The Internet tells us that to survive in the wilds your gear must be forged from the finest titanium and carbon fiber composites. That tactical buzzwords are more important than functionality. And that, no matter what, your hardware must be as expensive as f@ck.
Well, screw
Gear Patrol,
Gear Junkie and their elitist ilk. This is not true. Never has been. Never will be. So stop asking yourself, "where can I buy outdoor gear too fancy to ever actually use?" and check out these
manly, rugged and outdoorsy gifts you can stuff under the Christmas tree for well-under $25 bucks:
COGHLAN'S STEEL SHAFT CAMP AXE
At 1 lb. 14 oz. it may weight a bit more than those fancy tactical axes boasting DFARS certified, aerospace grade 6AL4V Titanium, but with its forged steel head and steel shaft, it'll get the job done for years to come at a fraction of the toll.
GERBER GATOR MACHETE
Up against brush, small firewood and a rampaging zombie hoard? Give the gift that keeps on cutting with the Gerber Gator Machete. Packing a high-carbon steel serrated blade and saw rendered in a scary non-reflective black finish, not to mention the prestigious Gerber name, the Gator Machete is guaranteed to cut through the under-tree clutter. (Also helpful for unwrapping stubborn presents. -ed.)
GERBER GORGE FOLDING SHOVEL
Camp shovels are important, if often neglected, pieces of kit. At 28 oz. the carbon-steel-bladed Gerber Gorge folding shovel does the job in style. Plus, whether you're digging a foxhole or digging into a mountain of Christmas dinner mashed potatoes, it does double duty with a hammer surface built into the base.
MAGLITE 4 C-CELL FLASHLIGHT
Manufactured in the USA from super-durable aircraft aluminum it has great hand feel, it offers excellent illumination endurance and it cracks some skulls. The choice of Police officers everywhere, no matter which Maglite you choose it's sure to be a choice gift cherished for decades to come. (U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A! -ed.)
HYDRO FLASK 12 OZ VACUUM INSULATED CANTEEN
Keeps your hot drinks hot, your cold drinks cold and doesn't burn or freeze your hands while doing it. After our recent
review, I'm a big fan.
BRUNTON CLASSIC 8040G COMPASS
With an optic green base, USGS map scales, a state-of-the-art cobalt steel needle, clear liquid dampening and ton of other official sounding stuff, the Brunton Classic 8040G Compass is a great deal on the real deal.
YAKTRAX PRO TRACTION DEVICE
Ice is a cold mistress. Cut down on distracting holiday-season slip and fall claims with a pair of Yaktrax. In my personal experience, these things work wonders.
GERBER BEAR GRYLLS BASIC SURVIVAL KIT
Even though
Bear Grylls has been pretty much discredited as a
lying cheater, this kit is not cheating you. Besides delivering survival essentials, like a Gerber Mini Paraframe Knife, fire tinder, waterproof matches, an emergency whistle and more, it also provides you with peace of mind. And who doesn't want that? (Other than Bear Grylls... snap! -ed.)
TEXSPORT SINGLE BURNER PROPANE STOVE
With 5,000 BTU's, an adjustable heat control and a large paddle foot base for stability, camp stoves don't get much more simple, or well-priced, than this.
SMARTWOOL MOUNTAINEER SOCKS
If you're going to give socks... which I certainly hope you're not... these babies are the only socks worth gifting. Super warm and comfy, with great moisture control, they're a must for padding around the house while summiting K2.
VERDICT: You don't have to spend a fortune to gift like a soldier of fortune.
Did we nail it, or did we fail it? Sound off in the comments below or
@PstApclyptcLwyr on Twitter.
