In case you are shopping for the great outdoorsman, here are a list of suggestions for those who often prefer to outdoors rather than inside. Check out the other Christmas gift ideas that have been posted this season.
Left and Right Handed Slingpacks from MEC
All three of us have sling packs from MEC and they work as great daypacks. They each have a water bottle, flashlight, notebook and pens in them all of the time. When it is time to go, we toss in our phones, iPods, headphones, snacks and a compact camera and we are ready to go. They are big enough to carry what you need yet small enough to bring along with you anywhere. We really like them.
Purchase from Mountain Equipment Co-op
Manfrotto Off Road Hiker Backpack, 30L
The Manfrotto Off road Hiker 30L has been specifically designed for hiking and photography with quick side- access to your camera. It holds a Pro DSLR, 70-200mm lens and an additional lens. The backpack converts into a total hiking backpack by unzipping the internal divider and removing the camera bag. Unlike most other camera hiking bags, this one comes with an internal frame which makes it easier to carry more gear over longer distances so you an get the perfect shot.
Purchase at Amazon
Pelican 1050 waterproof case
These are great camera/GPS/iPod cases. They are water proof, padded, floatable, and strong enough to take a lot of abuse in the back of your trunk or any backpack. While you may not use it when you head to the park, you will use them when you are packing for a trip and don’t want your iPod, camera, or phone to be crushed. They are pretty much indestructible which means that of all of the things you have to worry about, this isn’t one of them.
Purchase from Amazon
Vibram FiveFingers Komodo Sport Shoes
The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised. The Vibram Five Fingers shoes are designed to simulate walking barefoot while protecting your feet like shoes do. If you have any questions, check out the reviews on Amazon.
Purchase from Amazon
Leatherman Skeletool CX
Now you’re ready to lighten your load and boost your survival skills — with Leatherman’s Skeletool. At a mere 5 ounces the new, full-sized multitool keeps weight and volume to a minimum without sacrificing quality and true functionality, and that’s what the Skeletool is all about. Many multitools have multiple options, but they’re often heavier and they’re loaded with more features than most people actually need on a regular basis. Conversely, pocket knives are light and streamlined, but they render themselves useless when the task calls for a more versatile tool. Enter the new Skeletool platform, offering minimal weight, compact size and endless capabilities. And with the Skeletool’s integrated, removable pocket clip, you can easily clip this tool onto a belt, a pack, or a vest with no sheath or tote required.
$60 from Amazon
Sony HDR-AS100VR POV Action Video Camera with Live View Remote
Last year’s top of the line action camera becomes this winters entry level on. What this means is that if you are still okay with 1080p video, you can get a great camera at a fantastic price. As with last year, If you are a cyclist, this is the camera you want.
Use the built-in GPS with the free PlayMemories Home software to track your speed and performance. Location, trail and speed information add more layers to your ability to analyze your performance that can be captured and displayed on your video.
The camera itself is splash proof but it does come in a waterproof case. Unlike the GoPro, the Sony HDR-AS100 is image stabilized which means smoother video no matter how rough of ride you are taking.
Purchase on Amazon
Polaroid Cube+ 1440p Mini Lifestyle Action Camera with Wi-Fi & Image Stabilization
,
Standing at just 35mm, the Polaroid CUBE+ is here to prove that the best things do indeed come in small packages. This tiny action camera supports microSD cards up to 128 GB, and is ready to capture your most exciting moments in full HD video (1440p at 30FPS, 1080p at 30 or 60 FPS, 720p at 30, 60 or 120FPS) or 8-megapixel images. If you’re living a life that’s fit for film, make the CUBE+ your constant companion. It is weatherproof, splashproof and shockproof, and more than capable of handling anything you throw at it. But not only does it look after itself, it looks after you: With a 124° wide-angle lens, it sees the big picture and bears witness to your most outrageous shtick. And with a battery life of up to 107 minutes recording time (1080p at 30 FPS with Wi-Fi turned off), anytime is go time.
While it has a magnet mounted in the bottom of the camera so it can be attached to any surface, it also has a complete line of mounts so you can attach it anywhere.
It is a fun lightweight camera that is small enough to go anywhere with you and high quality enough to capture it all.
Purchase at Amazon
Jetboil Flash Personal Cooking System
The Jetboil Flash cooking system utilizes the same efficient design as the now classic Personal Cooking System (PCS) but adds the additional convenience feature of an external temperature indicator. Designed to capture and focus heat more efficiently than traditional cooking systems, the Flash brings two cups of water to a boil in only two minutes. The lining also houses a color change window that alerts you to when the contents are hot. A sip-through lid further helps insulate the contents of the cooking cup and prohibits spills. The protective plastic bottom of the cup can be removed for use as a small bowl or measuring device. It’s ideal for the person who loves to get away from it all on a long hike or a couple of days camping by themselves.
Purchase from Amazon
MSR Pocket Rocket Stove
If the Jetboil Personal Cooking System isn’t what you are looking for, check out the MSR Pocket Rocket stove. The PocketRocket backpacking stove from MSR provides full cooking function in an incredibly efficient form. Barely noticeable in your pack, it delivers precision flame control from torch to simmer while the Wind Clip wind shield boosts efficiency in breezy conditions. The PocketRocket stove’s diminutive size is also the foundation of a solid emergency kit for home or trail.
We bought one of these for Mark for his birthday and he has loved it. It it is easy to adjust while cooking and when on high was able to boil two cups of water in just a few minutes. For those of you who ever watch YouTube phenom Martyupnorth, he has used his to cook smokies with on trails where there are no open fires.
Purchase from Amazon
Double Nest Hammock
The DoubleNest allows room for one, two, three, or however you decide to pack 400lbs. The DoubleNest seats more than one person comfortably and is essential for family adventures. The DoubleNest still packs down to the size of a grapefruit, so there is no excuse to be without your ENO hammock.
Purchase from Amazon
Kona French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker, Black 34oz Teapot
Now there is no reason to bring that horrible tasting Starbucks Via coffee with you when you go camping or hiking. Instead bring some fresh ground coffee or loose leaf tea with you and make some excellent coffee when ever you want with this outdoor coffee press. Of course you won’t bring a bean grinder with you on most trips but it gives you an idea of what it takes to make a good cup of coffee while on the road. Of course you need something to drink it from.
You may want to check out some excellent stainless steel coffee mugs/beer mugs to drink from.
Purchase from Amazon
Garmin eTrex 20 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
Garmin’s eTrex GPS series offers reliable satellite navigation, making it a favorite of hikers, hunters, and geocachers. The eTrex 20 is equipped with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, a 2.2-inch color display, and ships with a worldwide basemap with relief. Add a wide array of detailed topographic, marine, and road maps, and start mapping out your next adventure.
Purchase at Amazon
The Black Diamond Orbit Lantern
Designed for ounce-conscious backpackers and climbers, the Black Diamond Orbit lantern packs 45 lumens of bright, non-glaring light in an ultra-portable package. A DoublePower LED (1-watt) works with Black Diamond’s dual reflector system and frosted globe to illuminate everything from tent-bound reading to pre-dawn racking. A collapsible, double-hook hang loop attaches to tent ceilings and tree branches alike. Mark and I both have one and they are simply amazing. They are highly rated on REI, MEC, and Amazon.com and are loved by all that use them. Whether you are a camper, hiker, or even a family who needs a safety light in the car, these are a must have.
Purchase at Amazon
Filzer UFO Light
Alert vehicles and help keep track of your dog at night. The UFO light is designed specifically for runners, hikers and dogs. The light easily attaches to 1” webbing, dog collars, clothing, with a small carabineer. Five red LEDs put out highly visible red light in three modes – steady, flash and rotate. Its waterproof design makes it ideal for any weather.
Purchase at Amazon
If I missed anything or you have any thoughts, let me know in the comments.
Holiday Gift Guides
2015 Edition | Men in Your Life | Women In Your Life | Teens | Kids | Explorers and Adventurers | Cooks & Foodies
2014 Edition | Men in Your Life | Women in Your Life | Brother-in-law | Teens | 5-8 Year old | Cooks &Foodies | Adventurer
2013 Edition | Men in Your Life | Women In Your Life | Teens | Explorers and Adventurers | Cooks & Foodies
2012 Edition | Men in Your Life | Women In Your Life | Teens | Explorers and Adventurers
2011 Edition | Men in Your Life
2000 Edition | Sports Fan | Explorers and Adventurers | Women in Your Life | Really Smart People | Toddlers| Men in Your Life | Geeks & Gadgeteers | Road Warrior