Ahh, the outdoorsman. Seemingly living a life that sees him constantly out there enjoying the best that nature has to offer, whilst simultaneously making the rest of us feel bad for being inside and chained to our desks. We love to hate him, but in all honesty we do love to gift him. The coolest shit is made for the outdoors, whether it’s for lounging, surfing, fishing, travelling or competing, the only tricky part is narrowing down the list of potential gifts. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
For the outdoorsy type who needs to be in/on/by the water at all times, there are few things that get the adrenaline pumping more than riding a wave. Whether they’re a beginner or a pro, the Island Style Drifter ($849) is an easy take-anywhere mini mal, designed to increase paddle power and increase stability, it’ll mean they can catch a wave easier than they can catch Covid.
For those that love a wave but are a little slower to jump to their feet, try them out on a Red Paddle Co Sport 11 ft SUP ($1,699) for a gentle ride, or for ocean swimmer, a set of Da Fin Signature Fins ($119.95) will see him in the green zone all the way into shore. If he’s a restless sand-man, hook him up with a Beach Bat & Ball Set from Frescobol Carioca ($407), but if he prefers to lounge and chill out, a Bote inflatable pontoon ($2,099) is the ultimate boat toy for any raft-up party.
For those that prefer fresh water compared to shark-infested saltwater, he’s no doubt sorted with something like the Orvis Helios 3 Blackout Fly Rod Outfit ($1506), but his kit is just as important, so grab an Ariel Trout Fishing Bag ($495) while you’re at it. Whatever he’s up to, when there’s water and a fireplace around, he’ll want to finish off the day with a dram like the new NED Green Sash Reserve Australian Whisky ($77.95). Inspired by local legend and iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly, the liquid gold is a result of unwavering trust in Victoria’s produce and climate that’s been bottled as a delicious symbol of classic Aussie courage. The perfect nightcap for when he finds himself out bush.
If he’s the kind of bloke who likes to climb mountains or wander into the bush for a few hours, keep his feet comfortable and his stability prime with a pair of Salomon’s XA Pro 3D V8 Gore-Tex Shoes ($279.99) all-terrain hiking shoes. And what to wear on his back? A Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler ($449.95) is the perfect travel companion, storing drinks, ice, sandwiches and whatever else he needs kept cold for when he makes it to Dante’s Peak.
For the forager (either culinary or medicinal), you’ll never go wrong with an Opinel No. 8 Mushroom knife ($44.90), but if he’s a serious outdoor cook who fancies himself as a Frances Mallmann, a Camp Oven Tripod ($180) and a beautiful made cast iron camp oven ($300) might actually entice you to head out on a trip with him. And if he can’t cook for shit? At least his body will be warm with a The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Quilted Shell Hooded Down Jacket ($480), the beer in his hand will be cold with a Yeti Colster Stubby Holder ($39.95), and he can snack on some Bareback Billtong ($6.50) (while he figures out how to get the fire started in the first place.
If for him, like so many old-school Aussie blokes, benign outdoors translates to sport, then you’re stepping into an easy lay-up. If his ideas of conquering mountains is less about hiking uphill and more about speeding downhill, Volkl’s Revolt 104 Skis ($799) are the fit of the season for those on poles, and likewise with the Capita Super DOA 2023 ($1,039.99) for the boarders amongst men. Either way, he’ll look sick with a pair of Off White Yellow Mirrored Goggles ($656).
If he’s more into sports at sea-level, Rapha Classic Flyweight Jersey ($245) will have him looking like he should be leading the peloton, especially if he’s wearing it while riding a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 ($9,549) road bike. If he’s less into lycra and more inclined to be found on a longboard, the Magneto 44 inch Kicktail Cruiser ($199.95) will see him get from A to B in his suburban streets while sipping 4 litres of Ocean Spray cranberry. For the man who tunes into every Grand Slam but can’t tell you the difference between shit and clay(court), kick him into gear with a Wilson RF97A racquet ($269.95) – Roger’s choice – and have him running drills all day with Spinshot-Player Tennis Ball Machine ($1,899) firing speeds of up to 130kph. Worse-case scenario? You get some very entertaining games of a-r-s-e chalked up over summer.
This article features some sponsored inclusions from brands who have supported Boss Hunting throughout 2022.
