Looking for a gift for the adventurer in your life? Our gear-obsessed intern, Sushi, has got you covered! Here are her favorite pieces for outdoor (and travel) adventures.
1. Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Hiking Boots
We spend most of the day in shoes, so why not invest in a good pair? The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boots are able to withstand wet conditions, tough descents and long hikes thanks to their high-traction rubber soles and sculpted linings.
These boots took me through 15 days of backpacking in rain and on wet trails and 5 days backpacking through snowy mountains. They’re light and comfortable.
2. Darn Tough Socks
What’s a shoe without socks? I swear by these. They’re so comfortable and they have the best warranty. Darn Tough will replace your socks for FREE after you wear them out. You’ll never have to buy another pair again!
Darn Tough Socks are made in Vermont with ethically sourced merino wool and knit on small needle, fine gauge knitting machines. This approach produces durable, high density stitching without bulk. Less bulk means a better fit. The better the sock fits, the longer it will last.
Shop for Darn Tough Socks
3. Bedrock Sandals
Not a fan of closed-toe shoes? Like to have your little piggies be free? Light and durable, these sandals were made for adventure, whether you’re thru-hiking, running, or traveling. Bedrock Sandals are assembled in California and they offer comprehensive repairs and resole options through their Re-Soul Program.
Bonus: Bedrock Sandals are a 1% For the Planet member, meaning they donate at least 1% of their sales every year to both local and national environmental non-profits!
Shop for Bedrock Sandals
4. HydroFlask Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and cool (beverage temperature-wise and social status-wise) with an insulated water bottle. So many colors and an option to design your own bottle! I’ve had mine for 4 years, surviving countless drops from all types of high and low places.
Their bottles keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, hour after hour. The Standard Mouth is ideal for sipping, while still accommodating ice cubes, and the Wide Mouth delivers full-on refreshment for any adventure. Both versions feature the insulated Flex Cap, designed for ultimate portability and comfort.
Shop for HydroFlask Water Bottle
5. Dr. Bronner’s Biodegradable 2oz Soap
& All-One Toothpaste
At OBCR, we try to abide by Leave No Trace principles, and always recommend products that are eco-friendly. I love Dr. B’s biodegradable soap because it breaks down in soil. Their organic toothpaste doesn’t produce suds, so it’s easy to eco-spray out in the wilderness.
** Remember! Biodegradable soap works when it’s mixed with dirt. Make sure you don’t use it in water sources, such as rivers, streams, and lakes.
Shop for Dr. Bronner’s Biodegradable 2oz Soap & All-One Toothpaste
6. Pela Eco-Friendly Compostable Phone Case
Protect your phone while making a statement about protecting our oceans. Each phone case is made from compostable materials. So, when you’re done with it, throw it into the compost, and it’ll biodegrade! Their cases fit snug, have a smooth texture with grip to make it less slippery like some plastic cases, will protect your phone from everyday wear and tear and will bounce on most drops.
5% of total sales (not just profit) from their collections is donated directly to help protect coastlines, oceans, parks and wild animals.
7. Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover
Looks great on the town or in the woods, this is hands-down a staple in my closet. Made with recycled polyester fleece and Fair Trade sewn, it’s super comfortable and warm. If you’re not familiar with Patagonia, you can shop their used line, Worn Wear, where they repair your favorite pieces to make them last a lifetime.
Shop for Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover
8. To-Go Ware Reusable Bamboo Travel Utensil Set
Made with natural, responsibly sourced bamboo, this is a cute addition to your reusable water bottle and grocery bag! The utensil case is available in five different colors and is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It even has a handy carabiner on the back of the case to clip it anywhere. You can replace 1,300 single-use utensils throughout this set’s lifetime!
9. LifeStraw Water Filter
Whether you are backpacking or traveling through countries without clean water, having a way to filter the elixir of life is important! This ultralight and travel-friendly “straw” filter makes contaminated water safe to drink by removing bacteria and parasites, preventing the majority of waterborne disease. Use it to drink directly from streams and lakes or from a container.
The LifeStraw has unlimited shelf life and once opened can provide more than 5 years of safe drinking water. Not only that, LifeStraw has started as a company to provide clean water for school children. Their products have now expanded from a single straw to large filtration for groups!
Shop for LifeStraw Water Filter
10. Cotopaxi Allpa Adventure Travel Pack
Designed for adventure, this pack will be your best travel companion! Made with repurposed, durable materials for long-lasting adventure and with workers’ and the environment’s well-being in mind, you’ll feel great as you traverse across the globe!
Their RePurpose Collection uses fabric left over from other companies’ larger production runs, making their bags one of a kind. PS – It’s carry-on appropriate AND has a rain cover!
Shop for Cotopaxi Allpa Adventure Travel Pack
BONUS GIFT IDEA – An Outward Bound Costa Rica Course
You’ve got all the gear, now you are ready to start your adventure with Outward Bound Costa Rica! Join us on a Gap Year/Semester abroad, a 1-8 week Summer Expedition, or a Custom Course to discover the rainforests, rivers and reefs of Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.
Take a look at the Outward Bound Costa Rica 2020 Courses
