AGR Mens Holiday Gift Guide

by Zachary Rodasti · Published November 28, 2015 , 4:16 pm · Updated April 25, 2022 , 11:43 am

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$25 and Under

CRKT Viva – $9.99

Need a stocking stuffer that’s awesome? Look no further. CRKT just upped your key chain game for you with the CRKT Viva. The most affordable item in our guide packs a punch when it comes to feature set and durability, and is guaranteed to become a must have at any white elephant gift exchange. It slides on to BOTH your belt and your pocket with ease, eliminating the traditional carabiner hinge, yet it’s slim enough to slide in a front pocket for those minimalist types out there. The bottle opener is easy to use and grips well, and the integrated pry bar/screwdriver comes in handy for all sorts of task that would normally leave you with chewed up fingernails.

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

Solid Steel
Solid prybar
5 tools
4 inches

[starlist]★★★★★[/starlist]

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Easy on
Bottle opener works well
Slim form factor

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None – this little guy is awesome. Buy two.

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PackTowl Personal – $19.95

For those times when you want to pack light – but not use last night’s hoodie as this mornings Towel. New from PackTowl (yes, that’s spelled correctly), the PackTowl personal is super absorbent yet quick drying, and packs down to a size that’s just a bit larger than a deck of cards. I loved it initially for my triathlon gear bag because it takes up so much less room than my old towel, but after a few uses, I quickly began throwing it in my gym bag, too. The personal (XL) size weighs in at just 6.4 oz, and comes with a little attachment to wrap itself up in. Give it a shot, and it’ll become your go to for any traveling endeavor.

: A full size towel – in the palm of your hand. May as well bring two.

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

Super Absorbent
Quick Drying
Multiple sizes from hand towel to beach towel
Multiple Colors

[starlist]★★★★★[/starlist]

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Quick drying material which rings out really well for those sweaty workouts
Soft feeling polyester/Nylon microfiber blend
Antimicrobial treatment reduces odor – I had one in my gym bag for a week, and used it every day – no smell!
Snap loop makes it easy to hang on stuff

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Had to wash it before using it the first time ’cause the material felt weird on my skin
Takes a lot of ringing to get it dry enough to put in my bag
Transfers water to my bag when I wrap a wet swimsuit in it – more than a traditional cotton towel

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Yeti Traditional Trucker Hat – $19.99

Because who doesn’t need another trucker hat? The Yeti Traditional Trucker Hat is just what it says – a traditional trucker hat. What, you thought I had something earth shattering to say? I’ve been wearing it all week ’cause I a.) work from home and b.) love Yeti’s products. Classic styling blends with comfort here to make a dependable, go to hat for all things hat-worthy. Birthday party for the kid down the block? Check. Hitting up the local watering hole? Check. Going to a wedding? Check – well, maybe only in Iowa. Go to the Yeti website to buy the rambler lowball listed below, and then add this on for $19.99.

: Gratuituous lowball photo included

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

Yeti block logo
Stiff upper
Pre-Curved Brim
Mesh back
Snap Closure
$19.99

[starlist]★★★★★[/starlist]

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It’s a trucker hat
It’s awesome
Comes in a bunch of cool colors
It’s twenty bucks and makes a great stocking stuffer

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Look, it’s an awesome trucker hat. I have nothing negative to say here.

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GSI Commuter Java Press – $22.95

Coffee on the go doesn’t have to mean a stop at Starbucks every morning. The GSI Commuter Java Press can help you cut costs and help you enjoy a fresh cup daily on your way to work. With the GSI Commuter Java Press, there is no need steep, plunge, and then pour into a separate coffee mug. The Commuter Java Press is an all-in one press and travel mug. A tasty cup of coffee is as easy as placing 2-3 scoops of coffee at the bottom, bringing 12-14 oz water to a near boil, adding the water to the cup, stirring, waiting 4 minutes, giving another quick stir, and plunging the inner sleeve down, apply the lid and enjoy!

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

15 fl. oz capacity with streamlined car cup and bike cage friendly design
Insulated koozie to keep your drink warm and your hand cool
Plunger free design
Good for commuting, camping, and travel
Burly rubber bottom for uneven brewing surfaces

[starlist]★★★★★[/starlist]

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Great deal, $22.95 for travel mug and a French press
Can be used for coffee or with loose leaf tea
Mesh sleeve filters like a champ with coarse grounds (recommended!)
Easy to clean

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No more than 3 scoops of coffee at a time, otherwise coffee leaks between the inner/outer container
Worry about longevity with plastic

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Outdoor Tech Kodiak Mini USB Power Bank – $24.95

Battery running out of juice? Not anymore. The folks at Outdoor Tech continue to kill it was useful, awesome products that are rugged enough to take just about anywhere. The Outdoor Tech Kodiak Mini is a power bank designed to hold enough extra juice for you to quickly recharge all those devices you use now in the great outdoors – from GPS units to iPhones, this little guy carries enough juice to get you through. It’s also splash proof, and with the rubberized cap/exterior, you don’t have to worry about dropping it or kicking it around the tent when it falls out of your bag. Not only did I use it to charge up my phone, I also used it to charge up a running flashlight on a recent endeavor!

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

2600 mAh of power
Water Resistant
Enough juice for the following
- iPhone 1.5x
- GoPro 2.5x
- Galaxy 1x
Super small – fits in a front pocket (unless you wear skinny jeans)
Indicator to let you know when it’s charging.

[starlist]★★★★★[/starlist]

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Comes charged out of the box!
Holds a charge for a really long time – charge it up, throw it in the bag/car… use it when needed!!
Weighs in at only 3oz

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There are no negatives here – you should probably buy one for yourself AND for stocking stuffers.

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Yeti Rambler Lowball – $24.99

For the guy/gal who just needs a good cuppa in the morning to get going. I can’t say enough good things about the [linker q=”Yeti Rambler Lowball” gtm=”merchant” id=”YETI_Rambler_Lowball___10oz_Stainless_Steel__One_Size” ft=”fetchProducts” fb=”YETI_Rambler_Lowball___10oz_Stainless_Steel__One_Sizequery_Yeti Rambler Lowball_~”]Yeti Rambler Lowball[/linker], except that now I’m gonna have to go out and buy the 20o z and 30 oz versions to complete the set. This little guy keeps hot things hot and cold things cold better than just about anything on the market. And forget all the gee-gaws that adorn other cups, making them unpackable and useless for long endeavors – this is a double walled, vacuum insulated cup of awesomeness that will quickly become your go to drinkin’ buddy for your beverage of choice. $24.00 seems a bit steep (without a lid – why yeti?), but it’s totally worth it on the Yeti Website, and guaranteed to get a smile in a stocking or just at the office holiday party.

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

18/8 Stainless Steel
Double Wall Vacuum Insulation
No Sweat Design
$24.99

[starlist]★★★★☆[/starlist]

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Fits comfortably in your hand
Hot things HOT and cold things COLD
Doesn’t sweat AT ALL
Doesn’t retain any taste – move from coffee to tea and back

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NO LID. Why yeti? Now I gotta go pay $10 to get a lid for this thing to make it more awesome.

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$50 and Under

Nathan Zephyr Fire 100 Hand Torch – $29.99

For the Runner that *thinks* they have it all. This was one of those items that I never knew I needed… but now never leave the house without. The folks over at Nathan really know what they are doing with running gear, and the [linker q=”Zephyr Fire 100 Hand Torch” gtm=”merchant” ft=”fetchProducts”]Zephyr Fire 100 Hand Torch[/linker] is a great example of just that. It’s got all the things a runner needs to stay safe during those early morning or late night runs, and especially around this time of year this is a great running buddy. It’s angled in order to keep the path lit in front of you while running, and the hand strap makes it comfortable for the long haul. Included in this tiny package is also a warning/emergency siren, and a backlit red LED for safety – oh, and did I mention it’s RECHARGEABLE? Head on over to Nathan’s Website to check out the full array of lighting products.

: Angled design for keeping the light ahead while running

: Easy to use buttons are right under your finger tips

: The rear LED makes an excellent safety device

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

Rechargeable flashlight specifically designed for runners
108 lumens across 3 different lighting modes
Integrated handstrap
24 degree downward beam angle

[starlist]★★★★☆[/starlist]

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Handstrap means easy to hold – even with gloves on
Downward beam means no twisting your wrist, no discomfort
Red LED back light warns vehicles coming behind you of your location, and is very visible
Warning siren is nice and loud
Great battery life

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No removable batteries means you gotta remember to charge it
Buttons hard to press with gloves on
Beam could be more focused

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Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack – $35

The pack that holds a lot, and packs down to little. So, if you buy that special someone all these cool gifts, eventually they’re gonna need a pack to carry it in. Or conversely, they’ll need an ultralight pack that folds down to the size of a deck of cards, or for you old timers out there, roughly a bit smaller than a CD jewel case (yeah, I went there). The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack doesn’t sacrifice storage space to weigh only .2 lbs, though – it fits a whopping 18 liters across more than a few pockets, and even has a stretch mesh side pocket to fit a water bottle in. Head on over to the Osprey Website to check it out in multiple colors – at this price, you may as well buy two. My wife and I fight over who’s car to keep this in for emergencies.

: Will it really pack down to the size of that card?

: Mesh straps for all day comfort

: Halfway there!

: Packs down… SMALLER than the card – awesome work Osprey!

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

1100 cubic inch/18L capacity
40D Nylon Ripstop
Ultra Compact Storage
Air Mesh Harness

[starlist]★★★★★[/starlist]

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Air mesh harness provided sweat free use even on hot days
Packs into it’s own include storage pocket, throw it in a glovebox or keep it inside a purse for use when you need it
Ripstop nylon is durable and built to last
At this pricepoint, you may as well buy two!

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Side pockets only fit (1) medium to small water bottle
Limited pockets
No chest strap = not the most secure fit

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Acorn Fav Gore Slippers – $50

Comfy and Cozy after a day on the trail. Okay, so these are right at $50 – but we couldn’t help but include them in the list since they are a great go to gift for the active guy who thinks he has everything… but doesn’t have Acorn. The [linker q=”Acorn Fave Gore Slipper” gtm=”merchant” id=”Acorn_Fave_Gore_Slipper___Men_s_Java_Tweed__S” ft=”fetchProducts” fb=”Acorn_Fave_Gore_Slipper___Men_s_Java_Tweed__Squery_Acorn Fave Gore Slipper_~”]Acorn Fave Gore Slipper[/linker] (shown here in Java – Tweed) is the perfect blend of comfort and warmth, and provide all day wearability. The soles are non-slip and weatherproof to, so you have no excuse to NOT take out the garbage. Our tester was so comfortable in these, he MAY have skipped a training run or two. Just saying. Check them out at Acorn’s website.

: Italian Wool-Blend Tweed

: Microfleece Lining

: Non-slip outsole

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

Designed in a variety of colors for Men
Italian Wool-Blend Exterior
Microfleece Interior Elastic closure to stay on
High-Density Comfort Foam footbed
$50.00

[starlist]★★★★☆[/starlist]

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Broad color array
Lots of choices for picky guys
Outsole is non-scuffing and easily cleanable
The high-density foam is comfortable
Stays on the foot well – doesn’t slide
Ridiculously warm

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Microfleece makes for sweaty feet without socks
Hard to slip on easily – have to reach down or walk on the heels
Outsole doesn’t come up high enough for wet conditions outside, leading to easy staining
9-10 runs on the small side
Doesn’t breathe well

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Under $100

Thermacell Repellent Camp Lantern – $59.99

Who needs bugs when camping? Not your special someone. The Thermacell Lantern is one of those rare blends of two really useful things – A battery powered lantern, and an air born bug repellent. This works similar to a citronella candle in that it actually helps to keep the bugs away, unlike those gimmicky sound/vibration repellent devices. The light is great for visibility, has multiple settings, and can be detached for use by itself without the bug repellent. Definitely one of those products I never knew I needed… but now I can’t live without! Head over to the Thermacell website for all sorts of innovative products… and refills!

: Repellent pad slips into the top…

: And is heated by a butane “torch” to release the repllent into the air.

: Separate the bug repellent and hang the light anywhere!

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

Covers a 15 x 15 foot area
300 Lumen lantern light
Multiple light settings
Up to 50 hours of light
Battery life indicator
Butane cartridge last 12 hours

[starlist]★★★★☆[/starlist]

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Carabiner on the bottom makes it easy to detach for a tent light
Repellent pads (vaporized by the heat from the butane cartridge) last for four hours
Includes extra pads for really long use
Affordable refill kit is only $5.99
Can be used without the bug repellent feature

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Odor isn’t overwhelming, but isn’t great – comes in multiple scents
Proprietary dispensers mean you can’t try out other brands

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SOG Knives Switch Plier – $64

Who DOESN’T want to get a multitool for the Holidays? Sog yet again took the multitool to another level with the Sog Knives Switch Plier – which, not surprisingly, is EXACTLY how it sounds. Instead of popping a knife out (which would be illegal in most states, and probably wouldn’t make our gear guide) the switch plier pops out an awesomely beefy yet precise pair of pliers. The Silver/Black finish is durable enough to last a life time, and the tool set included has the most important tools and ONLY the most important to keep the size down. Includes a nice pocket clip to make it an attractive EDC. You’ll find yourself reaching for the Sog Knives Switch Plier for just about any job.

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

12 tools in one
Push button for a spring loaded plier
Easy pocket clip to make it an EDC
Ruler in CM and Inches
Blade is 420 Steel

[starlist]★★★★☆[/starlist]

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Push button plier eject works flawlessly
Integrated tool set is incredibly useful
Combo needle nose/plier and wire cutter is beefy enough for lots of different jobs
Quality Heft

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Can be a bit heavy to carry around all day
Access to other tools is impossible without first ejecting the pliers, meaning you have to fold the pliers back in after access to use any other tool

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Nathan Firestorm 2L Hydration Vest – $85

Makes Hydration easy to carry and use. Endurance athletes (road, triathlon, trail – pick your poison) all find themselves needing to hydrate out there on the workout. How you carry the water is largely a matter of personal choice, but I have yet to meet an athlete who wouldn’t love to get a Nathan product – especially the Nathan Firestorm 2L Hydration Vest, for a present. What makes the Hydration Vest a great choice is the ability to pack other vitals along with it, too – keys, fuel, even a couple slots for a light rain jacket or a cell phone. This is a unisex pack, so it’s a perfect gift for that special someone you run/train with – guy OR gal. Give them a gift they’ll actually — USE when out there for 30+ miles at a time. The upper body placement makes this pack easy to use for either a runner or a cyclist, so multi-sport athletes (we all have at least one on our lists) would love the versatility. Check out the Nathan Website to see their full lineup of hydration products!

: Engineered for comfort, but packs multiple features

: The mesh straps are comfortable, and help to wick away sweat

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

2L bladder
Unisex design
Multiple pockets
Helmet Straps
Breathable Mesh Straps

[starlist]★★★★☆[/starlist]

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Easily adjustable
Reflective trim panels for high visibility at night
Stash pockets are really easy to store Gu (or other fuel) in
Water tube clip is easy to use on the move

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The straps around the upper chest area are a bit small – in attempting to be unisex, it’s not compatible with even a medium sized chest
The tube doesn’t have a routing clip on the front, making it bounce up in your face if not fully clipped down

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Hults Bruk Salen Axe – $99

Axes and almost anything with a blade, the perfect gift for almost any guy! For one reason or another, guys love axes. No, I’m not talking axe murders, I’m talking city slickers, country boys, mountain men, and suburbanites. The Hults Bruk Salen Axe is not your typical cheapo axe that you can pick up at the hardware store, but it’s a handcrafted steel blade with a U.S. hickory wood handcrafted handle. No, this is not something that you’ll want to leave out by the wood pile all year round, the Hults Bruk Salen Axe is a piece of handcrafted artwork. I’m not saying not to chop away to your little beaver’s desire, but with a price tag of $99 for an axe, you’ll want to take care of it.

: Hults Bruk Salen Axe

: Leather Sheath

: Axe Blade

: Made in Sweden…

[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Highlights[/tab_title][tab_title]Pros[/tab_title][tab_title]Cons[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]

Handcrafted steel blade
U.S. Hickory Wood curved handle
Protective leather sheath for blade
Every man on the block with drool over his gift

[starlist]★★★★★[/starlist]

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Hardened steel for extended durability
Nice handle to blade weight ratio

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Shorter handle than a traditional axe and a longer handle than the average hatchet.
$99 is a little steep for an axe

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Petzl Myo Headlamp – $99.95

Intended for the endurance athlete on your list – this little guy goes the distance. The [linker q=”Petzl Myo Headlamp” gtm=”merchant” id=”Petzl_Myo_RXP_2_Headlamp” ft=”fetchProducts” fb=”Petzl_Myo_RXP_2_Headlampquery_Petzl Myo Headlamp_~”]Petzl Myo Headlamp[/linker] has a whole slew of easy to use features and add-ons. This light will probably be burning long after you’ve racked up that latest PR at Ragnar. Perfect for any outdoor enthusiast on your holiday gift list, our favorite features include a wide angle flip lens (instantly converting a powerful high beam to a wide beam), balanced design for comfort, and PROGRAMMABLE lighting modes (the Petzl Myo Headlamp is probably smarter than I am) which your outdoor enthusiast can custom tailor to ANY event he/she chooses to subject themselves to – and because it retails at $99.95, you can gift it alone or pair it with more gear! Visit Petzl’s Website for more info.