Give the Gift of the Outdoors

What’s the secret to a great gift? At Columbia, we believe in giving the gift of the outdoors. Whether it’s a new fishing pole, a cozy ski jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof rain shell, or a versatile backpack, a present that enhances outdoor experiences is a gift that keeps on giving.

We’ve all faced the challenge of finding the perfect gift, often accompanied by a bit of anxiety. No one wants to spend money on something that ends up gathering dust—or worse, receives that deer-in-the-headlights look from the recipient. The best holiday gifts don’t have to break the bank, be extravagant, or follow the latest trends. They are gifts that encourage people to have fun, feel good about themselves, and, ideally, stay fit. Here are some ideas and tips for finding a truly inspirational present.

What are the recipient’s passions? Do they need a little nudge in the right direction, or simply inspiration and some technical advantage for their next adventure? Runners and hikers always appreciate a new pair of shoes, while skiers, snowmobilers, and other winter sports enthusiasts need to stay warm and dry. Anglers may want to elevate their experience with a fun new hat, a protective fishing shirt, or snappy pair of deck shoes.

Have someone check the recipient’s shoe and apparel sizes or make a note of them yourself. If they wear a size 9 sneaker, it's likely they'll also need a size 9 hiking boot. The same applies to clothing—when in doubt, refer to their favorite jacket, shirt, or pair of pants for guidance.

While staples like black, brown, and dark blue are popular, bright colors enhance safety in many outdoor activities by increasing visibility—consider potential collisions on the ski slopes or the importance of being seen if someone gets lost. Versatility is key, as the best products often serve multiple purposes. Accessories are your most versatile category: everyone can use a new backpack, multi-tool or water bottle.

The right gear is important for experienced outdoor enthusiasts, but perhaps even more important for novitiates. Beginners often start out with inadequate equipment that may discourage their outlook and progress. Your gift could be the spark that ignites your friend or family member’s passion for the outdoors.

New technology is exciting, whether it keeps you warmer, dryer, more protected from the sun or more stable on your feet. Everyone likes to be the first on the block to sport the latest and greatest technical innovation, especially outdoor enthusiasts. Consider items that offer advanced insulation for those chilly hikes and ski days, superior waterproofing for unpredictable weather, reliable sun protection, or unbelievable breathability. Upgrading footwear with shoes that feature improved traction can also make a world of difference, providing stability and confidence on challenging terrains.

When choosing a gift for an outdoor enthusiast, it’s essential to consider their specific activities and needs. A new down or synthetic puffy jacket, or a high-quality ski shell can elevate comfort level on the slopes and become a beloved staple in a person’s gear closet. Things to consider is what is the beneficiary’s color palette? Are they missing a critical outdoor wardrobe piece like a lightweight shell and a cozy puffy jacket? Do they have a solid pair of hiking/approach/running shoes?

These do-it-all insulators are designed to be worn over a baselayer like long underwear or a T-shirt. For extra protection, you can put a 3rd layer—most often called a shell—on top for protection from wind, rain and snow. They are the foundation of any outdoor wardrobe. Think vests, fleece pullovers, hoodies and sweaters.

When it comes to gifting the outdoor lover in your life, a pair of sport-specific pants—whether for fishing, hunting, skiing, or hiking—is an excellent choice. The right pair of trousers enhances comfort and elevates the overall outdoor experience by providing essential features like breathability, moisture-wicking properties, insulation, and weather resistance. Imagine your friend enjoying a chilly day on the slopes, completely comfortable in a pair of insulated ski bibs, or staying dry and agile while casting a line in their favorite fishing spot.

You build your outdoor wardrobe from the ground up, and great footwear is the most important investment for any athlete or enthusiast. It serves as the foundation of your outdoor kit. The right footwear is essential for both kids and adults—whether it’s hiking shoes that offer support on rugged trails, water shoes that keep feet comfortable on slick surfaces, or winter boots that provide warmth and traction in snowy conditions. The right footwear significantly improves any outdoor experience. Amp up the wow factor with some fun socks and a fun family outing.

For the person who has everything, nothing is more delightful than a thoughtfully chosen accessory. A new belt, hat, fanny pack, neck gaiter, or pair of socks can update and upgrade a favorite outfit. Consider a stylish fishing hat, cool sunglasses, or a lightweight pair of gloves. With the right accessory, you’ll turn an ordinary outfit into something extraordinary.

Everyone can benefit from a good backpack. When choosing a size, consider a sub-20-liter pack for short excursions like sightseeing, local park walks, or birdwatching. For longer days that require more gear—think day hikes, peak bagging, and resort skiing--a 20 to 35-liter pack is ideal. Packs in the 35 to 40-liter range work well for quick overnight trips, travel, and backcountry skiing. Anything larger than 45 liters is better suited for backpacking or gear-intensive sports like backcountry skiing, rock climbing, and mountaineering.

To really give the gift of inspiration, try to add some incentive to get outside. Consider including a national park pass or a membership to an outdoor club that focuses on hiking, running, birding, climbing, skiing or fishing. These outdoor groups can open a world of exploration and provide life-long connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Stack the deck with a lift ticket to your closest ski hill, or, better yet, a formal lesson. Courses that focus on snow safety, fishing techniques, backcountry medicine, and other outdoor skills are available for kids and adults alike. In the outdoors, knowledge equals safety.

Spice up gift giving with a book that inspires outdoor participation. Consider titles on local activities like birding, rockhounding (Rockhounding Oregon is part of a series that includes various states), Foraging, Fishing and Skiing. Hiking Hidden Gems in America’s National Parks provides inspiration to explore public lands. Get the perfect gift trifecta: new shoes or apparel, a gift certificate for a class or lesson, and a book to inspire and educate.