Gear That Makes Holidays Bright
Believe it or not the holidays are just around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about holiday gift giving for those on your list who crave the hunt, prepare themselves for the unexpected or just have an overall thirst for adventure throughout Mother Nature’s widespread realm. These are the hunters, fishermen, survivalists, self-defense practitioners and bushcrafters that touch your life in special and, at times, unconventional ways.
Fortunately, equipment, gear, tools and even vehicles are available in numerous and assorted configurations that suit the needs and, more important, the wants of everyone on your list, no matter how simple or how extreme their tastes. With an incredibly wide range of choices, spanning from a one-piece keychain to a decked-out apocalypse-ready bug-out vehicle, we have options that will put a smile on the face of everyone on your list.
CRKT Mah-Chete
Overview
This knife exudes power and performance, no matter the task. With a blade length of a full foot and a solid walnut handle, it’ll make short work of whatever you chop or slice at home or in the field. The knife features a satin finish on its 0.18-inch-thick blade. Every hunter, outdoorsman, survivalist and even a wild game chef would appreciate this little number wrapped up with their name on it.
Specification
- Walnut wood handle
- 1075 Carbon steel blade with extended tang
- Upswept handle clearance for extended use
- Weight: 19.2 ounces
- Lanyard hole
- Includes reinforced nylon belt sheath
MSRP $99.99
URL CRKT.com
Wazoo Ghosted U.S. Flag Morale Patch
Overview
Not everything is as it seems, even with this simple Cache Patch from Wazoo. On the surface it is a beautifully designed logo patch with a subtle, yet powerful image of Old Glory in the background. However, as you dig deeper, you’ll find it has a secret compartment to stash a variety of gear. Use it to store an extra key, some cash, SD cards, or even a micro-survival kit. No one will know but you, and it will be there safely accessible when needed.
Specifications
- Subtle, black USA flag design behind the Wazoo logo
- Custom-molded void to maximize volume
- Laser-cut opening on back side
- Total size: 3x2x⅛ inches
- Hook and loop attachment
MSRP $15
Wazoo Viking Whetstone Pendant and Knife Sharpener
Overview
Stylish and practical, this necklace will be the talk of the room no matter what function you attend. With one of the rarest and finest abrasive stones and its decorative rich-colored, antiqued leather cord securing it around your neck, you’ll have everything you need to sharpen knives, fishhooks and even larger tools with ease. Remember, a dull knife is an accident waiting to happen. With the Viking Whetstone, this will never be the case!
Specifications
- Made from genuine Arkansas Novaculite (99% pure silica)
- Medium fineness, 600-800 relative grit size
- Secured with a Napoleon Claw knot on leather cordage
- Store or carry in a double drawstring muslin bag
- Each stone is hand-cut, ground and drilled
MSRP $30
Echo-Sigma Bug-Out Bag Complete Emergency Kit
Overview
This emergency kit is the ultimate gift for the person who has everything. Not just a basic bug-out bag, this assembly contains the most durable, proven and high-quality gear that you can find to make any bug-out situation bearable and survivable. It’s virtually a no work bag, as all packaging is already removed, all items are organized and arranged for quick access, and all documentation is stored in watertight pouches. Further customization is available to suit the needs of the recipient, or for yourself because you too deserve the gift of ultimate survival.
Specifications
- 3-10 days of food and water supplies for one adult
- Mummy sleeping bag rated to 0-5 degrees (F)
- 2,524-cubic-inch main pack with hydration system
- Echo-Sigma first-aid and survival packs included
- LifeStraw water filter
- Gear from SOG, Fenix, Midland and other brands you’ll recognize
MSRP $699.99
URL Echo-Sigma.com
ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon
Overview
Ensure your loved ones make it home safe for the holidays and every day after with this amazing personal locator beacon. Compact and light but incredibly tough, this virtual lifesaver can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it and come back for more! With its digital display providing live status and GPS coordinates, the ability to float on water, and exceptional reliability, peace of mind will be part of any worldwide adventure.
Specifications
- No subscription service required
- GPS and Galileo GNSS
- Global coverage; no location too remote
- Strobe and infrared strobes included
- Full 28 hours of operational life
- 5-year battery life
MSRP $359.95
URL AcrArtex.com
5.11 Tactical AMP 10 Pack
Overview
An ordinary backpack may make for a dull holiday gift, but the AMP 10 is far from ordinary. This amazing pack features almost limitless options for mounting and attaching gear, a full-loop platform for accessories or patches, and webbing loops for internal gear placement. The thermoformed ergonomic back panel forms to your body for both comfort and security. It’s water-resistant, stylish and built to last for years to come.
Specifications
- HEXGRID multi-angle accessory mounting platform
- Water-resistant 500D Dobby nylon body and 1050D nylon bottom
- CCW pocket with loop panel and webbing strap for holster attachment
- Total capacity: 1,525 cubic inches
- Overall dimensions: 18x10x4.5 inches
- Available in tungsten, ranger green, black or kangaroo colors
MSRP $169.99
URL 511Tactical.com
5.11 Tactical Icon Pant
Overview
Choosing the right clothing for a gift is a tough task — unless it’s the Icon Pant. This design takes cargo pants to a whole new level. Sporting pockets with internal dividers that are reinforced for strength and durability, and a Teflon treatment that laughs at stains, dirt and water splashes, you’ll be giving a pair of pants that serves its owner for years to come. Icon pants are extremely flexible for comfort, while remaining mega-strong throughout all outdoor adventures.
Specifications
- 80/20 poly/cotton Flex-Tac ripstop with mechanical stretch
- Comfort waistband and articulated knees
- Reinforcement inside hand pockets, utility pockets and cargo pockets
- Available in six colors
MSRP $74.99
URL 511Tactical.com
Original Woodman’s Pal
Overview
The Woodman’s Pal is familiar to most of us who have been in and around the woods for any length of time. You might have first seen it hanging on the wall of your grandfather’s tool shed, and that same tool is probably still kicking butt today. This brush axe/machete performs the tasks of many tools, making it one of the original outdoorsman’s multi-tools. With it, you can trim, prune, blaze trails, cut brush and build a camp and its furnishings. A practiced arm can cut brush up to 1.5 inches in diameter in one stroke. The handy hook on the back of the blade will save your back by reducing thousands of bends to pick up branches and cuttings.
Specifications
- Overall length: 17 inches
- Blade length: 10.5 inches
- Blade steel: 1074/1075 spring steel
- Ash wood handle is made by Amish craftsmen
- Includes leather sheath and Lansky 280 grit stone
MSRP $175
Zero Tolerance Military-Style Folder
Overview
Nothing makes a great gift to an outdoorsman, hunter, survivalist or the everyday Joe than a knife, and if you want to make an even greater impression, choose this new folder from Zero Tolerance. With a handle that will fit nearly anyone’s hand and a blade that will deal with whatever stands in its path, this tool will make a great choice for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman on your list.
Specifications
- Manual open with KVT ball-bearing system
- Blade steel: CPM 20CV with a DLC coating
- Open length: 8.6 inches
- Blade length: 3.5 inches
- Frame lock with steel lockbar insert
MSRP $375
URL ZT.KaiUSAltd.com
Kershaw Bareknuckle Folder
Overview
Surprise someone this holiday season with this amazing concealed carry knife. The Bareknuckle is as tough as its name implies, featuring high-performance steel, an anodized aluminum handle, Kershaw’s patented sub-frame lock and a deep-pocket carry
setup to keep it secure and concealed throughout your day. It has excellent corrosion resistance and a blackwash blade finish to provide additional protection and to minimize unsightly scratches. The ultimate stocking stuffer!
Specifications
- Ambidextrous tip-up deep-carry pocket clip
- Blade steel: Sandvik 14C28N
- Open length: 8.2 inches
- Blade length: 3.5 inches
- Manual open with flipper and KVT ball-bearing system
MSRP $129.99
Empire Tactical USA MultiCam Tactical Beer Coozie
Overview
Everyone needs to take a break once in a while and relax. For the outdoorsman, warfighter or survivalist, this coozie also lets you keep a grip on what’s important. Made of durable military-grade fabrics, you’ll be proud to take a chug of refreshment from this super-tough can holder. Its hook and loop surface allows nearly any morale or flag patch to be easily attached.
Specifications
- Conveniently secures and keeps drinks cold
- Comes with one free random patch
- Authentic Crye Precision MultiCam
- Washable
MSRP $23.99
The Well Armed Woman In The Waistband Holster
Overview
Surprise your wife, girlfriend or any woman on your list who carries a firearm regularly with this ultra-slim waistband holster. No matter what shirt she’ll want to wear this holster maintains discretion due to its ingenious adjustable low-ride clip. The cant also adjusts to provide the perfect angle for the ideal draw. Best of all, with more than three dozen colors and patterns to choose from, giving her her favorite will add a nice personal touch to an already thoughtful gift.
Specifications
- No bulge, ultra slim profile keeps your firearm well hidden
- Comfortable fit with no extra plastic or irritating, protruding edges
- Works on any type of waistband, with a belt or without
- Made of 0.080 Kydex that offers maximum retention
MSRP Starting at $52.99
The Well Armed Woman Ultimate Self-Defense Flashlight
Overview
Emitting a staggering 1,300 lumens, this self-defense flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker, allowing you to counter their attack or make your escape. In addition, the sturdy unit can be used as a blunt striking instrument in close-quarter situations. The unit offers a rechargeable battery, a crenellated bezel, an incredible 200-meter range and is compact enough to be carried in a purse, bag or your back pants pocket. With six light modes, the versatility of this flashlight goes above and beyond the norm.
Specifications
- Six lighting modes, from 0.5 to 1,300 lumens
- Waterproof up to 6 feet
- Last-setting memory offers easy operation
- Rechargeable battery with USB charging cord
- Use the pocket clip or wrist lanyard to keep it handy
- Weighs only 3.5 ounces
MSRP $69.99
The Well Armed Woman 3-in-1 Self-Defense Survival Tool
Overview
Keychains make a great stocking stuffer, and when the keychain can perhaps save your life, all the better! This keychain combo combines self-defense capabilities and personal safety assistance in one compact unit. The worry-free blade will slice through most seatbelts in a flash, and the steel tip will shatter vehicle windows when minutes count. When not in your vehicle, the unit acts as a personal defense weapon by emitting eye-stinging gel into the face of an attacker.
Specifications
- Durable, stainless steel tip punctures auto glass
- Sharp steel safety blade cuts through seatbelts
- Pepper gel features a capsaicinoid rating of 1.33 percent
- Snap clip easily attaches to keys or bag with quick detachment feature
- Discreet black canister allows for easy concealment
MSRP $14.99
EarthCruiser EXD
Overview
A holiday excursion or bug-out run into the great outdoors is no problem for this rugged, home away from home. Perfect for the couple on your list, this camper offers low maintenance, premium components and the utmost comfort. Standard features include a pass-through from cab to camper, a full-height shower, induction cooktop, Isotherm refrigerator and much more. Go big with your gift this year with the EXD!
Specifications
- Ram 3500 or Ford F-350 chassis options
- HD front bumper with integrated winch
- Roof-mounted solar panels
- HD wheels with all-season tires
- Numerous optional upgrades available
MSRP $185,000
URL EarthCruiser.com
Sherp All-Terrain Vehicle
Overview
Even grown men love toys for the holidays, and nothing says big-boy toy like the Sherp ATV. This mega-monster ATV plows through virtually any terrain, including mud, ice, dirt and it even floats and travels on water. Fallen rocks or trees are no problem for the Sherp; it will simply just muscle over them. The enclosed cabin has seating for two, plus added storage room for gear or additional fuel. Runs at a maximum speed of 24.5 mph and has a whopping 23-inch ground clearance. It’s ready to go, anywhere!
Specifications
- Load capacity: 2,204 pounds
- 35 degree climbing gradient
- Dimensions: 133.85×99.21×99.21 inches
- Engine: Kubota V1505-T / E3B industrial turbo diesel
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Tires: Tubeless ultra-low pressure 63×23-25 inches
MSRP $110,300
URL SherpATV.com
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the December, 2019 print issue of American Survival Guide.