As the holidays approach, chances are your backroad buddies are already dreaming up adventures for the coming new year. Canada has an endless array of outdoor activity options and, subsequently, an endless array of gear. With so many options, Christmas shopping for your outdoorsy loved ones can get tricky. Whether you know a dedicated gearhead or an ultralight purist, this gift guide has something to please everyone on your nice list.
For the Outdoorsy Who Appreciate Little Luxuries
A longtime winter favourite of Canadians everywhere, these iconic weather-resistant booties suit everyone from avid ice climbers to cozy cabin dwellers. They have even been described as feeling like sleeping bags for your feet! Crafted with a ripstop nylon upper and insulated with recycled polyester Hyperloft, these booties perform just as well outdoors as they can indoors. Although they are most popular with ski tourers visiting winter huts, they make a great gift for backpackers, snowshoers and outdoorspeople who enjoy a little luxury. You can find them at your local MEC or online at mec.ca.
For the Full-time Outdoor Adventurer
Many outdoor enthusiasts' dedication and passion for the spaces they love go beyond recreation and shape their entire lifestyle. Help them bring their favourite places home by gifting a wall map from Backroad Maps! With a classic, minimal design, these maps can blend seamlessly with any home’s aesthetic. Maps can feature a variety of locations across Canada, including special points of interest like parks, paddle routes, and more. Various sizes are available, and maps are printed locally in Coquitlam, BC.
For the Backcountry Dog
Do you know someone whose number one adventure sidekick is their pup? This daypack from Ruffwear is cleverly designed to accommodate dogs of all sizes and is made of high-quality, durable material meant to keep up with the worst an adventurous dog can throw at it. The pack features comfortable padded construction and five points of adjustability to ensure the perfect fit. It also has three different leash attachments. The pack itself is ideal for holding poop bags, treats, a collapsible water dish and more. Visit Valhalla Pure Outfitters to check out all of this pack’s sweet specs.
For the Wildlife Lover
Even if you have 20/20 vision, sometimes, in the backroads, it pays to have a little help from a reliable pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of your favourite critters. The Vortex Triumphs resist wind and fog and feature dials to customize the viewing experience. As an added bonus, they also come with a neck strap and a handy harness for fast access wherever you may go. These binoculars can come in handy for hunters, birdwatchers or wildlife photographers.
For the Off-Road Explorer
Shopping for someone who seems to have everything? You can’t go wrong with a bundle of local maps and mapbooks from Backroad Mapbooks! Since the landscapes change from season to season, having up-to-date maps of your favourite outdoor spots is ideal for planning safe and accurate upcoming adventures. With a Mapbook in hand, you can find information on hundreds of hiking trails, cross-country ski routes, off-roading tracks, hunting zones and more. Each book also features topographic maps, expert advice and directories that include tourist information, rental companies and guiding groups.
For the All-Around Camper
The first piece of equipment people often associate with camping is a tent! A piece of kit that many Canadians consider essential, a good tent is versatile, durable, and most importantly- stays dry. Get the camper in your life started with the North Face Stormbreak 2- a durable, budget-friendly tent that is as good on a backcountry trip as it is on a more casual car camping adventure. Its 5lb weight makes it not too heavy, and twin vestibules make dry gear storage a breeze. You can find one online at this link.
For the Hardcore Gearhead
If paper maps seem a bit too cumbersome, then the high-tech world of GPS devices may provide a sleek, modern alternative. The Garmin GPS 67i is a handheld GPS device that not only offers access to various global satellite navigation systems but also allows for two-way satellite messaging and activating SOS alerts in emergencies. This handheld unit is rugged enough to handle all that comes with adventuring outdoors but is easy to use; in addition to live tracking and satellite communication, live weather updates, a rechargeable USB-C battery and a hunting and fishing calendar are all included. To learn more about the Garmin 67i or other GPS devices, visit gpscentral.ca. Pair the device with a Backroad GPS Map to maximize your adventuring potential.
For the Angler
Before you tangle yourself up trying to figure out which lure or line is the perfect Christmas gift, take a look at the Essential Fishing Handbook from Angler’s Book Supply. With top tips and guides to fresh and saltwater species, this concise yet comprehensive guidebook will surely delight the novice angler to the seasoned professional. You can order the book online here.
For the Forest Professional
Tree planters, wildland firefighters and foresters unite! Gift one of Canada’s most popular shovels this holiday season to make your loved one’s fieldwork just a bit easier. This shovel comes in stainless and carbon steel with an interchangeable handle and a 9-inch blade. You can find this shovel and other forestry gear online at this link.
For the Has-it-all Adventurer
Still feel stuck on what to get for your outdoorsy pal? Not sure what they already have kicking around in their gear closet? Do not worry- a subscription to the Backroad Mapbooks app covers almost every type of adventurer. It features extensive perks like offline map use, custom waypoint and track creation, satellite imagery, and more. With a PRO subscription, your loved one will have 24/7 access to detailed topographic maps all across Canada that get regularly updated with the most current trail information. You can even check out the features with a free trial.
For the Cross-Canada Road Tripper
We all know that Canadian road trips are usually fairly long- our country is as beautiful as it is big! Knock out some of the monotony and get to know our home and native land with a History of Canada card game. Suitable for ages seven and up, this family-friendly game is educational and fun and will make those long hours on the road fly by. It’s also the perfect size for a stocking stuffer!
For the Ultralight Enthusiast
Ultralight gear is all the rage in the outdoor community at the moment, and making life easier with lighter gear makes a lot of sense! Lighten your loved one’s load this Christmas with a GSI Ultralight Javadrip so they can enjoy a coffee in the alpine without worrying about those extra grams in their pack.
For more gift ideas and inspiration for all your outdoorsy family and friends this holiday season, be sure to check out backroadmapbooks.com. From home décor pieces to digital topographic maps, there is something to enhance every kind of adventure- from hiking to fishing, hunting to skiing, we have it all. To be featured on our social media channels, be sure to tag your photos with #BRMBlife.