TreeLineBackpacker

Welcome back! If you’re new to the tradition, once a year when it starts getting cold in the Norther Hemisphere, I take all of my favorite gear from the past year and create a list of what I believe would make great gifts. I have personally and vigorously tested each product and choose them based on price, value and usefulness. I try to keep it unique, interesting, and above all, quality. No gimmicks here. If it didn’t make it into my personal kit at one point or another, it didn’t make the cut. Links will be a combination of reviews, products links, and maybe affiliate links if I get around to it. Some of these companies sent me products for testing, some I picked up on my own. Let’s dive right in!

$23. Thermarest Z Seat

Still my budget pick after all these years, the Thermarest Z Seat stays in every pack I own. Why? It’s extremely light weight, warm, provides comfort just about anywhere, and it keeps my butt dry when it rains. At just 2 ounces, it’s the most consistently impactful piece of equipment I own, and a good budget offering any hiker or camper can use. Mine has been in use for nearly a decade now, and still going strong. Affiliate Link.

$43. Cascade Mountain Tech Adventure Pack Blanket

Everyone likes to stay cozy, and this blanket has provided that for me. From hiking, camping, backyard movies, and just lounging around on the house, this affordable yet warm blanket holds its own. Constructed from fully synthetic fibers, it packs down tiny with the included carry sack, and even includes thumb loops to help wrap it around the body. It weighs 1.5 lbs and measures 72″ x 48″. Affiliate Link.

$45. Bivo, Stainless steel water bottles

While technically a bike bottle, I’ve found myself using these hiking, backpacking, and of course, biking. The stainless steel body is recyclable, environmentally friendly, doesn’t impart a nasty plastic taste like most bike bottles, and of course it fits a bit frame bottle mount. They come in insulated, and lighter weight non-insulated versions, either painted or exposed metal. They even offer replacement lids and parts, meaning it’s easy to keep them in use for many, many years. Affiliate Link.

$50. Tozo Open EarRing, clip on headphones

Open air headphones are gaining in popularity as they provide comfort, good sound quality, and safety as they let you hear around you. The EarRing from Tozo provide all that, with a unique but not bespoke mounting method. These dangle from your ears like earrings, which is surprisingly comfortable. I was skeptical at first, but these sold me once I got to test them. The sound is good, the price is great, and they completely avoid interfering with glasses, helmets and headbands. Affiliate Link.

$80. Rab Adrift 24L Backpack

designed to fill the needs of hikers, climbers, and travelers, the Adrift 24L is a nimble, highly water resistant pack meant to function across multiple disciplines, from traveling, to hiking, rock climbing, or even bike commuting, I found this pack to be quite good at just about everything. The coated body sheds rain, while the pack itself provides water bottle and interior pockets for everyday goods. It’s durable, lightweight, and above all, affordable considering the build quality. Affiliate Link.

$85. The Outdoor Vitals Tern, Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie

Miles and miles of trail and only one hoodie? This could be it. It’s ultra light-weight, packs up tiny, and does an exceptional job of managing moisture, heat, and the dreaded stench of gaining elevation. It’s a poly wool blend for added durability, but I still recommend hand washing when necessary. It runs small and snug for layering, so size up for a casual, less sporty fit. Link.

$90. The Outdoor Vitals Skyline Joggers

Another from OV, the Skyline Jogger is an ultralight, breathable pair of jogging/hiking pants that provide warmth, without getting stuffy or sweaty. Weighing roughly half the weight of more traditional hiking pants, these provide a fast, warm option for the cooler seasons, without actually being insulated. Link.

$99. Kuhl Revivr Pants

These are the kind of do it all pants on the list. They’re soft, stretchy, and feel right at home, well, in the home, or on the trail. I’ve used them for hiking, biking, working out, and even lounging around the house. One of the most comfortable pants I’ve ever tested, and it layers well with thermals for moderate winter hiking. Link right here.

$120. Shokz OpenFit Air Headphones

I didn’t actually get around to reviewing these this year, despite using them for most of it, but the Shokz OpenFit takes open air headphones and refines them into their purest, most comfortable form. While they don’t sound quite as good as their more expensive counterparts, they are far more comfortable, way more affordable, and they don’t have the “vampire drain” that plagues their more expensive model. For jogging, biking, or even office work, I found these to be a stellar value with a very enjoyable sound profile. Affiliate Link.

$145. Jetboil Flash Java kit

Combining Jetboils blisteringly fast boil times with the comfort and convenience of a java press, the Flash Java Kit is sure to make many a campers happy. It can boil water in as little at 100 seconds, includes a built in cozy, and the included coffee press stores conveniently inside, for a kit that packs up small and only weighs 13.1 ounces. It saves on fuel as well, which is always a bonus. Affiliate Link.

$160. RedShift ShockStop Suspension Stem

I actually reviewed this a couple of years ago, but I still use it multiple times a week, and they’ve added new sizes and styles, including a lighter weight “pro” version that can save a few ounces. For the gravel biker out there, or even road biker who is looking to save their hands and wrist, this is an invaluable upgrade that’s easy to install, adjustable, and doesn’t add much weight. The difference it makes is profound, and looks right at home on just about any bike. Affiliate Link.

$180. Nemo Double Haul Duffel Bag

Functioning as a duffel bag, tote, and a backpack, the Double Haul is a true do it all solution to travelers and adventurers alike. It combines industry leading durability and build quality, with eye catching aesthetics that just ooze quality. It’s packed with pockets, cinches and zippers, and comes in 30, 55, 70, and 100 liter variety’s, making it applicable for just about any trip length. As a bonus, it’s even water resistant. Affiliate Link.

$250. Nemo Extreme Conditions Insulated Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Another from Nemo this year. The Extreme Conditions sleeping pad combines ultra light weight construction, a warm insulated base, and comfortable baffles that creates an extremely comfortable, flat sleeping surface. It’s a little pricier than most, but is feasible for year round use without weighing down the pack, and it includes an inflation sack for easier setup. Affiliate Link.

$350. Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

An update to what was already my favorite rain jacket of all time, The Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is designed to keep you dry, and alive, in the most extreme conditions. It’s seen use in mountaineering, deep sea fishing, skiing, and of course hiking and backpacking. It functions in rain and snow, while providing breathability and unceasing moisture protection. It’s not cheap, but it performs. Affiliate Link.

$450. Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Jacket

Meant for alpine adventuring, the Odin Everdown from Helly Hansen combines the warmth and lightweight nature of down, with cutting edge baffle free layering to eliminate cold spots. This combines to create one of the lightest, warmest jackets ever created. Weighing just 350 grams, or roughly 12 ounces, it still manages to shrug off below freezing temperatures, making an excellent mid-layer as part of an alpine kit. Link.

So there it is. Another year, more gear tested, more trails explored. What do you think about these choices? Anything you feel we missed that should be included? If so feel free to let me know. I would love to hear your recommendations.

Our full disclosure can be found on our contact us/about us page. Thanks as always for reading! Don’t forget to follow our blog for future updates and reviews (link on the right also).

If you have any questions, comment below, send us an email, or find us on Twitter or Facebook (links on the right)