Its time for our IRG.COM gift guide! Here is a list of some excellent products we had the pleasure of using and reviewing. We know not everyone has time to buy and test gear all year long and we are here to help you with that. We feel that these gifts will put some great smiles on the face of your outdoor adventuring friends and family. Please feel free to email us if you have any suggestions or would like to see us review a specific product.
Happy Holidays from all of us at iRevewGear!
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$0-50
Cory’s Picks
You show me a person who does not wear T-shirts and I’ll show you a liar. We all wear them and we all love them. Lets just be honest about that right out front. Now that said some shirts are simply better than others and that is certainly the case with American Backcountry Tee’s. They are insanely comfortable and there are tons of different and amazing designs to choose from. We freaking love these shirts and we think you will too!
Buy it Here: https://www.americanbackcountry.com/
Johnny’s Picks:
Double Shot with Brü-Stop by Planetary Design
If you can’t live without your coffee and are always on the go Planetary Design Double Shot is the perfect travel mug for you. The storage container on the bottom of the mug, holds your coffee grounds until you are ready to use the built in french press to make the perfect cup of coffee on the go. Check out our review at http://ireviewgear.com/misc/double-shot-with…planetary-design/
Buy it now at: https://planetarydesign.com/shop/double-shot-with-bru-stop/
Katja’s Picks:
EcoSurvivor Battery Pack 9000mAh
When you get away from power it makes it thought to charge your phone. Many of use use our phones as our GPS, camera, and even entertainment. Well luckily we live in a world were we can have power on the go and this is no better represented than by EcoSurvivor. Check out our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/cool-gear/ecosurvivor-battery-pack-9000mah/
Buy it Here: https://byjasco.com/products/eco-survivor-battery-pack-9000mah
Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking
What they say: Winner of Runner’s World Gear of the Year Award. With the Katadyn BeFree™ Water Filtration System, you no longer have to worry about where your next drink will come from. Just fill up the flask and let the EZ-Clean Membrane™ do the work. Gently squeeze the flask for instant refreshment. Maintain the EZ-Clean Membrane™ quickly and easily for longer life and more enjoyment. Simply fill the flask with water, attach the cover and shake free the debris. Or, remove the filter from the flask and swish in any lake, river or stream. And when you’re ready to hit the road, the collapsible flask packs small to fit into tight spaces. Just smash, stash and go!.Hydrapak® Soft Flask is longer lasting, rugged, high-tech, flexible, BPA-free.
What I say: I have filters for backpacking and for day-trips I tend to carry my water. Then my friend, a recent finisher of the Pacific Crest Trail, showed me the Katadyn systems. As long as you check for water sources ahead of time, this is a quick and easy way to stay hydrated on the trail. No more lugging several liters of water with me on an afternoon hike, or having to stop and pull out my heavy duty filter. Just stop and fill and filter as you drink. I don’t know how I’m still behind on this, so many of my friends already use these! Time for me to catch up!
NRS Pilot Knife (Black)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014OTTE4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wBE9BbQYJYPY4
What they say: Both rescue professionals and recreational boaters love the features of the NRS Pilot Knife. Not only does its unique design attract attention, the sheath provides convenient access and release of the knife when you need it most. The comfortable rubberized grip wraps around the contoured handle, giving you maximum control of the blade. The sheath clip attaches firmly to a PFD lash tab. The handle has a built in glass breaking tip on the end. As another safety feature, the blade is only sharpened on the one edge. This, along with the blunt tip, helps prevent injury in a tight rescue situation.
What I say: The pocket knife I dragged along on rafting and kayaking trips this summer took quite a beating, and the sharp edge made me nervous being in an inflatable boat. One of my friends is a rafting guide and I’ve seen the Pilot Knife in several of her trip photos. Reading up on the reliability, safety features, and easy attachment to PFDs, this sounds like the perfect knife for future whitewater outings.
$50-100
Johnny’s Picks:
Vargo Titanium BOT Bottle/Pot
For the ultralight backpacker that is looking for a lightweight durable backpacking cookpot that can save space by doubling as a water bottle. Look no further than the BOT by Vargo provides you with a way to cut weight and get more than one use out of your equipment. Check out our review at http://ireviewgear.com/cooking/vargo-titanium-bot-bottle-pot/
Buy it here at: https://www.vargooutdoors.com/titanium-bot-bottle-pot.html
Trekz Air by Aftershokz
For the person who has to have music all the time but also likes to be able to hear what is going on in there surroundings. Aftershokz Trekz Air provides you with great sound quality through bone conduction technology, while allowing you to still hear and interact with your surroundings. Check out our review at http://ireviewgear.com/misc/trekz-air-by-aftershock/,
Buy it now at: https://aftershokz.com/products/trekz-air
Zulu Audio Wearable Bluetooth Speaker
When you need your music all the time and want to share it with those near by Zulu Audio Wearable Bluetooth speakers are the perfect item for you. Made to attack your clothing by powerful magnets these spears keep you in music as you live your active lifestyle. Check out our review at http://ireviewgear.com/misc/zulu-audio-weara…uetooth-speakers/,
Buy it now at: https://zuluaudio.com/product/zulu-alpha-wearable-bluetooth-speakers-white/
Katja’s Picks:
La Sportiva Boulder X Hiking Shoe – Women’s, Ice Blue, 42 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RDELQM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iSC9Bb7KPVK7B
What they say: Expertly traverse the field of troll-sized boulders with your expedition pack when you wear the La Sportiva Women’s Boulder X Approach Shoe. Get a grip on any rock in any condition with the specially designed rubber tread outsole and Impact Brake System, even with forty pounds on your back. With that much weight, your feet will get a kick out of the extra cushioning in the footbed and midsole, so you can make it to base camp before all the light fades. The Boulder X’s tough leather upper and toe rand withstand a whole mountain range of abuse for the roughest approaches on the planet.
What I say: La Sportiva’s footwear has a long standing reputation for excellence. The approach shoe is lightweight and sturdy and has great grip for crossing rocky terrain. Plus it’s both attractive and well built for us hard-on-our-gear mountain ladies!
Cory’s Picks:
SPOT X
Stay connected to the ones you love with this great device. They even offer a great promotional deal for the holidays. Remember to check out our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/cool-gear/spot-x/
Buy it Here:
PROMOTIONAL DEAL
www.findmespot.com/Holiday2018
GCI Freestyle Rocker
What could be better than a good camp chair? Well, how about a camp chair that rocks! Yes, you read that correctly, they make rocking camp chairs now and they are GCI Outdoors! You absolutly need one of these! check out our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/backpacks/gci-freestyle-rocker/
Buy it Here: https://www.gcioutdoor.com/tailgate-chairs/freestyle-rocker-rocking-chair/
$100-500
Cory’s Picks:
YETI Camino Carryall
When you need to carry all your stuff out to the ball field or beach you need a bag that won’t fail. You need something sturdy and steadfast. You need a YETI Camino. See our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/backpacks/yeti-camino-carryall/
Buy it Here:
Sitka Gear
Clothing is gear and you need quality gear. Go check out Sitka Gear and find everything you need to wear for hunting everything from ducks to deer. See our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/clothing/sitka-gear-optifade-waterfowl-gear/
Buy it Here:
Katja’s Picks:
Backcountry Access Tracker 3 Beacon 2015 B-30000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G7IUO9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_V0C9BbC2VEGZT
What they say: Renowned for their no-bullshit approach to avalanche safety, BCA took the fool-proof function of the Tracker 2 and renewed it with a sophisticated, faster and smaller package – the result is the Tracker 3. 20% smaller than its predecessor, the Tracker 3 is small enough to be carried comfortably in a jacket pocket, whilst boasting the fastest processer of any transceiver – meaning even faster pinpointing.
What I say: As more people head out into the backcountry for winter sports/travel, the risk of avalanche danger increases. Even though I usually ski in-bounds, winter scrambling and alpine touring are drawing me further out and I want the very best for me and my crew. The Tracker 3 is described as user friendly, efficient, and light-weight (when people described it as comfortable to wear, I was sold!) As technology develops so do our tools, and it’s wonderful to see products improving while maintaining simplicity in operation.
Lowa Mauria GTX Ws Boot Review
Women do not have it easy when it comes to searching for good gear. The market is mostly aimed at men and so when we find an exceptional women’s specific product we have to showcase it. See our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/boots/lowa-mauria-gtx-ws-boot-review/
Buy it Here:
https://www.lowaboots.com/womens/trekking/mauria-gtx-ws-dark-blue-bordeaux
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat, Regular https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MTZP8Z6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_snE9Bb40YFCBY
What they say: The Ultralight Insulated Air Mat is designed with ultralight adventures in mind. Constructed with a single layer of medium resolution Air Sprung Cells the weight is kept down. Thermolite and Exkin Platinum are used for insulation and with an equivalent R-Value of 3.3 this lightweight and compact mat will take you through more than just warm summer nights. The multi function valve allows super fast inflation and deflation and fine-tuning of your personal comfort. This ultralight insulated mat shows that you don’t have to compromise weight for comfort.
With the optional Air Stream Pump you can set up camp much faster. The Air Stream Sack Pump is a dual purpose storage sack and pump. It features a low profile valve plug that is compatible with our multi-function valve found on all of our sleeping mats and Aeros pillows. With two to three cycles of air, your sleeping mat will be inflated with minimal condensation on the inside of your mat and no dizziness from puffing. The lightweight 15D Ultra-Sil Nano dry sack is large enough to store your sleep system for easy packing during the day.
What I say: Confession time: early this year, I went for the cheapest sleeping pad I could find with decent reviews on Amazon without paying attention to any of the specs. Never again! This summer I found myself sleeping cold on a glacier and tossing/turning on alpine slopes. Sleep is a necessity to get up and adventure the next morning, and I’m never cutting corners again! These Sea to Summit pads are at the top of my list now! Weighing in between 13-28oz and with stellar reviews as to warmth and comfort… yes, please!
$500+
Johnny’s Picks:
More to come!
Katja’s Picks:
Black Diamond Halo 28 JetForce Avalanche Airbag Pack, Black, Medium/Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QNFXXI2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_EaE9BbJTF4KFC
What they say: From one-lap dawn patrols to all-day tours and couloir missions, the Black Diamond Halo 28 JetForce Pack is built to store your essential gear for day-long outings and provides a truly innovative addition to your avalanche tool kit. JetForce Technology, the result of a multi-year collaboration between Black Diamond and PIEPS, is the first avalanche airbag system to use jet-fan inflation. JetForces repackable airbag and fully rechargeable electronics system provide zero-cost user practice and travel-friendly performance. The Halo also features a dedicated avy tools pocket, HiLo helmet holder and single ice-axe attachment for securing your gear. Now with updated firmware, the Halo covers all of your needs for day trips and big lines.
What I say: Avalanche airbags save lives. Period. They are beginning to come down in price and many models are available for less than $1,000. However, the performance of the Black Diamond JetForce is remarkable. The ability to practice/inflate and re-pack is amazing as muscle memory can make the difference between life and death in a crisis. Black Diamond is one of my top brand picks and this is something I will be asking Santa for this year!
Cory’s Picks:
SEEKOUTSIDE TIPI COMBO
When you need to get way back off the road but you don’t want to freeze you need some serious specialty gear. Good thing the folks at SEEKOUTSIDE decided to solve this problem for you. When warmth and weight matter you need a SEEKOUTSIDE Tipi and Titianium Stove. See our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/backpacks/seekoutside-6-man-tipi-w-liner-and-xl-stove/
Buy it Here:
https://seekoutside.com/6-person-tipi-stove-half-liner-bundle/
Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20-50
When you only get one shot you need to make sure it counts. Huskemaw optics helps to make that first shot a success with their amazing glass and innovative turret system. Don’t miss your chance at the trophy of a lifetime. See our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/review-of-the-week/huskemaw-blue-diamond-5-20-50/
Buy it Here:
http://huskemaw.com/where-to-buy.html
Opticron MM4 W/ SDL Eye Piece and Imagic BGA VHD Binocular
Glass is one of the most important pieces of equipment the sportsman can have. You need good glass and Opticron can give it to you. See our review here: http://ireviewgear.com/review-of-the-week/opticron-mm4-w-sdl-eye-piece-and-imagic-bga-vhd-binocular/
Buy it Here:
