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The holidays are a time to splurge on those you love, but shopping for a personalized gift can take a lot of time and effort. We're here to help make the buying process easier with our detailed gift guide for outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting hand-picked options from our favorite outdoor co-op organized by price (from just $25 all the way up to $250). Whether you’re shopping for a hiker, camper, traveler, or skier in your life, the recommendations below represent some of our favorite and most frequently used outdoor products and accessories (spoiler: We spend a lot of time outside).
Editor's note: This article has been sponsored by REI, but the picks and descriptions below were made independently and are based on our experiences with and opinions of the products.
Our Team’s Holiday Picks
Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew Socks ($25)
While a pair of socks might not be the most exciting gift, don’t discount Smartwool’s Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew before you’ve tried them. These socks are the real deal for cold-weather use: They’re thick and warm with a healthy dose of merino wool (56%), hold their shape over time thanks to the elasticized arch and small amount of “give” in the fabric, and have a very soft and luxurious feel—reminiscent of a pair of slippers. From winter hiking and snowshoeing to lounging around the cabin, we find ourselves consistently reaching for these socks when the mercury drops, which speaks volumes for their all-around comfort and versatility.
See the Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Socks
Buff Polar Multifunctional Neckwear ($32)
Depending on the conditions or your tolerance for cold wind and snow, a balaclava or neck gaiter might be a necessity while skiing and adventuring throughout the winter. Although ski jackets are often built with higher collars, adding a neck gaiter that extends up to or over your nose provides an impressive amount of added warmth and protection against the elements. Buff is practically synonymous with neck gaiters, and their Polar Multifunctional is about as cozy as it gets, with a soft fleece lining that feels great against cold, bare skin. It can also be worn in many different ways—including as a headband, helmet liner, bandana, scarf, or standard neck gaiter. And while entirely subjective, we love the selection of fun patterns that give the design a nice dose of flair.
See the Buff Polar Multifunctional Neckwear
Nomadix Original Towel ($40)
We always keep a quick-drying towel in our car, whether we’re headed to the beach or hiking to a hot spring. Nomadix’s Original Towel fits the bill nicely, with a highly absorbent polyester design that effectively wicks moisture without growing excessively heavy when wet. The soft fabric also does a good job resisting sand, pet hair, and other debris, and the blanket is a generous size at 72.5 by 30 inches. Further, we can’t help but love the healthy assortment of vibrant colorways and designs, from retro stripes to various nature-inspired patterns. And a final bonus: Each blanket is made from 30 recycled plastic bottles, making it an easy gift to get behind.
See the Nomadix Original Towel
REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack ($60)
REI Co-op’s Flash line of daypacks has been a mainstay among hikers, travelers, and those on a budget for years. Simplicity wins out here: The Flash 22 is frameless by design, meaning it lacks the rigidity of many alternatives but manages to keep weight extremely low at just 14 ounces (and even less if you take out the back pad or sternum strap). You don’t get a cushy hipbelt or shoulder straps, but the padded mesh along the back and shoulders does a good job at keeping you comfortable when carrying lighter loads. Perhaps most importantly, the Flash costs just $60, is well built overall, and has enough capacity for all-day outings on the trail (provided you pack relatively light). For a step up in support and structure, REI’s Trail 25 Pack is similarly popular and very competitively priced at $100.
See the REI Co-op Flash 22
Kahtoola Microspikes ($75)
Winter traction devices—also known as microspikes, ice cleats, and snow grips (among other designations)—stretch across the sole of your shoe or boot and are designed to provide added grip on slick winter surfaces like ice or snow. Designs range from budget-friendly models for around-town use to aggressive options for hiking over steep and icy terrain, with Kahtoola’s Microspikes hitting a real sweet spot for avid winter hikers. The 12 stainless steel spikes are moderately deep, burly enough to withstand regular use and abuse, and offer standout traction on steep and icy terrain. They also hold up well over time, lasting multiple editors many seasons of use without issue. And when ice and snow turn to dirt and rock, the Microspikes pack away quite small in the included carrying case and disappear into a daypack.
See the Kahtoola Microspikes
Smartwool Men’s Classic Thermal and Women’s Classic Thermal Bottoms ($115)
Smartwool has been the industry leader in baselayers for years, and merino wool is the most sought-after material for the job. Made with 100% merino (many baselayers are blends or synthetics), the Classic Thermal Bottoms are the whole package for skiing and other winter sports: They’re warm, super soft against the skin, resist moisture, and don’t hold onto stink like polyester alternatives. Smartwool also paid attention to the smaller details, including flatlock seams to minimize chafing and a supportive but not restrictive waistband that stays in place throughout the day. To complete your kit, the Classic Thermal is also offered in several top styles, including a standard crew neck, quarter-zip design, and hoody.
See the Men's Classic Thermal See the Women's Classic Thermal
REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Duffel Bag ($139)
Whether you’re hitting the gym or traveling across the country, you’ll likely need a convenient way to transport your gear and clothing from point A to point B, and duffel bags are a highly versatile option. REI’s Big Haul 60 checks all the boxes we look for in a quality all-rounder, including a tough construction, comfortable backpack straps, several handles for easy grabbing, and functional interior organization in the form of mesh pockets. Despite its substantial build, the duffel folds down compactly into the included pouch, which makes it very easy to store between trips. For easier portability, the co-op also makes the design in 30- and 34-inch rolling versions that are similarly well built. Finally, it’s worth noting that REI’s Roadtripper duffel is another staff favorite and a bargain at just $60 for the 60-liter capacity (there are also 40, 100, and 140L versions available).
See the REI Big Haul 60 Duffel
Hestra Fall Line Gloves ($165)
Ski professionals the world over have trusted Swedish manufacturer Hestra for decades, and their Fall Line collection is one of the most venerable on the market. We like the flagship Fall Line Gloves in particular, which feature a hardwearing and flexible leather exterior, a removable synthetic liner that’s easy to launder, and foam insulation for added warmth. As we’ve come to expect from Hestra, the smaller details are equally well sorted, from the Velcro-adjustable cuffs to the stretchy wrist straps that allow you to take the gloves off without the risk of dropping them on the ground. It’s true that the Fall Line isn’t fully waterproof like some competitors, but the leather build is highly weather-resistant and can be treated with a spray or wash-in product (like Nikwax) for added assurance. And if you prefer the added warmth of mittens, the Fall Line is available in both a traditional mitten style (only the women's version is available at REI) as well as a more dexterous three-finger glove.
See the Hestra Fall Line Gloves
Grayl GeoPress Ti Water Filter and Purifier Bottle ($200)
For globetrotters and hikers traveling internationally, it’s hard to beat the convenience of the Grayl GeoPress. While most filter bottle options on the market remove protozoa and bacteria, the Grayl purifier takes it a step further by adding protection against viruses too small for most filters, including Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Norovirus, and more. The process is simple: Fill the outer shell from any water source, replace the inner unit that holds the cartridge, and use your body weight to press down. In about 15 seconds, you’ll have 24 ounces of purified and filtered water. It's true that the Grayl is overkill for most adventures in the Lower 48, but it’s a great alternative to disposable plastic bottles for frequent travelers and those headed abroad.
See the Grayl GeoPress Ti Bottle
Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack ($225)
Cotopaxi’s vibrant, colorful styling put them on the map, and their Allpa 35 L Travel Pack follows suit with an attractive design that doesn’t compromise on features or quality. Unlike some travel packs, the Allpa feels a lot like a supportive hiking design with generous padding at the shoulder straps and hipbelt for great all-day comfort and a mesh backpanel for maximizing ventilation. If you prefer to carry the Allpa, simply take the pack off and grab any of the four reinforced handles. Access and storage are two more hallmarks: The suitcase-style zipper allows quick and convenient entry into the main compartment, and the zippered mesh compartments (one at each side), laptop and tablet sleeves, and top zippered pockets make it easy to divvy up the essentials. Added up, the Allpa is comfortable, durable, and nicely appointed for travel use (importantly, it also meets carry-on size restrictions).
See the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack
REI Men’s Powderbound and Women’s Powderbound Jacket ($229)
Ski jackets can get very expensive, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend big to get a quality product. For resort skiers looking for a warm and well-built jacket, the REI Co-op Powderbound is a nice choice. For a very palatable $229, you get a waterproof build with 80-gram synthetic insulation around the core (with lighter 60g in the sleeves), great organization both inside and out, and useful features like a powder skirt and pit zips. We also like the simple design and minimalist branding, which means the Powderbound can be worn both for skiing and everyday winter use. To complete your kit, the Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants and Bib Snow Pants are similarly solid values at $159 and $219, respectively.
See the Men's Powderbound See the Women's Powderbound
Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler ($250)
No one does premium coolers quite like Yeti, and their Roadie 24 has been a staff favorite for years. Ideal for day trip uses like paddling, picnics, or outdoor concerts, the 24-quart Roadie offers the build quality and impressive ice retention Yeti is known for in a small and reasonably light (read: entirely manageable) package. Despite its diminutive size, Yeti didn’t skimp on features: You get a stout rotomolded construction, thick rubber latches that can be opened and closed with one hand, and compatibility with the brand’s Tie-Down Kit to secure on a boat or in a truck bed or trailer. It’s also tall enough to fit most wine and 2-liter soda bottles upright, which isn’t always the case. The cherry on top: The Roadie has a noticeably sleek and polished look with a wide variety of classy colorways to choose from.
See the Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
How to Shop REI’s Holiday Selection
There are a few ways to shop at REI, and a decision will come down to which is most convenient for you. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in store. This is a great way to check out gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. If an item is not in stock at your store, a sales representative can place the order for you online—you’ll have the option of picking it up in the store or having it shipped to your home address. Alternatively, you can go online and make your purchases through REI.com. Shipping is free on orders over $50 (members get free shipping regardless of the total), and you also have the option of sending your order to your local store for free pickup. Regardless of how you choose to shop, all items are covered by REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and can be returned either by mail or in store within one year of purchase for members (non-members have a 90-day return window).
Shop REI’s 2024 Holiday Selection
