Gift Guide: Van Life

Photo by James Barkman

An adventurous wanderer with an enviable instagram account. It seems like he's always hiking, surfing, or cooking in otherworldly campsites all while collecting all the best footy of his free-wheeling lifestyle. Here's an assortment of holiday gifts to keep him kitted out on the road and off in 2018. 

For the ideal camp coffee situation (I'm convinced from personal experience). No french press to clean, no silly multi-part espresso gadgetry and definitely no gross instant situation. A simple and elegant pour over solution made with real good coffee. Don't worry about the sweetened condensed milk, you can add that in as you wish (I wish) or drink it black. Vietnamese Portable Pour Over Coffee from Copper Cow Coffee

For the ideal camp cocktail situation: juicer, shaker and tumblers all in one. Stanley Cocktail Set available on Amazon

For a more straightforward camp drinking situation. Salty Old Bastard Noble Flask from Sneerwell or if he's looking to be active with his drinking; something a little more trail ready

Finally, for an after sunset drinking situation.  Coleman Glow in the Dark Koozie available on Amazon.

For noshing around the fire at the holidays or after: Holiday Fried Pecans

For keeping his noggin warm: Coal Uniform Beanie available at REI

For keeping his noggin looking cool: Magic Hour Photo Club hat from Booooooom

For life, or at least the next decade: Flint & Tinder 10 Year Hoodie available on Huckberry  - or for just a little less the Classic Full Zip from American Giant.

To match his new hoodie, and because who doesn't need an extra pair? Chup Socks available at J Crew

For maintaining all of that mountain man growth: Woodsman Beard Oil from Bearded Bastards

Also for that facial hair maintenance: a sexy mustache and beard comb from Swiss

For your ongoing tournaments: a classic cribbage board made from recycled skateboards by Adrian Martinus on Etsy

For above game, or our favorite: Oh Hell. Vintage Plaid Camp Cards by Dan & Dave

For when everyone is sick of cards. Is that possible? Reversible backgammon/checkers travel set from A Summer Shop - extra good? Don't miss the Filson Special Edition

For a post-hike or desert camp cool down: minty soap cubes that promise therapeutic results. Cold Shower Soap Cubes from Duke Cannon available on Amazon

For keeping it classy post-shower or hot spring hike: the most beautiful lightweight, microfiber camp towel from Bramble.

For showering on the road: a light & small nozzle attachment that fits on any water bottle, collapsible bottle or bladder to create an instant solution for dusty hikers, sandy pets or rinsing dishes. Simple Shower

For notes home or van decor: a series of reimagined national park logos from Type Hike  - also spotted for less on Huckberry

For the ultimate soundtrack for every epic moment: a nearly indestructible bluetooth speaker. Macroboom from ROAMPROOF

For evenings, because it's dark out there: a rechargeable lantern with a beautiful vintage look from Barebones Living I also love the smaller sized Beacons

For life on the road - our personal MVA's (most valuable accessories?): a super light, rechargeable LED headlamp from UCO Gear

For keeping cozy: Deepwater Puffy Blanket from Rumpl - for something more spicy, don't miss the beautiful Pyro Fade.

For keeping track of time offline: a handsome watch from Timex

For planning his next adventure National Parks The American Experience from Guideboat Co. and The New York Times Explorer series from Amazon

For his emergency kit: a pocket size straw that filters out 99.999% of the bad stuff. MSR TrailShot microfiltration system available on Amazon

For both his emergency & non-emergency kit: a stocking full of Green Chile Beef Jerky from Side Project Jerky or my favorite trail snacks

For more gourmet campsite cooking or whittling (does anyone whittle?): N°07 Pocket Knife from Opinel

To go with the knife, and a nice assortment of cheese: El Campo Cutting Board from No. Four St. James

For feet: Ember Mocs from Teva

For faces: Salt & Stone Stick Sunscreen from Bespoke Post

For fashion: Roamers & Seekers Tee from Poler

For life: Rambler Bracelet from Stag

Finally for capturing all the footy: a padded case that makes any bag a camera bag from Topo Designs

And an awesomely intuitive robotic arm that makes his smartphone into a steadicam - the Osmo Mobile from DJI Store or a more entry level option for a lot less from OlloClip