2022 Holiday Gift Guide : For Your Outdoorswoman (at any age)
In partnership with REI
I asked my mom earlier this year what she wanted for Christmas. Her response was, as expected, for my brothers and I to get along better and for more quality time together. As someone who spends more than half the year on the road I seriously considered calling up each of my four brothers to appease my mother’s holiday wish but instead opted to take her on a two-week trip through the Swiss Alps. We ate a lot of cheese, drank a lot of coffee and hiked nearly non stop.
One of my favourite things about my mom is that we share a lot of the same hobbies. We both love to hike and go backpacking, road cycle and long distance run. One of my least favourite things about my mom is that as we are now nearly the same size… pieces of my clothing often go missing when she swings by my condo. So for this trip I picked up a handful of my favourite outdoor gear pieces for her - because quality gear is timeless, matching with your daughter makes you a very cool mom and my closet could not take the hit of packing for both of us to spend two weeks living out of suitcases, sleeping in mountain huts and trekking through the Swiss Alps.
From this trip in partnership with REI - I compiled a list of pieces that will make every mountain girl on your list happy. These are pieces that I have bought for, myself (32) and my mom (62 - sorry Erna) or that have mysteriously gone missing from my closet over the years.
for the hiker
Some of my mom tried and true pieces - for spending a day out in nature.
CamelBak Rim Runner X 20 Hydration Pack - this has been my go-to day pack for the summer season. It is large enough to carry everything I need for a day hike or a one-night trip to a backcountry hut. It has great ventilation and ample pockets to keep your gear organized!
Patagonia Retro Pile Marsupial Fleece Pullover - this has been my favourite sweater for the past year. I own it in three colours (the above mauve, a royal blue from autumn 2021 and a winter 2022 grey) and for this trip picked my mom up a matching one. It is really cozy - I love that my iPhone or a snake can easily fit in the chest pocket for quick access. My mom loves the kangaroo pouch to keep her hands warm on chilly mornings.
Fjallraven Nikka Trousers - these are the only hiking pants I own, if you have a bit of a bum and thighs these are perfect - my mom loves that they also come in tall sizes and owns a couple pairs herself. You can also purchase wax from Fjallraven (available here at REI) to make them more water resistant. They can also easily be hemmed.
Danner Mountain 600 Full-Grain Leather Hiking Boots - after my previous go-to hiking boot was discontinued I picked these up. They are super soft from the get-go and required no break in period. I bought my mom some for this trip and she had the same experience. They are super cute, lightweight, waterproof and still super durable.
Garmin fenix 7S Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch - a splurge item for that EXTRA special someone on your list. I have a very aggressive tan line on my wrist because the only time this has come off since I got it it to charge, and once for a wedding. I love that it tracks HRV and my sleep and lets me know the quality of my sleep so I can make sure I am not over exerting myself during the day. It has been a great tool.
REI Co-op Swiftland 7/8 Running Tights ( compression ) or REI Co-op Take Your Time 7/8 Leggings (cozy) - my mom and I both own both of these. We spent the majority of this trip wearing the swiftland tights - to me they fit as a full length tight and for my mom they fit as the true 7/8ths length. They compress really well and have a built in drawstring to tighten them throughout the day. Both pairs of tights have long pockets down each thigh that my mom keeps her phone in and that I will toss my train ticket into for easy access.
Women's Fitz Roy Down Hoody - I bought this in black last year and it quickly became my favourite warm jacket. It fits very large and I would recommend sizing down at least one size if you are wearing it as a casual or hiking jacket as it is intended as a belay jacket (to fit over all of your normal layers + rain jacket. I am an XS in all patagonia tops and ordered this in an XS and could have easily sized down to an XXS but have a long torso so I was concerned the smaller size would be too short on me.
Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket - an amazing waterproof jacket. My preference is a discontinued Zeta from Arc’teryx but own the Beta as well and it is just a little thicker jacket that I use in the cooler temperatures, on early sunrises and any time there is wind. It is a really great jacket and, for me, the only rain jacket I have found that fits women.
click the images to shop gifts for your hiker
for the backpacker
Spending a few nights in a tent (or an alpine hut)
REI Co-op Traverse 60 Pack - two seasons in with this overnight bag I still love it as much as the day I got it. It is perfect for 1-2 night trips. It fits really well and is very comfortable.
Jetboil Stash Cooking System - my favourite thing about this cooking system is how everything is so lightweight and compact. It is designed for the small fuel size to securely fasten on the inside of the lid, have matches or a small lighter in the indentation at the bottom of the fuel and the stove fits in as well. So nice to have everything all together snuggly without any rattling in your bag.
Patagonia Down Sweater - my lightweight option for down jacket. I have been using this jacket for many years - it is cute and comfortable and very warm for how small it packs down.
Teva Original Universal Sandals - for the ultimate socks and sandals combination. I bring these any time there is a body of water or river crossing. They are really lightweight and comfortable and are easily adjustable for when you are at camp and need some casual sandals… with your sleep socks of course!
Teva ReEmber - I joke that the best thing I received from my previous relationship was these slippers from his mom. I don’t know how I camped without these. Any time there isn’t water (and I bring my sandals) these come with me. And yes, I know they are a little heavy, but they are amazing. I have one pair for my home sandals and one for camping/car camping.
Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip - any time I post a story with my camera securely clipped to my chest strap I am asked how on earth that works. This is it. The clip easily attaches to any backpack strap (there is a second set of longer screws included for extra thick pack straps) and the Peak Design mount (included) works with all universal mounts so that the mount on the bottom of your camera can clip to your chest strap or tripod seamlessly.
NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad - if there is one thing I can not stand it is ripping holes in the bum of my tights when hiking - sitting on sharp rocks will do that. SO I started bringing small seat pads with me several years ago and have not once regretted the space it takes in my backpack.
Helinox Chair Zero - these are a bit of a splurge item when I feel like my backpack is a little too light - or when I am not out solo. After a long day of hiking, sitting on the ground can be a little irksome. These are super comfortable and lightweight. IMO worth the higher price point.
Katadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier - it is rate that I don’t bring this any more. A super quick, easy and lightweight solution for water filtration.
click the images to shop gifts for your backpacker
for the traveler
As someone who has spent too much time on the road - efficiency is key and having great multi functional items with you on the road, on the plane or on long train rides makes a world of difference.
Peak Design Carbon Travel Tripod - in alignment with the chest strap. This is a game changer for your photographer. I have used this to take every single self portrait as well as every image featured in this blog. It is so lightweight, easy to use and it comes with me everywhere. It also includes a little phone mount built in so you can take videos on your phone. This is how the bulk of my reels are filmed!
Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Water Bottle and Nalgene - I use these two water bottles on a near daily basis. The hydro flask keeps things really cool which, if you’re anything like me, and get a little car/plane/train sick - cold water helps so much. The Nalgene is a near indestructible 1L water solution that in super cold conditions can be filled with hot water and used like a hot water bottle (just secure the lid very tight before doing this).
Portable Charger Power Bank - I actually received this on a first date when my phone was dying and have brought I everywhere since. It has all of the cords built in and plugs directly into any North American outlet. It is by far the best power bank I have ever used.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack - I use this when traveling to hold my essentials - passport, cash , cards, lip chap and snacks. An easy access check of everything you need.
REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set - the last time I had TSA check my bags they commented on how organized everything was. I have several sets of these cubes and depending on the trip will either put outfits in a pod togther so I don’t need to think about it, I will separate my pods into each clothing item (pants, shorts, tops, sweaters, bras, panties, socks, etc…). As someone who is prone to life turning chaotic - it is an easy way for me to stay organized and reduces the chance of losing anything.
Icebreaker 200 ZoneKnit Long-Sleeve Crewe Base Layer Top - everyone needs a lightweight and comfortable antimicrobial top for those LONG travel days and periods without laundry available. This may be more of a gift for yourself.
REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack - with a removable foam back plate this backpack is super sturdy for how lightweight it is. It travelled three weeks around Europe with many miles hiked and a dozen nights in backcountry huts and I was incredibly impressed with it. It also packs down to next to nothing which makes it s great option for a day pack when traveling internationally or on longer backpacking trips with side quest day trips.
Vuori Daily Joggers - my go to travel pant. They are really comfortable, not too tight, not too loose - just right. They come in both a regular and tall length (that my mom loves as she is all leg - I am all torso).
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket - maybe more for the road trip traveler than the international traveler. I fell in love with these blankets a few years ago and now wear them as capes around the house. I have one for car camping and another for wrapping myself around a campfire. My parents have the larger size for sharing on summer hut trips with sheets instead of taking sleeping bags.
click the images to shop gifts for your traveller
stocking stuffers for the outdoor lover
You know what they say - the best gifs come in small packages. And for most of our outdoor lovers size (and weight) are key. These items may not be big in size but your outdoor lover will bring them everywhere - a little reminder of you.
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp - with a rechargeable battery this is a must have. It is low cost high reward. You can also purchase backup batteries but likely won’t need them. I have gone weeks without charging mine and am always shocked how long it will work for.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow - this is pretty basic but so small and if your lady has never used a camp pillow she does not know what she is missing. With this pillow being about the size of an apple and weighing so little - she will thank you later!
Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern - for those longer autumn camp nights or early morning summit mornings. The upgrade to rechargeable batteries is a must. This has a built in dimmer and is both cute and super functional.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - without question the best gift is peace of mind and that is why I own my Garmin inReach mini. It works globally and pairs with my phone so when I am in an out of a service area I can let my parents know I am alive.
GSI Outdoors Essential Spoon - Long - the number of times I talk about this spoon! If your outdoor lady eats dehydrated meals she needs this. The long handle keeps our hand safe from getting food all over it and the silicone tip acts as a spatula to get every last bit of goodness out of your MRE.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press - although I have been in a big instant coffee phase the past few months, there really isn’t anything like a good cup of fresh brewed coffee. This portable and packable brewing method is the perfect gift for your coffee loving adventure lady!
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks - I can not name someone who hikes and could not use new socks. I like the lower crew length because they fit above my boot (so my boot shaft does not chafe my ankles) but not obnoxiously tight and constrict my calves. They are great and always come out in super cute colours and patterns.
REI Co-op Lightweight Logo Beanie - a simple clean timeless design - these keep my head warm but not too hot. I have a pretty small head and they fit me well.
REI Co-op Camp Mug - there are a lot of great mugs out there. This is one I have been using a lot lately. It is both affordable and functional. It keeps my coffee hot for longer than I expected it to and it is durable. As great as Erna is she is not the most careful with her gear - hers has fallen down a few mountains and been dropped more than she would admit and while she may not be too happy I’m telling you I have to say that it barely shows a scuff mark.
click the images to shop stocking stuffers for your outdoor woman
bonus : for the no gifts please
I used to think that these were the hardest to shop for on the list. The women who have everything, who want nothing and who are next to impossible to shop for… until I became one. Guilty as charged. Time is our most valuable commodity and investing it in people we love is really the best way to spend it. And a two week trip though the Swiss Alps is definitely not feasible for most of us - and in all honesty it is a lot of mother-daughter time.
Pass the Pigs - a super fun backcountry game that you dan play with 2+ people.
REI Adventures - I will admit that planning a trip to Switzerland was a lot of work. REI Adventures takes all of the planning out of it. Head out on a trip with your favourite outdoorsy lady. Go local or international. Learn a new skill. This was how my mom and I got into backpacking - by taking a guided trip into the Grand Canyon!
REI Classes and Events - learn new skills (maybe without the travel of the above adventures). Nothing brings people togther faster than being terrible at something… together. Climbing, mountain biking, sailing… all top of my list of things I know I will be awful at but would love to learn some day.
Gear Tune-up - does your lady love to ride a bike but loathes the maintenance (guilty as charged). Surprise her by getting her bike tuned up and ready for the summer season, same goes with skis or snowboards. And if you are an REI member - you save 20% on bike & snow shop services, click here for all of the details and to find an REI service centre near you.
HipCamp - book a unique little getaway. With cool properties all over the US and Canada (you can check out five of my favourites in California here) - you don’t need to go far to get away.
Plan a Road-trip Together - maybe more of a labour of love. Put in the hard work of planning and preparing a trip with her in mind.
Explore a National Park - we always put off visiting the National Parks near us (can I tell you how many Californians I know who ave never visited Yosemite!!) - pick up a park pass and head out into nature!
Donate to a cause close to her heart - this will be a little bit more personal, think of something she loves and is passionate about and then donate in her name.
*Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made - at no additional cost to you. As always, all ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Thank you for your support!
