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If you have a friend who loves backcountry skiing or splitboarding but maybe aren’t as obsessed as they are, it might be hard to find the idea gift. That’s where we come in! As people who are dedicated to the lifelong pusuit of wild mountains, it’s safe to say that we know a thing or two about the gear that a backcountry skier or splitboarder will love. Whether for Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary, or just a simple recognition of them being a good person, we’ve got you covered for quality gift ideas that they might not already have.
Yeti Rambler Food Jar
Most people in the outdoorsy community usually have at least one or two Yeti products in their cupboard to keep their drinks warm. Although pricey, they are a great investment in warmth and durability. With their new Rambler Food Jar, you can bring Yeti’s hard-earned reputation for quality to your lunch and have a hot meal in the backcountry without a stove. It’s great for day trips to enjoy soup or leftovers while out in the field. Whether the kitchen is in a hut, tent, or a regular old house, the Food Jar has made winter outings a bit warmer for the belly.
Smith Summit Helmet
We should all wear a helmet, even in the backcountry where the snow buries rocks. Accidents happen, so it’s wise to have a bucket when riding down. We don’t need to wear them going up though, so having a more pared-down helmet than one you can wear in the resort makes the Summit easier to strap on your pack. The BOA enclosure ensures a secure fit and stashes away to lower the profile to be much smaller than a standard resort helmet. Still, I’ve taken a few spills in it and so far, so good…
Ombraz Refugio Sunglasses
Coming from the “I can’t believe this wasn’t done sooner” department is a simple, yet brilliant concept: Armless sunglasses. Ombraz (Italian for shadez) combines Italian optic quality with modern-day shredder style, and some genius utility. They are the perfect bridge between sunglasses and goggles, and have become a new favorite. The Refugio have the in-style wrap look with optional attachments for side shields and a nose piece to make them effective glacier glasses. They are a bit difficult in low light, but these are great shades for when the sun is out and you don’t necessarily want to switch over to goggles on the ride down. Plus, if you bail, they have a better chance of staying on your face.
Jones Dark Start Recycled Hoodie
Everyone needs a good midlayer. But the trend for down jackets may not be as hot (pun intended) as consumers may be led to believe. If down gets wet, then it stops working. So having a removable layer that works as it should could literally be a lifesaver. Seriously… if you have ever had to evacuate someone you’ll want to have extra padding, and if it’s wet out… don’t have down. But the Dark Start uses AirFlake (recycled polyester) as the insulation. It packs up small and has nice features like large internal pockets to keep skins warm. Yes, it’s pricey… but it’s built to last and actually works.
Deuter Freerider Pro 34+ Backpack
Deuter has been making quality packs for some time, but this one has a nice extra bonus. The plus in the pack‘s name alludes to a stowable roll-top for when the days turn into nights and you want to pack a bit extra. Too often a pack can be too small or too large for the situation. Many people have multiple packs, but this pack is the perfect intermediary between a day pack and a larger expedition pack. It’s great for wearing on a day trip with plenty of room, and then to be able to extend the roll top when needed, you can definitely fit in some food and a lightweight sleeping bag/pad. Or, if you are shopping for a backcountry ski/snowboard guide, it’s the perfect size for them to take out with their snow study equipment and a small rope kit.
Paka Wool Baselayers
Everyone needs a good base layer to stay warm in the winter. But synthetic baselayers can be sweaty and stinky. Merino is great but the supply chain can be hard to trace and many of the companies selling it are big conglomerates. Paka is a newer company that uses Alpaca wool with Merino and Tencel for a blend that is remarkably warm, light, and much more odor resistant than synthetic fibers. It’s worth the extra coin to get something that is much more ethical and long lasting.
Nemo Chipper Seat
Sometimes you need to park it for a moment, or a while. In the snow, this can end up being a cold or uncomfortable endeavour. The Chipper seat solves that issue by giving you an insulated rest stop that packs up easily in your pack. It’s so silly easy but it’s now a must-have in the bag when touring. It’s a good pick for an affordable gift that has immense practicality out in the mountains. The advantage the Chipper seat has is it’s that fully recycled, meaning less trash and more utility with our plastic waste. Nemo actually cares about doing good things, so if you need one butt pad to rule them all, this is it.
Looking for other gift ideas? Dive into our gear reviews section where we review base layers, sunglasses, and much more. And if you really want to impress your loved one, sign them up for a membership to Alpine Islands! We’re just getting started and they can be a pivotal player in the early days. Whatever you decide on for them, they will appreciate that you care about their obsession with the mountains. Hope to see you out there too!
