Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide

UNDER THE TREE

Kate Hourihan: Discrete Linea Flannel, $70.

You’ll want to wear this flannel all of the time. It’s warm without being heavy or bulky, and looks good with everything.Holiday Gift Guide, Blister Gear Review.

Jonathan Ellsworth’s Pick: Howler Brothers Harkers Flannel, $85

Guys need good flannels, too, and the Howler Brothers Harkers Flannel is a new favorite.

Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Howler Brothers Harkers Flannel, Blister Gear Review

Noah Bodman’s Pick: Zoic Tradesman Flannel Jersey – Long Sleeve, $85

Ok, how about a performance flannel: the Tradesman Flannel is a surprisingly versatile long sleeve jersey that is comfy in a fairly wide range of temperatures, and still looks good when it’s time for post-ride beers.Holiday Gift Guide, Blister Gear Review.

Matt Zia’s Pick: Aerobie AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker, $26

It’s a well-known fact that most climbers are addicted to coffee, myself included. After years of using a French Press, a pour-over drip filter, and a short-lived and regrettable run-in with instant coffee (and no, not those fancy Starbucks Via’s. I’m talking Nescafe Classico), I received the Aeropress as a gift one year and my camping coffee drinking experience has never been the same. While it’s a little to bulky to take backpacking, the Aeropress is indispensable for car camping on long climbing trips. Holiday Gift Guide, Blister Gear Review.

Jamie Rushford’s Pick: La Sportiva Solution, $175

In the past few years, the La Sportiva Solution has become my favorite climbing shoe and my go-to shoe for almost all types of bouldering and sport climbing. It’s a great all-around shoe that doesn’t skimp on aggressive design features. For climbers looking for a high performance shoe to get them up their next project, this is the one.La Sportiva Solution, Blister Gear review.

Paul Forward’s Pick: Patagonia Houdini Full-Zip Jacket, $99

The Houdini is the most useful piece of clothing I’ve ever used, and it’s rare that I’m doing something outside without it. It’s light, breathable and provides wind, sun, cold and bug protection whenever you need it.Holiday Gift Guide, Blister Gear Review.

David Spiegel: Sweet Protection Shambala Paddle Shorts, $119

The Shambala paddle shorts are a great combination of style and function. The comfortable neoprene liner keeps me warm, while the 3⁄4 length nylon shell looks quite stylish. The Shambala shorts are my favorite piece of summer gear to combine with a dry top on warm days in cold water.
David Spiegel reviews the Sweet Protection Shambala Paddle Shorts, Blister Gear Review

Lexi Dowdall’s Pick: Mammut Biwak Jacket, $500

You shouldn’t have any problem staying warm with the Mammut Biwak, a down jacket that punches a serious dose of warmth into a compact, lightweight package. The DWR coating and sizable hood keep you snug and dry in nasty weather, while the stretchy arm gaiters and huge pockets keep your paws toasty.

Mammut Biwak - Stock - cropped

Jonathan’s Pick: Fjallraven Greenland No. 1 Down Jacket, $500

If it’s cold out and I’m not skiing, I’m wearing this. I don’t tend to wear insulated jackets on the mountain (I’d rather layer), but a good insulated down jacket when you’re off the hill is really nice to have.

And this is not a dainty jacket, so there’s no need to baby it. It looks great, is very well finished, and has nice details, too, so expect to still be wearing it (and still be getting compliments on it) for years to come.

Holiday Gift Guide, Blister Gear Review.

Jonathan Ellsworth’s Pick: Craghoppers Derwent Hooded Jacket, $90

If it’s really cold outside, see above. If it’s cold inside, see this. The Derwent is crazy comfortable. It’s like someone took a really soft quilt and turned it into a casual, unstructured sweater. What I like so much about it is that it actually isn’t all that warm, so I can live in this thing inside without overheating.

Holiday Gift Guide, Blister Gear Review.

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