Gift ideas for the outdoor enthusiast
We all have special memories of Christmas when we were children. The excitement of rushing to the tree to see what jolly old Saint Nick left for us after a year of good behaviour. We refrained from pouting and crying and lived in constant awareness of how much he actually sees and knows.
Today as adults, however, it’s up to those in your life to know what presents to wrap up in order to bring back that excitement and mystery of the day. The heartpounding, hand-shaking reaction as you tear apart a box filled with a much-desired present.
So as this is an outdoors column and you’re reading it because you enjoy this winter wonderland of ours, here is a present list (checked twice) guaranteed to thrill most outdoor enthusiasts.
FOR THE WINTER CAMPER
Seeing as Santa knows when we’ve been sleeping and awake, we’re sure he’d approve of you catching some zzz’s in this winter sleeping bag.
MEC Phoenix Hybrid Sleeping Bag -20 C ($220): This sweet hybrid is lighter and more compact than a synthetic-only bag, yet less expensive and more robust in damp conditions than all-down versions. It performs much like a down mummy with a built-in synthetic overbag. The synthetic insulation copes with being crushed under your body, exhaled on and jammed against damp tent walls. The down layer on top of the bag moulds against your body. It’s covered by another layer of Hyperloft that moves the dew point (the zone where cold causes body vapour to condense) outward, so the down stays drier and it’s shielded from condensation, drips, and spills. It weighs only 2.167 kg and comes with a guarantee of a terrific sleep and visions of sugar plums.
FOR ANYONE
MEC hut booties ($45): These warm, insulated booties are a real treat after a day of shredding the slopes or cranking frozen falls. Plus they receive a fivestar rating from Mountain Equipment Co-op users. Great for around the campfire, they feature warm Hyperloft insulation and grippy soles; a shell fabric that is 70-denier nylon and is all lined with 50-denier brushed polyester. Lastly, they also include Hyperloft synthetic insulation with EVA footbeds, shockcords at ankles seal in heat and seal out snow and an abrasion resistant and grippy outsole tread. They are small enough to be stuffed into a stocking.
FOR THE
SNOWSHOER
The wonderful thing about snowshoeing during the winter months is that in addition to the marked trails, you can also go through forests that are otherwise thick with foliage. And although we all feel the warmth of traditional wooden snowshoes, they’re more often replaced these days with lighter, recreational models.
MSR EVO 22, unisex ($139): This is an updated version of the venerable Denali Classic featuring all-conditions traction and reliability. They are engineered to provide traction in all conditions and to be efficient when you’re moving through rolling terrain. As well, many reviewers rave about the ease of getting them on and off. Other perks include a tough unibody polypropylene deck that easily sheds snow, ice and doesn’t absorb moisture; PosiLock binding system with a pivoting steel crampon; a compatibility factor if you add the optional Evo Ascent Tails for additional flotation and 14 cm of length. Truly the perfect pair if you’re up for walking in a winter wonderland.
FOR THE NORDIC SKIER
MEC Ambler PRC Peruvian, unisex ($32): They always say if you want to warm up your feet, put on a hat. And though new studies claim we don’t lose 45 per cent of body heat through our head, but instead it’s closer to 10 per cent; it’s still important to keep the head warm. Plus you can look stylish while warming your body, too. The good thing about Nordic skiing, however, is that getting warm isn’t normally a problem. Your exercise keeps the inner fires stoked with ease. Still, there is downtime and snack time and you’ll want to stay regulated. So with that said, here is another stocking stuffer that offers warmth and style. Made in Nepal, this ear-warming, Peruvian-style hat pattern is inspired by a Nordic ski sweater. The result will keep your head insulated. It’s made of 100 per cent wool and includes a comfortable, polyester fleece lining.