It’s that time of year again when Crimbo is upon us and we are all thinking about gifts, gifts and more gifts! But what do you buy for the active adventurer in your life who loves the outdoors? Here’s our guide to this year’s best outdoorsy Christmas gifts this year…
1. Camelbak – Pursuit Alpine Pack
£149.99 / www.camelbak.com
Climb higher and stay cooler with the CamelBak Pursuit Alpine pack. The first in the Alpine range to feature the three-litre Antidote Lumbar Reservoir based at the bottom of the pack. This technology is designed to position water weight snug around the waist to lower the centre of gravity for maximum stability and comfort.
By repositioning the weight of the water from your shoulders onto the hips, it makes hiking and exploring more comfortable.The pack also comes with the innovative SV Back Panel which features suspended open mesh and delivers maximum ventilation and comfort. It’s made of ultra-light materials and has a perforated harness for ventilation.
Keep your essentials close at hand with this carefully designed pack. The load-bearing waist belt includes a cargo pocket as well as the pack having tool attachments, a quick stash overflow pocket and side stretch pockets.
2. Ledlenser – XEO19R Lighting Perfection
£249.95 / www.ledlenser-store.co.uk
Perfect for any outdoor adventure, the rechargeable Ledlenser XEO19R is both powerful and versatile. On max setting, this stylish light boasts a stunning 2000 lumens. These effortlessly focus into flood, spot or a combination of flood and spot, through its dual lenses via the patented Advanced Focus System optics and integrated X-lens Technology.
As well as standard handheld or headlamp configurations, a host of supplied mounts and extension cables allow the XEO19R to be firmly affixed onto bikes, helmets, tripods or even GoPro accessories. In case you get into trouble an Emergency Light option (10 lumens/up to 400 hours) will ensure that you have enough light to see you safely home and an integrated USB charger will mean you can charge up your phone or other accessories.
The XEO19R is the multi-purpose light for any serious outdoor enthusiast who wants to turn night into day and extend the adventure. One light, many possibilities.
For stockists see the ‘where to buy’ page on our website (see above).
3. Mycoal – Folding Rodel
£89 / www.mycoal.co.uk
This superb folding Rodel is beautifully made from beechwood with curved steel shod runners. The runners are beautifully laminated from many thin layers of beech ply giving massive strength and integrity to the sled. The Lillehammer style frame is versatile enough to cope with two children, or to be used as a pull sled for carting shopping around snowclogged streets. The unique scissor action folding mechanism is easily operated with gloved hands and has no bolts or small parts that can get easily lost in the snow. The rodel style of sled is ideal for use on harder packed terrain after the flat bottomed sleds have packed the snow down!
This rodel is really something special and should last many winters of usage and mellow nicely in appearance with age and multiple coats of varnish!
4. Victorinox – Evolution White Christmas Medium Pocket Knife
£34.99 / www.victorinox.com
Enjoy a white Christmas with the limited edition Evolution White Christmas medium pocket knife from Victorinox. Arriving in perfect time, this handy pocket tool with 13 functions will be the perfect companion.
The crisp white handles have the perfect grip and the large blade is beautifully decorated with an etched snowflake design. Fit for purpose the functions include a blade, nail file, can opener, small screwdriver, bottle opener, wire stripper, corkscrew, reamer, tweezers and more.
T: 0207 6479070
5. Care Plus – Adventure Bugsox
£15.99 / www.careplus.eu
Everyone likes socks at Christmas, right? Well why not make your gift practical too, with a pair of Care Plus Adventure BugSox? Perfect for year-round hiking trips, these seamless socks are made from a mix of Coolmax and bamboo which helps keep feet dry, comfortable, fresh and odour-free. In the cold, the fabric’s micro-structure functions as a baselayer to keep your toes toasty.
What’s more, in warmer climes, the innovative impregnation of HealthguardTM into the socks means you’ll be protected from mosquitoes and the growing threat of ticks. Available in navy or khaki; unisex sizes 35-37, 38-40, 41-43 and 44-47. The lighter Traveller BugSox also available for £18.99 (pair).
For stockist details: www.keebleagencies.co.uk/stockists/careplus-online-stockists
T: 01284 763152
6. Leatherman – Signal
£124.95 / www.leatherman.co.uk
The three things you need to conquer your everyday: your know-how, your own two hands and your Leatherman. After all, a tool is just a tool until you own it. Together, you’re prepared for anything life throws your way. Lose yourself in the outdoors.
The Signal features Leatherman’s traditional functional tools like pliers, saw, can and bottle opener, awl, a variety of hex and Leatherman bit drivers, and combo knife blade pair with preparedness features like a shaped diamond coated sharpener for maintaining your straight and serrated blade, fire-starting ferro rod, and an emergency whistle.
Stay ready for the expected (and unexpected) no matter where you are, with everything you need right on your belt.
T: 01539 721032 for stockists
7. Roadii Firegrill – Campfire Cooking Systems
From £179.99 / www.roadii.co.uk
The Roadii Firegrill is a versatile and portable campfire cooking system designed for use with wood or charcoal and packed with clever features.
Designed and made in Britain by people passionate about outdoor cooking and camping, the Firegrill is basically a tripod with a hearth and grill suspended up away from the ground. This means that there is no ground scorching or burning from the fire and it also allows the hearth to be used as an over-head grill when used with a warmshelf (comes as standard with the Firegrill 3 or is available as an accessory). The systems are designed to be rugged and reliable with the fire hearth actually made from a recycled car wheel!
The distinctive and hard wearing stainless steel cooking grill is easy to look after and hangs on chains that run up inside the tripod legs for easy height control for the perfect cooking temperature above the fire. A sturdy cast iron cooking pot option on the Firegrill 2 & 3 is great for sumptuous stews, favourite curries, one pot casseroles and even baking bread. The lid can also be flipped over and used as a skillet on the grill – perfect for eggs and bacon!
We love the fact that it all packs down and that Roadii have a variety of accessories available including covers, skillets, tools and bags.
You can also find them on Facebook by clicking here.
8. Mekey – Tap4 ICE ID
£7.50 / www.tap4iceid.co.uk
The idea behind the Tap4 ICE ID mini ID keytag is a great one – if you have an accident while out travelling and you’re in no state to give the first responder your details, they can simply tap the mini ID keytag with an NFC enabled mobile (most smartphones) and they will have all your emergency medical details. If no NFC device is available any device connected to the internet (mobile phone, tablet, PC or Mac) can gain access using the simple two step instructions printed on the ID keytag.
Tap4 ICE ID is a ‘cloud’ based system which can be accessed anywhere worldwide. You enter your information via an online dashboard, which can be updated at any time (you can’t do that with engraved ID!)
Simply clip one to your keys, use as a zip pull or attach to your rucksack – a simple device for peace of mind.
T: 0114 231 6135
9. Tilley Hat – The Tilley Wanderer
£67 / www.tilley.com
The iconic Tilley Hat as you’ve never seen it before! The Tilley Wanderer is made of enzyme washed cotton duck for a rugged vintage look, with black plated grommets and side snaps. Like all Tilley Hats, the Wanderer is guaranteed for life against wearing out, properly sized for a perfect fit, and protects in all weathers; it repels rain, and delivers UPF50+ sun protection – the maximum rating given. Made in Canada for outdoor people everywhere.
T: 01326 574402
10. Perilla – Alpaca Socks
From £12.50 / www.perilla.co.uk
Treat your feet to gorgeous alpaca socks from online alpaca specialist Perilla. Thermal walking socks (shown here) are ideal for hiking, climbing and winter sports with their all round terry looped thickness. Alpaca fibre has higher insulating properties than any other wool fibre, repels odour and bacteria but gently wicks away moisture so feet remain at a perfect temperature and fresh feeling. Alpaca socks can be worn for over a week before you need to wash! Perilla produce seven ranges of alpaca socks and include 90% baby alpaca bed socks in four sizes. The vast palette of colours includes natural undyed colours of pale grey, brown and charcoal; country colours of sedge green and mulberry and vibrant tones of raspberry and purple. All socks can be beautifully gift boxed and make a most welcomed present for any age, any time.
T: 01886 853 615
11. Klean Kanteen – Wide Mouth Bottles
From £15.95 / www.kleankanteen.com
Iconic, timeless, and designed to last a lifetime – that’s the Klean Kanteen Classic single-wall collection. These simple, beautiful bottles have kept us happy and hydrated for more than 10 years. Klean’s Wide single-wall line also offers perfect hydration solutions – from the great outdoors to the urban jungle.
The 1182ml Kanteen Wide is the ultimate bottle for long road trips or the great outdoors. The extra wide opening is more than two inches in diameter for quick filling, pouring and cleaning, and the stainless steel thread design works with standard outdoor water filters. Larger capacity bottles are also available in 800ml and a whopping 1900ml.
T: 01539 721032 for stockists or visit website above
12. Splashmaps – Fabric Maps
From £12-28.99 / www.splash-maps.com
SplashMaps are beautiful, yet virtually indestructible, fabric maps. Made for adventure, they don’t rip, turn to mush in the rain or need folding, like paper maps. They also won’t break if dropped or run out of battery or signal, like GPS. They’re simple navigation without the fuss.
They’re also scrunchable (to stuff into pockets or tie around necks), weatherproof and washable (you can mark on routes or slather them in mud, and they’ll still emerge from the machine as new).
With lots of options for practical AND adventurous SplashMap gifts, why not…
- Create a great walking/adventuring SplashMap of anywhere – (worldwide!) AND personalise it with your own title!
- Choose from popular destination maps, long distance trails, city maps and even atlas scales
- Try a NEW SplashMaps head wear “Toob” the ultimate in versatile navigation for mountains, trails and national parks; comfort and warmth plus space saved in your pack or pockets
- Get the LATEST “Mini” SplashMaps, a newly launched series for the UK’s tallest peaks; Snowdon, Scafell and Ben Nevis. A cost effective way to take-on your challenge!
Designed and woven for confidence, SplashMaps are unique gifts for any adventurer.
13. Personlised Luggage – Cabin Suitcase
£120 / www.personalisedluggage.com
Personalised Luggage is THE perfect personalised gift for travel. Seriously stand out from the crowd at the baggage claim with a personalised cabin suitcase, upload images and text to tailor-make your own unique case design! This case features a high quality replaceable front cover, so you can travel with a brand new design every time. The case itself is made from a super strong polycarbonate and all luggage purchases come with a two year warranty.
Check out the Personalised Luggage app and design your own suitcase this Christmas! Other suitcase sizes include a kids case, overnight, medium and large, starting at £80 with Adventure Travel’s exclusive discount code: ADVENTURE20.
Tel: 0113 3220715
14. Lifeventure – Flip-top Thermal Mug
£14.99 / www.lifeventure.com
A gift that’s guaranteed to hit the spot this Christmas, Lifeventure’s new Flip-Top Thermal Mug is the perfect stocking filler for outdoor and adventure addicts. Combining the much-loved design of Lifeventure’s original travel mug with a handy, flip lid format, the Flip-Top Thermal Mug makes it easy for loved ones to enjoy their favourite hot drink on the move.
A high-performance, thermally-induced vacuum insulation promises to keep the mug’s contents piping hot for up to three hours or, if a cool drink is more their style, the mug will also keep juices or smoothies pleasantly chilled for up to seven hours. Each Flip-Top Thermal Mug has a generous, 300ml capacity and its rugged stainless steel construction easily stands up to the exertions of travel or outdoor adventures.
15. Keela – Expedition Sock £29.95
£29.95 / www.keela.co.uk
We know we’re not alone in rating winter as our favourite time of year to get out into the high mountains and fells. You just need to be properly eqippped and prepared for the harshest of conditions. Which is where Keela’s brand new Expedition Sock comes in. It blends PrimaLoft Silver and Merino wool to offer next-to-skin comfort with enhanced warmth and performance. This yarn also wicks moisture away from skin keeping feet dry, plus natural anti-bacterial properties ensure feet stay fresh.
It’s a heavyweight sock with an in-turned welt for a comfortable fit, with elasticated grip sections for support and Isofil sole. Cordura reinforcement at the heels and toes protects vulnerable areas ensuring your sock is as extreme as your adventure. Available in sizes S (3.5-6), M (6.5-9), L (9.5-12).
For stockists: www.keela.co.uk/stockists
16. Sub Zero – Down Jacket
£149.99 / www.subzerostore.co.uk
Brand new this winter, Sub Zero’s Down Jackets are manufactured from an ultralight polyamide micro ripstop shell fabric that is extremely breathable, windproof and water repellent. All jackets are filled with the finest grade of ethically-sourced European hydrophobic goose down and feathers to a composition of 90/10. With 750 fill power and a total down content of 132g (large size), it makes these jackets among the very warmest in their class.
There’s room for baselayers and midlayers underneath and the hem can be adjusted to keep out chills. Plenty of storage has been designed in too, both outside and inside. When not in use, the jackets can be packed down into a compact stuffsack (included), ideal for carrying in your backpack for extended hiking trips, or as a quick insulation layer to keep you warm after a wintry trail run, bike ride or paddle. Available in sizes XS-XXL; Hooded Down Smock version £169.99.
For stockists:
T: 0116 2402634
17. Swarovski Optic – Pocket Binocular
£560 / www.swarovskioptik.com
- CL 8 x 25 Pocket Binocular from Swarovski Optik.
- Small Outside but BIG inside.
- Comfortable to use with crystal clear images, offering unique optical quality.
- So easy to carry around on your adventures, folds up to fit in any jacket pocket and with a low weight of 345 g they are the perfect companion for all outdoor activities.
If you are looking for an exceptional gift for someone special the CL Pocket from Swarovski Optik is the perfect choice.
Email: [email protected]
18. Buff – Original and Polar Buffs
£24-27 / www.buffwear.co.uk
The simple addition of a section of Classic Polartec fleece to Original BUFF makes this the Polar BUFF the ultimate in winter headgear. In cold weather the Polar BUFF will help to maintain body temperature and prevents heat loss. Super soft to the touch, you will love wearing it.
The Microfibre and Polar Hat BUFF is a double layer hat, one with microfibre outside and inside with a soft polar fleece. Ideal for people who are looking for a warm and soft hat for winter activities in low-medium intensity like boulder, climbing, trekking, hiking or skiing.
Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
19. Scruffs – Expedition Thermo Softshell Jacket
£54.95 / www.scruffs.com
New for autumn/winter 2016, Scruffs has expanded its Expedition range to include the Scruffs Expedition Thermo Softshell Jacket.
Outdoor protection and comfort is essential, and this new jacket uses a body mapped design to ensure just that. The unique body-mapping system balances insulation to protect against challenging weather conditions, and it gives you the freedom of movement where you need it most.
The ultra durable outdoor jacket comes with secure zip pockets, zip-thru fastening and velcro-adjustable cuffs for added comfort. A padded 3M Thinsulate lining adds core warmth, and the softshell sleeves and breathable underarm panels help to regulate body temperature without restricting you.
20. Kusan – Hats, gloves & bags
The perfect gift for someone who appreciates beautiful things! Hats, gloves and bags that are 100% wool, fleece lined and handmade in Nepal. Always working towards sustainable, responsible design and manufacturing, the firm seeks to ensure the integrity of all products bearing the KuSan label so you feel warm inside and out.
Tel: 0208 211 9960
Fax: 0208 211 9963
Email: [email protected]
