Eco-Friendly Gifts for Lovers of the Outdoors
Green Gift Ideas for Hikers, Bikers and Other Adventurers
Also Check Out TDG's 100+ Green Gifts, With Ideas for Everyone
By Olivia Zaleski
Voltaic Converter Sports Backpack
Ideal for biking, hiking and general adventuring, the Voltaic Converter Sports Backpack is not only made from recycled PET (soda bottles), but also generates 4 watts of solar power. It's perfect for charging up anything electronic in the wilderness -- even (gasp!) a BlackBerry. $199 at verdantcomputing.com, 1-877-304-6861.
Teva Keagan Adventure Shoe
Teva's Keagan shoes are made from ground-up soda and water bottles, canvas and recycled rubber -- a perfect example of "trash to treasure." $75 at teva.com, 1-800-367-8382.
Oggi Caribiner Sport Bottle
Oggi's Sports Bottle is perfect for the athletic adventurer. It's lightweight, durable and comes complete with a convenient carabiner hook. Because it's reusable, it's way greener than disposable bottles. $9.95 at onlinefitness.com, 1-866-200-5555.
Fair Trade Football
What's union-made, vegan, and eco- and fair trade-certified? This football. It's a superb and sustainable substitute for the "ole pigskin." $29.99 at fairtradesports.com.
Patagonia Synchilla Vest
Patagonia's time-honored torso warmer is made from 87% recycled polyester -- and it's recylceable through Patagonia's Common Threads Program. $70 at patagonia.com, 1-800-638-6464.
Venture Zephyr Snowboard
Get their pulses racing with the Venture Zephyr Snowboard. Made locally in the U.S., the Zephyr boards are manufactured using a combination of wind power and sustainably harvested wood. $545 at venturesnowboards.com, 1-970-387-5078.
Marmot Eco Pro 30 Sleeping Bag
The Marmot Eco Pro 30 uses recycled materials to create a durable, water-resistant sleeping bag that's light enough for a long backpack, and warm enough for those cold nights. $154.95 - $164.95 at backcountry.com, 1-800-409-4502.
Eco-Wool and Recycled Plastic Fleece Ski Hat
Patagonia's fleece hat is made from a blend of "eco-wool" and recycled plastic to keep craniums cozy and dry. $32 at patagonia.com, 1-800-638-6464.
Calfee Bamboo Mountain Bike
Said to be more crash-tolerant than a carbon bike, the Calfee Bamboo Mountain Bike is the fun way to learn all about life cycling. $2,695 at calfeedesign.com, 1-800-965-2171.
Citizen Blue Angels Skyhawk Men's Watch
Citizen Blue Angels Skyhawk Watch uses solar power to charge its battery both in and out of doors, providing a four-year power reserve. $251 at designertimepiece.com, 1-866-958- 8463.
Bamboo Skateboard
Dudes and dudettes alike will love Arbor Koa's Hybrid Bamboo 38" Skateboard. arborsports.com, 1-310-577-1120.
Organic Cotton Zipup
Stay sustainable while breaking a sweat. Alo Sport's cozy and comfortable pullover wicks moisture and keeps athletes clean with an organic cotton and antimicrobial recycled poly fleece blend. $68 at alosport.com.
Nomad Solar Bicycle Trunk Bag
The Nomad solar bicycle trunk bag lets you power while you peddle. Solar panels let you charge iPods, cell phones and other electronics. $129.95 at eclipsesolargear.com.
Recycled Board Shorts
Billabong Sonic Board Shorts are made from recycled textiles and plastic bottles. Choose from a range of fun and fashionable styles so your gift will swim -- not sink. $53.51 at backcountry.com, 1-800-409-4502.
Climbing Rope Chalk Bag
Made from a combination of durable hemp fabric, inner tube rubber and recycled P.E.T. fleece, Green Guru Gear's Chalk Bag is the ultimate gift for the extreme climber on your list. $25.95 at greengurugear.com, 1-303-258-1611.
"Eco-Poly" Windbreaker
Keep it light with ExOfficio's Lightweight Windbreaker made from eco-poly, a 100% recycled polyester material that stays dry in rain and wind. $220 at exofficio.com, 1-800-644-7303.
ECO Thermo 6 Sleeping Pad
Constructed from bamboo fabric stuffed with bamboo-based fiber fill, this durable sleeping pad from Pacific Outdoor Equipment provides cushioning and insulation for the weary backpacker. Pacific Outdoor Equipment also purchases wind power credits to offset the carbon created in the production of the pads. $130 at rei.com, 1-800-426-4840.
Jute Yoga Mat
Gaiam's yoga mat is made from jute, a biodegradable, fast-growing sustainable resource sure to heighten the consciousness of your yogi's practice. $17 at gaiam.com, 1-877-989-6321.
Recycled Snowboard Pants
Before she jumps into the snow, make sure she jumps into Holden's "ECO" Snowpants. The durable fabric comes from recycled plastic pop bottles, and Holden uses an eco-friendly waterproof laminate to keep the most daring of damsels dry. $126.47 at dogfunk.com, 1-877-DOGFUNK. Men can also get green in the snow with Burton's Green Mountain collection available at backcountry.com, 1-800-409-4502.
Bamboo Crew Socks
Have a hardcore runner on your list? He or she will love Injinji's Eco Series NuBamboo Crew Socks. Famous among runners, these funny looking socks are made from a soft and sustainable bamboo material that keeps toes dry and blister free. $14 a pair at rei.com, 1-800-426-4840.
Mountainsmith Spire Backpack
For the "pack rats" on your list, the trail-ready Mountainsmith Spire 30 Backpack uses recycled PET fabric and a breathable mesh-foam back panel to keep their backs dry. $89.95 at backcountry.com, 1-800-409-4502.
Mountain Peak Recycled Boot
Lined with recycled polyester insulation or "eco fleece," North Face's Storm Peak Boot is sure to keep toes toasty when temperatures drop this winter. $130 at zappos.com.
Reclaimed Golf Balls
The perfect gift for the eco-conscious golfer, "Lost Golf Balls" are retrieved from the lakes and surrounding natural terrain of resorts, private facilities and courses in the U.S. The reclaimed balls are cleaned with soap and water and sorted by hand into various brands, models, conditions and offerings. Prices are based on brand and quality. Available through lostgolfballs.com, 1-866-639-4819.
Solar-Powered Cooling Helmet
For the adventurer with a soft spot for sustainable science, Hammacher Schlemmer's Solar-Powered Cooling Pith Helmet is a delightful surprise. A solar-powered fan amps up the cooling power of this sun-shading hat so your giftee stays cool on adventurous hikes. $49.95 at hammacher.com, 1-800-321-1484.
Timberland EarthKeeper Jacket
Indulge your adventurer in Timberland's Earthkeeper Jacket. A complex construction of organic cotton canvas lined with recycled polyester fleece and PrimaLoft, a thermally efficient lightweight insulation made from recycled materials. $198 at timberland.com, 1-888-802-9947.




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