One of one of the best issues in regards to the gifting season is discovering new (to us) merchandise that assist us get outdoors. Here, we’ve compiled 23 high items from startup firms within the REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures community, which helps rising manufacturers owned and led by Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander founders. Path Ahead Ventures’ purpose is to speed up the success of those entrepreneurs to make sure the outside trade displays the true range of the individuals who love, defend, and share life outdoors.
Below, discover one thing for each outside recipient, together with hats that permit them rep their love of the outside, tasty meals to gasoline their subsequent journey, and necessities (suppose waterproof pouches, reusable containers and extra) for his or her subsequent journey. Fair warning: You’ll probably discover a couple of objects to your personal wishlist too.
Read on, or soar forward:
Download a replica of the Path Ahead Ventures 2024 Holiday Gift Guide (PDF).
Editor’s notice: Discount codes are legitimate by way of 1/1/25. Please contact manufacturers immediately with any questions in regards to the low cost codes. All listed costs have been correct at time of publishing however could change at any time.
Gifts for the Adventurous Traveler
Inspire them to go additional with these necessities.
ANDA
Makes ultralight shelters to enterprise deeper into the outside. Buy the El Premio Zipper Wallet, $24.99. (Use code: REIPAV2024 totally free home transport on andaultralight.com.)
Cadence
Leakproof, magnetic and customizable next-generation journey containers which are good for anybody who is consistently on the transfer; designed that can assist you keep in rhythm—residence and away. Buy the Essentials Set, $72.
Company Spotlight: Cadence
Specializing in: Reusable containers
Founder: Steph Hon, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member
Year based: 2017
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “It’s a time when the team and I are able to really engage with our community the most. It is a time when all teams, including marketing, engineering and web teams, gather at our New York fulfillment center and help pack orders together. Though there is so much going on during this time, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year. I am always grateful to experience it as a small business owner.”
On what it means when somebody chooses a Cadence present: “I will never fully get over what it’s like to have people gift and use Cadence. It makes me feel very proud. It’s also one of the reasons why we stand so strongly behind our products: When people gift and use our systems, we always know that we’re putting something that we’re very proud of out there.”
ITA Leisure Goods
Thoughtful merchandise, experiences and sources that make slowing down straightforward and classy. Buy the ITA Tote, $108. (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on italeisure.com.)
KOBEES
A self-care model, centered on handcrafted and pure lip balms in compostable and aluminum packages which are recyclable and reusable. Buy the Fruit Flavors 4 PACK, $20.
Think Blue
Giving new life to expired aviation life vests by repurposing them into waterproof key/card pouches for surfers and outside fans. Buy The SURF BAG, $34.95. (Use code REI15 for 15% off on daretothinkblue.com.)
outside factor
Sparking assured outside journey by way of progressive gear by equipping each outside fanatic for epic journey and infinite alternatives. Buy the Omni-Tensil, $34.95.
Company Spotlight: outside factor
Specializing in: Outdoor journey and survival gear
Founder: Michael Mojica, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2003
Year based: 2012
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “I love a challenge. … The holiday season is a juggling act of family time and business goals to be met as I work on ads, email campaigns, final touches on packaging, strategic business plans and setting New Year’s goals. I’m always surprised what can be accomplished in crunch time.”
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “[When someone uses one of our products] I hope they feel empowered to explore with confidence. I hope every time they see my product, they are filled with memories of outdoor adventures and are inspired to get outdoors more.”
allmansright
Makes ultralight, progressive and sturdy gear to assist folks discover our planet, whereas supporting extra various and equitable entry to the outside. Buy the Dyneema® Kross. (Use code: REI10 for 10% off on allmansright.com.)
Wondery
Outdoor life-style model devoted to liberating girls within the open air by way of consciousness, sources and the creation of a girls’s outside neighborhood. Buy the Parks of the USA Bucket List Water Bottle, $49. (Use code: 20REIBOTTLE for 20% off the bottle on wonderyoutdoors.com.)
Gifts for Food Lovers
Keep them fueled on their subsequent recent air journey.
A Dozen Cousins
Creates ready-to-eat beans, rice and sauces filled with vitamin and made with easy and clear substances. Buy Spanish Yellow Rice, $3.95.
COBA
Reimagines each day espresso and tea rituals into a simple, tasty chocolate bar to take wherever. Buy the Espresso Chocolate Bar, $2.50.
Company Spotlight: COBA
Specializing in: Coffee and tea based mostly chocolate
Founder: Peter Lee, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2008
Year based: 2017
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “Growing up, my parents ran a toy store, and I worked there too, so the holiday season was always a blend of work and fun. … It’s our busiest time of year, whether through online sales or at the festivals we exhibit at. Amidst the hustle, our team ends each week with ‘family meals,’ as we call them, and they’re always filled with warmth and cheer.”
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “Last month was the most exciting kind of month! I had the privilege of being in Chamonix, France, where my father ran the UTMB Race—100-plus miles through the French Alps. Of course, I was there handing out COBA Bars to the runners. The most rewarding part? Seeing these ultra-athletes dig through their bags midrace to find the COBA Bars I gave them. They needed that lightweight, sweet, naturally caffeinated boost to power through the finish line. Fast forward a week, and I found myself climbing Kilimanjaro with my family. After five days of backpacking at high altitude, I craved a matcha latte. Luckily, I had both a matcha and hojicha COBA Bar in my pack, perfectly satisfying that craving.”
Itacate Foods
Latin backpacking meals for adventurers with nice style and robust values, bringing Mexican delicacies to the backcountry. Learn extra in regards to the founder. And purchase the Aventura Arroz con Leche, $6.95.
Oso Adventure Meals
Delicious, spicy, dehydrated journey meals constituted of genuine Mexican household recipes and made in Colorado. Buy Posole, $11. (Use code: OSOGOOD2024 for 20% off on osomeals.com.)
Good Detour
Indian vegetarian freeze-dried meals for the hangry traveler. Buy Paneer Scramble, $13.49 (single) or $17.49 (double). (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on thegooddetour.com.)
Company Spotlight: Good Detour
Specializing in: Vegetarian freeze-dried meals in South Asian flavors
Founder: Rutwij Devashrayee and Pooja Naik, cofounders; REI Co-op Members since 2022
Year based: 2024
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “We see folks reaching for a Good Detour meal anytime, anywhere—during an intense backpacking trip, on a long day hike, while camping, or even on vacations or road trips! They unpack it, prepare it easily and are pleasantly surprised by the flavors and warmth it brings, giving them a taste of home even in a remote setting.” – Cofounder Rutwij Devashrayee
On what it means when somebody chooses a Good Detour present: “Having someone gift one of our meals will be incredibly rewarding as a small business striving to increase diversity and accessibility in the outdoors. It signifies that they believe in the value and uniqueness of what we offer. It also validates the effort and passion we’ve put into creating clean vegetarian meals on-the-go! We are filled with pride and joy knowing that our meals will be a medium for connection and celebration this holiday season” – Cofounder Pooja Naik
Projo*
High Protein Instant Coffee made with all pure substances that’s superb for efficiency, restoration and journey! Buy Instant Power Coffee 4 packet sampler, $11.99. (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on idrinkprojo.com.)
Spicewell
Making on a regular basis foods and drinks extra purposeful with nutrient-dense on-the-go merchandise. Buy the Pouch Trio. (Use code: PATHAHEAD for 15% off on spicewell.com.)
A Hat for Every Outing
Help them present their love of the outside with a recent lid.
Abstract Hikes
Groovy sticker firm for hikers and outside fans who need to reconnect with the path or manifest their subsequent journey! Buy The Trail Provides Beanie, $36. (Use code HAPPYHIKING for 20% off on abstracthikes.com.)
Hairbrella
An Atlanta-based purposeful headwear model centered on progressive hats and hair equipment for hair safety. Buy the Satin-Lined, Waterproof All-Weather Sun Hat, $54.
Company Spotlight: Hairbrella
Specializing in: Hair equipment for getting outdoors, and extra
Year Founded: 2020
Founder: Tracey Pickett, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2024
On what it means when somebody chooses a Hairbrella present: “When someone chooses Hairbrella as a gift, it carries a special meaning. It’s a nod to the thoughtfulness behind their gift-giving—knowing that they want to give something useful, protective and stylish. There’s also a personal connection because we pour our heart into every product we make.”
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “The holiday season is truly a whirlwind as an entrepreneur, but it’s also one of the most rewarding times of the year. During the holidays, people often share more personal stories with us—how Hairbrella is a practical yet thoughtful gift for their loved ones, or how they’ve been eyeing it all year and finally treat themselves. It’s humbling to be a part of those moments.”
Leimert Mountaineering
Born in Leimert Park, California, Leimert Mountaineering is a efficiency outside attire model for the fashionable, culturally linked outside fanatic. Buy the Vilane Five Panel Cap in Moss Glade, $45.
Literally Outside
Chicago-based, Black-owned outside life-style firm on the intersection of streetwear and love for the nice open air. Buy the L/O x Cody Hudson Field Trip Hat, $36.
Urban Native Era
An Indigenous-owned model centered on Indigenous visibility by way of style and design. Buy the You Are On Native Land Winter Ribbed Beanie, $35.
USAL
A Los Angeles–based mostly neighborhood offering experiences and items for the fashionable nature fanatic. Buy the Tectonic Research Hat, $54.
Varlo
Designs and manufactures best-in-class efficiency biking, operating and multisport attire to decrease boundaries and empower all people to beat the targets of tomorrow. Buy the Vida Praia Cap, $39. (Use code: REIgift for 25% off most objects on varlosports.com.)
Hootie Hoo
Woman-owned model gives top-tier technical attire that retains youngsters snug, open air longer and empowers them to “Outplay the Elements.” Buy the Kozy Fleece Hat, $25. (Use code: REIGIFT20 for 20% off most objects on hootiehoo.com.)
Company Spotlight: Hootie Hoo
Specializing in: Technical outerwear for teenagers
Founder: Xiaonan (Claire) Zhu, CEO and cofounder; REI Co-op member since 2008
Year Founded: 2021
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “I picture kids bundled up, playing outside, whether they’re building snowmen, skiing or enjoying a crisp winter day. I hope our outerwear keeps kids warm and dry so they can focus on having fun without being uncomfortable.”
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “Of course, the vacation season comes with its challenges. The greatest problem is the strain to ship a seamless expertise, as winter is our key season, and any hiccups might have an effect on the complete 12 months. Balancing work and private life will also be tough. There’s at all times extra to do, however I additionally need to be sure that I carve out time for household in the course of the holidays.
Despite the challenges, the vacation season is my favourite. The pleasure of making experiences for teenagers and the vitality shared between our workforce and clients makes all of it so particular.”
More about Path Ahead Ventures
Founders of shade symbolize an estimated 1% of out of doors entrepreneurs. REI Co-op launched Path Ahead Ventures in 2021 to assist tackle that imbalance by committing a $30 million funding in firms owned and led by founders of shade by 2030. The community now consists of greater than 100 founders, who’ve entry to a full spectrum of help together with capital, neighborhood, sources and programming.
All images courtesy of the manufacturers
The publish 23 Emerging Outdoor Brands to Shop This Holiday Season appeared first on Uncommon Path – An REI Co-op Publication.