Now, the disclaimer: We are ambassadors for Deuter, Tubbs, WoolX, and TurboPup. I've written for Source Outdoors and we were provided gear by Adventure Medical Kits. Most of the links are to Amazon where we participate in their affiliate program. Clicking these links (and buying) helps support moosefish.com and our crazy adventures.

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, here's what I'd want to see under the tree.

Let's start with water. Clean water is critical both on the trail and in your daily life. The LifeStraw is lightweight and is a perfect emergency filter to stow in your pack. We've used it once in Mount Rainier National Park when we ran out of water and it worked brilliantly. The big bonus for the LifeStraw is that when you buy one the LifeStraw company provides water systems to developing countries so they get fresh water, too. Everybody wins! LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, $15

Since you're not always near a water source it's handy to have a way to carry it. Source Outdoor reservoirs are gunk resistant and the toughest bladders I've used. It's the bladder that comes in many Deuter packs so you know it's good. It comes in a variety of sizes, but I recommend the 3L size. You can accessorize it with an inline filter, too! Source Outdoor Widepac Hydration Reservoir 3L, $33

I just mentioned Deuter packs so here are my choices for Deuter packs. For kids, there's no better day pack than the Climber. It's 22L and has all the features of an adult pack. Deuter Climber Backpack, $69

For men who need a mid-size pack big enough to spend a night or two in the woods or just carry all your kids' gear check out the Futura Pro 42. The feature that sets the pack apart from others is the Aircomfort Pro back system. The pack itself is curved away from your back allowing air to flow through. It won't make you sweat free, but it'll feel awesome. Deuter Futura Pro 42 Backpack, $169

For the hardcore outdoor woman you can't go wrong with the Guide Lite 28+ SL. It can hold up to 36L and it doesn't mess around with extras you don't need. Want to strap on an ice axe, crampons, or skis? Yup. Need to carry your knitting? I didn't think so. This is a serious pack that does its job and it's designed for women. (That's what the "SL" means.) Deuter Guide Lite 28+ SL Backpack, $90

I said, "skis," but of course I meant "snowshoes." Tubbs has three great options. For your Littles, start with the FLEX JR snowshoe. It's small and light, but has enough floatation and traction for most adventures. When your kids get into that magical land known as "Tween" count yourself lucky you can still get them outside with you and equip them with the FLEX HKE. This is the upsized version of the JR (or the downsized version of an adult 'shoe) and is designed for bigger kids.

Speaking of "bigger kids," the adults ought to look to the FLEX Ridge snowshoe. The Ridge is a moderate terrain snowshoe with a BOA binding that makes it easy and fast to get in and out of the 'shoe. I originally thought the BOA closure was silly, but then I started using it and I won't go back to straps. (The Ridge has enough traction for moderate terrain, but if you're going for extreme adventures check out the FLEX VRT.)

Tubbs Girls' Flex JR Snowshoes, $45 - Tubbs Kids' Flex HKE Snowshoes, $95 - Tubbs FLEX Ridge Snowshoes, $142

When the snow doesn't call for snowshoes, but it's still slick, you'll have no problem walking in MICROspikes. Think of them as tire chains for your feet, but with little teeth that dig into the ice and snow. These are not crampons like you'd need to climb Mount Rainier, but are just about perfect for a day on the PNW's Cascade Concrete or surviving and iced road walk. Kahtoola MICROspikes, $70

If you're going snowshoeing or just adventuring any time during the cold months you need base layers to stay warm. WoolX has a bunch of great pieces of machine washable (and dry-able!) merino wool base layers. I pretty much live in the Merino Wool Zip Top. It's freakishly warm, breathes like crazy, and my kids say it makes me look cool. That's hard to beat. WoolX Men's Merino Wool Zip Top, $120

You won't usually see them, but under my rain pants I'm wearing the Heavyweight Base Layer Bottoms. Not an exciting name, but warm and soft. These fit perfectly, don't ride up or down, and breathe just like all the WoolX gear. WoolX Merino Wool Bottoms, $99

Also hidden from view are my Toe Socks. Yes, they make my feet look funny and yes they take a few minutes to get used to, but they have virtually eliminated the terrible blisters I used to get. I wear them under a pair of WoolX wool socks for best effect. Injinji 2.0 Outdoor Original Weight Micro Nuwwol Socks, $16

I preach, "Safety, Fun, Goals," to my kids so there are a few safety devices you should consider, too. The first is perfect for both the average adventure out and the epic journey. The inReach Satellite Communicator SE looks like a regular GPS, but it can send and receive text messages and location data via satellite. This means when you're miles in the backcountry and your phone isn't getting a signal you can still send messages. Most importantly, you can call for help in an emergency and know that a rescue will be on its way. A service plan is required, but it's well worth it, especially if you adventure with kids. DeLorme inReach SE, $230

And just because you can call for help doesn't mean you always should. Sometimes you just need to sit tight. Adventure Medical Kits makes a bunch of survival gear to fit all your needs. Two pieces are key. The Emergency Bivvy is a lightweight, waterproof, bivvy sack that will keep you alive during the night. Adventure Medical Kits SOL Emergency Bivvy, $14

Too heavy to carry with you on an average adventure, but perfect to leave in the car, is the Traverse Survival Kit. It comes in a metal case with an emergency blanket, water purification tablets, water bag, firestarters, and a whistle. When (not if) you get stuck on a dirt road going to a trailhead you'll be glad you have this in the trunk. American Medical Kits SOL Traverse Survival Kit, $15

Of course you will need something to eat out on the trail and a way to cook it. A Jetboil Flash Stove boils water quickly and is easy to use. Pour your boiling water into a Mountain House meal and you're set. With a little practice you can also cook Jiffy Pop popcorn over the JetBoil, but don't stop moving it or it'll burn.

Jetboil Flash Personal Cooking System, $100 - Mountain House meals: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Macaroni and Cheese (the only thing my kids eat on the trail, Scrambled Eggs and Bacon, $6 each - Jiffy Pop, $10 for a pack of three

Without a doubt, the best gift I've ever received was a tiny dog collar with a tag that simply read, "Tokul." That was how my wife let me know we were getting the puppy I'd wanted for so long. Tokul is gone (but never forgotten) and Treen now hikes by my side. Here are a few items for your canine companion.

Start with a couple of books written by the Monks of New Skete. Yes, these are monks that train dogs and do it brilliantly. The Art of Raising a Puppy was our guide from selection (including the "Puppy Aptitude Test") and to crate training through the tween years of doghood. How to be Your Dog's Best Friend turns the tables on the whole "Man's Best Friend" concept and reminds us we need "honest and effective communication." I know, sounds like hippy, dippy baloney, but it works. The Art of Raising a Puppy, $19 - How to be Your Dog's Best Friend, $20

The Cloud Chaser jacket for those days when it's not just a walk in the park. It's waterproof, windproof, and breathable with sleeves to give better coverage. Ruffwear Cloud Chaser jacket, $60

Your pup needs to eat and there is no better, more convenient food on the trail than TurboPup meal bars Treen loves them and they've sustained her for days at a time. Best: There's a bacon flavor. TurboPup Meal Bars (six pack), $16

You'll want to be able to see your dog and be sure others do, too, so get the Guardian Dog Light. This is the only dog light that has stood up to the constant adventuring my dogs do. It's amazingly bright, can be converted to a flasher, and is waterproof. Adventure Lights Guardian Dog Light, $16

The last item is another light, but not just for you. Like the LifeStraw above the Give Light, Get Light package gives back to the world that has given us so much. You get a PackLite 16 Solar Inflatable Light, cool in its own regard, and you sponsor a light for someone in need. The lights charge via a built-in solar panel and provides hours of light. Great for your tent, but imagine what it means for someone that's lived without light. LuminAID Give Light, Get Light Package, $30

I figure this list has a little something for everyone on your list. However, if I didn't fill the need don't hesitate to get in touch. I've got lots more ideas or ways these can be tweaked to be more or less epic. Regardless of what you buy, make sure you get out there to experience nature's gift to us.