The holiday season is upon us and as this global pandemic trudges on, what better way to celebrate the season than with social distancing-ready gear? This year, give your friends and family the things they really need: the tools to take them on adventures...far from everyone else! While it’s hard to choose from all the rad gear in the Purple Lizard shop, here are a few of our top favs!
It’s getting cold out there folks! So, what better place to start a gift guide than the top? The Lizard Screaming Warning Orange Fleece Hat is highly visible, cozy, comfortable and warmth-inducing. And if it wasn’t functional enough, they even put a lizard on it.! We wear it all season long, but especially when high visibility is a must during hunting season in the Pennsylvania woods.
We all know the value of warm toes on winter rides/hikes/explorations. Why not gift that luxury to your friends and family? DeFeet makes a great pair of socks. Adding a purple lizard makes them that much better! The ultra-cozy, made in the US Lizard Woolie Boolie Socks by DeFeet are perfect for chilly winter adventures. While your younger self may have rolled eyes at the idea of finding socks in your stocking, your adult gift recipients will surely thank you.
What’s better than supporting one small business this holiday season? How about supporting two?! Nittany Mountain Works is a fueled-by-solar custom pack shop based in Phillipsburg PA and they worked up some great custom gear for the Purple Lizard team. Their packs are solid and paired with the Purple Lizard pallet, nearly unbeatable. The Lizard Half Sack fits my daily essentials - snack, cap, keys, wallet and while a compact size, it delivered on full adventures. Measuring in at 9" X 6" x 3.5" it’s a great option for light carry on any outing.
Does your gift list include a pack-everything-but-kitchen-sink person? The Lizard Deluxe Hip Sack measures 12" x 6" x 3.5" and carries all the things.
Just like the Half Sack, this pack features the notable (and dirt/stain-hiding) Purple Lizard color scheme, a large main pocket and front zip pocket for all the storage, and daisy chain webbing on the front to attach all the extras.
These little zip-equipped bags are the ultimate organizers. Measuring 8”x5” and feasting a single zipper and handy clip on the corner the Lizard Ditty Bag is the ultimate multi-adventure gift. Biking adventure? Throw a couple CO2 cartridges and compact pump in to keep it organized. Hiking adventure? A snack bar, energy chews, and a bandana fit lovely. A long day on the road? Slip a wallet, lip balm and other small essentials in there for safe keeping.
Inspiration comes from unexpected places and experiences. In our family, we have found inspiration comes to our children through their outdoor experiences - whether playing in the backyard or biking some distant trail. But we also appreciate how much adventure, fun (and inspiration) can be found through books, like Harold and the Purple Crayon. The Purple Lizard team brought this book to their shop so others can experience it and feel it is “the perfect gift for future generations of artists, dreamers, and maybe a few mapmakers.”
No adventure is possible without knowing where you’re going - or at least where you could go.While the Lizard Whole Shebang makes a lot of sense - go big or go home, right? - but you can also start gifting adventure with a close-to-home option. Seventeen bucks doesn’t buy much these days, but in this case, it buys a wealth of knowledge when your recipient is looking for the best social distancing spots to explore. But, regardless of which location you choose, all the Purple Lizard maps feature contour lines, elevation data, shaded relief, and all the key details you need to plan adventures including backroads and trails, trail use designations, road surfaces (paved/gravel/4wd), parking access, campsites, public lands, historic sites and more.
Check out the Purple Lizard Map shop for all the map options.
Blog and Photos by Ryan Michelle Scavo, Outdoorswoman & Adventure Mama. Instagram: @Ryoutside
copyright Purple Lizard Maps 2020
