SPORTS EXPERIENCES FOR TOP FANS

OUTDOOR FUN

GIFTS THAT FUEL Outdoor Adventures

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world in 2020, people in the outdoor industry noticed some interesting — and heartening — trends. Visitation to EXPLORE THESE IDEAS parks and other outdoor destinations spiked. Kayaks and bikes flew off the shelves at

FOR THE OUTDOORS- outfitters. It was clear that many people were embracing the outdoors as a safe place to exercise and have fun.

PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE 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, BY AISLINN SARNACKI 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

MITTENS FROM JACK & MARY DESIGNS

Keep your loved ones toasty and warm on their next outdoor adventure with handcrafted mittens made in Maine. Jack & Mary mittens are created from recycled wool sweaters, lined with cozy fleece and finished with a button. Warm and versatile, these mittens are wonderful for adventuring outside, walking the dog, driving, jogging, biking or just plain looking cute! JACKANDMARYDESIGNS.COM

that they’ll need to collect. Every little piece of equipment helps. Your gift might give them that extra push to try the activity they’ve been daydreaming about.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Many inexpensive outdoor items are especially useful. An emergency blanket or bivvy, for example, costs between $5 and $20. Used in survival situations, that tiny piece of gear can be used to trap in your body heat and help stave off hypothermia until help arrives.

Freeze-dried food packets, energy bars and drink mixes make for great stocking stuffers. Bug repellent, chemical hand and foot warmers, water purification tablets and sunscreen also fit the bill as inexpensive and something that outdoorsy people often need to replenish.

If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your gift, you could create a big bag of trail mix out of quality, handselected ingredients. Or you could dig up a recipe for nutrition bars or another snack that would last well on an outdoor trip.

For more ideas, visit or call your local outfitter or sports shop. They’ll have the scoop on the latest gear and most popular items for each type of outdoor adventure.