Holiday traditions, you ask? Of course we have them at GearGuide. They start with the outdoor ornaments and bungee-jumping Santas that adorn our Christmas tree. And they extend to a series of stocking stuffers we repeat year after year. If you’re looking for a few last minute suggestions, feel free to borrow from our list. Expedited shipping is still available from most retailers so you can still get these delivered before Christmas Day.
Mini-Tool
If you know someone that’s hitting the trail or road hard, they need one of these. One of each of their trusty mounts. Most have more than a dozen tools – from screwdrivers to socket wrenches and everything in between. Many even include built-in inflation systems to get you back on your chosen path faster than ever. Some of our favorites come from Serfas. But the guys at Park and Topeak make some good ones too. Find them at REI. About $40.
Sunglasses
Clear, polarized and iridescent. These are the attributes we look for in eyewear these days. Clear so we can wear them for protection in the waning hours of the winter day. Polarized to cut the glare on our favorite ski slopes. And iridescence to protect our eyes on those intense sunny days. Obviously, there are many options. Check out the new line from Under Armour at Amazon. About $50-$100.
Earbuds
Get thee some tunes, my son (or daughter). And get thee some buds that won’t constantly fall outaya ears. There are a number of players in the market and some do a better job staying put than others. We happen to like Yurbuds earbuds. Emblazoned on every package is the claim “guaranteed to never fall out.” And they don’t. Find them at Eastern Mountain Sports. About $50.
Socks
We have two gifting traditions at GearGuide HQ. The first is we fill Christmas Stockings with, well, stockings (aka socks). Not sure how this got started, but heck, a tradition is a tradition. And many fine manufacturers have given us plenty of reasons to persist, with interesting new performance yarns, combinations of merino wool and much more. The Lorpen Trail Running Lights recently came to our attention. Eye-catching colors and innovative “spider net” support make them stand out. Find them at Amazon. About $12.
Underwear
The other tradition is the giving of underwear. Odd, I know. But we tend toward the outlandish and novelty type (think boxers emblazoned with large Woolly Buggers and cartoon reindeer). Kind of our version of the ugly sweater. Patagonia makes a silkweight version that comes in tropical fish and warthog designs. They’re both ugly and functional, made from moisture-wicking fabric. Find them at Moosejaw. About $30.
