Who does not like gifts? If you are into the outdoors, gear is essential. What better way to say I love you to someone who loves the outdoors than with the gift of new gear. We have compiled a list of gear we use when we are out in the wilderness. We are sure these gifts will be a hit for anyone that enjoys backpacking, hiking, and camping.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
A tried and true, proven mechanical water filtration system. It’s small, inexpensive and very effective.
An essential piece of winter or wet weather hiking gear. Kahtoola Microspikes are a perfect balance between YaxTrax and Crampons proving a lightweight traction device that can be quickly put on and removed. Check out our video review.
Buff Original
One of my favorite pieces of gear. The Buff is so versatile! I use it in the summer for UV protection and in the winter for warmth. They make a wool version for winter. If you don’t own a Buff, you are missing out.
Suunto Compasses
A compass is one of the 10 essentials. It is the one piece of gear you should not hit the trails without. We like two Suunto models. For general land navigation, the Suunto M-3 does its job. For more hardcore orienteering and precision, the Suunto MC-2 cannot be beat.
One of the brightest headlamps (350 lumens) I have used. It gives off a very powerful white light and has options for red, green and, blue. It’s waterproof and dust proof.
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters
Both my wife and I use these gaiters in the cold WNY winters. They keep the snow out of our boots and lower legs warm. They made of durable material and stay up on your upper calf. There is both a Mens and a Womans version.
Best socks on the market. Period. They are unconditionally guaranteed for life. Every hiker should own several pairs.
Zippo Typhoon Match Kit
A great piece of gear to have in your survival kit. And they really work! Check out friend of Outside Chronicles , Dan Human’s video testing them out.
Gerber Ripstop II Knife, Serrated Edge
Everyone should carry a knife with them at all times. You never know when it will come in handy. My everyday knife is this Gerber Ripstop II. It is light and slim. It clips very nicely into the front pocket of trousers or jeans. I like the serrated edge for versatility. And it looks bad ass.
Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Pocket Knife
You can never go wrong with Swiss Army. This multi-tool features (15) functions including: 2.45″ Blade, bottle opener with screwdriver, wood saw, and scissors.
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
A fixed blade can come in handy in the outdoors. It can be used for carving, food prep, cutting tinder and splitting wood. This is a high quality, inexpensive option.
A lightweight multitool with 12 integrated components that won’t break the bank. It is amazing how many times pliers come in handy at camp.
Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets
Simple and easy water purification system with no unpleasant taste. I use these as a backup to the Sawyer Mini. They are also great to have for emergency situations like natural disasters.
MSR Snowshoes
The MSR EVO Trail and EVO Ascent Snowshoes are my go to recommendations for all snow conditions. Both models are durable and capable on flat ground as well as in mountain terrain. I use these snowshoes on local trails and on winter Adirondack High Peak summits. I created a video review for these snowshoes.
These water bottles are designed to keep beverages cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours. It is the only thing I use to keep my water from freezing in the WNY and ADK winters and keep it cold when whitewater rafting all day in the sun.
These hand warmers are amazing. They work in very cold temperatures and stay hot for 6-12 hours depending on the model. These guys have kept my hands warm when the chemical packets have failed.
Adventure Medical Kits are ultralight and watertight. They come in different sizes based on number of people and number of days. They are a great way to jump start your first aid supplies. I use the .7 kit for day hikes and .9 for multi-day trips.
These fleece lined pants are amazingly durable and comfortable. They live up to their branding of waterproof, windproof and abrasion resistant. Plus they look pretty cool. Full video review.
Sometimes you just want to tell the time. This is a military grade, no frills watch that can withstand any abuse you throw at it. When your phone or smartwatch fails, this guy will still be ticking. The battery last forever and tells the time accurately.
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