ATV Adventures: Christmas gift ideas for your OHV friends
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- This is the vinyl decal I chose for my Kawasaki Teryx 4.
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- Lynn Blamires
It isn’t too early to think about shopping for Christmas. I know people who have their shopping done already. If you have friends who enjoy riding OHVs in the backcountry, here are some tips and ideas to brighten their Christmas morning.
Set a budget. This will help narrow down the choices. There is a wide range of prices in the OHV gift category.
Shopping will be easier if you are familiar with what they already have. It is a good idea to shop for things they want or need. With observation and these ideas, you will be successful.
Jump starter
A portable power source is a good gift, even if they already have one. It serves multiple purposes, which is the reason for more than one. Not only can you jump a dead battery in a car or OHV, but you can charge laptops, cellphones and other electronic devices. Look for one with at least an 800-amp rating.
Headlamps
The obvious reason for a headlamp is that you can have your hands free to work in low or no light. A headlamp is more versatile than your headlights or a flashlight. I have one that makes loading a machine after dark easier.
Neck gaiters
You don’t have to know much about what your friend has for this gift to ring the bell. I have several. I wear them for warmth, ultraviolet light protection, face protection and to keep my ball cap from flying off. When it gets hot, I can soak it in cold water and wear it on my neck to stay cool. They are inexpensive and are carried by a lot of outlets.
Cellphone mounts
With so many navigating apps available for cellphones, a cellphone mount under the Christmas tree is a winner. Apps like OnX, Avenza Maps and Gaia GPS make a cellphone important to have on the trail.
Riding jerseys
Most men’s apparel is anything but flashy. Even most grubby clothing lacks luster. Clothing on the trail is of a different genre. You will often find trail riders loud and proud. I have some riding jerseys that are anything but conservative. Local OHV dealers carry an attractive stock of riding jerseys. They are designed to keep the rider cooler than regular T-shirts with their mesh material.
Tire inflators
I have carried several bulky air compressors with me for flat repairs. Not only are they big, they are slow to inflate a tire. With more advanced technology, compact inflators are available that work quickly and accurately. Type “tire inflators” into your browser to shop for this gift. It would be exciting to find one of these under the tree.
UTV seat belt sleeves
I love riding trails, but some of them get bumpy. I have installed seat belt sleeves on the seat belts in my UTVs and they make a big difference in comfort. The soft material keeps the belt from digging into my shoulder.
40-ounce insulated tumblers
Staying hydrated on the trail is important. When I head out on a ride in my RZR, I have a 40-ounce “My Local Utah” tumbler full and iced. This premium tumbler is crafted with high-quality stainless steel and boasts superior durability and temperature retention. The sleek design is complemented by a secure, spill-resistant lid with a durable straw for easy hydrating on the trail. It will keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. They are available at https://www.mylocalutah.com for only $25.
Stocking stuffers
I use this category loosely because some things just won’t fit in the standard Christmas stocking. Some presents look better hung on the tree, like a personalized OHV Christmas ornament. Ignition keys for OHVs don’t come with the best key chains, but there are some great personalized chains on the market.
Your friend might like a mug with a custom OHV message. A T-shirt or hoodie with a four-wheeling message is a surefire gift. Some fun customized OHV metal art is available. Some of them are backlit with changing colors.
Custom OHV vinyl decals caught my eye. I have one on my four-place Kawasaki Teryx. It does set my UTV apart. These are the kind of gifts that are fun to give and they create bonds between the giver and receiver.
When you go out on the trail, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and have fun shopping for your OHV friends this Christmas.
Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.