Stance Bradford Socks outside holiday gift guide
Stance Bradford Socks (Inga Hendrickson)

The 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Stance Bradford Socks outside holiday gift guide
Inga Hendrickson

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Stance Bradfords Socks

Crappy socks make a crappy gift, but a colorful pair like Stance’s cashmere Bradfords are a hit every time.

Vapur Element Bottle

Vapur Element Bottle outside holiday gift guide
Vapur Element Bottle (Inga Hendrickson)

Vapur’s flexible one-liter Element bottle is perfect for adventure travel—when empty, it rolls up to the size of a banana.

Alite Twig Pod

Alite Twig Pod
Alite Twig Pod (Inga Hendrickson)

Alite’s Twig Pod makes self-portraits easier. The collapsible monopod has a spike at one end, so you can plant it in the ground and let your camera snap the pic.

GSI Outdoors Kung Foon Kit

GSI Outdoors Titanium Kung Foon outside holiday gift guide
GSI Outdoors Titanium Kung Foon (Inga Hendrickson)

GSI Outdoors’ titanium Kung Foon is the new king of backcountry cutlery. Use the spork and rosewood chopsticks separately, or insert the sticks into the handle for easy stirring and scooping.

Juniper Ridge Organic Bar Soaps

Juniper Ridge Organic Bar Soap outside holiday gift guide
Smell like the forest in a good way with Juniper Ridge’s organic bar soaps ($10). Each is infused with ingredients straight from the mountains and deserts of the West—sage, cedar, and, yep, pine sap. (Inga Hendrickson)

Smell like the forest in a good way with Juniper Ridge’s organic bar soaps. Each is infused with ingredients straight from the mountains and deserts of the West—sage, cedar, and, yep, pine sap.

Demerit Badges

Demerit Wear Badges outside holiday gift guide
Demerit Wear Badges (Inga Hendrickson)

Ever drop your car keys in the drink? Commemorate the experience, and countless other moments of stupidity, with Demerit Wear badges. There are over 200 to choose from.

Specialized LoDowns Gloves

Specialized Lowdowns Gloves outside holiday gift guide
Specialized Lowdowns Gloves (Inga Hendrickson)

Can’t afford a new 29er for the cyclist in your life? Upgrade their gloves instead. Specialized’s LoDowns are full fingered and snug fitting.

Endurance Conspiracy Ronde van Colorado Lithograph

Endurance Conspiracy Ronde Van  outside holiday gift guide
Endurance Conspiracy Ronde Van Colorado Lithograph (Inga Hendrickson)

The Pro Cycling Challenge has fast become one of the key bike races in the U.S. Throw a frame around Endurance Conspiracy’s commemorative Ronde van Colorado lithograph for a handsome piece of home, office, or workbench art.

Midnight Moon Whiskey

Midnight Moon Whiskey outside holiday gift guide
Midnight Moon Whiskey (Inga Hendrickson)

That person on your list who’s always mixing fancy drinks is sure to dig Midnight Moon whiskey, distilled in North Carolina and available in seven flavors.

Original Tree Swing Old Fashioned Slingshot

Original Tree Swing Old Fashion outside holiday gift guide
Original Tree Swing Old Fashioned Slingshot (Inga Hendrickson)

Your sister might hate the Original Tree Swing Old Fashioned slingshot, but we guarantee your nephew won’t.

Stio Original Hat and Scarf

Stio Original Buff outside holiday gift guide
Stio Original Buff (Inga Hendrickson)

A buff isn’t quite a hat, a scarf, or a neck warmer—it’s a combination of all three. And Stio’s Original, from Jackson, Wyoming’s newest apparel company, is the best-looking one we’ve found.

Icebreaker Ski Lite Over the Calf Socks

Icebreaker Ski Like Over the Ca outside holiday gift guide
Icebreaker Ski Like Over the Calf Socks (Inga Hendrickson)

It’s hard to go wrong with a good pair of ski socks. Icebreaker’s merino wool Ski Lite Over the Calf are made with a touch of quick-drying Lycra and are as soft as kittens.

Kaufmann Mercantile EDC Kit

Kaufmann Mercantile ECD Kit outside holiday gift guide
Kaufmann Mercantile ECD Kit (Inga Hendrickson)

Not everybody wants their multitool strapped to their belt. Kaufmann Mercantile’s EDC kit, packs the basics— two screwdrivers, tweezers, waterproof lighter, and mandatory bottle opener—onto a handy key ring.

Estwing Camper’s Axe

Estwing Camper's Axe outside holiday gift guide
Estwing Camper's Axe (Inga Hendrickson)

With a one-piece steel blade and shaft, Estwing’s Camper’s axe stays true to the formula—simple design, high quality—that has defined the company for nearly a century. It also wrapped the handle in vinyl, dampening impact and making wood splitting easier on the joints.

Leatherman Mako Ti Bike Tool

Leatherman Mako Ti Bike Tool outside holiday gift guide
Leatherman Mako Ti Bike Tool (Inga Hendrickson)

The Leatherman Mako Ti bike tool comes with five box and two spoke wrenches in a package the size of a pack of gum, so it can be stuffed into a jersey pocket when the CamelBak stays home.

Gerber Bear Grylls Grandfather Knife

Gerber Bear Grylls Grandfather  outside holiday gift guide
Gerber Bear Grylls Grandfather Knife (Inga Hendrickson)

Gerber’s Bear Grylls Grandfather knife pays homage to a simple truth: if it worked then, it’ll work now. The tools include a blade, corkscrew, screwdrivers, and file—the same stuff Grylls’ grandfather carried in his knife during World War II.

Snow Peak Chopping Board Set

Snow Peak Chopping Board set outside holiday gift guide
Snow Peak Chopping Board Set. (Inga Hendrickson)

Culinary types will appreciate Snow Peak’s two-in-one Chopping Board Set. The nine-inch stainless-steel chef’s knife comes with a packable cutting board (not shown) that includes a hidden compartment for the knife.

Gaiam Textured Foam Roller

Gaiam Textured Foam Roller outside holiday gift guide
Gaiam Textured Foam Roller (Inga Hendrickson)

Gaiam’s Textured foam roller is the poor man’s masseuse, a foot-long cylinder with a honeycomb pattern that, when rolled against fatigued muscles, works out the sorest spots.

Apolis Leather Card Holder

Apolis leather card holder outside holiday gift guide
Apolis Leather Card Holder (Inga Hendrickson)

Finding the right buy for a boss or brother-in-law can be tricky. Subtle and classy, Apolis’ leather card holder solves that problem handily.

Stonz Original Versatile Booties

Stonz Original Versatile Bootie outside holiday gift guide
Stonz Original Versatile Booties (Inga Hendrickson)

Stonz Original Versatile booties are water-resistant, slip over tiny feet, and stay in place with an adjustable cinch cord. For kids three and up.

Polarmax Double Base Layer Youth Crewneck Shirt

Polarmax Double Base Layer Yout outside holiday gift guide
Polarmax Double Base Layer Youth Crewneck Shirt (Inga Hendrickson)

Upgrade your pride and joy’s snow kit with Polarmax’s Double Base Layer Youth crewneck shirt. The polyester fabric feels like cotton and wicks like a dream.

Pat’s Backcountry Beverages Carbonator Eco2 System Kit

Pat's Backcountry Beverages Car outside holiday gift guide
Pat's Backcountry Beverages Carbonator Eco2 System Kit (Inga Hendrickson)

The container in the Pat’s Backcountry Beverages Carbonator Eco2 System Kit is about the size of a Nalgene, but a pump on the lid produces fizzy water in minutes. Comes with five flavor concentrates.

Nau Kleen Kanteen

Nau and Kleen Kanteen outside holiday gift guide
Nau and Kleen Kanteen (Inga Hendrickson)

Stainless-steel pint glasses, like the ones Nau and Klean Kanteen partnered up to make, are a great gift for the car camper who has everything.

Knog Blinder 1 Bike Light

Knog Blinder 1 outside holiday gift guide
Knog Blinder 1 (Inga Hendrickson)

Bike lights are a must-have for any cyclist. The single LED in the Knog Blinder 1 is visible from more than 1,500 feet away, and the shapes—hearts, cogs, skulls—are kinda awesome.

Stanley Vacuum Bottle

Stanley Vacuum Bottle outside holiday gift guide
Stanley Vacuum Bottle (Inga Hendrickson)

Why mess with a good thing? A hundred years after Stanley’s first Vacuum bottle bowed, it’s still the best thermos in existence, keeping beverages warm for up to 24 hours.

REI Flash 18 Pack

REI Flash 18 Pack outside holiday gift guide
REI Flash 18 Pack (Inga Hendrickson)

REI’s Flash 18 pack has everything you need—18 liters of space, breathable straps, a simple cinching top–and, at the weight of a stuffsack, nothing you don’t.

Rapha Drawcord Hat

Rapha Drawcord Hat outside holiday gift guide
Rapha Drawcord Hat (Inga Hendrickson)

Rapha’s heavyweight merino Drawcord hat can be worn on the head or around the neck, keeping you warm on winter rides.

Helly Hansen Warm Boxers

Helly Hansen Warm Boxers outside holiday gift guide
Helly Hansen Warm Boxers (Inga Hendrickson)

Helly Hansen’s Warm boxers use the company’s proprietary technology, HH Warm, to wick moisture from the inside while insulating from the outside—exactly what you want when knocking around in low temperatures.

Eddie Bauer First Ascent Interlodge Hoodie

Eddie Bauer First Ascent Interl outside holiday gift guide
Eddie Bauer First Ascent Interlodge Hoodie (Inga Hendrickson)

Eddie Bauer First Ascent’s polyester-and-wool Interlodge hoodie easily transitions from a midlayer on the hill to your main layer in the lodge.

Koppen Outdoor Kälke Vest

Koppen Outdoor Kalke Vest outside holiday gift guide
Koppen Outdoor Kalke Vest (Inga Hendrickson)

Köppen Outdoor’s 650-fill women’s Kälke vest is eye-catching. And stretchy fabric at the armholes makes it ideal for cold-weather hiking or as a snug layer under a ski jacket.

Frost River Echo Trail Seat Bag

Frost River Echo Trail Seat Bag outside holiday gift guide
Frost River Echo Trail Seat Bag (Inga Hendrickson)

Frost River’s Echo Trail seat bag is made entirely by hand on the second floor of the company’s shop in Duluth, Minnesota. And like all waxed-canvas products, it will only look better with age.

Silca Pista Bike Pump

Silca Pista Bicycle Pump outside holiday gift guide
Silca Pista Bicycle Pump (Inga Hendrickson)

No bells or whistles here: Silca’s Italian-made Pista bicycle pump is just plain durable. And because every part is replaceable, you’ll never need a new one.

Nobis Eve Knit Fargo Hat

Nobis Eve Knit Fargo Hat outside holiday gift guide
Nobis Eve Knit Fargo Hat (Inga Hendrickson)

Canadian outer-wear company Nobis has a knack for coming up with fresh designs each winter, and the women’s Eve Knit Fargo hat fits the mold. The exterior is wool and acrylic, the interior is high-quality faux fur, and the combination makes for a perfect après-ski beanie.

Grove iPhone 4/4S case

Grove iPhone Case outside holiday gift guide
Grove iPhone Case (Inga Hendrickson)

Grove, which crafts gadget cases from sustainable materials, makes everything in its Portland, Oregon, offices—including this tree-engraved bamboo iPhone 4/4S case. Custom designs can be had for just $30 extra.

L.L. Bean 1933 Chamois Cloth Shirt

L.L. Bean 1933 Chamois Cloth Sh outside holiday gift guide
L.L. Bean 1933 Chamois Cloth Shirt (Inga Hendrickson)

With Portuguese cotton woven into flannel, L.L. Bean’s 1933 Chamois Cloth shirt is a near replica of the button-down in its Depression-era catalog. The only update: a slimmer cut.

iStabilizer Cinematic Dolly

iStabilizaer Cinematic Dolly outside holiday gift guide
iStabilizaer Cinematic Dolly (Inga Hendrickson)

iStabilizer’s cinematic Dolly cradles iPhones, iPods, and other portable video recorders, including GoPros, so the auteur in the family can capture sweet tracking shots on a budget.

Quicksilver Ellis Harbor Jacket

Quicksilver Ellis Harbor Jacket outside holiday gift guide
Quicksilver Ellis Harbor Jacket (Inga Hendrickson)

Quiksilver’s chambray-and-cotton Ellis Harbor jacket looks like a shirt, but don’t be fooled. The quilted insulation and jersey-lined pockets make it warm enough for chilly fall nights.

Timex Expedition Military Field Watch

Timex Expedition Military Field outside holiday gift guide
Timex Expedition Military Field Watch (Inga Hendrickson)

Timex’s Expedition Military Field watch strikes the right balance between rugged and office appropriate: it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, and the classic canvas band goes with everything.

Ahearne Custom Engraved Flask

Ahearne Custom Engraved Flask outside holiday gift guide
Ahearne Custom Engraved Flask (Inga Hendrickson)

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who think a flask on a bike is a great idea and those who don’t. For the former, get Ahearne’s Custom Engraved flask. The included mount attaches to a frame just like a water-bottle cage.

The North Face Mack Moto Jacket

North Face Mack Moto Jacket outside holiday gift guide
North Face Mack Moto Jacket (Inga Hendrickson)

The shiny, lightly insulated North Face Mack Moto jacket looks like it was designed for a night on the town. But with a DWR coating on the nylon exterior, it’s also water-resistant enough to keep you dry in a snowstorm.

Garmin eTrex 10

Garmin eTrex 10 GPS outside holiday gift guide
Garmin eTrex 10 GPS (Inga Hendrickson)

You could spend five times as much on a whizbang GPS, but if the backpacker in your family just wants to map hiking routes, Garmin’s eTrex 10 gets it done.

Blundstone 268 Slip-On Boots

Blundstone Boots outside holiday gift guide
Blundstone Boots (Inga Hendrickson)

Because their burly out-soles can handle just about any abuse—and because they look good enough to wear to fancy dinners—Blundstone’s slip-on boots have long been popular around the office. Now, with the 268, you get all that plus laces.

Bose SIE2i Earbuds

Bose SIE2i outside holiday gift guide
Bose SIE2i Headphones (Inga Hendrickson)

The exercise-friendly Bose SIE2i earbuds are expensive, but the audio is ultra-crisp, and they won’t budge from your ears on jarring trail runs. The ones shown here, with integrated remote control, are designed for iPhones and iPods; a device-neutral version, the SIE2 ($120), is available, too.

Mountain Khakis Utility Bag

Mountain Khakis Utility Bag outside holiday gift guide
Mountain Khakis Utility Bag (Inga Hendrickson)

Mountain Khakis’ Utility bag is made of thick waxed canvas, and the handle is recycled climbing rope, so it’s both durable and tasteful.

Patagonia Wool Cask Crewneck

Patagonia Wool Cask Crewneck Sw outside holiday gift guide
Patagonia Wool Cask Crewneck Sweater (Inga Hendrickson)

What are the holidays without sweaters? Patagonia blended wool and cashmere for the Wool Cask crewneck, for increased warmth and comfort.

Mountain Hardwear Hydra Pro Gloves

Mountain Hardwear Hydra Pro Glo outside holiday gift guide
Mountain Hardwear Hydra Pro Gloves (Inga Hendrickson)

Two technologies combine to make Mountain Hardwear’s Hydra Pro gloves the most waterproof we’ve tested. And with heavy fleece insulation, they’re great for skiers and winter alpinists.

Bluesmiths Shorts

Bluesmiths Shorts outside holiday gift guide
Bluesmiths Shorts (Inga Hendrickson)

It’s slightly insane to spend this much on boardshorts, but Bluesmiths’ really are the nicest we’ve ever worn. Cut from quick-drying Schoeller fabric, they look and feel twice as good as your average boardshorts—and will last twice as long.

Braven 625s Portable Speaker

Braven 625s Portable Speaker outside holiday gift guide
Braven 625s Portable Speaker (Inga Hendrickson)

Braven’s armored 625s portable speaker plays up to 16 hours of music on a charge. It also comes with a drybag, so it’ll go everywhere you go, rafting trips included.

Lazer Helmet and GoPro HD Hero2 Camera

Lazer Effect Helmet GoPro HD Hero2 Camera outside holiday gift guide
Lazer Effect Helmet and GoPro HD Hero2 Camera (Inga Hendrickson)

It’s about time. The Lazer Effect helmet features an integrated GoPro mount, the first to do so. Score extra points with the budding Warren Miller on your list by giving the helmet and GoPro’s HD Hero2 camera ($300) as a pair.

K2 Backside Pilchuk Kit

outside holiday gift guide k2 backside pilchuk kit
K2 Backside Pilchuk Kit (Inga Hendrickson)

K2’s Backside Pilchuck kit is a great gift for backcountry newbies. The 11-liter pack, just big enough for skins storage and a few extra layers, comes with a shovel and probe. Complete the kit with one more mandatory item: a beacon, like Backcountry Access’ Tracker DTS ($240).

MSR Flex-4 Cook System

MSR Flex 4 Cook System outside holiday gift guide
MSR Flex 4 Cook System (Inga Hendrickson)

MSR’s four-person Flex 4 cook system is exactly what you want when camping: four stainless-steel mugs, four plates, two pots, one handle, and two lids. And it all fits together like a set of Russian nesting dolls.

Dzierlenga F+U Tree Swing

Dzierlenga F+U Tree Swing outside holiday gift guide
Dzierlenga F+U Tree Swing (Inga Hendrickson)

Backyard swings put a smile on everyone’s face. And Dzierlenga F+U’s tree swing is the most beautiful we’ve seen. The wood is cedar, the rope is Manila, and your kids or grandparents will love the combination.

Sony Action Cam

Sony Action Cam outside holiday gift guide
Sony Action Cam (Inga Hendrickson)

Sony’s rugged, waterproof Action Cam is the company’s first foray into wearable video cameras. While its size and specs make it comparable to a stock GoPro, two key features set it apart: on-board Wi-Fi and digital stabilization.

Revo Windspeed Sunglasses

Revo Windspeed Sunglasses outside holiday gift guide
Revo Windspeed Sunglasses (Inga Hendrickson)

Revo’s polarized Windspeed sunglasses are tricked out with adjustable nose and ear rubber and crystal-clear, scratch-resistant lenses. Plus, aviators look good on just about every head shape.

Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite Ultra-Lite Cot

Therm-a-Rest Ultra-Lite Cot outside holiday gift guide
Therm-a-Rest Ultra-Lite Cot (Inga Hendrickson)

Therm-a-Rest’s LuxuryLite Ultra-Lite cot is the size of a roll of tent poles and weighs under three pounds—small and light enough to take into the backcountry.

Pendleton Heroic Chief Blanket

Pendleton Heroic Chief Blanket outside holiday gift guide
Pendleton Heroic Chief Blanket (Inga Hendrickson)

Inspired by a vintage Native American design, Pendleton’s wool-and-cotton Heroic Chief blanket makes for a cozy fireside companion.

Soul Poles Bamboo Ski Poles

Soul Poles LTD Edition Bamboo S outside holiday gift guide
Soul Poles LTD Edition Bamboo Ski Poles (Inga Hendrickson)

The paint job on Soul Poles’ LTD Edition bamboo ski poles comes courtesy of California artist R. Nelson Parrish. Too flashy? Get them unadorned for $125.

Panasonic HX-WA2 HD Camcorder

Panasonic HX-WA2 HD Camcorder outside holiday gift guide
Panasonic HX-WA2 HD Camcorder (Inga Hendrickson)

The Panasonic HX-WA2 HD camcorder was designed with aquatic play in mind: it shoots hi-def video up to nine feet underwater. It also captures 14-megapixel stills and comes with a powerful 15X zoom.

Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS Camera

Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS outsid
Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS (Inga Hendrickson)

Buying a waterproof, dustproof, shockproof camera used to mean trading image quality for durability. The armored Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS bucks that trend. Not only can you sink it three feet underwater, but it shoots 12-megapixel stills and hi-def video and can be hooked up to any HDTV.

Bending Branches Navigator Paddle

Bending Branches Navigator Padd outside holiday gift guide
Bending Branches Navigator Paddle (Inga Hendrickson)

Bending Branches’ Navigator paddle is one of the most beautiful sea-kayaking paddles we’ve ever seen. Its black-willow-and-carbon-fiber shaft is ultralight, and its fiberglass-enforced blade is ultra-durable.

Tivoli Model One Bluetooth AM/FM Radio

Tivoli Model One Bluetooth AM/F outside holiday gift guide
Tivoli Model One Bluetooth AM/FM Radio (Inga Hendrickson)

Tivoli’s Model One Bluetooth AM/FM radio may look retro, but the technology is anything but. A quick turn of the knob lets you play music directly from any Bluetooth device through the Model One’s high-quality speaker.

Atlas Elektra 9 Snow Shoes

outside holiday gift guide Atlas Snow shoe
Atlas Elektra 9 Snowshoes (Inga Hendrickson)

We’re big fans of starter kits like Atlas Snow-Shoe’s women’s Elektra 9 Series. It includes telescoping poles, beginner shoes, and intuitive bindings with virtually no learning curve.

Tesla Model X Electric Car

Tesla Model X Electric Car outside holiday gift guide
Tesla Model X Electric Car (Inga Hendrickson)

There’s naughty, there’s nice—and then there’s positively beatific. With its gull-wing doors and room for seven, Tesla’s sleek Model X electric car is for the angel on your list. The one with the lead foot. (Note: delivery isn’t until 2014.)

Salomon Enduro 800 LX Skis

Salomon Enduro 800 LX Skis outside holiday gift guide
Salomon Enduro 800 LX Skis (Inga Hendrickson)

A high-end package deal like Salomon’s Enduro LX 800 skis and Z10 bindings can cost twice as much as this one. It’s the ideal setup for skiers who mostly rip groomers.

St. Germain Linus Bike

St. Germain Linus Bike outside holiday gift guide
St. Germain Linus Bike (Inga Hendrickson)

The makers of St. Germain—a liqueur derived from elderflowers handpicked in the Alps—teamed up with city-bike brand Linus for this limited-edition single-speed. It features a Brooks saddle, coaster brakes, and a bit of boozy flair in the form of a leather bottle holder.

Bergans Sastrugi Jacket

Bergans Sastrugi jacket outside holiday gift guide
Bergans Sastrugi Down Jacket (Inga Hendrickson)

In an independent thermo-graphic test of 18 jackets, Bergans’ 750-fill down Sastrugi stood out from the rest. The price reflects the quality, so purchase with confidence: this is the warmest jacket in its class.

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