These are the best Christmas gifts for adventurers

It’s not been a vintage few years for adventure. For the last two Christmases, our festive seasons have been marred by lockdowns, social distancing and self-isolation — so most of your pioneering friends won’t have had a chance to mount an expedition or head out exploring for many, many months. 

Thankfully, if you do know someone who’s been missing the wilderness, we’ve rounded up some of the ideal Christmas gifts to put a smile back on their face — and get them back on their travels. From some hardy, sturdy hiking boots to a handful of gadgets tailored to the great outdoors, here’s what to buy the adventurer in your life this festive season…

When Christmas comes around, even the most seasoned adventurer will likely be feeling the chill. So, whether you present them with an expedition-ready jacket, or just something to shrug on when they pop to the shops, ensure that you only wrap up the best zip-ups.

Coats like Barbour’s ‘Ashby’ wax jacket, a stylish, practical winter-ready design constructed in the British brand’s signature 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton. Or Aubin’s brighter, bolder — but just as snug ‘Ullswater’ option, with a draw-cord at its waist and hemmed with brass adjusters. Alternatively, if your budget’s a little bigger, you can always rely on Shackleton, and this windproof-but-breathable ‘Haakon’ parka is no exception.

Nothing shows you care like keeping your closest friends, family members and ardent adventurers alive. And few bits of journeying kit are as important as those that keep us fed and watered. That’s why we’d always recommend gifting practical presents this Christmas.

And we’d start with Victorinox’s trusty wooden Swiss Army knife. This handsome model, with 29 functions, features a magnifying glass, a wire stripper and a bottle opener — among other things. Ettinger’s ‘Hunter’s Flask’ is also a great gift, and perfect for a spirited Boxing Day hike. Or, if you want to go a little bigger, try Weber’s uber-portable ‘Go-Anywhere’ charcoal barbecue.

Whether your well-travelled friends are mountaineers, avid ramblers or polar explorers, they’ll know how valuable good support can be. And that goes double for your boots. One of an adventurer’s most worthy investment, buy them a solid, sturdy pair — and they’ll thank you every step of their daring, exploratory way.

We’re kicking off our picks with Crockett & Jones. These fur-collared ‘Glencoe’ boots are the ideal blend of form and function; and stand on chunky Vibram cleated rubber soles. From Russell & Bromley, these more affordable (but just as stylish) boots are cut from navy nubuck leather. Or, for the full tactical, technical package, Le Chameau’s lace-locking low boots come lined with the brand’s five-layer ‘LCX’ technology.

While many voyagers and wayfarers travel for the sake of travelling, others jet-set and globe-trot for more sporting reasons. Whether you’re a keen skier, an adept diver or have a thing for a far-flung ultramarathon, there’ll be nothing more welcome in your closest sportsman’s life this year than a piece of first-class kit.

As it’s winter, we’ll start on the slopes. Vallon’s retro-flavoured ski goggles have long been a favourite of ours, and this mirror-coated model perfectly blends modern technology with a vintage aesthetic. From Rapha, a helmet designed with state of the art impact protection, and created in collaboration with Smith Optics. Or, for a more eccentric option, this solo inflatable kayak from Itiwit — for any river-going adventurers in your life.

But what good is all this incredible kit if they’ve got nowhere to put it? Packing may not be the most glamorous part of adventuring, but if you gift any friends or family one of these practical, beautiful bits of luggage this year, they’ll be grateful from the airport terminal to the furthest corners of the world.

Once more, practicality should be your watchword here — with Thrudark’s extremely reasonably-priced dry bag and Patagonia’s roll-top backpacks ideal for any shorter haul expeditions. But our choice? This vast ‘Cargo’ bag from British brand Bennett Winch; created using high-performance waterproof nylon and large enough to stow weeks of carefully-packed kit. 

Or, for our final recommendation, try gifting some handy pieces of tech. Many old-school explorers may shun the help of technology, but there’s a certain benefit in buying them something they’d never buy themselves. And, with so many affordable options, you’re bound to find something that’ll help them charge forth on their adventurous way.

Or document it. Because, with GoPro’s ever-expanding collection of action cameras, you’ll doubtlessly find a model that’ll perfectly capture their next trip. Alternatively, you could soundtrack their travels, with this bold green speaker from Bang & Olufsen. Or, if you’re really splashing out, try a hardy Vertex watch; this ‘Arctic’ model is particularly apt for any polar explorers in your life. 

Want more gift ideas? These are the best presents for style aficionados…

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