Friday, December 27, 2024
HomeOutdoorGreatest Outside Presents: Our Favourite Head-to-Toe Gear for Any Journey

Greatest Outside Presents: Our Favourite Head-to-Toe Gear for Any Journey


Give the gift of the outdoors! But how? For us, the outdoors gift guide is a generalist’s catchall that doesn’t involve more specific pursuits like hiking and cycling.

Most of the gifts here are things that can be used around town and then into the hills, woods, snow, etc. All items listed here are things we’ve personally tested and/or made by brands that we love.

In this guide, you’ll find gear to combat the elements and make life a little easier during an adventure. We’ve got apparel, tech, footwear, packs and storage, and good old-fashioned classic gear.


Be sure to check out all of our gift guides for more ideas to suit every adventurer on your list!

General Outdoors Gifts for 2024

Fenix PD36R PRO Rechargeable Flashlight Gift Pack: $120

(Photo/Fenix)

Give two gifts in one with the Fenix Rechargeable Flashlight Gift Pack. This special holiday product pairing includes Fenix’s bestselling PD36R Pro flashlight plus the newly reintroduced MINI-LITE.

The powerful PD36R Pro can produce 2,800 lumens at maximum capacity and shine light up to 1,247 feet. Plus, the 5,000mAh battery gives users up to 42 hours of runtime between charges. Dual tail switches allow you to toggle between six lighting modes and the on/off and momentary on options. Impact-resistant, dustproof, and waterproof, the PD36R Pro is the ultimate companion for even the most rugged adventures.

At 2 inches long and less than 1 ounce, the bonus MINI-LITE is small but mighty. The integrated clip attaches to a belt loop or ball cap for hands-free use. Light the way with up to 150 lumens using the forward-facing flashlight mode. Or toggle to the red/blue down-facing light for reading and more.

Both lights come with batteries included and are rechargeable via a USB-C port. Don’t wait around to purchase. This holiday gift pack is only available while supplies last.

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LIVSN Flex Canvas Overalls: $199

man wearing overalls with tools and gearman wearing overalls with tools and gear
(Photo/Kendra Smith)

Our editor-in-chief had never owned overalls until LIVSN surprised him with two pairs, and he quickly became a shameless evangelist. He cites the Flex Canvas Overalls as his most-used outfit for during or after things like bike commutes, gym climbing, wrenching on his truck, weekend honey-do chores, and outdoor adventures.

A burlier predecessor to LIVSN’s follow-up, stretchy Ecotrek overalls, the Flex Canvas carries the same thoughtful design and quality construction that made LIVSN one of our all-time favorite outdoor apparel makers.

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NEMO Double Haul 30L Convertible Duffel & Tote: $170

NEMO DoubleHaul-30L-3XNEMO DoubleHaul-30L-3X

The multi-carry tote/duffel/backpack isn’t a new concept, but NEMO designed this with reinforced handles, trusses to keep it open, and a solid overall build quality.

Closer to home, use it as a general gear hauler in tote mode or store mission-specific gear together in duffel mode for a dedicated go bag. For travel, you can stuff it to the gills, carry the load backpack-style, and then stash the straps when you check the bag.

We highlight the 30L here for a more compact size for weekends and summer travel.

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Ignik Gas Growler 3.8 Naked & Adapter Hose: $80 & $25

Ignik-gas-growler-basic-3.8 gas growlerIgnik-gas-growler-basic-3.8 gas growler
(Photo/Ignik)

This refillable propane tank lets you ditch those single-use green bottles for car camping. These tanks hold 3.8 times as much gas and weigh roughly 8 pounds, so they’re not too cumbersome to haul from car to camp.

You can place the tank right next to your stove while cooking on a table, so there’s no need for an extra-long adapter.

Additionally, the growler can fuel an Ignik Fire Pit to replace a wood campfire — which is smokey, takes time to drown out, and is more prone to fire bans.

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Shop Adapter Hose

SOUNDBOKS GO Speaker: $699

soundboks go speaker outsidesoundboks go speaker outside
(Image/SOUNDBOKS)

Do not call this a high-performance portable speaker — it’s a portable high-performance speaker. That’s not just a lofty claim; this is a serious sound blaster. The SOUNDBOKS GO is the brand’s most portable option, and it’s still pretty big — it measures 18 x 12 x 10 inches and weighs 20 pounds.

But at roughly the same size as a medium cooler, the SOUNDBOKS GO packs a wallop. Audiophiles will appreciate its 10-inch woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter, banging out up to 121dB of customizable sound. The bass bumps and the sound is rich, and best of all, it’s shockproof and IP65 splashproof.

It’s not designed to be tossed in the lake, but you can bring it on cabin or tailgating adventures without having to baby it. Set your own custom EQ or choose from some presets with the included app. And charge it up for up to 40 hours of runtime.

Buy once, cry once, and enjoy your music library inside your home or out.

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Sea to Summit Ultralight Dry Bag Set: $60

Whether you’re going out on the water or just into messy conditions, everyone needs one set of dry bags (preferably more). Sea to Summit makes some of the best, and they’ve been tested and trusted by GearJunkie editors for years.

Plus, these colorful dry bags are great for both water protection and organization within your pack. Avoid the ubiquitous “camping damp” and keep your gear tidy and dry.

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Icebreaker 200 Realfleece Descender Long Sleeve Half-Zip Jacket — Men’s & Women’s: $160

Icebreaker Merino Blend 200 Realfleece Descender Long Sleeve Half Zip JacketIcebreaker Merino Blend 200 Realfleece Descender Long Sleeve Half Zip Jacket

For runs and hikes in cool conditions, this lightweight and versatile merino-blend midlayer combines the functions of windbreaking and insulation in the chest with Cool-Lite mesh in the underarm panels to vent sweat.

We like the low-hanging hem and flat, offset shoulder seams and love the added hand coverage of the cuffs with a thumbhole.

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Shop Women’s

Segway ZT3 Pro: $1,300

man on segway scooterman on segway scooter
(Photo/Segway)

Discover a new era of suspension riding with the ZT3 Pro — Segway’s first all-terrain scooter.

Designed for urban agility and off-road dominance, the ZT3 Pro is built to tackle tough terrain with its telescopic front fork and rear swingarm coil suspension, 11-inch off-road tires, and 6 inches of clearance.

A 1,600W electric-powered engine can reach speeds up to 24.9 mph and climb 25% grades. But this off-road-capable workhorse stays true to Segway’s urban commuter roots, with smart security features like AirLock and Apple Find My plus a 43.5-mile maximum range that makes the ZT3 Pro equally fit for city rides.

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VSSL Jave G25 Grinder Adjustable: $160

VSSL Jave G25 Grinder AdjustableVSSL Jave G25 Grinder Adjustable
(Photo/VSSL)

If you know someone who likes cafe pours on outdoor adventures, the VSSL Java grinder may be just the right addition to their coffee setup. It has 50 grind dial settings to get the consistency just right for their favorite brew method. For consistency, the grinder has a conical burr and dual bearings.

The Java G25 Grinder fits inside a storage connector that can be added to the six-piece VSSL Pour Over Kit.

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YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler: $200

yeti roadie 15 hard cooler man carrying by truck in woodsyeti roadie 15 hard cooler man carrying by truck in woods
(Photo/YETI)

This year, YETI updated its Roadie hard cooler to be … smaller and lighter? That’s right, ordinarily the domain of soft-side coolers, this shoulder-strap-friendly can-carrier has all the portability of a cush cooler, with all the rugged durability and long-lasting insulation of YETI’s trademark hard sides.

The Roadie 15 saves your back and shoulders when you’re hauling on your own. In our testing, it’s been great for cooling a full 12-pack with some ice to keep the cans frosty. It’ll hold up to 22 cans alone, or 16 pounds of ice if you just … want … ice — no judgment! Whatever you’re using it for, the Roadie 15 is a welcome change of pace from the brand that built an empire on the biggest and heaviest gear in its category.

Bonus: It’s easy to wrap!

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prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant: $95

Prana Stretch Zion PantsPrana Stretch Zion Pants
(Photo/prAna)

The bestselling prAna Stretch Zion Pant is a wardrobe staple for outdoorsmen. With a relaxed-straight fit, this signature prAna design is made for all outdoor movement. The durable, abrasion-resistant fabric stands up to bushwacking while providing enough stretch to climb or hang at camp. Plus, built-in water repellant and UPF 50+ protect from the elements.

For added comfort, the Stretch Zion Pant has thoughtful design elements, including a ventilated inseam gusset, adjustable webbing waistband, and snaps to secure rolled hems. And, of course, multiple mesh-lined and zipper pockets let you stash the essentials while you’re on the go.

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Vermont Glove Uphill Skier: $150

vermont glove tacked to a tree in the wintervermont glove tacked to a tree in the winter
(Photo/Vermont Glove)

For all the fancy design tech and cutting-edge materials, there’s something undeniably cool about made-in-America, hand-stitched leather. Vermont Glove is about as old school as it gets in the outdoors these days. The brand’s simple product line — gloves and mitts — is handmade in Vermont.

The team will help you care for your gloves to extend their lifetime rather than just sell you a new pair. If you lose a glove, you can buy a new one — just one — instead of a whole new pair. And if those mitts need some light repair, well, Vermont Glove can do that, too.

The Uphill Skier is an especially warm, outdoor-adventure glove with a merino liner. It’s not fancy; it’s just solidly made and exceptionally comfortable. When it comes to gifts with a great story and lifetime of use, a pair of Vermont Gloves fits the bill.

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Gnara Go There Hiking Pants: $168

Gnara Gnara
(Photo/Clayton Hermann)

There’s a whole lot to love about Gnara Apparel Go There Pants. One: they allow everyone to answer nature’s call without taking off their pants, harness, or anything else. Two: they are comfortable, packed full of pockets and features, and truly are game-changing thanks to a patented hidden zipper.

Two of our editors tested these pants, and they both love them. Looking for a gift that is durable, functional, and ready for an array of adventures outside? Look no further than these pants, available in sizes 00-22 (plus the newly added Cascade Granite color).

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FeatherSnap Scout Smart Bird Feeder: $180

Feathersnap Scout Screen and FeederFeathersnap Scout Screen and Feeder
(Photo/Feathersnap)

FeatherSnap makes a nice gift for those who want to pass on their love of birding to others, especially beginners from a more connected generation. The bird feeder has a Wi-Fi-connected camera and AI Bird Identification hardware to help keep track of visitors (and, in our experience, more accurately than beginner birders). The feeder will photograph and identify birds that visit and track them in the companion app’s Bird Book.

The companion app costs $60 annually (or $7 a month) to keep notifications coming. Solar panels on the roof help power the feeder’s electronics but can recharge via USB-C, too.

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LARQ Bottle PureVis 2: $109

LARQ Bottle PureVis 2LARQ Bottle PureVis 2
(Photo/LARQ)

Dial hydration to a science with the LARQ Bottle PureVis 2. This smart water bottle has a built-in, two-stage filtration system that eliminates up to 99.9% of bio-contaminants and removes chemicals, including chlorine, PFOA, and PFOS.

PureVis technology automatically initiates a self-clean mode every 2 hours to keep your bottle fresh throughout the day. The result? Cleaner water that tastes better — no matter where you refill.

If cleaner water isn’t enough motivation to up your hydration, the LARQ Bottle’s automated tracking feature can help. Pair the LARQ Bottle PureVis 2 with the LARQ companion app, and the technology does the rest. Smart sensors in the bottle automatically record each sip so you can track your daily water consumption and access personalized hydration insights over time.

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RALLYE 600 Portable Power Station: $609

Runhood RALLYE 600 Pro power station with batteries and attachmentsRunhood RALLYE 600 Pro power station with batteries and attachments
(Photo/Adam Ruggiero)

Simply the most innovative and convenient portable power setup on the market. Runhood — a brand you may not have heard of — wowed us in testing. The basic idea is to make the power station portable, by making each battery cell a standalone power source.

In other words, add both battery packs, and the full power station has maximum power. But if you prefer to bring some more portable power, take one cell out, add on an adapter, and you have a backpack-friendly power bank.

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Lectric XPeak Mountain and Off-Road Electric Bike: $1,399

Lectric XPeak Mountain and Off-Road Electric BikeLectric XPeak Mountain and Off-Road Electric Bike
(Photo/Lectric)

Take two-wheeled adventures up a notch with the Lectric XPeak Mountain & Off-Road Electric Bike. Equal parts durable and capable, the XPeak is built to stand up to rugged terrain. Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush or taking the scenic route to work, the XPeak boasts it’s “the ultimate ride for every off-road adventure.”

The powerful electric motor puts out 1,310W of power and can travel up to 28 mph. Even at top speeds, the XPeak claims a safe and comfortable riding experience. Lectric’s Stealth M24 technology works to minimize engine noise while front and rear hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors help riders stop safely.

At more leisurely speeds, the XPeak battery life extends to 55 miles on a single charge. Every design element — from the frame and handlebar to the stem assembly and suspension fork — is tested against the highest standards for mountain eBike safety so for extra peace of mind when pushing the XPeak to the limit.

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How to Use This Guide

Most general outdoor enthusiasts would be thrilled to open a gift and find one of the above items inside. The products we chose all met GearJunkie’s standards of quality, and have useful functions outdoors.

But take it a step further: Ask yourself, what does the person I’m shopping for like to do? Are they a hiker? Do they car camp a lot? Or are they always on their bike? Zeroing in on the recipient’s hobbies, interests, and outdoor pursuits will help direct you to the gifts on this list that they’ll get the most use out of.

It also doesn’t hurt to search our site for reviews once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few options. GearJunkie has tested and reviewed many of the above outdoor products, and you’ll find a lot more detailed information there.

We’ve also got Best Of articles for camping lanterns, ski socks, winter gloves, camp shoes, wireless earbuds, fleece jackets, and so much more! Those guides are great resources for shopping or comparing items within the same category.

It can be overwhelming shopping for outdoor gifts — hopefully, this guide makes that process a little easier.

Why Trust Us?

Our gift guides incorporate recommendations from our experienced editorial staff and field testers, including our editor-in-chief, Adam Ruggiero, who sees a ton of gear every year.

Combined, this guide represents the sum total of the team’s testing and reporting over the year — and all the products prior that have stood the test of time.

GearJunkie’s gift guides are a chance for all the editors to reflect on their favorite gear, and the most innovative products to hit the market, and put them all into a handy, outdoor shopping cheat sheet.


Want more gift ideas? Check out our other gift guides and buying guides.



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