Oh, ho, ho! We saw the first of many Black Friday ads this weekend. Not that we’ll be participating mind you. Sure, sure, we might sneak a peak at the online sales, but braving the crush isn’t our thing. Regardless of how you plan to shop this holiday season, here’s a few suggestions that might help you on your way.
Drinking Gear
Tin Cup Whiskey
Late this past summer, we rediscovered the joys of a good whiskey. Our drink of choice, the Whiskey Smash. Couple of lemon wedges, a few mint leaves (my bourbon drinking friends use basil periodically), a bit of simple syrup and whiskey. Perfectly crisp. Unbelievably refreshing. We’re not the only ones bringing our attention back to brown spirits these days.
Numerous new distillers are popping up including the guys at Tin Cup. Named after a Colorado mining town and cut with Rocky Mountain water, this is very drinkable high rye whiskey that works well alone, on the rocks or in a mixed drink like the aforementioned Smash. The bottle is an elaborate hexagonal shape — which makes a nice gift presentation — and the price is a reasonable $28.
Available at Reserve Bar . Less than $30.
Photo Gear
CamKix Camera Lens Kit
Been reading and watching a lot of talk about the death of the consumer camera. Killed by the smart phone, so they say, and apps like Instagram and Snapchat. While we tend of avoid the apps, smart phone cameras certainly have come a long way from the original iPhone 2MP offering. And — as most photographers will tell you — the best camera is the one you have with you. That adage is definitely true and describes why the smart phone serves as the baseline for most photographers.
While the included smart phone camera can take you a long way, it’s missing lenses that can take you even further. A number of companies provide kits and individual lenses for use with iPhone and Android devices. You can spend a lot or a little. I purchased one recently for my nephew (a high schooler and aspiring film maker) and we’ll see how far he takes it. Available at Amazon. Less than $40.
Cold Weather Gear
Royal Robbins Autumn Rose Cardigan
Oh the cardigan. Pull one on to stave off the chill. No need to muss with your hair or completely cover that good looking base layer. No wonder they’re experiencing a bit of a resurgence in popularity.
Royal Robbins comes on strong this year with their Autumn Rose version. It’s a deep pewter shawl collar offering constructed from mostly man made fibers. Available at REI. Less than $100.
Under Gear
Patagonia Capilene Daily Boxer Briefs
As usual at GearGuide, we can’t have a gift guide without underwear. Odd, I know. But we tend toward the outlandish and novelty type (think boxers emblazoned with large Woolly Buggers and cartoon reindeer). Kind of our version of the ugly sweater.
For the second year in a row, Patagonia wins for some of the most hideous we’ve seen. Comfortable, certainly. But Jiminy Crickets, talk about strange color combos and odd patterns. Ugly and functional, made from moisture-wicking fabric. Find them at Campsaver. About $30.
Hooded Gear
Icebreaker Men’s Escape LS Hoodie
Heck, who can’t use another hoodie? We live in ‘em at GearGuide. Everything from heavy cotton emblazoned with the signature GearGuide (G) to the fancy merino wool versions.
Icebreaker makes one that splits the difference between the two extremes. Their Escape LS Hoodie is made from a combination of merino, lycra and nylon. This boldly striped version can go from base layer to outerwear, and dress up a pair of jeans for a night out. Available from Moosejaw. About $100.
Thanks for reading another outdoor gear review from GearGuide.
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