With the holidays approaching, we asked James for his list of favorite outdoor items for 2025. What would he like to get for Christmas this year (if he didn’t already have everything, that is)? I know the title says his 10 favorite things but it’s really 16. He had a hard time deciding on his favorites.

Camping Gear

Camping should be fun and James believes that it should also be comfortable. These are some of the items that he uses to ensure that he has a memorable and enjoyable experience.

• Mr. Buddy Heater 9000 BTU–This heater keeps the tent nice and toasty on those fall camping trips. Safe and easy to use, Mr. Buddy heaters are readily available at many vendors.
• Folding Sleeping Cot–Sleeping on the ground can be fun but as you get older many of us prefer an air mattress or a sleeping cot. There are several options out there. Pick the one that fits your size and weight, look for a comfortable mattress and a sturdy frame. However, you want to balance that with one that packs up compactly and is lightweight. You also want to pick one that is durable with weather resistant fabric.
• Gazelle t4 tent–This tent is the feature image on this blog. The tent has a enough room for three people comfortably and is tall enough to allow easy movement within the tent. Its setup is also easy.
• REI Camp chair–Trust me, a camp chair is definitely worth the money. Invest in one that fits your frame and will hold your weight and you will be able to enjoy the campfire and ghost stories in comfort.

Cooking Supplies

• Cast Iron Dutch oven–Dutch ovens spread heat evenly and keep food warmer longer than aluminum ones. These versatile ovens allow you to cook many types of meals while camping including dessert. They are heavy so they are not suitable for backpacking trips.
• Coleman Auto Ignite Camp Stove–This stove is especially designed for outdoor cooking. The high-pressure regulator ensures a constant flame in all weather conditions, while wind shields provide additional protection from wind while cooking.
• UCO Ferro rods–these compact, reliable fire starters are a key component for any camping trip. They are lightweight and compact which makes them easy to store. They are capable of lighting fires even in windy and wet weather.
• Lifetime 55l cooler–This cooler is designed for durability with its tough construction and insulated body/lid. It comes with a 5 year warranty and it is built with outdoor enthusiasts in mind.

Hiking Supplies

• Garmin Mini InReach–Hiking somewhere off the grid? Make sure you can stay in touch with this compact hiking GPS and satelitte communicator. This allows for two-way messaging and interactive SOS alerts. You will need a satellite subscription in addition to this piece of equipment but the piece of mind is worth it.
• Merrell Hiking Boots–Hiking boots that fit and that are broken in correctly are critical for a safe and enjoyable hiking trip. James prefers Merrells but you will need to find ones that fit you.
• Paragon 48 backpack–This versatile and lightweight backpack is excellent for overnight and weekend trips. It features an adjustable harness, multiple pockets for organization, rain cover and quick stow areas. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
• Nemo backpacking tent–These tents are designed to be lightweight, which is critical on backpacking trips. Even though they are lighweight they are reasonably spacious allowing for a comfortable overnight rest.
• Compass with declination adjustments–You should always have a compass just in case of an emergency. Not sure how to use a compass? Join one of our compass and navigation classes to learn more. https://myoutdoorjoy.india-explore.in/upcoming-events-and-classes/#!event-list

Miscellaneous

James also added in these other favorite items for your consideration.

• 20mA battery charger
• Apek SCUBA regulator–If you haven’t tried SCUBA diving, I highly recommend it. It is one of my favorite things to do. MyOutdoorJoy does offer Introduction to SCUBA classes so check them out. This regulator is James’s favorite. It is made to meet the diverse needs of divers and they are known for their quality construction and reliability.
• Goal Zero Yeti 750 power generator–This compact and rugged power station is designed for the outdoors. It can be used for years and can power portable refrigerators, grills and many other tools.

We hope that you found something here that you can treat yourself with this holiday season!