If you’re like us, chances are you’ve left some crucial Christmas shopping till the last-minute and you’re still gift-less for your adventure-prone friends and family! Not to fear, we’ve got a couple of ideas that you can still have shipped to your door in time for Christmas, some of them less than $50.
Mr Heater Portable Buddy Heater
Don’t let those brutal winter temperatures keep you from camping! Alex has been using the Mr Heater for the last several winters – it does an unbelievable job of keeping his OzTent toasty warm in freezing temps, all while being pretty reasonable in propane consumption. The Mr Heater also comes with safety features that we view as “must have” for in-tent heating: auto shut-off in the event of a tipover or low oxygen detection. Your lucky day – the Mr Heater is on sale on Amazon now for $69.99
Filson Dry Bags
I carry a Filson classic briefcase everyday to work, but for weekend adventures, I am dying to give one of Filson’s new dry bags a go. Filson’s vinyl-coated dry duffles have welded seams and a roll-top closure to protect your stuff in wet conditions. I appreciate the understated color choice (black) and that they’re made in the USA, like most other Filson stuff. $35-$180 on filson.com
OutdoorX4 Subscription
OutdoorX4 covers the best in outdoor adventure with a leaning towards 4×4 and overlanding pursuits. They publish 6 issues per year chock-full of both inspirational and informational content with great photography. Unlike some publications, most of the adventures they cover are achievable by folks just like you and me. From $25 for a 1-yr subscription at outdoorx4.com
Lodge Dutch Oven
Give the gift of a lifetime of camp biscuits, cobblers, and stews! I finally got into the dutch oven cooking game a few months ago and it brings a fun new dynamic to camp cooking. Lodge is a classic manufacturer of cast-iron cookware and makes a whole assortment of ovens. Make sure you buy one intended for camp use; it’ll have legs and raised sides on the lid (for holding coals). From $39.99 at Bass Pro (and also available at REI, Amazon, Wal-Mart, and many other retailers)
OzTent Gecko Stretchers
Provided your friend/relative has a large enough tent, cots make a big difference in terms of comfort and space efficiency in the tent. OzTent’s Gecko stretchers are padded, sit 20” off the ground, and provide a great night’s sleep (I’ve got at least 2 dozen nights on mine). Available directly from OzTent USA for $109 (get 10% off with our discount code!)
National Parks Pass
This one is a no brainer for you outdoorsy loved ones, and even a “safe” gift for the not-so-outdoorsy ones that don’t know what they’re missing. The National Parks Pass allows the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter Federally operated recreation sites across the country, including all 58 National Parks. $80 at store.usgs.gov
Yeti Rambler Mug
Available in 20 oz and 32 oz sizes, the Yeti rambler applies Yeti’s exhaustive experience in preventing ice from melting in coolers to a slightly more portable application. They’re made of kitchen-grade stainless and are rumored to keep a beverage cold for over 12 hours. Shame on you if it takes you that long to drink your drink! From $29.99 at yeticoolers.com
Vermont Overland Day Trip
Vermont Overland’s “LocalVore” Day trips are one of the best ways to experience Vermont, whether it’s your first time in the Green Mountain State or you’ve lived there your whole life. Peter Vollers and crew lead the 10-14 vehicle trips with a mix of challenging trails, great scenery, and “cultural immersion”. $150, at vermontoverland.com
So there you have it — our DRT-worthy gifting guide. We’re all ears for other great products and ideas, too.
Now here’s hoping you’ve been a good boy or girl this year!
Vermont Overland Day Trip is a must experience for anyone interested in learning about overlanding. My first trip was in a nearly stock SUV and a hand held CB Radio.
The trip is “narrated” over the CB so I learned a ton about Vermont and overlanding in general, had tons of fun driving on legal but unmaintained roads with my friends, our sons, and the wonderful people we met on the trip and visited some outrageous eateries along the way.
Highly recommend!
Glad you had fun Armando, we’ve only participated in the Northeast Overland Rally and the Vermont Overland Trophy events, but Peter sure knows how to throw some great events!
In the subscription category, I highly recommend “Overland Journal” as well. Its got great stories and fantastic photographs in each publication for overlanders and coffee-table adventurers alike!
Overland Journal is a great publication but we’ve been finding ourselves picking up the latest copy of OutdoorX4 for a good read. Most of the articles are submitted by regular everyday folks and a lot of their “adventures” are readily achievable by us weekend warriors.