My wife reminded me that I only have about 24 more days to procrastinate my Christmas shopping this year, which gave me a quick panic attack. If you're like me, you'd rather spend a day on the water or in the woods as opposed to shopping. So, to help you pick up some of the best gear for your loved one this holiday, I've compiled a list of my favorite pieces of gear for 2016, and sorted them by activity. Check them out, add them to your shopping list, and become a great gift giver this holiday season.
For the Hunter:
1) Vortex Optics. I guess I could stop there, but I won't. Vortex optics are my go to optics now that I've picked some up this season. Their glass is clear, crisp, and makes for concise target identification. While I haven't had to use their warranty, nor do I intend to, their customer service has a reputation for taking care of their customers. That was evident by the expedient manner in which I received my scopes from the factory (I was able to order direct!), and the shipping updates I received post order. I ordered the Crossfire II 3-9x40 for my rifle, and have been nothing but impressed with its quality. When looking through my Vortex and then my dad's Leupold, there is a distint difference in quality and cost. Maybe he'll luck out and get a Vortex scope for Christmas this year!
2) There are more cooler brands than you can shake a stick at these days, and they all lay claim to be the best. Given that some of them run several hundred dollars, why risk buying one that won't work? Orion Coolers not only come in amazing colors, but they have dozens of options to make them the envy of deer camp. I took my Orion 45 to Idaho this fall and my buddies all loved it. The lid is padded making it a great seat, the corners have bottle cap openers, and I added the cutting board and cup holders to the cooler making it the most popular piece of gear in camp. We kept all our drinks cold with only two bags of ices over 5 days, and were able to store plenty of deer meat in the cooler on the ride home. They have amazing colors, multiple sizes, and have a Home Team collection for the hunter who also loves his/her sports team. Check out the line-up at http://orioncoolers.com/.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Give the hunter in your life lens pens for cleaning optics. You can pick one up at Cabelas for as little as $7. Other ideas include a subscription to Field and Stream or a new bino harness.
For the Runner:
3) I'm a bit of a trail running shoe fanatic. I've been able to test trail shoes for major companies for the past two years, and as a result, I've run in nearly every model of neutral trail shoe that has hit the market. Amongst all of those shoes I have a couple of favorites that will be sure to make the trail runner in your life smile. My favorite shoe for 2016 has to be the Altra Lone Peak 3.0 (https://www.altrarunning.com/men/lone-peak-30). This is a zero drop shoe (as all Altras are), with moderate cushion for the hard-core trail runner in your life. This shoe has an incredibly comfortable upper that really hugs the foot, while still giving it plenty of room due to Altra's toe-box design. The sole is lugged for gnarly trails, snow, and serious traction; however, it isn't so aggressive that I get uncomfortable running on the asphalt in them as well. Finally, I suffered from IT pain for a couple years. I searched for shoes that would alleviate that pain while running and I'm so happy to say that Altras finally did that for me. Just another bonus of these great shoes! All around these are an amazing shoe, and one that the trail runner in your life will grow to love.
4) The Nathan Quickshot is a great little hand held water bottle, with just enough space to add keys, an ID, or two gels. I bought one nearly a year ago and have been in love with it ever since. The handheld includes a thumb hole making "carrying" it during runs much easier. Drinking on the run, especially on technical trails is super easy with the lid's great design. The bottle is a squeeze model, which means there is no opening and closing of a lid. I haven't had any issues with leaking either. It holds 10 ounces, making it great for 5-8 mile runs during cool temps. During the hot season I'll take two on shorter runs. Look for the original Quickshot at places like Backcountry.com for a steeply discounted product. Both my wife and I love the Nathan Quickshot, and the runner in your life will too.
5) Darn Tough socks (https://darntough.com/). You may be thinking, but I want my socks to be soft not tough. Well these babies are both. I've been running in various models of their socks and I love them. They are soft, yet very durable, and there are multiple models based on where you live and run. I have both the coolmax and merino options, and I can honestly say I love both versions. I opt for the coolmax during hot summer runs where the temps top 110 or so, and during winter I switch to the merino options, which tend to be my favorite. You'll be a hit when giving a couple pairs of these socks to your runner. They also make socks for hunting, skiing, hiking, and a host of other outdoor activities. The best thing about Darn Tough is that they're still making socks right here in the USA. Support an American company this holiday season!
STOCKING STUFFERS: Load up on Hammer Nutrition gels or Honey Stinger bars. Lightweight gloves or a beanie are great for runners in cold climates. If your runner hits ice, get them some Goat Head Gear ice spikes for their next outting.
For the Hiker:
6) I'm totally sold on the Hydroflask trend. I bought one for my wife after her nursing pals were all raving about them, and now our family is hooked on them. I have one for work, my wife has one, and my oldest child has one too. We are buying the two younger kids their own for Christmas as well. Why? Because these things keep your water cold, are super durable, have multiple lid options, don't condense on the desk or in the pack, etc. I believe that unless you are going ultralight these bottles are the way to go. Especially for day hikes. I live in the desert and most my activities occur when it is hot and water is essential. I love getting a drink while my water is still ice cold. I firmly believe that these bottles are worth the money. They come is many different sizes and colors, so find one that suits your hiker and impress them with your gift giving skills.
7) The Kangeaux Walkabout has become one of my go to pieces of gear this year. It is a multi-functional carrier that has really expanded my packing abilities during adventures. Unfortunately their store is currently closed, but keep an eye out for them to reopen at https://www.kangeaux.com/.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Forest Service, BLM, or NPS maps of their favorite areas are sure to be a hit. Keep your hiker safe by giving them a safety whistle, fire piston, small first-aid kit, or a book on wilderness survival. An emergency blanket and poncho can be picked up for a couple bucks, and will be a welcome addition to any kit.
For the Camper:
8) One of my most favorite pieces of gear is the Barebones Scout Flashlight. This rechargeable flashlight also has an adjustable lens so that you can determine how narrow or wide you'd like your beam. At a high of 150 lumens it is more than bright enough to see an owl perched on a tree, or to find your way back to the tent after a midnight bathroom break. What I love about this light is that it can be charged anywhere. I've charged it in the car before, from a battery pack, and right from my computer. The light is incredibly durable, bright, and well built. Visit https://www.barebonesliving.com/p/57/Scout-Flashlight to check out this awesome little tool. For what it is worth, their lanterns are amazing as well.
STOCKING STUFFERS: A headlamp is always in demand for campers, and it fits perfectly into a stocking. Everyone loves a Swish Army Knife, and no matter how many I have I can always use more. Throw a basic model into your camper's stocking.
For the Traveler:
9) I was raised in an incredibly frugal family. Both my grandfather and father save, make due with what they have, and rarely splurge for the more expensive option. I'm slowly converting to the notion that paying top dollar for a quality product is a superior choice to buying five of the cheaper, less durable version. Enter the Patagonia Blackhole Duffel bag (http://www.patagonia.com/shop/luggage-black-hole-bags). I purchased the 90L version from REI during a sale and my only regret is that I didn't buy the last two bags they had left. This thing is a tank and worth every penny, like most other Patagonia products. I recently loaded my Black Hole Duffel with about 60 pounds of gear and it performed well. It has handles so that is can be carried like a regular duffel, but then has shoulder straps for those days when you have your hands full. The bag has a smaller pocket for essentials like a phone charger, wallet, knife, headlamp, etc, with two other small pockets located on the duffel's lid. The 900-denier 100% polyester ripstop construction ensures that even TSA and baggage handlers can't destroy your duffel. I've taken waders and boots, camo for hunts, and a bag full of clothing in this thing. The daisy chains on the exterior are a great addition to the bag. If you know someone trotting the globe, or even the US, this bag is for them. Check out all the sizes and colors offered by Patagonia.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Customized luggage tags, pocket sized travel journal, or an extra SD card for the camera. If you want to really get fancy, throw in a Fisher Space Pen that they can use on their travels.
For the Fisherman:
10) Looking good on the water is becoming increasingly more important, or so I see. Enter the Rep Your Water line-up (https://www.repyourwater.com/). These hats are designed for the fishermen (although now they have waterfowl and big game gear as well), and focus on species or states. I recently purchased one and love the way it fits, how it looks, and the fact that my purchase helped support cold water conservation for the species I chase with my fly rod. In fact, their Utah hat is on my Christmas list this year. Check them out and see if the fisherman in your life will get rid of that old, stinky hat and throw on a new good luck charm!
11) I've tied more flies this year than ever before, and my wife ensured that I kept busy with a new Dr. Slicks tool set (http://www.drslick.com/). I love the tools that came with the box set, and as a bonus the box is a fly box. The tools are well made, and I've really enjoyed having much better tying tools than before. So, if you have a fly tier in your life snoop around their desk and see what their tools look like. Surprise them with some amazing tools from Dr. Slick.
BONUS TIP: If you have kids who want to make something, have them make a fishing lanyard for that special someone. All they need are some beads from the craft store, some paracord, scissors, a lighter, and some large swivels. You can find dozens of tutorials online to make them. We even made our own tippet holder for our lanyards. These are sure to be a hit with the fisherman in your life.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Check out Tacky Fly Fishing for some awesome fly boxes. Lures are always a must for fishermen, regardless of species. Tippet and tippet holders, pliers, or nippers are all great gifts. An annual membership to Trout Unlimited (TU) will both surprise your fisherman, but also contribute to the long term management of cold water fisheries. Also, as he gets his TU magazine throughout the year, he'll be reminded of your gift (bonus!).
For the Ski Town Bum:
12) Mountain Khakis makes some great clothing that I've really become a fan of lately. I bought a couple shirts from them this year, and the Teton Flannel is amongst my favorite. It is an incredibly comfortable shirt that is nice enough to wear to the office, yet rugged enough to wear into the outdoors. All of their long sleeve shirts are very well made, and they look sharp. I'm always complimented when I wear these shirts. Be advised that their shirts do run big. I'm 6', 185 pounds with a 42" chest and a medium fits me just fine. Add one of their Soul Patch Caps to your order. It's one of the most comfortable hats I've ever worn!
13) Columbia ROC II Pants are my favorite pants, and I was lucky enough to find them on sale for a great price. They're comfortable, dressy, yet durable. I'm able to pair them with my Moutain Khakis Teton Flannel for work, and then head off for an afternoon of fly-fishing. If you have someone who is always going from work into the outdoors than these are for them.
14) Smith Hudson Elite Sunglasses are my go to glasses now. They are made for those of us with small to medium faces, and they come in standard and polarized lenses. For the price, you're not going to find a better set of shades!
STOCKING STUFFERS: A belt buckle, chums for the sunglasses, wax for the skiis, or a new collar for their furry friend.
For the Climber:
15) Metolius Crag Station Bag. I have two of these things and they just keep going and going. I've carried them through airports across the West, loaded them into trucks and trailers, had nearly 75 pounds of gear in them, and they keep going. These bags are awesome for storing and hauling gear, yet are super durable and fairly lightweight. I love these bags for storing rope, harnesses, and gear.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Biners are always needed, chalk, or check out http://www.jtreelife.com/ for awesome hand products that any climber would appreciate.
Well there you have The Gear Bin's best of 2016 rolled into Christmas recommendations for the outdoorsmen, or woman, in your life. This is all gear that we have personally used during the year, and stuff that we stand behind. Here at The Gear Bin we wish you a very Merry Christmas, deep powder, and a fulfilling 2017.
For the Hunter:
1) Vortex Optics. I guess I could stop there, but I won't. Vortex optics are my go to optics now that I've picked some up this season. Their glass is clear, crisp, and makes for concise target identification. While I haven't had to use their warranty, nor do I intend to, their customer service has a reputation for taking care of their customers. That was evident by the expedient manner in which I received my scopes from the factory (I was able to order direct!), and the shipping updates I received post order. I ordered the Crossfire II 3-9x40 for my rifle, and have been nothing but impressed with its quality. When looking through my Vortex and then my dad's Leupold, there is a distint difference in quality and cost. Maybe he'll luck out and get a Vortex scope for Christmas this year!
2) There are more cooler brands than you can shake a stick at these days, and they all lay claim to be the best. Given that some of them run several hundred dollars, why risk buying one that won't work? Orion Coolers not only come in amazing colors, but they have dozens of options to make them the envy of deer camp. I took my Orion 45 to Idaho this fall and my buddies all loved it. The lid is padded making it a great seat, the corners have bottle cap openers, and I added the cutting board and cup holders to the cooler making it the most popular piece of gear in camp. We kept all our drinks cold with only two bags of ices over 5 days, and were able to store plenty of deer meat in the cooler on the ride home. They have amazing colors, multiple sizes, and have a Home Team collection for the hunter who also loves his/her sports team. Check out the line-up at http://orioncoolers.com/.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Give the hunter in your life lens pens for cleaning optics. You can pick one up at Cabelas for as little as $7. Other ideas include a subscription to Field and Stream or a new bino harness.
For the Runner:
3) I'm a bit of a trail running shoe fanatic. I've been able to test trail shoes for major companies for the past two years, and as a result, I've run in nearly every model of neutral trail shoe that has hit the market. Amongst all of those shoes I have a couple of favorites that will be sure to make the trail runner in your life smile. My favorite shoe for 2016 has to be the Altra Lone Peak 3.0 (https://www.altrarunning.com/men/lone-peak-30). This is a zero drop shoe (as all Altras are), with moderate cushion for the hard-core trail runner in your life. This shoe has an incredibly comfortable upper that really hugs the foot, while still giving it plenty of room due to Altra's toe-box design. The sole is lugged for gnarly trails, snow, and serious traction; however, it isn't so aggressive that I get uncomfortable running on the asphalt in them as well. Finally, I suffered from IT pain for a couple years. I searched for shoes that would alleviate that pain while running and I'm so happy to say that Altras finally did that for me. Just another bonus of these great shoes! All around these are an amazing shoe, and one that the trail runner in your life will grow to love.
4) The Nathan Quickshot is a great little hand held water bottle, with just enough space to add keys, an ID, or two gels. I bought one nearly a year ago and have been in love with it ever since. The handheld includes a thumb hole making "carrying" it during runs much easier. Drinking on the run, especially on technical trails is super easy with the lid's great design. The bottle is a squeeze model, which means there is no opening and closing of a lid. I haven't had any issues with leaking either. It holds 10 ounces, making it great for 5-8 mile runs during cool temps. During the hot season I'll take two on shorter runs. Look for the original Quickshot at places like Backcountry.com for a steeply discounted product. Both my wife and I love the Nathan Quickshot, and the runner in your life will too.
5) Darn Tough socks (https://darntough.com/). You may be thinking, but I want my socks to be soft not tough. Well these babies are both. I've been running in various models of their socks and I love them. They are soft, yet very durable, and there are multiple models based on where you live and run. I have both the coolmax and merino options, and I can honestly say I love both versions. I opt for the coolmax during hot summer runs where the temps top 110 or so, and during winter I switch to the merino options, which tend to be my favorite. You'll be a hit when giving a couple pairs of these socks to your runner. They also make socks for hunting, skiing, hiking, and a host of other outdoor activities. The best thing about Darn Tough is that they're still making socks right here in the USA. Support an American company this holiday season!
STOCKING STUFFERS: Load up on Hammer Nutrition gels or Honey Stinger bars. Lightweight gloves or a beanie are great for runners in cold climates. If your runner hits ice, get them some Goat Head Gear ice spikes for their next outting.
For the Hiker:
6) I'm totally sold on the Hydroflask trend. I bought one for my wife after her nursing pals were all raving about them, and now our family is hooked on them. I have one for work, my wife has one, and my oldest child has one too. We are buying the two younger kids their own for Christmas as well. Why? Because these things keep your water cold, are super durable, have multiple lid options, don't condense on the desk or in the pack, etc. I believe that unless you are going ultralight these bottles are the way to go. Especially for day hikes. I live in the desert and most my activities occur when it is hot and water is essential. I love getting a drink while my water is still ice cold. I firmly believe that these bottles are worth the money. They come is many different sizes and colors, so find one that suits your hiker and impress them with your gift giving skills.
7) The Kangeaux Walkabout has become one of my go to pieces of gear this year. It is a multi-functional carrier that has really expanded my packing abilities during adventures. Unfortunately their store is currently closed, but keep an eye out for them to reopen at https://www.kangeaux.com/.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Forest Service, BLM, or NPS maps of their favorite areas are sure to be a hit. Keep your hiker safe by giving them a safety whistle, fire piston, small first-aid kit, or a book on wilderness survival. An emergency blanket and poncho can be picked up for a couple bucks, and will be a welcome addition to any kit.
For the Camper:
8) One of my most favorite pieces of gear is the Barebones Scout Flashlight. This rechargeable flashlight also has an adjustable lens so that you can determine how narrow or wide you'd like your beam. At a high of 150 lumens it is more than bright enough to see an owl perched on a tree, or to find your way back to the tent after a midnight bathroom break. What I love about this light is that it can be charged anywhere. I've charged it in the car before, from a battery pack, and right from my computer. The light is incredibly durable, bright, and well built. Visit https://www.barebonesliving.com/p/57/Scout-Flashlight to check out this awesome little tool. For what it is worth, their lanterns are amazing as well.
STOCKING STUFFERS: A headlamp is always in demand for campers, and it fits perfectly into a stocking. Everyone loves a Swish Army Knife, and no matter how many I have I can always use more. Throw a basic model into your camper's stocking.
For the Traveler:
9) I was raised in an incredibly frugal family. Both my grandfather and father save, make due with what they have, and rarely splurge for the more expensive option. I'm slowly converting to the notion that paying top dollar for a quality product is a superior choice to buying five of the cheaper, less durable version. Enter the Patagonia Blackhole Duffel bag (http://www.patagonia.com/shop/luggage-black-hole-bags). I purchased the 90L version from REI during a sale and my only regret is that I didn't buy the last two bags they had left. This thing is a tank and worth every penny, like most other Patagonia products. I recently loaded my Black Hole Duffel with about 60 pounds of gear and it performed well. It has handles so that is can be carried like a regular duffel, but then has shoulder straps for those days when you have your hands full. The bag has a smaller pocket for essentials like a phone charger, wallet, knife, headlamp, etc, with two other small pockets located on the duffel's lid. The 900-denier 100% polyester ripstop construction ensures that even TSA and baggage handlers can't destroy your duffel. I've taken waders and boots, camo for hunts, and a bag full of clothing in this thing. The daisy chains on the exterior are a great addition to the bag. If you know someone trotting the globe, or even the US, this bag is for them. Check out all the sizes and colors offered by Patagonia.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Customized luggage tags, pocket sized travel journal, or an extra SD card for the camera. If you want to really get fancy, throw in a Fisher Space Pen that they can use on their travels.
For the Fisherman:
10) Looking good on the water is becoming increasingly more important, or so I see. Enter the Rep Your Water line-up (https://www.repyourwater.com/). These hats are designed for the fishermen (although now they have waterfowl and big game gear as well), and focus on species or states. I recently purchased one and love the way it fits, how it looks, and the fact that my purchase helped support cold water conservation for the species I chase with my fly rod. In fact, their Utah hat is on my Christmas list this year. Check them out and see if the fisherman in your life will get rid of that old, stinky hat and throw on a new good luck charm!
11) I've tied more flies this year than ever before, and my wife ensured that I kept busy with a new Dr. Slicks tool set (http://www.drslick.com/). I love the tools that came with the box set, and as a bonus the box is a fly box. The tools are well made, and I've really enjoyed having much better tying tools than before. So, if you have a fly tier in your life snoop around their desk and see what their tools look like. Surprise them with some amazing tools from Dr. Slick.
BONUS TIP: If you have kids who want to make something, have them make a fishing lanyard for that special someone. All they need are some beads from the craft store, some paracord, scissors, a lighter, and some large swivels. You can find dozens of tutorials online to make them. We even made our own tippet holder for our lanyards. These are sure to be a hit with the fisherman in your life.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Check out Tacky Fly Fishing for some awesome fly boxes. Lures are always a must for fishermen, regardless of species. Tippet and tippet holders, pliers, or nippers are all great gifts. An annual membership to Trout Unlimited (TU) will both surprise your fisherman, but also contribute to the long term management of cold water fisheries. Also, as he gets his TU magazine throughout the year, he'll be reminded of your gift (bonus!).
For the Ski Town Bum:
12) Mountain Khakis makes some great clothing that I've really become a fan of lately. I bought a couple shirts from them this year, and the Teton Flannel is amongst my favorite. It is an incredibly comfortable shirt that is nice enough to wear to the office, yet rugged enough to wear into the outdoors. All of their long sleeve shirts are very well made, and they look sharp. I'm always complimented when I wear these shirts. Be advised that their shirts do run big. I'm 6', 185 pounds with a 42" chest and a medium fits me just fine. Add one of their Soul Patch Caps to your order. It's one of the most comfortable hats I've ever worn!
13) Columbia ROC II Pants are my favorite pants, and I was lucky enough to find them on sale for a great price. They're comfortable, dressy, yet durable. I'm able to pair them with my Moutain Khakis Teton Flannel for work, and then head off for an afternoon of fly-fishing. If you have someone who is always going from work into the outdoors than these are for them.
14) Smith Hudson Elite Sunglasses are my go to glasses now. They are made for those of us with small to medium faces, and they come in standard and polarized lenses. For the price, you're not going to find a better set of shades!
STOCKING STUFFERS: A belt buckle, chums for the sunglasses, wax for the skiis, or a new collar for their furry friend.
For the Climber:
15) Metolius Crag Station Bag. I have two of these things and they just keep going and going. I've carried them through airports across the West, loaded them into trucks and trailers, had nearly 75 pounds of gear in them, and they keep going. These bags are awesome for storing and hauling gear, yet are super durable and fairly lightweight. I love these bags for storing rope, harnesses, and gear.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Biners are always needed, chalk, or check out http://www.jtreelife.com/ for awesome hand products that any climber would appreciate.
Well there you have The Gear Bin's best of 2016 rolled into Christmas recommendations for the outdoorsmen, or woman, in your life. This is all gear that we have personally used during the year, and stuff that we stand behind. Here at The Gear Bin we wish you a very Merry Christmas, deep powder, and a fulfilling 2017.