December is now just a short distance away, so it's time for a holiday gift guide for outdoor HikeBikeTravel fans for 2023. I have lots of suggestions from experiences for unique hand warmers, camping gear, and some cozy winter clothing. All of these products and experiences can be ordered online. I hope you find some new ideas that friends and family alike will enjoy.
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What are some unique gifts for 2023?
The older I get, the more I love experiential gifts — sending a gift card to a restaurant or something I would never have thought of doing on my own.
I highly recommend checking out some of the experiences Viator has to offer – wherever you live. in Canada check these out Or these in United State.
In Alberta this can be a day trip up Icefields Parkway and visit to see the bubbles of Lake Abraham – So all you have to do is get to Banff, and you'll be taken care of for the rest of the day. the Snowmobiling in Johnston Canyon in the evening It would be another fun thing to do – not something a lot of people have done.
what about Toronto walking food tour? Whistler and the Sea to Sky Gondola Tour It would be a lot of fun for someone you know who is planning to visit Vancouver. Bottom line – the possibilities are endless.
Holiday gift recommendations that would be perfect for someone who loves outdoor activities
Scout cloth from MEC
If you have a camper, paddling or camper you want to purchase, I highly recommend the Scout Tarp from MEC. John and I tested it over the course of a week at Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. There are several things that set it apart from the heavy Canadian blue tire versions we've bought in the past.
Firstly, it is lightweight enough to carry in a backpack. The little one weighs just over a pound. Other features include:
- Lots of brass grommets around the edges – which don't come apart from the ripstop fabric.
- Center column reinforced bag system keeps fabric high and secure.
- Put it on an angle and get out of the wind.
- Can be easily returned to the bag.
Purchase a Scout tarp here For $119.95
Hideaway Camp Bowles
If you're a fan of camping – or have granddaughters like me who don't do well with bowls that break, Hydaway's insulated reusable bowls are the perfect addition to your camping collection. They are also useful as dog drinking bowls and make great gifts. Even the lid can be reused as a side dish when eating out.
The bowls come in two sizes – 1.5 cup and 4 cup. It is lightweight and because it is foldable, it does not take up much space. These sturdy bowls come with a stainless steel rim and a leak-proof lid that keeps the contents warm until you're ready to eat. There is also an insulated foam sleeve that will keep food hotter longer. All parts are dishwasher safe,
buying 1.5 cup bowls on Amazon In Canada as well One quarter bowl.
In the United States, you can order directly from Hideaway Or via Amazon.
Fjällräven snow jacket
Fjällräven's Snow Cardigan is a joy to wear on an autumn day. I've had my share of sweaters over the years and without fail, they've all been itchy. This is not so. It's a jacquard knit sweater made from soft lambswool, a renewable product that's odor-resistant and great at wicking away moisture.
I love this piece because it works for my lifestyle – winter walks with the dog, cross-country skiing, and lounging by the fire. It's a classic Scandinavian design, something I really appreciated when I was in Sweden hiking Congledine Trail In September 2023. Two-way clouds are good for moderate temperatures.
This is a piece of clothing that you will own until you tire of it as Fjällräven is known for its quality. You can buy Directly online from Fjällräven For $210. Comes in sizes XS to XL. I wear a medium, and I could probably wear a small, but I prefer it to be looser rather than form-fitting.
Fine nails
Small spikes may not be the most exciting gift you can get, but they certainly come in handy for any type of winter hike where ice is involved. They prevent falls and all the grief that comes with a sprain or break.
There are a lot of small nails on the market. I like those Made by Kahtola And Hellsound, a Canadian company. Just make sure you buy a pair large enough to fit the winter boots you usually wear.
Inflatable seat cushions
that Inflatable seat cushion ($29.95 at MEC) may seem like a yawning gift — but in a year where practical items are so valued — I'd recommend one. John and I always carry a seat pad with us while hiking – whether it's rainy days or cold or snowy days. A pillow makes a big difference between feeling comfortable and warm when you stop for a break. On a 16 day trip to India Zanskar district It was one of the top three things we were happy to bring with us.
Garmin InReach Mini 2
It took me years to raise the money for myself Garmin InReach Mini 2 ($399.99 through November 27, then regular price $539.99). It's not cheap and once you buy one you'll still need a subscription plan – although it's reasonable.
What Garmin does for you is give you and your family peace of mind. If there is an emergency, press a button. Hopefully you'll never need it – but it's there if you do. If you are away for several days, you can let your friends and family know that you are safe on a daily basis. And one day, you may also end up helping someone else along the way who is in trouble.
Innovative or new products for the 2023 holidays
Poc hot hand warmers
One of the most interesting new products to hit the market, featured in Dragon's Den Poc hot hand warmers. They come in two sizes – small and large.
When a metal disc inside the Hot Poc is turned inside out, it initiates a reaction that instantly produces heat. It's way better than anything I've come across before — even though the heat only lasts for an hour. The amount of heat it produces is shocking, so any part of the body that is cold will quickly heat up. Sometimes that's all you need — not a full six hours of heat.
After it produces heat, boil it for five minutes to return it to its liquid state. It can be reused 100 times!!
I think these hand warmers would be excellent to keep in your car emergency kit. Anyone who does outdoor activities in the winter will benefit, whether you're skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, night photography, or anything else outdoors.
The company also b Padded cell phone holder Fits both Hot Poc and your cell phone. This will extend battery life by up to three hours.
Unisex Outback Storm Hat on a Sunday afternoon
The Sunday Afternoons Outback Storm Hat – just released in September 2023, is great if you want a waterproof hat with a large brim. It's about four inches in the back and three inches in the front, so you'll get plenty of protection from the sun or rain. It is breathable but best of all is the fact that the hat lies flat and maintains its shape. The chin strap is adjustable, so it fits everyone.
It has a UPF 50+ rating, weighs 150g – and should be hand washed.
If you are in the United States, you can purchase directly from Sunday afternoon. In Canada, you can buy Outback storm hat on amazon. The hat comes in medium and large sizes and retails for between $60 and $70 in Canada.
32oz insulated French press hydro flask
If you have a coffee lover on your holiday list, I think they'll love one of the newest products available from Hydroflask – the 32oz Insulated French Press. It's designed with care – like all their products but it's also durable (no glass to worry about breaking), and is great for home use or car camping.
There is double wall insulation that keeps your coffee hot for a long time. I use medium ground coffee and never had any coffee residue in my cup, thanks to having a mesh filter. Other features include a push-on lid, ergonomic handle, and easy pouring.
You can buy French press from Valhalla Pure Outfitters In Canada for $81.95 – free shipping.
Hydrophilic coffee cup
If you're a friend or family member who loves coffee — but can't seem to finish the cup before it gets cold, then… Hydrophilic coffee cup ($33.95) It will be just a gift for them. It features double-walled insulation, so coffee stays hot for hours. It's easy to drink from the lid without spilling. The only thing you can't do is put it in the dishwasher – which won't be a problem if you're using it as a camping mug.
Final thoughts
Simple is good. Not going into debt is smart too. Keeping up with the Joneses doesn't have to be a thing. Do what's best for you and your family. Happy shopping.
Are you interested in some winter vacations?
