Thursday, December 20, 2012

Holiday Gifts for the Great Outdoors

Hi there,

So as usual, it's been awhile since I've posted. Chris and I have alot going on these days, with a wedding to plan and a new business venture (more to come on that!). But I thought I should pop in with some last minute ideas for outdoorsy holiday gifts....

My picks under $30:

1. Turtle Fur. Yes, turt-l-e fur. These unique hats, scarves, socks, blankets, and even clavas are 100% handcrafted and protect against even the coldest Rocky Mountain winds. They're great for skiing/snowboarding to protect your face and neck, and can be extremely useful for a variety of winter sports. They're also trendy enough to wear everyday. I swear by the Fur. (Shop online at www.turtlefur.com or you can find a good selection at your local REI).

2. Leatherman Knives. If you're the least bit outdoorsy, you'll have heard of these. These knives are the ultimate tool in the wild in terms of performance, durability, and multi-tasking. Think Swiss-Army knife on crack. Pretty much any model will do the job, just depends on your needs and budget. (Shop online at www.leatherman.com or at your local REI)

My picks under $60:

1. The North Face E-Tip Gloves: These gloves allow you to comfortably use your phone, MP3 player, or laptop mouse pad with warm hands thanks to gripper palm and click-wheel-compatible thumb and index finger. They aren't the lowest of temperature ratings, but they are great for the urban outdoors or short local hikes without hours-long exposure. These bad boys are my stocking stuff this year. (Shop online at The North Face or at your local REI).

2. Kahtoola Microspikes. They're as bad-ass as they sound. These pull-on spikes allow you to tackle any terrain, from icy driveways and sidewalks, to wet rocks or slick trails.  Because they're pull on, they're easy to grab quickly and throw on over whatever shoes you happen to be wearing (high heels excluded ;) And did I mention, they won the 2012 Backpacker's Editor's Choice awards? Nuff said. (Shop online at Kahtoola or at your local REI).

My picks under $120:

1. Atlas Snowfall Snowshoes: These are great for beginners to experts on maintained trails and flat terrain. There's a men and a women model, so you can get a His-and-Her set. The clip in system can fit over any hiking or trail shoe. (Shop online at www.atlastshowshoe.com or www.REI.com for the best deal - and member discount!)

2. Black Diamond Trekking Poles: Always one of the things you never think about until you need them. Or you wish you had them. I invested in these a few years back and they have served me well in the Rockies. And they're also great for getting around on an icy day (i.e. if you're embarrassingly clumsy like me). (Shop online at www.blackdiamond.com or at your local REI).

Hope these ideas help you on your shopping adventures! Happy holidays from Colorado!



Cheers,
Elyse