So you don’t know a carabiner from a wool beanie, and there’s an outdoor lover on your gift list that you want to impress.
If the inside of Everett’s Cascade Crags or Lynnwood’s REI just looks like a bunch of jackets, skis and socks to you, here are some gift ideas to help you through the terrain:
Soft-shell jackets
A good one is a big sell, but your outdoor lover will appreciate a high-quality, lightweight soft-shell jacket. Using synthetic fibers such as Schoeller or Polartec, these shells have no fleece, eliminating the concern of snow sticking to your jacket and melting there.
They’re wind resistant, water repellent and breathable, and they cost from $180 and up at Cascade Crags and REI.
“I would be very happy to open this,” said Corrine Olson, 28, of Cascade Crags. “It’s the only shell you really need in the Pacific Northwest.”
National Geographic TOPO maps on CD-ROM
It’s tough to get started on an outdoor excursion if you don’t know where you’re going.
This set of CD-ROMs provides a contiguous map of the state of Washington, giving users a chance to customize trail routes, find camp sites and print maps. Routes can also be downloaded onto handheld GPS devices, which are sold separately.
The software provides United States Geological Survey maps that have virtually every bit of information you’ll need to find your way through the wilderness.
Users can draw their own routes from one point to another and find out what the elevation changes are and the exact distance of their trek. The program is available at Cascade Crags for $99.95, and they’re on sale now at REI for $79.95.
Mug Mate coffee filter and carabiner mug
Leave it to Pacific Northwesters to make sure they can have a decent cup of coffee even miles from civilization.
These two products are sold separately, and at different stores, but combine to provide a highly portable little coffee maker.
The Mug Mate is a reusable filter that slips into just about any mug. Put your favorite coffee grounds or tea inside, pour in some boiling water and in a few minutes your drink is ready. The filter sells at Cascade Crags for $12.95.
The REI carabiner travel mug is a simple coffee mug with a carabiner as a handle that clips onto any strap on a backpack. It holds 16 ounces and is insulated to keep drinks hot or cold. It sells for $19.95 at REI.
Down booties from Sierra Design
Whether you’re inside or outside, in your living room or sitting around a campfire, these duck-down insulated booties will keep your tootsies warm and cozy.
The nylon lining outside is water repellent and the booties roll up nicely for easy packing. The soles are made of durable nylon and an elastic strap inside keeps the booties on securely.
Adult sizes sell at Cascade Crags and REI for $32.
Tracker avalanche beacon
With outdoor activities in the snow comes the danger of avalanches. The Tracker avalanche beacon is the gift you hope never needs to be used, but could save a life.
The device sends out a signal to other similar devices, meaning every person in a group should have one. One beacon finds another by pointing lights in the direction of the buried victim. A number display tells the searcher how deep the victim is buried.
“They say you generally have about three to four minutes to find a buried victim,” said Jack Bennett of Cascade Crags. “This is what we call term insurance. You only need to use it once to pay for itself.”
The Tracker costs $299.95 at Cascade Crags.
This and that
* The Voile XLM shovel is made of strong aluminum, weighs one pound and is only 14 inches long when packed up. It fits into a backpack or can be left in the trunk of your car to dig or chop through stubborn snow. It costs $40 at Cascade Crags.
* The Cloudveil soft-shell hat is versatile, stretchy and sheds snow. With several colors to choose from, it’s $35 at Cascade Crags.
* The Platypus drinking tube insulator keeps water from freezing on the journey from a bottle to your mouth. It sells at Cascade Crags for $15.95.
Reporter Victor Balta: 425-339-3455 or vbalta@heraldnet.com.
Where to go
Find these outdoor gifts at:
Cascade Crags 2820 Rucker Ave., Everett 425-258-3431
REI 3000 184th St. SW, Suite 952, Lynnwood 425-640-6200
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