Wondering what to get your significant other this Christmas? Or what to ask for yourself? We’ve got you covered…
With the holiday season swinging into view now is the perfect time to start planning your winter-related gifts and writing your own wishlists. Here is a selection of ideas for all manner of budgets…
Giro – Contour Goggle
€249.99
www.giro.com
The Contour is an all-new model from Giro for this season, built specifically to give riders an epic field (and quality) of view in a comparatively streamlined frame. Its EXV+ technology is a groundbreaking frame design that delivers incredible peripheral vision when combined with Giro’s contrast-boosting toric VIVID lenses – a spherical lens that mimics the form of the human eye. All together the Contour offers unparalleled optical quality. You won’t have to worry about fogging thanks to EVAK vent system, and swapping in the included low light lens is hassle-free thanks to the Contour’s magnetic quick-change lens system. It’s tech and style combined.
Boards – A Brief History of the Snowboard
€39.90
www.snowboardmuseum.com
Peter Radacher is an Austrian dude who runs the Snowboard Museum in Hochkönig. Here, he’s built up an impressive collection of boards over the years – from iconic pro models to obscure snowsliders – and in Boards – A Brief History of the Snowboard he presents his collection in print, fleching the images out with some interesting background info on the models. But he goes deeper. This weighty tome charts the long history of sliding sideways and some of the sport’s most celebrated legends, plus some less well-known tales from the sport’s development, meaning that Boards is essentially a snowboard nerd’s wet dream. If you like snowboards and history then grab a copy from snowboardmuseum.com
Namuk – Eon Backpack
€103.00
www.namuk.ch
Namuk’s commitments to providing quality gear for grommets is well known. This Swiss brand has been making top-notch kids’ outerwear for years so it should come as no surprise that their backpack is built with the same attention to detail: the Eon is not only completely waterproof but it’s also super durable thanks to textile fabrics that are up to 15 times stronger than steel. This means you can depend on it to keep your child’s gear dry on long hikes, but that it will take a licking and keep on ticking whatever mischief they get up to on the way. The lightweight, compressible Eon also features reflective details and the inner lining can even be pulled out and used as a seat pad in the forest. For ages 3-8.
Burton – Kids’ Vent Mitt
€40.00
www.burton.com
It’s a no-brainer that a kid on the mountain that’s warm and dry will have more fun than one who’s not. And seeing that it’s their hands that will be in most regular contact with snow, it makes sense to invest in some quality handwear to make sure young rippers’ digits are kept toasty. Burton has a long history of producing good-looking, high-quality clothing for children who love the mountains, and these Kids’ Vent Mitts continue the tradition. Of course, they’re well-insulated and waterproof, but they also come with a nifty pocket that you can slip a handwarmer into on super cold days, or use as a vent in warmer weather.
Giro – Men’s Stow Jacket
€79.99
www.giro.com
When it’s time to hit the trail or grind some gravel at this time of year, you want a jacket that’s windproof, repels moisture and packs easily. The Stow gives you all of this and more. This durable barrier against windchill is made of super lightweight fabric enhanced with a DWR coating to repel water and grime, yet it’s still sufficiently breathable thanks to well-placed vents. It comes with a relaxed cut to layer over loose jerseys and tech tees, and a secure chest pocket in which you can stash your cash and keys. There are also reflective highlights to give you some pop in low light conditions. The Stow jacket is also the perfect companion for commuters after lightweight protection from the elements.