Many of us have been there: we wrongly assumed that the giant box under the Christmas tree held the best gift, only to discover it was听something like a microwave. It turns out the old saw 鈥淕ood things come in small packages鈥 is often right.听Here are our favorite stocking stuffers that we guarantee your outdoorsy friends and family will love.
Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube听8×25听Monocular ($75)
Binoculars aren鈥檛 only for hunters and birders. Whether you鈥檙e sitting in your yard or out on the skin track, they can offer a whole new perspective to any view鈥攁dded details, or animals in the distance you might otherwise fail to spot. If you don鈥檛 want to carry a full pair, is a great compromise, because it fits in the chest pocket of a jacket but features sharp optics and an 8x听magnification for a very reasonable price.
Electric x Jason Momoa Knoxville XL Sunglasses ($160)
Actor Jason Momoa has been on a tear lately鈥Dune, See, and a host of other productions. Somewhere in between, he worked with Electric to release these environmentally friendly , with frames made of a plant-based bio-resin (plus a bag made from recycled nylon). I love the larger听fit and that a portion of each sale is being donated to , a nonprofit that Momoa regularly works with.
Proof 72-Hour Merino Crew Socks ($32 for a Two-Pack)
The only socks I wear are from . That鈥檚 because they鈥檙e the perfect do-everything option for my feet. The wool naturally cuts down on stink, so I can keep them on for two or even three days in a row, they鈥檙e padded enough for long hikes, and their basic patterns look great with jeans and khakis alike.
Tanner Goods Classic Belt ($105)
With , it鈥檚 literally one and done鈥攜ou shouldn鈥檛 have to buy another belt ever again. Constructed from a thick, eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leather, the belt will hold your pants up for decades and only look better with wear. Although it鈥檚 available in several different colors, including black and dark brown, I鈥檓 a big fan of the classic tan. (Tip: the belt fits best one size larger than your standard pant size.)
Patagonia Brodeo Beanie ($35)
There are hundreds of classic fisherman beanies, but I choose to top my noggin with听. Patagonia uses recycled wool and nylon for its version. I often wear mine all day鈥攄onning it for a brisk morning hike, keeping it on during my time at the office, and only pulling it off after walking the dogs.
Apple听Third Generation听AirPods ($170)
I鈥檓 still not exactly sure how works, but I think it helps these sound significantly better than previous gens. All music genres are richer and clearer, which make the earbuds听an absolute pleasure to use. I also dig the smaller听size, because听they stay听put better when I鈥檓 exercising.
Give鈥檙 Classic Gloves ($55)
Keep in your rig and you鈥檒l find a dozen uses for them this winter. I鈥檝e pulled mine on to cut a Christmas tree, ski, change a tire, and throw snowballs at my kids. Made from a quality leather that will endure despite tons of abuse, they come with a simple beeswax coating that makes them mostly waterproof. A Thinsulate lining adds warmth but doesn鈥檛 kill dexterity.
Timex Expedition North Field Post Solar 41-Millimeter Watch ($160)
I love my Apple Watch, but when I don鈥檛 want something buzzing on my wrist, is my go-to timepiece. It鈥檚 an affordable and beautifully designed Timex, designed with a forest green band, matching face, and durable stainless-steel case. And behind the face it sports a solar panel, keeping it ticking for up to four months.
Andersson and Copra Urban Husky Sandvik Steel Knife ($160)
Is the most easy-to-use knife I鈥檝e ever tested? Not really. But I鈥檝e included it because it鈥檚 so damn beautiful and unique from other knives I鈥檝e reviewed in the past. Its Swedish-made stainless steel is great for everyday tasks, while the copper outer is a pleasure to hold in your hand. I also dig the accompanying leather sheath.