One of the best things about the gifting season is discovering new (to us) products that help us get outside. Here, we’ve compiled 23 top gifts from startup companies in the REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures network, which supports emerging brands owned and led by Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander founders. Path Ahead Ventures’ goal is to accelerate the success of these entrepreneurs to ensure the outdoor industry reflects the true diversity of the people who love, protect, and share life outside.
Below, find something for every outdoor recipient, including hats that let them rep their love of the outdoors, tasty foods to fuel their next adventure, and essentials (think waterproof pouches, reusable containers and more) for their next trip. Fair warning: You’ll likely find a few items for your own wishlist too.
Read on, or jump ahead:
- Gifts for the Adventurous Traveler
- Gifts for Food Lovers
- A Hat for Every Outing
Download a copy of the Path Ahead Ventures 2024 Holiday Gift Guide (PDF).
Editor’s note: Discount codes are valid through 1/1/25. Please contact brands directly with any questions about the discount codes. All listed prices were accurate at time of publishing but may change at any time.
Gifts for the Adventurous Traveler
Inspire them to go further with these essentials.
ANDA
Makes ultralight shelters to venture deeper into the outdoors. Buy the El Premio Zipper Wallet, $24.99. (Use code: REIPAV2024 for free domestic shipping on andaultralight.com.)
Cadence
Leakproof, magnetic and customizable next-generation travel containers that are perfect for anyone who is constantly on the move; designed to help you stay in rhythm—home 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 founded: 2017
On what the holiday 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 someone chooses a Cadence gift: “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 products, experiences and resources that make slowing down easy and stylish. Buy the ITA Tote, $108. (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on italeisure.com.)
KOBEES
A self-care brand, focused on handcrafted and natural lip balms in compostable and aluminum packages that 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 outdoor enthusiasts. Buy The SURF BAG, $34.95. (Use code REI15 for 15% off on daretothinkblue.com.)
outdoor element
Sparking confident outdoor adventure through innovative gear by equipping every outdoor enthusiast for epic adventure and endless opportunities. Buy the Omni-Tensil, $34.95.
Company Spotlight: outdoor element
Specializing in: Outdoor adventure and survival gear
Founder: Michael Mojica, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2003
Year founded: 2012
On what the holiday 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 how you envision someone using your products: “[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, innovative and durable gear to help people explore our planet, while supporting more diverse and equitable access to the outdoors. Buy the Dyneema® Kross. (Use code: REI10 for 10% off on allmansright.com.)
Wondery
Outdoor lifestyle brand dedicated to liberating women in the outdoors through awareness, resources and the creation of a women’s outdoor community. 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 next fresh air adventure.
A Dozen Cousins
Creates ready-to-eat beans, rice and sauces packed with nutrition and made with simple and clean ingredients. Buy Spanish Yellow Rice, $3.95.
COBA
Reimagines daily coffee and tea rituals into an easy, tasty chocolate bar to take anywhere. Buy the Espresso Chocolate Bar, $2.50.
Company Spotlight: COBA
Specializing in: Coffee and tea based chocolate
Founder: Peter Lee, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2008
Year founded: 2017
On what the holiday 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 how you envision someone using your products: “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 food for adventurers with great taste and strong values, bringing Mexican cuisine to the backcountry. Learn more about the founder. And buy the Aventura Arroz con Leche, $6.95.
Oso Adventure Meals
Delicious, spicy, dehydrated adventure meals made from authentic Mexican family 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 founded: 2024
On how you envision someone using your products: “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 someone chooses a Good Detour gift: “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 natural ingredients that is ideal for performance, recovery and adventure! Buy Instant Power Coffee 4 packet sampler, $11.99. (Use code: REI20 for 20% off on idrinkprojo.com.)
Spicewell
Making everyday food and drink more functional with nutrient-dense on-the-go products. Buy the Pouch Trio. (Use code: PATHAHEAD for 15% off on spicewell.com.)
A Hat for Every Outing
Help them show their love of the outdoors with a fresh lid.
Abstract Hikes
Groovy sticker company for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to reconnect with the trail or manifest their next adventure! Buy The Trail Provides Beanie, $36. (Use code HAPPYHIKING for 20% off on abstracthikes.com.)
Hairbrella
An Atlanta-based functional headwear brand focused on innovative hats and hair accessories for hair protection. Buy the Satin-Lined, Waterproof All-Weather Sun Hat, $54.
Company Spotlight: Hairbrella
Specializing in: Hair accessories for getting outside, and more
Year Founded: 2020
Founder: Tracey Pickett, founder and CEO; REI Co-op Member since 2024
On what it means when someone chooses a Hairbrella gift: “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 holiday 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 performance outdoor apparel brand for the modern, culturally connected outdoor enthusiast. Buy the Vilane Five Panel Cap in Moss Glade, $45.
Literally Outside
Chicago-based, Black-owned outdoor lifestyle company at the intersection of streetwear and love for the great outdoors. Buy the L/O x Cody Hudson Field Trip Hat, $36.
Urban Native Era
An Indigenous-owned brand focused on Indigenous visibility through fashion and design. Buy the You Are On Native Land Winter Ribbed Beanie, $35.
USAL
A Los Angeles–based community providing experiences and goods for the modern nature enthusiast. Buy the Tectonic Research Hat, $54.
Varlo
Designs and manufactures best-in-class performance cycling, running and multisport apparel to lower barriers and empower all humans to conquer the goals of tomorrow. Buy the Vida Praia Cap, $39. (Use code: REIgift for 25% off most items on varlosports.com.)
Hootie Hoo
Woman-owned brand provides top-tier technical apparel that keeps kids comfortable, outdoors longer and empowers them to “Outplay the Elements.” Buy the Kozy Fleece Hat, $25. (Use code: REIGIFT20 for 20% off most items on hootiehoo.com.)
Company Spotlight: Hootie Hoo
Specializing in: Technical outerwear for kids
Founder: Xiaonan (Claire) Zhu, CEO and cofounder; REI Co-op member since 2008
Year Founded: 2021
On how you envision someone using your products: “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 holiday season is like as an entrepreneur: “Of course, the holiday season comes with its challenges. The biggest challenge is the pressure to deliver a seamless experience, as winter is our key season, and any hiccups could affect the entire year. Balancing work and personal life can also be tricky. There’s always more to do, but I also want to make sure I carve out time for family during the holidays.
Despite the challenges, the holiday season is my favorite. The joy of creating experiences for kids and the energy shared between our team and customers makes it all so special.”
More about Path Ahead Ventures
Founders of color represent an estimated 1% of outdoor entrepreneurs. REI Co-op launched Path Ahead Ventures in 2021 to help address that imbalance by committing a $30 million investment in companies owned and led by founders of color by 2030. The network now consists of more than 100 founders, who have access to a full spectrum of support including capital, community, resources and programming.
All photos courtesy of the brands
The post 23 Emerging Outdoor Brands to Shop This Holiday Season appeared first on Uncommon Path – An REI Co-op Publication.
