Any time I get overwhelmed these days, the first thought I have is: I need to go touch grass. And I really mean it — the great outdoors is exactly where I go to unwind, relax, challenge myself and have a good think. In fact, for many of us at TPG, it’s a big part of the reason we love to travel.
This holiday season, you might find yourself shopping for someone who plans their entire winter travel schedule around where to ski the best powder on the planet, or maybe for someone whose traveling around the world bagging peak after peak. Maybe you’re close with a national park enthusiast, or you need a really good stocking stuffer for a dedicated marathon runner. Or maybe someone in your life loves nothing more than cozying up at the perfect camping spot for a long weekend.
No matter what type of outdoor adventure their passion might be, this gift guide (though non-exhaustive; I had to cut myself off at some point!) compiles some of my absolute favorite, go-to items for those who simply love to spend time outside. Have a scroll, and let us know in the comments what your dream outdoor gift would be.
Ikon pass
Best for: The powder chaser
It goes without saying that anyone who skis or snowboards throughout the winter season can benefit from a pass. My personal favorite in recent years has been the Ikon pass, which has taken me to mountains like Mammoth, Steamboat Springs and Killington. But the opportunity to get your turns in certainly doesn’t stop at the U.S.; the Ikon pass famously gets passholders access to all four major ski resorts in Niseko, Japan, known for having some of the best (if not the best) powder in the world.
TPG tip: With a purchase as hefty as this one, you’ll want to ensure you use a card that will maximize rewards. I’d recommend a card that earns an elevated, flat rate across all purchases — like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Patagonia Provisions Tinned Fish Variety Pack
Best for: The sustainability-minded gourmand
While I’ve taken Pataognia Provisions tinned fish on the trail before, I have to admit I eat it at home all the time, too. Anyone with an affinity for tinned fish — and for sustainably sourced seafood — will love this variety pack that gives you a taste of everything from lemon herb mussels to sardines in coconut curry.
TPG tip: American Express often has valuable Patagonia deals for cardholders, so check your Amex offers during the holiday season to see if you’ll get a statement credit for spending a certain amount at Patagonia.
Shop Patagonia Provisions Tinned Fish Variety Pack
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Best for: The everyday hiker
Not all hiking socks are created equal, and after many a mile spent scrambling up the granite of the White Mountains, I’ve found that Darn Tough are true to their name in every sense. I’m partial to the micro crew cushion sock — they provide just enough cushion without taking up too much space in my boot, they’re breathable and they hold up well on multi-day trips. But pick any Darn Tough style and it’s pretty tough to go wrong.
TPG tip: Darn Tough is often eligible for Capital One Shopping Rewards via several online retailers like Cabela’s and Shoebacca. If you’re a cardholder, make sure you’re shopping with the Capital One portal Chrome extension to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Outerknown Blanket Shirt
Buy here, $168
Best for: The cozy camper
Cozy is the primary concept with Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt (available for men and women in a wide array of colors and patterns). The first time I put one of these on about a decade ago, I knew it would become a staple in my everyday wardrobe, but especially for shoulder season camping trips and cabin getaways, when evenings and early mornings are cold and crisp.
TPG tip: Outerknown is available at Nordstrom, so Nordstrom cardholders and Nordy Club members can consider cashing in their valuable awards for this item — or even earn cash back on top of your Nordy Club rewards by starting your online Nordstrom purchases via Rakuten.
Shop Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt
Sawyer Squeeze
Best for: The one whose always prepared
Anyone who goes out into the backcountry regularly knows that having a plan for hydration is a necessity — and having a dependable, safe way to filter water is simply nonnegotiable. Sawyer makes some of the most popular and reliable water filtration systems for those hitting the trail — I recently used my Sawyer Squeeze on a four day backpacking and was blown away by how simple and functional it is. It removes 99.99999% of bacteria — that’s a lot of nines. Whether its used while camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing or just packed for an outdoor-centric travel excursion, this is a valuable tool for any outdoor enthusiast to carry with them.
TPG tip: You can buy a Sawyer water filtration system on Amazon to get Amazon Prime benefits like free two-day shipping. Just make sure to use a card that’s great for Amazon purchases.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove
Best for: The backpacker
If you know someone who loves to backpack — or maybe they’re a first timer and you’re helping them round out their backpacking setup — the MSR Pocket Rocket is the camp stove I come back to again and again (and I think many, if not most, backpackers would say the same). It’s famously lightweight and foldable, boils water very quickly, has a sturdy base for excellent pot support and is super easy to use and set up (this is coming from someone who lit a camp stove on fire once — I’ve never had that issue with this one).
TPG tip: If you carry The REI Co-op® Mastercard® you’ll get 5% in rewards on REI Co-op purchases.
The information for the REI Co-op Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hoody
Best for: The lightweight packer
One of the best things about this hoody is its versatility — I’d venture to guess that almost anyone on your holiday list could get good use out of Patagonia’s Nano-Air Light Hoody. The idea behind it is that you don’t have to take it off during start-and-stop activities; the brand’s FullRange insulation technology, both warm and stretchy, ensures that you can release excess heat while exercising hard, but it keeps you toasty when you stop for a break. Whether worn during crisp autumn hikes, on the slopes while getting turns in or during a camping trip, it’s sure to be a closet staple.
TPG tip: American Express often has valuable Patagonia deals for cardholders, so check your offers during the holiday season to see if you’ll get a statement credit for spending a certain amount at Patagonia.
Shop Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hoody
Salomon ADV SKIN 5
Best for: The long distance runner
Seems like everyone is training for a marathon these days, doesn’t it? If one of your nearest or dearest falls into that category, they’re going to need a well-crafted, reliable hydration vest — and time and again, avid runners rave about this one. It can hold up to five liters of water (two 500-ml soft flasks are included) and features a sleek, adjustable design with plenty of pockets
TPG tip: Eligible Capital One cardholders can order via REI and get 10 percent back in Capital One Rewards, or use The REI Co-op® Mastercard® and get 5% in rewards on REI Co-op purchases.
Shop Salomon ADV SKIN 5 at REI
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