Here are 10 outdoor gift ideas so great you might want to keep them for yourself.
Col Mountain Tech MTN Stick
For the multisporter on your list, this carbon fiber trekking pole doubles as a tripod that can hold up to 40 pounds. Attach a birding monocular, camera, or shooting mount and put the MTN Stick to work for you. Everything nests inside the shaft of the main pole, which has an aluminum tip and EVA foam handle with strap. Weight: 17.5 ounces. $350. colmountaintech.com
Ruffwear Furness Jacket
The Furness provides extra coverage on the neck and belly, leg loops for a secure fit in windy conditions, and high-loft insulation to keep your best friend toasty in winter. The shell has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, while the stretch StormSleeve seals in warmth and maintains freedom of movement. Sizing: XXS-XL. $130. ruffwear.com
Hydro Flask 12 Oz Cooler Cup
Sometimes, the greatest ideas really are the simplest. This Hydro Flask works two ways: as a can or bottle cooler and, with one quick switch to the silicone collar, as a 12-ounce camp cup. Used either way, the double-wall vacuum insulation protects temperature for hours. Available in eight colors. $25. hydroflask.com
Got Bag Hip Bag
Hip bags (don’t you dare call them fanny packs) are back, and this one is more than just another everyday companion because it’s made from reclaimed ocean plastic collected near the delta region of Java, Indonesia. The water-repellent carryall is lightweight and features an adjustable strap. Available in 13 colors. $49. us.got-bag.com
Tested: BioLite FirePit+
I have a small back deck, which made the FirePit+ a great fit for my needs. It’s compact — 27 by 13 inches — and, because it burns only a few logs at a time, the flames don’t get too large. In fact, you can control the size of the fire using the onboard fan and free app. BioLite calls the FirePit+ smoke-free, which isn’t entirely true, but it does produce significantly less fumes. It also doubles as a grill using the included grate and wood or charcoal as fuel. I cooked hamburgers on the optional griddle ($60) quickly and to rave reviews. Cleanup is easy; once the FirePit+ has cooled off, open the bottom flap to remove the ashes and wipe the rest down with a wet rag. The size and portability of the FirePit+ make it a convenient choice for tailgating and car camping. Just be sure to recharge the battery before you go; stoking the fire is difficult without the fan. $300. bioliteenergy.com
California Cowboy El Garibaldi Robe
Don’t settle for a ho-hum robe. Get Dad a fully functional lounging jacket instead. The El Garibaldi has a built-in bottle pocket for his beer, a zippered dry pocket to protect his tech, and a sunglass loop for securing his shades when he’s not poolside. Sizing: S/M-L/XL. Available in six patterns. $148. californiacowboy.com
Atomic Bear MTP6
Be like Bond with this tactical pen that has a half-dozen uses. The MTP6 integrates a two-mode LED flashlight, a premium glass-breaking head, and a multi-tool with a bottle opener, hex wrench, and flat-head screwdriver. Plus, it’s a smooth writing pen! Machined with precision from sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum. $25. theatomicbear.com
Sierra Designs Down Booties
Imagine a sleeping bag for your feet. That’s what you get with these booties — nine ounces of Dridown pillowy goodness wrapped around your toesies. These enviable hut and campsite companions have a cushioned midsole and recycled polyester liner, durable non-slip sole, and cinch cord cuff to keep them securely in place. Sizes: S-L. $70. sierradesigns.com
Bollé Eco Blanca
Bollé combines sustainability and technology in the new Eco Blanca, a performance-driven yet fashion-forward women’s google made with 44-percent recycled and bio-based materials. It features a cylindrical shape for a greater field of view, double lens, triple-layer face foam with fleece for comfort, and lens vents to reduce fogging. $120 (mirrored lens); $170 (high-contrast Volt lens). bolle.com/us/
Tested: iLive Outdoor Dual Bluetooth Speakers
To test the reliability of these outdoor speakers, I used the removable ground stakes to prop them in my yard and then ran the sprinkler. They ignored the brief shower. Next, I placed them at opposite ends of my house and walked around to try to disrupt the Bluetooth connection. Nope, the 360-degree surround sound never faltered. And I have yet to deplete the battery after 24-plus hours of use, thanks to the built-in solar charging panels. (The speakers also come with a USB charging cord.) Bottom line: These speakers are easy to pair, operate, and appreciate. I plan to keep enjoying them in my yard and when camping for a long time to come. $70. iliveelectronics.com
Leave A Comment