10 Christmas Gifts for Him: Gear Guide for the Male Adventurer in Your Life
Have an outdoor adventurer on your holiday shopping list?
Lucky you! They’re a fun bunch to shop for.
Rather than buying him a gift card (boring) or another generic tool set, give the explorer in your life something they really want to unwrap. From specialized equipment to outdoor apparel, the list of possibilities is basically endless. But just in case you need some inspiration, here are 10 gear gift ideas that will get him outside and exploring.
1. Oboz Boots
For the hiker
Oboz boots mean business—or, more accurately, adventure. Editor David Webb trail-tested the Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof and returned with rave reviews. Not only are they extremely comfortable, they’re versatile enough to go from day hike to overnight backpacking trip. Just make sure you have his shoe size!
2. Hotcore Sleeping Bag
For the overnight explorer
After seeing the retail cost of ultralight synthetic sleeping bags from other brands, Hotcore set out to offer a terrific ultralight at a much lower price point. The Nirvana 300 is designed to be a compact, lightweight mummy bag with micro-fibre insulation. It fits taller adventurers (up to 200 centimetres/6-foot-6) and is rated to a comfort level of -18°C (-0°F) with a limit of -28°C (-18°F).
3. Power Stretch Connect Glove
For the Tommy texter
These technology-friendly gloves have free-flow stretch, moisture-wicking technology and carbineer loops for easy storage. He avoids frostbite and can still answer the phone when you call. Win-win!
4. Cnoc Water Filter
For the backcountry trekker
Clean water is essential—and now, you can gift it as a stocking stuffer! Cnoc Outdoors created Vecto water containers. They roll up into the size of a Ziplock bag until you need them. Similar to a hydration bladder, fill the bag with water. Then, create a filtering system by attaching a Sawyer, Lifestraw or BeFree filter. It’s a brilliant design that offers instant access to safe, clean water in the backcountry.
5. Durable Cooler
For the hungry explorer
Campers need a cooler they can count on. The Titan Deep Freeze is a heavy-duty, high-performance cooler that features a wire basket to separate wet and dry food. The corrosion-resistant T-handle latches for easy carry, and the oversized drain speeds up cleanup. Ice won’t melt for up to four days. It’s certified bear-resistant.
6. Thule Active Stroller
For the family man
Time is the best gift. How do you give it? With gear designed to get the whole family outside together. This multi-sport double-stroller is designed for active families. Get a blast of fresh air and cycle, jog, stroll and ski while connecting with your kids.
7. Hurtta Life Savior
For man’s best friend
Protect your pup on the water: Designed in Finland, the Hurtta Life Savior is a sleek and lightweight PFD for Fido. It straps on quickly via Velcro and buckles and adjusts easily for a snug fit that also allows a free range of movement. We love the reinforced handle for hauling our dog from the drink. The Life Savior is available in five sizes for canines from the smallest Chihuahua right up to an 80-kilogram brute. Comes in three colours.
8. Adventure Challenge Club
For the explorer seeking motivation
explore has been encouraging Canadians and Americans to get outside and #livetheadventure for over 35 years. Now, we’ve created a private Facebook group for explorers, where we host weekly, monthly and seasonal outdoor adventure challenges!
Not only will you be more motivated to explore than ever, but you’ll also have the chance to win awesome gear prizes. Recent prizes include Chawels, Garmin GPS, Gregory Backpacks and a Manduka EcoLite Yoga Mat. You can join as an individual, family or gift a subscription to someone on your gift list. (The subscription is monthly, but can be cancelled at any time.)
9. Explore magazine subscription
For the bookworm explorer
A gift that keeps giving all year long.
Find words by editor David Webb, Kevin Callan, Will Gadd, Andrew Findlay, Frank Wolf, Ryan Stuart and other intrepid Canadian explorers. In addition to adventure-packed features, readers can expect coverage to include outdoor sporting in Canada and beyond, gear reviews, bucket-list adventures, practical tips, and expert advice.
We publish explore quarterly, so you’ll receive a brand-new magazine four times a year.
10. Explore’s Live the Adventure Club Gear Box
For the year-round adventurer
We test hundreds of products every year for explore, so we know what products are going to be useful, and what products will probably wind up collecting dust in your garage.
In our subscription gear box, we include 4 to 6 pieces of new gear, the latest issue of explore and inspirational challenges to get you outside and using your new gear. That’s $150+ in retail value for just $97 per quarter… plus the priceless value of the motivational challenges you won’t find anywhere else.
Related content on Explore:
Our Last-Minute Gift Guide for Outdoor Adventurers
Gear Guide: Five Awesome Gifts for the Outdoors-Person on Your List
