2024 Public Lands Gift Guide: Editors’ Picks

Outdoor retailer Public Lands carries tons of gear for just about any activity, from hiking and backpacking to camping, skiing, and more. With the holidays quickly approaching, we scoured their collection to put together a list of 12 of our favorite outdoor products broken down by price, from around $25 up to $350. Rest assured: Our picks come backed by rigorous testing and long-term use, making them well suited for the avid outdoor adventurer in your life.

Editor's note: This article has been sponsored by Public Lands, but the picks and descriptions below were made independently and based on our experiences with and opinions of the products.

Our Team’s Holiday Picks

Darn Tough Men’s Hiker and Women’s Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks ($24)

A quality pair of hiking socks can go a long way, and Darn Tough is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. From their extensive lineup, we like the Hiker Micro Crew Cushion best. Like most Darn Tough offerings, these socks use a healthy dose of merino wool, which is known for its natural moisture-wicking and odor-fighting abilities. In terms of fit, the socks are snug but not overly elasticized in any area, hold their shape well over time, and aren’t prone to bunching. Not to mention, all Darn Tough socks are backed by a lifetime guarantee that we’ve seen honored time and time again—regardless of how many miles they’ve accrued.
See the Men's Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks  See the Women's Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
 

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L ($35)

Fanny packs have made a serious comeback, and it’s easy to see why: From replacing a purse while running errands around town to keeping the essentials handy on the trail, many of today’s designs are impressively versatile and offer unmatched on-the-go access. Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack was especially quick to win us over: While small, it offers enough space for the essentials—phone, wallet, and keys—plus a few extras. We also like the soft webbing belt, which is adjustable and makes it easy to alternate between hip and over-the-shoulder carry (we often opt for the former on hikes and the latter while running errands). Plus, the Ultralight Black Hole stuffs down into its own pocket for storage and easily disappears into a duffel bag or backpack, making it a no-brainer to bring along on trips abroad and outdoor adventures alike.
See the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

Yeti 26 oz. Rambler Bottle with Chug Cap ($40)

Yeti is practically synonymous with high-end coolers, and that expertise has trickled down nicely into other parts of their line, including insulated water bottles. Their Rambler is a shining example, combining the class-leading ice retention we’ve come to expect from the brand with a stout stainless-steel build and extensive colorway selection. We particularly love the two-part Chug Cap, which consists of the TripleHaul handle that’s noticeably robust and easy to grab and a spout underneath that’s shatter-resistant and nicely sized for drinking (both can be removed to fill the bottle with ice or for cleaning). It’s hard to get excited about water bottles, but Yeti's done an excellent job making hydration enjoyable with the Rambler.
See the Yeti 26 oz. Rambler with Chug Cap

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair ($70)

For those who struggle to sit still for long periods or simply want a fun take on the standard camping chair, we really like GCI Outdoor’s Freestyler Rocker. As its name suggests, the Freestyle Rocker is part rocking chair thanks to a spring-action “tube” at the back, which allows the metal frame to move up and down as you push off the ground. All of the components have a high-quality and confidence-inspiring feel (especially notable given the affordable price), and there’s just enough play in the system for smooth movement without impacting stability. When you’re ready to pack up, the chair folds down in one quick motion with its attached carrying handle—no need to squeeze it into a tote on the way out. From kids’ soccer games to weekend camping trips, we love the versatility and sheer fun factor of the Freestyle Rocker.
See the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair
 

Ugg Women’s Tasman Slippers ($110)

Ugg’s Classic boots helped put the brand on the map, and their Tasman Slippers follow suit with a similarly plush and pillowy feel. The suede upper is soft and offered in several classy colorways, while the interior is packed with cozy wool that feels luxurious against cold, bare feet. To be sure, the Tasman is decidedly casual and best suited for wearing around the house, but we’ve taken the slippers on countless errands and walks around the block without issue (when there’s no snow or ice on the ground, that is). We simply can’t get enough of the high-end feel and attractive styling, especially in the lighter colorways that really showcase the braided collar.
See the Women's Ugg Tasman Slippers

Merrell Men’s Moab 3 and Women’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoes ($120)

A capable pair of hiking shoes is a no-brainer for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, and Merrell’s legendary Moab 3 is one of the most ubiquitous designs on the market. The biggest selling point, in our opinion, is value: The Moab 3 undercuts many leading competitors while stacking up well in overall performance. All-day comfort is excellent thanks to the shoes’ plush padding and nice amount of flex at the forefoot, and build quality is up to snuff with a premium suede and mesh upper. The latter also helps with airflow, making the Moab one of the more breathable boots on the market and a great match for hot climates like the Utah desert. Finally, the fit should make most hikers happy: The lacing system is reliable and secure, and the heel and toe box are roomy enough to be comfortable without feeling sloppy. In short, there’s a reason the Moab has garnered such a loyal following over the years—you really can’t go wrong with the mix of price, comfort, and quality.
See the Men's Merrell Moab 3  See the Women's Merrell Moab 3
 

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket ($125)

A cozy blanket is a fun addition to any camper’s arsenal, and Rumpl’s Original Puffy is a longtime staff favorite. The first thing that stands out is the vibrant styling, which is a Rumpl hallmark and one of the reasons the Original Puffy skyrocketed to popularity in the first place. In terms of construction, the blanket is packed with thick synthetic insulation that’s great for 3-season use and boasts a durable shell with a water-repellent coating to shed light rain and snow. It also comes with a host of practical features, including a “Cape Clip” that allows you to secure the blanket around your shoulders to go hands-free and corner loops to anchor it down if there's wind. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just curling up with a good book, the Original Puffy will keep you comfortable while looking great in the process.
See the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater and Women’s Better Sweater Jacket ($159)

Patagonia’s fleece collection is extensive, with their iconic Better Sweater striking a nice middle ground between price and performance. In pinpointing what we love about the design, warmth is at the top of our list: The jacket is perfect for cool fall and spring days, and it can go even lower if worn as a midlayer for activities like resort skiing. We’re also big fans of the classy looks and cozy next-to-skin feel, making the Better Sweater a nice match for everything from running errands around town to urban commutes or grabbing drinks at the lodge after a full ski day. Finally, we appreciate the simple but practical storage layout that includes a smartphone-friendly chest pocket and generously sized hand pockets—all of which are backed by a soft lining. Given the popularity of the design, it’s also offered in quarter-zip and vest styles that are equally versatile and good-looking.
See the Men's Patagonia Better Sweater  See the Women's Patagonia Better Sweater
 

Smith Proxy Snow Goggles ($150-$170)

Smith is an irrefutable leader in the snow goggle market, and their Proxy slots in as a mid-range option for those looking for quality optics without breaking the bank. The medium shape should fit a lot of faces well, the field of view is truly impressive, and the ChromaPop lenses offer excellent clarity in a wide range of conditions. In testing the Proxy, we were also impressed by the ventilation system and anti-fog coating, which effectively minimized condensation buildup—even when wearing a balaclava and with our helmet’s vents closed. The cherry on top is the approachable price point, which undercuts Smith’s top-end models like the I/O Mag and 4D Mag by $100 or more.
See the Smith Proxy Snow Goggles

Sorel Men’s Caribou and Women’s Caribou Winter Boots ($200)

If a classic winter boot is what you’re after, it doesn’t get much better than Sorel’s Caribou. This boot has seemingly been around forever and checks all the boxes we look for in a daily driver: It’s warm with a quality (and removable) felt liner, cozy Sherpa Pile cuff, and easy-wearing leather upper that breaks in nicely over time. It’s also fully winter-ready with a wraparound rubber lower that provides a nice boost of assurance when trudging through slushy puddles or shallow snowbanks, along with a quality outsole that bites well on most surfaces (although throwing on a pair of winter traction devices is a good idea when the going gets icy). From outdoor chores to après ski, the Caribou is simply hard to beat.
See the Men's Sorel Caribou Boots  See the Women's Sorel Caribou Boots
 

Fjallraven Men’s Expedition Pack and Women's Expedition Pack Hoodie ($280)

Swedish brand Fjallraven is known for their keen attention to detail and trendy styling, and the Expedition Pack Down Jacket is a case in point. While not a true performance piece, the Expedition Pack’s 700-fill-power down insulation provides a solid amount of warmth for the weight, and we appreciate that Fjallraven swapped in synthetic fill along the shoulders for added moisture resistance and toughness. Other highlights include a well-designed hood that’s easily adjustable, an athletic but accommodating fit, and high-quality components throughout. And for a step down in price, Fjallraven also makes the design in a non-hooded version that retails for $265, which is the better option for use as a midlayer (multiple hoods can add unnecessary bulk and get in the way).
See the Men's Fjallraven Expedition Pack  See the Women's Fjallraven Expedition Pack

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 ($345)

Fire pits can be a fun addition to your backyard or patio, but they’re usually hefty, and wood-burning designs can produce a lot of smoke. Enter Solo Stove’s Bonfire 2.0, which avoids both of those common pitfalls. The Bonfire’s stainless steel build keeps weight manageable at just over 23 pounds, while intake holes along the bottom of the chamber channel air up and through smaller openings at the top, minimizing smoke and allowing the fire to burn hot and evenly. The stove also comes with a removable base plate and ash pan to make clean-up quick and easy, and all the parts stash away neatly into the included carrying case—great for trips to the beach and weekend camping getaways. A final bonus: the Bonfire comes in a nice selection of colors, from earthy Ash and Soil to bright Mulberry. 
See the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

How to Shop Public Lands’ Holiday Selection

There are a couple ways to shop Public Lands’ collection, and the easiest for most will be online. The brand’s website is modern, intuitive, and has a helpful chat feature that allows you to connect with a sales representative in real time for any questions that come up. Online shoppers also receive free shipping on orders over $49. If you prefer to shop in person, Public Lands has several locations scattered throughout the U.S., but be aware that any unwanted items must be returned to the store, while online shoppers get the benefit of returning products by mail (along with a much wider selection to choose from). Either way, gear must be returned within 90 days of purchase in order to be eligible for a full refund. You can read more about Public Lands’ return policies here.
Shop Public Lands’ 2024 Holiday Selection