The ‘Get Outside’ Gift Guide

by Catherine, November 25, 2015

Buying gifts for your loved ones should be enjoyable, an opportunity to say “Hey, I think you’re pretty special” by giving them something that they’ll really appreciate. Well, that’s the theory anyway. In reality, it’s often frustrating. Maybe you don’t have a lot of free time to spend searching for the ideal gift. Perhaps they have a particular pastime you’re not well versed in yourself but you still want to support with your gift. Or you have some ideas but simply want extra inspiration. No matter the occasion or your budget, if you need a gift for an outdoor enthusiast you’re in luck. Huckberry are ready to lend a helping hand with their ‘Get Outside’ gift guide…

Bags for The Outdoors:

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L ($29.98)

The Luzon 18L is a versatile and lightweight pack that’s equally ready to hit the trails and the sightseeing streets. Constructed out of repurposed ripstop nylon, the bag can be stored in a larger backpack or luggage until needed. Handy features include an easy-access drawstring closure, an internal sleeve for a hydration bladder, plus an external front zipped pocket that serves as a stash for small items such as your phone or trail snacks.

Great for: a stowable daypack, when you want to lose the weight and get on the move with only the essentials on your back.

Poler Rolltop Pack ($59.98)

Sometimes you need to carry a lot, and other times a little. With this pack you can do both. The rolltop design lets you haul extra as required, with compression straps for externally attaching awkwardly-shaped items or cinching the load when you’re traveling light.

Great for: hipster hiking up a mountain for a picnic, followed by strings of boutique beers.

Cotopaxi Inca 26L ($99.98)

Sleek in design but still boasting plenty of features, this pack makes itself at home in a range of environments. Ice tool loops, side water bottle pockets, quick-access pockets on the shoulder strap and removable waist belt, plus a padded hydration sleeve that also accommodates a 15-inch laptop are just some of the useful features that can help you make the most of your time outdoors.

Great for: excursions across a range of outdoor environments while keeping frequently accessed items within easy reach, plus the flexibility to serve your urban carry needs too if needed.

Boreas Gear Erawan 70 ($159.98)

A duffel-meets-backpack design with a minimalist silhouette, stowable backpack straps and grab handles to make manoeuvring and storing the bag as hassle-free as possible. A waterproof pocket and a wet/dry pocket keep the essentials safe from the elements and wet gear, while concealed daisy chains give you external carry options too.

Great for: hauling a couple days’ worth of gear and keeping the essentials dry…

Filson Dry Duffel ($180)

Most bags can handle a light drizzle here and there. The Filson Dry Duffel isn’t most bags. This duffel is built for more demanding situations, from downpours to boat decks. Radio-frequency welded seams, a rolltop opening and vinyl-coated polyester construction all play their part in keeping the contents dry even if you get drenched.

Great for: weatherproof gear carry wherever your adventures take you.

Topo Designs Klettersack ($189)

Aesthetically the Klettersack has a distinct “ready to explore” vibe that is well complemented by its rugged 1000D Cordura exterior. A convenient top pocket and side pockets let you store the likes of water bottles, maps, a first aid kit and other important items within easy reach, while leather lash tabs take care of bulky or oddly-shaped gear.

Great for: a durable and eye-catching daypack that can do double duty in the outdoors and in the city…

GORUCK GR1 ($294.98)

If any bag is going to relish demanding outdoor environments, it’s the GR1. Its tough build is more than ready to dive into outdoor adventures (and with some extreme outdoor enthusiasts, quite literally), while the lay-flat opening makes it easy to pack and access items. The pack fits a 3L hydration bladder and features both internal and exterior MOLLE webbing for attaching and organizing your gear.

Great for: rucking, of course. And anything else that needs tough, military-inspired carry.

Will Leather Goods Lennon Backpack ($294.98)

One for the heritage lovers, this pack features a hard-wearing combination of vegetable-tanned bridle leather and 18 oz. cotton canvas. Three front pockets provide useful storage for frequently-used items, while undoing the drawstring closure reveals further pockets inside for keeping your smaller items neat and tidy while you’re on the move.

Great for: looking the part, if nostaglia’s your thing. A heavier pack, no doubt, but this will look awesome with your vintage boots, and comes with a pillow for mid-hike snoozes under apple trees or whatnot.

Gear For The Outdoors:

Exotac fireSLEEVE ($14.98)

Not being able to start a fire outdoors can be inconvenient…but add harsh conditions or an emergency situation into the mix and it can quickly turn an otherwise manageable situation into a life-threatening one. Luckily the fireSLEEVE provides waterproof protection for standard Bic lighters, even when submerged up to depths of three feet for half an hour.

Great for: helping to keep your fire-lighting ability burning bright, even after complete submersion, plus preventing the gas button from being pressed accidentally.

UCO Stormproof Match Kit – 2 Pack ($15.98)

Windproof and waterproof matches are given a further boost of protection with a waterproof case that floats and features an integrated and replaceable striker for convenient lighting. The case has a ribbed design to improve grip, while the matches will burn for up to 15 seconds and will relight even after submersion in water.

Great for: an alternative or backup to carrying a lighter and ensuring your matches can withstand the worst of Mother Nature’s wrath (plus unfortunate or clumsy accidents)…

Topo Designs Pom Beanie ($18)

Being cold is a fast way to suck the enjoyment out of exploring the outdoors. Luckily the Pom Beanie helps you stay toasty during your traipsing. Made from acrylic, the beanie is a one-size-fits-all design that does the trick on snowy slopes and urban streets alike.

Great for: adding a pop of fun color to your outdoor adventuring and keeping you cozy around town.

LifeStraw personal water filter ($19.98)

Having access to clean drinking water is a key concern when you’re heading outdoors. Sure, you can carry enough for a day trip, but the longer you’re out there the more unfeasible this becomes. There are several options for purifying water during your travels, but few can match the ease and quickness of the LifeStraw. This personal water filter removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites and is built to last so it can be used for many trips to come.

Great for: anyone who wants a compact, lightweight and easily portable method of making contaminated water sources safe to drink…

Matador Pocket Blanket ($29.98)

Water repellent, puncture resistant, large enough to accommodate two or more people, yet compact enough to fit in your pocket. Meet the Pocket Blanket from Matador, a pint-sized package that can be easily carried and unfolded for picnics, soaking up the sun or taking in the views during your outdoor trips.

Great for: a seating surface that won’t take up a lot of space in your bag or weigh you down…

Prometheus Lights Beta-QR Flashlight ($53.98)

Proving it can get the job done just as well as – if not better than – larger and heavier alternatives, this flashlight remains compact in size while offering up to 60 lumens and a viewing distance of 37m on the high setting. Add in the quick-release system and you’ve got light wherever you need it, from your tent to your bag or the trail.

Great for: providing an easily portable light source that will withstand demanding use and can slot into EDC and outdoor use equally well…

VSSL First Aid Kit ($59.98)

They say prevention is better than cure…but sometimes you just have to deal with things as they occur. Being prepared for injuries before they may happen goes a long way to reducing their overall impact. This sleek first aid kit contains a range of medical supplies, as well as a flashlight, compass and emergency whistle.

Great for: storing important first aid supplies safely and protecting them against bumps, scrapes and the elements…

MiiR Insulated Growler + 2 Tall Boy Pints ($69.98)

There’s nothing quite like quenching your thirst with a cold and refreshing drink after an exhausting hike, or warming up with a hot brew as you take in the chilly splendor of your mountaintop view. With the MiiR insulated growler you can do both. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold fluids cold for over 24 hours and hot fluids hot for over 12 hours. Additionally, the flip-top opening features a clamp system to prevent leaking.

Great for: indulging in a well-earned hot or cold drink when a swig from the humble standard water bottle doesn’t quite cut it…

Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel ($79.98)

Being able to phone for help if you need it, shedding light on the path with your headlamp as darkness begins to fall, or tracking your route with a GPS device…all useful to have at your fingertips, and all threatened by a flat battery. This is where the Nomad 7 solar panel steps in. Weather-resistant, easily portable and light in weight, the Nomad 7 can charge the majority of USB and 12V devices such as smartphones, headlamps and GPS devices all through the power of the sun.

Great for: keeping important devices charged if you’re going off-grid for several days or simply want some reassurance during a day trip…

Rumpl Twin Peak Throw Blanket ($84.98)

Staying warm outdoors shouldn’t weigh you down. The Rumpl Twin Peak Throw Blanket is a lightweight and durable blanket featuring a synthetic insulation and a DWR coating to keep the heat in and the elements out. The blanket resists odors and stains and also comes with a stuff sack for easy packing.

Great for: enjoying the comforts of home in a practical design that is suitable for outdoor excursions…

Santa Fe Stoneworks Dinosaur Bone + Amber Single (Damascus) ($89.98)

This knife is made using dinosaur bone….yep, dinosaur bone! Need we say more? Well, there is more to say about it, from remarking on its beautiful and strong Damascus Steel blade, to the attractive jet amber that complements the sauropod bone in the handle.

Great for: if you’re looking for a functional tool that’s also a conversation starter. Who could resist “Wanna see my dinosaur bone knife?”