Christmas Gifts for the Outdoor Lover

As a natural fibre, wool uses less energy and water in its production than synthetic fabrics, and yet is naturally wicking, keeps you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cold.  Best of all, it doesn’t retain odour, so you can wear it on that multiday backpacking trip without fear of stinking out your tent buddy!  

From £10 | Website

If you’re as fed up as I am of disposing of whole, unrecyclable gas canisters after each adventure, you’ll be pleased to see this little gem.  It crushes stove canisters flat, so you can throw them in the recycling.  

From £5 | Website

Shopping for a coffee lover?  How about a travel mug made from 100% recycled materials?  And perhaps a pack of Cafedirect organic, fair-trade coffee to go with it!

From £16 | On Amazon

Wilderness Scotland chose Haglofs as a brand partner for good reason.  Their kit is great quality, looks good, and they have one of the best sustainability records in the outdoor market.  Their ‘Take Care’ hangtag picks out products that meet strict standards for the use of harmful products in textile production, and are made of recycled materials and/or organic cotton.  How about a Haglofs Neck Gaiter that bears the ‘Take Care’ hangtag, to keep out the cold this winter?

From £30 | Website

Haglofs have done it again- this time with their down range.  Non-live plucked down uses real duck down that has not been taken from live ducks, which is an extremely painful process for them. How about an Essens III down jacket, vest or hoodie:  Non-live-plucked down that meets the Responsible Down Standard, a Fluorocarbon free DWR treatment for water repellency, and bluesign approved to certify the use of non-harmful products during the production process.  Plus they’re cosy, and look cool! 

From £220 | Women | Men

I have no idea how many batteries I had to throw away or recycle before I discovered rechargeable head-torches.  The LED Lenser H7R.2 now lives in my rucksack or sea kayak day hatch, and is an indispensable part of my kit- a bright, adjustable light with good battery life, and USB rechargeable so I’m not buying and disposing of AA batteries.

From £51 | On Amazon

Bags and accessories made to last, in Scotland from British materials.  Their bags are tough, funky and made to last with as few miles under their belt as possible before they arrive on your doorstep.

From £12 | Website

Is your adventure buddy also a bookworm?  Need a book with you on the next adventure to pass evenings and storm-bound tent days?  How about a Harris Tweed case for their Kindle or tablet?  The fabric itself must be made on Harris to be given the ‘Harris Tweed’ name, so by buying it you’re supporting the island economy.  It’s also tough, hard wearing and combined with leather- firm enough to protect your electronics in a rucksack.

From £16 | Website

Scottish clothing manufacturer Endura now kit out the world-class Movistar cycling team. Why not kit out the cyclist in your life with some spanking new bib shorts?! Paul from our office has recently become a bib short convert. Perhaps he can persuade you with his blog from the summer.

From £67 | Website