Sportsmen and outdoor women can be difficult to shop for, because as my beleaguered wife will attest, we either already have one of everything or if a new or improved version comes out we buy it ourselves now, rather than waiting. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, only because there are so many novel and innovative products manufactured for cast and blast enthusiasts each year it’s impossible to grab them all. Following are a few ideas your woods- and waters-oriented friend or family member might enjoy under the tree.
Some of you will recognize the ThermaCell name as their first boon to outdoorsmen was a compact butane-operated insect repellant. Use it in a blind, on a tree stand or even on the camp deck, hang it from your belt if you’re fishing, it will assure you a pest-free zone of at least 15 feet. Lightweight, durable, easily maintained and inexpensive at about $25, the fuel canisters and repellant scent pads are simple to replace and very effective for black flies, mosquitoes and no-see-ums. The device is indispensable not just to avoid the irritating biting insects, but diseases some now carry and transport to humans.
I’m not sure if ThermoCell’s new product for outdoor comfort is more ingenious than the insect repellant device, but for winter sportsmen it will be a wonderful, much appreciated gift. Wireless, rechargeable heated insoles make any ice fishing trip, coyote hunting, snowmobile trip or simply working outdoors not just tolerable, but comfortable on often frigid feet. Interchangeable into any shoes or boots, these soft inner soles have no external battery pack or wires and provide at least five hours of continuous warmth at two temperature settings on a small handheld remote control.
The insoles offer continuous heat for over five hours at high output but intermittent use at lower levels yield all day comfort. Available in a wide range of men and women’s sizes, the whole outfit cost about $130 and is rechargeable over 500 times. I can personally vouch for their effectiveness and ease of use. For winter activities, they’re worth every penny. Check local sporting goods stores or go online at www.thermacell.com for more info or to purchase.
If you have a hunter, target shooter or trap and skeet enthusiast on your gift list, there’s a new version of hearing protection everyone should own. Each and every time we pull the trigger on a firearm without some sort of ear protection we do damage, and it will become cumulative and permanent over several years. Still, shooters resist using sound suppressors due to a multitude of excuses; inconvenience, cost, discomfort and even ineffectiveness. Thanks to Howard Light electronic earmuffs by Honeywell, there are no more excuses.
These foldable protectors offer sleek, low-profile ear cups allowing full clearance for any firearm stock. Best of all, this unit doesn’t just muffle loud sounds, it automatically shuts out sharp noise to a 82 dB level while amplifying conversation and ambient sounds for not only convenience but safety on the range or in the field. They are water resistant, feature auto shut off to preserve battery life, come in multiple camo and color patterns and range in the nominal price range of $60-$80, depending on the model.
As an afterthought, a set of tinted, shatterproof shooting glasses would also aid safety at range and afield and be a great stocking stuffer. Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle offers Honeywell ear protectors and eyewear if your local rod and gun shop does not. If you’re just not sure of the exact item color or size, a gift certificate takes away all the guess work.
My last suggestion comes from recent personal need, research and a very satisfying result. After 12 or 15 years, my faithful old Velcro-fasten wading shoes gave up the ghost, right during the prime fishing season of course. Every devout stream angler and waterfowler knows how important a good set of wading boots is to your lightweight, comfortable chest waders.
L.L. Bean to the rescue! After a few days of research several catalog companies and internet sites and discovering a new boot-lacing technology called Boa Closure, I selected what turned out to be the finest, best-fitting and sure-footed wading boot I’d ever worn.
The Gray Ghost wading boots offer above-the-ankle height with excellent support and a special rubber sole with octagonal lugs for minimal slip on the most uneven stream beds. A single easy-to-use rotating dial sits on the top front of the boot tongue and you wind it like a watch stem to achieve a tight, comfortable fit for each individual. A waterproof, closed foam lining, cushioned inner sole, and toe and heel guards make the Gray Ghost a pleasure to wear and the Boa lacing allows easy on and off for us aging anglers. Usually priced at $199, these great boots are now only $159 with free shipping (I got mine in two days) and a $10 gift card for your next purchase. Check out www.L.L.Bean.com.
If none of these unique ideas fit the bill, shooters always need more shells and fishermen require a few new flies and lures each season. A magazine subscription or book about favorite outdoor activities always helps while away winter evenings and storm days. The New Year is just around the corner so most sportsmen need a new hunting or fishing license.
When all else fails, go wander around your local hunting/fishing store. The variety of neat gear is mind boggling and nobody has everything. For most outdoorsmen, the enjoyment of the gift is just part of the reward. The anticipation of using it next season is the cherry on the sundae. Have a happy and healthy holiday season and here’s hoping Santa finds your chimney.
