Who doesn’t love a good frolic in the countryside and the unbridled sense of freedom it can bring? That said, such a trip can be somewhat hampered by a lack of preparation, with a fair amount of kit and equipment required for such an adventure to run smoothly.
If you’ve a friend or family member who is particularly keen on such trips into nature, then why not consider a Christmas gift that facilitates their forays into the countryside? we’ve pulled together a list of 6 IDEAL gifts to give your friend who loves the great outdoors.
A SLEEPING BAG FOR WILD CAMPING
If your friend would love the idea of heading out into the outdoors and pitching up in a remote natural spot for the night, then they are not alone. Wild camping has seen a surge in popularity during these pandemic times, with people seeking space, freedom and to get up-close and personal with nature.
When searching for the ideal wild sleeping camping bag, be sure to look at the temperature rating. As the Scotsman explains “As a general rule, it’s worth looking for a -10C to -20C limit for expedition bags, around a -5 to -10C limit for UK and European mountain adventures and 0C – 5C for general spring and summer camping with the family”.
Be sure to let your friend know that wild camping is technically not legal in most places in England and Wales – all land belongs to someone – so you must make sure you get permission from the landowner before camping overnight.
Their best bet is to go to the wilds of Scotland where the-right-to roam laws prevail and you’re allowed to camp, responsibly of course. If they want to go wild camping in England or Wales, Dartmoor National Park allows camping in specific areas. Also, there are many farmers in the Brecon beacons who allow wild camping on their land. Perhaps, as an extra gift, do the hard research for them and alongside the sleeping bag, give a handwritten list of all the places they can go wild camping, legally.
HIKING BOOTS
Any serious, self-respecting hiker who loves the outdoors will encounter their fair share of high-running streams, puddles and pools of mud, all ripe to traverse if you’re wearing the right clothes. Help your friend keep their feet dry on any hiking adventure with waterproof hiking boots, giving the gift of comfort and safety and allowing for navigation without unnecessary, limiting trepidation.
WATERPROOF SWIMMING SHOES
For someone who loves the great outdoors and the seaside, in particular, water shoes are basically your feet’s best friend. They are ideal for swimming, hiking, climbing, and all manners of outdoor activities. They are especially useful for pebble beaches – if you’ve ever tried to get out of the water at Brighton beach, you’ll know what we mean.
A PORTABLE STOVE
A reliable, portable stove can make all the difference to a good outdoor trip and the joys of eating al fresco. Stoves, of course, vary immensely in size and generally speaking, for trips into the great outdoors, the smaller the better; no one wants to be lugging a huge stove up a hill, after all. Consider a small ultralight burner which can fit into a pocket or opt for something more sturdy but still compact.
Also consider gifting an accessor that will go with their portable stove. And why not add a hotplate stove extension so your friend can cook pancakes on the beach?
Read: 4 hacks for healthy and delicious campfire cooking
A GOOD SET OF THERMALS
A good set of thermal underwear, long johns, and other base layers are essential for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Thermals work by trapping warm air close to your body, providing much needed insulation, and keeping things toasty from within on those long winter walks.
A PORTABLE BBQ
It’s no secret that single use, disposable BBQs are bad for the environment. Moreover, they can make your food taste like lighter fluid. So, to ensure your friend can still enjoy the joys of eating al fresco responsibly, why not buy them a mini, portable BBQ this year?
What makes a good portable BBQ? As the Independent highlights ” What makes a top portable barbecue is, to some degree, in the eye of the beholder”. Indeed, while the ability to cook food of course matters, nobody expects a portable BBQ to be as good as the type you have at home. As such looks matter. Moreover, they say that “it should be easy to use…because barbecuing can be stressful enough…you need your kit to work”.