A former park ranger’s favorite gifts for the outdoorsy, adventurous folks in your life

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One bright summer morning four years ago, two park rangers set off hiking up a dormant Alaskan volcano. 

But like a light switch, the weather changed.

Vicious winds brought frigid, sideways rain. It didn’t relent. Usually dry ditches transformed into swiftly flowing creeks, and the rivers grew higher. 

The rangers found rocky shelter to wait out the storm, but one foolish ranger — ill-equipped with cotton socks that day — experienced both an immeasurably miserable and nearly-harmful journey back to safety: Wet cotton socks don’t insulate.

The lesson: In the outdoors, simple gear matters — a lot. Read more…

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This 3D-printed camp stove is extra-efficient and wind-resistant

I love camping, but there’s always an awkward period when you’ve left the tent but haven’t yet created coffee that I hate camping. It’s hard not to watch the pot not boil and not want to just go back to bed, but since the warm air escaped when I opened the tent it’s pointless! God! Anyway, the Swiss figured out a great way to boil water faster, and I want one of these sweet stoves now.

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11 of the best binoculars for your next outdoor adventure

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Binoculars were invented for a reason. The human eye is just not built for vision at far distances. We can try as hard as we can, but the furthest the human eye can view is about two to 20 miles away. That doesn’t even account for clarity, visibility, weather and landmass conditions, perspective, and perfect eyesight.

Moreover, only about 35% of all humans from around the world have 20/20 vision, so that leaves the rest of us in blurry, blurry darkness. The naked eye is just incapable of viewing very far distances. 

If you’re a new and experienced outdoorsperson or sportsperson, you’re going to need something to bridge the gap between you and your subject. A good pair of binoculars that can help you look out at far distances for wild animals and birds can make or break a hunting trip, safari, or hike.   Read more…

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UK Deals for March 28: Save on GoPro HERO5 and fitness and outdoor equipment

Today’s torrential downpours are definitely a sign that the English summer is on its way. Why not embrace it with an umbrella that comes with a lifetime guarantee, or by stocking up on outdoor gear for that inevitable rainy festival? If you prefer to…

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Keep your camping trip from turning into ‘The Revenant’ with this outdoor emergency kit

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable’s commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
From enduring inclement weather and fending off grizzly be…

View More Keep your camping trip from turning into ‘The Revenant’ with this outdoor emergency kit

Keep your camping trip from turning into ‘The Revenant’ with this outdoor emergency kit

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable’s commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
From enduring inclement weather and fending off grizzly be…

View More Keep your camping trip from turning into ‘The Revenant’ with this outdoor emergency kit

Tech gifts for people who love the great outdoors

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Got a friend who seems to love nature and animals more than they like people? Yep, we all have one — and even if they’re constantly forgetting to text back because they never have service, we love them anyway. Fuel their anti-civilization passion even more and check out these gifts for the outdoor enthusiast. 

Read more…

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Back these dreamy solar lanterns on Kickstarter and help people without power

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Cue the mood lighting.
A Kickstarter project wants to ensure that you never have to choose between aesthetics and the environment again. Meet the S…

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