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Biolite revolutionized camp cooking with their wood-fired stove and battery charger. But the company also makes a line of\u00a0lighting solutions<\/a> that are innovative, well-designed, and fun. The newest LED creation is the Alpenglow Mini lantern. This baseball-sized bundle of light tosses off up to 150 lumens (and as light as 5 for mood lighting), with a burn time of 5 hours on high power. The lantern weighs just 3.5 ounces (98 grams) and features a host of hanging\/mounting options thanks to a secure budget loop and hooks.\u00a0 $40. Buy Now.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nPeak Designs EveryDay Case<\/h3>\n
Peak Designs has earned rave reviews for the camera straps, packs, and tripods (see here<\/a>), and their mobile phone accessories are just as innovating and effective. The EveryDay Case \u2013 available for iPhone and Android devices \u2013 features a slim design with a nylon-canvas face that is slick enough to easily slide into a pocket, but grippy enough to lock into your hand. The EveryDay Case is MagSafe ready and when used with the Peak Design Charging stations (see below), it almost leaps into the dock and stays there until deliberately removed. It\u2019s a rock-solid connection \u2013 and the same connect locks the case into any PD mobile mount (and there\u2019s several to choose from). The cases are durable, lightweight, comfortable to use, and look great. $40-$50. Buy Now.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The SMMT Serpa looks simple and unassuming \u2013 and that\u2019s a big part of its charm \u2013 but that design hides a lot of great features. The tumbler features a two-part lid system. With both screwed on securely, the 16-ounce mug is leakproof and well insulated. Remove the outer lid, though, reveal a sip-through clear Tritan lid that makes it easy to drink while on the go. That outer lid, meanwhile, magnetically links securely into the base of the tumbler so its easily at hand when you next need it.<\/p>\n The size is perfect for coffee on the way to the mountains, as well as beverages on the slopes later in the day. Available in multiple colors. $42. Buy Now.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Integrity Jacket features 37.5 insulation <\/a>\u00a0\u2013 an innovative synthetic insulation that provides great temperature regulation with minimal bulk\/loft. $190. Buy now<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Any fire-lover will appreciate this gift. $150. Buy Now.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This novel chair looks like an old-school flat-folding lawn chair at first blush, but a closer look (and relaxing sit) reveals so much more. The Voyager features a clip-in soft-sided cooler below the seat for easy access to beverages and sneaks during outdoor festivals, days at the beach, or relaxation along the river. The cooler hangs suspended below the seat just a bit, so it does NOT interfere with chair comfort. The Voyager also sports a rigid detachable cup holder \u2013 designed for containers of all sizes\u00a0\u2013 that can be mounted on the left or right side. A pair of removable shoulder straps make transporting the Voyager easy and hands-free.<\/p>\n The chair itself is comfortable and supportive, with soft woven-polyester straps as the seat and back support. $199. Buy Now<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The jacket stays simple and sleek with just a pair of fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and a deep chest pocket. A comfortable hood is a simple and lays cleaning on your back when not in use. $220. Buy Now.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\nSwiftwick Flite XT Trail Socks<\/h2>\n
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Who doesn\u2019t appreciate a good pair of socks in their Holiday Stocking? And there\u2019s no finer performance sock out there this season than those from Swiftwick. And we especially love their Flite XT Trail socks. These lightweight merino socks help regulate foot-temperature well\u00a0\u2013 the wool is a great insulator, and moisture-wicker. Fit of the socks is exceptional with a snug hold around the arch, a lightly padded heel cup, and good elastic in the cuff. It\u2019s a great trail sock, and just has good as an every-day sock. Everyone who gets these will love the gift! $27, Buy Now<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nPaka Briefs<\/h3>\n
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Like socks, underwear in the Christmas stocking is a good option, and your outdoor-loving gift recipients will love the alpaca wool-based Paka Briefs. These boxer-briefs are supportive and comfortable, but they are also high performance. The wool-nylon blend provides great warm and moisture control even during the sweatiest backcountry ski ascents. The wide waistband stays comfortably in place during strenuous activies, and the leg bands are snug but not constrictive. $35. Buy Now<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nSMMT Serpa Tumbler<\/h3>\n
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Another stainless steeler tumbler, you say? Yes, but one with a novel approach to functionality.<\/p>\nUnder $100<\/h2>\n
Eclipse Hoodie Shirt<\/h2>\n
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Sometimes the best gifts remind of us the seasons to come. Such is the case with the Eclipse Hoodie Shirt. This soft sun-shirt sports 37.5 Technology (polyester\/spandex) that is a great thermoregulator as well as a moisture-managing machine. The shirt wicks sweat easily and dries rapidly. \u00a0And it feels like silk on the skin. It is great at beating back UV on hot summer days, but we\u2019ve found it is also a great cabin-wear lounging shirt after a day or skiing. It\u2019s a great gift for those who want performance, and comfort. $93. Buy Now<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nPeak Designs Wireless Charging Stand<\/h3>\n
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If you get the PD EveryDay Case (above), the Charging Stand is a must-have for phones capable of wireless charging. The Charging Stand looks great when unoccupied \u2013 or folds flat to get it out of sight and out of the way \u2013 but when in use, it holds your phone upfront at an adjustable angler to make it easy to use your phone while it charges. The stand is machined out solid aluminum and then anodized for durable and design. The stand works with any 20-Watt USB charging cable and outlet adapter. $80. ($100 if you add a PD cable and wall adapter). Buy Now.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nMSR DynaLock Backcountry Poles<\/h3>\n
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What makes a good trekking pole great? Just check out the DynaLock poles to find out. MSR starts with 7075 aluminum for the three sections of pole, then marries them with a supportive, slip-free DynaLock adjustment ring. The DynaLock system features an anodized aluminum flip-lever (tightest can be adjusted without tools) for easy length-adjustment. The poles come with interchangeable baskets so the poles can be used for summer hiking or winter snowshoeing. And the extended EVA form hand grips make it easy and comfortable to adjust your grip on the pole when you need to \u2018choke-up\u2019 on steep ascents. $120. Buy now.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nUnder $300<\/h2>\n
Vertx Integrity Jacket w\/37.5 technology<\/h3>\n
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This brand was launched to serve a need within the law enforcement and security community, designing apparel to allow comfort, weather protection, and access to the tools of the security trade. But the gear\u2019s versatility makes it ideal for a host of outdoor activities. The Vertx Integrity Jacket is a great cool-weather shell for outdoor photographers. The deep zippered pockets swallow a ton of gear for when you need to change lenses or filters on the fly. And zippered access through the pocket to your inner layers, let you keep backup camera batteries warm near your body without having to unzip your outwear to retrieve them.<\/p>\nPit Command Fire Tool<\/h3>\n
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Poking around a campfire with a stick is one of the best parts of having that fire. But a broken branch or small fire log isn\u2019t really the best tool for stoking a good fire. You need to take command of the fire, and the Pit Command Commander Fire Tool does just that. Forged from stainless steel and powder coated for durability, the 30-inch Commander boasts a serrated hook (good for moving logs), \u00a0a poker spike (for general stoking needs) and a \u201csmasher\u201d or hammerhead (ideal for breaking \u00a0smoldering coals and char-encrusted logs).<\/p>\nParkit Voyager Chair<\/h3>\n
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Scores of good camp chairs fill retail shops around the world, but sometimes one designer finds a way to make the ubiquitous camp chair just a bit better. Parkit designers did just that with the Voyager Chair.<\/p>\nSitka Rover Down Jacket<\/h3>\n
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This simple down jacket boasts some of the best performance in a puffy-jacket we\u2019ve seen. The shell features Gore Windstopper fabric to seal out their frigid winter winds, while the 900-fill Primaloft Gold Down blend is incredibly light but warm, even when damp. The inner nylon shell is soft and slick, letting it easily slide over mid-layers and fleece garments.<\/p>\n