Are you on the hunt for gifts for the accessible outdoor enthusiasts in your life? Did Santa leave extra spending money in your stocking this year to spend on yourself?
Well, you’re in luck! United Spinal Association’s Outdoor Access Working Group members created this Outdoor Access Holiday Gift Guide just for you!
Cold or Warm Weather Gear
No matter the temperature Outdoor Access Working Group members Alex Martinez, Lori Ollendick, Tina Croghan, and Kholoud Rashid have suggested clothing, outdoor apparel and other items to either keep you comfortably cool or cozy and warm.
When using any heating or cooling mechanism on areas of the body with little to no sensation or feeling, be sure to check your skin often.
Keep in mind that the bigger the temperature range of the product, the more flexibility the person has to wear it in varying temperatures. It is also extremely important to look at the product’s care instructions, and don’t forget that products like these will most likely require charging time and have specific amounts of battery life. Battery-powered heated clothing and accessories keep the heat coming for hours and can even double as a power bank for emergency phone charging!
If you are unfamiliar with products or do not know where to start, websites like Travel + Leisure have tested and reviewed heated clothing products.
View this post on Instagram
Clothing to keep you warm
Outdoor Apparel for extra protection from winter weather
- Boots
Clothing to keep you cool
Additional gift ideas for anyone who loves spending their time outside
- Instant Warmers (hand, feet, neck)
Tech to add to your outdoor experience
- Lumen Bicycle Light (can be attached to any mobility device)
- GPS Tracker (long-range tracking)
- Airtags (close range tracking)
My Cooling Store and The Warming Store have more gift ideas and options.
Subscriptions
There is information and resources available online and in print for the accessible outdoor enthusiasts that make great gifts.
- Paraplegia News (PN) Magazine: the official publication of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) which covers topics on news, health, research, lifestyle, technology and more.
- Sports ‘N Spokes (SNS) Magazine: SNS is the original magazine for adaptive sports and recreation.
- Outside Magazine: covers travel, sports, gear, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the outdoors.
- Outside+, includes access to Outside Magazine, Trailforks Pro, GAIA GPS, Velo, Pinkbike, Backpacker, and Yoga Journal.
View this post on Instagram
Alex, an Outdoor Access Working Group member, recommends websites such as GEARTRADE, which offers an excellent way to buy and sell fairly used and new outdoor gear.
Whether your loved one is new to accessible outdoor activities, or has been an outdoor lover for years, these gift suggestions are a great way to enhance their outdoor experience, and having the proper gear will help make outdoor experiences fun and safe.
We wish you a Happy Holiday!
Resources
Online:
Outside Online 2025 Winter Gear Guide
The Best Heated Clothing and Accessories of 2024 (Travel + Leisure)
United Spinal Association:
New Mobility
Outdoor Tracks Gear Guide (Kary Wright)
Magic 360 Power Chair Designed for Both Indoor and Off-Road Use (Michael Franz)
From ‘Roughing It’ to Glamping: Adaptive Camping for Wheelchair Users (Bob Vogel)
Participate in United Spinal’s Outdoor Access Working Group to help remove barriers to outdoor recreation for the disability community and to help promote adaptive recreation activities of all kinds.