2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift can be stressful. We can help with this holiday gift guide for your favorite outdoor enthusiast. 

Everyone knows holiday season shopping can be hectic. If you’re as looking to minimize stress and maximize your time on the snow like we are, look no further than this holiday gift guide. From neckwarmers to skis, we’ve picked some of this season’s best.

CycleRest

If you’ve ever driven around with a bike on your roof, you’ll know the hazard that garage doors or other low-hanging obstacles present (or if you don’t, you might find out in the future). Keep your bike safe and dry while you’re on the road with the CycleRest, which holds your ride in an upright position in the back of your car, attaching to the back of a seat. Installation is as easy as taking off your front tire and folding down the seat. $100

 

 

Skida Neckwarmer

Born from the desire to explore and the need for gear that can keep up in winter weather, Skida neck warmers, headbands and hats battle cold ears and necks head-on. Available in either micro-fleece lined or unlined, each style rocks a fun, printed poly-spandex outer. Fabrics wick moisture so your skin stays warm and dry and the structured fit is snug and stays put during high-impact activities. Local bonus: Skida is based in Burlington. $16-$36

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ibex Shak Spire Hoody           

The Shak Spire is a go-to mid-layer for men and women. This hoody has a full zip, thumbholes, front zippered hand warmer pockets and a scuba style hood that fits under helmets. Constructed with flat lock seams, this hoody was made to fit comfortably between layers while still looking good enough to wear on its own. Local bonus: Ibex is based in White River Junction. $175

 

 

 

 

Chandler 4 Corners Chalet Collection Knit Pillows

Bring the comfort of the ski lodge home with you. These alpine-inspired prints are knit with 100 percent wool, paired with a zippered velvet backing and filled with a down pillow insert. Chandler 4 Corners is a Manchester, Vermont-based company. $125

 

 

 

 

 

The Snurfer

Ideal for backyard exploration, these boards are updated versions of the original 1960’s designs by Sherman Poppen. The Classic features the same V-tail and 60/40 rocker design of the original Snurfer. New this year, the Nomad, features a tapered look with increased nose width for improved agility and a channeled base and big, cushioned EVA foam pads for added control. Hang onto the rope and explore your backyard slopes on these edge-free boards. Made in the USA. $139.95 -$199.95

 

 

Duckworth Comet Balaclava

The dual-layered Comet can be worn as a neck gaiter or pull the articulated hood up under your helmet or hat for extra warmth. The outer fabric is Rambouillet Merino and the inner fabric is thin, micro-fiber polyester. All the wool in Duckworth garments comes from a third generation Montana sheep ranch, the largest grower of fine merino wool in the USA. The rest of the supply chain also remains domestic with processing, spinning, knitting and sewing done in the Carolinas. $45

 

 

 

Darn Tough Vertical Over-the-Calf Ski/Ride Sock

Darn Tough’s newest line of seamless ski and snowboard socks are a combination of 68 percent Merino Wool, 28 percent Nylon and 4 percent Spandex for warmth without bulk, bacteria or odor. The Vertical line includes twelve new styles for men and women in ultralight or padded construction. As always, Darn Tough socks are made in Vermont and include an unconditional lifetime guarantee. $23-$25

 

 

 

Johnson Woolen Mills Classic Mackinaw Jacket

Based in Johnson, Vermont, Johnson Woolen Mills have been producing some of the highest-quality wool garments for over 170 years. While most of their clothes are trusted standbys for loggers and hunters, their Mackinaw Jacket is just as well suited for any other daily tasks you may find yourself doing – from chopping wood, to wearing to the store. $299.95

 

 

 

 

 

Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Give the gift of mobility with this pair of redesigned skins from Black Diamond. These skins feature durable plush material for efficient climbing and sliding, adjustable tip attachment to fit a wide range of ski tip shapes and is available in a range of widths from 65 to 140mm. $139.95

 

 

 

 

Drift HD Ghost

The HD Ghost from Drift is a small but powerful package with a two-inch LCD screen, rotatable lens, three hours of recording time, resolution of up to 1080p and 30 frames per second. An arsenal of attachments is also available to capture all of the action from every angle. $299

 

 

Longboard, Warren Pieces

This workshop, located in Warren, Vt. Is known for recycling, reclaiming and reusing wood to create custom woodwork ranging from wine cabinets, to tabletops to skateboards. These decks are as much art as they are fun to ride, and are constructed in a variety of shapes and with different woods including bamboo, cherry and ambrosia.  $400

 

 

The Friend “Elitist,” J Skis

J Skis is the one-man brand produced by Jason Levinthal, who pressed the first pair of twin-tipped skis in his garage. After building Line Skis from the ground up and selling it to K2, he left in 2013 to start this latest venture. If you’re looking to give skis, Levinthal’s Friend is his take on a powder ski that will surf the soft stuff, but hold an edge for carving. This model uses graphics from some of the early models of snowboards and every pair is mailed direct to you from Levinthal himself. But act fast – J Skis are produced in limited batches, so when they’re gone, they’re gone for good. $666

 

 

 

 

 

SmartWool Sulawesi V-Neck Sweater

This functional and stylish sweater for the ladies is a great pick when you’re short on room in your pack. This sweater is made of a machine-washable merino wool, nylon and acrylic blend that regulates temperature and wicks moisture. $100, at REI

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marmot 3-Sixty Gloves

No matter your winter activity of choice, here’s a pair of gloves that’s up to the challenge. Marmot’s 3-Sixty Gloves feature adjustable cuffs and insulated, waterproof protection against all kinds of mountain weather. Plus, the leather palms and fingertips stand up to seasons of abuse. $80, at REI

 

 

 

Gift Card, Vermont Country Store

If you want to play it safe, get them a gift card. If you want to get them a one-of-a-kind gift card, pick one from the Vermont Country Store. Founded by Vrest and Ellen Orton 1945, the operation began with a 12-page catalog featuring 36 items, mailed to friends on their Christmas card list. To complement the mail-order business, the pair opened The Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vt., in 1946, the first restored rural general store in the nation. With two locations in Western and Rockingham, The Vermont Country Store prides itself as “purveyors of the practical and hard-to-find,” and with a catalog spanning everything from Bag Balm to peppermint sticks to the original Stormy Kromer hat, anyone should be able to find something, no matter how picky they may be. $25 – $500

 

Kodiak 6,000mAh USB Power Bank

While it’s only about the size of your phone, this handy device can store 6,000 milliamps of electricity, enough to store anything that charges via USB including e-readers, tablets, phones and a lot more. Weighing in at .6 pounds and waterproof, you may not get stuck without a dead device again.