Dec 15, 2023 5 min read

As of late, I have been hit with a barrage of requests from friends asking the same question: What can I buy my hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman for Christmas? Lucky for them, and you, that I have given much thought to this query. Read on for sundry ideas for the outdoors-minded Christmas gift giver.

Wool socks – These are the coolest gifts one can receive. They come in myriad shapes, styles, colors and best of all types of wool. There is plain old wool that is scratchy but warm. It usually comes blended with nylon for wear resistance, lycra for stretch, cotton for softness. But basic wool is primo. I love the stuff. For those so inclined there is merino wool, which is an upgrade to soft and warm. I am too cheap to buy much of it for myself but it makes for incredibly comfortable foot covering. Alpaca wool is the creme de la creme and I’m not sure I know why, but I was gifted a pair of alpaca socks once upon a time. An acquaintance of mine received them from his girlfriend, who by Christmas had become his ex-girlfriend. She bought them several sizes too big and he apparently did not realize that wool shrinks when washed in hot water. Having size 12 feet, I kept my mouth shut and did my buddy a favor and wore the socks for a decade.

When in doubt, buy wool socks. Yak wool socks would be the coolest but I cannot attest to the quality of Yak wool.

Long underwear is another item on the sportsman’s hit parade that is highly regarded. There are a million different weights, styles, fabrics and purpose-driven long underwear. Base layers or “skins” are a great way to begin the long underwear quest. Their purpose is to wick moisture away from the skin. Usually made of nylon or lycra spandex they are the foundation for keeping warm.

For an exotic treat, consider a pair of silk long-handled undergutchies. These are super comfortable and they last. Fleece tops and bottoms are reasonably priced and come in light, medium and heavy weight configurations. Anything with wool is going to drive the price up but if you want to keep a loved one warm, then spring for the merino wool blend long johns.

Ammunition – Always a great gift. Find out what they shoot: sporting clays, trap, skeet, rifle, pistol, shotgun, etc. Ask if you don’t know. Don’t try to surprise them. They’ll be most appreciative if you consult with them on caliber, gauge, specific loads, etc. beforehand. Ammunition cannot be returned to the store.

Cool hats – What is a cool hat? It depends. I like wool caps. I own a newsboy, a fedora, a Stormy Kromer, a Woolrich and a German Bavarian wool felt hat. I wear them all. My daughter pretends to be embarrassed by my selection of headgear when we step out in public but I know, deep down, she digs my wool hats. If you think they look cool, then they look cool.

Boots – A great gift but best left in the non-surprise category. It is hard to buy boots for oneself. It is darn near impossible to buy boots that will fit another individual reliably. Consider a gift certificate to a retailer that will offer the style and configuration that they desire. Your special someone will be forever grateful.

Guns – This goes without saying. All guns are great gifts. Some guns are better than others. Know your audience and you can’t go wrong. All it takes is money.

Compass – A compass is an ageless, timeless item that is always appreciated by a sportsman. Even if they are not given in a practical variety, a compass is just a cool thing to look at. Consider an antique compass for display. There are compasses for navigation and compasses for display. Study up on the different types before taking the plunge.

Gloves – I’ll choose leather almost every time. Yellow tan, deer hide, with a roll up cuff. Nuff said. I own three or four pairs and am always looking for “the next pair.”

Rain Gear – The sky’s the limit. You can go Frogg Togg packable to full zip Gore Tex. For what purpose will they be used?

Pack, Bag, Satchel, Duffle, Briefcase, Map Case, Trapper Basket – Every sportsman likes a good bag.

Anything made by Filson, Orvis, Pendleton. Not to be a snob but they all make super good stuff.

Anything made by Woolrich, L.L. Bean or Browning. See the above statement.

A Sportsman’s Necktie – Something with ducks, dry flies, fish, bird dogs, grouse, pheasants, quail or deer.

Knives – I suggest shying away from knives for gift purposes. A knife is a most personal item and unless you are really in touch with your inner knife buyer, beware the knife and let them pick their own. However, hand me downs are always a cool item to receive.

Whatever gift ideas you initiate, they are always appreciated and it’s the thought that counts.

Merry Christmas and good hunting … for bargains.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com