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    Christmas Gifts for the Outdoor Lover

    Author: Zoe Newsam
    More by Zoe

    *Update 2018*

    (This article was originally written in 2016 but has been updated to reflect 2018 prices).

    Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the… aaargh!

    Christmas: the season of goodwill, traffic jams and having absolutely no idea what gifts to give? There’s still time to find that special something. Wilderness Guide Zoe shares her Christmas Gifts for the Outdoor Lover.

    Has the outdoor lover in your life already got everything they need?  Fed up giving presents that are made of plastic, not responsibly produced, unrecyclable or mass-manufactured?  Me too!  

    I’ve been keeping a look out for outdoor kit and useful stuff that is produced responsibly this year, made from recycled materials or produced locally and sustainably- so I thought I’d share a few ideas that might make a good stocking filler.

    Icebreaker Merino wool 

    As a natural fibre, wool uses less energy and water in its production than synthetic fabrics, and yet is naturally wicking, keeps you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cold.  Best of all, it doesn’t retain odour, so you can wear it on that multiday backpacking trip without fear of stinking out your tent buddy!  

    From £10 | Website

    Jetboil Crunchit canister crusher

    If you’re as fed up as I am of disposing of whole, unrecyclable gas canisters after each adventure, you’ll be pleased to see this little gem.  It crushes stove canisters flat, so you can throw them in the recycling.  

    From £5 | Website

     

    Aladdin Sustain Papillon recycled travel mug

    Shopping for a coffee lover?  How about a travel mug made from 100% recycled materials?  And perhaps a pack of Cafedirect organic, fair-trade coffee to go with it!

    From £16 | On Amazon

    Haglofs ’Take Care’ range

    Wilderness Scotland chose Haglofs as a brand partner for good reason.  Their kit is great quality, looks good, and they have one of the best sustainability records in the outdoor market.  Their ‘Take Care’ hangtag picks out products that meet strict standards for the use of harmful products in textile production, and are made of recycled materials and/or organic cotton.  How about a Haglofs Neck Gaiter that bears the ‘Take Care’ hangtag, to keep out the cold this winter?

    From £30 | Website

    Haglofs non-live-plucked down

    Haglofs have done it again- this time with their down range.  Non-live plucked down uses real duck down that has not been taken from live ducks, which is an extremely painful process for them. How about an Essens III down jacket, vest or hoodie:  Non-live-plucked down that meets the Responsible Down Standard, a Fluorocarbon free DWR treatment for water repellency, and bluesign approved to certify the use of non-harmful products during the production process.  Plus they’re cosy, and look cool! 

    From £220 | Women | Men

     

    USB charged headtorch

    I have no idea how many batteries I had to throw away or recycle before I discovered rechargeable head-torches.  The LED Lenser H7R.2 now lives in my rucksack or sea kayak day hatch, and is an indispensable part of my kit- a bright, adjustable light with good battery life, and USB rechargeable so I’m not buying and disposing of AA batteries.

    From £51 | On Amazon

    Trakke Bags

    Bags and accessories made to last, in Scotland from British materials.  Their bags are tough, funky and made to last with as few miles under their belt as possible before they arrive on your doorstep.

    From £12 | Website

    Harris Tweed

    Is your adventure buddy also a bookworm?  Need a book with you on the next adventure to pass evenings and storm-bound tent days?  How about a Harris Tweed case for their Kindle or tablet?  The fabric itself must be made on Harris to be given the ‘Harris Tweed’ name, so by buying it you’re supporting the island economy.  It’s also tough, hard wearing and combined with leather- firm enough to protect your electronics in a rucksack.

    From £16 | Website

    Endura Bib Shorts

    Scottish clothing manufacturer Endura now kit out the world-class Movistar cycling team. Why not kit out the cyclist in your life with some spanking new bib shorts?! Paul from our office has recently become a bib short convert. Perhaps he can persuade you with his blog from the summer.

    From £67 | Website

    Happy shopping, Merry Christmas, and see you on the hill or sea next year!

    Meet the Author: Zoe Newsam

    During a varied career in, amongst other things, Air Traffic Control and Theatre, the single constant has been a love for the outdoors and for exploration. This has taken me to Europe, North Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and most recently Greenland.

    View profile More by Zoe

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