Outdoors | Gift ideas for the outdoors lover on your list

The countdown to opening gifts has started with a little more than two weeks before Christmas.

Finding presents for the outdoor lover on your list can be daunting, but we've found some items sure to please them:

• Many are familiar with Wenger, the maker of the Genuine Swiss Army Knife, and now the company has come out with the Eiger ($159), a highly technical hiking boot that offers a durable impact absorbing Spydraflex that reduces foot stress, and has a molded toe ram and heel. Plus, it is waterproof and keeps your feet protected from the elements. They are available at Woodinville Ski & Sport or www.amazon.com or www.WengerFootwear.com.

• A great way light up the trails and campsite at night is the compact Energizer Night Strike Light ($79.99). Don't let the small lightweight size of this flashlight fool you as it is very powerful and features multiple lighting modes. The waterproof LED provides up to 40 lumens of light output, and an eight hour run time on maximum setting using one AA battery. Available at most Cabela's or www.cabelas.com, www.amazon.com or www.energizerlightingproducts.com.

• Without a doubt a decent fire starter is crucial to get those flames going on a camping trip, and the Coghlan's Magnesium Fire Starter ($5.96) is something every outdoorsman should carry in their pack. It provides enough shavings to start hundreds of fires. It can be purchased at REI, Cabela's and Wal-Mart Stores or www.amazon.com or www.coghlans.com.

• The Rogue 2 ICON ($47.99) is the ideal long-lasting LED flashlight with an ergonomic design that is virtually indestructible. It produces a smooth intense beam, and provides hours of useful light with an output of 100 lumens. You can find them at most Fry's Electronics and Radio Shack or www.opticsplanet.com.

• On your next trip up to the snowy hillsides leave the inner-tube or cheap plastic sled at home, and bring along the light weight Zipfy ($39.95). This new wave 3.5-pound sled provides total control and safety to the downhill rider having their legs and feet in front, and the turning capability allows the rider to maneuver easily around obstacles. The sled is available at Izilla Toys (206-322-8697) and Retro Active Kids (206-763-1665) in Seattle or www.amazon.com or www.zipfy.com.

• The go anywhere Sherpa Chair ($29.95) has shoulder straps that allow it to be carried just like a backpack to keep both hands free to hold other items like a fishing pole and tackle box. It's the perfect multipurpose lawn, camping, fishing, hunting or sporting chair. Details: www.sherpachair.com.

• The Cabela's Outdoor Adventures video game for Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and PC ($19.99-$39.99) is the perfect gift for the hunter or angler who can get a great simulated outdoor experience without leaving the house. It has North America's top-50 fishing and hunting destinations, and offers realistic images on big game hunting, fishing and bird shooting. Available at GameStop, Best Buy, Target and Walmart or www.amazon.com or www.activision.com.

• The Sitka Coldfront Jacket ($529) and Pant ($449) are the new revolution of concealment for hunters looking to blend into the woods and fields. A team of experts came up with a pattern that breaks up the human body to prevent prey like deers from recognizing the hunter as a predator. The breathable water and wind proof fabrics gives a person the ultimate comfort in the worst of elements. Details: www.sitkagear.com.

• Fisheries biologist and author Dennis Dauble's book Fishes of the Columbia River ($16.50) has gathered his 30-plus years of professional experience to put together one of the most informative books on the fish species that swim the mighty river.

The book offers historical studies, covers more than 60 fish species, and looks at current science, ecology, environmental factors and fish behavior. It is loaded with 147 illustrations and has 16 pages of color plates to help readers identify fish. Sport anglers will find this book helpful. Details: 800-880-3573 or www.sandpointonline.com/catalog/.

• The REI Shuksan jacket with eVent Fabric ($299) came in very handy on a rainy summer salmon fishing day off the ocean in Westport. The jacket offered complete waterproof protection, and the fabric's unique membrane structure allowed the sweat vapor to escape to the outside of the fabric easily. This jacket is also the perfect fit for other outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and camping. Details: www.rei.com.

• Duracell's Smart Power group of Lithium Ion Rechargeable chargers ($19.99-$49.99) are the perfect solution to keeping your cellphone, iPhone, iPod, digital camera or Blackberry charged on your next remote outdoor adventure. All three chargers fit any miniUSB device, and the Instant and Powerhouse chargers also have universal USB port for use with proprietary device cords such as Apple products and/or microUSB phones. They are available at mass merchandisers, drug and hardware stores or www.duracell.com.

• The Sperry Top-Sider Ventus ($110-$120) is a must for the avid sailor and was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Sailing Team. The shoe offers hydrophobic materials for maximum breathability and water compatibly in extreme weather conditions. The hydrogrip rubber outsole keeps your feet firmly planted to the deck. Available at West Marine (206-292-8174) and Fisheries Supply Company (206-632-4462) in Seattle or www.sperrytopsider.com.

Notes

• The Outdoor Adventure Center's Deception Pass Dash Six-Mile Kayak Race is Dec. 12 at Bowman Bay between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. The event is open to all kayakers who are confident in their rough water paddling abilities. Details: 425-883-9039 or www.outdooradventurecenter.com.

• The Puget Sound Anglers of Lake Washington meeting, holiday potluck and awards ceremony is 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the home of Chuck and Judie Wischman, 4007 W. Mercer Way on Mercer Island. Details: 425-823-0704.

• The Outdoor Emporium Customer Appreciation Day is 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 12 at 1701 4th Ave. South in Seattle. Tom Nelson with Salmon University is hosting a tutorial the latest fishing gear; Glenn Hall from the fishing show Hawgquest will be on-hand; top outdoor manufacturer representatives will talk gear; and a wide array of demonstrations and gear sales. Details: 206-624-6550 or www.sportco.com.

• The Renton Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers meeting is 6:15 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Kennydale Memorial Hall, 2424 N.E. 27th St. in Renton. Anton Jones, owner Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service at Lake Chelan is the guest speaker. The club is accepting donations for Toys for Tots. Details: 425-235-4297 or www.rentonpsa.com.

• State Fish and Wildlife has extended the public-comment period on a new draft conservation plan for rockfish in Puget Sound through Jan. 4, and they will host three more meetings. To view the plan go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/management/rockfish. To receive a copy, call 360-902-2844. Three species of rockfish in Puget Sound — bocaccio, yelloweye and canary rockfish — currently are being considered for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. E-mail comments to SEPAdesk2@dfw.wa.govor fax 360-902-2946 or mail to Washington Fish and Wildlife, SEPA Desk, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.

Among the meeting dates: Wednesday, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way; and Dec. 3, Skagit Valley College's Mount Vernon campus, 2405 E. College Way.

• The Washington Fly Fishing Club is hosting a beginning fly-tying class starting Jan. 7 at the Mercer Island Covenant Church, 3200 78th S.E. Cost is $45. Details: 206-542-4623.

• The new nonprofit Cascade Musky Association is looking for members. Cost is $25 or $35 for a couple/family membership. Details: www.cascademuskyassociation.com or www.wafish.com.

• The Washington Fly Fishing Club meeting is 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Seattle Tennis Club. Please RSVP to attend meetings. Details: www.WFFC.com.

• The Western Bass Club meets every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Kennydale Hall in Renton. Details: www.westernbassclub.comor www.nickbarrfishing.com.

• The Washington Trails Association offers statewide trip reports and trail conditions. Details: www.wta.org.

• The Northwest Fly Anglers offer various public classes through the year. The public also is invited to club meetings on the third Thursday of each month, at the Haller Lake Community Center, 12579 Densmore Ave N., in North Seattle. Details: 206-684-7524.

• The Emerald Sea Dive Club offers year-round activities, including the big buddy program and weekly and monthly dives. The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month, 7-9 p.m. at Alfy's Pizza, 4820 196th SW in Lynnwood. Details: 425-775-2410 or www.emeraldseadiveclub.org.

• The Seattle Audubon Society offers field trips and classes every month. Details: 206-523-4483 or www.seattleaudubon.org.

• Northend Bassmasters is accepting new members who want to learn more about bass fishing. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Creek Cafe, 22620 Bothell-Everett Highway (Canyon Park) in Bothell. Details: 206-789-4259 or e-mail Gary Millard at glmillard@comcast.net.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com