Published December 18, 2023 09:51AM
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All I Want for Christmas Is a Running Hat with Ear Flaps
Or any of these other really nice stocking stuffers
Nothing makes a statement quite like a hat with flaps (Photo: Courtesy Ciele)
It’s crunch time, folks. Time to order those last-minute presents and get everything wrapped and under the tree. To help you finish strong, I’ve put together a list of smaller, but still amazing gifts that any adventurer on your list will be very happy to receive on Christmas morning.
Ciele Athletic FLTCap WND Hat ($65)
Running headwear can be complicated. Hat or beanie? Make the wrong choice and your run could suck (I hate cold ears or an overheated head). That’s why I love this new breathable running cap that has fold-down fleece flaps for your ears when temps drop. It’s the only hat I need, no matter the day or activity, from October through April. That, and it looks slick thanks to the Ciele’s low-profile design. As Jerry Seinfeld said, “There’s no hat that makes a statement quite like the hat with the flaps.”
Darn Tough Heady Stripe Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock ($24)
I started wearing these socks on the recommendation of my car mechanic. He spends 10 hours a day on his feet, often in the bitter cold or stifling heat, and has to wear Gore-Tex boots because he’s constantly getting drenched in oil or other liquids. But in these socks, he said his feet are always regulated, never blistered, and not too stinky. The wool breathes in the summer and adds warmth in the winter. Thanks to just the right blend of merino, nylon, and spandex, I’ve also found them to be the most comfortable everyday socks I’ve ever worn.
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Atech Innovaton AirTag Multitool 4-in-1 Lite ($30)
Those of us who lead busy lives will someday misplace our keys. You’ve probably already done it. When it happens—at the park, at work, in a store, wherever—it’s damn nice to have an Apple AirTag connected to your key ring so you can immediately find where the lost keys are hiding. When your keys are with you, it’s also nice to have this AirTag holder on your keyring double as a handy multi-tool with a built-in 10mm hex wrench, bottle opener, and Phillips driver.
Nordic Pocket Saw ($50)
Have a friend who likes to overland or backpack? This is their ultimate stocking stuffer. At just 4.7 ounces, the Nordic saw weighs next to nothing so it’s easy to stick in a backpack and handy when you want to saw a larger log for firewood. It also fits easily into the door panel pocket of any car, standing by for when you need to saw a tree that’s fallen across the backcountry road you’re trying to climb. The chainsaw chain is sharp and durable, and once it wears down, it can be sharpened to extend its life.
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Rab Khroma Tour Gore-Tex Gloves ($150)
The best skiing gloves balance two things: warmth and dexterity. You want your hands to be toasty no matter what, but you also want to adjust your ski boots or unzip your backpack without exposing your hands to the cold. Rab nailed that balance by using external seams,which make the gloves more dexterous, and relying on PrimaLoft Gold Active+ insulation, which has an extremely high weight-to-warmth ratio. A Gore-Tex liner keeps your mitts dry, and a tough leather build will put up with years of abuse.
