The First-Ever Outside Gear Gift Hotline Is Live and Ready for Your Toughest Gifting Dilemmas

Editor’s note: The hotline is closed for the year, but scroll down to see a summary of the asks we received and our recommendations!

‘Twas the night before shipping deadlines, when all through the house, every single creature was actually stirring quite a bit, frantically scrolling through gift guides and opening new shopping tabs on your computer that you’ve mentally sorted into “yes,” “maybe?” and “a little gift for me” buckets.

Despite our best intentions, we still fall victim to last-minute gift-buying procrastination. Gear gifts can be particularly tricky, since everyone’s favorite outdoor gear is highly subjective and personally tailored to individual needs, tastes, and budget.

Luckily, that’s exactly why we’re here. On Tuesday, December 16, at 11 A.M. Mountain Time, the Gear Team at Outside will be manning the metaphorical phone lines to take all of your gear-gifting questions. Need a hyper-specific rec for an ultralight backpacking fanatic, who will whip out a miniature scale to weigh every gift they receive? We’ve got a guy for that. Taking the family skiing for the first time and wondering what will get the kids excited? You’re covered. Want to get something meaningful to commemorate your pal’s first marathon or Ironman? We know exactly where to send you.

Here’s How the Gear Gift Hotline Works

1. Bookmark this page, and set a calendar reminder for Tuesday, December 16, at 11 A.M. Mountain Time. If you need to make it a “meeting” to block off your calendar, we won’t tell your boss.
2. When you’re ready to call the hotline, log in to your Outside profile by clicking “Sign In” or “Join Now” at the top of this page. Then, come back to this page.
3. Open the Comments sidebar by either a) clicking the speech bubble icon near the top of this page, or b) scrolling down to the bottom of this article and clicking the black Comment bar where you’ll see “View X comments.”  The comments sidebar will open on the right-hand side of your page on desktop, or as an overlay on mobile.
4. Leave your comment, being as specific as you want regarding budget, category, and your loved one’s interests. The more details, the better our Gear Team will be able to help you!
5. Check back in for a response. Make sure you have email notifications on so you’ll be alerted when we reply to your query. If you see someone else asking for a suggestion and you have a killer idea, chime in!
6. Order, wrap, and bask in the glory of a perfect gear gift.

We’ll keep the hotline open throughout the day, so you can drop in and comment whenever suits your schedule. We’re so excited to help Outside members by hosting the first ever Gear Gift Hotline. We’ll update this post when the line is officially open for business. See you Tuesday!

Gear Gift Hotline Questions and Answers

If you couldn’t join the Gear Gift Hotline in real time, we’ve summarized the questions we received (turns out, everyone needs stocking stuffers) with advice from our gear editors and experts.

Apparel and Accessories

Are any heated socks, boot warmers, or gloves actually worth it for perpetually cold toes and fingers?

My rec as a Polar Vortex survivor are the Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers on Amazon! I keep them in my pockets and that works way better than you’d expect. –Kristen Geil, Gear & Affiliate Director

100% yes! I have horrible circulation so artificial heat is a non-negotiable for me. I will say, generally speaking you get what you pay for (a proper boot heater is going to work a lot better than the one from Amazon), but any heat is better than none. Pro tip: if you use toe warmer stick them to the TOP of your foot and not the bottom. Way easier to get your foot in, and the blood vessels are on the top of your foot anyway.–Jamie Aranoff, digital editor at SKI

Anything that keeps you outside longer is a worthy investment. I ski because it’s FUN and it’s a whole lot more fun if you’re comfortable. I have gifted the Sidas heated socks to several family members! –Sierra Shafer, Editorial Director of Lifestyle

My husband is a skier and farmer, who spends a ton of time outside for both work and hobbies. But he is obsessed with his ancient gear. Like he is obsessed with ski boots he’s had for decades and has zero interest in upgrading. Is there something I could give him that would make his time outside, either skiing or farming, more enjoyable without replacing any of his beloved classics?

We love a retro grouch! I’d say items that aren’t flashy like a Carhartt jacket or gloves, Outdoor Research gaiters (so he can unironically ski in jeans), and when all else fails: edible gifts! –JA

Hi! I’m looking for a a good pair of gloves for my dad. He tends to be the type that will brush snow off of his car with his hand, and a lot of his gloves are not waterproof. Any that you’d recommend that are under $35?

The Lands End Men’s Squall Waterproof Gloves would be great—looks like they’re 50% off with code: CHILL so might sneak right under your price point! –KG

I want a rain jacket that doesn’t look out of place in the city, but is ACTUALLY waterproof and not just for decoration! Any suggestions?

I reallllly like the Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket (lots of colors!) or the Lands End Women’s Wharf Street Raincoat (slightly more affordable, cute cinched waist). –KG

My teen daughter’s birthday is in January. We’re going to be spending some time in Kellogg at Silver Mountain. She REALLY needs a lightweight coat that will actually fit her (she’s a 2x or XXL), and she has unique sensory needs. Like, if it’s a down coat, there has to be some sort of soft lining. Any plus size leads of great quality in this space?. Thanks!

Oooh tough one. Maybe consider the Columbia Platinum Peak II 3L Shell Jacket (currently on sale at REI) with a layer you know she’s comfy with immediately underneath? –KG

My kiddo with sensory stuff responded really well to what I’d call a fake fur lined jacket. Unfortunately that jacket is a flannel exterior that won’t work for skiing. What about taking a two layer approach though? Grab a shell then add a mid-layer with the desired skin feel. –Joshua Ross, senior tech editor, Velo

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Stocking Stuffers

I am looking for your absolutely best stocking stuffer ideas (that will actually fit into a stocking) for the general outdoors enthusiast, please!

Hi! I need stocking stuffer help! My husband is a hiker/climber/camper/off-roader/general outdoorsy athletic dude. What can I put in his stocking that’s not socks or silicone grip rings??

Chapstick (the really good stuff, like Dermatone), food!!! Unique chocolate, or hot chocolate mixes, maybe a new pocketknife? You could also do a gift card to a local cafe, or fave on the road spot. I also love flashlights, batteries for said flashlights, hand or foot warmers, a new water bottle (I love Owala or Yeti), and okay maybe boring, but supplements and vitamins? –JA

Backpacker has a great “15 Perfect Hiking Gifts on Sale for Less Than $50” I’d turn to here. Highlights: a cute mini-lantern, a rechargable headlamp, and a sitting pad! –KG

Quality socks and sunscreen. no one wants to buy those things for themselves and i don’t care how much your hubby loves his oldies… you can’t get away with 20 year old socks or sunscreen. my favorite ski socks: Le Bent Full Cushion Snow Sock. sunscreen pick for skiing: Original Ski Balm Natural Lip Balm and Sunscreen. –Jenny Wiegand, Associate Gear Director 

Arcade belts definitely fit in a stocking and they are fantastic for a ton of people. –JR

Favorite running sock recommendations as a stocking stuffer please!

There are so many good socks to choose from! My personal favorites right now is a crew-height Smartwool trail sock that provides just the right level of insulation, is highly breathable and odor resistant, feels soft against my skin even when wet, and has a fun, colorful trail print. –Jonathan Beverly, senior running gear editor

My parents are part time RV’ers traveling around the US National Parks every summer & fall. I would love to find one of those ‘you didn’t know you needed it till you have it’ type of stocking stuffers or gifts for them this year!

The NoNormal Outdoor Coffee Paste has been making the rounds in a LOT of our gift guides, that could be fun! –KG

Definitely not a stocking stuffer, but the one thing I use almost every day when living in my van is my propane fire pit. Most parks don’t allow wood fires, especially in the summertime when risk is high. But portable propane fire pits are A-OK on summer nights (and the s’mores are just as delicious). –Susan Lacke, senior editor at TRI

Luci lights! They’re the best. –SS

I just bought my son a Roxon multitool. What’s cool about that brand is you get to decide what tools it has and you can change them out later. –JR

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Weirdly Specific

My step-dad maintains a ton of local trails and that is how he spends a lot of time outside. What is something that would either A) help with trail maintenance or B) make the experience more pleasant for him? My current working thought is walkie talkies for better communication with other folks working on the project with him. Other interests involve trail running and snowboarding, so happy to take something with activity cross-over appeal!

A walkie talkie is a great idea, and one of our favorite brands is Rocky Talkie. Their Mountain Radio is rugged, easy to use with gloves, and has a line-of-sight range of 25 miles. If your dad doesn’t already have every trail-building tool under the sun, we’ve heard great things (but haven’t yet used) the Trail Boss, which is a lightweight multi-tool, basically, that allows you to swap heads, like a Pick Mattock, McLeod, or Hoe. It looks sweet! –Benjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

My first thought is a nice pair of lightweight gloves that he could wear for both trail running and maintenance. We named the Black Diamond Deploy Gloves ($34) as most versatile in this winter’s round-up, citing their comfort at a wide range of temperatures and their handy touch-screen compatibility. –JB

I have SO many dog lovers in my life and I’m curious, what are your go-to gifts to get dogs on the trail and in the backcountry? Best packs? My Aussies always lose their booties in snow pack–is there a paw wax you love?

We use Musher’s Secret to protect my dog’s paws from salt in Chicago and it’s the only thing that’s worked for us. I just discovered the Nite Ize RadDog All-In-One Collar and Leash, which has a built-in retractable leash for hiking on leash-optional trails. Under $20 right now at REI! –KG

Are there any weird, sort of novelty gifts that would be good for an outdoorsy person? Things like weird candles or cool trinkets?

There’s a belt made with recycled bike tires that I absolutely love because it’s unique while also speaks to being an active person. –JR

I have been getting Instagram-stalked by the Lets Wander™ National Parks Water Bottle + Stickers which looks cute! Or on Etsy, a custom AirPods case for like $15—I found one that I want to get for my angler friend!–KG

You had me at “weird candle” – and I absolutely LOVE the scents from Good + Well Supply company, inspired by national parks. Try “Canyonlands,” a blend of cardamom, amber, palo santo, and smoke. –SL

What are you favorite sun protective items for outdoor swimmers + triathletes logging the miles?

A wetsuit or swimskin will do a great job of providing skin coverage. Speedo also makes great long-sleeve swimsuits for women that don’t restrict shoulder movement. But that kind of gear can be really hard to purchase for another person, so if this is a gift for someone else, might I recommend a full swimmer’s hair and skincare package ? Thinksport Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 + Chlorine Remover Shampoo and Body Wash is a perfect stocking stuffer for swimmers. –SL

What’s a great gift for my nephews/niece (ages 8-13) for encouraging them to get outside more? They have too many toys and video games. Looking for experiences or ways to set them up to learn to be outside more. Welcome all ideas.

An experience is so much fun for kids, my first and most obvious answer is a ski lesson, but since that can be pricey how about a new sled? Or, even a family trip to go ice skating. If these are all activities you usually do, try to add excitement like kid’s choose breakfast anywhere they want before said activity (or dinner afterwards). –JA

Our friends at Climbing did a whole gift guide for kids and families! on the smaller side, they liked Metolius 3D Rock Rings (available at REI) or a Gibbon Board slack line to play around with. –KG

I’ve got a niche one: I have some family members who love to set off fireworks every July 4th, and last summer I made a mental note to gift them headlamps and ear plugs. Any suggestions for either item?

We really like the Coast RL30R Rechargeable Headlamp (at REI), for a cheap-ish headlamp or the Nitecore NU20 Classic Headlamp (Amazon), and for ear plugs, we like Hears or Loop, both at Amazon! –KG

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