From Crag to Camp: 2025’s Ultimate Outdoor Gear Guide for the Climbing Adventurer

The holiday season is upon us, and the call of the wild is strong. For the adventure-seeker in your life—the one who seamlessly transitions From Crag to Camp—we’ve compiled a list that goes beyond the basics. This is 2025’s Ultimate Outdoor Gear Guide for the Climbing Adventurer, curated for the individual whose world extends far past the chalk bag. Whether they’re setting up a basecamp deep in the wilderness, tackling a tough new route, or recovering trailside, our selection features the innovative gear, durable apparel, and essential comforts that will fuel every vertical mission and life lived off the wall. Get ready to give a gift that truly elevates their entire outdoor experience.

Climbskin Non Stop Kit

What better gift for the climber in your life than healthy post climb skin. No more calluses, cracked skin or tears. We can’t guarantee a flapper free 2026, for that they will need excellent form and precision but the Climbskin Non Stop Kit offers everything they will need to keep their hands healthy and in great condition. The kit contains everything they will need for pre and post climb activities including nail clippers, ergonomic sanding board, tape or various widths and all the premium balms and creams to keep their skin in tip top condition. It all comes in a great looking and functional toiletry bag so they can keep all that lovely kit organised. Climbskin creams and balms are premium products made using quality ingredients formulated specifically for climbers so you can be sure that their skin is ready to climb and as healthy as it can be.

The Climbskin Non Stop Starter Kit is £25.00 and can be bought from Climbskin UK or your local climbing gym.

Helly Hansen Unisex Pile Winter Cap

What better gift than a cozy and functional winter cap. Suitable for all outdoor (and indoor for that matter) activities this pile cap feels amazing to wear and looks great too! Made using a luxurious deep pile it’s non itchy, easy to wash and totally breathable so you can be sure yout loved one will be reaching for it time and time again. Did we mention it looks great too? With elasticated, colour co-ordinated trim on the  ear warmers, an adjustable drawstring closure as well as a stiffened peak, it will stay in place when that blizzard starts to blow. The recycled fleece is beautifully soft and easy to wash and dry and the absorbent head liner will help keep the cap clean and tidy as well as their head dry. Finishing touches include a modern 6 panel design, flatlock seams for super comfort, a discreet HH tab and embroidered Helly Hansen logo on the front.

The Helly Hansen Pile Winter Cap is one size, unisex and comes in three great colours. The SRP is £45 and it can be bought directly from Helly Hansen UK.

Psychi OG Bouldering Chalk Bag Bundle

Bouldering is THE sport to be into just now. It has everything you need for a full workout: strength, poise and balance (and courage if you are bouldering outdoors). Psychi have been around for a while and make excellent bouldering kit such as crashpads. They are also renowned for their sustainable chalk made from seawater (and not mined from China), neither does it have any drying agents so minimises the cracked skin you can get with other, cheaper chalks. The OG Bouldering Chalk Bag Bundle is exactly the gift you need for the boulderer in your life (that could even be you 💪). A great set that includes a high quality bouldering chalk bag, plenty big enough to hold the 100g bag of pure Magnesium Carbonate (which itself comes in a biodegradable bag). All finished off with a brilliant brush made from wood and natural bristles that is perfect for cleaning off those chalky holds. So no excuses for cratering off dirty holds in 2026! The Phychi OG Bouldering Chalk Bag Bundle costs £32 and comes with a choice of seven bouldering bag colours. It can be bought directly from psychi.co.uk

Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers

After a long day in ski boots, climbing shoes, or hiking gear, few things feel better than slipping into a pair of Rab’s Cirrus Hut Slippers. Lightweight, packable, and effortlessly warm, they’re built for comfort whether you’re tucked up in a mountain hut, winding down at camp, or simply relaxing at home. Filled with 100% recycled PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Luxe, they deliver down-like warmth that stands up to damp conditions. A recycled Pertex Quantum outer adds durability and weather resistance, while the reinforced lower edge and non-slip sole make them tough enough for bothies and cabin floors alike. At just 172g per pair, they compress neatly into any pack, ready for use wherever adventure takes you. An elasticated entry, cushioned EVA footbed, and handy pull loop complete these winter essentials, making it the perfect gift for anyone who’s earned their rest. Suitable for all indoor adventures whether belaying at the climbing gym or those keyboard warrior days where there’s nothing better than toasty feet. They come in sizes XS to XL and 4 cool colour options, the price is £45 and they can be bought directly from Rab UK. Go one, add a little luxe to their adventures.

Patagonia Field Repair Kit.

If ever a company was going to produce a tiny toolbox for field repairs then it would be Patagonia. The Field Repair kit is a compact pouch that contains a few Gear Aid repair patches for quickly sealing small holes in hard shells, tents or packs, two sewing needles and a small amount of black thread. More than enough to affect a quick field repair and packed up in a pouch made from the legendary Black Hole material. Compact in size and super light in weight there is no reason not to pack it on those 2026 backpacking trips you have planned. When you get the item back it’s good to know that a more permanent repair can be made by sending your beloved Patagonia fleece to the brand new Repair Centre in London.  

The Patagonia Field Repair Kit costs £20 and can be purchased directly from the Patagonia EU store.

Jöttnar ULFR Merino Neck Gaiter

Jöttnar have just updated their neck and headwear for this season so it’s the perfect time to buy a quality item that your loved one will appreciate both on and off the mountain. The ULFR (did you know it’s old nordic for wolf) is a super warm, tubular neck warmer made from an exclusive merino blend so you get superior warmth together with a quick drying fabric. Jottnar pitch this as a winter grade neckwarmer and it certainly is, you’re not going to wearing this for trail running (unless it’s the arctic marathon) as it’s designed for deep winter warmth and cosiness, perfect for those winter, new year days on the mountain when you are hiking the post Christmas timber away. The gridded outer traps in warmth whilst the smooth inner offer an itch free comfort next against the neck skin. The double knit fabric offers winter warmth without the bulk and all with a premium look and feel that looks way better than a grotty Buff. It comes in two seasonal colours and is finished with a discretely embroidered Jottnar logo. The price is great value at £35 and it can be purchased directly from Jöttnar UK.

Sunday Afternoons Alpine Tundra Cap

A great gift from Oregon based hat specialists Sunday Afternoons (great name!), the Alpine Tundra Cap has all the features needed for a comfortable day out in any winter setting. Warmth is provided by the Cross Cor Aerogel insulation, this is finished off with a lovely plaid lining and a sweat absorbent headband. The shower resistant outer shell will shed snow and light rain and the stiffened, generous peak will keep it all off their face. The BreezeBlocker earflaps will keep ears nice and toasty when the temperatures take a dive and all made from recycled content. Quality finishing touches include reflective piping and logo as well as a neat internal adjustment belt and a SPF 50+ rating for when the sun makes a rare appearance. An amazing cap that oozes quality and a cap we’ve been using all winter.The Alpine Tundra Cap comes in two sizes and colour options and is definitely worth the SRP of 49.95. It can be bought directly from Sunday Afternoons UK.

Arc’teryx Grotto Toque

If you’re stuck as to what to buy for your adventurous loved one, you can’t go much wrong with a beanie or toque. If you are thinking of splashing out then there’s no better than a premium hat from adventure royalty Arc’teryx. The 100% recycled polyester knit is non itch, totally warm, is quick drying and you can just chuck it in the wash when it gets grubby. The design transitions from ski slope to pub with ease with a mid length and is super comfortable with minimal stitching. The large, abstract bird logo perfectly complements the premium looking embroidered Arc’teryx logo and fully looks the part. Wondering what the difference between a beanie and a toque is? Nothing! Our US friends call the toques and we call them beanies – just one of the differences we all love about each other. The Arc’teryx Grotto Toque comes in a great range of colours, is unisex and one size. The SRP is £55 and it is available from Arc’teryx UK.

PETZL SWIFT LT

For the climber who values minimal weight and maximum performance, the Petzl SWIFT LT is the definition of a perfect gift, proving that great things truly come in small packages. Weighing in at an ultra-compact and featherlight 43g, this headlamp is designed for the fast-and-light philosophy, making it an essential piece of gear that they might not even know they need. The new SWIFT LT delivers an impressive 380 lumens, providing brilliant light exactly when they need it most—whether they’re extending a route into dusk or setting up camp after a late descent.It’s engineered for adventure: it features crucial red lighting to preserve night vision, is USB-C rechargeable for ultimate convenience, and is rated rain-resistant (IPX4), so a surprise shower won’t stop the mission. The SWIFT LT is the ideal gift because it serves two critical purposes: it’s perfect for all their lightweight adventures where every gram counts, and it functions as an incredibly reliable backup that can be tucked into any climbing pack or jacket pocket without a second thought. Comfort hasn’t been forgotten either; the minimal headband is comfortable and includes reflective thread for visibility.

Give the gift of safety, performance, and peace of mind with the Petzl SWIFT LT. Find out more at petzl.com.

Smartwool Short Sleeve Polo

What better way to motivate someone to crush in 2026 than helping them get ready for the gym! This Smartwool Polo is a premium shirt that will look great in the gym, on the crag or on any adventure. The merino cotton mix offers the best of everything.

Specifically, this unique 50/50 Merino-Cotton blend is an ideal hybrid for the active adventurer. It takes the natural performance features of Merino wool and blends them with soft, organically grown cotton for incredible next-to-skin comfort. This fusion provides a superior shirt that excels at managing moisture, regulating body temperature, and naturally resisting odor. The result is a polo that helps keep stink totally under control, keeps the wearer dry from sweat, and maintains a stable body temperature whether they are pushing hard on a tricky climb or simply wearing it casually.

Comfort is crucial, and the regular fit is designed to ensure they have room to move freely without unnecessary bulk. Thoughtful construction details, such as the offset shoulder and side seams, are included to help increase comfort and minimize chafing, which is perfect when wearing a climbing harness or pack.

The fact that it looks smart enough for the office or a casual evening out, but performs like top-tier gear, makes it truly versatile for the “Crag to Camp” lifestyle. Originally priced at £80.00, this premium piece of apparel makes a luxurious gift that speaks volumes about quality, style, and their love for adventure. Available from smartwool.co.uk

Klättermusen Galar Gloves.

What better gift for the speedster in your life than the gear designed to shave weight and boost efficiency?

The Klättermusen Galar Glove is the perfect, highly-specialized addition to any climber’s winter arsenal. These are not your heavy-duty resort mittens; these lightweight and ergonomic gloves that are purpose-built for the ascent—where every gram and every moment counts.

Embodying Scandi style and minimalism, the Galar Glove manages to pack premium features into its streamlined design. Crafted with a commitment to premium and sustainable materials, the Galar gloves prioritize two critical features: dexterity and fit. They ensure your loved one can move fast without fumbling, tackling tasks like complex changeovers, handling ice axes, clipping carabiners, managing ropes and, of course, pouring you that cup of hot mulled wine from the flask! All with optimal precision thanks to the articulated fingers.

Ideal for both winter and spring ski mountaineering, the Galar features a thin liner designed for comfort and critical temperature regulation during those fast-paced mountain activities. They are intended to be primarily used during ascents and then partnered with a warmer glove for the descent, giving the wearer complete control over their thermal system. A secure, comfortable fit is guaranteed by the Airoprene cuff which features a simple Velcro closure for easy entry and a rock-solid feel. Give the gift of lightweight efficiency and precision—the Klättermusen Galar glove is the ultimate secret weapon for crushing those vertical miles in 2026.

The gloves are unisex, come in sizes XS to XL and three seasonal colourways. The SRP is £80 and they can be bought from Klattermusen UK or the London shop (which is very nice). 

FlapStopper 1.0

Give the gift of durable and consistent finger skin to the climbing enthusiast in your life, maximising performance on the rock or at the gym. The FlapStopper 1.0 is the first electric callus remover engineered specifically for climbing athletes. Unlike generic beauty tools, it’s designed to handle the dense, thick calluses that develop from repeated gripping and friction on climbing holds.

A modern and precise alternative to sandpaper, emery boards and sanding blocks. The Flapstopper gives consistent results on your finger tips and crease areas, reducing tear prone calluses and flaps that can lead to holes and splits.

USB rechargeable with 9 different speed setting and 3 different sanding bands/discs depending on the area treated or finish required.

Level-up skincare for climbers this Christmas with the Flapstopper 1.0. Available in 3 colours at a price of £35 from the Flapstopper site.

THAW Rechargeable Hand Warmer with Integrated Flashlight 10,000mAh

A combined hand warmer and power bank sounds like something you might have seen on the K Tel shopping channel back in the day, if power banks existed back then! However this is 2025 and although combining disparate functions is usually a recipe for disaster in the case of the Thaw Hand Warmer it works rather well. With a 10000mAh capacity battery the stated performance on High is (60°C) for 8h, Medium (50°C) 11h and Low (45°C) 14.5h. The high setting is a bit over the top so medium and low are more likely settings for prolonged use. Now obviously these manufacturer’s figures are under perfect conditions, but under some anecdotal, unscientific, real world testing the Thaw Hand Warmer recharged my aging iPhone 11 ProMax from 40% to 99% and then provided 3 hours and 15min of heat on the High setting. So in a compact package the size of a deck of cards you have the ability to thaw frozen fingers and recharge your phone or other electronic devices. It also comes with an integrated flashlight that is a little superfluous for hikers and climbers but you never know. Ideal for the budding outdoor winter boulderer, hiking photographer or anyone else that needs to get dexterity and feeling back into chilled digits whilst being able to top up their phone for that crucial ‘send’ video. Thaw also produce a combined hand warmer and power bank without the flashlight that is probably an even better choice for most outdoors folk.

£44.99 from the THAW website

Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.