Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the outdoor enthusiast? Here are some suggestions for the runners, hikers, campers, fishermen and skiers on your list – gifts and stocking stuffers that range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred.
Under $10
The Energizer LED Safety Flasher – Training at night or early in the morning, that’s where this little beauty literally shines. The red lens LED flashes 80 times per minute. In our tests, it was bright enough to be seen at several hundred feet. It’s featherweight at 0.75 ounces and the rugged clip can hold the light to almost anything. If you’re looking for a little more piece of mind for someone that trains in the dark, this is the ticket. See review.
Under $20
Buff – For years, I’ve been carrying a bandanna (or tying one around my neck) when skiing. Never know when you’re going to need one to clean your sunglasses or goggles after a fall or impromptu snowball fight with the kids. The Buff provides a much more high-tech option. There are plenty of color and fabric options including Coolmax, fleece and wool. And it’s good for more than just skiing. I wear mine on early morning runs and around my neck when fishing. Widest selections are at Eastern Mountain Sports, REI and www.buffusa.com.
Under $40
Multi-Tools – Big, small, micro, there are no shortage of options. One of the coolest I’ve seen recently is from Coast. They take the old multi-tool to new levels with the LED Pro Pocket Pliers. It’s packed with two flashlights, a serrated knife, scissors and more. It also has rubber grips and comes in a slick all-black stealth version. Find them at your local retailer or online at Coast Portland.
Under $50
Dual Eyewear – Someone you love having a hard time reading the digits on their cycling computer? Well then, Dual Eyewear is a perfect solution. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the guys at Dual recently introduced a series of sport-specific sunglasses with built-in magnifiers to solve the problem. And at under $50, you might just be able to buy a extra pair for yourself. Find them at your local bike shop or online at Dual Eyewear.
Under $100
Soleus GPS 1.0 – It wasn’t too long ago that a state-of-the-art GPS training watch was a $400 purchase. No longer, thanks to Soleus. Their first GPS watch has just about everything you need at a price point that’s definitely right. Some retailers including Roadrunner Sports offer the Soleus GPS 1.0 for as little as $89.
Under $150
Puffy Jacket – A whole range of these jackets are now available under $150. These include products from Columbia like the hooded Le Lustre for women and the Zonal from Mountain Hardwear. Need down, well then check out our reviews of products from Eddie Bauer, Patagonia and Sierra Designs. The Le Lustre, Zonal and other puffies can be found at Altrec, Backcountry.com and REI.
Under $300
Android Tablet and Outdoor Apps – Pick out a new Android Tablet and load it up with outdoor applications. Here’s my list of top outdoor apps. Since I put that original list together, a number of companies introduced a bunch more including AllTrails.com. The AllTrails app allows you to search for hiking trails in your vicinity, rank them by popularity, and filter them by favorite activities. Each trail includes a detailed description with elevation gain, difficulty, photos, topographical map and much more. Find it on the Android Market.