Holiday Gift Guide: For the Outdoors Enthusiast : TreeHugger

Photo via TroyMason @ flickr

Trips into the outdoors often remind us just how rich life can be when we are reduced to necessities, instead of the superfluous. An Xbox game can't compete with a stunning sunset; the tang of saltwater spray, when you're under sail, is sweeter than any bottled sugar water. If you're a devoted outdoors-lover, the best gift you can give is your enthusiasm and passion; of course, it's hard to put a bow on that. If, on the other hand, you're buying for that special weekend warrior, we've done the hard part for you: collecting a lineup of presents in a variety of price ranges to save you some of your own green--while your recipient keeps enjoying Mother Nature's.

Photo via Downtube

Downtube 8 FH

Riding a bicycle saves money on two fronts: by letting you bypass the gas station and the gym. Take advantage of that no matter how far from home you are with the Downtube 8 FH, a full-suspension folding bike. For about two month's worth of gasoline, you get an aluminium frame, brazed on water bottle cage fittings, a bell, folding pedals and the almost-maintenance free internal gear hub -- an eight speed Sturmey Archer. (Downtube 8 FH, $499)

Photo via McNett

Tent Sure Sealant

If you've got camping on your mind, but suspect that a beloved tent's floor and flysheet are not quite as waterproof as they used to be, Tent Sure is the answer. No need to splurge on a new shelter with all its inherent carbon costs: Just spend an hour or two reproofing a current tent with this easily applied water-based sealant. (Tent Sure Sealant, $10)

Photo via Amazon

Silverpoint Dynamo Headlamp

It can get dark in a tent. Solar charged lights are one way to see in the gloom, but if you've found yourself on a decidedly rainy camping trip, you'll want a human-powered light. The German designed Silverpoint Ozone II is a 3 LED hands-free headlamp that gives 90 minutes of light for every one minute of winding. Never buy toxic batteries--or get stuck in the dark--again. (Silverpoint Ozone, about $20)

Photo via Mountain Equipment Co-op

Merlin Recycled Sleeping Bag

A tent can offer a room with a view unlike any you'd find at even the most luxurious hotel, and you don’t even have to tip the bell hop. And while Patagonia and Nau are offering down sweaters wrapped in recycled polyester shells to keep you toasty during those five-star sunrises, Mountain Equipment Co-op's Merlin is the first down sleeping bag that we've seen get the same treatment. Weighing just 940 grams (33 oz), the Merlin's 800-loft down fill will keep you warm when the temp drops as low as -10°C (14°F)--so no more choosing a pricey hotel just to combat the weather. (Merlin Sleeping Bag, about $222)