the 2019 holiday gift guides
eight gift guides that will make holiday shopping for the outdoor lover on your list a breeze
The holidays can be a stressful time of year without the added pressure of finding the perfect gift for that person on your list who seems to have it all. We get it - we too often find ourselves struggling to think of more creative, thoughtful gift ideas.
This year, Verde is here to help. No more last-minute running out to crowded malls or paying for overnight shipping. From #VanLife to Amazon steals and budget-friendly options, we promise you’ll find something for every outdoor adventurer on your list with these ideas.
Click on one (or all!) of the gift guides below and get brainstorming!
gifts for backpacking beginners
Maslow taught us that we need to fulfill our basic and psychological needs in order to obtain self-fulfillment. Starting out with backpacking and some forest bathing is just the ticket to help your friends and family achieve their full potential. Here are a few items that we recommend be on your list for those new to backpacking.
The first thing you need is to stay light on your feet with Scarpa’s new ZG Trek GTX boot – this modern hiker will keep your feet protected from anything without compromising on weight and feel until you arrive at that secret alpine lake at the end of the day to refresh and replenish your water supply.
There is nothing more important heading into the backcountry than staying hydrated. For guaranteed clean water, we recommend the easy-to-use Platypus GravityWorks Filter.
Once re-hydrated, it’s time to set up your shelter, the compact MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent is the shelter you can always rely on in the backcountry - and it’s the perfect color to pop against those scenic vistas for your photos! Once the sun sets, time for a good night's rest; Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir UberLite is the lightest insulated mattress on the market, shaving a few more ounces off your load, and leaving you feeling weightless as you drift off to sleep.
As day breaks, there’s no better way to wake up in the backcountry than a little dip in the water and no smarter option than super fast-drying PackTowl. Sweaty on the trails? This versatile towel has you covered with odor control and absorbency technology.
Save yourself from a mid-trail pack unload trying to find that extra base layer with SealLine’s Packing Systems. They’ll keep you organized and your gear protected.
Lastly, all of your gear will fit perfectly into Gregory’s Zulu and women’s specific Jade backpacking pack. It gives you all the space you need while staying light on your back with the FreeFloat suspension system.
With this setup, new backpackers will spend more time pondering the difference between which cheese is the least perishable ...you know, the important things in life.
gifts every #vanlifer wants
If you’re like us – there’s a good chance you have at least one friend who has made the #VanLife leap. Minimalistic living, camping in a new spot every night and watching the sunset alongside your bandana-wearing pup or tanned carefree partner – can we really blame them? Who wouldn’t want that lifestyle?
While the next stop for #VanLifers might be uncertain, one thing is for sure - there’s no room for excess stuff! That’s why we’ve rounded up the perfect, functional gifts to give to someone ”living tiny” this holiday season.
Let’s talk storage – arguably one of the most important aspects of #VanLife living. While the Metolius Big Wall Bucket is designed to keep all your climbing gear organized on the go, it can double as a freestanding van storage bin. While the Wall Bucket is great for storing all your extra gear, there’s nothing worse than finishing a long day on the road to find your camera lens cracked after hitting a pothole 40-miles back. For keeping your valuable toys stowed away safely check out Outdoor Research’s Padded Cells, offered in a variety of sizes and colors.
Now that we’ve covered storage, let’s talk essentials. First is the Zeus Portable Jump Starter from Uncharted. For #VanLifers there is no greater fear than having a dead battery with no sign of help in sight. With enough power to jumpstart a semi-truck multiple times without charging, a built-in flashlight, USB charging ports and a cigarette power adapter for on the road charging – the Zeus will have you back on the road in no time. Dealing with a bigger issue than a quick jump start? The Uncharted Supply Co. Seventy2 Pro stores easily so you never have to think about it until it’s the one thing you and your #vanlife partner can’t live without.
Life on the road can get cold – and when your living room usually looks like a grassy meadow or patch amongst the trees, having a blanket that can endure it all is critical. We recommend the water-resistant, packable Argo Blanket from Therm-a-Rest. While water-resistant gear is great, we all know that sometimes there’s just no stopping gear from getting wet; it’s getting it dry again that is the real issue. For days like these, there’s nothing more essential in your arsenal than DryGuy’s Travel Dry DX footwear drying system.
Already have the essentials covered? Don’t forget about the items that are vital to your #VanLife happiness. For fast, easy cooking after a long day on the road, there’s no better choice for all-condition environments than the pressure-regulated PocketRocket Deluxe stove from MSR. Now all you have left to do is kick back in your GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker for a hot meal under the stars. Need a little something extra to help you unwind? Grab a case of 10 Barrel Brewing’s new Cherry Cinnamon Crush, a delicious and crisp seasonal perfect for sipping on during those colder holiday months.
For those nights when a little bit of civilization and a warm shower are just what you need – LOGE Camps has you covered. Hook your rig up at LOGE Westport for some time on the coast and enjoy the simple pleasures of local beer on tap, and gear galore from on-site evo Performance demo and rental centers.
gifts for winter sports enthusiasts
It’s hard to find a more passionate group of people than skiers and snowboarders. It’s even harder to find them the perfect gift that gets them excited to hit fresh pow. To help you out, we put together a great list of must-have gifts for anyone dreaming of the perfect line.
You want to look and feel cool when you’re sending down a double black, but also want to stay warm! The Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket is a great puffy with superior moisture management and breathability meaning you’ll stay warm and comfortable all day without getting too hot. For those who really work up a sweat on the mountain, the DÆHLIE Airnet Wool Long Sleeve made out of breathable, 4-way stretch 100% merino wool will keep you comfortable.
Moving on to the fun stuff - new skis, boards, and boots! The new SCARPA Maestrale XT is made to perform on the world’s best terrain, featuring carbon-infused Grilamid lower, with a stiffer, stronger two-buckle alpine cuff and RECCO-enabled power strap.
Designed by extreme snowboard legend Xavier De Le Rue, the new XV Sushi Split snowboard is made to surf and slash wind lips all day in backcountry stashes and resort-accessed side-country.
The new Dynastar Menace Proto Factory are the skis you want to unwrap. Its award-winning design boasts a wood core and full sidewall construction with a stout 118 centimeters underfoot. The tip and tail rocker give the ski a playful, responsive feel blending the perfect balance of lightness, agility, and power.
Now skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only winter sports out there! Some people like to get a good work out or go exploring on snowshoes. The MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes optimize strength and flex, providing a secure fit without painful pressure points on the foot and fit a variety of boot styles.
Have a backcountry skier looking for a new pack? The Gregory Targhee is made with durable Cordura material that withstands the winter elements plus a perimeter frame that supports carrying stability for long treks.
For relaxing after a long day on the hill and reliving your favorite ski memories with the new beautiful book, The Man Behind the Maps: Legendary Ski Artist James Niehues. The visually stunning, near 300-page book showcases over 200 iconic ski resort trail maps that are hand-painted by artist James Niehues.
Don’t forget about a place to stay! Just a 20-minute drive to the base, LOGE Bend is the closest in-town property to Mt. Bachelor. LOGE has you covered with their on-site evo Demo center and retail shop. Chill out with a drink at the Entrada Cafe or slide into the property hot tub after a day of shredding fresh pow.
gifts under $50
Let's face it: gift-giving is an art, especially if you're on a budget. Not everyone can be an extremely skilled gift-giving artist, and that's why we've compiled a list of unique gifts that are all under $50! If you're a smart spender, or simply need to buy a gift for 27 cousins and 14 aunts, take a look through this gift guide for ideas that keep your wallet happy!
Let’s start off with stocking stuffers - the Platypus SoftBottle provides easy hydration-on-the-go, and won’t take up too much stocking real estate. For a gift-giving classic, check out the warm and luxurious Kitsbow Merino Bad Ombre Socks. If you have a sneakerhead in your life, get them the ForceField Protector spray to keep those kicks fresh and protected! Looking for a hat that fits in a stocking and any dad is sure to love? The Outdoor Research Wilson Yukon Hat is your best bet. And while we’re on the topic of stocking stuffers, the Metolius Competition Chalk Bag itself functions as a stocking for the Metolius Super Chalk and Finger Tape to create a 3-in-1 gift for the climber in your life. Finally, the ultimate stocking stuffer for all your adventurous friends, the Uncharted Supply Co. Triage Kit, provides you with all the necessary first aid and gear repair tools you could ever need all in a package that weighs less than your iPhone.
If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly gifts for your type 2 fun-loving, performance-oriented friends who have it all, consider gifting them some comfort in the form of the PEARL iZUMi ELITE Thermal Arm Warmers that are essential for cool weather riding, or the Sof Sole Full-length Plantar Fascia Insoles that help keep your feet supported and pain-free for long periods of time.
For the adventurous friend who knows how to enjoy the small things in life, such as a perfect pour-over coffee after a night of sleeping in the tent, the no-drip, easy clean MSR Pika Teapot offers a gift that is sure to bring your friends together by the campfire. Looking for the type of person who chooses beer over coffee when given the choice? There’s nothing better to sip on during those cold holiday months like the new Cherry Cinnamon Crush from 10 Barrel Brewing. This limited-edition sour is the perfect marriage of light Berliner Style Weisse base and Montmorency Tart Cherries with just the right touch of cinnamon.
With all these gifts your loved one is sure to need something to carry all their new toys home in - snag one of Gregory’s lightweight Nano 16 backpacks for ultimate stuff-ability and the freedom to explore with all the right gear.
outdoorsy gifts you can find on Amazon
Did another holiday season creep up on you and that epic gift you planned on ordering isn’t going to arrive in time? This one is for all the shopping procrastinators out there. Here are eleven gifts so great that the ‘outdoor enthusiast’ you’re shopping for will never guess you ordered them on Amazon Prime two days ago.
There’s nothing more important than staying healthy and hydrated and with those New Years’ Resolutions to exercise daily and drink more water what better gift to give than the #1 storage water bottle in a sleek, slim design - the Bindle Bottle Slim. Don’t believe us? Just ask our friend Oprah!
With a “bombproof” polycarbonate shell, Gregory’s Quadro Pro 22” has all the features you never knew you needed in a suitcase. Want to get a workout in but don’t want to deal with re-packing sweaty gear? The built-in ActiveShield compartment will seal that stank in from the rest of your items. For quick day excursions, SealLine’s Skylake Dry Daypack will fit all the essentials and keep gear dry from unexpected storms in the city to afternoons on the water. Need a shoe that can work for long travel days but also provide the support needed for impromptu hikes? The SCARPA Zen Pro is the perfect shoe for doing it all.
Planning a backpacking trip with family or friends? What better way to get excited for upcoming trips than the gift of new gear! For guaranteed warmth all-year-round check out Outdoor Research’s sustainably sourced Illuminate Down Hoody. Also designed to keep you warm all-year-round, Therm-a-Rest’s 1.4lb Hyperion 20 Sleeping Bag carries 70% of the weight on top for maximized warmth. For early season trips, Yaxtrax Pro Traction Cleats are a must-have for tackling icy terrain.
We all have that one friend who has jumped on the climbing bandwagon the last couple of years. Whether they’re just getting into it or have been climbing trad forever, there’s no better gift than the Simulator 3D Training Board from Metolius - the #1 selling training board on Amazon and in the world.
Covered the big items but still in need some stocking stuffers? Nothing stuffs better than temperature regulating Blister Resist socks from Balega. Keep the friction theme going with Chamois Butt’r Coconut Anti-Chafing cream – we promise, it’s the best gift you never knew you needed. Now that you’ve covered all the essentials for a frictionless workout – throw in some Sof Sole Sneaker Balls to keep those workout shoes smelling fresh.
The people you’re shopping for already have their gear covered? Well, then why not give a gift that will have them covered to handle whatever they didn’t prepare for. The Seventy2 Survival System from Uncharted has all the necessary equipment to change even the deadliest situation into a minor inconvenience.
Don’t stress about fighting for a parking spot in overcrowded malls this year – grab that computer and tee up the Prime because these gift options will make any outdoor lover stoked for their next adventure.
gifts that give back
Seeing the joy on the faces of our friends and family when they open the perfect holiday gift is priceless. Spread that joy even further by giving them a gift that gives back.
For the public lands champion, Outdoor Research’s Wildland and Painted Hills collection offers a selection of perfect gift options -- from hats to gloves to gaiters and more -- featuring the work of artist Sarah Uhl. Plus, 5 perfect of profits from the collection is donated to the Conservation Alliance.
If the climber on your gifting list seems to have it all, pass along their love of the send with a gift to the 1Climb Foundation in their name. Thanks to the support of pro climber Kevin Jorgensen, 1Climb is working to change the lives of 100,000 kids by building climbing walls and developing climbing programs in club facilities.
And for the climber who doesn’t quite have it all, Metolius’s Access Fund Chalk Bag collection is the perfect stocking stuffer. Featuring the art of three popular climbing destinations -- Smith, Tetons and Yosemite -- a portion of the proceeds go directly to the Access Fund to protect these beautiful climbing areas.
Chances are, the runner on your list knows and loves performance sock brand Balega. But they may not know the company also heads up a longstanding organization, the Lesedi Project, which supports disabled and visually impaired children from predominantly rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With the purchase of a pair of Limited Edition Lesedi Hidden Comfort socks, $1 will be donated to the Lesedi Project.
Gift the traveler in your life a stay at outdoor adventure hub and hotel, LOGE Camps. As champions of protecting the places we play, the brand gives 1% of its entire top-line revenue as well as 1% of revenue from each location -- Bend, Westport, Leavenworth, Mt. Shasta and Breckenridge -- to a local non-profit that fosters responsible outdoor recreation.
For the easy stocking stuff that gives back? Try out the Original trail mix in the eco-tube from shār Snacks. Not only is this treat perfect for re-fuelling no matter what you’re out doing, but 20% of net profits of shār is donated to The Conservation Alliance - so you can feel good eating it too!
gifts for endurance junkies
For the endurance-minded people in your life, January is often filled with conversations about building out race calendars for the year, entering ultra-distance lotteries, and setting new PRs. To help your runner or cyclist friends achieve their goals in 2020, we’ve created a list of our favorite gifts for endurance junkies.
No matter how you get those endorphins flowing, peak performance starts from the inside. Help the athlete on your gifting list take the guesswork out of good health with a subscription to Athletic Greens.
For the athlete with their sights set on the trails, the award-winning SCARPA Spin Ultra offers optimal cushioning for moderate to ultra-distance running, in a stable package featuring ample upper protection to keep your feet feeling good in all types of terrain.
For the roadrunner training for a Boston Qualifier, the UA HOVR Infinite was designed to go the distance for high-volume training blocks. With built-in Record Sensor™ tracking technology and a ‘zero gravity feel’ for optimized energy on impact – these shoes will be your best friend during training season. Whether you’re breaking in new runners or have trusted the same pair for years, make sure you keep those feet blister and hotspot free with the UltraGlide sock from Balega – specially built with reinforced friction-free yarn.
For those runners logging miles before sunrise and after sundown – keep them comfortable with the reflective, water-resistant DÆHLIE Skyrun Jacket, made with a discreet pocket padded with Aerogel to keep phones from dying in cold weather. Looking for something that will tough it out with you in the harshest of rainstorms? There’s no better companion than the breathable C7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ Jacket with a durable beading surface for ultimate waterproofness.
Looking to wow your favorite pedaler with the latest and greatest cycling gear? Get their head in one of the lightest lids’ on the market – the 220 gram Motiv™Air with proprietary exoCarbon™ technology from LEM Helmets.
While a lid is always a must – we know that sometimes the difference between staying in or going out comes down to your wardrobe. For more comfortable days in the saddle during should season no other jacket will do the trick like the windproof and water-resistant PEARL iZUMi Pro Amfib Shell.
Never worry about thrashing that new pair of Khaki’s on your commute into work with Kitsbow’s Haskell pant. With reflective hits for riding in the dark and a sleek tailored fit, these pants were designed to get you from the saddle to that 9AM meeting without a single outfit change.
Still looking for a little something to top off that stocking? Nothing says “I love you” like gear that keeps you going when the going gets tough. Restore and prevent chafing in high friction skin areas with the organic Chamois Butt’r Coconut Anti-Chafe. Never let an injury or gear malfunction slow you down with Uncharted’s Triage Kit in your pocket. Lighter than your iPhone and designed by the pros, this kit is the only thing you’ll need to get yourself and your gear back safely.
gifts for the fashion forward adventurer
We all have that friend, family member or co-worker who’s always jetting off to the next hot location with all the new seasons’ best styles. Stay ahead of the game this year with some of this years most stylish gift ideas for the fashion foward wanderlust chaser in your life.
The Royal Robbins Highland Travel Scarf is lightweight and versatile. With six different styling options and multiple buttons for repositioning, this scarf can be anything you need it to be. Dinner by the ocean? Check. Extra warmth on an air conditioned plane? Check.
For the guy in your life who’s always forgetting something - get him a jacket that’s basically a checklist in itself. The Royal Robbins Men’s Ultimate Travel Jacket comes equipped with a lined sunglasses pocket, a tablet or iPad sleeve, and even a built-in sleep mask. With the additional storage pockets, he’ll never forget his water bottle again.
Speaking of water bottles and organization…
Stay hydrated with the sleek color popping Bindle Bottle Slim. With Bindle’s signature storage compartment, they can stash almost anything (keys, ID, snacks) all within one sleek bottle. Long days of travel or long days of exploring somewhere new will be instantly simplified.
For when they have a bit more than what might fit in the bottom of a water bottle, look no further than the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote. Blending functionality and fashion with its internal organization and carry on friendly dimensions, this beautiful canvas bag is a must.
Lo & Sons also makes the perfect companion for their tote - their leather wallet. Although slim, it folds open and can hold a plethora of travel goodies - passports, money, or even a cell phone when you need some extra safety.
Need a gift for an adventurer but don’t even know where to start? Look no further than the American Mountain Guides Association. Gift them with an experience rather than something you can put a bow on top of, and they’ll be thanking you for years to come.
If this adventurer does need some new gear, the Gregory Tetrad and women’s specific Tribute backpacks are a great place to start. These travel bags are not only wildly comfortable and lightweight, they have compartments to separate dirty from clean clothes and an internal frame. Toss a pair of Yaktrax Quick Trax in as well, and they’ll never slip on ice again - no matter where their travels take them.
Whether you’ve found us at the start of your gift hunt or we’re your last ditch effort before grabbing that gift card from the grocery store checkout counter - we know that picking the right gift for each loved one in your life isn’t always the easiest task. We hope that these eight guides helped spark some inspiration for you this holiday season!