Our Holiday Gift Guide has gifts for all outdoor adventurers including outerwear, hiking and camping gear, bike-packing gear, PLUS great giveaways! (For kids’ gifts, see our Holiday Gift Guide for Outdoor Kids.)
With 45 days until Christmas, it’s the perfect time to start your holiday shopping. Whether there’s a hiker, snowshoer, bike commuter/bike-packer, aspiring videographer, or happy camper in your life, we have something for them! And since so many of us have an excess of gear, we also have some wonderful Gifts of Experience. Gift friends brunch or dinner at the Banff Gondola, tube park tickets, or a Clue Solvers Adventure (like an outdoor escape room/Amazing Race) and make memories together.
We’ve partnered with some awesome companies to offer these amazing prizes. Complete the entry forms at the end of this post for your chance to win):
- Fjallraven prize pack: 1 backpack, 1 travel wallet, and 1 pen case. Contest closes November 13, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- 1 Sunday Afternoons hat. Contest closes November 13, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- 1 pair of Aurora Heat Hand Warmers + 1 pair of Thumb Warmers. Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- 1 pair of Smartwool socks + 1 hat. Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- 3 Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jars: 8 oz, 12 oz, 20 oz: Contest closes November 17, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- 1 pair of Baffin Boots or Hybrid Slippers: Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- 1 Clue Solvers Clue-Solving Adventure (race the clock!): Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
Disclosures: I received samples of some products for review purposes, and may receive a small commission on some items at no extra cost to you, but all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting our small family business!
1. Fjällräven Canada Shirt (Shacket)
The cozy Fjällräven Canada Shirt, made of a recycled wool blend and trimmed with durable G-1000 fabric, looks great and is warm enough to be worn as a jacket on mild autumn days. Available in Men’s and Women’s in 4 colors.
Contact me for an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on Fjallraven gear (Kankens excluded) at Fjällräven Calgary (815 17 Ave SW), or Fjällräven Banff (216 Banff Ave)!
2. Fjallraven Keb Trousers
Fjällräven’s award-winning trekking pants are a hiker’s must-have. My personal favorite are the Keb Trousers that have stretch in all the right places and G-1000 fabric reinforcement on the seat, knees, and pockets. They also have vents, lots of pockets, suspender attachments, adjustable ankle hems, and boot clips (so your pants can work like gaiters!). Order by waist size and length for the perfect fit. Available in a rainbow of colors for Men (Regular/Long) and Women (Short/Regular/Long/Curved) at Fjallraven.
Contact me for an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on Fjallraven gear (Kankens excluded) at Fjällräven Calgary (815 17 Ave SW), or Fjällräven Banff (216 Banff Ave)!
Enter to win a Fjällräven backpack, travel wallet, and pen case here!
3. Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Base Layers
Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Base Layers are designed for high-output activities. With an “articulated performance fit, and body-mapped ventilation,” these lightweight base layers stretch and move with you while providing just the right amount of warmth for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. The merino wool blend is soft (not itchy!) and suitable for sensitive skin, and is naturally breathable and odor-resistant. Available in Women’s and Men’s at Smartwool, Altitude Sports, Atmosphere, and MEC.
4. Smartwool Targeted Cushion OTC Ski Socks
Smartwool Targeted Cushion OTC Ski Socks have cushioning in the toe and heel for comfort, and go over the calf to avoid socks bunching up under your ski boots. Available in Men’s and Women’s sizes at Smartwool, Altitude Sports, and MEC.
Enter to win Smartwool socks (1 pair) and a hat here.
5. Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
The classic Patagonia Down Sweater Vest will keep you warm in all seasons. Now, better than ever, the vest boasts a windproof ripstop nylon shell made 100% of recycled fishing nets and 800 fill-power Responsibly Sourced Down. It’s even Fair Trade sewn, stuffs into its pocket for easy packing, and 1% of the profit goes to environmental non-profit organizations. Find it in Women’s (6 colors), Men’s (5 colors), Kids (5 colors), and Baby (4 colors) sizes at Altitude Sports, MEC, or Sporting Life.
6. Sunday Afternoons Meridian Thermal Beanie
New for Winter 2022, the Meridian line by Sunday Afternoons features breathable insulation with 4-way stretch. With a super soft hollow-core microfleece lining, sunglass lock, reflective details, and a concealed ponytail opening, the Sunday Afternoons Meridian Thermal Beanie will keep the wearer warm on cold weather adventures. This head-hugging beanie can be worn under a helmet or hat to keep warmth in and cold out. More options for thermal technical hats include the Meridian Thermal Earband, Meridian Thermal Visorband, and Meridian Thermal Cap. Find them at Sunday Afternoons.
Enter to win a Sunday Afternoons Hat here.
7. Indyeva Suletekk Long Side Zip-Up Down Insulated Skirt
Designed in Montreal, the Indyeva Suletekk Long Side Zip-Up Down Insulated Skirt blends fashion with function. It has an adjustable waist, stretchy side panels so the skirt hugs your body and moves with you, side zip for easy on/off (also allows a longer stride when walking or cross country skiing), Responsibly Sourced Down insulation, and a DWR treated shell. Available in three colors at Altitude Sports.
8. KÜHL Arktik Down Parka
The rugged and attractive, top-rated KÜHL Arktik Down Parka will keep your loved one warm with its wind and water-resistant waxed shell, 800 fill-power Responsibly Sourced Down insulation, and shearling fleece lining. Thoughtful features like an adjustable hood, large pockets, extended internal cuffs with thumb loops, removable faux fur hood/removable faux fur trim (remove the trim only or the whole hood), and Italian faux leather microsuede trim will make this parka a favorite all winter long. Sizing is true to size, with room for layers underneath. Find the Arktik Down Parka in Women’s (grey or black) or Men’s (black) sizes at KÜHL.
More KÜHL stuff: I’m in love with their Spyfire Hoody (warm and flattering down jacket) and have the Prism Hoody (made of luscious Italian fleece) on my wish list! Read my detailed review of the KÜHL Spyfire Down Hoody here.
9. Baffin Polar Mitts
Baffin Polar Mitts are designed in Canada and polar tested, so they’re perfect for the winter adventurer or someone who always has cold hands. The Polar Mitts are made for moderate to high output activities in cold temperatures and feature breathable fabrics, B-Teck High Loft insulation on both sides (360 grams of wadding!), a wind- and water-resistant shell (nylon with leather palm/thumb), long gauntlets with drawstring and toggles to keep cold and snow out and heat in, and leashes so you don’t lose your warm mitts. They have removable inner liners too. I have Raynaud’s and love how warm these mitts are! I wore them through last winter’s cold snaps and stayed warm. Get the Baffin Polar Mitts (unisex) at Baffin or Amazon.
Enter to win a pair of Baffin Boots or Hybrid Slippers here!
10. Aurora Heat Hand Warmers
Aurora Heat Hand Warmers are handmade in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories by a certified Aboriginal family business and are backed by a 1-year warranty. Made of sheared beaver fur, these reusable hand warmers are oh-so-soft and great at insulating mitts or pockets. Aurora Heat Hand Warmers are available in:
- Two colors: Natural Brown (shown above) or Luxurious Black
- Two sizes: Small is 3 X 4 inches. Fits gloves and small mittens. / Large is 3.5 X 5 inches. Fits medium to large mittens.
- Two thicknesses: Regular or Slim. To get the maximum benefit, I recommend getting the Regular thickness, however Slim hand warmers are suitable for less extreme weather (or hockey arenas) or slimmer-fitting mittens.
“$1 from every product purchased is contributed to on-the-Land initiatives for Indigenous youth, educators and knowledge holders.” $5,500 has been donated so far!
Get luxurious hand warmers, Ultra hand warmers (cover the fronts and backs of your hands – best for extreme cold), thumb warmers, foot warmers, wrist warmers, ankle warmers, body warmers, comforters, and even cell phone warmers now from Aurora Heat. Save 10% with code: PLAYOUTSIDE10!
Enter to win 1 pair of Aurora Heat Hand Warmers & 1 pair of Thumb Warmers here.
11. Helly Hansen Ski Jacket
The warm and waterproof Helly Hansen Women’s Motionista LIFALOFT Ski Jacket features 4-way stretch, a detachable helmet-compatible hood, RECCO® Advanced Rescue system, PFC-free DWR treatment, fully-sealed seams, ski pass pocket, and ultralight insulation. The streamlined shape is flattering, but if you’d like to wear a couple layers underneath, we recommend getting the next size. Available in 5 colors at Sport Chek and Helly Hansen.
The Helly Hansen Men’s Juniper 3.0 Ski Jacket is warm, waterproof, and breathable with a helmet-compatible hood, sealed seams, ski pass pocket, and insulated pocket for your phone. Available in 5 colors at Sport Chek and Helly Hansen.
12. Lolë Fleece
Lolë Fleece is perfect for apres-adventure lounging. Try the soft and cozy Lolë Edition Cotton Joggers and Lolë Edition Pullover for the ultimate comfiness. Designed in Montreal and made in the USA, the joggers are 100% cotton and the pullover is 94% cotton and 6 % polyester. Menswear is also available (try the Riley Joggers)! Find them at Lolë.
13. Yukon Charlie’s Elite Spin Snowshoes
Yukon Charlie’s Elite Spin Snowshoes are made for backcountry mountain adventures with their ultra-strong 6000 Aluminum triangular tube frame, integrated Saw Tooth traction, forged steel crampons, and built-in heel lifts. My favorite feature, however, is the binding system: Northwave spin-dial bindings allow you to easily fasten/unfasten your snowshoes and make micro-adjustments with the turn of a dial. Spend more time on the trail and less time fussing with bindings!
- Length and width: 8×21” (100-150 lbs capacity)/ 8×25” (151-200 lbs) / 9×30” (201-250 lbs)
- weight: 8×21: lbs, 8×25: 4.2lbs, 9×30: 4.8 lbs
- Bindings: Northwave Spin
- Warranty: 1 year
Get the Elite Spin Snowshoes and Elite Trekking Poles (snow and trekking baskets included) at Yukon Charlie’s.
Save 25% at Yukon Charlie’s with coupon code: KAREN25 until May 1, 2023.
14. On Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots
On Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots will keep your feet dry and comfy. Designed by On, a company “Born in the Swiss Alps,” their first speed hiking boots have the comfort and support of their award-winning running shoes, but are also waterproof and grippy (Missiongrip rubber helps you “own the downhill”). With their FlexLock lacing system, you can lace the bottom and top separately, or tighten them with one pull. The most noteworthy feature is the unique cloud sole that provides a “cushioned landing and firm takeoff” which is proven to reduce muscle fatigue and lower heart rates. Hiking in the Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots really is like hiking on a cloud! Available in Men’s and Women’s at On and Sporting Life.
15. Rumpl Original Puffy Blankets
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket | Photos by Rumpl
Rumpl Original Puffy Blankets are warm, soft, durable, washable, packable – and beautiful! Keep one in the car for beach walks and camping. The shell and insulation are made of 100% recycled polyester, and the ripstop shell has a DWR finish for stain and water resistance. The one-person blanket weighs 2.1 lbs, is 52 x 75” laid flat, and packs down to 7 x 16.” Choose from a wide variety of colors and prints at Altitude Sports and MEC. I’m partial to the National Parks series with mountains and moose on them.
16. Baffin Campfire Hybrid Slippers (Unisex) & Chloe Boots
Baffin Campfire Unisex Hybrid Slippers (Hut Booties): The Baffin Campfire hybrid slippers are like wearing sleeping bags on your feet, with the added bonus of a non-marking, LiteGrip Blend outsole for traction and protection from the elements. With a water-resistant shell, high-loft insulation, and breathable polyester-wool footbed, you might never wanna take these booties off! Buy them at Baffin, a Canadian company!
P.S. They also make amazing boots for city and mountain exploring. I’m in love with my Chloe boots (Active temperature rating -40C, snowshoe compatible) and wore them all January and February of this year. Get the Baffin Chloe Boots at Baffin.
Enter to win a pair of Baffin Boots or Hybrid Slippers here.
17. Jetboil Flash 2.0
Jetboil Flash 2.0 is the updated version of a classic favorite campstove. Boil 2 cups (16 oz) of water in only 100 seconds! It’s perfect for a hot drink on the go, or to quickly boil water for dehydrated meals.
The cooking cup clips onto the burner to prevent spills and has a color-changing temperature indicator on the side, and the fuel canister tripod keeps the cooking system stable. Compatible accessories include a Coffee Press, Hanging Kit, Pot Support, FluxRing Fry Pan, FluxRing Cooking Pot and Utensils. Available at Amazon, Atmosphere, MEC, and Sport Chek.
(If you’d like simmer control and an integrated pot for cooking, try the Jetboil Minimo Cooking System).
18. Aeropress Go – The Better Travel Coffee Maker
AeroPress Go | Photos by Aeropress
AeroPress Go The Better Travel Coffee Maker is perfect for the coffee snob who craves delicious coffee on the go (while camping or traveling). It’s even smaller, lighter, and more portable than the original Aeropress, and makes amazing coffee (that has even beat espresso machine coffee in taste tests!) with no mess and no grit. The plunger cleans the chamber as you press it down, and packs the grounds into a pod that is easily composted with the biodegradable paper filter. Make 3 shots of espresso or 1 8 oz cup of coffee in one minute – without electricity or batteries!
The whole system fits into a cup with a silicone lid, and weighs only 323 grams. The AeroPress Go set includes 350 Aeropress micro-filters, filter holder (holds 20 filters), mug with lid, folding stir stick, and coffee scoop. Find the AeroPress at Amazon, Atmosphere, MEC, and Sport Chek.
19. Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jars
Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jars: Keep ice cream cold, and soup hot with Hydro flask insulated food jars. These wide-mouth, double-walled 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel food jars are durable, leak-proof, and super well insulated – and can even go in the dishwasher. Plus, they’re BPA-Free and Phthalate-Free, and have a lifetime warranty. Choose from 8 oz, 12 oz, 20 oz, or 28 oz food jars in variety of vibrant colors. Available at Altitude Sports, MEC, Sport Chek, and Well.ca. (They make awesome leakproof water bottles and coffee bottles with sippy lids too!)
Enter to win three Hydro Flask Food Jars (1 x 8 oz, 1 x 12 oz, and 1 x 20 oz) here.
20. Specialized/Fjällräven Seat-post Rack & SeatBag Drybag
Specialized/Fjällräven Seatbag Harness (Seat–post Rack) and Specialized/Fjällräven Seatbag Drybag (sold separately): Commuters will love this seatpost rack (especially if they can’t attach pannier bags to their bikes) and matching bag. The lightweight rack has an aluminum frame and compression straps, and comes in olive green or black.
The Specialized/Fjällräven Seatbag Drybag is waterproof with taped seams, and also comes in olive green or black so you can match the rack. Available in two sizes: 10 L or 16 L.
21. Specialized/Fjällräven Handlebar Rack & Handlebar Bag
Prefer storage at the front of the bike for easy access? Check out the Specialized/Fjällräven Handlebar Rack with matching Specialized/Fjällräven Handlebar Bag (10L, available in four colors, sold separately). It would look great on a cruiser bike, but can also be installed on road bikes, hybrids, and mountain bikes.
22. Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3
Hikers and photographers alike will appreciate this Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 that secures your camera to your backpack or belt. “Works with DSLR, compact and point-and-shoot cameras.” I’ve been using mine for 5 years and love that I can keep my camera handy on the trail without having it swinging around or pulling on my neck. When I need to take a photo, I just press a button to release the safety and my camera slides out of the holder. Purchase on Amazon.
23. GoPro Hero 11 Action Camera
GoPro Hero 11 is GoPro’s best and latest action camera. Top features include: Emmy® Award-winning HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization with Horizon Lock, amazing 27 megapixel high-res photos, a larger 8×7 sensor for a wider field of view (also allows you to share high quality vertical footage to social media), Cinematic 5.3K60 + 2.7K240 video with 24.7 megapixel stills from video, new Night Effects (capture star trails and light painting!) for better low light performance, and 10-bit color. It’s also waterproof to 33ft/10 m. Voice commands make it easy to start/stop recording or take a photo, the touch screen allows for easier navigating of the menus/settings, and the GoPro Quik app (extra charge/included with GoPro Subscription) makes editing a breeze. Buy it now at GoPro (save $250 with 1-year GoPro subscription!), Amazon, Atmosphere, and Sport Chek.
24. Nemo Stargaze Luxury 2.0 Chair
For the ultimate comfort, try the Nemo Stargaze Luxury 2.0 Chair! It’s compact and easy to assemble, and feels like hanging in a hammock. The long backrest means even taller people can recline and relax, and the monofilament mesh fabric is non-absorbent so it won’t get waterlogged if you leave it out in the rain. Weighs 2.86 kg and comes in a few different colors. Get one now at MEC, Amazon, or Altitude Sports.
25. Kammok Roo Hammock
The Kammok Roo Double Hammock is big enough to share (fits 2 adults or 1 adult + 2 little kids) and the tear-resistant, ripstop nylon is made from 100% recycled polyester. Specs: 3 m (9’10”) long, max capacity 230 kg (500 lbs). Note that hanging straps are sold separately. Available at MEC, Altitude Sports, Atmosphere, and Sport Chek.
26. West Coast Seeds: Organic Seeds + Gardening Supplies
Fuel your adventures with homegrown, organic veggies, herbs, sprouts, and berries! Or convert your lawn into a pollinator garden with West Coast Seeds. We have been saving money on groceries growing our own greens and herbs, and like that we can grow non-GMO foods without pesticides. Don’t have a yard? You can grow plants on your deck or indoors like we do! We currently have cherry tomato plants growing indoors too!! It’s a fun year-round hobby for all ages. Find high quality, uncoated, organic seeds for your flower garden or veggie garden at West Coast Seeds.
More Gifts for Hikers and Snowshoers
See our Fall & Winter Hiking Gear Guide for more gifts for hikers including the Biolite Rechargeable 330 Headlamp, Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator, Black Diamond Alpine FLZ Trekking Poles, Merino Wool Neck Gaiter, and Kahtoola Microspikes.
Gifts for Kids
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the kids! This year, we made a HUGE Outdoor Gift Guide for Outdoor Kids that has everything from NinjaLines and snowshoes, to hip packs and walkie talkies.
Gifts of Experience (For the person who has everything)
For the person who has everything, gift him/her/them with tickets to a new-to-you destination or activity, and make memories together! Some fun things to try include the following:
Clue Solvers Clue-Solving Adventures: Race the clock to solve all the clues and crack the case! These outdoor escape room/Amazing Race style games can be played in pairs or small groups. And for family reunions (or corporate events), teams can compete against each other! Expect to walk 3-5 kilometres over 60-90 minutes while exploring Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Victoria, and more while solving clues. We loved finding hidden gems around town and learning about local history at the same time. Buy a clue-solving adventure (good or 2-5 people) now at Clue Solvers.
Enter to win a Clue Solvers adventure here.
Canmore Cave Tours offers exciting tours within Grotto Mountain’s Rat’s Nest Cave. Experience absolute darkness (just for a few moments – the tour is done by headlamp!), rappel into a cavern on the Adventure Tour, gaze up at stalactites, and learn how the cave system formed. Tours are offered year round (it stays 5C in the cave) for ages 10 & up. Read about our family’s experience in our story: Go Underground with Canmore Cave Tours and book your tour here.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa is the place to go for luxurious rest and relaxation. Enjoy the many hot pools, saunas, and steam rooms in the beautiful 50,000 square foot facility; rest in a heated hammock; then dine at Two Trees Bistro. See our story Warm Up and Chill Out at Kananaskis Nordic Spa for more info, or book your hydrotherapy appointment now.
Treat a loved one to dinner at Sky Bistro, at the top of the Banff Gondola! With the best view in Banff and an amazing menu, it will be a night to remember (especially if you go during Nightrise – see Nightrise Lights Up the Night at the Banff Gondola for details)! Book Banff Gondola tickets here.
Boundary Ranch Sleigh Rides are a fun experience for all ages. Ride to a bison paddock and teepee village, while enjoying some hot cocoa. Located in Kananaskis, only 1 hour 15 minutes from Calgary.
For high speed fun, head to Mount Norquay’s Tube Park, which boasts the largest vertical drop; or Winsport’s Servus Tube Park, the largest tube park in Western Canada. It’s not just for kids! DYK you can go over 50 km/hr? Book tickets online in advance – they often sell out on weekends!
Ski passes or ski cards that give you your 1st, 4th, and 7th ski days free are a great gift for those who don’t have season’s passes or like to ski at many different resorts.
- The RCR Rockies Card gives you your 1st, 4th, and 7th ski days free at Nakiska, Fernie, Kimberley, and Kicking Horse! Only available until December 24th.
- For more info on the Sunshine Super Card (available until December 26), Lake Louise Card (available until December 24th), or Mount Norquay Big Drop Card (available all season – save 54% each ski day), see our story: How to save on skiing at Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort.
iFly Indoor Skydiving is a cool way to experience sky diving without jumping out of a plane (you hover in a wind tunnel!). It’s relatively affordable too! Starts at $59.95 for 2 flights.
Giveaways
RULES
Entrants must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Canada. To enter, fill in the Rafflecopter forms below. More entries = more chances! Contests close on November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM (with the exception of the Fjallraven and Sunday Afternoons giveaways which close November 13, 2022 at 11:59 PM).
Winners will be selected randomly via the Rafflecopter app and announced on the blog. Each winner will be contacted via email (the one provided in the entry form) and will have 48 hours to respond after which time, if no response has been received, a new winner will be selected. Please be wary of fake accounts. Good luck!
PRIZES
- One Fjallraven prize pack: 1 backpack, 1 travel wallet, and 1 pen case. Contest closes November 13, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- One Sunday Afternoons hat. Contest closes November 13, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- One pair of Aurora Heat Hand Warmers + one pair of Thumb Warmers. Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- One pair of Smartwool socks + one hat. Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- Three Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jars: 8 oz, 12 oz, 20 oz. Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- One pair of Baffin Boots or Hybrid Slippers. Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
- One Clue Solvers Clue-Solving Adventure. Contest closes November 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM MST
ENTRY FORMS
The entry forms work best on a laptop. If the formatting looks odd, try clearing your cache and reloading this page. Good luck!
57 comments
The HydroFlask Kids Lunch Bunch Bundle caught my eye. I love all the colour choices!
I’m adding the SmartWool Women’s Intraknit Merino 200 Pattern Crew in Bleached Aqua to my wish list! I love it!
I would love to try the Aurora Heat wrist warmers.
I’d love to win a pair of Baffin Campfire boots. They look so comfy!
Those Liberty Baffin boots look awesome!
Comments are closed.