It’s not been a vintage couple of years for adventure. With lockdowns, social distancing and self-isolation, many of us haven’t had a chance to mount an expedition or head out exploring for many, many months. 

So, if you know someone who’s been particularly missing the wilderness, we’ve rounded up some of the ideal Christmas gifts to put a smile back on their face. From a pair of 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…

With that padded suede collar, aspiring adventurers could hike and trek for hours without their feet feeling sore. And, thanks to the finest hurricane hide and oversized cleated soles, these Crockett & Jones boots are the gift that’ll keep on giving for many expeditions to come. 

Swiss-made and finished with handsome walnut wood detailing, this multitool is the perfect present for any budding survivalists. Among its functions are a wood saw, a reamer, a large blade, a can opener and a corkscrew.

Know someone who enjoys cracking open a cold one at the end of a hike? Then we’ve found the ideal gift for them. From Stanley, this hard-wearing, heavy-duty growler will keep beer fizzy and freezing for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, they can fill the leak-proof, steel-lined flask with coffee, tea or soup.

Even those ‘at one’ with nature need to keep time once in wild while. And this khaki green wristwatch from Hamilton is the perfect tool for the job. On a rugged, resilient NATO strap, the sandblasted stainless steel case and ultra-readable dial make this model as functional as it is fashionable. 

Even the most ardent adventurers need a little downtime — and what better gift to get your favourite amateur explorer than this ultra-portable, ultra-powerful Bluetooth speaker? From Minirig, its 15 watts and long battery life make it a worthy, entertaining travelling companion.

This is a great gift for any ramblers and campers who don’t mind wet, wild and windy conditions. Originally created for fishermen who brave the waves of the North Sea, this Yorkshire-made pullover has natural water repellency and antibacterial properties. They’ll thank you later.

If you’re really looking to push the boat out this Christmas, why not gift a loved one this high-end tactical kayak? Designed to be the perfect self-propelled fishing vessel, the ‘Orca’ has been fitted with aluminium fishing chairs, rod holders and even cup holders. 

While we’re on the big ticket items, why not consider this Boardman bicycle for any two-wheeled travellers or adventurers you know? With burly 150mm forks, it can take on rough and technical trails without being a burden on flatter, flowy sections.

While we’re on two wheels, let’s have a look at helmets. Practical and protective, this limited edition design from cycling supremos Rapha would make the perfect Christmas gift. Why? Not only is it stylish, with that off-white colour and those carefully placed ventilation channels, but its safety credentials — thicker core protection zones, 360°size adjustment and crushable foam liner — will also show that you care. 

If your friends or family prefer to fish without a kayak, there’s always the option of a hard shell jacket for Christmas. This, from Patagonia, is a rugged-yet-breathable, four-layer bit of kit, created in accordance to Fair Trade rules from 68% recycled materials.

If you know any gourmets who prefer to cook al fresco, this cast iron skillet is the perfect tool for the outdoor job. It may be a little heavy to trek with, but it’ll make the perfect pan for frying up bacon during a campfire cookout.

Powered by the revolutionary new GP2 processor, GoPro’s most advanced camera yet will capture the most audacious bouldering, free-diving, canyoning or white-water-rafting in inimitable, 5.3K style. An ideal option for adventurers and tech enthusiasts alike. 

What sort of luggage are your more adventurous friends lugging around? If they’re in dire need of an upgrade, there are few better options than Bennett Winch’s British-made set of ‘Cargo’ bags — hand-crafted from high-performance 600 denier waterproof nylon and finished with both military grade cotton webbing and Tuscan leather trim.

There’s nothing like a nip of something spirited to stay warm when out in the wilderness. From Ettinger, this smart, sleek ‘Hunter’s Flask’ is a perfect gift — slightly showy with that flash of red leather, but utterly functional from the first to the last sip. 

The best part about gifting this innovative, inflatable tent from Heimplanet? It sleeps three people — which means you’ll likely get invited along on an adventure to test it out yourself. Crafted from a combination of durable shell and laminated ripstop, it’s a tough, reliable and easily-stowed sleep solution. 

Want more great gear? Win a ‘back to work’ style capsule, courtesy of these top brands…

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