I’m a last minute Christmas shopper. Maybe you are, too. If so, here are a few gift ideas:
Opinel knives. Opinel started in 1890 in the mountains of France with Joseph Opinel and a basic idea: Make tools that are practical, well-made and affordable. The first was the Opinel No. 8 folding knife. The line has expanded and now includes everything from chef knives, grilling gear and camp cooking tools to vegetable peelers and flatware. All are excellent tools but the No. 8 is still a favorite. It has a 3.28-inch blade, weights 1.6 ounces, is available with a stainless or carbon steel blade and costs $19. Check out the No. 8 along with the full Opinel lineup at http://www.opinel-usa.com.

LifeStraw. It’s unlikely that you will find yourself in a situation where survival could hinge on access to a water purification tool. However, if you travel off the beaten path (or travel a well-worn path) it’s best not to be without one. LifeStraw makes several. One of the most easy to use is the LifeStraw Sip, which essentially is a steel straw with a filter. The company claims it will filter “up to” 1,000 liters. I carry one in my fishing bag and hunting pack. The Sip is 10-inches long, weighs 3.1 ounces and includes a carrying case. $34.95 or three for $88.95. http://www.lifestraw.com

Thermos. Thermos rolled out its Icon Series earlier this year. I tried the 40-ounce stainless steel Beverage Bottle, which is what most people think of they think “Thermos.” Pour it full of coffee and go. Has a wide mouth but the screw-in cap serves as a spout. The website claims it keeps hot stuff hot for 24 hours and cold stuff cold for 24 hours. I don’t know about that but I did fill it with coffee one evening. (I did preheat the bottle before adding the coffee.) Twelve hours later the coffee was still steaming. $39.99. The 16-ounce Thermos Food Jar is another wide-mouth goodie for soups, stews, etc. Made of stainless steel and, like the Beverage Bottle, is seemingly indestructible. The Food Jar includes a spoon that folds into the lid. Website claims 10 hours for hot food, 24 hours for cold. $27.99. Also available in 24 ounce size. http://www.thermos.com

Oyster Tempo Cooler. The manufacturer markets this sleek, lightweight cooler as a “performance cooler.” What it does is keeps your beverages, groceries and everything else we stuff into our ice chests cold – only without the ice. The technical specifics of the Tempo are too much to explain here. Take a look at the website. But just toss in a couple of ice packs (the company sells a two pack that fits the cooler but you can use any ice pack) and load it up. Lightweight and thin, it’s easy to disassemble for cleaning and storage. Inside measurements are 16.3 inches wide, 10.5 inches high and 8.3 inches deep. $495 for the Tempo Cooler Bundle, which includes the cooler, shoulder strap and two cold packs. http://www.oystercooler.com
AlpenGlow 500. Rechargeable lantern suitable for use on the back deck, in the backyard or in the back country. Multiple light settings (500 lumens to 5 lumens). Also multi color. Will burn for about 5 hours on high and 200 hours on low. Can also be used to charge small devices (cell phone, etc.). About 5 inches tall and nearly 4 inches in diameter. Weighs about 13 ounces. Includes charging cable. Charger not included but it can be changed via laptop, automobile accessory plug, etc. $79.95. Also available in 250 lumen and mini. The 500, 250 and mini can also be purchased as a bundle. http://www.bioliteenergy.com

Glerups. Felted wool slippers and booties that are comfortable, warm and well-made. I prefer the bootie style with a rubber sole. Leather sole (recommended for indoor wear only) also available. Both shoes and booties are surprisingly durable. $155 (leather sole is $130). http://www.glerups.com

Cover Seal. Weighted on the bottom edge, the manufacturer claims this grill cover will stay in place in windy weather and protect grills from the ravages of winter weather. Available in small, medium, large and extra large. Weight ranges from 15 to 25 pounds depending on size. $110-$140. Other covers available to fit vehicles, patio furniture, etc. http://www.getcoverseal.com
MagSafe Charging Station by Otterbox. 3-in-1 charging station for Apple electronics. Charges iPhone, Airpods and Apple Watch. (AirPods require wireless charging case.) $149.95. Includes 6 1/2-foot cable. http://www.otterbox.com
Hardy Marksman Fly Rod. The Hardy Marksman arrived this year with a 150-year-old-angling pedigree. It’s also stylish and pretty with titanium guides and a muted soft golden olive color. The Marksman is a delight to fish but is more than a pretty tool. In skilled hands it is rifle accurate. This 4-piece beauty is available in 8-, 8 1/2-, 9-, 9 1/2- and 10-foot lengths and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weights. Medium-fast action. It’s also stunningly lightweight. The 9-foot, 5-weight weighs 2.7 ounces. Includes aluminum rod tube and lifetime warranty. $950. http://www.hardyfishing.com. Match the Marksman with Hardy’s Averon reel (also new this year). Multi disk drag system will handle any fish you’re likely to catch in freshwater. Well crafted and closely tooled with a large arbor, the Averon is also a beauty. Fours sizes available. $395-$475. http://www.hardyfishing.com

Infinity X1 flashlight. Need a flashlight? This one will get the job done. 5000 lumens. Rechargeable or battery power (9 AA required). About 12 inches long. Weights about 1 lb.. 10 oz. with the rechargeable battery. Available from Amazon http://www.amazon.com and other retailers. About $40. More information at http://www.infinityx1.com

