2021 Gear Gift Guide
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Do your friends have the tie down straps they need to get that tree home? Read on for more stocking stuffer ideas :)
A spectrum of our favorites, collected and coddled through the year, we bring you our 2021 Gear Gift Guide. These are items that have really stood out to us or have made our adventures better in some way. If you’re looking for something to give that’s not a tangible item wrapped in a box, make sure to check out our 2021 No-Box Holiday Gift Guide, too. We’re also banking on 2022 including more outdoor adventures, all-season comforts, and maybe even a little travel thrown in. Right now, too, there are a bunch of great discounts (check out the reel on our homepage) on many of the items listed here:
Minus 33 Midweight Merino Wool Beanie - we met these folks at the Outdoor Media Summit this year and - WOW - their merino is amazing. They brought these beanies as swag and it’s the softest wool we’ve ever felt. Well-made and with a great family start-up story in their company history, we’re thrilled to add this to our collection.
REI Gift Card - We’re going to throw this one in here because it’s such an easy, no-brainer gift. Write a heartfelt message and give them a gift that allows them to choose from the candy store of outdoor gear. For the ladies in your life, you might even consider a gift card from Title Nine.
MPOWERD Solar Lanterns - We talked about these in our “Multi-Purpose Gear” blog and we’re bringing them back for the holidays. They shrink, glow, float, clip-on, travel, and self-charge (solar). Whether you’re in a tent, in your backyard, on a boat, or elsewhere, these suckers will light the way.
Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag - This was given to us a couple of years ago and Cristen commandeered its use - she hasn’t looked back. It has a TON of storage for the compact size and lots of organization. From hotels to sailboats, visits at friends’ houses to campground showers, this toiletry bag withstands the abuse and keeps it together.
Kammok Roo Double Camping Hammock - We heart hammocks and take them with us everywhere. If you have an outdoor lover in your circle who hasn’t yet enjoyed the bliss and usefulness of a hammock, this is a great one to stick under (or on) the tree.
Outdoor Research Face Covers - We know, we know. At this point, we’re either over the masks or accepting that we’re going to be dealing with them off and on for a while still. Outdoor Research has created a great design that’s comfortable, adjustable, and well-made. If you’re hopping on an airplane for your next adventure or just feeling more comfortable in a crowd, this is a design that’s easy to stick in a pocket on the way - or in a stocking.
Rab Dispatch Duffel 50L (on Title Nine) - speaking of travel, this duffel will get you there… then get all of the souvenirs back, too. It’s a sharp looking bag that stands out in the baggage claim carousel, has thickly-padded shoulder pads for trekking to your hostel, and can carry all the gifts you need to your nieces and nephews. Even Santa carries one (wink). Seriously, though, it’s heavy duty, water-resistant, and has great features to compliment your travels.
Osprey Transporter Series Bags - we’re thinking solely of their commuter-style, smaller, laptop carrying bags for those folks who are getting back to the office or perhaps are telecommuting more than ever from their home or local coffee shop. They have a lot of options depending on how much (or how far) you want to go, with padded laptop/tablet pockets and tons of nooks and crannies for all the pens, notebooks, cables, and other accessories your work requires. Plus, the straps Osprey makes are comfy under that load and can pull close to you if you’re riding a bike to your office.
ThermaRest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad - These were touched on in our podcast episode about sleep systems while camping. Your sleeping pad can mean the difference between a night and a great night. When you have miles ahead of you to pedal or hike, you’ll either wake up ready for the day or wondering if you’re doing the right thing. ThermaRest has led the charge on sleeping pads and systems for several decades - they know what they’re doing!
ThermaCell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller - Here’s our caveat: we use this on our sailboat, anchored near mangroves along the Florida coast, in the spring. In case that’s not enough, it’s the size of a flashlight and can lay on any surface and this thing works.
AeroPress Coffee Maker - We drink plenty of coffee. If you’ve listened to the podcast much, you’ll know that local coffee shops are one of the places we enjoy seeking out in new towns. Our evolution of brewing went from an electric coffee maker to a pour-over system until we discovered the AeroPress. Now, we can have coffee OR great espresso and the system packs tight and goes with us everywhere. We’ve added some necessary accessories over time like this reusable metal filter and this USB rechargeable frother+pitcher for the best homemade lattes!
Hiker’s Brew Sampler and Hydro Flask Mug - While we’re talking about making coffee, let’s go ahead and complete the kit. First, a little about Hiker’s Brew. Their mission is this: “Hikers Brew focuses on creating sustainable coffee that you can be proud to take on your next outdoor adventure. Our mission is to promote sustainability within the outdoor and food packaging industries. To support this mission, we offer a small multi-use and compostable package that keeps coffee fresh. This allows avid adventure seekers to take it with them anywhere they go.” And as awesome as that is, we will tell you that their coffee is some of our favorite. Add a 2-cup insulated mug (we don’t mess around in the morning), and you’re set to go.
Title Nine Edition Spotlight - this is a small clip-on light that can either glow or flash. It’s perfect for a late run or even on trick-or-treaters, but we love that we can put it on our dogs’ harnesses when we walk them at night in campgrounds or marinas so that other people can see them coming - and see how big the dogs are based on how low or high the light is hanging. No surprises and long-living.
Eco-Nista Upcycled Bracelet (Title Nine) - As beautifully written on their website, “Alixandra Barron to create delicate designs made from what was all around her: discarded bicycle inner tubes. Weightless, cold waterproof, up-cycled jewelry for fellow fashion- and eco-nistas, her jewelry is lightweight, playful and fit for adventure. Hand-drawn and laser cut in Vermont.” Earthy accessories with unique flare, for bike-lovers and beyond.
Sea to Summit Stretch Loc TPU Straps - These. Are. Amazing. From 12”-30” lengths, these straps can secure almost anything, from bikepacking gear to SUP paddles and even roof racks. Talk about multi-use and it doesn’t hurt to have a couple in a pinch.
Eddie Bauer Kids CirrusLite Down Hooded Jacket - Sometimes it’s challenging to buy solid gear (especially necessary gear) for kids when they grow so quickly. Cold weather is nothing to mess around with and we want them to have the same comfort and safety factors that we do when we play. Eddie Bauer has created a range of kids’ winter coats (and other clothing) that fills this gap and the CirrusLite Down Jacket has become our son’s favorite. It doesn’t hurt the wallet either (they have a LOT of great sales, too). There are a huge variety colors to choose from, too!
Therm-A-Rest Stellar Tech Blanket - This packable, fast-drying, very warm, lightweight tech blanket is one that we’ve talked about again and again. It made our list of favorite multi-purpose gear items, too. You might think about all the blankets a person has in their home and deem it unnecessary, but we daresay that this blanket can replace at least three that you already own. It’s so nice, even our dogs try to steal it.
Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Dog Tether System - Speaking of the pets, we can’t leave them out of our Gift Guide, right? These tailwaggers go almost everywhere with us, but many places require leashes and having them under control in some way. In a campsite, that can get tricky - and become a tangled mess. If you have a little Houdini like we do, once he gets tangled, he can leverage his way out of his harness, too. This is where the Knot-a-Hitch Tether System has been really handy. String it between two trees, clip the lead on, and the pups can move around camp safely, and securely for everyone’s comfort, while we set up camp, make dinner, and get the night going. Happy dogs!
Tiny Tents Basecamp Dome Tent (REI) - But we shall not leave out the cat! He travels with us, too. He’s not as cooperative on a leash, so we try to make his inside-the-RV life as interesting as possible. Please believe me when I tell you that seeing these Tiny Tents make it to market makes my heart happy. As a kid, this was all I wanted for my cat - the display-size tents that would fit felines perfectly. Well, someone finally did it and now your cat can have their own Basecamp Dome homebase for their adventure travel - on the road or in your home. We can hear your cheers now!
Stasher Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bags (REI) - Who else is sick of disposable plastic bags? Reusable silicone bags have become our go-to, not only at home and school, but on the road and in the boat. They save money and landfill space, wash easily, and are easy to open and close for little fingers working on their dexterity. They come in many different sizes and we use them for food, crayons, magnets, and other small toys. It keeps mom’s tidy-minded desire sane - and that’s the true gift here.
REI Multi-towel Lite - Once upon a time we had a large water leak in a small space (the details here aren’t important now). All we could grab was the nearest towel and it was this one. We can attest to the fact that this towel will hold 8 times its weight in water, wring out to be nearly dry, and then go back for more. This towel saved the day. Now, the non-utilitarian side of it is that it’s so very soft, it nearly feels like a blanket. Whether you use it for camp showers, hair drying, the beach, or during hot yoga, it’s going to do it’s job and be sweet against your skin at the same time.
Hydro Flask Cooler Cup - These became our quick-grab item this summer. At first, it looks like a metal coozy for a bottle or can. But then, when you realize it can switch into a cup of its own for hot or cold beverages, it’s even better. Every time we headed to the lake or pool, we stuck a cold can of choice into the Cooler Cup and that refreshing temperature would last much, much longer.
Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer (REI) - Now for a winter item. Many of us have used the chemical-based heat warming packs: they lasted for 8 hours and then would be thrown away. They had their place. Well now, Zippo has USB rechargeable Handwarmers! There are many different versions to choose from, including one that uses lighter fluid rather than recharging electrically. For a person who wants to get out and spend time on winter trails or slopes, having this in a pocket is a great way to quickly warm up on the chilliest of days.
Minus 33 Merino Socks - Beanies for your feet. Just like the ones for your head, Minus 33 didn’t skimp on the quality of these socks - or the softness. What really stands out to us with their design is the feeling of padding under the heels and toes… perfect on hikes or while just staying cozy on the couch.
Outdoor Research Gripper Sensor Gloves - One glove to rule the day - grab these on the way out of the door and your hands will be warm all the way to school or the office AND you’ll be able to scroll the news, answer texts, and check your email with them on. They’re also windproof and water resistant.
Outdoor Research Kids Adrenaline Mitts - But we can’t leave the kiddos out, can we! The snowball-shaping palm of these mittens seem to be made for the snow. So does the insulation and waterproofing of the materials. The longer collar and two cinch points keep these mittens where they’re supposed to be and the elements out so that the adventure outside will last. At least two candy canes can fit in each mitten safely when hung by the chimney with care.
Buffs - If we’ve learned one thing from face mask season, it’s been this: they really aren’t so bad when it’s frigid outside and our faces are still warm. (Buff raises its hand) We’ve always seen Buffs as hair-control, sweat-control, style, and function. But shaping them into a balaclava now makes a whole lot more sense than it used to. Add this to your loved ones’ stockings and they’ll know you want them to stay stylish and warm when the north wind blows on their runs, rides, hikes, and while shoveling snow.
Nemo Moonlite Reclining Chair - You know that lunar eclipse that just happened in November? Imagine enjoying that from the comfort of a steady camp chair that reclines. Or watching shooting stars this summer. Or while gathering with friends at someone’s backyard fire ring while kicking your feet up. Nemo makes a very comfortable chair, y’all. Now, like a fine wine, pair this with numbers 1, 17, 22, 24, and 25, and you have a warm and cozy night ahead.
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower - We haven’t talked about this shower enough. But let us reassure you: if you kayak, SUP, sail, take pets on trails or water, get muddy, dusty, mountain bike, rock climb, van life or boondock, or just generally spend time outside in a place where it might be nice to rinse feet, face, hands, or body but don’t have running water… then you’ll enjoy adding this to your arsenal of gear. We speak from experience that, even with the finest, stickiest sand or dust, having the pressure behind the spray will clean you, the kids, and your pets well enough to feel great before driving a long distance or turning in for the night.
Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag - Our dog, Jack, believes his body was made for soft things. This dog sleeping bag, like the cat tent (number 19), may be indulgent, but it makes us smile and it makes the dog feel special to have a matching, squishy bed. After all, he’s just one of the pack!
MyMedic Medical Kit - Update those medical kits and keep them ready for the backcountry. There is a size and arrangement for every activity, from road trips to day trips, easy hikes to expeditions.
We hope our 2021 Gear Gift Guide has been a help! It’s always fun to put these together, not only with a desire to help you in your holiday shopping, but also to look back at the great inventions and creativity that the outdoor industry has come up with to make getting outdoors more comfortable, fun, and easier in many ways. All the best in your gift gathering and happy holidays from Keyword Adventure to all of you!
