The Outdoor Gear Lover’s Gift Guide – 2016

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays, and with all the Black Friday noise, it’s getting harder and harder to find the perfect gift for our outdoor-loving friends and family. That’s why we have curated our favorite outdoor gear picks, all in one place, to make your life easier, so you can get outside and enjoy!

Browse our Guide’s Sections:
Outdoor Tech
Camp Comforts
Outdoor Attire
Food and Wellness

techheader

1. Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera with AF-P DX 18-55mm (Get $150 OFF here!)

Features include:

  • SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 4 Image Processor
  • No Optical Low-Pass Filter
  • Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting
  • MSRP $646.95

Get the package deal which includes an additional lens (70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED) and save $350!

2. Secur Sp‑6000 Ultimate Solar Charger

Features Include:

  • High Efficiency 12 Watt Solar Panel
  • 10,000 mAh Lithium Battery
  • Dual USB Ports with Smart Chip for Fast Charging
  • Waterproof Pouch for Smart Phone Charging
  • MSRP: $125

3. MeFOTO BackPacker Air Tripod (Get $59 OFF here!) 

Features Include:

  • HyperLock leg locks – Each tripod and monopod uses our new HyperLock leg lock design, which is much faster than traditional tripods and monopods that have 9 to 15 leg locks.
  • Selfie Stick/Telescoping center column – You can take selfies with the included Bluetooth remote and smartphone adapter. When used as a center column it telescopes for additional height when needed.
  • Lightweight – Way less to carry around. MeFOTO Air combines strong and lightweight materials making it possible to create a 2 lb. tripod and a 0.9 lb. monopod.
  • Compact size – Fits inside small and medium sized bags. This is due to the unique HyperLock leg system where each leg section is nested into one group.
  • Rigidity – Don’t be fooled by the size and lightweight design. MeFOTO Air is as sturdy as they come. The HyperLock leg lock design is actually superior to some traditional tripod leg locks.
  • MSRP $184

4. House of Marley EM-JA007-GR Chant Mini BT Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Get $37 OFF here!)

Features Include:

  • Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR, A2DP mono audio
  • 1 x 3W -1.5″ driver + passive radiator
  • Built-in microphone allows for use as speakerphone
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 6 hours of wireless play
  • Blended bio-plastic, silicone and recyclable aluminum housings, bamboo trim ring, exclusive REWIND cloth wrap, carabineer clip
  • MSRP $69.99


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campcomfortheader

1. TETON Sports ComfortLite Self Inflating Pillow

Features Include:

  • Packs down to 13x3x3 inches
  • Self-inflates to 18x10x4 inches
  • Weighs only 12 ounces
  • Microfiber top feels soft against your face; Grey non-slip bottom keeps pillow in place
  • High-Quality Construction
  • Easy to clean
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • MSRP $19.99

2. Matador Pocket Blanket (Get $5 OFF here!)

Features Include:

  • Ultra-compact pocket blanket folds out to large 63″ x 44″ blanket
  • Water repellent back side to keep you clean and dry
  • Puncture resistant to keep you comfortable. Protects you from twigs, rocks, dirt, sand and insects
  • Weighted corners for improved performance on breezy days
  • Attached storage pouch and “easy-pack pattern” to make folding and storing the blanket quick and easy
  • MSRP $29.99

3. Cotopaxi Inti2 Tent + Alcove (Tent sleeps 2, with Alcove sleeps 4)

Tent Features Include:

  • Recommended use: backpacking/camping
  • 3-season, double-wall construction
  • Sleeping capacity: 2 people
  • Weight: 4lb 9oz (2070g)
  • Packed size: 19 x 6in (48 x 15cm)
  • Weight (w/o rainfly): 3lb 5oz (1500g)
  • Packed size: 19 x 5in (48 x 13cm)
  • Weight (rainfly): 1lb 4oz (570g)
  • Floor dimensions: 88in x 52in (224 x 132cm)
  • Floor area: 31.8sq ft (3sq m)
  • Vestibule area: 11.9sq ft (1.1sq m)
  • Peak height: 45.3in (115cm)
  • 2 doors, 2 vestibules
  • Water-resistant, PU-backed rainfly
  • Ultra-tough, all-aluminum poles
  • Lightweight aluminum stakes
  • Alcove and Footprint sold separately

Alcove Features Include:

  • Recommended use: ultralight backpacking/camping
  • Sleeping capacity: 2 people
  • Weight: 2lb 8oz (1130g)
  • Packed size: 19 x 5in (48 x 13cm)
  • Floor area: 35.5sq ft (3.3sq m)
  • 2 setup configurations
  • Water-resistant, PU-backed ripstop nylon
  • Single-pole setup
  • Built-in floor

4. Scrubba Portable Laundry System Wash Bag (Get $5 OFF here!)

Features Include:

      • Machine quality wash whenever and wherever you want
      • A modern take on the old fashioned washboard: hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules efficiently clean clothes in minutes
      • Durable microbial- and hydrolysis-resistant polyether TPU; doubles as a dry-bag
      • Lightest and smallest washing machine in the world at only 5 oz.
      • Great for holidays, backpacking, business trips, camping, outdoor adventures, boats, emergency power outages, and small apartments
      • MSRP $54.95


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outdoorclothing
1. Cotopaxi Insulated Water Resistant Mens Kusa Bomber Jacket (Check out the Women’s version, too!)

Features Include:

      • Llama-poly insulation from the Altiplano of South America & 20D ripstop nylon w/ DWR finish.
      • Reversible. For versatility and style enjoy flipping the jacket inside out for a new color scheme.
      • Front zippered pockets for storage.
      • Ribbed details at the collar, cuffs, and hem round out the bomber for classic look.
      • Lifetime Warranty/Guaranteed for Good.
      • MSRP $198.95

2. Merrell Men’s Capra Venture Mid Gore-Tex Surround Boot (There’s a Women’s & a Child’s version, too!)

Features Include:

      • Lug Sole
      • Mesh and synthetic upper
      • Traditional lace closure
      • Bellows tongue keeps debris out
      • Breathable mesh lining
      • Single-density removable footbed
      • MSRP $230

3. Dorfman Pacific Men’s Rush Straw Lightweight Outback Hat (Get $8 OFF here!)

Features Include:

      • Straw
      • Imported
      • 100% natural fiber
      • Light weight
      • Exceptional breathing for cool wear on hot days
      • Attractive trim
      • Spot clean
      • MSRP $30

4. Jambu Dusk 2 Sandal (Get over 50% OFF here!)

Features Include:

      • Upper is textile/synthetic/rubber
      • Molded EVA footbed for maximum comfort and fit
      • Non-marking rubber outsole provides ultimate grip on all surfaces
      • Adjustable strap closure
      • Signature bump toe for added protection
      • MSRP $55

5. MyMayu Explorer Outdoor Boots

Features Include:

        • Constructed of 100% Waterproof Materials and sewing seams are sealed
        • Four-season suited when layered up or down with Helios fleece Liners
        • Upper made of durable, 100% waterproof, breathable coated polyester
        • Flexible, lightweight, TPR recyclable rubber sole
        • Dual toggle system: enclosed elastic at top with toggle to prevent water ingress and enclosed elastic with toggle closure at ankle for a customizable fit
        • Designed to fit just below the knee for maximum coverage of the lower leg
        • Quick drying
        • Collapsible – folds up easily to fit in your backpack or bag
        • BPA free sole
        • Brush clean when dry or hand wash- do not put in dryer
        • Made in North America
        • Vegan
        • MSRP $59.95


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healthwellness
1. Bare Snacks (Choose from Apple, Coconut, or Banana)

Features Include:

        • Real food, baked ’til they’re crave-ably crunchy. Snacks gone simple.
        • Just one or two simple ingredients
        • New look, same great crunch! (Packaging may vary)
        • Gluten free, fat free, no added sugar, Non-GMO, good source of dietary fiber

2. Melitta Single Cup Pour-Over Brewer with Travel Mug (Get $5 OFF here!)

Features Include:

        • Includes BPA Free red plastic cone drip brewer – red 16oz travel mug and 5 filters
        • Coffee aficionados agree that pour-over brewing makes the best coffee
        • Cone drip brewer window allows you to see how much coffee you are brewing
        • Screw on lid with easy close tab
        • Uses Number 2 size Melitta cone shaped filters
        • MSRP $15.20 (2-Pack)

3. Back to the Roots Mushroom Farm

Features Include:

        • Organic plant-based soil (can grow multiple crops!)
        • Oyster mushroom spawn
        • Spray mister
        • BONUS: organic heirloom tomato seeds to grow with your composted mushroom kit

4. All Good Lavender Lover’s Set

Features Include:

        • All Good Lavender Body Lotion (6 oz)
        • All Good Lavender Coconut Oil (9 oz)
        • All Good Goop (2 oz)
        • Made with Organic Ingredients
        • Each product has deep moisturizing benefits

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2016giftguidepin
Still craving more outdoor gear suggestions? Check out these awesome gift guides from my fellow #OutdoorFamilies Network friends!

November 7th – 13th: 3rd Annual #ThankfulForFamilies Instagram Photo Contest

It’s our most favorite time of the year; Time for the 3rd Annual #ThankfulForFamilies Instagram Giveaway! MommyHiker.com has teamed up with our fellow #OutdoorFamilies Network to giveaway some incredible prizes, so read all the instructions below carefully, then head on over to Instagram and post your Thankful hearts out!

Spread the word!

#OutdoorFamilies Network did it again! Enter #ThankfulForFamilies IG Photo Contest & #WIN! Thx @mommyhiker! http://bit.ly/2ffrmiA #OutFam
Tweet: #OutdoorFamilies Network did it again! Enter #ThankfulForFamilies IG Photo Contest & #WIN! Thx @mommyhiker! http://bit.ly/2ffrmiA #OutFam

Steps to Enter:

1. Post a NEW and ORIGINAL photo of your outdoor family making sure to include both #ThankfulForFamilies AND #OutdoorFamilies and tell us why you love your family in the caption!

 

2. Follow the awesome participating host(s) and sponsor(s) of the prize(s) you want to win! (Search the hashtag #TFFPrizes2016 on Instagram to see a full list of all our participating hosts, and find THEIR awesome prizes in their feed!

 

3. Check out ALL the awesome giveaways and make a COMMENT (one per photo) on the prize(s) you want to win!

You can post one photo per day on YOUR Instagram feed for more entries from Nov 7th – 13th. Just don’t forget to tag them with #OutdoorFamilies AND #ThankfulforFamilies!

*This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.

Giveaway entry rules:

  • Contest will run from November 7-13, 2016.
  • Entrants must be a resident of US or Canada.
  • Entrants’ Instagram account must be a public account.
  • Entrants MUST follow the participating host(s) and sponsor(s) of the prize(s) they wish to win on Instagram.
  • Entrants must post a new, original, and taken by you photo (a re-posted photo or tagging an old photo will disqualify you) to Instagram of their family, or members of their family, outdoors.
  • All photos entered in the contest must be tagged with BOTH #OutdoorFamilies AND #ThankfulForFamilies.
  • Entrants must comment on Instagram on the specific prize they are entering to win. Photographs of prizes will be distributed among all the hosts’ Instagram feeds. Entrants need to only comment ONCE per prize. Additional comments DO NOT equal additional entries.
  • Entrants may post a photo once per day to their Instagram feeds for additional entries, up to  7 entries total. All photos must include #OutdoorFamilies AND #ThankfulForFamilies.
  • All photo entries must be submitted by 10 pm MST on November 13th.
  • All winners will be chosen randomly from all submitted entries at the end of the week and announced in the comment section of each winning photo on Instagram after November 21, 2016. If prizes are not claimed within 48 hours of notification, the prize will go to the next winner.
  • This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.

ALL the awesome prizes are listed below. Click on the image to go straight to ours!

View this post on Instagram

It’s our most favorite time of the year! It’s time for the 3rd Annual #ThankfulForFamilies Instagram Giveaway! I’ve teamed up with my fellow #OutdoorFamilies Network to giveaway some incredible prizes! Here’s how to enter: ☆☆ ☆☆ 1: Post a NEW & ORIGINAL photo of your outdoor family making sure to include both #ThankfulForFamilies AND #OutdoorFamilies and tell us why you love your family in the caption! ☆☆ 2: Follow the awesome participating host(s) and sponsor(s) of the prize(s) you want to win! (Search the hashtag #TFFPrizes2016 on Instagram to see a full list of all our participating hosts, and find THEIR awesome prizes in their feed!) ☆☆ 3. Check out ALL the awesome giveaways and make a COMMENT (one per photo) on the prize(s) you want to win! ☆☆ You can post one photo per day on YOUR Instagram feed for more entries from Nov 7th – 13th. Just don’t forget to tag them with #OutdoorFamilies AND #ThankfulforFamilies! ☆☆ Check out all our Contest Hosts: @borntobeadventurous @outdoorfammag @jennifer_fontaine @mommyhiker @rainorshinemamma @adventuretykes @lilfamadventure @raisingkidswild @mountainmomtots @mountainmomyyc @playoutsidegal @mrmoosefish @alyssakerickson @mtnholly ☆☆ *This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. See the complete rules and check out all our participating hosts and sponsors by visiting the link in my bio. #TFFPrizes2016 ☆☆ #outfam #getoutdoors #optoutside #activekids #childhood #childhoodunplugged #wildchild #instagood #instacool #instadaily #instamoment #photogram #picoftheday #photooftheday #loveit #contest #gear #beautiful #awesome #naturelovers #nature #outdoorkids #outdoors #outdoorgear #giveaway #EveryFamilyOutdoors

A post shared by Mommy Hiker (@mommyhiker) on

What you can win:

**PLEASE note prizes have various shipping capabilities which are described below**

Participating Hosts (who worked hard to round up these great prizes!):
*Make sure you check out all of these great resources!*

  1. Adventure Tykes: www.AdventureTykes.com
  2. Outdoor Families Magazine: www.OutdoorFamiliesOnline.com
  3. The Mommy Hiker: www.MommyHiker.com
  4. Rockies Family Adventures: www.RockiesFamilyAdventures.com
  5. The Kid Project: www.KidProject.org
  6. Play Outside Guide: www.PlayOutsideGuide.com
  7. Moosefish: www.Moosefish.com
  8. Mountain Mom and Tots: www.MountainMomAndTots.com
  9. Born to be Adventurous: www.BornToBeAdventurous.com
  10. Rain or Shine Mamma: www.RainOrShineMamma.com
  11. Little Family Adventure: www.LittleFamilyAdventure.com
  12. Raising Kids Wild: www.RaisingKidsWild.com
  13. Wild and Free Family: www.WildAndFreeFamily.com

Bike Picnics: 5 Steps to Reviving the Outdoor Family Dinner Tradition

Living in LA, it is second nature, for most, to just jump in the car and be on your merry way, but sometimes shaking up old family traditions make way for new perspectives and awesome adventures. This past summer our five year old took off her training wheels and sped into the world of cycling, so we thought, what better way to honor her new-found freedom than by starting a new family tradition; bike picnicking.

It’s a fairly simple concept. Pack up dinner. Secure it on your bike. Head to your favorite neighborhood park. Eat and be merry. But, we discovered very quickly there are many details that needed to be worked out in order for the whole family to enjoy, so here, in a nutshell are the lessons we’ve learned to get the most out of our new family tradition.

bike-picnic-burley
Photo Courtesy Kerem Hanci

1. Respect Your Child’s Ability

Don’t choose a park clear across town if your little one’s legs generally only make it once around the block. Take into consideration the entire family’s endurance level and map your course accordingly.

2. Know the Code of the Road

Study up and then impart that adult-sized wisdom to your kids, empowering them with the knowledge to stay safe. Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as the vehicles. Stay alert at all times, and remember, a bicycle is a vehicle which should obey all traffic signals and signs.

bike-picnic-burley-2
Photo Courtesy Kerem Hanci

3. Securely Stow Your Food

The last thing you want, after thoughtfully and carefully preparing and packing a lovely family dinner, is for it all to end up like roadkill, spilled out across the asphalt. Use a big front-wheel basket, or even better, a cool and convenient cargo trailer, like this Burley Nomad. Guaranteed to hold everyone’s eats, with room left over for mom and dad’s beer. I got my hands on one of these sweet Nomads when Burley invited me to be one of their #MothersOfNature Ambassadors and I can’t wait to find more cool uses for this cargo trailer!

4. Be Prepared for Mishaps

Being prepared is rule #1 of parenthood and biking is no exception. Invest in a small bike repair kit and a first aid kit, and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Of course, chances are your ride will be smooth sailing, but you never know when it may come in handy.

Biking kids
Photo Courtesy Kerem Hanci

5. Feast Like Royalty

If there’s one thing I know for sure, any outdoor activity is better with a delicious reward. I am known for going a bit overboard, sometimes when it comes to make-ahead meals to enjoy in nature, but here are a few super simple ideas the whole family will devour.

Caprese
1 Heirloom Tomato
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh Basil
Red Onion
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt & Pepper

Thinly slice the tomatoes, mozzarella and red onions then lay them on a plate, alternating tomato, mozzarella, basil leaf. Once you have used up all of the sliced ingredients, sprinkle red onions on top, lightly salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar!

Roasted Broccoli & Fennel
2 heads of Broccoli
1 Fennel Bulb
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Cut the heads of broccoli into florets and slice the fennel. Toss everything lightly in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Fruit Salad
2 Large Apples
1 small container of Blueberries
3 Persian Cucumbers
1/4 pound of Grapes

Core and slice 2 apples. Remove grapes from stem. Peel and chop cucumbers. Toss everything into a bowl and serve!