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Staff Gift Guide

Handpicked Essentials from the People Who Live the Adventure

Staff  Gift Guide - Noah

Noah's Gift Guide

Noah, our graphic designer, grew up in a small town in Southeast Alaska, where outdoor adventures were a constant. From exploring the Tongass National Forest and skiing local sidecountry to building driftwood fires on the beach, he was lucky to have nature as his playground. Skiing, his sport of choice for over 20 years, began on a pair of plastic skis in his snowy backyard and has since taken him to breathtaking places, pushing his boundaries and deepening his appreciation for the outdoors. Now based in Oregon, Noah brings this love of adventure into his work, inspiring others to get outside and experience the unique winter beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

This holiday season, Noah’s top picks highlight the gear he trusts to elevate any winter outing. Explore his staff gift guide to find thoughtful recommendations perfect for skiers, adventurers, and winter lovers alike.

Connor linked to Staff Picks

CC's Gift Guide

Connor, our People & Culture Manager, grew up in Austin, Texas, where her Colorado-native father instilled a love for the outdoors from an early age. Now a proud Oregon State alum, Connor moved back to the Pacific Northwest in 2020, finding outdoor adventure to be a powerful outlet for managing depression and anxiety. Her journey with mountaineering began after a memorable PCT hike and a humbling first experience in Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains, which sparked her determination to learn alpine safety. After a fall during a solo trip led to a chance meeting with members of the Mountaineers, Connor found inspiration to join the Mazamas, a community that has since supported her on 15 successful summits. For Connor, the mountains are a sanctuary, providing peace, clarity, and resilience amid life’s challenges.

This season, Connor’s gift picks highlight gear she trusts for her alpine adventures. Check out her staff gift guide for inspiration on essentials perfect for climbers, hikers, and outdoor explorers alike.

Picture of staff member Beans decorated with marks and outlines with snowflakes. Links to Staff Picks

Beans' Gift Guide

Beans, our Portland Outdoor Store Team Lead, grew up in the Midwest, where finding outdoor recreation often meant leaning into local Scouting activities. After moving to North Carolina, Beans discovered a love for exploring the Appalachian Mountains, biking, hiking, and climbing on weekends. Their true passion for climbing ignited during college in Ohio, where regular trips to the Red River Gorge provided world-class climbing, affordable camping, and a vibrant outdoor community. A PNW internship designing outdoor gear introduced Beans to the beauty of Oregon, from Smith Rock to Mt. Hood, cementing their desire to make the region home. Since moving to Portland, Beans has immersed themselves in the local climbing and snowboarding scenes, always looking for new adventures and ways to share their love for the outdoors.

Ready to tackle your next outdoor adventure? Check out Beans’ top gift picks, curated for climbers, snowboarders, and adventurers of all kinds.

Alex - Staff Picks

Alex's Gift Guide

Alex, Portland Outdoor Store Team Lead, grew up in the English countryside, where his love for trekking blossomed during childhood trips with his father through the highlands of Scotland and Wales. In 2011, he moved to Vermont to study outdoor education and began his career as a recreational guide, spending his winters exploring the Green Mountain backcountry and guiding eco-tours and wilderness programs the rest of the year. Determined to master snowboarding, he found joy and camaraderie with friends on the challenging "Ice Coast" slopes. Since moving to Oregon in 2022, Alex is thrilled to tackle the steep, powder-filled terrain of Mt. Hood, driven by a passion for the transformative power of the outdoors.

This season, Alex’s top gift picks highlight gear that makes every winter adventure memorable. Discover his staff gift guide for essentials for snowboarders, trekkers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Mitch Linked to staff Picks

Mitch's Gift Guide

Mitch, our Paddle Buyer, grew up near the creeks and camping spots of suburban Philadelphia, where family weekends immersed him in the outdoors. Frequent visits to his mom’s family in Australia further sparked his curiosity for adventure, with both landscapes shaping his love for nature. Mitch’s passion for whitewater kayaking began unexpectedly on a rafting trip, where he noticed the kayakers seemed to be having even more fun. One try was all it took; he was hooked and soon moved to Oregon to pursue the world-class rivers the Pacific Northwest has to offer. For Mitch, kayaking isn’t just a sport—it’s an essential escape that challenges him, connects him with a supportive community, and keeps him grounded.

This season, Mitch’s gift picks include his favorite gear for paddling enthusiasts, from first-time kayakers to seasoned whitewater adventurers. Explore his staff gift guide to find inspired choices for those ready to experience the rush of the river.

Ruth - Staff Picks Gift Guides

Ruth's Gift Guide

Ruth grew up in the Northern Midwest, where snowsports, cross country skiing from a young age and later downhill skiing was a large part of life. After moving out to the west coast, they became even more involved in skiing and ski community recreationally, at Mt Hood Meadows and independent resorts across Oregon, Washington and Idaho with Indy Pass. Ruth joined Next Adventure in 2023, marking a shift in outdoor pursuits becoming a full time pursuit.

In winter, they can usually be found in the ski department where they help people of all ages and experience levels find gear that can help them be happy, healthy and comfortable out on the ski slopes.  They’re an experienced bootfitter specializing in custom work, including footbeds, custom liner work, and shell modifications. 

Looking for the perfect ski boot fit? Discover Ruth’s top gear picks this season, carefully selected to support comfort, precision, and all-around adventure for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.