OUTDOOR FUN
GIFTS THAT FUEL
Outdoor Adventures EXPLORE THESE IDEAS FOR THE OUTDOORSPEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE BY AISLINN SARNACKI
As
the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world in 2020, people in the outdoor industry noticed some interesting — and heartening — trends. Visitation to parks and other outdoor destinations spiked. Kayaks and bikes flew off the shelves at outfitters. It was clear that many people were embracing the outdoors as a safe place to exercise and have fun. Now more than a year later, that trend continues. Those who perhaps never considered themselves to be “outdoorsy” before are becoming experienced in all sorts of activities, such as hiking, fishing, snowshoeing and ice skating. So while combing over your list of people to buy for this holiday season, consider that the longtime outdoor enthusiast may not be the only one who’d love an outdoor-related gift. Maybe someone in your family has shown an interest in birding or mushroom foraging during the pandemic. Perhaps a friend picked up deer hunting this past fall. If so, you’re in luck. Outdoor adventures require plenty of gear for comfort and safety. Here are just a few gift ideas to get you started. OUTDOOR NECESSITIES Whether a person camps, canoes or cross-country skis, there are some simple items they’ll need. A headlamp, for example, is an important safety item for all outdoorsy people. Other items that fall into the category of universal usefulness include warm wool or synthetic socks, a nice backpack or drybag, a water bottle or thermos and a first aid kit. The three top survival tools all outdoors-people should carry in Maine are: a knife or multitool, a whistle and the means to build a fire such as waterproof matches or a flint and steel firestarter. Navigational tools are also great gifts for any outdoors-person. Handheld GPS devices, ranging in price from $100 to over $400, are perfect for finding your bearings and tracking adventures. A compass designed for orienteering, which costs between $25 and $60, is another great option. And if your gift-receiver doesn’t know how to use a compass, throw an instructional book into the gift. It’s a great skill to have. GIFTS THAT INSPIRE Sometimes it’s fun to give an experience as a gift, or something that inspires an experience. Guidebooks and maps are especially useful in planning new outdoor adventures. And gift cards for things like rock climbing lessons or bird tours can help someone step outside their comfort zone or visit new places. Gift cards for overnight stays at wilderness retreats or campgrounds can also make for great gifts, as can a lift ticket to a ski mountain or a Maine State Park Pass or an annual pass to Acadia National Park. Have a conversation with the person you’re buying a gift for and see if they’re looking to pursue any new outdoor activities. That may guide you to purchase them snowshoes, hiking poles, ice fishing traps or fly tying equipment. Each activity has its own special gear
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