If you have a loved one who is an outdoorsman through and through, the holidays can be somewhat daunting when finding the right gift. Oftentimes, outdoor enthusiasts can be very particular about their equipment and gear, or you may not know where to begin. Luckily, whether someone is hunting, climbing, camping, or any other outdoor activity, there are many gifts they will surely be thankful to have. Here is a list of some essential gear for the outdoorsman in your life that they can use for years to come.
Waterproof and solar-powered, a watch built for the wilderness is a fantastic gift for the outdoorsman in your life. Deep in the wilderness, having access to the time is always beneficial in planning your day or counting the hours of sunlight. In addition, many outdoor watches are worth noting because they show temperature, elevation, heart rate, and other health functions. To top it all off, many of these watches even have navigation systems to ensure you are found if ever lost.
In the wilderness, a dependable, sharp, and heavy-duty knife is one of the key tools in any outdoorsman’s arsenal. In the right hands, the number of uses for a good knife is endless, which is why they are essential to have in the bush. Even if the person you are shopping for has a knife, they will likely welcome an upgrade, especially if it is a fixed-blade bushcraft knife. Made with the ultimate hunter/outdoorsman in mind, a proper bushcraft knife is designed to perform well in all scenarios, endure extreme abuse, and always keep an edge. Plus, if well taken care of, it can last years.
If you have ever spent time in the wild, you know you can only have a few tools, especially if they all fit in your pocket. This is where a trusty multitool comes in. Built to handle a wide variety of jobs, the most basic multitools include a knife, pliers, screwdriver, can opener, and more. You never know what you’ll need when in the wilderness, which is why a good multitool is not only a thoughtful but practical gift this holiday season.
Although the goal is to never run out of clean water to drink, in dire circumstances, a human being can only go 3 days without water. Lightweight and compact, a filtration straw allows the user to drink directly from almost any water source, filtering the contaminants to create drinkable water. This is the ultimate gift for a loved one who likes to push the limits when in the outdoors and can help give you peace of mind when they are away on one of their adventures. Give the gift of safety and hydration.
If your favorite outdoorsman enjoys camping off the beaten path, there’s a high probability that they will need to source their own firewood. And to do this, the right kind of saw is necessary. Camp saws are made for the specific purpose of being small and lightweight but effective, allowing individuals to pack in a practically indestructible saw without sacrificing weight and storage. Now, your loved one will be able to collect firewood safely and with ease with the help of their new compact camp saw, courtesy of you.
On the topic of fire, having a foolproof way to light one is paramount in the wilderness. A fire provides warmth, light, the ability to cook, ward off animals, and even signal for help, which is why the ability to light a fire at any given moment is critical. Of course, lighters and matches work, but they aren’t anywhere near as reliable as a good firestarter kit with a ferrocerium rod, a metal striker, and a dry place to store tinder. A good firestarter can last for ages, and with a little practice, the user can start a fire in almost any situation.
While out in Mother Nature, you are also at the mercy of the elements, which includes the weather. Any outdoorsman knows there are few things worse than being caught in a rainstorm with no way to protect your belongings from the downpour. When the rain lifts and the sky clears, leaving you behind with wet clothes and gear, you will wish you had a dry bag. Help your loved one stay one step ahead and get them a dry bag to keep their clothes, electronics, and other valuables safe from water. Whether they are hiking in the rain or crossing a river, they’ll have one less thing to worry about, knowing their gear is protected.
Even if an outdoorsman’s time outside is to get away from phone calls, text messages, and social media, having the option of technology is always encouraged as a safety precaution. A solar charging power bank is a great way to keep any electronics you may have on hand charged and ready to go. Whether it be a cell phone, portable speaker, electric lantern, or anything else, these power banks pack a punch and can charge your gear in no time. Plus, they are small, light, and can be saved for emergencies if your loved one insists on using limited tech out in the bush.
When shopping for an outdoorsman, there’s no limit to the number of gifts available. From knives to watches, clothes, and more, make sure that your loved one lacks for nothing when braving the wilderness. Get them the gift this year that makes their next trip a success!