Name: Eric
Favorite Piece of Gear: Wiley X Air Rage Sunglasses
Why? It's impact resistant, vented, comes with lots of accessories (a hard case, a leash cord, an elastic strap, a soft cloth, and a sticker), and is now offered in 7 variations, including polarized, light-adjusting, and non-reflective lenses.
Story: This pair of glasses fits my face perfectly. I'm on my third pair, not because of scratches or dings, but because I've left a few pair behind as unintentional souvenirs. So if you see anyone on Old Rag or the C&O sporting a pair of bronze finished Air Rages, ask them how they like them, and see if they belong to me.
Gift under $30: Light My Fire Spork
Why: Iit doesn't melt in boiling water, it won't scratch up non-stick plates and bowls, it's dishwasher safe, it comes in a bunch of colors, it's now BPA free, and it's compatible with the ethical standards of Leave No Trace. Stick a spork in it, I'm done!
Story: I use it at work, on the trail, on a picnic, at Wolf Trap, and Screen on the green. My kids kept taking mine to school, so for a few bucks, they now have their own. Plus, we printed our store name and phone number on them, so instead of giving out business cards, I can give someone a spork and say, "Call me". Stick a spork in it, I'm done! |
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Name: Alex
Gift under $30: Nuun
Why? This is my favorite beverage to take with me on an 8 mile run. It has important electrolytes, zero sugar, and is under 8 calories. It comes in several different very tasty flavors. Easy to take with me on a week long hiking trip and takes up about as much room as a pez dispenser in my pack. Best tasting beverage for active hydration.
Favorite Piece of Gear: Patagonia Men's Down Sweater Full-Zip Hoody
Why? The Down Sweater Full-Zip Hoody is an ultralight and highly compressible with down insulation. It is a great mid layer or outerwear piece for cold mountain pursuits. This is my favorite jacket. Period. It weights nothing, packs into its own interior chest pockets and is incredibly warm.
Story: All winter long all I need to wear under this is a light shirt and I'm comfortable. Otherwise, I just put a good shell over it when I'm snowboarding. It's the greatest thing you can buy this winter. Period |
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Name: Steve V
Favorite Piece of Gear: Sorel Caribou
Why? My Sorel Caribou boots never let me down. They always kept my toes nice and toasty especially during snowpocalypse 2010, while I was out plowing snow or walking to the local watering hole. Its A luxuriously soft bison leather topped with a sleek shearling snow cuff, ready for those wintery blustery –40º below zero days. The leather upper and handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell are seam-sealed for complete waterproofness and lined with a removable 9mm felted wool InnerBoot that traps heat next to your foot where it belongs. Underfoot, a thick rubber mid-sole insulates the boot from cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading out sole provides sure footing.
Gift under $10 stocking stuffer: The Camper's Knot tying set.
Why? You never know when you may need the proper knot to tie those silly family members or friends that are misbehaving when drinking to much Eggnog during the holiday parties! Happy Holidays! |
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Name: Charlie
Favorite Piece of Gear: Smartwool Medium Cushion Hiking Sock
Why? The smartwool medium cushion hiking sock is the best sock in the industry. It provides great comfort for any backpacking or hiking adventure. The merino wool inside and wool/nylon blendon the outside wick the moisture away from your food to keep your feet happy and dry.
Favorite Piece of Gear: Arcteryx Fission SV Jacket
Why? The Fission provides unbeatable warmth and protection in the harshest or coldest of days. From going to the office in a snowstorm to skiing on the slopes in Colorado, the Goretext insulated jacket will keep you warm and dry in all your endeavors. |
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Name: Renee
Favorite Piece of Gear: Patagonia Re-Tool
Why? Perfect for fall or under jackets in the winter, and it's incredibly soft. The Re-Tool also fits well and always looks great.
Story: Just bought this piece not too long ago, and now I never want to take it off. The Re-Tool is a great multifunctional piece for the outdoors or just hanging around the house. |
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Name: Riley
Favorite Piece of Gear: Atom LT
Why? Because it's super light but also really warm. I have a thing for jackets and I would wear it all the time.
Story: I wish I had one, but I hadn't so I have no story :(
Favorite Piece of Gear (under $30): Casual Adventure water bottle
Why? I seriously take it everywhere with me, and I love how large it is. I drink water like a fiend. Also ideal for stickers.
Story: I like decorating it by taking it with me on adventures. |
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Name: Jesse
Favorite Piece of Gear: Patagonia R2 Jacket
Why? Awesome fleece for fall, winter and spring. Versatile enough to get you to the office or up Kilimanjaro.
Story: I'd still be wearing mine today if my girlfriend hadn't snatched it from me.
Favorite Piece of Gear (under $30): Mammut Logo T-Shirt
Why? The perfect blend of organic cotton, Swiss design and mastadons. |
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Name: Arielle:
Favorite Piece: Patagonia Capilene 3 Mid-Weight Zip-Neck
Why? This is honestly the most versatile, comfortable fleece I've owned. Not only is it the perfect piece to throw on during those chilly Fall days, it's smooth jersey face makes it perfect as a base layer underneath a shell or heavy coat for the bitter cold winter. Its a light breathable piece with incredible wicking ability due to the quick-dry polyster material. I brought it with me to New Zealand and was so thankful to have it while trekking, it's light and didn't take up a lot of room in your pack -- literally my best friend on the trail.
Gift Idea: Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat
Why? This hat will be your "old faithful" it's made of 100% acrylic, it's stretchy and great for the winter. It comes in a plethora of colors so it makes for a perfect gift for everyone on your Holiday list. |
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