This year’s Explore Big Sky Gift & Gear Guide is our love letter to the people and places that make life in the Greater Yellowstone region so special. Curated by the Outlaw Partners team, this collection is designed to help you shop intentionally by supporting local businesses, elevating time spent outside, and giving gifts that feel rooted in this wild corner of the West. Whether you’re stuffing stockings, surprising a powder hound, or treating yourself (we fully support that), you’ll find inspiration on every page.
Inside, you’ll spot nods to community staples and mountain-town must-haves—from the exerts at Roundhouse Ski and Sports Center in Bozeman, to the crystal-clear vision of a fresh pair of Smith ski goggles on a bluebird day. For those who love a good road trip and a touch of history, we’ve highlighted an escape to the iconic Sacajawea Hotel, and for the curious, a visit to the Museum of the Rockies.
Happy gifting, from all of us at Explore Big Sky and Outlaw Partners.
– The Editors
Gift Guide Categories
Clothing & Accessories
Ace Hardware | Hestra Work Gloves
Review by Brendan Mallory
These Hestra gloves combine outstanding leather quality with practical features like a high-visibility stripe for safety and a long wrist cuff that effectively seals out snow and cold air. The thick, durable leather softens beautifully over time while maintaining its strength, making them an excellent choice for anyone working or spending long hours in demanding winter conditions.
Tecovas | The Doc Men’s Boot
Review by Ersin Ozer
I recently developed a love for cowboy boots, which is ironic considering I’ve lived in Montana most of my life, and like snowboards, I’ve learned each pair serves a unique purpose. The Doc by Tecovas has become my everyday boot: goat leather that breaks in quickly, ages beautifully, and is comfortable enough that I’d run miles in them.
Tecovas | The Annie Women’s Boot
Review by Megan Paulson
Tecovas’ The Annie boot impressed me with its beautiful stitching, perfect mid-calf height, and goat leather so soft there’s no break-in period. The cafe color works for everything from coffee runs to formal occasions, making it an easy way to add Western flair to any wardrobe.
Ariat | Men’s Western Quilted Vest
Review by Radley Robertson
This Ariat vest has become my go-to layering piece with solid stitching, durable material, and a true-to-size fit that layers over flannels without feeling bulky. It’s versatile enough to transition from weekend adventures to casual outings, with functional deep pockets and just the right amount of warmth for in-between weather days.
Crossbow | Suede Chore Coat
Review by Megan Sierra
The Crossbow Suede Chore Coat lives up to its “Built for work, made for everywhere” tagline with soft yet durable suede, solid construction, and a flattering fit that balances structure with comfort. I’ve worn the tan colorway everywhere from outdoor work to a wedding, and the authentic Western details and thoughtful design make it one of those rare pieces that only gets better with time.
Crossbow | The Idarado Hat
Review by Patrick Mahoney
The custom hat experience at Crossbow Telluride delivers a perfectly fitted Idarado hat through precise measuring and premium materials like 100% wool, genuine leather, and silk liner. Being able to choose custom bands, colors, and finishing touches makes it feel truly personal rather than just another purchase. A thoughtful, premium gift built to last.
Kendra Scott | Abbie Vintage Silver Etch Frame Statement Necklace and Earrings
Review by Taylor Owens
The Abbie Vintage Silver Etch Frame Statement Necklace and Earrings by Kendra Scott feature sea green chrysocolla stones set in vintage silver etching that bring Western flair without overpowering, with an adjustable slide and high-quality materials perfect for sensitive ears. These surprisingly lightweight statement pieces dress up or down effortlessly for any occasion, from galas to the Big Sky PBR.
Kendra Scott | Abbie Vintage Silver Etch Frame Statement Bracelet
Review by Carli Johnson
The Abbie Vintage Silver Etch Frame Statement Bracelet from Kendra Scott’s Yellow Rose collection brings Texas-vintage inspired style with sea green chrysocolla set in vintage silver, though it’s also available in pearl and silver, lapis and bronze, or red jasper and bronze. This piece adds just the right amount of western flair with sophistication, versatile enough to elevate any outfit year-round.
Stio | Fernos Insulated Pant
Review by Tucker Harris
The Stio Fernos Insulated Pant hits the sweet spot between warmth and comfort with advanced synthetic insulation and a stretchy, breathable design that’s warmer than leggings but way more comfortable than jeans or bulky snow pants. Whether cross-country skiing, walking the dogs in frigid temps, or running errands, these pants keep you comfortably warm without overheating and are versatile enough to earn constant rotation all winter long.
Stio | Rawlins Fleece Jacket
Review by Sophie Schmidt
The Stio Rawlins Fleece Jacket is the perfect fall and winter piece with soft fleece that’s warm yet breathable and a roomy fit that layers comfortably over base layers without feeling bulky. The brown zippers on white fleece create a subtle, outdoorsy look while the zipper pockets keep your phone and keys secure during winter activities.
Food & Dining
Ace Hardware | Cuisinart 13” Lasagna Pan
Review by Ellie Boeschenstein
The Cuisinart 13″ Lasagna Pan from ACE Hardware is sturdy, sleek, and cooks evenly from edge to center, with handles that make lifting easy and a surface that cleans effortlessly. It’s versatile enough for everything from lasagna to Shepherd’s pie and perfect for cooking for crowds—a professional-grade kitchen staple I’ll be using for years to come.
Ace Hardware | Cirkul Water Bottle
Review by Grayson Timon
I picked up a Cirkul water bottle from ACE Hardware and I’m obsessed with the flavor cartridge system that lets me adjust the strength and switch flavors throughout the day. It’s made drinking water actually enjoyable and easy—if you’re trying to up your water intake or want a fun, sustainable option, this bottle is absolutely worth it.
New West KnifeWorks | 6” Petty Knife
Review by Ellie Boeschenstein
The 6″ Petty Knife from New West Knife Works is the perfect size for everyday prep and glides effortlessly through everything, with a stunning sunburst handle that’s functional art. The real standout is their unlimited sharpening service—knowing I can send it in anytime means this knife will stay razor-sharp for life, making it worth every penny.
Regen Market | Simple Ingredients, Exceptional Beef
Review by Outlaw Partners
RegenMarket’s 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Montana beef brings unbeatable flavor and regenerative ethics together in every perfectly portioned steak. And with fresh, sustainably raised cuts delivered right to your door, getting premium protein has never been easier.
Wildrye Distillery | Bottled In Bond Bourbon 2025 Edition
Review by Fischer Genau
Wildrye’s Single Barrel, Bottled-in-Bond Five Drops Bourbon stands out from the first glance, its rosy amber color hinting at the seven-and-a-half years it spent aging into a smooth, aromatic, Montana-made whiskey. From vanilla and cherry on the nose to a warm, balanced finish—whether sipped neat or shaken into a whiskey sour—it’s a bottle that turns casual drinkers into believers.
Adventure & Outdoors
Round House Sports Center | Family-run, knowledgeable staff and local vibes since ‘71
Review by Jack Reaney
Round House Ski and Sports Center has been family-run since 1971, and that personal touch shows—employee Casey Ober quickly educated me on merino wool base layers from brands like Mons Royale, Smartwool, and Kari Traa, sharing her own field-tested insights. The staff are all passionate snow-sliders who genuinely know their gear, and right now you can earn $10 in “Ski Bucks” for every $100 spent before Nov. 26 to use during holiday shopping Dec. 5-7.
Smith | Preview Goggles
Review by Michael Ruebusch
Smith’s Preview goggles with Everyday Violet Mirror ChromaPop lenses deliver crisp color, boosted contrast, and a 25% wider field of view that keeps everything on the mountain sharp and clear. With a comfortable, breathable fit that resists fogging and stays locked to your helmet, they’re a budget-friendly pick that performs like a premium option.
Smith | Vantage 2 MIPS Helmet
Review by Jenny Mahoney
The Vantage 2 helmet hits the perfect balance with adjustable ventilation that keeps you comfortable whether it’s a bluebird day or a cold backcountry morning, and the fit stays secure all day with no goggle gaps or fogging. It’s warm when you need it, breathable when you don’t, and comfortable enough that I trust it on every run from Headwaters hikes to glades.
Smith | Embark sunglasses
Review by Mira Brody
The Smith Embark sunglasses in matte purple with orange and yellow accents provide a quality upgrade with sturdy frames and side shields that effectively block sun glare and wind gusts on exposed ridgelines. They’re a great mix of bold style and real performance for active outdoor use, handling everything from trail hikes to backcountry skiing.
Fishpond | Thunderhead® Submersible Backpack
Review by Ennion Williams
The Fishpond Thunderhead® Submersible Backpack excels with its comfortable fit, adjustable straps, and fully waterproof design that protects gear from rain, river crossings, and the elements. It transitions effortlessly from backcountry fishing trips to cross-country travel, making it the perfect versatile pack for adventurers who need reliable performance and protection in any conditions.
Surefoot | Custom Ski Boots
Review by Megan Paulson
After 30 years in the ski industry, nothing compares to Surefoot’s fully custom boot experience—from the precise foot scan and CAD/CAM-milled orthotic to the foam-injected liner, all completed in under an hour with a perfect fit and no break-in period. With app-controlled heating, expert fitting for any foot shape, and 25+ locations worldwide offering year-round service for ski boots and custom orthotics, Surefoot delivers next-level comfort and performance for your most important gear investment.
Turtlebox | Ranger Speaker
Review by Danielle Vatalaro
The Turtlebox Ranger is incredibly reliable with waterproof design perfect for Montana rivers and ski days, lightweight portability that easily attaches to resort or touring packs, and battery life that lasts multiple days without a recharge. The built-in USB-C charging port lets you power your phone directly from the speaker, and the durable construction holds up to bumps, drops, and travel—making it the perfect powerful, weatherproof outdoor speaker.
Stio | Basin XT Travel Pack 45L
Review by Griffin House
The Stio Basin XT Travel Pack 45L hits the sweet spot at 45L—perfect for carry-on travel with a week’s worth of gear, organized compartments, comfortable padded straps, and rugged recycled fabric with weatherproof TPU coating. It’s tough enough for outdoor adventures yet sleek enough for city use, with 360° grab handles making it the ideal versatile pack for one-bag travelers.
Health & Wellness
Big Sky Natural Health | Vitamin D + Glutathione
Review by Sara Sipe
A visit to Big Sky Natural Health is the perfect holiday present. Let their knowledgeable staff guide you through wellness offerings like vitamin shots, IV therapy, acupuncture, massage, and more at various price points. I felt the benefits of my Vitamin D shot within hours, experiencing less sluggishness and clearer thinking that’s still going strong, making this a unique and caring gift for the 2025 holiday season.
Lone Peak Cannabis Company | Shack Pack and Wizardry Gummies
Review by Jen Clancey
The Wizardry Solventless Gummies from Lone Peak Cannabis Co. (made with Missoula’s Dancing Goat Gardens) deliver a calm, relaxing effect at just $5 for a two-pack of 10mg gummies on their Value Menu. Paired with the Shack Pack pre-rolls at 5 for $25, these Montana-made products make the perfect budget-friendly gift for promoting relaxation this holiday season.
Lee Hemp Co | 100% THC Free Gummies, Extra Strength CBD Oil In Cinnamon
Review by Hiller Higman
The 100% THC-Free Gummies and Extra Strength CBD Oil in Cinnamon provide simple, natural stress relief without any high feeling, made from organically grown hemp by a Colorado-based company. The gummies are particularly effective and light without being overly sugary, and right now you can get 20% off all orders through the holidays with promo code Outlaw.
For Those Who Have It All
Detail Doctor | Car Detail Service
Review by Sophie Schmidt
The Detail Dr. takes car care to the next level with meticulous cleaning inside and out, focusing on sanitization to eliminate mold, bacteria, and odors using chemical-free products. Perfect for winter prep or maintaining your car’s value, you can get $30 off your detail with promo code DETAIL30.
Sacajawea Hotel | One Night Stay & Dinner at Pompey’s Grill
Review by Leslie Kligore
A one-night stay at the historic Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks offers the perfect blend of 1910 charm with modern boutique comforts—from cozy, elegant rooms and dinner at Pompei’s Grille to late-night cocktails at the Sacajawea Bar. Pair it with an easy morning hike at Headwaters State Park where three rivers meet, and you’ve got the ultimate Montana getaway gift that combines historic charm, riverside serenity, and culinary indulgence.
Mueseum Of The Rockies | Family Pass
Review by Ersin Ozer
Museum of the Rockies has been inspiring educational development from babies to school-age kids with robust programming including weekly classes, specialized events, academic lectures, and engaging exhibits like Explore Yellowstone. A membership makes the perfect holiday gift for families of all kinds, offering year-round learning experiences plus entry to over 300 museums nationwide.
Tidal Wave Auto | Tidal Wave Graph X-4
Review by Fischer Genau
Tidal Wave isn’t a car wash, it’s an “auto spa” where your car gets pampered with bright colors, fragrant soaps, and an assortment of coatings, waxes, glosses, and even tire shine—all in five minutes. I left feeling rejuvenated and ready for another week of sloppy winter weather, with a car that looked and smelled amazing.
