Explore It!

photo courtesy REI

REI Stoke 9 backpack

• Pros: Adjustable shockcord on back very versatile; Lightweight; Compartments more useful than some comparable packs
• Cons: Waist strap useless for most adults; No reflective surfaces on pack; Heavier than other comparable packs
• Bottom Line: The REI Stoke 9 is a great pack for most half-day adventures, but don’t expect it to be as comfortable or fit as well as larger packs.
• MSRP: $40

    For some people a small hydration pack doesn’t offer enough storage, but a larger daypack is too much.
    The REI Stoke 9, though, offers a happy medium between barely enough room for a large camera and ‘if I have more space I’ll be carrying someone else’s gear.’
    The Stoke 9, which has 9 liters (or 549 cubic inches) or storage space, will easily hold a 100-ounce hydration bladder in its separate zippered pocket.
    Its mesh, lightweight shoulder straps breathe well and still provide enough shoulder comfort for the amount of weight you’ll likely throw in the pack.
    And the sternum strap, with attached ear-piercing whistle, helps keep loads in place.
    The nylon bag also has a waist belt, but most adults will find it useless. I found it less than useful and I’m 5-feet 10-inches tall and weight 175 pounds.
    If I buckled the waist strap where it should be, the shoulder straps were way too short. And if I put the shoulder straps where they should be, the waist belt was positioned around my stomach.
    That being said, most lightweight, small packs I’ve used have the same problem.
    The compartments on the Stoke 9, one large main compartment and one smaller one near the top, are well designed. The small compartment is perfect for keys, wallet, phone and a point-and-shoot camera or snacks, while the larger one will hold a larger camera, sunscreen, notebook and a few other odds and ends.
    It also has an elasticized pocket on either side of the main compartment that I found useless. My camera didn’t fit because the opening was too small, and if I put energy gel in it, then the packet would get lost towards the semi-wide, semi-deep bottom. It is, however, a perfect size for sunglasses sans case or an mp3 player.
    The unisex pack also has adjustable shockcord on the back, which is ideal for a midlayer, raincoat or anything else you may need access immediately.
    Ultimately, the pack is great for adults on a short excursion or kids on a day hike who want to wear a pack like Mom and Dad.

Still don’t know what to get the outdoor adventurer on your shopping list?
Or maybe you’re looking to add something to your own list. Either way, there’s still time to find the best gift for your favorite someone.
If you’re looking to spend less than $200, here are another five gift ideas.

Yaktrax Pro
MSRP: $30

If you’ve ever ventured onto an ice-covered road or sidewalk, chances are you’ve wiped out - or at least come pretty close - while others point and laugh.
But with Yaktrax Pros strapped to your feet, you’ll be as sure footed as a… well…yak.
The spikeless traction devices attach to the bottoms of your shoes and latch on with Velcro-type straps.
They provide enough traction for a brisk walk down an incredibly icy road and are surprisingly comfortable on dry pavement.
The Pro version comes with sturdy steel coils that spiral around rubber forming ice-biting X’s.
It’s those X’s that allowed me to jog a short distance down the road coming to sudden stops on hard-packed snow while temperatures hovered in the teens.
While it takes a little muscle to stretch the rubber over your shoe soles (despite the Yaktrax coming in small, medium, large and extra large), once they are on, they don’t move.

Big Agnes Milner Mall Booties
MSRP: $45

If you’re looking for a camp slipper you can toss in the bottom of your pack without much weight, or a bootie that will easily fit in your suitcase when traveling, take a good look at the Big Agnes Milner Mall Booties.
The blue nylon exterior hides the PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, half of which is made of recycled material.
Additionally, the shell, sole and rand are all 100 percent recycled, which helps put the Big Agnes slippers into the “green” category.
Dig them out, slip them on, pull the ankle drawstring tight and prepare to get toasty feet.
In indoor conditions, the slippers keep your feet warm enough to be comfortable, but not too warm that your feet sweat. Outside they provide adequate warmth in most conditions.
But the lack of cushioning in the sole makes them far from desirable when walking around the house sipping coffee in the morning.
And besides sizes fitting women with a shoe size of 3-16 and men 3-14, the company makes a kid’s version for $10 less.

Katadyn Hiker water purifier
MSRP: $60

On the trail, water purification can be one of the most important aspects of survival.
And while there are dozens of options available to treat unfiltered water, the Katadyn Hiker is a great choice.
Having been around for years, the Hiker has continuously performed in nearly any backcountry adventure imaginable - including many of my own.
It’s pretty average when it comes to weight (11 ounces), but it’s easy to pump and requires minimal maintenance - simply replace the cartridge when needed.
It doesn’t pump as fast as some other filters out there, but it’s prefilter screen helps filter out debris while the inner pleated glass fiber/carbon filter keeps out the squiggly little microorganisms that can make you sick.
It’s output hose has an end that’s compatible with a hydration bladder and Nalgene bottle, making it easy to fill common containers by yourself. And it packs away into a handy pouch.
Sure the connecting tubes are a little long, but it’s often better to have long tubes than shorter ones - and having a quality filter is worth the diminutive hassle.

Arc’teryx Covert Zip Neck sweater
MSRP: $150

When spending time outdoors in the cold, it’s incredibly important to dress in layers.
Though many people ignore mid layers, it’s an important piece to have.
The Arc’teryx Covert Zip Neck sweater is perfect for added warmth, and it helps wick sweat.
Though expensive for a fleece-style sweater, it’s worth it.
The Zip Neck is a quarter-zip mid layer that’s really soft on the outside and twice as soft on the inside. With the help of its Polartec Thermal Pro, the sweater isn’t scratchy like some wool mid layers available.
It’s machine washable, which is a must when you’re wearing it for active pursuits, and it has a small pocket on the left bicep for your ID along with some cash or credit cards.
And its sleeves are a good length - even for people like me with a big wingspan.
However it doesn’t have thumbholes like other comparable mid layers on the market, so it doesn’t help keep your hands warm.
It’s simply one of those layers that you can wear skiing, wear downtown afterward and then wear lounging around the house the next day.

REI Piggyback Child Carrier
MSRP: $165

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite outdoor activities.
I’m not talking about getting a baby sitter while you’re out having fun. I’m talking about bringing your child with you to experience nature.
That’s why kid carriers, like the REI Piggyback Child Carrier, are amazing.
It fits like a backpack pack with all the adjustability you want to ensure both carrier and carried have a good time.
It’ll support kids up to 45 pounds, has an adjustable torso for the carrier, numerous child seat adjustments, and a 70-ounce hydration reservoir sleeve.
The child carrier even has a mirror attached so you can see if your toddler is conked out or wide-eyed and ready for an adventure.
What about those diapers and all other kid necessities?
The carrier has a detachable backpack behind the child seat to stash all the necessary gear, and, if you want, you can buy a diaper bag to fit beneath it.
And with a torso range of 15-23 inches and a waist range of 28-56 inches, the Piggyback will fit most adults.