Getting in gear: Gifts to warm an adventurer all over

Selecting the perfect Christmas gift for an outdoors adventurer can be difficult. Those of us who venture out into the wilds do so, in part, to enjoy a quieter, simpler way of life -- to get away from the modern conveniences and technological contraptions that have taken over our day-to-day lives.

However, most serious outdoor enthusiasts are more than willing to accept a little technology if it means having gear that makes our adventures safer and/or more enjoyable. The difficulty, then, lies in culling the good gear from the frivolous gadgets and gizmos. Once again, we've enlisted the help of a few gear-heads to help sort through an assortment of outdoor gear and garments and present some of the things any outdoor enthusiast would be happy to get as a gift.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Some of the best gifts are the little ones.

LEATHERMAN

Leatherman Locking Knives.

Leatherman Locking Knives, $40-$100
The company that turned pocketknives on their ear with the introduction of multi-tools once again surprises the industry by offering a new line of folding knives. You can find simple single-bladed folders, but as is befitting Leatherman's tradition, you also can find multi-use knives. The e306x Knife is a great example. The locking main blade features easy open-assist technology -- dubbed Blade Launcher -- that makes opening the blade an easy one-finger operation. But the second blade is the treat here -- it is a receptacle that holds flat socket bits. A small assortment of socket bits (two flat screwdriver bits, No. 1 Phillips bit, No. 2 Phillips bit and No. 15 Torx bit) fits in the knife handle for ready accessibility. There's also a flip-out carabiner so you can clip the knife to your pack or belt -- and the 'biner doubles as a bottle opener.

Sierra Designs Down Sleepies, $24
Camp should be a place to relax, get warm and stay comfortable. All too often, though, once freed from boots, your toes start to get chilled -- and if you keep the boots on, you'll be uncomfortable in the tent. Enter Sierra Designs Down Sleepies. These ultralight down booties lack the heavy outsoles found on some down footwear, so you won't want to head out into the snow with them. But if you simply want to keep your feet warm while sitting in your tent -- or yurt, cabin or camper, for that matter -- the Sleepies are perfect. They weigh just 6 ounces.

Thorlo Ultra Thin Ski Socks, $19.99
Given the thin nature of these socks, skiers may blanch at first glance. But while these socks are thin, they also are warm, thanks to high-performance Thermolite-blend material. Thermolite helps retain heat with little bulk. That makes these the perfect socks to fit inside close-fitting ski boots.

SMITH PRODIGY

Smith Prodigy Turbo Fan Goggles.

Smith Prodigy Turbo Fan Goggles, $180
Trust us, it is not a gimmick. The fan in the goggles actually works. In fact, it works incredibly well, and the latest generation of microfans used by Smith operates so quietly you may not even notice it's there -- though you will notice your goggles are not fogging up. The Prodigy frames are medium-size and can be worn alone or over a helmet. The Silver Sensor lenses provide great clarity and surface definition on even the haziest overcast days. The price is a bit steep, but the Turbo Fan series from Smith provides a previously unattainable level of clarity in ski goggles.

CLOTHING

Here's a selection of apparel likely to please.

Patagonia's Revised R2 Jacket, $150
The classic R2 fleece jacket has been redesigned to take advantage of a new fabric from Polartec. The new material offers outstanding insulation and warmth in a lightweight package. The new high-loft fleece is based on the heat-retaining nature of animal fur -- think about the fur on a malamute or husky, and you'll understand. The new fabric features longer "guard hairs" to maintain loft and a dense "underfur" of microfibers to trap warm air.

CLOUDVEIL

Cloudveil Gridlock Jacket.

Cloudveil Gridlock Jacket, $155
Cloudveil knows jackets. The company that popularized softshells in the United States continues to stay at the forefront in the use of new materials. The Gridlock jacket utilizes a new form of Malden Mills' Thermal Pro fleece. This fabric effectively regulates your temperature when layered appropriately for your activity level. For high-aerobic sports like backcountry skiing, the jacket alone is perfect, as it blocks most wind but still breathes incredibly well. A thin Gore-Tex layer over the top makes a good combo for inbound skiing on cold, damp days. The jacket flexes well thanks to a roomy cut and the inclusion of PowerStretch fabric in strategic locations.

Ex Officio Buzz Off Baja Shirt, $84
Shirts that repel mosquitoes? Absolutely! Christmas may not be the time to think about 'skeeters, but this shirt is a great gift idea because it works just as promised. The odorless Buzz Off Insect Shield fabric repels biting insects such as mosquitoes and no-see-ums. The Baja shirt design, meanwhile, helps keep the wearer cool and comfortable in the balmiest conditions, with a mesh-lined yoke and broad ventilation panels along arms and torso. What's more, it looks sharp.

Columbia sweaters, $50-$75
Portland-based Columbia Sportswear is best known for its affordable parkas and humorous commercials featuring Momma Boyle. But the company does so much more. Its line of casual wear has long been a favorite of outdoors enthusiasts. This year's sweaters really stand out. The blends of wool and synthetic make sweaters such as the men's Buffalo Peak soft and warm but also durable and attractive. The women's cardigan-style Crossroads offers an athletic fit and attractive styling.

More links:
More good gifts for gear-heads
Presents for outdoorsy types