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Gear Reviews

2016 Holiday Gift Guide

No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered with 2016's best holiday gifts for hikers, in every price range.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


Gear Aid SPARK

A compact, portable, and water-resistant light, the SPARK is smaller than a wallet and lighter than a cell phone. It delivers 160 lumens of bright LED light that’s dimmable. It can be mounted, hung or angled to illuminate any task and even transforms into a hanging lantern easily and quickly. – $49.95 – Buy Now

Hilleberg Allak, 2-person tent

Inspired by our exceptionally strong Staika, the Allak was designed to be a completely free standing, all season dome tent for those prioritizing lighter weight over absolute strength. During its two year development, the Allak became our testers’ tent of choice anytime they were uncertain about what kind of terrain or conditions they might experience on a trip. – $955 – Buy Now

The LifeStraw
Go Bottle

The LifeStraw Go bottle with replaceable 2-stage filtration removes
99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa for up to 264 gallons of safe drinking water, and also comes equipped with a carbon filter to remove chlorine, bad taste and odor. No matter where their adventures take them, with LifeStraw they’ll sip safe. $44.95 Buy Now

FLIR SCOUT TK

Outdoor thermal imaging is more accessible than ever. With the ability to see heat signatures in total darkness, you can see people and wildlife over 100 yards away. Pocket-sized, weather- resistant, and designed for single-handed use, the rugged Scout TK starts up in seconds and requires no training. $599 Buy Now

Casio’s WSD-F10

Casio’s WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor
Watch is powered by Android
WearTM and features a dual-layered
LCD comprised of a color and monochrome touch display. When
set to Timepiece Mode, the watch switches to an energy-saving
mode that displays the time only
on the monochrome LCD, allowing
users to use it during long outings.
It is water resistant up to 50 meters
and is able to check direction, altitude and atmospheric pressure. The WSD-F10 also enables the use of various apps such as email alert, weather, maps, voice search and more to help users stay connected while on their excursions. Additionally, users can also load their own apps to expand the feature set for any alternative outdoor activities they may participate in. Casio’s WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch is available now in red, green, black, and orange at retail stores nationwide, as well as online on Google StoreTM, Amazon, REI, ShopCasio, Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Tourneau. $500 Buy Now

LifeStraw Steel

Sleek. Durable. Life-saving. LifeStraw Steel is the must- have gift for the adventurer in your life. Ideal for hiking, backpacking, camping and travel, the 2-stage filtration process removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa as well as chlorine, bad taste and odor. Sip Safe. Available at REI. $54.95 Buy Now

Down Socks

Does someone on your list have cold feet? Why not buy them a pair of down socks to keep their toes toasty? These socks are handmade in the USA using 850FP DownTek water-resistant down. Pick from many different colors of super-soft lightweight nylon fabric to customize your gift. $65 Buy Now

Garmin fēnix® 3 HR multisport GPS Watch

True performance meets true style with rugged good looks, outdoor navigation and preloaded sport training features. Includes ElevateTM wrist heart rate technology1, smart notifications2 and the ability to customize your device. Demand more from your watch. – $599.99 – Buy Now

Weather Tech Custom-fit
Cargo Liners

Providing complete cargo and trunk
area protection, WeatherTechTM Cargo/ Trunk Liners are digitally designed to
fit the contours of your vehicle. A raised lip contains spills, dirt
and grease from the vehicle’s interior. Easy to clean and the perfect holiday gift for the car enthusiast on your list! Buy Now

SPOT GEN3®

SPOT GEN3® lets family and friends know you’re OK or sends emergency responders your GPS location when you are off-the-grid, all at the push of a button. SPOT’s satellite technology has initiated over 4,700 rescues worldwide! Don’t let cellular limitations be a lump of coal in your outdoor adventurer’s stocking. GET 50% OFF! $75 – Buy Now

Croakies ARC Endless Retainer

Provide the adventurer in your life with a little eyewear insurance this holiday season, with the lightweight, low-profile ARC Endless retainer by Croakies. Proudly Made in the USA, and featuring an adjustable, coated stainless steel cable and articulating, interchangeable ends, the ARC Endless is the go-to solution for securing your shades across a wide range of outdoor pursuits, whether bagging your next summit, running further on your favorite trail, or simply enjoying a day in recreating in one of our National Parks. $14.99 Buy Now

PowerCache 220 Power Generator

Enjoy the benefits of pure sine wave AC power wherever your adventures take you. Provides up to 120 watts of 120-volt pure sine wave AC power, 10 amps at 12-volts DC, and 6 amps of USB charging power. Includes four USB charging ports and two ground AC outlets. Buy Now

Wacaco Minipresso

The Wacaco Minipresso is your own portable pocket barista. No cafe on the summit? No problem! This light- weight, durable, and pack- able espresso maker has you covered. With the Minipresso you can have fresh hot cafe quality espresso anytime, anywhere! – $59.00 – Buy Now

Sea Eagle® RazorLiteTM 393rl

Uniquely designed, the RazorLite’s patented (U.S. Patent 9,452,809) high pressure (10psi), all drop stitch construction creates a lightweight, sleek, inflatable solo kayak that pad- dles up to 6mph. Weighing only 33.5 lbs., it’s a full 12’10″x28″ inflated but packs down to just 22″x22″x12″ and fits in it’s own backpack for easy transport. Buy Now

Emperor Coolers 


Emperor Coolers are virtually indestructible with their stress free, low pressure rotomold construction. Extra thick walls and pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam keep things cool for 130 hours or heated for 150 hours. Available in three sizes: 25L, 50L and 80L to fit your adventure. $149.99-279.99 Buy Now

Stanley Stainless Steel Shots + Flask Gift Set

For the backcountry or the ball game, the Stanley Stainless Steel Shots + Flask Gift Set packs small and light. At only $29.99, it makes a great gift for anyone on your list, or keep it for yourself. This Backpacker 2016 Editor’s Choice award winner includes four 2-oz. shot glasses in a carrying case and an 8 oz. capacity flask to fill ‘em up. Visit campmor.com for more Stanley and other great gift ideas. Buy Now

T-Rex® Tape

T-Rex® Tape is specially designed for all-weather durability
to work longer and hold stronger than other ordinary tapes. Whether it’s simple, around-the-house fixes, or extreme re- pairs on a work site, there’s no project too big or too small for this Ferociously Strong Tape® making it the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life. Buy Now

Pacific Mountain Men’s Ascend

Pacific Mountain Ascend boot is perfect for hiking and back- packing. It’s memory foam footbed offers comfort while the molded rubber toe bumper and textured PU heel counter gives that extra protection. The Ascend features a waterproof membrane construction and cow suede upper. The 3/4 length steel shank helps avoid injuries by preventing objects from penetrating from underneath and adding support and stability. Get a pair of Pacific Mountain Ascends and you’re ready for your next adventure! $99.90 Buy Now

Helinox Beach Chair

The Helinox Beach Chair is a versatile camp chair for sticking your your toes in the sand, keeping your backside out of the dirt and snow, and keeping your eyes on the sunset. A super comfortable and supportive back and neck rest along with the simple shock cord poles make this the must-have chair. $149.95 – $169.95 Buy Now

Good To-Go Thai Curry

For those use to relying on ‘backpacking food’ to fuel their adventures, Good To-Go’s Thai Curry is a game-changing experience. Jasmine rice, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and a unique blend of curry spices make this meal a favorite amongst hikers and travelers alike. $6.75-$11.50 Buy Now

Sea To Summit Inflatable Pillow

Sea to Summit’s Aeros Premium inflatable pillow is full sized, whisper-quiet and luxuriously soft. It also packs down into
a remarkably tiny pouch and is so light, you’ll never hesitate to bring it along. Available in regular and large sizes. Sleep better wherever you are. Buy Now

Big Agnes - The mtnGLO® Tent Light Accessory Kit

The mtnGLO® Tent Light Accessory Kit (100 inches, 3oz),
part of the 2015 Editors’ Choice award-winning Big Agnes mtnGLO Collection, lets you illuminate the interior of any tent or campsite with enough light to sort gear, play cards, or hang out with friends without blinding them with a bright beam of light. – $39.95 – Buy Now

Scrubba Wash Bag

There is one gift worthy of a spot on every backpackers wish list! At only 5 oz., the Scrubba wash bag is perfect for backpackers, campers, hikers and travelers. Avoid dirty hotel sinks, exorbitant laundry costs and heavy packs. Clean clothes anywhere with a Scrubba wash bag. Buy Now

Bergans of Norway
Switch Pack

Wear the Switch as a messenger bag or a backpack. The choice is yours! The unique system easily coverts from backpack to messenger bag in seconds. Plus there’s plenty pockets inside to organize your gear, including a dedicated padded compartment for your laptop. – $120 – Buy Now

Osprey Kamber / Kresta Pack Series

Developed in the mountains
of Colorado with feedback
from professional guides,
ski patrollers and dedicated weekend warriors, the women’s Kresta and men’s Kamber
packs are designed to match the passion and needs of off-piste professionals and recreationalists from Thompson Pass, Alaska, to the Chilean Andes or your local backcountry runs. Buy Now

MICROspikes®

HIKE • TREK • EXPLORE
Lighter and tougher,
the new MICROspikes® deliver unrivaled traction on icy winter trails. MICROspikes® traction is tough enough to handle any adventure with stainless steel spikes and welded chains. MICROspikes® now feature an integrated toe bale and reinforced eyelets allowing for
a 50% lower profile elastomer harness. A Tote Sack is now included with each pair of MICROspikes®! – $99.95 Buy Now

Big Agnes Q-Core SLX

The Q-Core SLX ups the ante on quilted comfort in the backcountry. Redesigned offset I-Beams create incredible multi-directional support and stability. The Q-Core SLX is lighter, tougher, easier to inflate/deflate, packs smaller, sleeps warmer…when it comes to superlight, 3-season comfort this pad stands alone. $139.95 – $219.95 Buy Now

Dueter ACT Lite 45 + 10 SL

The ACT Lite series is purist in design and often described as perfect in function. Engineered for a women’s anatomy, this lightweight pack offers phenomenal fit and comfort on any hiking, trekking or mountaineering outing. $189 Buy Now

Komperdell Carbon Expedition Tour 4

The Carbon Expedition Tour 4 is a lightweight, four section carbon-aluminum pole with a packed size of only 18 inch that can be used all year round for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, ski touring etc.. You name it and the Expedition can do it.
Well thought out features as the extra strong Powerlock 3.0 locking mechanism or the changeable Ice-Flex basket which automatically adapts to the slope inclination make this pole a high quality all-rounder and the perfect companion for all kind of outdoor sports. – $179 – Buy Now

What do you get for the hiker who has everything? Something so innovative and unexpected, even he or she hasn’t thought of it. Start with these picks.

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