Growing up in Seattle, a city known for its easy access to all nature has to offer, gave me plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors — hiking, biking, camping, skiing, boating, and more. Along the way, I became pretty well-acquainted with “outdoorsy” folks. 

Here’s one lesson I learned: True adventurers tend to show very few material desires. Consequently, they can be especially tricky to gift for.

With the holidays around the corner, you may be wondering what to get a friend or family member who spends more time outdoors than inside. I’ve found myself in the same boat, but if there’s one store I’m studying for inspiration, it’s Outdoor Research.

RELATED: The best camping gift ideas to give outdoor adventurers for Christmas 2024

The Seattle-based gear and apparel brand designs some of the toughest gear and highest-quality outdoor styles you can find on the market. The company was founded in 1980 after a nuclear physicist watched his frostbitten partner get airlifted off a glacier due to a mishap with his gaiter. After this traumatic experience, he wanted to innovate functional gear that could help people fulfill all their pursuits, so Outdoor Research was born.

While we love everything on this list, for a quick shop, check out our top five options below:

Since then, the brand has been churning out styles that are made for action, built to last for years, and bear any condition with comfort at the forefront. Their diverse catalog is not just for pros, but for anyone picking up a new sport, or those who simply love to be outside.

Below, find the best Outdoor Research holiday gifts, from fleece hoodies to down parkas, wool gloves, and everything in between. With this guide, you can find just what you need to appease the nature enthusiasts in your life.

A laidback, effortless style is a welcome holiday gift for any lucky recipient. Our eyes are on Outdoor Research’s best-selling Grayland Fleece Pullover Hoodie, which features a classic hoodie cut that is made with recycled materials for an A+ in environmental impact. The warm, cozy sherpa fleece makes it an ideal piece for casual wear, running errands, and lounging.

What man doesn’t want a fabulous flannel for Christmas? If there’s one — we haven’t met him. This handsome, durable Feedback Flannel is one of the most popular styles at Outdoor Research, and we can see why. The casual wear button-up, featuring moisture-wicking and breathable materials makes it a go-to choice for men who love the outdoors or work outside all day long.

For someone in search of a little more warmth, we suggest Outdoor Research’s Transcendent Down Hoodie. The responsibly sourced 800+ fill power down provides insulated warmth in cold temperatures, ideal for late fall to early spring. It’s water-resistant, wind-resistant, and incredibly lightweight — scoring major points in the men’s jacket department.

Just imagine the look on your loved one’s face as they unwrap the super puffy, cloud-soft parka of their dreams. This glamorous down parka provides exceptional warmth, and the full-coverage build keeps the entire body protected, no matter the conditions. It may be a splurge, but now is the time to snatch it up.

Puffy snow booties were all the rage last winter, and we’re convinced that they will be sticking around for a while. The Tundra Trax Booties boast an undeniably trendy style, while also fusing together technologies built for adventuring. The rugged rubber outsole provides just enough traction to bear the cold weather and trek through the woods. We suggest them for your après’ ski friend.

Not sure what to buy the person in your life who has everything? The Juneau Beanie is just the right choice. The unisex style pairs easily with a range of outfits. Moisture-wicking materials help prevent sweaty heads. Best of all, it comes in an assortment of bright colors. Besides, who doesn’t love a beanie?

Another hoodie for your consideration — don’t discount Outdoor Research’s Vigor Plus style. This sleek hoodie is made with movement-mirroring stretch that makes it a fabulous gift for the active people in your life. Yogis? Hikers? Someone, who just can’t stand still? Or perhaps, you should grab one for each of them.

There’s certainly a baseball cap-wearing dad out there who would love to find this simple Swift Cap in their stocking. The fan-favorite Swift Cap is impressively lightweight and made of breathable fabrics for peak performance. Reviewers say they’ve worn it through sun, rain, and snow, making it an excellent choice for cross-season use.

Considering the thermostat is about to start dropping, a pair of gloves is always a smart gift to throw under the tree. Outdoor Research’s Flurry Sensor Gloves are far superior to similar styles we’ve seen. These don’t just offer the cozy wool-blend fleece that everyone wants in a glove. But, they also boast a touchscreen function — which means you can keep scrolling, no matter the forecast.

Where would any of us be without a useful backpack? The Heyday 20L Pack is among the most versatile bags we’ve seen — used both for work, school, and perhaps a day hike over the weekend. It’s loaded with convenient storage features that help keep all the essentials organized, while the water-resistant fabric keeps all the valuables protected. Consider it a great gift for the student or non-stop traveler you know

If there is one item that catches our eye in Outdoor Research’s holiday catalog, it has to be the OR Polartec 200 Hoodie. The relaxed silhouette combines warm and breathable mid-weight performance Polartec fleece and recycled materials to make an ideal cool weather style. Best of all, it can be worn on its own or easily layered on a chillier day.

Meet the mittens you’ll wish you had bought ten years ago. The Revolution II GORE-TEX Mitts are designed for backcountry wear, and Outdoor Research did not miss a detail. The synthetic insulation locks in heat, a Diamond Grip palm improves your hold on ski poles, and touchscreen compatibility makes it possible to stay connected in the cold. Reviewers say the lining never gets clammy, unlike some other mitten brands.

For the person who loves to layer, we point you in the direction of the ultra-packable SuperStrand LT Vest. This flattering yet functional top delivers the best down and insulation properties without taking up too much space in your suitcase. We’re beside ourselves with the fact that it compresses down to palm-size. I mean, it doesn’t get much better than that when packing for a ski trip.

Let’s face it. It’s about to get cold, like real, real cold. If you know someone planning to hit the ski slopes this winter, we strongly recommend gearing them up with a balaclava ski mask. The Alpine Onset Merino features soft, skin-friendly merino wool and recycled polyester for superior breathability, even when the mouth is covered.

Everyone knows that one person. The one who loves to sit in the sun and soak up Vitamin D all day long. They could probably use some sunscreen, and also the Helios Sun Hat. Why so? It offers a UPF 50+ rating, a flat crown, and a wide flat brim for 360 degrees of sun protection. Reviewers say there’s no better hat made, and we believe them.

The Freewheel 5L Hip Pack is a worthy gift for advanced mountaineers, daring bikers, and even the everyday Joe. It’s designed with a range of pockets of every size for all the essentials — sunglasses, water bladders, keys, snacks, and more. Compression straps keep everything secure and close to the body and an adjustable waistband allows for a perfect fit.

Of course, the holiday gift guide would not be complete without a festive cable-knit hat topped with a multi-colored pom. The Liftier Beanier mimics the traditional style but notches up the quality with warm, moisture-wicking 100% recycled polyesters and a modern folded cuff.

Socks may seem like the easy way out when it comes to gift-giving, but not when they come from Outdoor Research. The Freewheel Lightweight Crew MTB Socks are made with a luxurious merino wool blend that keeps the toes warm and toasty without causing overheating. They also incorporate targeted cushioning and a reinforced heel and toe to keep the feet comfortable for miles. For people on their feet all day, these socks are a serious treat.

Don’t sleep on a good duffel – especially when it’s as sporty, stylish, and durable as this one. Outdoor Research nailed the design with this CarryOut Duffel. It’s made with long-lasting PU-coated nylon and well-placed pockets for easy, organized storage. Travelers can choose between comfortable carry handles or removable padded shoulder straps that take the weight off the back, which is a major win when braving long travel days.

Lightweight, breathable, and designed for versatility, the Ferrosi Transit Pants are quickly going to become a wardrobe staple for the lucky guy you gift them to. The sleek five-pocket style, abrasion-resistant material, and tapered calf make these pants an easy choice for someone who likes to head straight from work into the great outdoors.

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.