An Adventurer’s Lucky 13 Presents

Here’s how to gift the outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen in your life

By Katie O'Reilly

December 7, 2017

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Photo by thinair28/iStock

This holiday season, help outdoor enthusiasts hike that trail, scale that mountain, paddle that river, or perhaps just sleep in the woods. And who knows? These 13 gifts might inspire you to join your pals on their next al fresco adventure. Lucky them!

Isle Box

For those giftees perennially planning their next escapade, check out Isle Box, a subscription service that delivers a monthly shipment of outdoor adventure gear, focused around a theme. You can also dip your toe in with the gift of Isle’s National Parks Box ($120), a one-time-purchase item containing a Mountainsmith Day Pack, HydraPak 2L Reservoir, Princeton Tec Headlamp, National Geographic national parks guide, and National Geographic U.S. road atlas—all of which amounts to a $170 value, with free shipping to boot.

CCS G3 Camera Harness System

Consider treating nature photographers and birders to the ergonomic CCS G3 Camera Harness System ($119) from Cotton Carrier. It supports and secures one camera with a long lens and distributes cameras’ weight, so as to mitigate the fatigue of a long day spent shooting. With a quick-release waist belt, stash pockets for extra memory cards, and a large outside pocket, the system is designed to keep users’ hands free, their equipment safe, and their bodies mobile and ready to shoot.

Sequoia XL Double Hammock

Bequeath the gift of quality hang time in the form of the jumbo-size Sequoia XL Double Hammock ($60) from Serac. Made from super-soft nylon and Diamondweave, this lightweight hammock is rugged enough to take into the backcountry, yet comfy enough to sleep in. It comes with tree straps and carabiners.

camp chair

After four years of testing and development, Nemo Equipment has introduced the world’s first lightweight camp chair that not only reclines but also swings. Without needing to be anchored, the Stargaze Recliner ($170) affords campers some hammock-esque swing time as they relax around a bonfire or take in a starry sky. Made from breathable, weather-proof mesh and stainless steel, the Stargaze comes equipped with a pocket and drink holder, and easily packs into its carrying case. It’s ideal for camping, beaching, concertgoing, and attending sporting events.

flashlight

What’s better than a water-resistant stainless steel flashlight that can shine for 40-plus hours? One that helps adventurers stay safe and minimizes bulk. VSSL Supplies’ innovative flashlight ($99.50) comes filled with survival necessities, including a compass, candle, razor, water purification tablets, matches, wire saw, emergency whistle, fire starters, rope, trail markers, can opener, first-aid supplies, and more.

Ninja Suit

Here’s some gift fodder as fun as it is useful: the Merino Blend Hooded Ninja Suit ($200), a brand-new one-piece base layer from Airblaster. Both male and female cold-weather adventurers can stay cozy in this fast-drying wool-blend getup. The fitted-yet-stretchy suit comes with a chest zipper, monkey palms (thumb holes), and a waist zipper, for warm and easy bathroom breaks. It’s available in several solid colors and in festive fish prints, too.

 Firebelly Quilt

The gift of the Kammok’s new Firebelly Quilt ($299) keeps loved ones warm throughout long nights in the backcountry. Fusing thermal comfort with technical functionality, this water-repellent down blanket has a durable ripstop nylon exterior and can be unbuttoned for a traditional bed quilt, or secured tightly with snaps and drawcords to create a cozy footbox.

GoFish Cam

For the anglers who have everything, behold the GoFish Cam ($190)—an underwater fishing camera that attaches to a line to capture underwater action in HD video with a wide-angle lens. Using night vision and infrared technology, GoFish captures the excitement of casting a line and catching a big one. Giftees can easily edit and share footage, making it easy to show off their catch of the day.

Air Zipsack

Thanks to Granite Gear’s Grounds Keepers program—a team of committed thru-hikers who all vowed to clean up various trails in 2017—more than 10,000 pounds of trash have been removed from public lands and waterways this year. The grounds keepers relied on the brand’s Air Zipsack ($18) for stowage. More accessible and easier to cram into a pack than a traditional stuffsack, this waterproof packing system is sure to keep your favorite backpackers’ and paddlers’ clothes and food safe and dry, too.

Best Served Wild

Even when your loved ones are miles from a spice rack and working with but a single-burner backpacking stove, they can—and should—eat well. Best Served Wild ($14.50), billed as “an outdoor cookbook with a distinctly refined palette,” serves up backcountry fare meant to be shared around an open campfire. These veggie-focused recipes, care of adventure writer Brendan Leonard and food writer Anna Brones, come equipped with cooking tips for single-day adventures, overnight trips, and multiday outings.

 

snowshoes

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” That’s the tune recipients of the Revo Explore snowshoes from MSR ($220) will no doubt be singing. Suited for on- and off-trail adventurers, these snowshoes—recently updated for enhanced comfort and durability—accommodate a wide range of boot sizes and are equipped with cushioned cradles and an easy ratchet adjustment system. They’ll deliver serious traction and help winter warriors ambulate efficiently on long trips.

Luxe Towels

Backpackers and boaters love the fast-drying, odor-controlled, and packable wonders that are Luxe Towels ($13 to $45) from PackTowel. They’re also cozy, luxurious, and great for traveling and working out.

Honcho Poncho

Trust us on this one: The Honcho Poncho ($130)—brainchild of the camping experts at Therm-a-Rest—will make your loved ones the envy of the campfire. It’s warm, water-resistant, and breathable and makes the wearer look like a cool bat. With insulation care of 37.5 Technologies, it also doubles as a great blanket. Available in multiple colors.