Warm the hearts, heels and heads of your favorite folks with these Northern Michigan oudoor gifts, all available at local stores.Â
Stetson Hat
A well-fitting Stetson fits in on the trout stream just as much as your favorite 4-weight rod. Check out the collaboration between Seager and Stetson or better yet, keep it local and have the haberdashers at Diversions (Traverse City) set you up.
Hults Bruk Akka Forrester’s Axe
Gotta love the nostalgia—and panache—of cutting your own firewood. This classic has a graceful, long hickory handle and weighs in at just 2.2 pounds—perfect for lugging along on camping trips. Find it at Jay’s Sporting Goods (locations in Gaylord and Clare).
Buff Neck Gaiter
A warm day and insects on the water bode well for the dry fly fisherman, but a searing sunburn and smacking flies on your neck is a heavy tax to pay. A breathable neck gaiter keeps ’em casting even when the no-see-ums are swarming. Check out Backcountry North (two locations in Traverse City).
Yeti Rambler TumblerÂ
Yes, a travel mug to outlast a winter of Michigan mornings. Made by the same company that engineered coolers to give a fresh elk haunch the deep freeze, these double-wall insulated tumblers will keep that predawn coffee brew piping hot long into any winter sojourn. Find one for everyone on your list at The Outfitter (Harbor Springs).
Smartwool Socks
Unwrapping socks as a child on holiday morn is about as enthralling as being shanghaied into shoveling the driveway. But somewhere along the line comes the paradigm shift and appreciation for warm toes. Snag a pair of Smartwool socks for your favorite winter walker at Snyder’s Shoes (Manistee).
Andrew Vandrie writes from Traverse City
