Holiday Gift Guides 2017: Bikes and Outdoors
For adventurers of all kinds—gear, accessories and more for all their exploits
Many of us love to be outdoors and many others oftentimes need a reminder of the great joys nature and outside activities can provide. Hopping on a bike can be a liberating experience, be that in a city or down a country road. Tents and camping gear can elevate an excursion to something truly memorable. With the proper equipment, hikers aren’t only safe, but they also have more mental space to absorb their surroundings. While sometimes a simple stroll in the park is enough, many adventures need special products, and we have selected some of our favorites here. Ultimately though, this guide should encourage you to get outside, take a few deep breaths and appreciate Mother Nature. Take a look at the full Bikes + Outdoors Gift Guide in the BUY section—where there are plenty more ideas for gifts this holiday season.
L Train Bike
Created with April of 2019 in mind (when NYC’s L Train is set to shut down), Brilliant Bicycle Co’s L Train Bicycle ($650) is a sturdy and sleek daily commuter. Bumps are smoothly absorbed and at high speeds it handles confidently. Perhaps most importantly to many NYC inhabitants, it’s light—at a walkup-friendly 27 pounds. Along with an internal gearing system, the bike is powered by an ultra-durable and grease-free carbon Gates belt drive. Available in Subway Grey or Hudson Blue.
Cashball Puffer Jacket
Filled with Cashball—an insulation made from recycled cashmere fibers—this Noah puffer jacket ($448) is more than better for the environment, it’s entirely cruelty-free. Super-functional and warm, the exterior is water-resistant, the fill is 95% recycled cashmere and the lining is 100% cotton Japanese thermal. Available in burgundy, mustard, navy, black or olive.
Inferno Ski Goggles
Produced and assembled in Italy, Yniq goggles (344€) for skiing and snowboarding blend a luxury aesthetic with functional components seamlessly. Protecting against harmful UV rays, the goggles offer an extreme peripheral field of vision and an anti-fog coating—so you’ll see more no matter the mountain conditions. Anti-scratch, the lenses come in several different tints but we can’t go past this intense orange iteration.
Winter Embrocation
Offering up to six hours of protection, Rapha’s Winter Embrocation ($30) warming body balm is made up of three organic, warming ingredients: winter green, capsicum, and vanilla. Along with those ingredients, there are essential oils, shea butter, vitamin E and beeswax—all which nourish the skin in cold, harsh climates. Soothing and protective, this lotion means your cycling doesn’t need to stop when the snow comes.
Copenhagen Wheel
Any bike can become an electric bike with the help of a Copenhagen Wheel ($1499). Wire-free and incorporating a battery and motor, this wheel offers speed and power assistance/boosts for up to 30 miles per charge. It weights 16.8 pounds but more than makes up for it with its advanced e-bike technology, including a regenerating mode where downhill cycling regenerates the batteries. It’s also app-connected and includes Bluetooth technology.
Privo Slope Men’s Boot
From Clarks’ brand new Privo collection—blending a minimal aesthetic with their ever-innovative engineering—comes the Privo Slope ($175). These are everyday-worthy low boots that can safely tackle winter: weatherproof, waterproof and featuring an insulated heat-retaining lining. The design aesthetic draws upon an alpine hiker silhouette—and with a comfortable EVA midsole and removable OrthoLite footbed, it’s light enough to trek through the worst of it.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak
A dynamic 12′ long kayak, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ($929) has the technical capabilities to handle day-touring comfortably. The sleek, stable design allows for maneuverability in many conditions. Ideally, this is a recreation kayak for ponds, lakes, slow rivers and gentle coastal waters but with features such as a Phase 3 AirPro seating system with 6-way adjustment you can customize your seating position for longer comfort. Further, with this flatwater kayak can handle small challenges safely.
Waterproof Airpods Case
Water- and drop-proof, this Catalyst Case ($25) can keep AirPods safe across numerous types of outdoor adventure. Made from soft silicone, the case also offers easy access to the Lightning port, and even has a detachable carabiner so users can hook it up to their belt or backpack. Tested at up to one meter (3.3ft) of water, and meeting MIL-STD 810G for drops, this little case is tough.
S1-A Camouflage Riding Jersey
Initially a limited edition piece, Search and State’s S1-A riding jersey ($165) has just been released again—but in a deeper camo colorway than before. This three-pocket cycling jersey, featuring a compartmentalized back pocket, is soft and comfortable to wear, while highly durable. The jersey is again only available in a limited edition.
Kammok Roo Kit
Two brands that love the outdoors and great design, Topo Designs and Kammok have teamed up for a seriously fun hammock kit. Included is the 500-pound capacity Kammok Roo ($128), which is designed for comfort and easy set-up (and the all-important packing away) in a custom Topo colorway of bright red and aqua. Made from durable ripstop fabric and with double-certified climbing strength carabiners, this hammock is built to last. Also in the kit, you’ll find tree-hugging Kammok Python Straps, to ensure you’re safe while you snooze.
Images courtesy of respective brands, hero image by Hans Aschim
