Holiday Gift Guide for Your Outdoorsy Teenager: Clothing We Love

With forty years of experience offering hiking trips worldwide, the Overland team is a knowledgeable source of outdoor clothing information. Here are some of their favorites!

Outdoor Research Sun Hoody

 Lightweight and so versatile. I love this shirt for biking, hiking, and running. It is breathable enough that I can wear it for a full day activity, but it also provides enough warmth for a brisk morning walk. This shirt is long lasting, I have worn it regularly for two years and it is in great shape. This is a perfect gift for kids who are looking to spend some longer days outside. Additionally, it dries quickly making it perfect for rafting, kayaking, or fishing. The shirt is also comfortable enough to wear around town or around the house.

Will Savage, Leader Hiring

EVA Birkenstocks

Lighter weight and significantly less expensive than typical Birkenstocks, I bought this pair ahead of last summer, hoping that they could replace both my old pair of leather Birks and my very worn out Crocs. I was right! This pair of plastic Birks have accompanied me on a bikepacking trip, a family hiking vacation to Crested Butte, and were my go-to shoe this past summer. Their value really came through when I was out and about. After a long day of hiking or biking, I would slip these on to let my feet breathe. I never worried about them getting wet – they’re waterproof and shed water easily. And, if it got chilly at night in the mountains, I was able to do the socks-and-Birks combo. It may not be everyone’s style choice, but it is very functional!

Luke Costley, Director

Skida Low Pile Fleece Tube

This trusty piece from Skida has been my go-to hat/buff combo. The colors are great to choose from, and it’s perfect for cooler nights around camp. Ask any of my friends, I wear it constantly!

Beth Larcom, Director, Staffing and Summer Operations

Ibex Wool Base Layers

 I keep these in my sleeping bag at all times so that no matter how cold I get, I will always be warm in my sleeping bag at the end of the day. 

Emma Wheeler, Leader Hiring

Feetures Trail Max Cushion Mini Crew Socks

About a year ago I discovered Feetures Trail Max Cushion Mini Crew socks, and I haven’t gone back. They are perfect for hikes, trail runs, the gym, or any time I know I’ll need blister/impact protection while still letting my feet breathe. A few new pairs are already on my holiday list!

Jack Owens, Trip Planning

Patagonia Air Full-Zip Hoody

It’s the perfect lightweight jacket for a chilly summer evening or serves as a great base layer in the winter. It’s super breathable and comfortable so I can move around freely while wearing it!

Katie Cullen, Admissions

Skida Alpine Hat

My favorite outdoor clothing item is my Skida Alpine Hat. I always hike with a Skida in my pack because you never know when you might need one. This hat is, of course, a winter staple but they even come in handy for those blustery summer days at the summit. Lined with a fuzzy inner layer, this hat is warm enough for those cold, windy, or rainy days on trail. The fleece is also moisture wicking ensuring you stay cozy even as you climb. They come in so many cute and colorful patterns, there is a hat out there for everyone.

Chelsea Colby, Admissions

Arc’teryx Beta Jacket

 My most trusty piece of clothing is definitely my Arcteryx Beta Gore-Tex jacket. It’s the best raincoat I’ve ever had, it’s so good that it doubles as my ski shell jacket in the winter. I’ve continually been impressed by this jacket. When leading up Kilimanjaro in 2024, I ended up wearing it as my cold weather jacket for our second trip because it was so good at retaining body heat while also being breathable when I needed it to be, I was shocked. Having versatile layers makes camping much more comfortable and having an item that covers multiple bases makes packing significantly easier.

Tasker Peacock, Admissions

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    Torie Smith

    As a local student, it was a thrill to be given the opportunity to go on three Overland trips. Whether biking from my hometown to Montreal, hiking in the Rockies, or exploring along the Pacific Coast, each Overland experience, no matter how unique, held the constant of building a foundation of confidence, community, and adventure. They remain formative experiences in my life.

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