Father’s Day for outdoor lovers

Next Sunday, June 17, is Father’s Day. For many people there will be the last minute decision on what to get Dad. We offer up a few suggestions for the outdoorsman in your life

The best gift you can give your Dad is yourself. Make time to spend a special day doing something together. Plan on doing something that he really enjoys, whether it is boating, hiking, fishing, or any similar outing. Perhaps you can do something that you both enjoyed doing while you were growing up. For example taking a day to go fishing can help recreate the bond and pleasure that you had while you were growing up and he arranged the fishing trips.

Of course if you don’t like your father be sure to get him a wallet, cell phone cover, or knife in camouflage pattern. That gift is certain to not last very long. Did you ever wonder if the people who develop these things in unnecessary camo are sadistic fiends or just morons who never consider that people will drop these items and never find them?

Like any gift, it is the thought rather than the price tag that counts. If money is no object, you might consider getting dad a new Hurricane Santee Sport kayak. Especially if Dad is springing for a trip to Alaska and taking you along, you may want to think big.

But for those on a limited budget, especially youngsters, some nice fishing lures are always appreciated. Other nice and thoughtful items might include a knife or multi-tool, some gaiters for protection against ticks, or a new cap for fishing or hiking.

If you are thinking of something bigger some new items that I have recently acquired are the Equinox jacket, the new Slumberjack sleeping bag, or the Thermacell Radius Mosquito Repellent. A review and description of each follows.

Northward Jacket: Equinox & Solstice has launched the Northward Jacket, a windproof, waterresistant and breathable jacket that not only looks great, but helps local disadvantaged youth. With every Northward Jacket purchased, Equinox & Solstice will gift the same jacket to a local kid in need.

The Northward jacket is made of breathable stretch polyester blend fabric to ensure a cozy feel and proper fit. The Northward Jacket is also windproof and water resistant so you can don it in various types of weather ranging in temperatures from 15 - 75 degrees. Key features include an elastic draw cord hem and adjustable Velcro cuff with an attached hood with a sealed seam, peripheral cord adjustment, a rain visor, and convenient zippered pockets. The Northward Jacket is lightweight (less than 2 lbs.), wrinkle resistant, and can be folded up into a small space (9x9 inches),

With its soft shell and medium weight, this jacket not only feels nice and is practical, it looks good too. The jacket features an Equinox & Solstice logo so that others can easily see that the jacket purchased helped a youth in the local community.

With every jacket sold, one is gifted to a local kid in need.

Once a jacket is purchased, Equinox & Solstice will work with a partnered local nonprofit organization within 50 miles of the purchaser’s home to find a kid in need of a new jacket to ensure a local impact is made. Once identified, the kid will get a gift card for a new jacket where they can order their size and color to ensure a jacket that perfectly fits them both functionally and fashionably. The jacket will be shipped directly to the kid at their preferred location, be it home, school or the non-profit organization.

Check out the Northward jacket and the program at www.equinoxsolistice.com.

Slumberjack Sleeping Bags: Spring and summer mean fishing trips, camping, or even an overnight sleeping out and gazing at the stars. Essential to all these activities is a good sleeping bag where you can rest in comfort after a busy day in the outdoors. Slumberjack makes a wide variety of models geared for different uses and temperatures, including backpacking.

For example the Wheeler Lake 20 model that I have is geared for spring and summer nights when the temperature might get down to about 20 degrees. Other models are designed to keep you warm at temperatures of minus 20. All are made with quality materials and careful construction and designed with little things to keep you comfortable. It is warm and comfortable to use.

The Wheeler Lake models come with a unique zippered hood that lets you bundle up on cooler nights or lay it f lat to spread out as a platform for your favorite pillow. The large “Toes up” footspace provides additional room for your feet and enhanced comfort. Layered, offset quilt construction prevents cold spots from uneven distribution of insulation. Slumberloft insulation provides superior warmth while reducing weight to a total of 5 lb., 3 oz. A draft tube along the zipper keeps cold air out and prevents heat loss. One caution is that it is easy to get the cloth caught in the zipper. This can add to needless fussing and frustration in the dark when you are ready to sleep.

This model will fit up to a 6 foot, 4 inch person and folds out to 84 x 34 inches. The shell and and liner fabric are 190-T Polyester. A stuff sack is included. Other youth models have a Go-nGrow feature specifically designed to expand with a growing child. Check out the many varieties available for any outdoor usage at www.slumberjack.com.

Thermacell Radius Mosquito Repellent: Summer is finally here and we all look forward to warm summer nights sitting on the dock, fishing, or relaxing around the campfire while camping. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are part of the picture on most summer evenings here in upstate NY. I have written many times about the various devices that Thermacell makes that are very effective in protecting you from mosquitoes and black f lies. They really work! Now Thermacell has some new products that are equally effective but have some different operating features.

The Thermacell Radius is a cool new product that uses proven technology to repel mosquitoes and is scent-free, highly effective and portable. Plus, they are aesthetically appealing, just the thing to set on your deck and patio. The Radius is the first rechargeable, compact and powerful mosquito solution. Just the touch of a button provides hours of comfort. Instead of the usual butane cartridge it runs on a battery and has timing features.

The Radius features a rechargeable USB Lithium-ion battery. It is cordless, lightweight, minimalist design, and has an automatic shut off timer. It is fast acting - the zone of protection forms in just minutes with up to six hours of run time per charge. Long life refills are available, up to 40 hours each. There are no sticky sprays, oily lotions, or active ingredients that can damage gear, or messy fuels or smoke. For those who travel to southern climates in winter it is airtravel friendly.

A Lithium Ion battery choice of power enables a single refill system. Long-life Radius refills are available with up to 40 hours of repellent action and can be started and stopped as often as needed. The lithium-ion battery is USB rechargeable, allowing for up to six hours of run time per charge, and even features an automatic shut off timer. The Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent System is available for purchase in many outdoor supply stores or check Thermacell.com for information.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the column, the important thing is the thought behind the gift. But a little thought can help give a gift that will be appreciated and used as well.

SHORT CASTS

Salmon River Falls: In a recent column on Oswego County I mentioned Salmon River Falls as a place worth visiting. For those who are not familiar with this beautiful spot, it is a 110 foot waterfall and 3,000 foot long gorge in public access called the Salmon River Falls Unique Area. It is easily reached by going on Rt 13 to Altmar, taking county Rt. 22 past the hatchery and Lighthouse Hill Reservoir, then turning right onto Falls Road. About a mile up the road is a parking area. From there a hardened surface trail runs along the northern edge of the gorge to an overlook with handrails. A restricted area around the cliff face and plunge pool is established for safety.

See Oswego County Tourism at www.visitorsoswegocounty.com.