The Adventure & Travel Gift Guide: Outdoors Edition
- Dec 14, 2015
- 4 min read
Give the gift of warmth, outdoors and adventure this holiday season! "Baby, It's Cold Outside" will be no match for these tried and tested cold weather gear. For gear this good, you would dream of a White Christmas, and head outside as soon at the first hint of "Winter Wonderland", dancing and prancing, whistling "Let it Snow" on your way out. So here are 10 holiday gift guides for the outdoorsy types in your life.
1 Cold feet are no match for these warm Farm to Feet socks. 100% made in America by workers in America using wool sourced in America, Farm to Feet represents a convergence of technical gear that work, and the philosphy and pride of bringing back the culture of making things in America again. They have a range of everyday socks, sports socks, and adventure socks. Prices start at $15. Shop here.
2 The sweater I will live in all winter, the Eddie Bauer First Ascent Cloud Layer Full-Zip is a lightweight insulating layer without the annoying bulk or weight. I've worn it skiing, snowshoeing and lounging around the house - and has been impressively warm, comfortable, and functional. I've gotten one for The Dutch and he has pretty much has the same plan to live in it, too, so the guys on your list would love it, too. Price starts at $48. Shop for it here.
3 The indestructible Eddie Bauer First Ascent Microtherm Stormdown Hooded Jacket is an amazing investment. It will keep you warm without the weight. It's guaranteed for life so should a zipper break, take it back and they will replace it. Although I must say that I've had mine for at least three years and it is still going. The colors are fully customizable so if you want a personalized present for the lucky person you're giving it to, you are welcome to do so! Price starts at $138. Shop for it here.
4 Snowshoeing, much like hiking, is one of those adventure sports open to everyone. The MSR Evo Snowshoes is a trusty one, with extenders you can screw on, in case the powder gets too deep. Available at REI starting at $140 here.
5 Rain or snow doesn't stand a chance against this lightweight and sturdy Mamot Optima Gore-tex PacLite Waterproof Pants. Price starts at $99 at Sierra Trading Post here, but scour the web for discount codes - they're out there!
6 Give the gift of National Parks entry for a year with the National Park Annual Pass for $80 (per family) here. Senior Passes for folks over 62 years old is only $10.
7 Perk up the adventurers on your list with the gift of delicious, artisan coffee. Good Food 2015 Winner Magpie Coffee is hand-roasted in Reno, NV, and sells for $16 here. Otherwise, Kicking Horse from the Canadian Rockies never fails, sold at Amazon for $9.99 here.
8 A reliable baselayer such as the Columbia Midweight Half Zip could very well be an adventurer's best friend, especially in the winter. It works hard to keep the moisture off from the body, and this Columbia one has reflective fabric inside that helps your body make and keep its own heat. This has thumb holes so not only is it good for snowshoeing or skiing, but for running or even biking in the cold as well. It's online for $45 here, but I've seen them at Columbia outlet stores for less.
9 Eddie Bauer First Ascent Bacon Pack doubles as an adventure backpack, but also as a carry on for those short trips. The Dutch and I hiked in the French and Swiss Alps with this as our day pack and it is versatile enough for both (tall) male and (petite) female. It is sold at $99 at the Eddie Bauer website here. Snag it when it goes on sale.
10 Gift the gift of experiences and memories! REI Adventures here are great gifts for those who already have a bunch of gear, especially. There are mutli-day trip adventures for all sorts of activities and a range of places, but they do put a dent in the budget. As an alternative, check out the classes or activities offered at your local REI store. For example, my local REI store has snowshoeing basics and guided moonlit hikes for $35 and up. This is great for beginners since they provide the gear and instruction - they just need to show up! (P.S. They have New Years Eve moonlight snowshoe hikes in the Tahoe area. I gave it as a present to The Dutch one year and it was an unbelievable way to ring in the New Year. REI provided champagne once we got to the top of where we hiked.)
Wool You Believe It? A Blog Giveaway!
And because I believe in technical gear that works and I want to share it with other women, I'm giving away a couple pairs of Farm to Feet wool socks for free!
I consider socks unsung heroes. We use them everyday in the winter but it is amazing how many people scrimp on them. I know because I used to be one of them. But ever since I discovered wool socks, I don't wear anything else. Wool has properties that doesn't trap the moisture in your feet as you wear those tall winter boots. Also, wool doesn't rub your heels the wrong way. I've never had any wool socks cause blisters like cotton socks do. They are great for outdoor adventure, for travel, and even for everyday!
For a chance at a free pair, simply comment below with your favorite winter adventure or travel destination and a winner will be picked randomly on December 18th. Open to US and Canada residents only.
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