Gift guide of nature's treats

Published online on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008

Outdoors junkies love gear and gadgets almost as much as they love blue skies. Even better, they love getting gear and gadgets for Christmas. Here are some ideas guaranteed to spread holiday cheer:

SPOT Satellite Messenger

Afraid of getting lost in the woods? With this personal locator beacon, you’ll never again have to worry about roaming out of cell phone range. The onboard GPS sends out a fixed position, then transmits a coded distress signal to let rescuers hone in your exact position. Even if you’re not lost, it allows family and friends to track your progress on a computer using Google Maps. MSRP: $169.99, plus $9.99 per month service fee (www.findmespot.com)

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern

Nothing beats a lantern for illuminating a tent or picnic table, minus the propane and mantles. When closed, it’s about the size of a soup can. When open, it stands 91/2 inches tall and casts a bright, even light that isn’t blinding to look at thanks to dual reflectors. A meter signals when the four AA batteries are low on juice. At 11.1 ounces, it’s even light enough to take backpacking. MSRP: $49.95 (www.bdel.com)

SteriPEN Adventurer UV Water Purifier

Tired of all that needless pumping? Give your arms and back a break. Simply fill your water bottle, press a button on your SteriPEN, insert it in the water and stir. The blue-glowing light destroys viruses, bacteria and protozoa, including giardia and cryptosporidium, in about a minute. No chemicals or filters needed. MSRP: $99.95 (www.steripen.com)

Mountain Hardwear Sojourn 2 Tent

A good three-season backpacking tent should be light, roomy and watertight. This one fills the bill and adds convenient features such as dual mesh doors with clear windows for sleeping-bag weather checks and dual vestibules that keep the rain out when entering and exiting. Its near-vertical doors help the tent feel even roomier. At 5.5 pounds, it’s a lot of tent for the weight. MSRP: $235 (www.mountainhardwear.com)

Leatherman Skeletool

How can a full-sized multitool weigh only 5 ounces? This one somehow pulls it off. The standard stuff (pliers, wire snips, blade, screwdriver set) is complemented by a carabiner-like clip that works for cracking open a bottle of beer even when the tool is closed. Best of all, it feels great in the palm of your hand. MSRP: $72 (www.leatherman.com)

Camelbak Bottle

Plain and simple, the best water bottles ever invented. Handy bite valve makes drinking a snap. Just bite down and sip — no need even to tilt your head back. And it’s spillproof. Available in 14 colors and three sizes, all made of BPA-free plastic. MSRP: $11 to $13 (www.camelbak.com)

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills

Mountaineering can’t be learned from a book — it takes hands-on experience — but it sure pays to have some idea what you’re doing before heading out. Now in its seventh edition, this essential how-to guide covers everything from knot tying to rappelling to glacier travel. Read it, absorb it, live it. MSRP: $29.95 (www.mountaineersbooks.org)

Coleman RoadTrip Grill LXE

Compact, convenient and completely portable, this propane-powered grill lets you cook burgers, sausages and steaks anywhere from a campground to a stadium parking lot — without the hassle of charcoal. And when you’re finished, it folds up and stows practically anywhere. This particular model includes two side trays for plates and condiments and two adjustable burner controls. MSRP: $199.99 (www.coleman.com)

Nightstar SC2 Flashlight

Never again get stuck with a dead flashlight. Just shake for 40 seconds and — presto — out comes a beam of light that lasts up to 20 minutes. Powered by a high-strength magnet that generates electrical energy as it passes through a capacitor, this gizmo never needs batteries and can be recharged thousands of times. MSRP: $24.95 (www.nightstarflashlight.com)

Amgen Tour of California VIP Treatment

North America’s premier cycling race is rolling through Clovis and Visalia in February, and you can practically be part of the peloton. Two hundred bucks gets you a spot in the VIP hospitality tent. For $500, you can get either a seat at a team dinner or access to a special pre-race meet-and-greet session. Or pony up $3,000 and reserve a seat in one of the official support vehicles. Details: www.amgentourofcalfornia.com and click on the “VIP-Offers” tab.