2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Your Outdoorsy Friend
'Tis the season of giving sustainable items your loved ones will love!!
When buying gifts, I tend to shy away from sport-specific items like harnesses/ropes/etc., because people have personal preferences for their big purchases (especially any their life will rely on). Obviously, this doesn't apply if you happen to know what those preferences are... but if you did, then you probably wouldn't be here!
We don't make any money when you click on these links, view our blog, or purchase these items. We have, use, and love everything in this post!
Under $10
This gear tape is super strong. You can use it to repair all kinds of things (puffy jackets, tents, sleeping bags). I bought a used Mountain Hardware puffy for $20 in 2018 because it had a ton of little holes and the gear tape I slapped on it five-and-a-half years ago is still going strong, through the washer and all.
Under $15
Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spoon - Long
This spoon is super light, and long. It seems silly at first, but it's actually really, really nice for eating out of those tall backpacker meal bags and not getting your hand messy. Even if they already have a spork, it’s nice to have a few. Keeping one stashed in my car or a backpack has come in handy!
Rub-on Ski Wax Stick (Cold Temperatures or Warm Temperatures (probably best for the PNW)) and/or Skin Wax
A rub-on skin or ski wax is a great quick fix to keep in your touring kit or car at the resort. There's nothing worse than snow and pine needles clumping up on your skins when you're already climbing up a steep hill...
Climbing is rough on your hands, so skincare is important!
Under $20
Guidebooks (often under $15 if you go for the Kindle version)!
One of my PNW favorites is Martin Volken's Washington Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes. The Kindle versions are usually cheaper, and honestly my preference for guidebooks. I download them on my phone to reference when I'm in the backcountry (for no added weight).
The Kula Cloth is an ultra-absorbent, antimicrobial pee cloth. Back at home, they're easy to clean– I just throw mine right in the washer. I was a skeptic, but these are actually really nice and make me feel cleaner in the backcountry. And they have lots of cute patterns!
Under $30
Cozy Skida (Neckwear, Headbands, Balaclavas, and Hats)!
Made in Vermont, these garments are sooo cute, cozy, and warm. Perfect for touring, a chilly crag day, or a windy lift ride. There are so many different patterns. Very hygge!!!
Under $40
These polarized sunglasses are my favorite. They come in lots of fun colors and designs and don’t slip off my face when running or climbing.
Territory Run Co. Technical Running Caps
Daybreak Racing's event caps are made by Territory Run Co. in Portland, Oregon. Lightweight, comfortable, and fast drying. This hat is my favorite, and if I'm outside then I'm probably wearing it.
Under $115
This stick clip is a great, durable gift for a sport climber who is rough on gear. Stick clips let you clip the starting bolt from the ground, which reduces the risk of a hard ground fall when there's a high first bolt.
Note: each radio is sold individually!
Made by climbers, for climbers in Colorado– these radios are perfect for maintaining communication on big alpine days, when you're spread out across a rope team on a glacier, or sport climbing above the zooming semi-trucks of i-90 at Exit 38.
Pricier
- A "coupon" to pay for their race entry fee, or a skills course.