These are the best Christmas gifts for adventurers
From hardy outerwear to footwear tailored to the great outdoors, this is what to buy the explorer in your life
Words: Gentleman's Journal
Whether it’s scaling the Pyrenees or slinging across Patagonia’s otherworldly terrain, big, bold, adventurous behaviour makes us feel rather good. And, if you know someone with a strong penchant for the wilderness, we’ve rounded up some of the finest Christmas gifts that’ll make their next journey as smooth (and as stylish) as possible. From technical big-ticket pieces to boots and running shoes tailored to the great outdoors, here are the items to put on the shortlist for the adventurer in your life...
Give the gift of comfort with a capable coat or jacket
When Christmas comes around, even the most seasoned adventurer will likely feel the chill. So, whether you present them with an expedition-ready jacket, or just something to shrug on when they pop to the shops, ensure that you only wrap up the best zip-ups that'll battle the breeze.
Start with a no-fail British classic: Barbour’s Beaufort Wax Jacket is a stylish, practical design constructed in the brand’s coveted 6oz thornproof waxed cotton. For a similar heritage feel, consider the Field Coat, by Purdey, which is padded with wool wadding and hand-warmer pockets, with an exterior of alpaca and lambswool. Alternatively, for something a bit more technical, you can always rely on Thrudark, and its Engage Jacket, fortified with synthetic down, is a trusty hero item.
Present them with something to button up
So, the tough outer-layer is sorted – yet, what about the item to wear underneath? Of course, we could direct you towards some stretchy thermals or high-performance T-shirts punctuated with perforations for airflow, but we just can’t resist items that give a little style kudos to outdoor pursuits.
A neutral option comes in the form of Vuori’s Wool Pullover, which we like for its mock neck and snap placket – the ideal piece for easy camping getaways. Something that leans more towards the Wild West aesthetic is Westley Richards’s Expedition Shirt, whose ‘brushed sand’ colourway brings to mind large canyons and never-ending desert landscapes. Then, for a splash of colour, reach for the Crowle Shirt, courtesy of Aubin and designed in the label’s custom check pattern.
Keep their feet protected with superior shoes and boots
Whether your well-travelled friends are wildlife enthusiasts, polar explorers or, simply, enjoy mountainside runs, they’ll know how valuable good support can be. And that goes double for their footwear. Perhaps an adventurer’s most worthy investment, buy them a solid, sturdy, durable pair, and they’ll thank you every step of their daring, exploratory way.
We’re kicking off our picks with Le Chameau and its throwback-looking, waterproof Artémis boots, which blend a clean silhouette with a cleated tread on its soles. From On Running, these hybrid boots are angled for both the city and hikes; the one-pull lacing system is a particular draw for those wanting to waste no time. For the outdoor runner, Hylo Athletics’s offering is timeless in look, due to a pared-down design, and, with its knitted upper, moulds perfectly to feet.
Elevate their journey with small, thoughtful touches
Of course, you can sort out the big-ticket items, but accessories and small pieces – the flourishes, the final touches – can help take an experience to another level, the way in which a pocket square can instantly upgrade a suit.
Up top, try Canada Goose’s Arctic Toque, made from 100 per cent merino wool and produced in a soft, alluring hue of red. When things get a little hot under the collar, the Tokas sunglasses, by SunGod, are lightweight for ease of wear and feature 8KO lenses, meaning that clarity of vision is guaranteed. Kinto's conical-shaped tumbler will also help maintain hydration levels.
Offer some organisation with the best bits of luggage
But, what good is all this incredible kit if there's nowhere to store it? Packing may not be the most glamorous part of adventuring – however, if you gift any friend or family member one of these practical, beautiful bits of luggage, you’ll be sorting them out with a fuss-free transit.
A GJ favourite, Bennett Winch’s Weekender is loaded with functional pockets and compartments – and we particularly like the shoe storage area, which separates dirty treads from pristine, clean clothes. Groundtruth also dials up the practicality factor with a backpack that has three exterior grab handles, is stormproof, and features a clamshell opening that facilitates an easy assessment of all items within. Danish label Rains is another solid option – its Trail Gym Bag, in that typical Scandi way, dovetails sleek lines with a utilitarian slant, which comes via a waterproof shell.
Want more festive ideas? These are the best red wines for a cool, crisp Christmas…
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