Intro
While some of our friends and family might be easier to shop for than others, we hope our annual Gift Guides can help add a couple of new worthwhile ideas to the list, and maybe provide the perfect gift for someone that they didn’t know they were missing.
For this year’s gift guides, we’re once again starting small(er) with Stocking Stuffers, and over the next couple of weeks we will work our way up to some of the larger potential gift ideas — though we all know that what we really want is good days in the mountains spent with good company. Happy Holidays!
Dynaplug Racer Pro
MSRP: $58
David Golay: Flat tires are no fun, and a better way to fix them is sure to come in handy sooner or later for the mountain biker in your life. I’ve tried a lot of different plug kits over the years, and the Dynaplug Racer Pro is my favorite for a few reasons. First and foremost is that Dynaplug’s metal-tipped plugs are easier to install cleanly and are more effective at plugging holes than anything else I’ve tried to date. They come in two sizes (the Racer Pro holds three standard plugs and one “mega plug”) and they work great.
Dynaplug makes a bunch of tools in different form factors that use the same great plugs, but I’m especially fond of the Racer Pro because its long, thin form factor fits nicely into a pack without being bulky or obtrusive, and is easier to hold and control when installing plugs than a lot of shorter, more squat options. In contrast to the standard Racer, the Racer Pro holds more plugs, and it’s always better to have more than you need than not enough. There are admittedly cheaper ways to plug a tire, but when your ride has been interrupted by a flat and you just want something that works quickly and easily, the Racer Pro is money well spent. The mountain biker in your life will thank you.
Glade Sunglasses
MSRP: $35-$89
Luke Koppa: I wear sunglasses just about every day, and for over a year now, my go-to frames have been the Glade Apres. They’re very simple, but they’ve stuck around as my daily pair because their optics are quite good, they’re polarized (I also use them for fishing), they’re pretty light, and I think they look nice. On top of that, they’re a lot less expensive (currently on sale for $35) than many of my other sunglasses. So, while I somehow haven’t yet lost them, I won’t feel quite as bad if / when I do. And I won’t grimace as much when I immediately go buy a replacement pair.
Glade makes several different styles, from casual options like the Apres and Cary to crossover frames like the Westslope and Freestone, as well as broad-coverage active styles like the Roost and Ramble.
Pretty much all of them feature polarized lenses and 58% bio-based Grilamid frames. Plus, some are also available with photochromic lenses, just like many of Glade’s similarly impressive ski / snowboard goggles.
Skida Alpine Hats
MSRP: $38
Kara Williard: This is a great active hat for just about anyone in your life. Skida widely expanded their color and pattern options in the last year, which also means there is a huge selection of unisex patterns available. Their classic Alpine Hat is a fleece-insulated hat that breathes quite well. However, if you know someone who runs on the warmer side, they also have their non-insulated Nordic Hats. The Nordic Hat also fits a bit better underneath a helmet.
For something cozy and warm, the Alpine Hat is a perfect après-activity hat. It’s also one that goes with me on just about every camping trip. It stays on my head better than a traditional beanie and breathes a whole lot better, so it’s a viable option for cold days of touring or other winter activities.
I also frequently recommend Skida’s Brim Hats and a wide assortment of their neckwear. I have talked about the Brim Hats in the past and they are still a favorite when it comes to packability and comfortable sun protection.
Meanwhile, Skida’s neckwear has a lot to offer as far as different weights of neckwarmers and balaclavas, and with so many different color and pattern options, you could match them with just about any outerwear kit, helmet, goggles, etc.
Nocs Binoculars
MSRP: $95-$295
Luke Koppa: I’ve now had Nocs’ Standard Issue binoculars for a few years and I’m still surprised by how often I use — and get genuinely excited about using — them. The 8×25 Standard Issue binoculars are very compact, rugged, and waterproof, but their magnification and clarity are really impressive, given their moderate size and price. During the winter, I keep them next to my desk so I can keep tabs on the surrounding valley’s snow conditions through my window. During the rest of the year, I’ve always got them with me to see if what I’m looking at is, in fact, some sort of animal. They’re way more fun and functional than I would’ve expected, and I think just about any outdoor enthusiast could enjoy having a pair. Nocs Provisions has since expanded their lineup of products, and if your giftee seems like a more serious binocular user, it might be worth checking out their “Pro Issue” or “Field Issue” binoculars, which offer more significant magnification at a higher price.
Voile Straps
MSRP: $5-10
Jed Doane: Few stocking stuffers will be more handy or welcomed than the good, old-fashioned Voile Strap. Useful for everything from A-framing your splitboard on the back of your pack to strapping an extra tube to your bike (and everything in between), every skier or snowboarder should have a few of these within arm’s reach at any given time. I prefer the nylon buckle versions, which don’t scratch p-tex bases, bikes, or cars; I use the Nano series for strapping my ice axes or poles to the daisy chains on my backpack.
Jonathan Ellsworth
I’d like to recommend a few products that (1) I’m obsessed with, and (2) have become staples in my everyday life.
This is one of my favorite companies in the world, and, while I am not an expert on all of the honey in the world, Barr Hill makes the best honey I’ve ever had. I am never without Barr Hill honey in my house — and I also make sure that I am never without Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin.
If I ranked my top 10 favorite products in the world, Barr Hill Honey and Barr HIll Tom Cat Gin would probably take 2 of the 10 spots.
Good Chocolate
One thing I’ve learned over the past year is that some of my favorite coffee roasters in the world (e.g., Onyx Coffee Lab in Rogers, Arkansas and Corvus Coffee Roasters in Denver, Colorado) also source and sell phenomenal chocolate. It’s pricey (for chocolate), but it’s cheap if you’re looking for an exquisite gift (~$10-14). It’s extremely good, who doesn’t love great chocolate, and it made me realize that you can geek out and appreciate great chocolate the same way you can geek out and appreciate great coffee. Speaking of coffee, here are two favorites of mine from this past year:
I am not typically a dark-roast guy. I drink my coffee black, and I do not like the all-too-common ‘burnt’ or ‘cigarette’ taste that comes with dark roasts. But I currently have one grand exception, and that is Onyx’s Eclipse beans. It’s the only dark roast I’ve found that I truly love. In my view, it is the Platonic ideal of 1950’s diner coffee. It’s traditional, yes. But it is an elevated and perfect form of ‘traditional’’ coffee. I love it, and it has powered many of the Blister podcasts in 2023.
Corvus Coffee Roasters: Maravilla El Aguacate (Guatemala)
This is incredible coffee that isn’t “weird” — it doesn’t taste like berries and green tea, but it’s also not as traditional and straightforward as Onyx’s Eclipse. I can’t imagine that any coffee lover would dislike this coffee, and it’s become one of my weekly staples. Here’s the story from the Corvus site, which just makes this coffee even more interesting to me:
“Mauricio Rosales’ farm, La Maravilla, is not one you stumble upon accidentally. When he purchased the farm from the legendary El Injerto Estate he had to cut a road, by hand, from the granite face of the mountain. It’s now legendary in coffee circles, and the precarious drive up is a fitting gauntlet to prove your commitment to seeking out the fantastic coffee awaiting you at the top. He is a “community Pillar.” When he carved a road out of the granite mountain his farm sits on, he continued it to the indigenous community above. He is looking to run electricity to his farm and continue it up to these same people.”
Region: Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Farm: La Maravilla
Producer: Mauricio Rosales
Process: Washed
Variety: Caturra
Tasting Notes: Dark Chocolate and Full-Bodied
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillows
MSRP: $40-$65
Luke Koppa: I’m a huge fan of my Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight pillow. It packs down to the size of small apple, but once inflated, it offers more than 4” / 11 cm of cushioning. I used to just use my backpack or a pile of clothes for a pillow while camping, but the Aeros pillow’s low weight and high level of comfort mean that, now, I never leave it behind. The Ultralight version is great for when space and weight are at a premium; Sea to Summit also offers several bigger, more luxurious options, as well as travel-pillow versions, which seem ideal for frequent flyers.
Jed Doane: Fully agree with Luke here — since buying one a few years ago, I don’t sleep in a tent without it, and also use it off-label for long flights and couch-surfing. It’s held up incredibly well.
Bag Balm Moisturizing Lip Balm
MSRP: $6 for one tube, $16 for four tubes
Dylan Wood: It’s been feeling very dry in Colorado lately, and Bag Balm’s Moisturizing Lip Balm has been coming to the rescue for my dry lips. This lotion-style lip balm (not wax style) comes in a small squeeze tube that is easy to keep in a pocket and carry with you wherever you go. I think it is more effective than wax-based lip balm in moisturizing lips and makes for a great gift this holiday season.
Luke Koppa: Agreed. This lip balm has been a necessity for me lately, between the start of daily lift rides at the ski resort and the fact that we seemed to have switched from an unseasonably warm fall to frigid, February-like temperatures in the span of a week. It seems to hydrate my skin quicker and more effectively than wax-style balms. In my experience, it’s best to apply something denser (like Bag Balm’s original formula ) before going out in the cold / wind, and then apply Bag Balm’s moisturizing lip balm when you’re back or any time you notice your lips and/or face feeling dry and irritated.
Victorinox Bike Tool
MSRP: $45 (on sale for $35.99 as of publishing)
Kristin Sinnott: This is the one tool I’ve used countless times over the last 5 years. I always have it in my bag and I use it often — mostly to install and remove my son’s Mac Ride from my mountain bike. The Victorinox Bike Tool is lightweight and very compact. With tire levers built into the side, 8 different bits, and an L-wrench design, I find that this bike tool has enough versatility for my needs. And what I like most about it is that it doesn’t collapse on me when I’m trying to use it, unlike many other non-L-wrench multi-tools.
Wiim Mini Music Streamer
MSRP: $79
Simon Stewart: Here’s a good one for the music lover in the family, especially if there happens to be some sweet vintage hi-fi gear in the basement… The Wiim Mini can turn just about any stereo, vintage or current, into a modern streaming music system. Simply download the Wiim Home app, run some cables, connect to your wifi, and Bob’s your uncle. Stream direct from Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect, as well as most other music apps. The Mini is also compatible with Apple Airplay 2 and Bluetooth, as well as offering support for Amazon Alexa and Siri.
In its packaging, it may be a tight fit in a standard-size stocking, but that box also includes all the cables you need, and the actual Wiim Mini itself is about the size of a hockey puck. The small size is a nice bonus since you can run multiple Mini’s attached to other stereos or powered speakers throughout the house to create a very inexpensive, multi-room, Sonos-esque music system.
This little beauty has been in my hi-fi system for over a year now and has worked flawlessly. The Wiim Mini is a tiny, full featured, stable, hi-res streamer that also has a pretty damn good app. And at $79, I’d argue it’s an absolute bargain.
Abbey Tools Bottom Bracket Sockets
MSRP: $37
David Golay: The basic stamped or laser-cut bottom bracket tools that a lot of bottom bracket manufacturers offer mostly work okay, but socket-style ones are infinitely nicer to use, and once you’ve gotten used to them, there’s no going back. There are a bunch of companies that make socket-style tools, but I’m a big fan of Abbey’s in particular because they’re made in the US, and because they have especially nice finger grips for spinning bottom bracket cups in and out along the bulk of the thread length, where you don’t need the extra torque of a ratchet handle. I particularly enjoy gifting things that my loved ones wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves but will make their lives better, and the Abbey bottom bracket sockets fit the bill for anyone who works on bikes with any regularity.
Blackstrap Hood Balaclava
MSRP: $37.99
Luke Koppa: I always wear some sort of hood / balaclava / neck gaiter-y thing when I’m skiing, mostly to keep my hair from getting everywhere and grabbing on the interior of my helmet, but also to keep my face a bit more sheltered from the cold, wind, snow, and sun.
For the past two seasons, Blackstrap’s original Hood Balaclava has been my favorite. This is in large part because of its patterning — it’s not just a tube, but actually conforms to the neck / head to minimize bulk under other layers. If I’m wearing a balaclava, it also pretty much has to be a hinged design, because I tend to pull it up and down a whole lot, and doing so with just a fixed opening doesn’t work great and tends to accelerate wear. The Blackstrap Hood’s fabric is also a nice middle ground — not stiflingly warm, but substantial enough to add a bit of insulation and wind resistance on frigid, blustery days. And despite being a synthetic fabric, it does an admirable job of resisting odor buildup.
7mesh x Ciele HDcap
MSRP: $70
Kristin Sinnott: Biking in cold weather is, well, cold. I recently moved and I’m now able to bike my son to school every morning. But the mornings got cold really fast, and with an 800’ vertical descent to school every morning, the morning commutes were very chilly. I tried a variety of different caps under my helmet to stay warm, but my forehead and ears always ended up cold. And oftentimes, my hat would end up too high or too low on my forehead. The 7mesh x Ciele HDcap took care of all my issues and fit perfectly. I’m a size Medium in most bike and ski helmets and opted for the larger (L/XL) of the two sizes in the HDcap. I really like the fit and I love that my head stays nice and warm. It fits well under my helmet and I’m planning to order a smaller size for my son since I know he would benefit from the cap, too.
The HDcap is made with 7mesh’s “Wind Thermal Ventilation” (WTV) fabric. The WTV fabric has a soft fleece-like grid on the interior and a woven wind-protective outer face fabric. The WTV fabric is the same material used in the 7mesh Seton Jersey and Vest; I’ve also been wearing the Seton Jersey a lot on my commutes and I’m a fan of it as well. If you have any cold-weather bikers on your list, check out the HDcap – I know they will thank you for the added warmth.
Altangle A2 Tire Levers
MSRP: $10
Dylan Wood: Altangle’s A2 tire levers are an excellent gift for any cyclist, and at $10, they are quite affordable, too. These tire levers work by threading onto the top of a threaded CO2 canister, transforming a common item in many riders’ repair kits into a full-size tire lever, essentially creating two tools in one. With these in your giftee’s pack, there’s really no need to carry around a flimsy plastic tire lever, of which I’ve broken many. And if your giftee doesn’t use threaded CO2 cartridges, throw a few in their stocking too, and it just might make sense for them to make the switch.
Tailwind Endurance Fuel
MSRP: $1.99-$31.99
Kara Williard: As I have begun testing myself on some longer, more endurance-oriented bike rides over the last couple of years, I was thankfully taught about the importance of fuel and nutrition for the longer days (shoutout to my brother). In addition to running me through the nutrition basics, he has a steadfast rule of eating every 45 minutes when going longer than a couple of hours.
This lesson has been invaluable and has saved me from countless bonks. My improvement in this regard became especially obvious on my most recent bike trip to Nepal, where I opted to bring roughly 15 pounds of various forms of nutrition in my suitcase, including my favorite – Tailwind Endurance Fuel.
I love Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel because it provides liquid calories in the form of carbs and sugar, in addition to hydration via electrolytes. There are several flavors to try, including caffeinated and non-caffeinated options. Each scoop provides 100 liquid calories that are easy to put down, and quite easy on the stomach (at least for me).
I would recommend the Endurance Fuel starter pack for anyone who likes to go on outdoor adventures but isn’t always a fan of eating or has trouble getting down enough calories to stay out for several hours at a time. And who knows, it might also save the day so that no one is bonking or “hangry” during an epic.
To learn more about Tailwind and some of the other products they offer, check out this Off The Couch episode with Tailwind founder, Jeff Vierling
Topeak SmartGauge D2
MSRP: $48
Simon Stewart: The simple job of checking tire pressure is made a whole lot more enjoyable with the Topeak SmartGauge D2. It is well built, easy to use, and appears to be quite accurate — I tested it against my engineer buddy’s very expensive calibrated gauge and it was spot on. The head rotates, making it easier to find the right position to read the gauge, plus there’s an air release button to dial in the pressure. You can also use it to check air suspension pressure, car tires, and basically anything with compressed air in it (up to 250 psi) that has a schrader or presta valve.
Using the Topeak SmartGuage D2 is an essential part of my pre-ride ritual, and if I can’t find it, it really balls up my scene, to the point where I now have a couple of backup SmartGauges just in case…
Arcade Belts
MSRP: ~$20-$40
Luke Koppa: Arcade’s Belts have been consistent additions to our Gift Guides for years now. That’s because they’re genuinely way more functional than most belts out there, and their numerous color / pattern options and reasonable pricing make them perfect as gifts. For people who use belts on a regular basis, especially while doing things like skiing, biking, hiking, etc., Arcade’s stretchy fabrics and low-profile closures make for a big upgrade.
Branwyn Essential Bralette & Bikini
MSRP: $36 (bikini) – $48 (bralette)
Kristin Sinnott: When I think about layering for winter activities, I sometimes overlook the very first layer. Undergarment / underwear can really make or break a day for me, so when I find a good set, I’m extremely happy about it. The Branwyn Essential Bralette and Bikini are just that. A great set for active ladies. Made with 81% extra-fine Merino wool, 12% nylon, and 7% spandex, the Essential collection is a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe, especially those who are active in cold weather, since wool retains heat (and feels relatively dry) when wet.
The bralette features adjustable and convertible straps that can be oriented cross-back or parallel. The material is soft and not at all scratchy. I am fairly sensitive to the types of wool I can wear and the Essential collection doesn’t bother me at all, so that’s high praise. I ordered both items in a size Medium and the fit is very comfortable, but I probably could have downsized because there is a lot of stretch in the material. I currently have another set of these in my shopping cart and will likely purchase them after I finish work today.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sacks
MSRP: $18-27
Jed Doane: Like Voile straps, these ultralight, sil-nylon stuff sacks from Sea to Summit are similarly versatile and useful. They come in a huge variety of sizes and are great for pack organization. They have a handy rubber loop that I use for hanging food bags in bear country, and I also use them as laundry sacks while traveling. For how lightweight they are, they’ve proved remarkably durable and, while they’re not technically waterproof, they’re generally weather-resistant.
New Mexico Red and Green Chile Sauce
MSRP: $7-10
Kara Williard: The holidays in New Mexico mean green and red chile on everything. Actually, that’s not specific to the holidays at all, but something about red and green chile in the winter is deeply warming and comforting (IYKYK). If you have a spice fan in your life and they have somehow missed the boat on the deep flavor of New Mexico green and red chile, it’s definitely time to spice up their life. Cervantes is a great brand that brings all the flavor, and certainly quite a bit of heat. I would recommend trying red and green chile on anything from your mashed potatoes and stuffing to your eggs in the morning. And once that addiction is fully formed, I’d recommend learning to make these delicious sauces yourself. For those who aren’t aware: ordering both red and green on one dish in New Mexico is called “Christmas,” and you’re going to want to keep that local jargon in mind if you find yourself at a New Mexican restaurant.
+100 on the Dynaplug Racer Pro. This is what a plugging tool should be. Kinda expensive and worth every penny!