Looking for something special to get that outdoor recreation enthusiast in your life? Here are a few recommendations based on gear I’ve grown to love:

1. The Solo Stove

I’m totally new to Solo Stove and while I was always sure these fire pits just had to be overhyped, but I’m already in love. Not only does Solo Stove produce a fire pit that’s super portable, it’s also smoke-free and doesn’t blow out ash. No joke – you can sit by a Solo Stove all night without smelling smoky. Plus, the lack of ash being tossed into the air makes the Solo Stove safer when it comes to fire risk.

Solo Stove sells various sizes and styles of fire pits, but the ‘Bonfire’ seems to be the right call when it comes to finding something that’s portable enough to move around while also producing enough heat for several people to enjoy the flames. I’d recommend getting one of the bundles that comes with the stand and lid. Solo Stove also sells a variety of accessories that further enhance the experience, including a heat deflector that helps to distribute heat more effectively when you’re looking for warmth.

Find more information here.

2. Coast knives and flashlights

I’m also new to the Coast brand as of 2023 (despite the company being founded in 1919), but after getting my hands on one of their products, I could immediately tell their items are high-quality.

Two of my favorite items I’ve encountered from Coast are a knife and a flashlight.

The Founder’s Series Select knife immediately became my favorite pocket knife. It’s lightweight and discrete, while also being super sharp. Stick it in your pocket and its hardly noticeable, great to have around the campsite. Plus, it’s fairly priced at $49.99.

The second Coast product that I absolutely love is the Slayer flashlight. Sturdy, compact, and powerful, this is a great compliment to the Founder’s Series Select knife, as both can fit in the front pocket without creating bulk. Plus, this flashlight is rechargeable and waterproof, making it a great option for many outdoor recreation adventures.

3. A fresh pair of amazing socks

It can be tricky to find a good pair of socks, but Minus 33 is one company that won’t let you down. This company produces a wide variety of merino wool socks for any occasion. They’re durable, they’re comfortable, and they’re warm.

4. Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel

I’ve stood behind my recommendation of using Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel for years, and this brand’s product line keeps getting better and better. They’ve got individual use packs and large bulk options for many great flavors, with this drink mix packed full of calories and electrolytes that have proven to be hugely beneficial when it comes to any sort of endurance activity. Some options also come with caffeine, protein, or both – I love their coffee option for post-hike recovery.

If you’re new to Tailwind Nutrition, give their $30 starter kit a try. It comes with eight ‘endurance fuel’ packs, plus you get four ‘recovery mix’ packs, which includes the coffee-flavored one I love.

5. Outdoor Vitals ultralight gear

I’m also new to Outdoor Vitals as of this year, but I’ve got two product recommendations you’re sure to love.

The Ventus Active Hoodie is the perfect piece of lightweight gear for insulation and wind protection. Undoubtedly, it’s a game-changer for backpacking, making it no surprise that it was included in the Outside Gear Guide of 2022.

Another piece of the Outdoor Vitals collection I’ve started to make a go-to for running are the Skyline Trail Shorts. They’re super comfortable and flex as needed. I’ve got the lined version and I’d recommend those as a great athletic shorts option, regardless of the activity.

6. A fresh pair of kicks (Altra Lone Peaks, Xero Scramblers)

If you’ve been following OutThere Colorado for long, you know I’ve been a fan boy of the Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes for years. In my opinion, they’re the best trail running shoe I’ve ever put to the test and I doubt that opinion will change any time soon – especially with how each new version of this shoe seems to just keep getting better and better.

That being said, it’s always good to try new things, right? – and this year, I tried another shoe that’s also zero-drop and comes with a wide toe box – two things I’ve always loved about my Lone Peaks. The Xero Shoes Scrambler Lows have slowly snuck their way into my regular running shoe rotation. With a knobby and durable tread that’s made by Michelin, these shoes do a great job of digging into the dirt. They’re also more than an ounce lighter than the Lone Peaks per shoe, at just 9.3 ounces each.

Don’t get me wrong – if I’m hitting the trail for a long run, I’ll still go with my Lone Peaks. They offer more padding and a more cushioned feel. However, for a short run in ‘hero’ dirt, the Scramblers might end up on my feet.

It’s never a bad idea to have a few pairs of running shoes so that you’re able to switch them out between runs. This can reduce wear, help with the life of cushioning, and let sweat dry out more effectively. My current approach is to have two pairs of Lone Peaks as my go-tos and one pair of Scrambler Lows that I’ll bring out when conditions cater to the Scrambler’s ability to really dig into the dirt.

*I’m not being paid to recommend any of these products. This list is simply a collection of gear I’ve grown to love.