Karen Chávez • KChavez@CITIZEN-TIMES.com • published November 27, 2008 12:15 am
The hottest gifts this holiday for the outdoors lover are anything that will keep them hot — and safe.
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“GPS and GPS locator beacons are popular,” said Ross Ryan of Diamond Brand Outdoors, “both to use in the car and for hiking in the woods. People like to know where they are.”
Ryan said The Spot GPS, or global positioning system, locator unit, which costs $149.95, and the ACR Microfix, for $600, send out signals that allow people to find you.
GPS units, which use satellites to help you find your way, start about $300. New touch-screen GPS units are becoming popular because they have bigger screens and are easier to use. The Garmin Oregon series of touch-screen GPS units range from $449.99 to $599.99.
If your budget isn't that big, you can get a cheaper gift of navigation with the always popular map, compass and headlamp for less than $100, Ryan said.
There's also a multitool that can serve several safety purposes at once. The Highgear Adventure Tool is a 7-in-1 safety tool made by local outdoor gear manufacturer Highgear. The tool has three high-intensity white LEDs, a floating dial compass, thermometer, watch, safety mirror, safety whistle, magnifier and comes with a lanyard.
“It's a great little safety tool for $20,” said Cathy Herbstler of Highgear, which is based in Fletcher. She said the tool is available at Mast General Store, Diamond Brand and REI.
Claudia Nix of Liberty Bicycles is also a proponent of map and guidebook giving for the cyclist, as well as lighting, especially with the longer nights.
“And particularly since the Asheville Police Department will now be out at night stopping cyclists who do not have lights,” Nix said, “which is a good thing.”
Following are some gift ideas for the various outdoors lovers in your life:
Zip-off, windproof jacket by Gore. “It's a long-sleeve jacket with sleeves that zip off to become a short-sleeve jacket,” said Nix. “It's a great item to have in winter.”
They run $160 and come in men's and women's in red, white and yellow.
Anything to add warmth would also be much appreciated. Liberty Bicycles has hats and face masks that fit under helmets, as well as windproof gloves and oxygen-activated hand warmers that fit inside gloves and shoes.
Other handy items for cyclists are lighting gear, Nix said. The shop has everything from small, flashing headlamps to bike-mounted lights.
Aaron Saft, co-owner of Foot Rx Running store in South Asheville, said Mizuno Breath Thermo products are a must-have for runners this winter. They come in hats, gloves, ear bands and socks, in the $20 range.
“They make really nice gifts,” Saft said. “When you sweat, the fibers activate and become warm, and stay warm.”
He also recommends new products by GoMotion that have lights on sternum straps and waist packs so that when you're running at night and turn your head, the light stays in front of you. They start at $80.
REI Arete Asl 2 person tent. All-season, lightweight tent weighs less than 5 pounds. Has a single door and a three-pole setup. On sale through Dec. 1 for $173.99.
REI Shuksan (for men) and REI Kulsan (for women).
These rain jackets use a new fabric called eVent, which allows sweat to escape, while being waterproof and highly breathable. It does not have armpit zips because it doesn't need them. It is $289.
Mountain Hardwear Monkey Fleece jacket for women.
The jacket provides superb durability and lightweight warmth for backcountry trips and alpine climbing.
It has a high-pile curl on the outside and smooth velour on the inside — it's durable, highly breathable and resists pilling. The fabric is treated with a durable, water-repellent finish for water resistance and quick drying. It's $140 and comes in green, beige, brown, blue, black and cranberry.
SIGG limited-edition holiday screw-top bottles. 32-ounce is $24.95.
Made of a single piece of aluminum. This water bottle is rugged, lightweight, crack-resistant and impervious to the acidity of wine, juices and isotonic drinks. They can be refrigerated but should not be frozen.
The Astral Green Jacket. This whitewater life jacket is made by local manufacturer Astral Buoyancy, with environmentally friendly, nontoxic fill.
It is “much anticipated and much coveted,” said Diamond Brand paddlesports manager Derek Turno. It is named for the local Green River and sells for $209.95, available at the Asheville and Arden Diamond Brand stores.
The Ripper. This is a solo youth kayak by Wilderness System, for $425. The price makes is it an affordable starter kayak for kids, Turno said.
Life is Good Snuggle socks. On sale for $6.99 (originally $10) through Dec. 1 at REI. Quick-drying, moisture-wicking polyester fleece, good for wearing around the house.
Sun LifeLight LED Light for kids. These fun little lights in animal shapes are great stocking stuffers, for both kids and adults, and can clip on to book bags, key rings, backpacks or belt loops. Open their mouths, and a bright LED light shines out. $7.50 at REI.
The TapGuard by Guyot Designs. An activated carbon filter for wide-mouth bottles, the TapGuard significantly reduces the amount of chlorine and other chemicals in tap water, making tap water taste better. It also prevents spilling from wide-mouth bottles. It is available at REI for $14.95.
The hottest gifts this holiday for the outdoors lover are anything that will keep them hot — and safe.
Advertisement
“GPS and GPS locator beacons are popular,” said Ross Ryan of Diamond Brand Outdoors, “both to use in the car and for hiking in the woods. People like to know where they are.”
Ryan said The Spot GPS, or global positioning system, locator unit, which costs $149.95, and the ACR Microfix, for $600, send out signals that allow people to find you.
GPS units, which use satellites to help you find your way, start about $300. New touch-screen GPS units are becoming popular because they have bigger screens and are easier to use. The Garmin Oregon series of touch-screen GPS units range from $449.99 to $599.99.
If your budget isn't that big, you can get a cheaper gift of navigation with the always popular map, compass and headlamp for less than $100, Ryan said.
There's also a multitool that can serve several safety purposes at once. The Highgear Adventure Tool is a 7-in-1 safety tool made by local outdoor gear manufacturer Highgear. The tool has three high-intensity white LEDs, a floating dial compass, thermometer, watch, safety mirror, safety whistle, magnifier and comes with a lanyard.
“It's a great little safety tool for $20,” said Cathy Herbstler of Highgear, which is based in Fletcher. She said the tool is available at Mast General Store, Diamond Brand and REI.
Claudia Nix of Liberty Bicycles is also a proponent of map and guidebook giving for the cyclist, as well as lighting, especially with the longer nights.
“And particularly since the Asheville Police Department will now be out at night stopping cyclists who do not have lights,” Nix said, “which is a good thing.”
Following are some gift ideas for the various outdoors lovers in your life:
Zip-off, windproof jacket by Gore. “It's a long-sleeve jacket with sleeves that zip off to become a short-sleeve jacket,” said Nix. “It's a great item to have in winter.”
They run $160 and come in men's and women's in red, white and yellow.
Anything to add warmth would also be much appreciated. Liberty Bicycles has hats and face masks that fit under helmets, as well as windproof gloves and oxygen-activated hand warmers that fit inside gloves and shoes.
Other handy items for cyclists are lighting gear, Nix said. The shop has everything from small, flashing headlamps to bike-mounted lights.
Aaron Saft, co-owner of Foot Rx Running store in South Asheville, said Mizuno Breath Thermo products are a must-have for runners this winter. They come in hats, gloves, ear bands and socks, in the $20 range.
“They make really nice gifts,” Saft said. “When you sweat, the fibers activate and become warm, and stay warm.”
He also recommends new products by GoMotion that have lights on sternum straps and waist packs so that when you're running at night and turn your head, the light stays in front of you. They start at $80.
REI Arete Asl 2 person tent. All-season, lightweight tent weighs less than 5 pounds. Has a single door and a three-pole setup. On sale through Dec. 1 for $173.99.
REI Shuksan (for men) and REI Kulsan (for women).
These rain jackets use a new fabric called eVent, which allows sweat to escape, while being waterproof and highly breathable. It does not have armpit zips because it doesn't need them. It is $289.
Mountain Hardwear Monkey Fleece jacket for women.
The jacket provides superb durability and lightweight warmth for backcountry trips and alpine climbing.
It has a high-pile curl on the outside and smooth velour on the inside — it's durable, highly breathable and resists pilling. The fabric is treated with a durable, water-repellent finish for water resistance and quick drying. It's $140 and comes in green, beige, brown, blue, black and cranberry.
SIGG limited-edition holiday screw-top bottles. 32-ounce is $24.95.
Made of a single piece of aluminum. This water bottle is rugged, lightweight, crack-resistant and impervious to the acidity of wine, juices and isotonic drinks. They can be refrigerated but should not be frozen.
The Astral Green Jacket. This whitewater life jacket is made by local manufacturer Astral Buoyancy, with environmentally friendly, nontoxic fill.
It is “much anticipated and much coveted,” said Diamond Brand paddlesports manager Derek Turno. It is named for the local Green River and sells for $209.95, available at the Asheville and Arden Diamond Brand stores.
The Ripper. This is a solo youth kayak by Wilderness System, for $425. The price makes is it an affordable starter kayak for kids, Turno said.
Life is Good Snuggle socks. On sale for $6.99 (originally $10) through Dec. 1 at REI. Quick-drying, moisture-wicking polyester fleece, good for wearing around the house.
Sun LifeLight LED Light for kids. These fun little lights in animal shapes are great stocking stuffers, for both kids and adults, and can clip on to book bags, key rings, backpacks or belt loops. Open their mouths, and a bright LED light shines out. $7.50 at REI.
The TapGuard by Guyot Designs. An activated carbon filter for wide-mouth bottles, the TapGuard significantly reduces the amount of chlorine and other chemicals in tap water, making tap water taste better. It also prevents spilling from wide-mouth bottles. It is available at REI for $14.95.
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