Holiday gear
Birthday suit climbers
Since 2000, the Stone Nudes calendar has taken photography, climbing, mountain scenery and the human body to new artistic heights. The 2007 calendar, however, falls to crass consumerism and features only women climbers.
Price: $20; www.mountain gear.com
Weather radio
The water-resistant FR400 radio by eton has an AM/FM radio, all seven NOAA weather frequencies, emergency siren and built-in cell-phone charger.
Red Cross-licensed, it runs on batteries but also has a handcrank power generator.
Price: $60; www.eton corp.com
Shake ‘n shine light
No batteries, no bulbs and no maintenance is needed. Shaking the NightStar Magnetic Force Flashlight for 30 seconds provides more than 20 minutes of light. It is water proof and it floats.
Price: $28; www.nightstarflashlight.com
Country fishing CD
Hook anyone with a yen for fishing and country music with “All Gone Fishin’, ” a new CD featuring fishing-related songs by an all-star country cast of musicians.
Get “Beer, Bait and Ammo,” by George Jones, “Something Fishy’s Going On,” by Lorrie Morgan, “Take Him Fishing,” by Merle Haggard, “Breathin’ Room,” by Patty Loveless and songs by 10 other artists.
Price: $15; www.fishingband.com
Sweet-shooting gun
S’mores won’t be the only thing campers will require for marshmallows. The pump-action Marshmallow Blaster for ages 12 and up blasts marshmallows up to 40 feet. Adult supervision required.
Price: $25; www.marshmallow shooter.com.
Ultraviolet purifier
The SteriPEN is a portable water purifier that uses ultraviolet light to destroy waterborne microbes. It purifies clear water by destroying viruses, bacteria and giardia in seconds.
Price: $120; www.steripen.com
Survival bottle
The Ultimate Survivor in a Bottle by Lifeline features a multifunctional tool, a five-in-one compass/whistle, a candle, waterproof matches, hand warmers, survival blanket, poncho, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit and a reusable zip-lock bag in a 32-ounce water bottle with carabineer attached.
Price: $20; www.lifelinefirstaid.com
Action video cam
The newly released hands-free ACT-2000 waterproof digi-camcorder can be attached via Velcro straps to sporting equipment such as a helmet, bicycle, kayak or snowboard. Record up to 90 minutes of video on extreme adventures. This product by Portland-based Oregon Scientific is so hot it’s already back-ordered at most stores such as Mountain Gear, so get on the list.
Price: $100; www2.oregonscientific.com
Camera on your wrist
Never miss an action shot with the Digital Hero Camera. This tiny digital camera comes sealed inside a shock-proof and waterproof polycarbonate case and mounts to your wrist with a Velcro bracelet, ready to shoot photos or video clips in an instant. The resolution is good enough for snapshots and Web imagery.
Price: $80; www.goprocamera.com
iPod shelter
Never be without tunes. The Drypod by SKB is a waterproof case for the iPod designed so headphones and adaptors can be plugged into the player. The user can function the iPod click wheel while riding the waves or coming off the mountain in the rain.
Price: $35, www.drypodcase.com
Pack for snow sports
The REI Fall Line Backpack is built for skiers and snowboarders heading for the backcountry. Included is an insulated Nalgene hydration bladder, attachment for skis or a snowboard on back; a lightweight aluminum frame and a pocket for sunglasses or MP3 player.
Price: $89; www.rei.com
High time for tea
The Pacific Cornetta Tea-zer is a double-wall thermal cup with an integrated stainless steel basket for steeping loose leaf or tea bags. The 14-ounce cup keeps beverages hot or cold for up to eight hours, according to the company.
Price: $22; www.pacific-cornetta.com