Tom Beckbe, Canvas Tailgater Bag
If you are ready to up your game at your next tailgate, consider Tom Beckbe’s Canvas Tailgater bag. Made with Beckbe’s high-quality weatherproof waxed cotton, the Tailgater bag features removable interior dividers that hold six standard-sized liquor or wine bottles. The bag’s high-quality leather carry handles and adjustable cotton shoulder strap make transporting your beverages easy and comfortable. For those of us who enjoy time before the big game as much as the game itself, the Canvas Tailgater bag is the perfect addition to your gameday preparation. $349.00; available locally at the Tom Beckbe store in Middleburg, Virginia; tombeckbe.com
Garmont Tactical, 9.81 Alert Boots
Known for military and law-enforcement boots, Garmont Tactical’s new 9.81 Alert Boots have many of the same features as the brand’s traditional boots but with a slightly different spin. Agile, lightweight and breathable, these mid-cut boots offer plenty of support and stability for hardcore hikers and hunters—but they’re perfectly suited for a quick hike over less aggressive terrain. These are classic boots with a modern look and feel. What’s not to like? $165.00; garmonttactical.com
Peak Design, Outdoor 45L and 25L Backpacks
New to the Peak Design family, the Outdoor Backpacks are functional, lightweight carrying options with wide appeal. The 45L pack has an internal frame to support its larger size, and the 25L is frameless. Both bags offer an expandable roll-top, numerous side and internal storage options and plenty of ways to secure items for external carry. Designed to function with Peaks Designs’ modular camera and packing cubes, these packs are a great addition to the brand’s product line—and your closet. As you know, when your needs change, so should your backpack. $330.00 for the 45L; $250 for the 25L; peakdesign.com
Biolite, Charge 100Max Portable Charger
Keeping your tech gear charged while away from power is increasingly important. Biolite has a long history with portable chargers, and its latest offering, the Charge 100 Max, provides 25,000mAh of power in a compact and portable device. The gadget can charge five devices simultaneously, including laptops, smartphones, tablets and more. Light enough to carry in a backpack or glove compartment, the Charge 100 Max ensures that if your battery dies outdoors, there’s an easy way to get back online. $150.00; bioliteenergy.com
Irish Setter Boots, Terrain Snake Boots, and VaprTrek Hunting Boots
Irish Setter has many great options for hunters for the winter and spring seasons. The Terrain Snake Boots are 17-inch, waterproof leather boots that safeguard you from fangs and brushes. The Terrain’s soles feature a multi-directional lug pattern, which is great for traction and mud release. If you aren’t hunting in snake country, the eight-inch VaprTrek hunting boots are fully waterproof, lightweight and rugged. Built with comfort and stability in mind, the VaprTrek Hunting Boots are ideal for hunters on the go. $240.00 for the Terrain Snake Boots; $190.00 for the VaprTrek Hunting Boots; irishsetterboots.com
Trek, Dual Sport +2 LT e-Bike
Life is about the journey, not the destination, so why not have more fun journeying on your bike with battery assistance? Trek’s Dual Sport is a lightweight e-bike that’s well-suited for riding on roads or light trails. The Dual Sport’s 250Wh battery can assist on rides up to 35 miles per charge at speeds up to 20 mph. The 8-speed drive train gives plenty of options for any terrain, and when you call on the battery for assistance, it feels natural and enjoyable. A word of caution: I buy online as much as the next guy, but I strongly suggest finding a good bike store in your neighborhood for this purchase to ensure the battery is safe and reliable and you get a bike that fits correctly. $2,400.00; available locally at Blue Ridge Cyclery (blueridgecycelry.com); trekbikes.com
Sitka, Jetstream and Stratus Jackets
If you’re in the market for a functional, sturdy and attractive hunting jacket, Sitka has a couple of offerings worth considering. The Jetstream and the Stratus jackets are designed to keep the wind and elements out and the heat in. The Stratus comes with Sitka’s Safety Harness Pass-Through port, an ideal feature for hunters who spend time in a tree stand. Both jackets come with hoods for the days when the weather isn’t cooperating, and the hood on the Stratus is removable. Both jackets are offered in various plain and camouflage patterns, and the Jetstream even comes in a few blaze-orange patterns if you want to be seen when you’re in the field. $359.00 for the Stratus Jacket; $349.00 for the Jetstream Jacket; available locally at Green Top Sporting Goods (greentop.com); sitkagear.com
Rocky Boots, Original Ride FLX Western Boots
For those of us who spend time in the field, in the seat of a tractor or walking through town in the rain, a good pair of boots is a must. Rocky Boots Original Ride FLX Western Boots are lightweight, waterproof and extremely durable. Comfortable right out of the box, these boots come with a square toe and full-grain leather, including pull-holes to assist with putting them on. Plus, the boots’ soles are oil and slip-resistant, making them stylish and safe. $175.00; available locally at Green Top Sporting Goods (greentop.com); rockyboots.com
