The holiday season is upon us. Do you have a hunter or angler on your gift list? They can be tricky to buy for. Either they already own everything or they’re notoriously picky about their gear. Here are some go-to gift ideas that will surely hit their mark.
1. The Baitfish Book of All Baitfish Books
Kevin Feenstra’s latest book, Matching Baitfish: Patterns and Techniques for Great Lakes Steelhead and Lake Run Browns should be a mandatory read for all anglers. Whether the person in your life is a fly or spin fisher, this book is an absolute game-changer.
2. Patagonia Tough Puff Pants
Patagonia makes these incredible pants for both men and women. Specifically designed for under-wader insulation, they’re also the perfect pant to wear around the house or run errands in town. You’ll wonder how you ever fished the cooler months without them.
3. Krinkle Mirror Flash
The fly fishing industry has seen all sorts of materials come and go over the years. This, however, is one material that will last the test of time. Krinkle Mirror Flash is arguably the most vibrant flash on the market. An assortment of colours and sizes is guaranteed to make the fly tier in your life smile. Can you say stocking stuffer!?
4. Headlamp
Whether it’s for walking the dog in the early morning hours or hiking out of a fishing spot in the dark, a quality headlamp always comes in handy. There are a lot of excellent models on the market, it just depends on what you’re looking for. There are lightweight ones for the backcountry, as well as rechargeable versions. When looking at the price tag, some considerations are the brightness and how long it lasts.
5. Reusable Food Bags
Outdoor adventures are best enjoyed with snacks. Reusable Ziploc-style bags are great for packing snacks while being mindful of the environmental impact of trash. There are several styles of bags including beeswax paper, silicone and nylon bags.
6. Gift a Masterclass or Membership
Give the gift of education. Help someone in your life learn a new trade or expand on their skills. The Anchored Outdoors Masterclasses are taught by the foremost experts on the subject. If you can’t decide on one, purchase the All-Inclusive Membership which gives you access to ALL the classes.
7. Portable Battery Charger
In today’s technology-driven world, portable chargers are essential. All kinds of recreationists rely on technology to explore the outdoors. But the battery life on cellphones, headlamps and satellite communication devices don’t last forever. Portable battery charges give a boost when things get low. Some models can even be charged by solar panels.
8. Travel Mugs and Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable coffee cups and water bottles are always needed. Not only do these work well on adventures, but they’re also great for everyday use like commuting to work or hitting the gym.
9. Babysitting Services
Sometimes the best gift isn’t one you can open. It’s hard to find time to get outside when you have kids. Offer family or friends the opportunity to spend a day on the river while you watch the little ones. This can be a win-win for everyone. Parents can pursue their passion while little ones get a fun day.
10. Mini Waders
For many families, a day on the water is as simple as having the right gear. If your little one is weighing heavy on your back, perhaps it’s time to get them their own waders? These are a wonderful gift, not only for the kids in your life, but for the parents who have been sacrificing time on the water for fear of wet feet.
11. Thermal “Night” Vision
If you have a larger budget, the Flir Thermal Monocular ticks all the boxes: fun, functional… even life-saving! Use it to look out for wildlife around camp at night, but also keep it handy on the boat, just in case someone falls overboard and needs spotting.
12. Flies
Anglers can never have too many flies. Check out the Anchored Outdoors Fly Outpost for a variety of assortments. We have flies grouped by season, style and more. They are all professionally curated and make a great stocking stuffer.
13. Neck Gaiter
Neck gaiters became a statement during the pandemic, but hunters and anglers have been using them for years. Hunters use camouflage neck gaiters to hide their faces. They’re also great for keeping sun and wind away. Neck gaiters come in various types of fabrics and patterns. They come in UPF to protect against the sun. They are found in Merino wool and fleece for colder weather. Some even have built-in bug repellants.
14. The SEVENTY2 Survival System
This survival kit is made by Uncharted Supply Co. The 72 Pro gives outdoorsmen and women the confidence and reassurance to take their off-road adventures one step further. Whether on foot or 4×4, this kit offers safety precautions for the unexpected. What’s more, the easy-to-understand instructions ensure that even the most inexperienced outdoors-people will have guidance should something unfortunate happen.
15. Wool Socks
Socks are a super lame gift to receive if you’re a kid. As an adult, unwrapping a pair of socks is a different story. Especially if they’re quality wool socks. Hunters and anglers love Merino wool socks for many reasons. Not only are they warm, but wool also absorbs moisture and keeps feet dry. This prevents blisters and icky odors. Wool socks can even be a very personal gift because they come in many different colors and unique patterns.
16. Finger Dubbing Brush
There’s nothing worse than an over-dressed fly, and this is just the tool to ensure you steer clear from making that common error. Hareline’s Finger Dubbing Brush is an excellent way to keep the bulking where it belongs: in your belly after a hearty turkey dinner.
Happy shopping!
