At GearJunkie, we test a lot of outdoor gear. But that doesn’t mean our staff doesn’t have a holiday wish list like everyone else.
REI is loaded with great gear and gift options for the holidays. So, we asked our staff to pick the one item they’d love to get as a present this year. Feel free to steal a few of these items for your own wish list, or get one as a gift for someone in your life who loves the outdoors.
Stephen Regenold, Founder — Leatherman Skeletool Topo Multitool: $70
“One of the most iconic multitools on the market gets an upgrade with a topo motif. I have the original Skeletool from years ago, and its streamlined set of tools, stainless steel blade, and ’biner clip have served me a million times outdoors and around home. Bonus: The Skeletool Topo is made in the USA.”
Ryan Johnson, General Manager — Cygolite Dash Pro 600/Hotrod 50 Bike Light Set: $81
“As the days continue to get shorter leading up through the holidays, this Cygolite combo set will keep me on the trail and visible to other cyclists and motorists. Even if you already own a light, this combo is affordable enough to keep in your desk drawer at work, because you know your co-worker will eventually forget hers/his.”
Mallory Paige, Gear Editor — Hydro Flask Wonder Wide-Mouth Vacuum 32oz. Water Bottle: $45
“You can’t go wrong with Hydro Flask. From the kid-friendly sippy bottle to the endlessly useful Skyline coffee mug, my family always has one on hand. And lately I’ve been eyeing this new 32-ounce Wonder Wide-Mouth Bottle. It holds enough to keep hydrated all day, and I love that the limited-edition color palette was inspired by valley sunsets in the fall and snowy mountain peaks in the winter.”
Jake Ferguson, Director of Content Commerce — SAXX Ultra Boxer Briefs: $32
“I have been wearing SAXX underwear for several years, and they are a favorite. There’s always a pair on my wish list because the BallPark Pouch is just so comfortable. TMI! Plus, there’s a style to match what I’m doing that day, whether it’s physical activity, travel, or just everyday stuff. I’m a big fan of the and the Ultra Boxer Briefs and Quest 2.0, but honestly, they are all amazing. Dudes, if you haven’t tried them, it’s worth every penny. And ladies, these are a perfect gift for any man in your life.”
Sean McCoy, Editor-in-Chief — Benchmade 551-S30V Griptilian Fine-Edge Knife: $110
“One of Benchmade’s most popular knives, the Griptilian is a great entry to the quality knife world. Packing great S30V steel, a wonderful AXIS locking mechanism, and glass-filled nylon handle, it’s pretty much perfect for everything from EDC to hiking to fishing. The 3.45-inch blade is long enough to be useful but short enough to not be spooky. Overall, it’s just a great knife at a fair price for quality, USA-made blades.”
Mary Murphy, Reporter — Patagonia Nano Puff Vest: $149
“I really love the Patagonia Nano Puff line. This vest is a great-quality item (so versatile), and the synthetic insulation provides plenty of warmth. I also appreciate this vest’s slim fit and torso length, which is long enough for slightly taller women. It’s one of my outdoor wardrobe staples.”
Zach Burton, Director of Sales — Sea to Summit Spark SpII 28 Sleeping Bag: $349-369
“Winter camping is a magical experience that is both epic and required if you want to spend time outside of your home year-round in Minnesota. This bag is light, packable, and oh so warm.”
Kurt Barclay, Digital Marketing Manager — GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker: $10
“I use this filter camping, bikepacking, adventure coffee-ing, and even at home. This little thing is super portable, light, and very packable. And it makes a solid cup of joe anywhere you take it.”
Mike Santi, CFO — MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes: $320
“With miles of snow-covered lakes and trails outside my door this year, I’m going to hit them all. I have had my eye on this lightweight pair of snowshoes from a respectable brand for some time.”
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Jeni Arbuckle, Media & Partnerships Director — Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator: $350
“I had a backcountry accident while backpacking solo in New Zealand and wish that I had this beacon with me. Now, every time I’m heading off the grid or out of cellphone range, I stick my inReach in my pack. It’s small enough to stash in a day bag or MTB pack and easily syncs with your phone for a bigger interface when communicating with rescue teams (or friends if you need to communicate ETA for post-hike beers).”
Kyle Nossaman, Director of Sales — Helinox Chair Zero: $120
“I’d be more than happy to add one more pound to my pack if it meant being able to relax in a comfortable chair at the end of a 12-mile backpacking day. The Helinox Chair Zero is at a price point that, for many, is hard to justify. Thus, it’s a perfect gift to receive and one that my legs and feet would be forever thankful for.”
Kirk Warner, Video Lead — Bedrock Sandals Cairn Adventure Sandals: $105
“I tried these out as an option as a ‘more comfortable’ Chaco alternative to the tension-strapped Chaco, and the Cairn is absolutely that. Bedrocks, well, rock.”
Nicole Qualtieri, Hunt/Fish Editor — BioLite HeadLamp 330: $50
“My pick is another BioLite Headlamp 330. For months, it’s been stashed in the center console of my truck and at the ready whenever I need it. Last week, I forgot to bring it to hunting camp, and I kicked myself the entire time. The sense of annoyance at my old-school headlamp (that’s not even that old) was proof that I’d been changed.
“Having the center of headlamp gravity at the back of your head rather than above your eyes is liberating. The charge lasts forever. And at $50, it’s competitively priced. Honestly, there’s nothing else I want to wear at this point.”
This article is sponsored by REI. Build your holiday wish list at REI.com.
See more holiday gift ideas here.
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