Friday, February 3, 2012

What kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?

I know a 17 year old guy who can't decide what he wants for Christmas. He does lots of hiking and camping, but already has most of the essential gear (and about a thousand pocket knives, although he always wants more of those). Any ideas on what I should get him?What kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?Well Santa Claus, I want a;



Bow set

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



Shotgun

http://www.remington.com/products/firear…



fishing rod

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



Tackel box

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



binoculars

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



hiking gps

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



Metal detector

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



Flash light

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



Black powder rifle

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…



And anything else from Bass Pro shop a gift card will buyWhat kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?
Even though he's already well-equipped, gear can wear out, get lost, become outdated, etc. Find out more about what exactly he does when he's enjoying the outdoors. Food is something he has to get every time, some dehydrated food, jerky, energy bars are great, plus they will stay fresh in storage until he has to use them.



Another option is to pay for something either he will do or something he wouldn't normally do. For example, REI often does classes, sometimes free, but sometimes you have to pay. Perhaps something like a rock climbing lesson.



Magazines are another great option. Backpacker magazine, while focusing on backpacking, will have some general appeal for most outdoorsman.



Books about his favorite locations, or nearby locations he hasn't visited are great. There's always more to learn. Also, if he hasn't read it, "Into the Wild" is a great choice for anyone who holds a deep reverence for nature.What kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?my friend got me a 1 year subscription to "Backpacker" magazine--i thought it was the greatest thing and it's a gift that keeps on giving all year...dont buy him any gear if he probably already has it, it would probably just go to waste





you can also get him a gift certificate to Eastern Mountain Sports, Cabela's, etc or whichever sporting gooods store is in your areaWhat kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?
A state of the art gortex rain jacket and/or pants is a possible gift.

An altimeter if he hikes up mountains.

A GPS with maping features.

Two way FSR radios (a pair).

A "Spot" or personal locater beacon if he hikes alone.

A sil-nylon tarp.

A box of energy bars. (like "cliff" bars).

the book "The Complete Walker IV"

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Walker-IV…What kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?Backpacker magazine is a great idea. Another idea, since he like pocket knives, is to get him a multitool, like leatherman or gerber. They make different sizes, with different functions.What kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?
How about a white-water rafting package, or a year's park pass?What kind of Christmas presents can I get an outdoorsy person?
socks are very important. in the marine corps i changed socks in the field 3-4 times a day
You haven't said your budget...lots of spread there. And here is one suggestion with all due respect and love of your mission: if you don't know anything about a piece of gear, don't try to buy it. You will either get ripped off or buy something cheap and useless....just sayin'.



You also might check around and see if he tries to go "ultralight" and has great deal of concern for his packweight. If so...many gadgety cute little things will not make it in his pack. But items that are lightweight yet durable (a little more expensive), or compact designs will be appreciated. Some very good buzzwords for the ultralight backpacking lover: Titanium, Silnylon (silicone impregnated nylon), Lexan plastics, and fabrics/fillings like silk and down.



Stocking stuffer type things: camp soap, caribiners, ziplock bags, chapsticks, little containers for God knows what, travel size Gold Bond, jerky, seasonings, fast food condiment packets that you collected, batteries, bug spray, tent seam sealer, tent stakes, nutrition bars, titanium silverware, bootlaces, fishing lures, playing cards, handwarmers, bandaids, and altoids (hikers love the cans to store tiny gear in...often it is a challenge what they can get to fit in there), whistle, mirror, tuna pouches, permethrin spray for bug proofing your gear.



String, cord, and rope are always useful...you might consider parachute cord, dental floss, monofilament (fishing line), masonry cord, or half inch diameter boat rope (the yellow plastic stuff). When I personally buy cord or string, I love the dayglow stuff so I can see it. Like hot pink or hunter orange. If you have ever been clotheslined by or tripped on a guywire, you know this matters.



These are 10-15 dollar range: LED headlamp, credits for GPS map downloads, mess kit and water bottle, solar shower, beanie hat, hiking socks, a wildlife/bug/plant/birding pocket field guide, travel pillow, nylon stuffsacks.



These are 15-30 dollars: a life jacket, and many camping friendly garments like polar fleece, Under Armor or silk long johns, or a bite and suck style hydration pack, a lantern, compression stuff sacks.



30-50 will get you a lumbar pack or a daypack, camping stove, down accessories, or a self-inflating camping mattress, or a parachute nylon travel hammock that balls up in your hand and hangs from a tree...these are one of my fav things in the world.



You are wise to steer clear of the big ticket items. There is so much variety in boots, raingear, shelters, packs, and sleeping bags. Everyone has their personal preferences and reasons for their choices. If you know that your person has need of something big, just get a gift certificate at his favorite retailer for the top amount that you wanted to spend.



Have fun!

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