Holiday Gift Guide 2021: The Most Rugged Gifts For Outdoor Adventurers

As the Scandinavian saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. For folks that love venturing in the open-air, year-round, this maxim certainly rings true. From layers you can move in, to sunglasses that won’t slip off your nose, to lanterns that will stay lit through your winter camping outing, here are the most rugged gifts for outdoor adventurers.

Hike in Desert Biomes

Winter weather doesn’t always mean snow and chilly temperatures. If you live, work, or play in a rugged desert locale, or will be traveling to one soon, then perhaps a solid hiking boot, made for performance and comfort in and around cacti, boulders, and hardy shrubs landscapes, is just what your adventuresome soul needs. Enter: Erem. The Xerocole Desert Hiking Boot is made with eco-friendly materials that are meant to keep your feet blister-free and happy throughout the duration of your hike.

How to Purchase: Erem, $169.99

Invest in a Quality Jacket

Hard-wearing and long-lasting, the newly reengineered Carhartt Super Dux collection is the cold-weather line to usurp all others. The coats are designed to withstand hard work and hard play, keeping you dry in light rain, warm in the wind, and comfortable for long hours in the outdoors. Pair a Super Dux Relaxed Fit Sherpa-Lined Active Jag with the Super Dux Relaxed Fit Insulated Bib Overalls and you’ll be good to go, no matter what the weather brings.

How to Purchase: Carhartt, Jacket, $159.99; Overalls, $179.99

See Clearly, Go Far

Recently launched, Nathan Sports has designed a line of polarized no-slip sunglasses that are ideal for folks who love to move their bodies in the outdoors. Whether your face gets wet with snow or sweat, these lightweight lenses, which come in a variety of colors, will stay put, protecting your eyes with 100% UV protection. These frames will be the go-to specs for winter runners all season long.

How to Purchase: Nathan, $50

Light the Way

The BioLite lanterns, AlpenGlow 250 and AlpenGlow 500, which were inspired by sunrises and sunsets in the mountains, are perfect for winter camping or outdoor adventuring where you’ll need a little mood lighting. These rechargeable lanterns not only have ambient light, but also, task-based illumination so that you can set up camp in the dark. With eight different light settings, including “Fireworks” and “Candle Flicker” modes, kids will love the ambiance created as well. A useful feature is the USB charge-out, which is great for powering your smart phone.

How to Purchase: BioLite, AlpenGlow 250—$59.95

Protect Your Skin

Whether you’re an avid snorkeler, diver, surfer, paddleboarder, or kayaker, you’ll want to protect your skin while adventuring in the water. Aqualung makes wetsuits and rash guards in a variety of colors and lengths to suit your outdoor needs, made from sustainable materials that are neoprene-free. The Xscape wetsuit, made with lightweight eco-friendly materials, offers exceptional comfort. If you’d like a little warmth and sun protection while romping around in the ocean, for as long as you like, then this is the suit for you.

How to Purchase: Aqualung, $379

Stay Hydrated

Whether you’re concerned about your energy levels, focus, or recouperation, you’ll need to pay attention to your water consumption, especially if you’re in training mode. Mantra Labs has created an organically sweetened, gluten, soy, and sugar-free drink mix that is full of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Whether you’re flying on an airplane, exercising, or soaking up the sun, the Hydrate blend will help you feel revitalized and healthy.

How to Purchase: MANTRA Labs, Hydrate, $26.24

Bring Along Your Best Friend

Whether you’re exploring the backcountry or sticking closer to home, you’ll need a leash that can stand up to your outdoor pursuits so that you’re furry friend can come along for the ride. Puppernut has created a heavy duty lead out of a rock-climbing rope and a sturdy carabiner, called the Big Dawg, that is ideal for dogs that tend to pull, chew, or wiggle free. Your pup will be safe and secure, and you’ll have a leash that looks stylish and can stand the test of time. And, if you need good snacks, Polkadog all-natural dog treats are a good bet.

How to Purchase: Puppernut, Big Dawg, $37.95

Flaunt your Flannel

For some smart reason, flannel is simply made for this time of year, especially if you’re moving around in the outdoors and need to add comfy layers as the temperature fluctuates. prAna has designed a long sleeve button-down shirt, the Beezly Flannel, that suits the season. Choose from three different colors, in an archetypal print, that will work with your jeans, leggings, or whatever bottom you choose to wear while snow shoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, or exploring in the outdoors. This flannel will most certainly be your go-to choice when it comes to style and warmth.

How to Purchase: prAna, Beezly Flannel, $89