By Michael Lanza
If you’re shopping for someone who loves the outdoors this holiday season… or, ahem, for yourself… look no farther. I’ve compiled my annual list of the best outdoor gear and apparel that I’ve used over the past 12 months. Two decades of gear testing has given me a pretty good eye for quality, I think. This list includes super values in jackets, backpacks, a tent, a sleeping bag and air mattress, trekking poles, climbing harnesses, snowshoes, rechargeable lanterns, a headlamp, knives, kids’ gear and apparel, and a pile of other stuff, as well as some neat stocking stuffers, and a huge range of prices. Plus, many of them are available at sale prices right now (I’ve indicated those below). You just might get all of your holiday gift shopping done right here.
Many products listed below have links to my original review of them, and you’ll find other links below to informative reviews and stories at The Big Outside.
If you’re purchasing anything in this article, you can support my work on this blog (without it costing you anything) by making your purchase through the BUY IT NOW links below.
Here’s to a well-equipped new year of wonderful and safe adventures. Happy holidays.
Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Realm Jacket
Let’s face it, nothing says “I love you” to someone who spends a lot of time outside like an apparel item that’s eminently functional and happens to look pretty good. The absolutely weather-proof Outdoor Research Realm Jacket ($279, 10.5 oz.) has year-round versatility, exceptional breathability, and technical features like a fully adjustable hood in a shell weighing 10 ounces—at a very competitive price. See my complete review of the Realm Jacket and my “Review: The 5 Best Rain Jackets for the Backcountry.”
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase an Outdoor Research Realm Jacket for 30 percent off at backcountry.com.
Insulated Jackets
In the same vein as the above gift, nothing conveys a warm feeling like a high-quality insulated jacket for winter activities or three-season camping. In this category, I have two new favorites, both of which come in men’s and women’s sizes.
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Besides excellent performance, the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody ($249, 13 oz.) is good for Mother Earth (and we really haven’t been very nice to her lately). Its water-resistant PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco packs beaucoup warmth for its weight, and is made with 55 percent recycled polyester insulation. See my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody or any of the other Nano Puff models at backcountry.com.
Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket
In the growing category of jackets with breathable insulation, the Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket ($299, 1 lb. 2 oz.), with its water-resistant, highly compressible, Polartec Alpha Active synthetic insulation and adjustable hood, stands out for its versatility in all seasons: You’ll wear it on the move in sub-freezing temps and for warmth when sitting around camp in warmer months. See my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy an Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket for 30 percent off at backcountry.com.
Knives
Outdoor Edge Le Duck
For his 16th birthday, I gave my whitewater-kayaker son a lightweight, multi-purpose utility knife, the Outdoor Edge Le Duck ($35, 3 oz. with sheath). Its heat-treated, 2.5-inch fixed blade nests inside a hard sheath with a removable clip that rotates 360 degrees, and has a locking feature to prevent accidental deployment—perfect for clipping to a backpack strap, fishing or diving vest, or whitewater PFD. And the handle, shaped like a duck head, offers a solid grip. outdooredge.com.
The lightweight, folding Swiss Army knives have been a staple of outdoor gear for decades, for good reason: they do a lot. The Swiss Army Hiker ($30, 2.5 oz.) gives you 13 tools, including two steel blades, bottle and can openers, three screwdrivers, tweezers, and a tiny wood saw. It’s a great value in a small, folding knife.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Swiss Army Hiker at moosejaw.com.
Western Mountaineering Summerlite sleeping bag.
Ultralight Sleeping Bag
An ultralight bag helps transform the backpacking experience by significantly reducing gear weight and bulk. The 32-degree Western Mountaineering Summerlite ($390, 1 lb. 3 oz.) stands out among ultralight bags for having features not always found in this category of bags, including a hood, a draft tube, and a two-way, full-length zipper. With 10 ounces of 850-fill down feathers packed inside continuous baffles that encircle the bag, the Summerlite’s four inches of loft is fat for a summer bag. It also has good space for a lightweight mummy—enough to get dressed inside—with a shoulder girth of 59 inches, and it packs down to slightly larger than a loaf of bread. Read my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Western Mountaineering Summerlite at backcountry.com.
Stocking Stuffers
Black Diamond Spot
The Black Diamond Spot headlamp ($40, 3 oz. with 3 AAA batteries, included) offers top performance at a hard-to-beat price, with a powerful max brightness of 200 lumens, multiple white and red modes, a locking feature (no turning on accidentally in a pack), and a unique PowerTap technology that allows you to tap the right side of the casing to cycle between the TriplePower and SinglePower LEDs. Read my “Gear Review: The 5 Best Headlamps.”
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of the links or the text ad below to purchase a Black Diamond Spot at backcountry.com.
UCO Titan match
The UCO Titan Matches ($10, 3 oz.). will fire up in any downpour, no matter how wet. Each thick, four-inch-long match provides 25 seconds of wind and waterproof burning; they even relight after being submerged in water. The kit includes 12 matches, three replaceable strikers, a waterproof case that floats, and a cord that attaches to a lanyard.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase UCO Titan Matches at rei.com.
Okay, there’s absolutely nothing romantic about McNett Tenacious Tape ($5). But it works for repairing tears and holes in just about any fabric, from jackets to tents, stays put in any weather, and comes in black, clear, and many colors to match what you’re putting it on. Mcnett.com.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase McNett Tenacious Tape at rei.com.
The Colter Co. 100 percent cotton Know Your Knots Bandana ($14) features how-to diagrams of 16 essential climbing, survival, and sailing knots that any outdoorsy kid or adult (and you know that guy) will think is pretty cool. coltercousa.com/shop/knowyourknots.
Enertor Performance Insoles
Hiking can be hard on feet—especially really long days of hiking. I’ve tried many custom insoles, and my new favorite is the Enertor Performance Insoles ($60, 6 oz./pair), which helped my feet finish a dayhike of the 32-mile, 10,000-vertical-foot Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains feeling surprisingly good. enertor.com/insoles.
The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.
Backpack
The North Face Banchee 65
For the person who wants one, all-purpose pack for backpacking, The North Face Banchee 65 ($239, 3 lbs. 12 oz.) strikes a delicate balance between being reasonably lightweight yet capable of carrying at least 40 pounds comfortably, at a competitive price for this category. Coming in two sizes for both men and women, with adjustability in the torso length and hipbelt, it fits a huge range of adults. And it has nice organization and design features.
See my complete review of The North Face Banchee 65.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to buy a men’s The North Face Banchee 65 at backcountry.com or a women’s Banchee 65 at backcountry.com, both at 20 percent off right now.
Gregory Wander 70
Kids Backpacks
Got a young backpacker to outfit? I’ve always been a big believer that good gear helps kids enjoy backpacking more, and a comfortable pack makes a world of difference.
The Gregory Wander 70’s Versafit suspension has five inches of range and movable hip pads for fitting growing young people (and small adults, especially women), and good space and organization, including a U-shaped front panel zipper that provides quick access to virtually everything inside. Read my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy a Gregory Wander 70 at backcountry.com.
Osprey Ace 38
The Osprey Ace 38, 50, and 75 ($140-$180, 2 lbs. 4 oz. to 3 lbs. 9 oz.) fit all sizes of kids, from the youngest you’d want to put a pack on to bigger teenagers. These top-loaders have a functional feature set that includes a large, stretch-mesh front pocket and an integrated rain cover. My kids have carried them on numerous backpacking trips. Read my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy any of the Osprey Ace backpacks at backcountry.com.
Want to know my tricks for getting my kids excited about our family adventures? See my “10 Tips For Raising Outdoors-Loving Kids” and “10 Tips For Getting Your Teenager Outdoors With You.”
Rechargeable Lanterns
I’ve seen many rechargeable lights and lightweight, portable lanterns that double as charging stations for your small electronics like phones, but two in particular have become favorites of mine for their performance and utilitarian design.
Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern
The Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern ($60, 8 oz.) has an ingenious design. For starters, it’s very packable: Two legs fold up, a top hanger folds flat, there’s a top carabiner loop, and the USB charger cord wraps around the middle of the unit (below the bulb) and locks into place with a magnet—you’ll never misplace this charging cord. And it’s compact: 4.2 inches tall and two inches in diameter. The base is magnetized for placing it securely atop a metal surface. The light-adjustment knob/dimmer switch turns one way for 360 degrees of light (LED max output 210 lumens for four hours) and the other direction for 180 degrees (max output 105 lumens for seven hours). The rechargeable Goal Zero Lithium 18650 battery’s compartment opens from the bottom, which also has a tripod mount. There’s one 5V USB outlet for charging a phone or other small device. The Lighthouse Mini recharges fully from a USB outlet in about four hours, or you can use the Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panel to recharge the Lighthouse Mini in 4-6 hours in full direct sunlight.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy a Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern at rei.com.
Nite Ize Radiant 300 Rechargeable Lantern
The Nite Ize Radiant 300 Rechargeable Lantern ($45, 8 oz.) has both white and red LED modes that are bright (300 lumens on white high) but not blinding, thanks to an optical diffuser that creates a uniform beam pattern. The power button cycles through the three white modes by default; press and hold the button to switch to red mode. The 2600 mAh rechargeable battery delivers burn times ranging from five hours at white high to 110 hours at white low (15 lumens). It has a carabiner-style handle, can be used to charge small devices, and comes with a protective stuff sack. Niteize.com.
Water Filter
MSR Hyperflow Microfilter
There are circumstances where you need a pump water filter in the backcountry: when the water source is silted, or sources are far enough apart that you have to treat a large amount of water every time, or for a group of three or more people (it’s lighter than everyone carrying a water filter bottle). Then the MSR Hyperflow Microfilter ($100, 9 oz.) excels. I’ve been impressed with it on backpacking trips from Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains to the Grand Canyon, Death Valley National Park and Canada’s Kootenay National Park. This hollow-fiber filter cranks out three liters per minute, removing protozoa, bacteria, and particulate matter (though not viruses or chemicals), and leaves no taste. Measuring 7×3.5 ins., and lighter than many pump filters, it almost disappears inside a pack pocket. It comes with a Quick-Connect Bottle Adapter for pumping directly into a variety of containers, including all MSR hydration bladders and Nalgene bottles.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy an MSR Hyperflow Microfilter for 25 percent off right now at backcountry.com.
LifeStraw Go With 2-Stage Filtration
Water Filter Bottle
Rare is the piece of gear whose convenience and utility actually change the way I behave in the backcountry, but the LifeStraw Go Water Bottle With 2-Stage Filtration ($50, 8 oz.) does just that. In short, wherever there are fairly frequent water sources along a hike, the 22-ounce Go bottle enables me to carry less water and avoid the inconvenience of taking time to filter water: I can just dip and fill this bottle in a couple seconds and start drinking and hiking again. Without requiring batteries or pumping, the LifeStraw Go’s two-stage, hollow-fiber, 0.2-micron filter membrane with activated carbon removes virtually all bacteria, protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium, and organic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. It’s ideal for single- and multi-day, three-season backcountry outings, and international trips where there are concerns about water safety. See my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a LifeStraw Go Water Bottle With 2-Stage Filtration at campsaver.com.
RevoMax Vacuum Insulated Flask
Insulated Bottle
The RevoMax Vacuum Insulated Flask ($30 for 20 oz., $25 for 12 oz.) distinguishes itself for two reasons. First, the no-twist cap is easily opened and capped with one hand. To remove the cap, depress a green button and the two release buttons on the side of the cap simultaneously. To lock it closed, pull the locking finger ring until the green safety button below it pops into place. Second, the tightly sealed cap helps this double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless-steel bottle achieve superior heat retention, keeping liquids cold up to 36 hours and hot up to 18 hours. And it fits in most cup holders. revomax.com.
Hydrapak Stash Bottle
Collapsible Water Bottle
It’s not the first collapsible water bottle, but the wide-mouth HydraPak Stash Bottle 1L ($23, 3 oz.) has a distinctive, solid plastic top and base, giving it the rigidity—when filled with water—to stand up, which really adds convenience in the backcountry. When empty, the flexible walls collapse and the base clicks into the top, shrinking it down to slightly larger than a hockey puck for stowing away in your pack. Plus, the Stash Bottle is BPA and PVC free. The 750ml Stash bottle is $18.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a HydraPak Stash Bottle 1L at rei.com.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3
Backpacking Tent
Ultralight tents are rarely ultra-roomy, but the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 ($450, 2 lbs. 15 oz.) has a pole structure that creates steep walls, resulting in better headroom throughout the tent. With good ventilation and stability, it’s snug but roomy enough for three and light enough to carry as a relatively spacious two-person tent—giving you, in effect, two tents in one. Read my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 tent at backcountry.com.
Helinox Passport FL120 trekking poles
Trekking Poles
Just 11 ounces—less than one of the low-cut shoes you’re wearing—that’s the total weight of a pair of Helinox Passport FL120 trekking poles ($140). They feel lighter than air. And yet, these twist-lock, three-section sticks are adjustable—not a fixed length, like many ultralight poles. Made of a proprietary TH72M aluminum alloy from DAC, a leading manufacturer of tent poles, they have a high strength-to-weight ratio, so they’re sturdy enough for the most rugged dayhiking and backpacking. They’re a good choice whether you’re an ultra-hiker, ultralight backpacker, or just want to make your hikes of any distance more comfortable.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy the Helinox Passport FL120 trekking poles at backcountry.com.
See why I always use trekking poles in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.”
Snowshoeing Pilot Peak in Idaho’s Boise Mountains.
Snowshoes
I’ve already ordered for my soon-to-be-80-year-old mom, an avid snowshoer, a new pair of MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes 22-inch ($260, 3 lbs. 11 oz. for women’s 22-inch), which are lightweight but sturdy, come in men’s and women’s versions, and have a secure but simple binding system for easy entry and exit while wearing gloves. The 22-inch model will provide flotation for a person weighing up to 180 pounds (including pack weight). The MSR Lightning Tails ($60, 9 oz./pair) added five inches of length for flotation in deep powder or for someone with a combined body and pack weight of up to 280 pounds (on the men’s 25-inch model); remove them when you don’t need that extra flotation and want the maneuverability of shorter snowshoes.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a pair of the men’s or women’s MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes at 23-26 percent off right now at backcountry.com.
Winter Shell Jacket
Marmot Zion Jacket
Backcountry skiers, ice climbers, mountaineers, and snowshoers who venture deep into the mountains need a shell that keeps them comfortable and dry as their bodies cycle between overheating and feeling chilled. Waterproof-breathable like a hard shell, the Marmot Zion Jacket ($400, 1 lb. 4 oz.) looks, feels, and behaves more like a soft shell, offering excellent breathability and seasonal range. See my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy a Marmot Zion Jacket at backcountry.com.
Lightweight Gloves
Outdoor Research PL 400 Sensor Gloves
For people (like me) who get cold fingers easily, the Outdoor Research PL 400 Sensor Gloves ($39, 2 oz.) are the ticket. Made with stretchy, 300-weight fleece and a 100-weight fleece liner, they’re perfect as a single glove in temperatures around freezing, or as a liner glove in colder temps, balancing more warmth than most liner gloves with optimal dexterity for delicate tasks like lacing boots. I wore them for most of four days on an April climb of the Mountaineers Route on 14,505-foot Mount Whitney in the High Sierra. They extend slightly beyond the wrist for better warmth. The fabric breathes really well, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. The forefinger and thumb are touchscreen compatible, though you have to tap a little more deliberately than with bare hands.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the men’s or women’s Outdoor Research PL 400 Sensor Gloves at 30 percent off at backcountry.com.
Do you like The Big Outside? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by a USA Today Readers Choice poll and others. Subscribe for updates about new stories and free gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this story, at the top of the left sidebar, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.
♦
This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button in the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.
♦
REI Kids Timber Mountain Jacket
Kids Winter Jackets, Pants, and Mittens
My kids have done everything from hitting the ski slopes (resorts and backcountry) to sledding and building snow forts in the REI Timber Mountain Jacket ($100, 1 lb. 9 oz.) and Timber Mountain Pants ($70, 1 lb.)—both super values, as are the Timber Mountain Mittens ($35). See my review of the jacket and pants.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase an REI Timber Mountain Jacket, Timber Mountain Pants, and Timber Mountain Mittens at 25 percent off right now at rei.com.
Marmot Boy’s Guides Down Hoody
For adventures in serious cold, a small body needs serious insulation, which is why I put my son in a Marmot Boy’s Guides Down Hoody ($140, 1 lb. 6 oz.) when we climbed the Mountaineers Route on California’s 14,505-foot Mount Whitney in April. Also available in a girl’s version, the jacket’s 700-fill down is treated with Marmot’s proprietary Down Defender technology to make the down fibers water resistant, and it’s packable and warm for its weight. See my complete review.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a Marmot Boy’s Guides Down Hoody at backcountry.com or a Marmot Girl’s Guides Down Hoody, both on sale right now at backcountry.com.
See my stories “10 Smarter Ways to Think About Your Layering System” and “Review: 6 Super Versatile Layering Pieces.”
My son, Nate, testing out the Black Diamond Momentum harness at Idaho’s City of Rocks.
Climbing Harnesses
Is someone on your gift list new to climbing? Whether a budding gym rat, trad or sport climber, or eyeing some mountaineering challenges, he or she would be safe and comfortable in an affordable Black Diamond men’s Momentum harness or a Black Diamond women’s Primrose harness (both $55, 12 oz.). Both harnesses have a versatile set of features: BD’s pre-threaded belt buckle, which adjusts with one hand and eliminates the risk of forgetting to double back the belt; easily adjustable leg loops; a well-padded foam belt; and four stiff gear loops. They also have sizes to fit skinny teenagers.
See my “Gear Review: A Complete Rock Climbing Kit For Climbers With a Real Life.”
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s Momentum harness at backcountry.com or a women’s Primrose harness at <a href="htt