Who doesn’t love new toys? And if they improve your performance in the surf, snow and mountains—or just make you look cool tooling around town—all the better. Like Swobo’s Baxter ($1,099), an 8-speed commuter bike. It’s got a lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fiber fork so you can ditch the car and speed around town without breaking a sweat or ditching your work-to-happy-hour-appropriate attire. The rear brake cable is hidden in the top tube, which means it won’t catch on your clothing. Other cool features: Shimano hub and disc brakes and 36-hole wheels for better durability and riding ease on rough roads, potholes and railroad tracks. Plus there’s no need to worry about the limited daylight hours on this bike. The seat post has an integrated taillight and the tires come with patented 3M reflective strips, so cars can’t miss you. You’re highly visible—and looking good—on this bike.
Whether winter sporting endeavors put you on a bike, boat or simply two feet, it’s nice to stay warm and dry. So as the rainy season approaches, waterproof hiking boots like the Keen Targhee II ($125) are a good away to keep avid hikers tromping through the redwoods and along ocean-view bluffs. The waterproof, breathable membranes keep feet dry from the inside and outside of the shoe; the rain can’t get in, while the technology dissipates sweat before it saturates the boot’s inside. The shape of the footbed cushions feet and provides arch support—all of which means it’s easier to stay active as opposed to going stir-crazy indoors.
And speaking of getting wet, all water babies—surfers, stand-up paddle boarders, kayakers, extreme ocean swimmers—on your list will appreciate O’Neill’s Psychofreak 4.5/3.5 FSW wetsuit ($529.95). It comes with or without a hood, keeps you warm in our cooler (a.k.a., nearly frigid) waters with more insulating and water wicking and has added flex for your legs. Pair it with a longboard or a surf kayak and you’ll win Santa of the Year.
For those who are bound for the snow, Sessions’ Boz insulated jacket ($165) marries retro, ski-slope neon stripes and pocket detailing with baggy board style and has a warmth rating of 10, useful on the mountain and for drinks outside around those firepits that really don’t put off a lot of heat.
Whether biking, surfing, snowboarding or skiing, capture it on HD video with a GoPro Hero ($179-$299), a tiny wearable digital camera with a waterproof casing that you can attach to a helmet, surfboard, mountain bike or just about anything else. Not only do you get to relive your adrenaline rush from multiple points of view, depending on where you attach the camera, but you get to make your friends jealous, too. And that is truly priceless.
