The holidays can be hard. The bombardment of advertising, marketing, deals, and general capitalist chaos really sucks the joy out of the season. Somewhere between work, decorating, parties and family, you’re supposed to find time to choose the perfect gifts for the ones you love.
Good news….we’ve got you covered! We sat down and pulled together a list of the best adventure gear that we have personally tested and own. Before you start reading, we just want to mention that no, we aren’t sponsored and don’t receive any kickbacks by any of these companies (although we are a little partial to our own products). Each one of the titles is a link to the product, so you don’t have to google anything.
This is the real deal….no bullshit. :) Happy shopping!
Outdoor Gear:
The Final Fire Tool: Ok, ok, we had to start with our own product. This is 100% American made and designed, solid steel, with powerful multi-functionality for even your biggest bonfires.
Pocket Bellows: This little tool is the perfect stocking stuffer. It doesn’t look like much, but it is a serious powerhouse when it comes to getting a stubborn fire blazing. And, bonus, it’ll save you from singeing your eybrows off.
Baddest Bee Fire Fuses: Another great product from Epiphany Outdoor Gear. Small but mighty, these fuses are fantastic for getting your fire going.
Sea to Summit Folding Bucket: Packable, portable, and great for doing dishes, toting water, and for helping to dead-out those late night embers.
Fireside Friend Hatchet: Let’s put it this way….Dad used this when we were growing up camping, and when we finally got our own, we got the hype. Small, portable, sharp and just the right weight to split kindling and logs. Envied by all, so maybe get one for yourself while you’re at it :)
Garmin In-Reach: If you’re heading into the backcountry for any reason, hiking, biking, riding, snow sports, wheeling…this is life saving. They offer several different sizes and plans….this should always be in your pack. Invaluable.
DB Power Car Battery Jumper: Again, a no brainer when it comes to being self sufficient or helping others.
Boxo UTV Tool Roll: We’re huge Boxo fans, they make beautiful tools and tool boxes/rolls. This one is great to throw in the toy hauler for repairs on the road.
511 Response XR1 Headlamp: This is the brightest headlamp we’ve ever used, and the headlamp can detach to be used as flashlight or task light!
Lavabox Portable Fire: If you live anywhere in the West, you’re probably well versed in fire bans...and what a bummer they can be. Lavabox is one of the most innovative solutions we’ve found to work around this. Propane powered, ultra portable, fire ban compliant….so you can still tell ghost stories around the campfire.
Howl Fire Pit: If you really wanna splurge, this is quite the design. Our friends at Howl Campfires designed a powerful, heat producing portable propane fire pit that’s a game changer for those craving warm toes during a fire ban. These guys did their research…there’s a reason they sell out so quickly.
DemerBox Boombox: When it comes to campin’ tunes….this is hands down the ultimate accessory. Weatherproof, waterproof, and LOUD with great bass and wireless connectivity. Bonus, you can link multiple units together for even more boom.
First Aid:
Field Craft Survival Go Bag: We keep one of these in every vehicle, strapped within reach of the drivers seat. They are customizable and absolutely invaluable if you find yourself in need of medical supplies. Honestly, their whole site is worth a browse, they make amazing gear.
Micromend Laceration Closures: We’ve all been there….where we should probably head to the emergency room for stitches. If you’re in a bind or in the backcountry, these micromend stitches can completely change the situation. They help close a laceration with tiny staple like “stitches”, sometimes saving you a trip to the ER (speaking from personal experience!).
Pocket Pharmacy: This is another genius addition to any international travel or camping first aid kit. Each compartment is labeled according to your personal needs…so no more baggies rolling around in your kit with handfuls of mystery pills.
Camp Cookin’ & Lifestyle:
Stacking Induction Pots: If you’re in a trailer or RV, this is a great stackable set with removable handles.
Adventure Tool Co.: We are huge fans of this Colorado company…they make amazing tool rolls, a great camp kitchen bag, and all kinds of durable waxed canvas pouches. Highly recommend their ground cloth as well for vehicle and gear repairs.
SIlicone Pan Scraper: Food scraps and pan cleanup can be such a headache when you don’t have running water. These scrapers really help!
Clip on Pasta Strainer: Another simple but genius camp kitchen hack.
Fellow Coffee Pour Over: A simple, sexy, insulated pour over system crafted from stainless steel so you can throw it in a camp bag without fear of breakage.
Swift Cup Instant Coffee: Instant coffee for coffee snobs. There are many brands on the market, but this is the best we’ve found. Perfect for early morning road trips….just pour it in your thermos with hot water and you’re good to go.
Stay Fresh Produce Containers: I didn’t believe this until I tried it. Produce in RV or camp fridges is notorious for spoiling quickly. These magical containers keep fruits and vegetables fresh for MUCH much longer, (while protecting them from everything else you’re jamming in the fridge).
Coghlan’s Egg Holder: Another throwback to the days of camping in the 80’s….sometimes it’s hard to improve on something that works so well!
Froli Bed Systems: A snap together, customizable system which serves two purposes….makes your rv or camper mattress more comfortable while also promoting airflow to prevent condensation and mildew….which….if you know, you know. And it works great!
Toilet paper spray: I know…this one’s a little out there. But if you camp, then you know that anything to elevate your toilet experience is prime. This is that product.
Freakers: These amazing little sock-like contraptions fit over almost any size bottle, keeping anything breakable protected when you’re rockin’ and rollin’ down the trail. Great for wine bottles, condiments, growlers, etc.
Merrel Hut Mocs: The best camp mocs we’ve found….water repellent with a rubber sole, these bad boys have a collapsible heel so they can double duty as a slip on or pull on. Can even be thrown in the washing machine for a fresh up.
Autio: This is SUCH a cool gift, especially if you have kids (but just as great for adults!). Autio consists of location based historical stories and facts about your surroundings. Absolutely perfect for road trips.
Radiooooo: Speaking of road trips…this is a super cool interactive app which provides a window to music from all over the world, any decade you can think of. Want to hear music from Paris in the 1920’s? Radiooooo has you covered. Want 1940’s Cuban jives? Radiooooo has you covered. It’s SO fun to click around on the map and expand your horizons. Again…..perfect for road trips when the playlists get stale.
Don’t forget about the pups:
Fi Collar: Losing your pup for even a few minutes in the backcountry is terrifying. We’ve been really happy with the GPS functionality of the Fi collar. It’s got lots of cool functions that work even when you leave Fido with a sitter.
K9 Sport Sack: One of the best solutions we’ve found for our older pup who tires out on long hikes. He loves going on bike rides and motorcycle rides in this perfectly sized bag with clip in safety straps.
Rex specs: A great protectant for your dogs eyes in long grasses, dusty trails, windy bike rides and car rides. Takes a little bit of training, but once they’re used to it, the benefits are obvious.
Polkadog: Super high quality, minimal ingredient dog treats. The only kind we buy!
Raised Outdoor Dog Bed: Yes, our dog loves laying in the dirt like most dogs. But especially when camping in the desert, this comes in handy for keeping him clean and cool. It breaks down so you can roll it up and throw it in with the camping gear.
RTT dog steps: This is the one thing we haven’t personally tested, but had to include because they’re just straight genius.
Clothes and Personal Gear:
Dovetail Pants: It always seemed like guys got the better end of the deal when it came to rough and tough adventure clothes….until Dovetail came along, a female owned company that makes kickass, durable pants and overalls for ladies. They look great, fit great, and hold up against the toughest conditions.
Deck Change Robe: We’ve all been there, getting up in the middle of the night when nature calls, taking the dog out on snowy days, coming back from a rainy hike in wet clothes….this giant, sherpa lined, water resistant parka is like a giant hug during these times. Stay warm while you wait for Fido to finish up, get out of those wet clothes for the long drive home, or even use it to snuggle up by the campfire on a chilly night.
Snuggle Hoodie: No, we couldn’t leave out our favorite AA design, the softest, snuggliest hoodie we’ve ever worn, emblazoned with the OG Adventure Alliance logo. Everyone who owns one of these has contacted us to rave about it. Perfect for sitting by the campfire or heading out for a long hike.
Well, that’s all for now, folks…if you have anything else to add to this list, drop it in the comments!
Happy holidays…make sure to find some solace in the wild this season.
