Good things come in small packages. And in socks.
Some of the best stuff of Christmas morning is the stuff that gets stuffed into a stocking. Stuff such as:
Princeton Tec Keychain Light. Everyone can use a keychain light. For backpackers and hikers this teensy torch makes for a great, lightweight backup light: ever have your headlamp die and had to fumble around in the dark to replace the battery? The Princeton Tec Keychain Light’s 10 lumens is the difference between a quick swap and, possibly, no replacement at all. And why fumble around trying to find your vintage vehicle’s car door lock in the dark when this next-door-neighbor on your keychain can light the way? $6.99.
Larry Lights. Worried that the petite Princeton will get lost in your purse (and that you’ll need a light to find it)? Nebo’s Larry Lights has a little more heft (easy to find grasping through your purse) and a lot more light: 170 lumens. Now we’re talking shinning for house addresses while searching for the office holiday party. $9.95
Patagonia Savory Seeds. Who doesn’t like getting food? And while chocolate in your stocking is second only to chocolate in your Easter basket, you can OD on chocolate — you really can! Patagonia’s Savory Seeds offer a most unique option. Part of the legendary outfitter’s new Provisions line, Savory Seeds — which come in Chipotle Lime, Mellow Curry and Classic Barbecue — make for the ideal trail snack: they’re a good source of plant-based protein (5-6 grams), pack 130 calories per serving, and are darn tasty. They would make for the ideal trail snack except that curiosity will prompt an immediate tasting, a tasting that won’t end until all that’s left is a crumpled package. $2.75 per packet.
Kupilka Cutlery Set. Come dinner time on a backpack trip no one pays much attention to eating utensils because everyone uses a spork, and if you’ve seen one plastic spork, you’ve seen ‘em all. But fancy the looks coming your way when you pull the four-piece Kupilka Cutlery Set from your cook bag. Made of eco-friendly Kareline, a natural fibre composite, the utensils are lightweight (1.98 ounces for the set, less if you can do without a soup spoon) and and sturdy. And because of their earthy look, they hide dirt well. Class-up your camp kitchen. $10.95.
Heroclip. Have you ever been at he check-out stand and seen something you didn’t entirely understand but knew you had to have? If you’ve been to our check-out lately, then you probably already have a Hero Clip. It’s a carabiner, but it’s a carabiner connected to a hook on a swivel. You draw a blank mulling its purpose, then your mind starts spinning with possibilities: you could hang if over a branch in camp and hook in your pack, you could hook it over the back of your chair in a restaurant and clip in your purse (keeping it off the floor), you could hang if from a loop inside your tent and hang a light (and position it for optimum effect). So many options. $19.95.
SockSmith Socks. Socks inside a sock? Sounds like the stuff of Alfred Packer. In fact, these socks in your stocking are the opposite of desperation dieting. These aren’t performance socks — unless you do standup in your stocking feet. But these fun socks convey a variety of mirthful messages, all of which will bring a smile. At $10 a pair, it’s what we like to call good, cheap fun!
Freakers. Maybe the one-size-fits-all tube sock wasn’t a great idea. But a one-size-fits-all beverage cozy? American innovation doesn’t get much better than this — and not just American innovation, North Carolina innovation — Freakers were born in Wilmington in 2011! Launched in a box truck, the festive beverage insulators went big time in 2015 with a Kickstarter campaign that raised $255,264 thanks to the vision of 4,948 backers. Now, with complete disregard of can or bottle type, you can keep your beverage a little colder or a little warmer, and do it in style with designs ranging from a T-Rex riding a bike (“Lance Tiny Arms Strong”) to a Rastafarian frog (“Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy”). Fun on a bottle, for just $10.
Learn more about these stocking stuffers and check out more options on our website, here.