Built for Adventure: Das Optics Holiday Gift Guide
At Das Optics, we live for long days outside — skiing, biking, fishing, or just chasing sun. This holiday season, we’re sharing a few of our favorite pieces of gear from brands we love — the kind of kit that performs, lasts, and fuels the stoke all year long. Whether you’re shopping for your favorite adventure partner or treating yourself, these are the gifts that get used, not shelved.
NAR Adventure Pants: 3/4 Tech Pants – Insulated
I first came across NAR during their Kickstarter launch for the original ¾ Insulated Tech Pants. Since then, I’ve picked up just about every version they make — insulated, non-insulated, full-length, and ¾. The ¾ Insulated Tech Pants are hands-down my favorite for resort skiing. The cropped length keeps my boot tops uncluttered, the fleece lining is cozy and warm, and the thigh vents make it easy to dump heat on hikes — inbounds or out — as long as your outer pants have zippers too.
👉 naroutdoor.com
Kinich Sun Hood
Professional fly-fishing guide Dallin Ralls, founder and inventor of the Kinich Sun Hood, wasn’t satisfied with the sun hoodies on the market. He wanted to wear his favorite fishing shirts but still get full sun protection — so he built his own solution. The result is the Kinich Sun Hood: a lightweight, UPF 50+ modular hood that turns any shirt into a sun-protection machine. Whether you’re fishing, running, or hiking high alpine, it blocks the burn without the bulk and keeps you cool while you chase stoke under the summer sun.
👉 kinichsunhoods.com
Give’r 4-Season Gloves
From splitting wood for the wood stove to grabbing a ski tailgate beverage, these classic leather gloves handle it all. Hand-waxed in Jackson Hole, the Give’r 4-Season Gloves are legendary for good reason — durable, waterproof, and adventure-proof. I’ve had the same pair for nearly ten years, and they’re still ready to Give’r. Bonus: you can get your name or initials branded right into the leather.
👉 giver.com
TowWhee Bungee Tow Strap
I get a little nostalgic about this one. The TowWhee was a constant companion in my mountain bike pack for years — always ready to deploy if one of my kids “bonked” on the climb. Now that Grady and Penelope are 17 and 13 and charging on their own, they don’t need a tow anymore, but my TowWhee is still going strong and ready to be handed down to another family. If you’ve ever towed a tired kid up the trail, you already know how genius this thing is. TowWhee’s lightweight bungee strap turns grueling climbs into team rides — perfect for parents who believe in more high-fives and fewer meltdowns.
👉 towwhee.com
RecPak — Adventure Fuel, Simplified
You never know when you’ll need an easy meal — whether it’s for a big backcountry mission or an unexpected emergency. RecPak’s nutrient-dense, drinkable meals are built for those times when time, weight, and calories all matter. Just shake, drink, and keep moving. They’re perfect for staying fueled on the go or keeping in your emergency kit for when adventure (or life) takes a turn.
👉 recpak.co
Bonus Pick: Das Optics Sunglasses
You didn’t think we’d make a gift guide without our favorite shades, did you? Whether it’s The Pinnacle for ultralight performance or the Sendees 2.0 for all-day mountain adventures, every pair delivers premium optics for under $50 — and gives $10 back to nonprofits keeping our outdoor spaces wild.
👉 dasoptics.net