The 2017 Explore Christmas Gift Guide for Adventurers

Alison Karlene Hodgins

December 6, 2017

Have an outdoor adventurer on your holiday shopping list?

Lucky you! We’re a fun bunch to shop for.

Rather than buying 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 15 nifty gift ideas to get you started. 

Canada Collection by Buff

For the proud & cozy Canuck

Nothing says “Canadian outdoors” like red plaid, eh? 

Buff’s Red Plaid Original makes a perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who wants to stay warm in winter or slick away sweat in summer.

For something even more personalized, select a region from the 1867 Canada Collection to represent where your gift recipient is from—or an area they’d like to visit. This limited edition line of vintage-inspired BUFF® Headwear was designed by artist Cameron Stevens to celebrate Canada 150, and are only available in Canada. 

Price: $24
Shop: buyabuff.com/Collections/CANADA

LED camping lantern

For the adventurer who "has everything"

We featured this hanging, rechargeable light in a previous Explore Live the Adventure Gear Box (more on that later), and our members loved it. 

Back by popular demand, we have currently restocked these playful lanterns that boast a long charge. You’ll have to act quick though – supply is limited. 

Price: $29
Shop: Buy one here

Cold weather hiking boots

For those who won’t let Old Man Winter get in their way

Canada’s winter weather varies across the country, but it is rarely one thing: forgiving. Whether you’re facing snow, ice, sleet, hail, rain or slippery sections, it’s important to have proper footwear that keeps your feet warm, dry and supported. These KEEN boots come in half-sizes, so you can order the perfect fit.

Price: $180 – $200
Shop: Men’s Durand Polar Shell | Women’s Durand Polar Waterproof

 

Helly Hansen rubber boots

For the Canadian who lives in a wet weather locale

The weather might be soggy, but your feet don’t have to be.

We’ve been puddle jumping without a second thought this season in these mid-ankle Helly Hansen rubber boots. At $65, they’re a steal compared to those spendy fashion brand rain boots. (You know the ones.) Herman (the men’s boot) is available in matte jet black, while Karoline (womens) is also offered in blue mirage. 

It’s worth noting that when we gear tested these bad boys, we found the fit tends to run one size large. (So order one size down.)

Price: $65
Shop: Mens (Herman) | Womens (Karoline)

The North Face Dolomite Double 20/-7

For the outdoorsy couple

What makes a better gift than something you can use, too? Cozy up with your adventure partner in this two-person sleeping bag, featuring Heatseeker Eco insulation and full-length zippers on both sides.

Price: $209.99
Shop: Buy one here

CCS G3 Grey Strapshot

For the shutterbug

Outdoors adventurers and travellers know the dilemma well: to pack, or not to pack, a weighty DSLR. One thing making the choice easier for shutter-happy hikers? Getting the DSLR off your neck and into a secure camera holster.

First, fasten the camera-hub mounting bolt to the bottom of the DSLR. Next, affix the holster to a backpack strap on the shoulder or hip. A patented twist-and-lock function means the camera is snug and secure. Hands are free for scrambling or trekking poles, while your camera is positioned at the ready. 

Price: $79 USD
Shop: Buy it here

Stanley vacuum growler

For the beer-loving adventurer

Gone are the days of carting bottles and beer cans on hikes and paddles. Fill this 65-oz. growler with your favourite brew and gift it to a beer-loving explorer. Can’t drink it all at once? No worries! Your beverages will stay cold for an entire day of adventure. Another bonus? You won’t have to pack out your empties. 

Price: $63.55
Shop: Buy one here

Sportz 57 Series Truck Tent

For the road-tripper

Pitch a tent right in your truck! The ultimate take on car camping, this two-person truck tent is compact and lightweight, making it the perfect piece of equipment to keep in your vehicle for spontaneous overnight adventures. Available for full size crew cab, full size long bed, compact regular and compact short. 

Price: $299.99
Shop: Buy it here; also distributed by Cap-It retailers.

Kayalite kayak deck, anchor & stern light

For the early morning/late night paddler

Give the kayaker/canoer/boater in your life something they really want, like this deck light with “Secure-Attach™” mounting technology. This portable navigation light emboldens paddlers to explore after dark, safely.

Price: $49.95
Shop: Buy one here 

Leatherman Wave multi-tool

For the camper who can Macgyver anything

This multi-tool has earned an impressive reputation among explorers for its 17 unique tools, including wire cutters, needlenose pliers, a 420HC knife, diamond-coated file, and small and large bit drivers. Rather than waste money on numerous bulky items, get them all in one 10 cm, stainless steel gift (with a 25-year warranty to boot!).

Price: $114.95
Shop: Get one here

Socks as cool as you are

For the cyclist with personality

The fashion trend of crazy socks has wiggled its way into the outdoor world. Ridge Supply Co. sells unisex socks with wild designs made of nylon, recycled polyester and Lycra spandex to keep your feet as cool as they look.

Price: $19.95
Shop: Get a pair here

Titanium spork

For the campfire cook

Sporks make great stocking stuffers for campers, hikers and anyone who likes to chow down in the outdoors. This fork-spoon-knife combo is made from titanium, a safe, non-toxic alloy with long-lasting durability. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

Price: $18.99
Shop: Buy one here

Parks Canada enamel mug

For the nostalgic do-gooder

A new twist on a classic camp favourite.

This enamel coated steel mug features a vintage Parks Canada logo. The best part? A portion of the proceeds support projects in Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. 

Price: $10.95
Shop: Get one here or shop Parks Canada’s entire collection here

 

Explore magazine subscription

A gift that gives throughout the year.

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 and issues can also be read digitally at no extra cost. 

Price: $17.95 – $29.95 – $36 (1-2-3 years)
Shop: Subscribe here

Explore’s Live The Adventure Club Gear Box

We test hundreds of products every year for Explore Magazine, so we know what products are going to be useful, and what products will probably wind up collecting dust in your backpack.  

In each box we will surprise you with 4-6 pieces of super handy gear, a copy of Explore Magazine and a challenge 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.

Price: $97/quarter (monthly payment option is available)
Shop: Subscribe here 

            

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