Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gifts $200+
Back with a vengeance, this is the Second Annual Backcountry Skiing Canada Holiday Gift Guide (or SABSCHGG, for short). We know you need all the help you can get when choosing presents for loved (and liked) ones. It is with this in mind that we share these various gifting ideas with you. Note that they are all gear-related—no toasters here, folks.
We’ve broken the items up into four categories this year to make it easier for you to find things that might make sense for your budget and tastes. We’ll be rolling ‘em out over the next week and they include: less than $50, gift $50 - $100, gifts $100 - $200, and gifts $200 and up. First, let's start with gifts under $50.
Best Gifts $200+
These kit bits are for the truly extravagant. I mean, we’ re all different but I have never given a present that cost more than $200 (unless I didn’t pay for it to begin with—does that count?). Lucky for you, we have a wide range here for you to paw over and consider.
These are the kinds of things that’d be hard not to purchase for yourself. Consider it a test of your generosity. To give away things like this is a testament to your selflessness. If you can afford this tier, and are so inclined, give ‘er.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown DS Jacket
Mountain Hardwear has taken the down jacket to the next level by adding in Dynamic Stretch. Not only does the Stretchdown DS Jacket use Nikwax Hydrophobic Down it’s also certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) by Control Union.
The Stretchdown DS uses welded channel construction which traps in more warmth than standard stitching and the new stretch patter is unique looking and super comfortable. With two zippered handwarmer pockets, a zippered left chest pocket, and two easy-access interior drop pockets you’ll always have enough places to lose your keys. If you’ve got a cold person on your holiday gift list then the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown DS Jacket might be just the thing to warm them up.
Price: $400CAN / $340US
Weight: 547g / 1lb 3oz
Salomon QST 35 Touring pack
We featured a ski touring pack in the $100-$200 Gift Guide but the Salomon QST 35 Touring pack is much larger and more ideally suited to full day tours. With 35L of space, you’ll have room for all your gear, and avalanche tools. The QST will also let you carry your skis or board should you need to boot pack a ridge to access the goods. Functional, well built and a reasonable price, the Salomon QST 35 Touring pack would make any recipient happy.
Price: $240CAN / $200US
Elan Ripstick 96 Skis
Finding a pair of skis under the tree with your name on them has to be the ultimate present. The Elan Ripstick 96’s are a true freeride ski for those looking for a lightweight and versatile ski. Read our review of the Ripstick 106 over here and you’ll see why we know you’ll love the Ripstick96’s. These skis have Vapor inserts in tip and tail to reduce vibrations, Tubelight wood core and Fiberglass construction with TNT Technology and an Amphibio asymmetrical profile. This all adds up to a fun versatile ski for touring and resort side fun alike.
Price: $700CAN / $649US
Lengths: 167, 174, 181, 188
Dimensions: 135/96/110
Weight: 1580 grams @ 181
MSR Revo Explore Snowshoes
Sure, we are a backcountry skiing site—that doesn’t mean it’s the only way we like to travel on snow. The MSR Revo Explores are for that special someone who wants to slow down a bit and go for a hike on snow, rather than shred it. The HyperLink binding is what separates this ‘shoe from the pack. It means you can hike on- and off- trail in comfort for hours on end, without problems.
The part that cradles your foot has also been hot-rodded here. EVA foam takes care of any pressure points one might normally feel. At just slightly over the 200$ mark, the Revos are one of the more economical items included in this category. They come in his and her colours, too.
Price: $237CAN / $219.95US
Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
Alpha Direct is Polartec’s latest active insulation and it’s found in Outdoor Research’s new Ascendant Hoody. With no need for an interior liner, the unique knit construction of the Alpha Direct means one less layer through which heat and moisture have to move in order to vent. Outdoor Research combines Alpha Direct insulation in their Ascendant Hoody with a highly air-permeable, stretch-woven Pertex shell to buffet the wind and elements. It’s the ideal mid layer for backcountry skiing, not too cold and not too hot. Surprise someone this holiday season with the Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody and you’ll see exactly why we think this jacket is a winner.
Price: $275CAN / $215US
Patagonia Powslayer Bibs
Now we are getting into the spendy zone of gift giving. The powslayers are super-duper, heavy-duty, yet lightweight and packable bibs. These aren’t the kinds of bibs that come up under your armpits, either—which is preferable. A simple, three-pocket design is perfected with a mini-transceiver sleeve and clip in the right thigh pocket. This sells them for me. But wait! There’s more! A recycled, 3-layer GORE-TEX® PRO face fabric and a fit-like-a-glove design. The Powslayer Bibs come in models for men and women too. So you can get a pair for the extra-special man or woman in your life. If you really want to lay down some cash, pick up the matching jacket too. Slayah!.
Price: $655CAN / $599US
Rudy Project Sintryx Sunglasses
The Rudy Project Sintryx Sunglasses are ideal for skiing and riding thanks to their large lenses which provide protective coverage for your eyes while still ensuring enough ventilation to prevent fogging during high-intensity exercise. Their adjustable Ergonose XI nose piece uses 2 different polymers for increased grip and comfort, while the fully adjustable temple tips ensure a comfortable fit. Made for the backcountry trails and routes, the new Rudy Project Sintryx Sunglasses would be ideal for any adventurers you know.
Price: $224.99-$299.99US (depending on lens choice)
Intuition Pro Tour Liners
Intuition has long been the best manufacturer of ski boot liners with all the big boot brands using them. Intuition makes a new liner specifically for touring applications such as backcountry and tele skiing. The Pro Tour Liners are a tongue style liner with lacing in the front for a solid fit. Their dual-density construction is light weight and offers up a softer flexing lay-up with a roomy toe box for maximum comfort on long tours. A built-in rear panel increases their range of motion while a supple cuff offers solid support and responsiveness. If you don’t want to give up those trusty old AT boots quite yet then bring them back to life with a selfy-gift of a pair of Intuition Pro Tour Liners. Read our review of the Intuition Pro Tour Liners over here for all the details.
Price: $247.50CAN / $198.00US
Mammut Alyeska Pro HS Jacket
Like the Aconcagua in the lower price category, the Alyeska Pro Jacket is high-concept design. Perhaps because Mammut is comparatively rare on our side of the pond, the Alyeska tends to generate some second looks on the slopes or in the backcountry.
More on the bomber side of the scale than fast and light, the Alyeska is the kind of storm fortress you want in your pack (or on your back) when extreme weather hits. The 3-layer Gore-Tex shrugs off driving rain and snow. The cool double zipper neck program allows for supreme flexibility—with or without a helmet. Is there someone special on your give-to list for whom this delightful jacket would be appropriate? Only you can answer that question. We’re guessing it might work for someone pretty dang special.
Price: $1000CAN / $750US
Backcountry Access Tracker3
Nothing says you care more than a new transceiver,… well, ok, not really, but it’s still a super-nice gesture. The Backcountry Access Tracker3 is 20 percent smaller and lighter than the Tracker2, it also includes signal suppression and Big Picture modes for "no-nonsense" multiple-victim searching. The Tracker3 is North America’s best-selling transceiver and it would be a welcome gift from any Santa. Read our full review over here.
Price: $369.99CAN / $335US
Exped Synmat HL Winter MW
A great gift for your camping partner is the SynMat HL Winter mat. It’s reported to be the lightest 4-season sleeping mat currently on the market. With a tapered design, microfiber insulation, 9cm thickness and a 20 denier fabric that has next-to-skin comfort and an anti-slip honeycomb-pattern coating, this mat will keep you comfy and warm. It packs down super small and even comes with a Schnozzel Pumpbag which prevents humidity from your breath affecting the insulation as you inflate the mat. The Pumpbag also doubles as an ultra lightweight compression stuff sack.
Price: $260CAN / $209US
Dimensions: 9cm thick, 183cm length, 42 - 65cm width
Weight Mat: 545g
Temperature rating: -18°C
R-Value: 5.00
Arc'teryx Airah Women's Jacket
Presenting the Airah at holiday-time will earn any gift giver massive bonus points—and with good reason. Though it may work for your mom, think "wife" or "girlfriend" for this piece. The purple version pops super-well and will have everyone green with envy. It's a premium, money-is-no-object jacket that'll work great in the backcountry over a base-layer or at the hill with a mid- and base-layer combo. The Airah has a very flattering cut and just the right number of features, an approach for which Arc'teryx is famous. The Gore-tex shell and Polartec Alpha active insulation materials top it all off. The jacket is a significant investment with a high, predictable, rate of return.
Price: $800CAN / $500US
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Ski Tour Pants
Introduce your touring partner to the wonders of shoft shells this holiday season. With more warmth, comfort, stretch and breathability than hard shells pants, the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Ski Tour Pants are sure to be a hit. Their highly water- and wind-resistant polyester/nylon/spandex material is treated with a Stormrepel Super DWR which is a long-lasting moisture-shedding finish. If things get too hot on the skin track then the hip-to-knee vents with dual zips will let you vent off heat as much or as little heat as you want. What more could you ask for? oh yeah, a great price too!
Price: $255CAN / $199US
Oboz Bridger 8” Insulated Waterproof Boots
The Oboz Bridger 8” Insulated Waterproof boots are purpose-built for the rigours of winter and the snowy explorations they allow. From hiking to snowshoeing the Bridger’s tall 8” height provides support and protection in deep snow. Thanks to the BDry-lined Nubuck leather these boots are fully waterproof so your feet stay dry and comfortable. 200 grams of Thinsulate is used on the inside to keep your feet warm along with an O Fit thermal insole made of reflective mylar and wool. On the outside, Oboz uses a winter-specific rubber and grippy deep lugs to ensure secure footing.
Price: $245CAN / $185US
Sweet Protection Igniter MIPS Helmet
Sweet Protection’s new Igniter MIPS Helmet is a lightweight, yet safe, all-mountain helmet for the skier or rider on your holiday list. Its ventilated ABS thermo molded plastic hardshell construction uses “Impact Shields” technology to keep you safe while still maintaining an ideal performance to weight ratio. On the inside, the Igniter comes with Sweet’s “Impact Shields” technology, which helps absorb impact in the head’s most vulnerable zones. This safety system is combined with MIPS technology, which helps reduce the rotational force that can cause brain damage during an impact. Light, safe and built to last, the Sweet Protection Igniter MIPS Helmet is a winner in this year’s Gift Guide. Don’t take out word for it, check one out for yourself.
Price: $279.95CAN / $239US
Tentsile Flight+ Tree Tent
Why sleep on the ground when you can camp suspended amongst the trees. You need to stay off the cold ground, especially in winter and the Tentsile Flight+ Tree Tent is the perfect way to do this. The Flite+ is Tentsile’s lightest two-person tree tent. It has a single small ratchet to save on weight, and given the small size of the Flite+, it can easily be set up between most tree configurations - even in dense forests. Abuilt-inn insect mesh top with a removable rain fly provides protection from the bugs and rain while allowing for great views when the conditions permit. Two doors provide easy access for you and all your gear, plus one lucky person that gets to share this innovative camping experience.
Prices: $462CAN / $350US
Black Diamond Helio Glove
Black Diamond’s Helio line of clothing, skis, and poles are designed to be the lightest in their class and the Helio Gloves are no exception. This three-in-one glove system is designed specifically for weight conscious ski mountaineers and alpinists. Their packable outer shell and lightweight Polartec fleece make this glove the ultimate present for the ski tourer on your gift list. Keep the ones you love warm and smiley all winter long with the new Black Diamond Helio Gloves.
Price: $229CAN / $199.95US
Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler
While it may not be the optimum time to think about keeping your beer and food cold it is the season to prevent it from freezing and the Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler can do both. Cold in the summer and not too cold in winter. The Roadie 20 uses roto-molded construction to create a compact and mighty little cooler, capable of carrying 16 cans of beer or 20 pounds of ice. Its ColdLock Gasket keeps the content colder longer and the ‘No Sweat Design’ means you’ll never be stuck mopping up a mess. If you are car camping, tailgating or enjoying a cold one after a day of ski touring, the Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler will make anyone happy this holiday season.
MSRP: $269.27CAN / US $199.99US
Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie
Sierra Designs new Whitney Hoodie features their patented DriDown fill along with a 40 denier Shadow Rip polyester shell. The 800 Fill insulation keeps you snuggly warm while the fabric gaskets on the cuffs and the outer shell material keep all sorts of weather out. On the exterior two zippered hand pockets keep your digits warm while two additional invisible chest pockets and an inside kangaroo pocket provide lots of storage options. The Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie is the best valued, highest performing down jacket we’ve found so it’s perfect for that hard-to-buy person on your gift list.
Price: $235CAN / $169US
Weight: 448g / 15.8oz
Faction Dictator 4.0 Skis
Its hard to hide a pair of skis under the tree, but then again who cares if you get skis on the big day? Especially if they are the new Dictator 4.0’s from Faction. A lightweight Paulownia/poplar wood core with two full layers of titanal keep the Dictator’s light while maintaining stability at high speed. With a 115mm waist, the Dictator 4.0 skis float in deep snow and take on variable crud like it’s nothing. The long sidecut in the tail finishes off your turns while the shorter side-cut and rockered tips keep the skis nimble and fun. The Dictator 4.0’s stiff flex make this a hard-charging expert ski for anywhere on the mountain, or out of bounds.
Price: $ 869CAN / $799US
Dimensions: 139/115/127mm
Length :180, 186, 192cm
Radius: 22m (180cm)
Weight: 2.1kg / 4.6lb (180cm)
Burton AK Incline Pack
Burton is the name in snowboards and they also make a pretty mean backcountry snowboard pack, namely the AK Incline Pack. With 40L of space you can easily carry all your safety gear for a quick side country lap, full day tour or even and minimal overnight outing. The AK Incline Pack offers up great carrying comfort with the Aeropro enclosed trampoline back panel. It also stands up to abuse given its nylon ripstop construction. There is no doubt that the snowboarder on your list will be happy to see this gift under the tree.
Price: $269.99CAN / $219.95US
Weight: 3.7lbs / 1.7kg
Colors: Rifle Green, Mood Indigo
Size: 40L 60x40x16cm / 24x16x6.5in
Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR
Any outdoorsy person on your holiday gift list would love to receive the Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR. With a built-in heart rate monitor and GPS it's been designed specifically for the cyclist, runner and swimmer in mind. Its slim, compact design and lightweight feel make it versatile enough for training as well as day to day use. Tracking your activity is easy and sharing it via Suunto’s Moves Count web site is a great way to keep your training on track and your friends in the know.
Price: $379.95 CAN / $279US
Fischer Travers Carbon Ski Boot - Powered by Boa Technology
Fischer’s ultra-lightweight Travers Carbon alpine touring ski boot uses the Boa system for an uncomplicated, fast and millimeter-precise adjustment. You’re guaranteed a perfect fit with the BOA system and the pulley-oriented lace guides that ensure a secure foot hold from your instep to your toes no matter your foot’s individual anatomy. Boa saves on weight and time while improving fit and adjustability. You can find the Boa system on ski boots, snowboard boots, bike shoes and more.
Other features of the Fischer Traverse Carbon Ski Boots include a Palau Lite liner, Certified Dynafit inserts, Marker Kingpin compatible, Carbon/Aramid no torsion sole plate and 80°of cuff rotation, all in a sub-one-kilo ski boot.
Price: $999.99CAN / $899.95US
Weight: 980g/26.5
Sizes: 25.5-30.5
Cuff Rotation: 80 degrees
Last: 100mm
For gifts on a slightly leaner budget, check out our recommendations for the best holiday gifts priced $50-$100 and $100-$200 and if that’s not economical enough then there are our top gift picks under $50 as well.