Among the finest issues in regards to the gifting season is discovering new (to us) merchandise that assist us get exterior. Right here, we’ve compiled 23 prime presents from startup firms within the REI Co-op Path Forward Ventures community, which helps rising manufacturers owned and led by Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander founders. Path Forward Ventures’ aim is to speed up the success of those entrepreneurs to make sure the out of doors business displays the true range of the individuals who love, defend, and share life exterior.
Beneath, discover one thing for each out of doors recipient, together with hats that allow them rep their love of the outside, tasty meals to gasoline their subsequent journey, and necessities (assume waterproof pouches, reusable containers and extra) for his or her subsequent journey. Honest warning: You’ll possible discover a couple of objects to your personal wishlist too.
Learn on, or leap forward:
Obtain a replica of the Path Forward Ventures 2024 Vacation Present Information (PDF).
Editor’s be aware: Low cost codes are legitimate by means of 1/1/25. Please contact manufacturers instantly with any questions in regards to the low cost codes. All listed costs had been correct at time of publishing however might change at any time.
Presents for the Adventurous Traveler
Encourage them to go additional with these necessities.
ANDA
Makes ultralight shelters to enterprise deeper into the outside. Purchase the El Premio Zipper Pockets, $24.99. (Use code: REIPAV2024 without spending a dime home delivery on andaultralight.com.)
Cadence
Leakproof, magnetic and customizable next-generation journey containers which can be good for anybody who is consistently on the transfer; designed that can assist you keep in rhythm—dwelling and away. Purchase the Necessities Set, $72.
Firm Highlight: Cadence
Specializing in: Reusable containers
Founder: Steph Hon, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member
Yr based: 2017
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “It’s a time when the staff and I are in a position to actually interact with our neighborhood essentially the most. It’s a time when all groups, together with advertising, engineering and net groups, collect at our New York achievement heart and assist pack orders collectively. Although there’s a lot occurring throughout this time, it’s some of the thrilling instances of the 12 months. I’m at all times grateful to expertise it as a small enterprise proprietor.”
On what it means when somebody chooses a Cadence reward: “I’ll by no means totally recover from what it’s wish to have individuals reward and use Cadence. It makes me really feel very proud. It’s additionally one of many explanation why we stand so strongly behind our merchandise: When individuals reward and use our programs, we at all times know that we’re placing one thing that we’re very happy with on the market.”
ITA Leisure Items
Considerate merchandise, experiences and assets that make slowing down simple and trendy. Purchase the ITA Tote, $108. (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on italeisure.com.)
KOBEES
A self-care model, targeted on handcrafted and pure lip balms in compostable and aluminum packages which can be recyclable and reusable. Purchase the Fruit Flavors 4 PACK, $20.
Suppose Blue
Giving new life to expired aviation life vests by repurposing them into waterproof key/card pouches for surfers and out of doors fanatics. Purchase The SURF BAG, $34.95. (Use code REI15 for 15% off on daretothinkblue.com.)
out of doors aspect
Sparking assured out of doors journey by means of modern gear by equipping each out of doors fanatic for epic journey and limitless alternatives. Purchase the Omni-Tensil, $34.95.
Firm Highlight: out of doors aspect
Specializing in: Out of doors journey and survival gear
Founder: Michael Mojica, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2003
Yr based: 2012
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “I like a problem. … The vacation season is a juggling act of household time and enterprise targets to be met as I work on advertisements, e mail campaigns, last touches on packaging, strategic enterprise plans and setting New Yr’s targets. I’m at all times shocked what will be achieved in crunch time.”
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “[When someone uses one of our products] I hope they really feel empowered to discover with confidence. I hope each time they see my product, they’re stuffed with recollections of outside adventures and are impressed to get outdoor extra.”
allmansright
Makes ultralight, modern and sturdy gear to assist individuals discover our planet, whereas supporting extra various and equitable entry to the outside. Purchase the Dyneema® Kross. (Use code: REI10 for 10% off on allmansright.com.)
Wondery
Out of doors life-style model devoted to liberating girls within the outdoor by means of consciousness, assets and the creation of a girls’s out of doors neighborhood. Purchase the Parks of the USA Bucket Checklist Water Bottle, $49. (Use code: 20REIBOTTLE for 20% off the bottle on wonderyoutdoors.com.)
Presents for Meals Lovers
Hold them fueled on their subsequent contemporary air journey.
A Dozen Cousins
Creates ready-to-eat beans, rice and sauces full of diet and made with easy and clear substances. Purchase Spanish Yellow Rice, $3.95.
COBA
Reimagines each day espresso and tea rituals into a simple, tasty chocolate bar to take wherever. Purchase the Espresso Chocolate Bar, $2.50.
Firm Highlight: COBA
Specializing in: Espresso and tea based mostly chocolate
Founder: Peter Lee, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2008
Yr based: 2017
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “Rising up, my dad and mom ran a toy retailer, and I labored there too, so the vacation season was at all times a mix of labor and enjoyable. … It’s our busiest time of 12 months, whether or not by means of on-line gross sales or on the festivals we exhibit at. Amidst the hustle, our staff ends every week with ‘household meals,’ as we name them, they usually’re at all times stuffed with heat and cheer.”
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “Final month was essentially the most thrilling sort of month! I had the privilege of being in Chamonix, France, the place my father ran the UTMB Race—100-plus miles by means of the French Alps. After all, I used to be there handing out COBA Bars to the runners. Probably the most rewarding half? Seeing these ultra-athletes dig by means of their baggage midrace to search out the COBA Bars I gave them. They wanted that light-weight, candy, naturally caffeinated increase to energy by means of the end line. Quick ahead per week, and I discovered myself climbing Kilimanjaro with my household. After 5 days of backpacking at excessive altitude, I craved a matcha latte. Fortunately, I had each a matcha and hojicha COBA Bar in my pack, completely satisfying that craving.”
Itacate Meals
Latin backpacking meals for adventurers with nice style and powerful values, bringing Mexican delicacies to the backcountry. Be taught extra in regards to the founder. And purchase the Aventura Arroz con Leche, $6.95.
Oso Journey Meals
Scrumptious, spicy, dehydrated journey meals constructed from genuine Mexican household recipes and made in Colorado. Purchase Posole, $11. (Use code: OSOGOOD2024 for 20% off on osomeals.com.)
Good Detour
Indian vegetarian freeze-dried meals for the hangry traveler. Purchase Paneer Scramble, $13.49 (single) or $17.49 (double). (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on thegooddetour.com.)
Firm Highlight: 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
Yr based: 2024
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “We see of us reaching for a Good Detour meal anytime, wherever—throughout an intense backpacking journey, on an extended day hike, whereas tenting, and even on holidays or street journeys! They unpack it, put together it simply and are pleasantly shocked by the flavors and heat it brings, giving them a style of dwelling even in a distant setting.” – Cofounder Rutwij Devashrayee
On what it means when somebody chooses a Good Detour reward: “Having somebody reward one among our meals shall be extremely rewarding as a small enterprise striving to extend range and accessibility within the outdoor. It signifies that they consider within the worth and uniqueness of what we provide. It additionally validates the trouble and fervour we’ve put into creating clear vegetarian meals on-the-go! We’re stuffed with delight and pleasure understanding that our meals shall be a medium for connection and celebration this vacation season” – Cofounder Pooja Naik
Projo*
Excessive Protein Instantaneous Espresso made with all pure substances that’s preferrred for efficiency, restoration and journey! Purchase Instantaneous Energy Espresso 4 packet sampler, $11.99. (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on idrinkprojo.com.)
Spicewell
Making on a regular basis food and drinks extra purposeful with nutrient-dense on-the-go merchandise. Purchase the Pouch Trio. (Use code: PATHAHEAD for 15% off on spicewell.com.)
A Hat for Each Outing
Assist them present their love of the outside with a contemporary lid.
Summary Hikes
Groovy sticker firm for hikers and out of doors fanatics who need to reconnect with the path or manifest their subsequent journey! Purchase The Path Supplies Beanie, $36. (Use code HAPPYHIKING for 20% off on abstracthikes.com.)
Hairbrella
An Atlanta-based purposeful headwear model targeted on modern hats and hair equipment for hair safety. Purchase the Satin-Lined, Waterproof All-Climate Solar Hat, $54.
Firm Highlight: Hairbrella
Specializing in: Hair equipment for getting exterior, and extra
Yr Based: 2020
Founder: Tracey Pickett, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2024
On what it means when somebody chooses a Hairbrella reward: “When somebody chooses Hairbrella as a present, it carries a particular that means. It’s a nod to the thoughtfulness behind their gift-giving—understanding that they need to give one thing helpful, protecting and trendy. There’s additionally a private connection as a result of we pour our coronary heart into each product we make.”
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “The vacation season is actually a whirlwind as an entrepreneur, but it surely’s additionally some of the rewarding instances of the 12 months. Through the holidays, individuals usually share extra private tales with us—how Hairbrella is a sensible but considerate reward for his or her family members, or how they’ve been eyeing all of it 12 months and eventually deal with themselves. It’s humbling to be part of these moments.”
Leimert Mountaineering
Born in Leimert Park, California, Leimert Mountaineering is a efficiency out of doors attire model for the trendy, culturally linked out of doors fanatic. Purchase the Vilane 5 Panel Cap in Moss Glade, $45.
Actually Exterior
Chicago-based, Black-owned out of doors life-style firm on the intersection of streetwear and love for the nice outdoor. Purchase the L/O x Cody Hudson Subject Journey Hat, $36.
City Native Period
An Indigenous-owned model targeted on Indigenous visibility by means of vogue and design. Purchase the You Are On Native Land Winter Ribbed Beanie, $35.
USAL
A Los Angeles–based mostly neighborhood offering experiences and items for the trendy nature fanatic. Purchase the Tectonic Analysis Hat, $54.
Varlo
Designs and manufactures best-in-class efficiency biking, working and multisport attire to decrease obstacles and empower all people to beat the targets of tomorrow. Purchase the Vida Praia Cap, $39. (Use code: REIgift for 25% off most objects on varlosports.com.)
Hootie Hoo
Girl-owned model gives top-tier technical attire that retains youngsters comfy, outdoor longer and empowers them to “Outplay the Components.” Purchase the Kozy Fleece Hat, $25. (Use code: REIGIFT20 for 20% off most objects on hootiehoo.com.)
Firm Highlight: Hootie Hoo
Specializing in: Technical outerwear for youths
Founder: Xiaonan (Claire) Zhu, CEO and cofounder; REI Co-op member since 2008
Yr Based: 2021
On the way you envision somebody utilizing your merchandise: “I image youngsters bundled up, taking part in exterior, whether or not they’re constructing snowmen, snowboarding or having fun with a crisp winter day. I hope our outerwear retains youngsters heat and dry to allow them to concentrate on having enjoyable with out being uncomfortable.”
On what the vacation season is like as an entrepreneur: “After all, the vacation season comes with its challenges. The largest problem is the strain to ship a seamless expertise, as winter is our key season, and any hiccups may have an effect on your entire 12 months. Balancing work and private life may also be difficult. There’s at all times extra to do, however I additionally need to make certain I carve out time for household throughout the holidays.
Regardless of the challenges, the vacation season is my favourite. The enjoyment of making experiences for youths and the vitality shared between our staff and clients makes all of it so particular.”
Extra about Path Forward Ventures
Founders of shade symbolize an estimated 1% of outside entrepreneurs. REI Co-op launched Path Forward 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 assist together with capital, neighborhood, assets and programming.
All images courtesy of the manufacturers
The put up 23 Rising Out of doors Manufacturers to Store This Vacation Season appeared first on Unusual Path – An REI Co-op Publication.