{"id":4639,"date":"2019-12-12T07:48:38","date_gmt":"2019-12-12T15:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/?p=4639"},"modified":"2019-12-12T07:51:20","modified_gmt":"2019-12-12T15:51:20","slug":"6-nifty-gifts-for-the-outdoors-person-in-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/6-nifty-gifts-for-the-outdoors-person-in-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Nifty Gifts for the Outdoors Person in Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s that time of the year again. Is your Christmas shopping complete? If not, I have some great suggestions for you. These unique and practical gifts are sure to be appreciated by the outdoors person on your list. If you’re hard-pressed to find that perfect gift, look no further than below.<\/p>\n

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Element Fire Extinguisher<\/p><\/div>\n

Element brand fire extinguisher:<\/strong> I was really intrigued when I first heard about this approximately a year ago. I was struck by its small and lightweight design. What’s really fascinating is how the Element operates.<\/p>\n

Unlike traditional fire extinguishers, this doesn’t expel dry chemical under pressure. Instead, a chemical reaction creates a nontoxic fire retardant. You strike the top of the unit with its cap, and the chemical reaction discharges firefighting chemical.<\/p>\n

The manufacturer claims this fire extinguisher will operate for up to 50 seconds, which is approximately five times that of a 5 lb. dry chemical fire extinguisher. And the chemical is nontoxic, will not remove breathable oxygen in a confined space, and won’t leave a residue on your vehicle or engine.<\/p>\n

Each extinguisher weighs just over a half a pound and is designed to fight any type of fire.<\/p>\n

These are small enough to mount nearly anywhere in the vehicle. Even if you have a traditional fire extinguisher, consider buying an Element extinguisher and mounting it in a convenient location. I have two: one in each of my vehicles.<\/p>\n

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A little bigger than a flare.<\/p><\/div>\n

Unlike conventional fire extinguishers, the Element can’t be recharged but never expires. The chemical is consumed in the process, and the unit must be replaced. At $80, the Element extinguisher is a bit pricey. But considering how effective it is, that’s a good deal.
\nMade in Italy, the Element fire extinguisher is being sold by more and more outlets and online.<\/p>\n

www.Elementfire.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Gas Bag fuel bladder: <\/strong>Don’t have a roof rack, swing arm or trailer to transport a gas can? No worries. The Gas Bag bladder offers a convenient way to carry extra fuel. Its extremely sturdy fabric shell stands up to the rigors of outdoor motor sports. Tie the Gas Bag to your spare tire, and you have extra fuel for your trip.<\/p>\n

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The 5-gallon & 3-gallon bags.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Gas Bag is offered in 1- to 5-gallon sizes. The empty bag folds or rolls up for easy storage.<\/p>\n

I own a 3-gallon and a 5-gallon, and have found them to be quite useful.<\/p>\n

The Gas Bag starts at about $150 for a 1-gallon size. Keep in mind that they’re intended only for temporary transport of fuel, not long-term storage. And they’re not CARB (California Air Resources Board)-approved.<\/p>\n

Made in the U.S., the Gas Bag fuel bladder is available through the manufacturer’s website<\/a> and several online vendors.<\/p>\n

Howard Leight Impact Sport ear muffs:<\/strong> Great for shooters. They allow you to carry on a normal conversation but still provide good hearing protection against loud noises.<\/p>\n

It’s the electronics that do the trick. The ear muffs automatically react to gun shots (and other loud noises), providing significant noise suppression.. Yet you can still carry on a normal conversation.<\/p>\n

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Howard Leight Electronic Ear protection<\/p><\/div>\n

They have a low profile and are pretty comfortable. The adjustable headband allows the ear muffs to fit snuggly over most any noggin. That is, unless you wear eyeglasses. I heard that the firm offers a grooved piece for the ear muffs, but I haven’t been able to find that anywhere.<\/p>\n

At roughly $60, I feel they’re the best electronic ear muff for the money. You can always upgrade to the Pro. But I think you’ll like these.<\/p>\n

The Howard Leight Impact Sport ear muffs are available online and at major sporting goods stores.<\/p>\n

Ken Onion edition, Work Sharp knife and tool sharpener:<\/strong> Normally I’m not a fan of motorized knife sharpeners. It’s too easy to burn\u009d a knife and take the temper out. The Work Sharp sharpeners are different.<\/p>\n

For starters, it offers several speeds. You control how fast the sharpening belt runs and you use a trigger to start and stop the belt for each pass. They include five sharpening belts in the package. Start with a really course one to get the shape right, then work your way to the smooth edges that you like. Choose from about a half-dozen cutting angles ranging from 15 degrees to 30 degrees. The instructions and the tool implement everything I have ever learned about knife sharpening.<\/p>\n

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Work Sharp<\/p><\/div>\n

Bottom line: You have a lot of control over the sharpening process (much like with manual sharpeners). The result is a properly sharpened blade.<\/p>\n

I’ve had to change my mind about using a powered knife sharpener since I got this one.<\/p>\n

The Ken Onion edition knife and tool sharpener runs about $130, but is a good value. You can find it in sporting goods stores, home centers and online retailers.<\/p>\n

Camping and Woodcraft\u009d by Horace Kephart:<\/strong> Kephart was a writer for Field & Stream magazine. He wrote the first edition to this book in 1906 and released an expanded edition around 1917.<\/p>\n

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Camping & Woodcraft by Horace Kephart<\/p><\/div>\n

Drawing heavily on articles of his Field & Stream columns, Camping and Woodcraft\u009d offers a fascinating look at outdoors life in the early part of the 20th<\/sup> century. Long before electronic gadgets took over our lives, campers and other outdoorsfolks had to get by with basic skills. Things like how to use a compass and read a map. How to collect firewood and start a good fire. And the fundamentals of hunting, fishing and woodworking.<\/p>\n

Yes, his information is a century old, but much of it is relevant today. Plus, it’s just fun reading. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors will relish Kephart’s tales.<\/p>\n

Look for a reprint of Camping and Woodcraft\u009d online. Avoid the pricey collectors editions.<\/p>\n

Colby replacement tire valves:<\/strong> These are very practical for four wheelers. Colby valve stems make quick work of changing valve stems. You don’t have to break the bead. Instead, pull out the existing valve stem and insert a Colby. The entire process takes two or three minutes. Air up, and get back on the trail.<\/p>\n

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The left one can be reused.<\/p><\/div>\n

Colby tire valves are sold in packs of two. You can find them wherever automotive parts are sold.<\/p>\n

There you have it. Seven very useful gift ideas for this holiday season. Remember that there’s always one more person on your shopping list: you. Feel free to treat yourself to one of these fine gifts. After all, you deserve it.<\/p>\n

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I’d like to take a moment and say thank you\u009d to all my clients, business partners and friends. Four-wheeling wouldn’t be the same without you. It’s always a pleasure to go off road with like-minded individuals. Whether for three hours or three days, each trip was a memorable adventure. I hope you felt the same way.<\/p>\n

May you and yours enjoy a happy holiday season and a great new year.<\/p>\n

#\u00a0\u00a0 #\u00a0\u00a0 #<\/p>\n

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Did you miss the previous articles? Here is a list of all articles in 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n