The Outdoor Gear Lover’s Gift Guide – 2016

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays, and with all the Black Friday noise, it’s getting harder and harder to find the perfect gift for our outdoor-loving friends and family. That’s why we have curated our favorite outdoor gear picks, all in one place, to make your life easier, so you can get outside and enjoy!

Browse our Guide’s Sections:
Outdoor Tech
Camp Comforts
Outdoor Attire
Food and Wellness

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1. Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera with AF-P DX 18-55mm (Get $150 OFF here!)

Features include:

  • SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 4 Image Processor
  • No Optical Low-Pass Filter
  • Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting
  • MSRP $646.95

Get the package deal which includes an additional lens (70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED) and save $350!

2. Secur Sp‑6000 Ultimate Solar Charger

Features Include:

  • High Efficiency 12 Watt Solar Panel
  • 10,000 mAh Lithium Battery
  • Dual USB Ports with Smart Chip for Fast Charging
  • Waterproof Pouch for Smart Phone Charging
  • MSRP: $125

3. MeFOTO BackPacker Air Tripod (Get $59 OFF here!) 

Features Include:

  • HyperLock leg locks – Each tripod and monopod uses our new HyperLock leg lock design, which is much faster than traditional tripods and monopods that have 9 to 15 leg locks.
  • Selfie Stick/Telescoping center column – You can take selfies with the included Bluetooth remote and smartphone adapter. When used as a center column it telescopes for additional height when needed.
  • Lightweight – Way less to carry around. MeFOTO Air combines strong and lightweight materials making it possible to create a 2 lb. tripod and a 0.9 lb. monopod.
  • Compact size – Fits inside small and medium sized bags. This is due to the unique HyperLock leg system where each leg section is nested into one group.
  • Rigidity – Don’t be fooled by the size and lightweight design. MeFOTO Air is as sturdy as they come. The HyperLock leg lock design is actually superior to some traditional tripod leg locks.
  • MSRP $184

4. House of Marley EM-JA007-GR Chant Mini BT Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Get $37 OFF here!)

Features Include:

  • Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR, A2DP mono audio
  • 1 x 3W -1.5″ driver + passive radiator
  • Built-in microphone allows for use as speakerphone
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 6 hours of wireless play
  • Blended bio-plastic, silicone and recyclable aluminum housings, bamboo trim ring, exclusive REWIND cloth wrap, carabineer clip
  • MSRP $69.99


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campcomfortheader

1. TETON Sports ComfortLite Self Inflating Pillow

Features Include:

  • Packs down to 13x3x3 inches
  • Self-inflates to 18x10x4 inches
  • Weighs only 12 ounces
  • Microfiber top feels soft against your face; Grey non-slip bottom keeps pillow in place
  • High-Quality Construction
  • Easy to clean
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • MSRP $19.99

2. Matador Pocket Blanket (Get $5 OFF here!)

Features Include:

  • Ultra-compact pocket blanket folds out to large 63″ x 44″ blanket
  • Water repellent back side to keep you clean and dry
  • Puncture resistant to keep you comfortable. Protects you from twigs, rocks, dirt, sand and insects
  • Weighted corners for improved performance on breezy days
  • Attached storage pouch and “easy-pack pattern” to make folding and storing the blanket quick and easy
  • MSRP $29.99

3. Cotopaxi Inti2 Tent + Alcove (Tent sleeps 2, with Alcove sleeps 4)

Tent Features Include:

  • Recommended use: backpacking/camping
  • 3-season, double-wall construction
  • Sleeping capacity: 2 people
  • Weight: 4lb 9oz (2070g)
  • Packed size: 19 x 6in (48 x 15cm)
  • Weight (w/o rainfly): 3lb 5oz (1500g)
  • Packed size: 19 x 5in (48 x 13cm)
  • Weight (rainfly): 1lb 4oz (570g)
  • Floor dimensions: 88in x 52in (224 x 132cm)
  • Floor area: 31.8sq ft (3sq m)
  • Vestibule area: 11.9sq ft (1.1sq m)
  • Peak height: 45.3in (115cm)
  • 2 doors, 2 vestibules
  • Water-resistant, PU-backed rainfly
  • Ultra-tough, all-aluminum poles
  • Lightweight aluminum stakes
  • Alcove and Footprint sold separately

Alcove Features Include:

  • Recommended use: ultralight backpacking/camping
  • Sleeping capacity: 2 people
  • Weight: 2lb 8oz (1130g)
  • Packed size: 19 x 5in (48 x 13cm)
  • Floor area: 35.5sq ft (3.3sq m)
  • 2 setup configurations
  • Water-resistant, PU-backed ripstop nylon
  • Single-pole setup
  • Built-in floor

4. Scrubba Portable Laundry System Wash Bag (Get $5 OFF here!)

Features Include:

      • Machine quality wash whenever and wherever you want
      • A modern take on the old fashioned washboard: hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules efficiently clean clothes in minutes
      • Durable microbial- and hydrolysis-resistant polyether TPU; doubles as a dry-bag
      • Lightest and smallest washing machine in the world at only 5 oz.
      • Great for holidays, backpacking, business trips, camping, outdoor adventures, boats, emergency power outages, and small apartments
      • MSRP $54.95


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outdoorclothing
1. Cotopaxi Insulated Water Resistant Mens Kusa Bomber Jacket (Check out the Women’s version, too!)

Features Include:

      • Llama-poly insulation from the Altiplano of South America & 20D ripstop nylon w/ DWR finish.
      • Reversible. For versatility and style enjoy flipping the jacket inside out for a new color scheme.
      • Front zippered pockets for storage.
      • Ribbed details at the collar, cuffs, and hem round out the bomber for classic look.
      • Lifetime Warranty/Guaranteed for Good.
      • MSRP $198.95

2. Merrell Men’s Capra Venture Mid Gore-Tex Surround Boot (There’s a Women’s & a Child’s version, too!)

Features Include:

      • Lug Sole
      • Mesh and synthetic upper
      • Traditional lace closure
      • Bellows tongue keeps debris out
      • Breathable mesh lining
      • Single-density removable footbed
      • MSRP $230

3. Dorfman Pacific Men’s Rush Straw Lightweight Outback Hat (Get $8 OFF here!)

Features Include:

      • Straw
      • Imported
      • 100% natural fiber
      • Light weight
      • Exceptional breathing for cool wear on hot days
      • Attractive trim
      • Spot clean
      • MSRP $30

4. Jambu Dusk 2 Sandal (Get over 50% OFF here!)

Features Include:

      • Upper is textile/synthetic/rubber
      • Molded EVA footbed for maximum comfort and fit
      • Non-marking rubber outsole provides ultimate grip on all surfaces
      • Adjustable strap closure
      • Signature bump toe for added protection
      • MSRP $55

5. MyMayu Explorer Outdoor Boots

Features Include:

        • Constructed of 100% Waterproof Materials and sewing seams are sealed
        • Four-season suited when layered up or down with Helios fleece Liners
        • Upper made of durable, 100% waterproof, breathable coated polyester
        • Flexible, lightweight, TPR recyclable rubber sole
        • Dual toggle system: enclosed elastic at top with toggle to prevent water ingress and enclosed elastic with toggle closure at ankle for a customizable fit
        • Designed to fit just below the knee for maximum coverage of the lower leg
        • Quick drying
        • Collapsible – folds up easily to fit in your backpack or bag
        • BPA free sole
        • Brush clean when dry or hand wash- do not put in dryer
        • Made in North America
        • Vegan
        • MSRP $59.95


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healthwellness
1. Bare Snacks (Choose from Apple, Coconut, or Banana)

Features Include:

        • Real food, baked ’til they’re crave-ably crunchy. Snacks gone simple.
        • Just one or two simple ingredients
        • New look, same great crunch! (Packaging may vary)
        • Gluten free, fat free, no added sugar, Non-GMO, good source of dietary fiber

2. Melitta Single Cup Pour-Over Brewer with Travel Mug (Get $5 OFF here!)

Features Include:

        • Includes BPA Free red plastic cone drip brewer – red 16oz travel mug and 5 filters
        • Coffee aficionados agree that pour-over brewing makes the best coffee
        • Cone drip brewer window allows you to see how much coffee you are brewing
        • Screw on lid with easy close tab
        • Uses Number 2 size Melitta cone shaped filters
        • MSRP $15.20 (2-Pack)

3. Back to the Roots Mushroom Farm

Features Include:

        • Organic plant-based soil (can grow multiple crops!)
        • Oyster mushroom spawn
        • Spray mister
        • BONUS: organic heirloom tomato seeds to grow with your composted mushroom kit

4. All Good Lavender Lover’s Set

Features Include:

        • All Good Lavender Body Lotion (6 oz)
        • All Good Lavender Coconut Oil (9 oz)
        • All Good Goop (2 oz)
        • Made with Organic Ingredients
        • Each product has deep moisturizing benefits

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2016giftguidepin
Still craving more outdoor gear suggestions? Check out these awesome gift guides from my fellow #OutdoorFamilies Network friends!

Bike Picnics: 5 Steps to Reviving the Outdoor Family Dinner Tradition

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine

Living in LA, it is second nature, for most, to just jump in the car and be on your merry way, but sometimes shaking up old family traditions make way for new perspectives and awesome adventures. This past summer our five year old took off her training wheels and sped into the world of cycling, so we thought, what better way to honor her new-found freedom than by starting a new family tradition; bike picnicking.

It’s a fairly simple concept. Pack up dinner. Secure it on your bike. Head to your favorite neighborhood park. Eat and be merry. But, we discovered very quickly there are many details that needed to be worked out in order for the whole family to enjoy, so here, in a nutshell are the lessons we’ve learned to get the most out of our new family tradition.

bike-picnic-burley
Photo Courtesy Kerem Hanci

1. Respect Your Child’s Ability

Don’t choose a park clear across town if your little one’s legs generally only make it once around the block. Take into consideration the entire family’s endurance level and map your course accordingly.

2. Know the Code of the Road

Study up and then impart that adult-sized wisdom to your kids, empowering them with the knowledge to stay safe. Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as the vehicles. Stay alert at all times, and remember, a bicycle is a vehicle which should obey all traffic signals and signs.

bike-picnic-burley-2
Photo Courtesy Kerem Hanci

3. Securely Stow Your Food

The last thing you want, after thoughtfully and carefully preparing and packing a lovely family dinner, is for it all to end up like roadkill, spilled out across the asphalt. Use a big front-wheel basket, or even better, a cool and convenient cargo trailer, like this Burley Nomad. Guaranteed to hold everyone’s eats, with room left over for mom and dad’s beer. I got my hands on one of these sweet Nomads when Burley invited me to be one of their #MothersOfNature Ambassadors and I can’t wait to find more cool uses for this cargo trailer!

4. Be Prepared for Mishaps

Being prepared is rule #1 of parenthood and biking is no exception. Invest in a small bike repair kit and a first aid kit, and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Of course, chances are your ride will be smooth sailing, but you never know when it may come in handy.

Biking kids
Photo Courtesy Kerem Hanci

5. Feast Like Royalty

If there’s one thing I know for sure, any outdoor activity is better with a delicious reward. I am known for going a bit overboard, sometimes when it comes to make-ahead meals to enjoy in nature, but here are a few super simple ideas the whole family will devour.

Caprese
1 Heirloom Tomato
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh Basil
Red Onion
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt & Pepper

Thinly slice the tomatoes, mozzarella and red onions then lay them on a plate, alternating tomato, mozzarella, basil leaf. Once you have used up all of the sliced ingredients, sprinkle red onions on top, lightly salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar!

Roasted Broccoli & Fennel
2 heads of Broccoli
1 Fennel Bulb
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Cut the heads of broccoli into florets and slice the fennel. Toss everything lightly in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Fruit Salad
2 Large Apples
1 small container of Blueberries
3 Persian Cucumbers
1/4 pound of Grapes

Core and slice 2 apples. Remove grapes from stem. Peel and chop cucumbers. Toss everything into a bowl and serve!

5 Easy Meals That Transported Us Straight Back to Italy

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine

It’s hard to fathom the idea that it’s been more than a year and a half since our family was hiking Cinque Terre and baking bread with the De Blasi family in Tuscany. Not a month goes by that we aren’t reminiscing about our donkey trek or devising a plan to get back to its iconic rolling hills. Until then, we’ll have to soothe our Italy desires by the warm hearth of Italian-inspired cuisine.

Everyone knows that making a traditional Italian marinara sauce takes hours and hours to perfect, but when you’re strapped for time and want to give your family taste without compromising on quality, try Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce. I love this sauce for so many reasons, and top on that list is, compared to most other jarred pasta sauces, Bertolli Riserva is very low in sugar, with only four grams of sugar per serving.

This sauce is made with artisanal ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, freshly crushed garlic, vine-ripened, freshly crushed tomatoes, and imported Parmigiano-Reggiano. And at $5.99 a jar you can create exciting dishes to entertain a gathering of any size with even the most discerning of palettes without breaking the bank.

Buon appetito!

Mussels Marinara

mussels-marinara-web

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 large brown onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 4 pounds live mussels (about 4 dozen), well scrubbed, rinsed, and de-bearded
  • 2 cups dry white wine
  • 1 cup Bertolli Risvera Marinara pasta sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Remember that an open mussel that closes when pressed is good; if the mussel stays open after being pressed, it is bad and should be discarded. In a deeppot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 1 minute. Add the wine, Bertolli Risvera Marinara pasta sauce, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the mussels are opened, 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove from the heat and discard any mussels that have not opened. Transfer the mussels and their liquid to a large, deep serving bowl and devour with fresh French bread.

Minestrone Soup

minestrone-recipe-web

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 large celery stalk, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, or 1/4 teaspoon dried
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 1 jar Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 head Savoy or green cabbage (1/2 pound), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, plus torn leaves for serving (optional)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, for serving

In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, rosemary, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to turn golden, 5 to 8 minutes. Add Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce; cook until some of the liquid evaporates, 1 minute. Add potato, cabbage, cannellini beans, and 7 cups water; bring to a boil. Stir in green beans. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until all the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with basil and Parmesan.

Italian Meatloaf

meatloaf-recipe-web

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon good olive oil
  • 3 cups chopped brown onions
  • 1 tablespoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce
  • 2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)
  • 1 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
  • 2 extra-large eggs, beaten

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce and Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce. Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don’t mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf in a baking dish. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. Serve hot.

Vodka Penne

vodka-penne-recipe-web

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 12 ounces whole-wheat penne
  • 1 jar Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 brown onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/4 cup starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the vodka, Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce and salt to taste. Return the skillet to medium heat and simmer, stirring often, until the alcohol cooks off, about 10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer on very low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and basil.

Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve topped with more Parmesan and basil.

Eggplant Rolls with Ricotta

Ingredients

  • 6 small Japanese eggplants (about 1 3/4 pounds), cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup store-bought pesto
  • 2 1/2 cups bread crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated pecorino-romano cheese
  • 1 cup Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Season the eggplant with salt and pepper. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and 4 tablespoons pesto. Pour the bread crumbs onto a large plate. Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, then coat with the bread crumbs.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the eggplant until golden, 2 minutes on each side, using the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil. Transfer the eggplant to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta and 3 tablespoons pecorino-romano; season with salt and pepper. Spread 1 tablespoon of the remaining pesto on each eggplant slice and top with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Roll up each slice. Bake until the eggplant is tender when pierced with a toothpick, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the Bertolli Riserva Marinara pasta sauce to a simmer. Serve the roll-ups with the sauce and remaining pecorino.

If you liked these recipes, check out 150 MORE ways you can bring Tuscany to the table! And join the Potluck & Fri@5 parties every Friday!