OK I know it may seem way too early to start thinking about the Holidays but the infamous Black Friday sales are only two weeks away. So if you want to score some deals, you better start getting your list together now!
Here are 15 gifts ideas, compiled from some of the coolest gear I have seen come out the past year, for those outdoor enthusiasts on your list.
To keep those outdoor enthusiasts warm during the winter sports season:
1. Mountain Hardwear Refugium and Radiance Jackets
Designed to work with the Moshi Power System by Ardica Technologies, Mountain Hardwear's most advanced snowsports jackets provide continuous heat and can charge and power personal electronics at the same time.
The Klymit Kinetic vest with NobleTek insulation give outdoor enthusiasts the power to "Kontrol the Elements" and adjust their level of warmth via flexible, gas tight yet breathable chambers filled with Argon gas instead of down or other insulation. Klymit was recently the winner of the Popular Science 2009 "Best of What's New" award.
3. Anything from the new First Ascent line
Eddie Bauer made a huge deal of launching their new mountaineering line First Ascent this year. With a motto of guide tested, guide built, the gear should be good.
For those techy outdoor enthusiasts that are big into gadgets:
GoPro's all-new HD HERO cameras are the world's most advanced line of waterproof, full HD 1080p cameras designed to be used during sports. With amazing clarity, stability and slow motion capabilities, you can record your outdoor adventures in professional quality HD video and automatically capture 5 MP still photos.
5. Garmin Edge 500 Bicycle GPS Unit
The Garmin Edge 500 is a lightweight, GPS-based cycling computer. Loaded with data, it tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation. The Edge 500 is also compatible with an ANT+ heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor or power meter.
Some big ticket items for those that may want to spend a bit more on certain outdoor enthusiasts:
6. Pashley's Poppy and Guv'nor Bicycles
Pashley's new classic bikes were easily some of my favorite urban bikes from Interbike. The Blush Pink or Pastel Blue Poppy is astylish cruiser bike for women and the Guv'nor oozes retro cool for that Fixie rider on your list. The Guv'nor even comes in a three speed version like the Poppy.
For those in the US, you can get Pashley's bikes through Belmont Distribution.
7. Folding bikes from Bigfish or Dahon
Folding bikes are becoming more and more popular. Bigfish is a new, folding bike company with an innovative, heavily patented 4 click technique for breaking down the bike in under 15 seconds. Dahon came out with their Ios XL at Eurobike this year. Their new range incorporates a wide array of Dahon's latest patented technologies, including integrated lighting, bike pump, and a dynamo-driven Phone/GPS/device charger.
Dahon's Pango folding helmet is pretty cool too if you wanted to give an entire folding gift set!
Various stocking stuffer ideas:
8.
Petzl Tikka Plus LED headlamps
The Petzl Tikka Plus Headlamp combines the lightweight and long-lasting power of the original Tikka but now with two or four LED bulbs and a dimming switch to give you more light or longer battery life. The Tikka Plus headlamp weighs only 2.75 ounces.
The Camelbak Flow Meter
10. Clean up wipes
Action Wipes and Grease Monkey Wipes make perfect stocking stuffers for the outdoor enthusiast and cyclist on your list.
A few gift ideas for the kids:
11. Yucycle
The cool, pimped out tricycle with no handlebars. Your kids will love it.
12. Yibb
Help your kids learn how to snowboard this winter with the Yibb.
For your pets:
13. Cycle Dog collars and leashes
Give your dog a cute new getup and help save the planet at the same time.
14. The D-fa Icebarker Jacket
One of my favorite dog products at Outdoor Retailer this summer was the Icebarker wool jacket from NZ company D-fa. The Cool Collar is pretty awesome too for use in the summertime. If your dog likes to go climbing with you, you can always consider the
Ruff Wear Dog Harness
as well!
And finally, what I will personally be asking Santa for this year is the:
I am itching to try this backpack turn downhill scooter out on the trails of Mt Tam. I figure Santa will be swinging through Europe on his way to California anyway won't he?
Hope that gave you a little bit of inspiration as to what to get those outdoor enthusiasts on your list this Holiday Season!