I’ll be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with a lot of these types of posts. I find they’re often loaded with items that the intended population definitely has, the latest of what’s out there or are way out of budget for the typical gift.

Like a lot of others who spend ample time in the wilderness and enjoying nature’s beauty-I care about how my spending impacts our planet. While we have a lot of gear, we also take great lengths to ensure it doesn’t go to waste by investing in items up front and then making them last. If you find yourself wanting to gift something more ‘non-traditional’ stay tuned for Part 2.

Below I’ve compiled a thoughtful list of items that I think would be greatly used and highly coveted should they land in the pack of your loved one.

1. Actual nice (outdoor) playing cards. Camp, après ski, the brewery……everyone needs a set. Why not get something inspiring? These from Amazon are a quick stocking stuffer item.
2. A Buff. I’m not going to make a gift guide without including a Buff. I might have a bit of an obsession, don’t tell Brandon. I write all about my love for them here in one of my first posts. A Buff is such a perfect gift because you can actually justify more than one, it can display so much personality, it is beyond multifunctional (have we all seen THIS video?) and it’s a great price for gifting almost anyone.
3. A flask. I like this one from REI. It doesn’t break the bank and fits into every jacket pocket. I also like this one that is lightweight, and allowed in wilderness areas where aluminum/metal/glass isn’t.
4. A notepad. I love these Rite in the Rain spiral bound ones you can get from REI, or Amazon has them in multi-packs/different colors here. We take them on every trip. I write notes from planning and also summarize the trip for a Trip Report later, or write notes about things I want to change. Super handy.
5. YETI Hot Shot Mug. One day YETI will realize I am their biggest add and make me their ambassador and then everyone will believe me, until then I will just keep telling everyone about these mugs. They are the….best. We take them everywhere and they never disappointment us. Who loves hot bevies? Everyone….thats who.
6. Down Booties. These are what I call a luxury item. But a nice down (or insulated of some sort) bootie can really elevate any ski, camper, winter or fall trip in general. I really like a pair with a non-fabric bottom that doesn’t get saturated like these Tunda Trax from Outdoor Research.
7. Power Bank. Okay….this isn’t super original but I feel like everyone needs at least one, especially anyone using their phone to pull maps on AllTrails, charge their GoPro…all the things. I used my phone for mapping and AllTrails recently in Sedona and I was so glad I brought a power bank in my pack. I like this one, from BioLite, you can get it from REI. I have the 20 and 40 size and so far the 20 has been perfect to take everywhere and charge my stuff fast!
8. Garmin Watch. Hear me out. As we start to move to the pricier items on the list I feel like “a Garmin” is necessary for any outdoor lover and here is why. If you’re shopping for a US local, Garmin is the most common brand. I’m not saying common=right choice, but it means that trouble shooting is very accessible. My first GPS watch was from Suunto, and while I think they’ve gotten better, when I needed help I largely had to turn abroad. Suunto is just a more popular brand for European based alpinists. Coros is a brand I am intrigued by but know very little about at this point, but I look forward to learning more. What I love about Garmin is that there is a Garmin for everyone. Big into running? There is a Forerunner series for you. Triathlon more your thing? The Forerunner or Instinct Series is for you! More adventure based? We love our Fénix watches. No matter what, a nice watch is a must have for anyone adventuring and is sure to please anyone on your list. Check them out and compare in person at your local outfitter or Garmin online.
9. Rocky Talkies. I did not say walkie-talkies….I said Rocky Talkies. Brandon got us a set last year for Christmas and they are awesome. We’ve taken your average walkie-talkie on plenty of adventures and they are awesome, but these radios are next level….burley….reliable. Radios are essential for communicating with groups or just two people on the mountain, on the water or on the trail and 100% anyone on your list would be giddy to unwrap a pair.
10. A satellite communicator. Notice I did not suggest a PLB, emergency beacon or locator. If you listen to or read any outdoor publications that discuss emergencies or preparedness, they are always going to discuss the importance of 2 Way Communication. This is why I suggest something like a Garmin inReach Mini (2) or inReach Messenger (plus). Should you, or your loved one, find themselves in an emergency it’s imperative to be able to communicate with emergency services or the outside world. At times, emergencies in the outdoors are just a matter of being ‘overdue’ (assuming you’ve done your job to leave a plan with a responsible person). In this case, a simple text “we’ve been delayed but all safe” can save a lot of heartache and time. For those who like to ‘check in’ with home, the inReach Messenger is a nice option. It appears to have solved some of the more cumbersome features of the inReach mini. If you are gifting for a close loved one, this is kind of a gift for both of you….half the price….hiker math, it adds up.

Each and every item on this list is something we use, love and would purchase again. Could this list go on forever? Yeah….Do I have a mental shopping list for anyone who asks? Yeah. So ask me! Got a question about something on the list? Need an idea but don’t like what you see here? Stay tuned for Part 2!!

Thanks for reading folks, I hope you enjoyed it. Take some time from shopping to get out and enjoy some Days Off!