Sometimes it feels like the outdoorsperson in your life is surrounded by a mass of tools, widgets, flannels, and doo-dads. When the holidays come around and it’s time to hunt for a gift for that scruffy loved one, finding something they don’t already own is impossible. Your last brilliant idea appeared on their desk last week, the next one they just bought; it’s coming via FedEx tomorrow. At last, you’re about to give up, exasperated.
But luckily you came here. I’m that demanding outdoorsman, the one who has already purchased all of my favorite toys. Fear not though, my wishlist is long and I always have a few special items saved for the giving season. I made this gift guide for you—and your maddening outdoorsperson. Here are the items I’d be delighted to find under the tree I’ll cut down myself.
A Really Nice Duffel Bag
Bubba Goose Large Duffel Bag
A few years ago, veteran product designer Delian Scudder discovered a treasure trove of deadstock kevlar-reinforced nylon laminate fabric originally meant for high-end sailcloth. He bought a stack and set about hand-stitching duffel bags, totes, and pouches from it. Scudder’s bags are as light, strong, and distinct as they come. And, for such transparently high–quality bags that look as good in an airport lounge as they do in a gym or truck, they’re surprisingly affordable. The large Bubba Goose Duffle—the brand is named after Scudder’s bull dog—is $180 and drew envious looks when I used it as my carry-on for a week-long trip to Paris last June.
The Best Multitool
Leatherman Arc Multitool
Tim Leatherman invented the multitool in the early eighties, and the company he still runs continues to make the most innovative, highest quality tools in its Portland, Oregon, factory. But if you’ve ever used one, you’re not going to expect the slick execution the company achieved with its latest design: the Leatherman Arc. Based around the one-handed opening Free P4, the Arc ups material quality with its black steel chassis and the inclusion of a MagnaCut knife blade. MagnaCut is the latest, greatest supersteel that’s been dominating the high-end knife world of late thanks to its ideal blend of edge retention, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping. Anyone who likes knives or works with their hands will see the Arc as a major upgrade.
Warm Hands
Beyond Guide Glove
Leather gloves give you much better grip, dexterity, and abrasion resistance than synthetic alternatives. Leather gloves soften over time and can be waterproofed again and again, allowing them to develop a patina and stay in use for years. I’ve been wearing these Guide Gloves since 2021 where I live in Montana for skiing and chopping wood at the cabin. They’ve kept my hands warm through sub-zero temperatures thanks to 50 grams of Primaloft Gold insulation with Cross Core technology, the warmest synthetic insulation for its thickness out there—one that continues to insulate when compressed thanks to air-trapping Aerogel embedded into its fibers.
A Classy Knife
GiantMouse GMF4
Designed in Denmark and made in Italy, the GiantMouse GMF4 feels like something you’d find in the MoMA gift shop. Don’t let the design fool you: this knife works as hard outdoors as its 5.6-inch blade and full-tang design suggest it will. The red canvas micarta handle is contoured to provide a comfortable, slip-free grip. The GMF4 is the perfect size for a belt knife—big enough to split firewood but not so large that it’s awkward to carry.
Cozy Feet
The North Face Thermoball Traction Bootie
At the end of a long day on the slopes or the trail or at the worksite the outdoorsperson in your life is going to want to take their boots off. Even if they’re hanging out around a campfire, sleeping outdoors, or chasing the après scene, they’re still going to need to negotiate slippery, wet surfaces in chilly weather. The North Face’s Thermoball Traction Booties are easy to slip on, very warm, and provide a surefooted step on surfaces like slick roots or icy stairs. And, at 8.5 ounces per-bootie, they’re light and compressible enough to bring along in a day pack. Available in a range of fun colors, I take mine everywhere from elk camp to the ski lodge.
A Genuinely Warm Blanket
Aeronaut Hoverquilt
Most puffy throw blankets sacrifice warmth and quality in pursuit of a low price point. The Hoverquilt is constructed like a high quality 15-degree sleeping bag. It’s complete with box-baffle construction, 700-fill Reliable Down Standard-certified down, and a full perimeter draft tube, ensuring excellent performance in harsh outdoor settings. Whether it’s for summer camping trips, a chilly lodge, emergency winter backup in a car or truck, or just draped over the back of a couch, the Hoverquilt brings tangible warmth to any environment.
Long Distance Nighttime Vision
Olight Baton Turbo
Most flashlights and headlamps prioritize a wide beam of light that works to illuminate a broad area but struggles to reach even 100 yards in distance. Not this little Olight Baton Turbo, which fits in the palm of your hand but features a tight spot beam that throws light 550 yards into the darkness. The Baton Turbo’s performance makes it uniquely useful for nighttime security, where it can illuminate wildlife or intruders before they become an immediate threat. Nighttime walks in grizzly country have never felt as safe.