20 Essentials For The Outdoorsman

Published By

Most of the general population prefers to stay indoors, where they can stay connected to their smartphones and Apple TV’s. There are a select few, however, who head for the outdoors every chance they get despite the rain, sleet, snow, or occasional impending wildfire. These campers, hikers, hunters, fishermen, and survivalists prefer a tent to a house, a cabin to a hotel room, and hunting their food as opposed to ordering takeout. If you fancy yourself an avid outdoorsman, here are 20 essentials to add to your growing collection.

Can-am Outlander 6x6 ATV

Can-Am Outlander 6×6 ATV

If you think getting through rough terrain is easy on your current four-wheeler, try humping through the mud and brush on the Can-Am Outlander 6×6 ATV. Not only is it outfitted with on-demand six-wheel drive that can pull you and your gear over and through most anything in the back country, it also boasts an extra low L-gear and a towing capacity of over 1,600 pounds, a Rotax V-Twin 1,000cc engine, a solid SST G2 frame, and a Dual level rear cargo bed with additional modular accessories. – $13,700+

Ka-Bar Dog's head Utility Knife

Ka-Bar Dog’s Head Utility Knife

Designed specifically for non-military utility applications such as camping or hunting, Ka-Bar’s Dog’s Head Fixed Blade Knife features a straight edge 7 inch steel clip point blade with a stamped Ka-Bar Dog’s Head emblem, a soft leather grip handle, and a leather Dog’s Head Pirate Sheath. – $65

BioLite CampStove

BioLite CampStove

The Biolite Campstove is a lightweight wood-burning camp stove that converts heat into a viable electricity source for charging your electronic devices in the bush. It not only boils water in less than five minutes, but can also grill food on site thanks to an optional and separate grill accessory. – $130

Stanley Adventure Cooler + Thermos

Stanley Adventure Cooler + Vacuum Thermos

A name synonymous with outdoor gear, Stanley’s Adventure Cooler + Vacuum Thermos combo is a bargain for any outdoorsman. The cooler itself—doubles as the best seat in the house at picnics, concerts, or on your lunch break—is foam insulated, thus able to keep drinks hot or cold for 20 hours and iced for up to an incredible 90 hours. Integrated adjustable tie downs accommodate the included Stanley 25 ounce Adventure Vacuum Bottle. – $59

Nemo Galaxi Tent

Nemo Galaxi Tent

For serious mountain camping, you’ll need a serious enough tent to protect you from the elements. The Galaxi two person Tent from Nemo Equipment has you covered with a durable yet lightweight and easy to set up aluminum framework that promotes protection from both the wind and rain. – $250

5.11 Ignitor Backpack

5.11 Ignitor Backpack

Designed for the avid outdoorsman, the Ignitor Backpack features a rugged nylon and ripstop polyester exterior, a Zephyr suspension system that accommodates heavier sets of gear, and capabilities for adding a Rush Tier scabbard for stowing a rifle. – $175

Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman Tool

Zippo 4-In-1 Woodsman Tool

Although Zippo is primarily a lighter manufacturer, their Woodsman Tool is a great addition to every outdoorsman’s gear collection. It’s versatile design includes a 15-inch bow saw, a stake puller, a mallet, and an integrated hatchet. – $55

LifeStraw Steel

LifeStraw Steel

The latest, more advanced edition of the LifeStraw personal water filter is the LifeStraw Steel, which features a durable new double steel exterior along with a two-stage activated carbon filtration process that effectively removes bacteria, protozoa, chlorine, pathogens, and bad taste from any water source. – $60

Poler Napsack

Poler Napsack

Poler’s Napsack Sleeping Bag comes with every amenity you need and then some including a soft microfiber body rated at 50 degrees, a chest pocket for your smartphone, a pass-through hole for your headphones, coat pockets, and cinch opening at the head and feet so you can wear it around the camp fire like you would a coat. – $130

Poler Sandwich Maker

Poler Sandwich Maker

Thanks to The Poler Sandwich Maker, grilled cheese sandwiches, tuna melts, and a toasted ham and cheese sandwich are a welcome reality when you’re living off the grid for a few days. Load the cast iron sandwich maker with your favorite sandwich and roast it over the camp fire until melted to perfection. – $53

Granite Camp Pants

Granite Camp Pants

Whether it’s cool and dry or cold and snowing, the Granite Camp Pants fit the bill when exploring the great outdoors thanks to a 4-way stretch fabric construction that renders them both breathable and water resistant. – $99

Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

A portable alternative to a traditional axe, the Camp Saw features a unique folding design for easily carrying in your gear pack or back pocket. Four separate pivot points make it possible to cut larger pieces of wood with the entire length of the blade, while a green-accented black rubber handle offers a superior grip during harder cuts. – $46

Barbour Sapper Field Jacket

Barbour Sapper Field Jacket

The Sapper Field Jacket features a medium weight, 6 ounce waxed cotton exterior with a weatherproof treatment, an assortment of pocket storage, and all the trimmings that make it a win both in and out of the great outdoors. – $429

Goal Zero Lighthouse 250

Goal Zero Lighthouse 250

The Lighthouse 250 is a solar panel, USB power hub, and a lantern all in one that not only emits up to 250 lumens of light on the campsite, but also charges your GPS device, smartphone, and other electronic devices via the built in USB, solar panel, or hand crank. – $65

Alpackalypse Whitewater Packraft

Alpackalypse Whitewater Packraft

the Alpackalypse Whitewater Packraft is roomier, faster and more maneuverable in swift moving water than other packrafts thanks to smaller tubes, a durable 400-denier Vectran fabric, a cargo fly system, an added foot brace, a heavy-duty seat, knee cups, a back band, and inflatable hip pads. – $2,000

Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System

Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System

The Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System is an all in one modular cooking system that brings the comfort of cooking at home to the campsite. It features a 20 ounce stainless steel, BPA-free jar that keeps food hot for up to 13 hours or cold for 11, an integrated cooking pot that nests inside the jar, a top that doubles as a bowl, and a spork. – $40

Bear Grylls Fire Starter

Bear Grylls Fire Starter

This compact fire starter consists of a ferrocerium rod, a metal striker, and enough room for plenty of tinder inside it’s watertight housing. Additional features include a lanyard for securing to your person or gear bag, a built-in emergency whistle, air rescue instructions, and a pocket survival guide. – $10

Topo Designs Mountain Pants

Topo Designs Mountain Pants

Versatile enough for wear both inside the city and on the trail, the Mountain Pants by Topo Designs are built from a tough yet breathable ripstop cotton and feature reinforced stress point stitching, large stitched front pockets, integrated key clip loops, and an adjustable waist belt. – $129

Gerber Back Paxe II

Gerber Back Paxe II

This lightweight, perfectly-balanced outdoor companion performs chopping duties just as well as it’s larger counterparts thanks to a specially-engineered, hardened forged steel blade, a special blade coating that prevents it from sticking in the wood you’re chopping, and a shock-absorbing handle. – $45

Mossberg Flex 590 Tactical Shotgun

Mossberg Flex 590 Tactical Shotgun

Whether you’re hunting small game or defending yourself against armed attackers, the Mossberg Flex 590 Shotgun won’t let you down. This tactical 12 gauge shotgun features a tool-less locking system consisting of three separate locking pens that allow you to easily change the stock, forend, and recoil pad based on your specific needs. Additional features include a tactical black finish, a weight of 7 pounds, a 20-inch length barrel, and a round capacity of 7 + 1. – $600

Disclosure: Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a small referral fee, at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.