BackpackGearTest.org Christmas Gift Guide
For Your Favorite People (or for Yourself!)
It’s almost Christmas! Yay! If you are looking for the perfect gift to check off everyone on your “nice” list, look no further! Here at BGT, I’ve collected some of my favorite outdoor products from 2021 for you. Take a look and you will see there is something for everyone. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanza, Happy New Year and whatever else you want to celebrate! In no particular order, here are a few of my 2021 favorite things…
FROM THE TOP Trailheads Men’s Winter Plaid Trucker Hat – Yes, I know it says “Men’s”, but I love the warm, soft fleece drop-down that covers my ears and neck. Besides, it’s cute! Fleece - 94% Polyester 6% Spandex, Plaid - 45% Wool 55% Polyester, Liner - 100% Cotton. MSRP: $34 www.trailheads.com
THE NORTH FACE Summit L3 50/50 Down Hoodie (men’s & women’s) – They had me at “down”! Slim-fit with 800 fil ProDown, water-resistant, lightweight, breathable, packable, pre-tensioned hoodie? What more can you want? MSRP: $475 www.thenorthface.com
Obermeyer Nieve Resort Down Insulator – By far, my favorite 3-season outer layer! Can be used as extra warmth as a mid-layer or (as I mostly do) stand alone. 550 Fill Power Allied Down and Feather responsibility sourced insulation and an ultra-light water- resistant fabric! Wahoo! MSRP: $229 www.obermeyer.com
Houdini’s Power Houdi – Imagine zip-sweatshirt versatility paired with the coziness of your favorite fleece pjs! That’s the Houdini Power Stretch Pro Houdi! A durable, warm mid-to-outer layer from Italy. Fantastico! MSRP: $200 www.houdinisportwear.com
Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shirt (Men’s/Women’s) – Updated classic, this shirt is the ultimate wrinkle-resistant, quick- drying shirt for hiking and trekking. Looks good enough for bar-hopping apres as well! MSRP: $65 www.mountainhardwear.com
Icebreaker Nature Dye Oasis 200 LS Base Layer (Men’s/Women’s) - Love this base layer top! Wear it solo in casual settings without feeling self- conscious as well as its intended use as a base layer. The fit is neat and the camo color is perfect for my outdoor wardrobe. I've worn it more than any other base layer in 2021. MSRP: $125 www.icebreaker.com
To THE BOTTOM
Xero Alpine Snow Boot (Men’s/Women’s) – Fully-waterproof, lightweight, minimalist snow boots, can you believe it! Rated to -25 F/32 C, these boots will keep your feet warm without feeling like you are wearing moon boots (anybody remember them?)! MSRP: $140 www.xeroshoes.com
Tecnica Magma GTX Boots (men’s & women’s) – Don’t have time for a custom Tecnica Boot? These are light hiker/trail runner boots designed for all types of technical mountain terrain right out of the box though you can still get them customized if you want. Waterproof, super support, great Vibram Megagrip Litebase XO Shield outsole. My favorites! MSRP: $170 www.blizzare-tecnica.com
Goose Feet Down Booties (men’s & women’s) – Down sleeping bags for your feet! Winter camping. Sitting around a camp fire. Sleeping under the winter stars. Cold home office. Heck where wouldn’t you wear these down booties? Oh yeah. Church on Sunday! MSRP: $69 www.goosefeetgear.com
AND INBETWEEN
Trailheads Convertible Mittens (men’s & women’s) – When you need your fingers but don’t want them frozen, these convertible mittens are the thing to have. Touch screen compatible, made from recycled materials AND thermal (rated to 15 F/-9 C.) MSRP: $36 www.trailheads.com
MORE FUN THINGS
Reliefband Sport – nothing like a queasy stomach to ruin a good time! Be it from a migraine, altitude, motion or hangover (nah, never had that problem, eh?), wanting to empty one’s energy bar on the trail can be a mood- buster. With 100% all natural, drug and side effect free treatment, the Reliefband has made my migraines, motion sickness and (high – 13K/4K m) altitude hikes a lot more pleasant. Haven’t tested the hangover theory. Yet! MSRP: $249.99 www.reliefband.com
Reliefband Interchangeable Smart Watch Band – If you just love your Apple or Samsung smart watch, you can still get the benefits of the Reliefband Sport without giving up your smart watch or wearing two devices at once. The band replaces the watch band easily and works just like the Reliefband Sport. MSRP: $29.99 www.reliefband.com
Underdog Games Trekking: The National Parks – For the whole family. Can’t travel around the country checking the great National Parks in person? Here is a super-fun trivia game with over 600 unique questions to keep you busy indoors on miserable winter nights. MSRP: $50 www.underdoggames.com
ProStretch PLUS – Oh, my aching feet (calves, hamstrings, toes)! No more with Medi- dyne’s ProStretch PLUS Adjustable Calf stretcher! This easy to use “rocker” makes stretching out those climbing- induced tensed muscles less of a pain. Sized up to adult size 14 with a weight limit of 300 lbs (140 kg). MSRP: $29.99 www.medi-dyne.com
Blendjet 2 Portable Blender – Cocktails around the campfire, anyone? The Blendjet 2 portable blender is an easy-to-use, convenient and fun-to-use luxury for base camp adventures. I've had a blast using it for pre-hike protein drinks as well as afternoon cocktails and evening hot cocoas. It's perfect for two concoctions at a time. MSRP: $49.95 www.blendjet.com
Lightload Towels – Wouldn’t it be great to carry your beach towel in your pocket? Add water to these tiny towels and poof! Magic! The towel becomes a 30 x 60 in/76 x 152 cm, 4.5 oz/128 g beach- size towel, or a 0.5 oz/14 g hand-size 12 x 24 in/30 x 61 cm towel. They’re made from plant-based Lyocell which absorbs up to 10 times its own weight. MSRP: $8.95 - $10.45 www.liload.com
ENJOY!!
By the way, these are not affiliate links. We earn no money on these links.
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Long-sleeve Darian t-shirt from North Fork Gear - in camouflage-inspired Mossy Oak Obsession® pattern is lightweight, highly breathable and snag-resistant. Plus it has scent-free Insect Shield® Permethrin and is antimicrobial AND offers 50+ UPF to protect from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Wow, now all is needed is that deer! Comes in men’s sizes XS to 3XL. MSRP: $36.99 www.northforkgear.com
Want the perfect water shoe? The CrossKix Yellow Jackets are it! - Constructed from soft foam composite with a moldable footbed for a customized fit arch support, I feel like I’m walking on air! Strategically placed holes allow maximum breathability and excellent water drainage. Super lightweight. These are perfect for all my watersport activities, fishing, stream crossings, tubing, kayaking, etc. The CrossKix shoes are unisex and come in lots of colors and a wide range of sizes from kids’ 3 to men’s 12 and women's 14. MSRP $69.95 www.crosskix.com
The Allett Hybrid Card RFID wallet - Even if the bears don’t carry RFID skimmers, after hike happy hours might have a few unsavory characters. Packing a traditional wallet means extra bulk and weight and almost never fits in a waist belt pocket. Ta-da! This slim wallet holds 3-10 cards and folded bills, is water-resistant, and weighs just over a half ounce. Problem solved! Cheers! MSRP $44.00 www.all-ett.com