Shopping for the female outdoor adventurer in your life? Get spot-on picks from women who hike the miles, chase the summits, brave the weather, and actually use the gear on their own adventures. Because when it comes to kitting out an outdoorswoman, real-world experience makes all the difference. Read on for the ultimate gift guide for female adventurers.
What to buy for the endurance adventurer in your life?
Here are 10 items from Emma Cole, journalist, podcaster and writer for a range of budgets perfect for any adventurer. As a big fan of all things adventure, I always have my eyes peeled for fun gadgets, eco-friendly gear and practical products which will make getting outside that little bit more fun.
This guide is filled with gift ideas for the adventurer in your life, whether they like to
hike, run, swim, ride, paddle, surf, camp or anything else, there’s something for
everyone and all range of budgets.
Each item is a product I own or would like to have.
Luca Brave Headband Great accessory for running, cycling and hiking
The Brave headband from Ride LUCA is a great accessory for running, cycling,
hiking, and battling the elements in any way you see fit.
Made from a thermal fabric, the headband is great for keeping ears warm and hair in
place. It’s soft, feels comfortable against skin and is nonslip. For me, the real highlight is the back slit which means a ponytail can slot in easily.
This shouldn’t be groundbreaking, but it is and makes a massive difference to
anyone with a ponytail. Other thoughtful features include a reflective chilli logo on one side and LUCA logo on the other for a nice visibility touch.
Movewell Peanut Self Massage RollerEasy massage tool to reduce muscle pain
A rest day is as important as a training day, and that’s where this brilliant nifty
recovery tool comes in.
Made from premium fine-grain Portuguese cork, the peanut self massage roller is
excellent for targeting and reducing muscle pain.
You can use it on neck, mid and lower back muscles, feet, calves, and more. Plus,
Movewell have a few videos to help you use it most effectively.
I also love that it’s 100% made from cork, from legally protected cork oak forests in
Portugal where biodiversity safeguarding is paramount.
Cleverly crafted, it’s also light and easily portable so you can take it anywhere with
you and keep up with your rehab.
Absolute 360 performance running socksSocks for the runner who wants comfort
A decent pair of socks goes a long way, and while it might not be seen as the most
glamorous gift of them all, socks are essential.
I like to think that being gifted a great pair of socks speaks volumes about someone
wishing for me to have happy feet which in turn means a more enjoyable adventure.
Absolute 360 offer a ton of socks and I like the quarter length running socks as they
double as a running, hiking and gym sock.
Like all good socks, these are designed specifically for your left and right feet and
hug the feet in a secure and supportive way.
The socks come in sizes UK 3-5, UK 6-8 and UK 9-11 and three different
colourways. You can also get hi-vis ones.
AeroPress GO Travel Coffee Maker £49.99Coffee made simple
This is one of my favourites on the list. I picked up an AeroPress Go at the Outdoors
Show this year on discount and it has been one of my greatest investments of the
year.
The AeroPress GO is so efficient, everything packs into the cup, and it’s small
enough to put in a backpack, bikepacking bag, or even your gym bag.
It’s very easy to use thanks to the 3 in 1 brewing technology which makes making a
delicious coffee simple. Bring your coffee and a thermos of hot water (and honey for
this sweet-toothed lady), and you are set.
Most importantly though, I’ve found this little coffee maker encourages me to slow
down and savour those quieter moments whether I’m out for a hike, on my bike or a
morning walk before work.
Bimble and Bolt Strider ShortsGreat shorts with pockets
A reliable pair of shorts is a serious go to. Don’t tell me it’s winter so you shouldn’t be
wearing shorts, what ever happened to long term thinking?
Regardless, if you are pro winter shorts or not a pair of excellent shorts is always a
great idea, especially these from Bimble and Bolt.
The Strider shorts come in various leg lengths including 6” and 8” and a ton of fun
colours, and two side pockets.
The shorts are super comfortable with a flattering high waist fit, and don’t ride up or
down even on longer runs. They also wash well and keep their shape.
Did I mention they have pockets?
Finisterre Clearwater Changing RobeBrilliant changing robe
Picture this – you’ve just been for a swim, you’ve wriggled out of your wetsuit, and
now you’re standing wet and cold drying yourself with a limp towel all the while
dreading awkwardly getting changed while trying not to flash any passersby.
There is a solution, and this Finisterre changing robe is an excellent option for
getting warm and dry in rapid speed, and offers plenty of space so you have room to
change.
It’s made from organic cotton, so it’s super soft, and comes in three colours.
Regardless of whether you swim, surf, or splash, this Finisterre Clearwater changing
robe is a great addition to any adventurer’s wardrobe.
KitBrix dry bagA durable, water friendly bag
Arguably on par with a pair of socks, a dry bag doesn’t scream out as an exciting
present, but think again.
A decent dry bag is an adventure-enabler, and makes any soggy scenario that little
bit more bearable.
This Dobi dry bag from KitBrix is a great choice thanks to its eco credentials and high
quality.
With capacity for 12 litres of soggy kit, the Dobi dry bag is double lined, made from
recycled ripstop fabric and has the classic roll top easy to use closure. You can’t go
far wrong.
SunGod UltraLightweight sunglasses for all year use
Lightweight, customisable and downright excellent, every adventurer needs a good
pair of sunnies and the SunGod Ultras are an excellent choice.
The frameless design means uninterrupted views and the glasses are super light so
you barely notice you are wearing them.
My lens choice is the Iris HV Blue as it’s photochromatic, meaning it adjusts to fast-
changing light conditions.
I particularly like this choice for the darker months and early mornings as you get a
nice level of tint but still lots of light.
SurfEars 4.0The best ear plugs for swimmers and surfers
SurfEars 4.0 is the latest iteration of the extremely popular ear plugs for swimmers
and surfers.
SurfEars is a barrier the dreaded swimmer’s ear, preventing infections and irritation
from water, chlorine, and bacteria while maintaining full hearing.
This means that you can wear these ear plugs but still hear the waves, the splashes,
your friends shouting and the sounds of fish going about their day in the ocean.
The more I swim in random places, the more I wear my SurfEars
Underland: A deep time journey by Robert MacfarlaneOne of my favourite books
From a spent nuclear fuel repository in Finland, to a starless river in Slovenia and
finding the Maelstrom in Norway, this book is filled with places I now want to visit.
I’ve never spent much time thinking about the world beneath us, but Macfarlane
changed that. I went to the Mendips entirely off the back of reading this book.
Macfarlane takes us on an epic journey into the Earth’s underworlds through a
mixture of genuine places, legend and myth, and our collective memory.
It is utterly magical, the descriptions, the places he visits, the pure adventuring, and it
is packed full of inspiration. It’s also incredibly moving, with stories of loss and grief
all mixed in.
This is one of my favourite books, and I will die on the hill where I always
recommend it.
