I am happiest when I have sunlight on my face. Hiking trails, sitting by the lake, or just walking around town, whenever I’m outside breathing fresh air with the sunlight on my face, I can’t help but feel energized. If you have someone in your life who feels the same way – and you’re still doing some Christmas shopping – this list is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Beyond the standard outdoor items like backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags, this list fills in the gaps for the person who already has everything. Bags, water bottles, electric bicycles, and hammocks, here are some great gift ideas for outdoorsy adventure people.
This holiday gift guide exclusively features items found at REI Co-Op, my favorite outdoor gear and clothing retailer. I believe in this company and fully support them because REI is a consumer cooperative – a company owned by anyone who pays just $20 to become a member. But I really fell in love with the retailer in 2015 when they shocked the retail world by closing all their locations on Black Friday and encouraged their employees – and customers – to #OptOutside for the day instead of shopping.
Bonus
REI Membership
REI exists because of its customers, and the REI Membership is their way of showing it. Membership costs just $20, and it is good for life! Members get exclusive access to sales and discounts, special discount coupons throughout the year, access to REI Adventures, and a 10% dividend return on all purchases at the end of each year.
READ MORE: Christmas Holiday Season Travel Guides
No. 1
Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
In the world of day packs, the Osprey Daylite Plus Pack is the best thing I have ever used to haul gear for a day hike. The 20-liter backpack has a single main compartment, several zippered pockets and mesh divider pockets, a sleeve for a hydration pack, and a padded sleeve for a tablet.
On a typical day hike, the Osprey Daylite Plus is large enough to hold extra layers of clothing, a rain jacket, snacks, a two-liter water hydration pack along with two additional pockets for 1-liter water bottles, and all the accessories you could take for a short hike.
No. 2
Adventure Medical Kit
I have been traveling and hiking with the Adventure Medical Kit for many years. The lightweight, waterproof first-aid kit has everything you need for an emergency while enjoying an outdoor adventure. The kit remains sealed and waterproof until first use, and after that, the zippered bag can be used repeatedly.
No. 3
ENO SingleNest Hammock
For the past three years, I think the ENO SingleNest Hammock has probably been my most frequently used piece of outdoor equipment. All that is necessary to enjoy a peaceful nap beside a waterfall or gorgeous sunset view is a place to hang the hammock and a desire to swing in the wind.
The SingleNest Hammock is large enough for one person – but with a capacity of 400 pounds, it’s perfect for couples who want to spend an evening together. For an extra stocking stuffer, get the ENO Atlas Suspension Systemto make it easier to hang the hammock and better for the trees.
READ MORE: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide – 17 Gift Ideas for the Traveling Coffee Lover
No. 4
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow
If you’re done with the years of roughin’ and toughin’ it in the wild, then it’s time to get the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow. The inflatable pillow – made out of polyester – weighs less than a pound and takes just seconds to inflate with your mighty lungs.
The Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow is the perfect companion for taking a nap in a hammock, getting comfy in a chair, or just to have wherever you need a little extra head support.
No. 5
Mountain Summit Gear Roll Top Table
Almost any campsite in a campground – private or public – will have a picnic table to enjoy your feast. But what about scenic overlooks on a national scenic byway or roadside pull-offs during a road trip? The Mountain Summit Gear Roll Top Table is a great way to pack a sturdy table for use anywhere you travel.
Made from lightweight aluminum, the table measures 56”x28” unfold and stands at a comfortable 28” height. At 70 pounds, you won’t be hiking with this table, but it will work great when all you need to do is pull it out of the trunk.
No. 6
REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair
After a long day of hiking and exploring, the first thing you may want is to take a load off and sit around a campfire. The REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair is great for use in camp or even while backpacking.
Weighing just 3 lbs. 7 oz., the chair folds down to a compact 7”x22”. Unfolded, the chair has a mid-back support and can hold up to 300 pounds.
No. 7
CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle
I have been using CamelBak Chute bottles for years now, and they are my favorite water bottle I’ve ever tried. The latest edition is the CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle with a nifty attached cap that screws open and locks into place with a small magnet, keeping the lid out of your way while you guzzle water.
READ MORE: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide – 10 Gift Ideas for Anyone Who Loves Road Trips
No. 8
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Hiking Shoes
The grandmother bought my first pair of Merrells many years ago, and they have been my favorite – and only – hiking shoes since. The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator features a gripping rubber tread with a breathable mesh material that will allow moisture to escape from your feet. The air-cushioned heels and outstanding arch support leave your feet feeling comfortable after hiking several miles.
The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator has versions for men and women.
No. 9
GoPro HERO9
The current flagship action camera by GoPro, the GoPro HERO9, is an excellent way to record video and capture photos of adventures on the trail. The 23-megapixel camera with 5k resolution can capture amazingly high-quality video and still images and comfortably fits into your pocket when not in use.
With a built-in attachment, the GoPro HERO9 can easily be attached to grips, selfie sticks, and mounts for placement on helmets and bicycles. With a USB-C and Bluetooth connection, it’s easy to transfer files to a computer or mobile device on the go. The HERO9 is my top recommended way to capture video and photos of your adventures.
No. 10
Cannondale Mavaro Neo City Electric Bike
Electric bicycles have been around for awhile now, but they have really taken off in popularity this year. Electric bikes have lithium batteries that can provide power and assist while pedaling the bicycle, making uphill or long journeys easier than ever! The Cannondale Mavaro Neo City Electric Bike is one the bestselling at REI, and for a good reason.
The 9-speed bike will get you anywhere you want to pedal, but when the 400-watt hour battery is engaged, you’ll get there easier and faster. With the battery, riders can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour and ride for 65 miles between charges, plenty for the average day trip on a rail trail.
