SEATTLE -- The mad scramble to find the perfect gift is on, but there's no need to push the panic button. The holiday gift bag is brimming with treats for the outdoor fan on your list:
Seth Morrison, a pro freeskier and member of the K2 Factory Team, has developed the new, stylish K2 ObSETHed Powder Rocker Skis ($875) that are designed to eliminate tip dive, and break through crud, crust and chopped-up snow conditions with ease. Details: www.evo.com or www.k2skis.com or available at REI, evo in Seattle, Alpine Hut and Seattle Ski Shop stores.
The Jetboil CrunchIt Tool ($6.95) provides an easy way to recycle fuel canisters and stay committed to environmental responsibility. This small stocking-stuffer safely vents and punctures standard butane fuel canisters for recycling. Details: www.jetboil.com or available at any REI store.
Coghlan's Windproof/Waterproof Storm Matches ($4) burn even in strong winds, and the flame stays lit for about 10 seconds. Details: www.coghlans.com/store-locator.aspx or any REI store.
The new Light My Fire Swedish Firesteel 2.0 Scout Striker ($12.99 and $19.99) is redesigned with an improved striker to build a fire in any weather and at any altitude. The Scout model creates 3,000 sparks, while the Army model lasts up to 12,000 strikes. Details: available at REI and Cabelas stores or at www.rei.com or www.cabelas.com.
UCO Stormproof Matches ($3.47-$10.49) are easy to light in any condition. They will stay lit for up to 15 seconds, even after being submerged in water. Details: www.amazon.com.
In the most rugged terrain or stormy weather, the Pelican i1015 and i1010 ($36.95) is the safest place to keep your smartphone, iPod, iPhone and other electronics and smartphones. The clear lid allows users to watch videos or check playlists, and an external headphone allows owners to listen to the player while the case is closed. Details: www.amazon.com or available at Dicks, Frys and select Cabela's stores.
The SOG Flash I Black TiNi Knife ($67) has a wicked-quick blade access, with a unique, powerful piston lock that is easily released with a sliding button. The knife comes with glass-reinforced Zytel handle and black TiNi coated 1/2 serrated blade. Details: www.sogknives.com, and available at some West Marine, The North Face, Excalibur Cutlery and Lowe's stores.
Custom wrap your Nalgene or SIGG bottles with Bottlewraps ($12.95). These one-of-kind full-color, photo-quality vinyl wraps are made to last a long time and can be easily removed without residue. Details: www.bottlewraps.com.
The lightweight Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow ($17.95-$27.95) expands for plush comfort and support, and its compact size allows it to be stored or packed with ease. Details: www.cascadedesigns.com or www.thermarest.com.
Any active person has to contend with sweaty shoes, stinky socks and smelly gym bags. The eco-friendly Fresh Wave Pearl Packs ($4.50 travel spray bottle or $15.95 Pearl Packs) will help eliminate the funkiest of odors. The biodegradable and nontoxic formula absorbs odors and breaks them down with plant extracts so the smell is completely eliminated, rather than masked for a short period. Details: www.fresh-wave.com.
The Energizer Solar Flashlight ($24.99) and Solar Lantern ($42.99) use latest solar technology to charge even in the lowest of outdoor lights. The LEDs and rechargeable battery pack deliver a long-lasting lighting solution. Five hours of charging in the sun provides about two hours of runtime. Details: www.amazon.com.
The ChefsChoice 4623 Diamond Hone Manual Sharpener ($29.99) is easy to pack and features separate sharpening and honing stages that make the dullest of knives super sharp. It can be used on a variety of knives, plus just about any sports, pocket or serrated knives. Details: www.chefschoice.com or 800-342-3255.
The lightweight American Red Cross Clipray ($15) is a solar-powered, hand-crank emergency flashlight that clips directly to your belt loop, backpack or other outdoor gear. The device can also charge your cellphone with a featured USB jack. Details: www.etoncorp.com.
The Motorola Talkabout MR350R Two-Way Radios ($79.99) offer up to 35-mile range and operate where cellphones don't. The radios have NOAA weather channels, a flashlight and even a mini-USB charging port. There is a free faceplate offer through Dec. 31 with choices that include silver, yellow, digital camouflage silver, digital camouflage pink, Turkish walnut and American pride. Details: www.amazon.com or available at Best Buy, Target, RadioShack and Sam's Club.
The Montana Fly Company's River Camo Aluminum ($29) and Plastic ($19.99) Fly Boxes are the ideal places to tuck away your favorite flies. The boxes use digital coating technology to offer a unique look in camouflage, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and river rock patterns. Details: www.montanafly.com.
The new anodized aluminum, rubber gripped Castalia Outdoors Rubberized Easy Nets ($53.99 and $58.99) are the perfect nets in this new era where many Pacific Northwest fisheries are targeting hatchery fish while releasing wild fish of concern. They are compact for easy storage, and feature a wide net facing that opens and locks with a flip of the wrist. The rubber netting helps avoid hook tangles, easily sheds water and reduces storage odors. Details: www.luresonline.com or available at Ted's Sports Center in Lynnwood.
Don't be afraid to get the rugged, durable and pocket-size Kodak Playsport HD Video Camera ($149.95) wet on your next outdoor adventure. This easy-to-use camera can take a dip up to 10 feet underwater, and the built-in image stabilization assures you of less blur and sharper videos to capture that quick moving scene. Details: www.kodak.com or www.amazon.com or available at any Best Buy Store.
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