Holiday Gift Guide 2023 – The Very Best Outdoor Gear
The Engearment Holiday Gift Guide 2023 is here! The Engearment Team has compiled a comprehensive list of gear they recommend for your outdoor-loving friends and family. The writers have thoroughly tested each item to ensure they will meet and exceed the wildest of expectations. Each item has been reviewed on Engearment and/or has a dedicated YouTube video review. So you know it is legit!
Below you will find a quick hit list of this gear. If you do decide to buy any of the gear, please consider using the provided links. This supports us here at Engearment and allows us to go out and test the gear. Thanks!
BONUS – Each of the links will get you the best possible prices as most of this gear is currently, or will be (during the holidays) on SALE!
Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Clothes
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid
The Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid has been one of our favorite hoodies ever. It is a great mid layer for cold weather activities and a fantastic jacket for hiking and backcountry touring. Plus, it fits athletic and looks very nice.
Ibex Paradox Shirt – Merino and Eucalyptus For the Win
We are big fans of merino wool and am equally stoked on eucalyptus (brand name Tencel) So the newly named Ibex Paradox is a great fit for our uses.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie – Pertex Diamond Fuse and Shield
The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie features 800 fill down in a Pertex Quantum with Diamond Fuse shell, with added waterproof areas thanks to the Pertex Sheild with Diamond Fuse WPB technology.
HH LIFA ACTIVE Solen Hoodie by Helly Hansen
With a UPF 50+ sun protection, the odor-resistant lightweight With a UPF 50+ sun protection, the odor-resistant HH LIFA ACTIVE Solen Hoodie by Helly Hansen wicks moisture away and keeps the focus on your activity instead of your clothing.
Western Rise Limitless Merino Shirts – Travel Friendly
The Western Rise Limitless Merino Shirts (short sleeve polo and long sleeve button down) are made of a nice merino blend that keeps its shape even after being packed up.
Swiftwick Socks
Many of the Engearment Team where Swiftwick socks. They are well made, comfortable and last a very long time. A great gift that is sure to please anyone!
CamelBak Zephyr Pro Vest
For the runners out there, the CamelBak Zephyr Pro Vest is a great choice.
Gear
BioLite AlpenGlow Mini – USB C Rechargeable Multi Color Lantern
The new BioLite AlpenGlow Mini is a compact 150 lumen rechargeable lantern that can provide, daylight, amber and multi color light. It is USB C rechargeable (thank goodness!) This is one of the best stocking stuffers we can think of!
Peak Design iPhone Everyday Case – The Best Case for iPhone 15
Looking for the best case for the new iPhone 15?! Then check out the Peak Design iPhone case. It is our favorite (out of many tests from other brands as well!) Featuring 1) nice looks 2) secure protection 3) magnetic attachment 4) wireless charging.
BougeRV Portable Fridge Review – 30Qt AC/DC Powered Fridge / Freezer
The BougeRV Portable Fridge is an easy to use 30Qt (other sizes available as well) fridge that can also be a freezer. There are ways to power it using DC or solar as well as AC.
Nomatic Travel Backpack Review – New Size and Ready For Action
We tested out the previous version of the Nomatic Travel Backpack and used it all the time. It is still being used by our colleague Steve Starks! The NEW version features an even greater adjustability (20-30L) and updated layout.
Maven B.7 Binoculars 8×25 – Very Nice Optics in a Compact Form Factor
The Maven B.7 Binoculars (available in 8X and 10X) are a very nice set of binos at a fair price ($600) We were blown away with the optics and quality. The body is magnesium, making them very light and durable. Plus, these are super compact!
Eight Sleep Pod 3 – The Best Smart Cooling Cover for Your Bed
We have been using cooling (and heating) mattress covers for years and have come to rely on them for a great night of sleep. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 has been one of our favorites. Simple to use, and tracks your sleep quality. It can even adjust the temperature to improve deep sleep and REM sleep!
ChiliSleep Dock Pro and ChiliPad Pro
The other main company in this field is the ChiliSleep Dock Pro and ChiliPad Pro. We have used these systems for a few years now and they do a fantastic job of regulating the bed temperature and inducing a great night of sleep.
Ski and snowboard
Arbor Collective
We are HUGE fans of Arbor and have been for almost 20 years. They make some of the best snowboards, Splitboards and bindings out there. Using eco friendly practices and cutting edge technology to make fairly priced and very high quality boards. We will have several reviews up on the current line up, for both men and women, this season. Here is our budget friendly splitboard suggestions:
Arbor Landmark Splitboard $699
Weston Ski and Splitboard
Weston is a Denver based Ski, Snowboard and Splitboard company and we are thrilled to recommend them to all of you. They make some of our favorite skis and boards. Most of the Engearment Team is on one of their skis or Splitboards for a good reason – they are well made, handle the variable Colorado terrain and snow with ease, look great and often are part of a bigger objective. Such as supporting Native Americans and others with collaborations. Plus, they are the main supporter of our annual Beacon Bash. Which is a 501(c)3 Non-profit eduction event that we co-created with Will Coleman, Wade Lancaster and Sean Sewell (owner of Engearment) Weston has been more than instrumental in the development and continuation of the Beacon Bash. If you are looking for skis or snowboards, give them a look!
Smith
Smith makes some of the best sunglasses, goggles and helmets out there. It is hard not to just recommend their entire line up. We all use their gear here at Engearment. They make incredible sunglasses, goggles and helmets and have wonderful customer support. Here is a “short” list of gear we recommend from them 🙂
Smith Pursuit Sunglasses – Goggle like protection for backcountry skiing
Smith Vantage Helmet – Our Favorite Snowboarding Helmet
Smith Summit Helmet – The Best Backcountry Ski Helmet
Smith Method Helmet – Great Price and Looks on MIPS Ski Helmet
ZEAL Cloudfall Goggles – Haa Aani Collaboration
The new ZEAL Cloudfall Goggles are a really nice spherical goggle with easy to swap out lenses (called the Rail Lock System). The version we are testing features the Automatic + lens (which is photochromic) and transitions from level 1-3 automatically. Plus, the color we have here is part of the very cool Haa Aani collection.
BCA Stash Pro 22 Backpack – New For 23/24 Season
The new BCA Stash Pro 22 backpack has some nice features and updates. One of my favorites is the large side access pocket that is perfect for a large water bottle.
Shoes
Allbirds
Oh boy, do we love Allbirds here at Engearment??! Heck yes! They are among our favorite shoes ever. From the eco-friendly make up to the super comfortable fit, we are big fans. We love recommending Allbirds to our friends and family. Here are some reviews to help you find the best shoes for yourself or loved ones.
Xero Forza Trainer Shoe
The Xero Forza Trainer Shoe is a favorite of our writer Abbey Sylvester
Bike
QuietKat Ibex E-Bike – The Most Fun I Have Had on a Bike, Ever!
We have been enjoying the QuietKat Ibex E-Bike in the mountains and am blown away with how fun this bike is. It is a full suspension fat bike e-bike.
Charge XC – Budget Friendly, Easy To Assemble and Ready for the Trails or City
The Charge XC is a hybrid e bike that can be great on paved roads, as well as on dirt paths. It comes with everything you need to get started. Fenders are preinstalled as is the nice rear rack. The lights turn on when you turn the bike on.
Vvolt Centauri E Bike Review – Easy to Put Together Commuter eBike
The Vvolt Centauri E Bike is a well rounded commuter style eBike. The mid mount motor and internal hub with smooth shifting make this a very approachable eBike.
1UP Xtreme Duty Rack Review – Capable of Hauling Two 150lb E Fat Bikes!
Do you have a heavy e bike? Or a huge Fatbike? Perhaps a full suspension e fat bike? Then the 1UP Xtreme Duty Rack is for you. This beast of a rack is hand made in the USA and is made for serious off road use.
Overland
Thule Approach Roof Top Tent Review – The Most Spacious RTT We Have Used!
Looking for a spacious roof top tent that can easily handle a family? Then check out the Thule Approach RTT. We have been using this in summer and winter and are really impressed with it!
Super Pacific
Looking for an even more robust and spacious set up?! Then check out the awesome builds at Super Pacific!
Dometic GO Compact Camp Seat, Compact Camp Bench and Seat Heater
The new Dometic GO Dometic GO Compact Camp Seat, Compact Camp Bench and Seat Heater are very well made and easy to use camp seats. The Seat Heater could also be used for fall and winter sporting events and concerts.
iKamper Disco Series Stove and Starter Kit – 3 Ways to Cook!
The iKamper Disco Series Stove and Starter Kit is a really nice set up for gourmet camping chefs. The cast iron skillet / wok is preseason and ready for cooking. We did up steaks, veggies, burgers, brats, pizza and more on the set up.
Looking for more ideas? Check out last years Holiday Gift Guide 2022
