer, which makes this one poised to become a new family heirloom. Our Pendleton blanket keeps us warm on the coldest of nights in the van. I love the pattern and colors of this one, which is inspired by ancient corn varieties.
This pass gets you (and everyone else you brought on your trip) into a park or site managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers. With lots of travel plans being thrown up into the air due to the coronavirus pandemic, this pass gives you the flexibility to travel anywhere and anytime.
I love to bake! We considered putting an oven into the van but decided against it to save on space. I later found this Swedish-designed stovetop oven, which is currently allowing me to make sure we can bake all of my family's traditional Christmas cookies this year. I know the camp chef in your life will love that they can make their famous cookies/cake/bread/nachos/meatloaf over a propane stove!
Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0
This two-way radio is built for the backcountry, where communication is vital to staying safe. Backcountry touring has become more and more popular over the last few years and for anyone that is new to the sport, I'd recommend investing in quality safety equipment. This radio has an incredible range. One of my favorite alternative uses is to stay connected with family on chairlift riding ski days, as even if I'm chasing side-country while others stick to the groomers, we can talk across the mountain and coordinate when it's time to meet back at the lodge for hot chocolate.
This hip pack is perfect for anyone on the go! It's big enough to fit all of your essentials, plus snacks or an extra layer when it's chilly outside. It keeps me hands-free when I'm scrambling over rocks on a hike, mountain biking, getting in a morning cross country skate, or running errands. To wear it casually, I usually sling it across my body. I love that it doesn't fall off my shoulder and keeps everything safe and accessible.
Revel Gear Trail Hound 30ft Camping Lights
I bought these to decorate the van for the holidays. With a simple USB port, they're perfect for making any room, rig, or remote campsite a little more festive.
My favorite wool socks! As a (young) adult, I finally have fully realized the joy of receiving new socks for Christmas.
Merrell x Outdoor Voices Moab 2 Boots
The Moab boot is the most popular hiking boot in the world, providing millions of users with stability and comfort on the trail. This Outdoor Voices collaboration reimagines them in fun, fresh colors.
These are on my wishlist this year! Backcountry touring and mountaineering requires sun protection because of all the light being reflected on the snow. The high-quality lenses and leather side flaps do just that better than any other glasses on the market!
In the winter I am always sipping a warm mug of tea! I love that this one is oversized, as I always get to the last sip too soon!
I wear these to work at a goat ranch, to weekend farmers market outings and everywhere else I go. I'd love to get a second pair for Christmas!
Mittens to keep even the coldest hands toasty while you are out and about this winter!
I love Rachel Pohl's fabulous art! It resonates with my soul and makes me happy. Having it in the form of a yoga mat will be sure to enhance any yoga or sweat session.
Weighing in at just a pound, this backpacking chair is light enough to take on trips of any length. It's comfy and roomy enough that we also use it at base camp, concerts, or backyard BBQs.
While this is definitely a statement piece, it does have some functionality! The fleece will keep your head warm and the zipper pouch conveniently stores a card or some cash while a side mesh pouch will store an energy gel or chapstick while out sweating in the cold.
Outdoor Voices Cloudknit Long Sleeve Shirt
Hands down the softest, comfiest fabric in the world!
My favorite endurance activity snack! They're delicious and perfect to stuff in a stocking!
Kalem loves his organizational systems. Topo Designs makes these bags in every size to make sure everything has a place.
I'm a sucker for a guy in a quilted down vest. They are also a great layering piece, fitting over or under anything else you need to keep warm.
Nalgene 16oz Stackable Storage Jar
The Holy Grail of the Backcountry. A simple airtight, leak-proof storage container that will allow you to take anything with you and give you the peace of mind that you won't open your pack to find the juice of last night's dinner leaked all over your favorite fleece. I could write an essay about how much I love these.
Kalem and I both have older GoPro models, but the difference between those and the new GoPro Hero 9 is dramatic. It shoots 5K video, takes 20MP pictures, and allows you to change out lenses and add extras like a mic or a light. I especially like that it has a front screen so that when trying to get selfie shots you can make sure you're on the screen.
These save your hands on long rappels. I love them so my hands don't get eaten up in the belay device as Kalem takes fall after fall.
My favorite anti-chafe butter!
Smartwool 250 Merino Base Layer Bottom
The bottoms that will keep you warm and dry all winter long as you ski, run, and hike!
Nomadix National Parks Map All Purpose Towel
With limited space in the van, fluffy, oversized towels weren't an option. We opted for these Nomadix towels, which work for our everyday towels, our yoga towels, and our beach towels. I love that they are made from recycled materials.
The MSR Whisperlite is a workhorse backcountry stove. It can burn almost any fuel and most problems can be fixed by banging the stove against the ground (not joking).
Autumn Headwear Select Stripe Beanie
I love a good beanie. Autumn Headwear is a new small brand with awesome beanies. I love this micro stripe (and every pattern on their site).