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 it should be comfortable, too. These are some of the items he uses to ensure a memorable, 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 and made from weather-resistant fabric.
- Gazelle T4 tent — this tent is the featured image on this blog. The tent comfortably accommodates three people and is tall enough for easy movement. 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 ovens — Dutch ovens spread heat evenly and keep food warmer longer than aluminum ones. These versatile ovens let you cook a wide range of meals while camping, including desserts. They are heavy, so they are not suitable for backpacking trips.
- Coleman Auto Ignite Camp Stove — designed for outdoor cooking. The high-pressure regulator ensures a steady flame in all weather, while wind shields shield the flame from the 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 can light fires even in the wind and rain.
- Lifetime 55L cooler — designed for durability, with a tough construction and insulated body/lid. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is built for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking Supplies
- Garmin Mini InReach–Hiking somewhere off the grid? Stay in touch with this compact hiking GPS and satellite 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 peace of mind is worth it.
- Merrell Hiking Boots — Hiking boots that fit and are broken in correctly are critical for a safe, enjoyable hike. James prefers Merrells, but you will need to find a pair that fits you.
- Paragon 48 backpack — this versatile, lightweight backpack is ideal for overnight and weekend trips. It features an adjustable harness, multiple pockets for organization, a 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 lightweight, they are reasonably spacious, allowing for a comfortable overnight rest.
- Compass with declination adjustments — you should always carry one, 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://www.myoutdoorjoy.com/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 designed to meet the diverse needs of divers, and it is known for its quality construction and reliability.
- Goal Zero Yeti 750 power generator — this compact, rugged power station is built for the outdoors. It can be used for years and can power portable refrigerators, grills, and many other tools.
We hope you found something here to treat yourself to this holiday season!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I have worked in the environmental education field for over 20 years, including work at zoos, aquariums, nature centers, and now state parks. My goal over the years has been to help people connect with nature and the animals that live there. I love taking people who find nature scary or intimidating and showing them how fun it can be. I have worked with wolves, cougars, monkeys, snakes, alligators, and sharks. My mom keeps asking me why I work with predators so much. She wishes I’d work with bunnies instead!
I love reading, scuba diving, kayaking, and anything else that involves water. I am not much of a hiker, but I love sitting in the forest and listening to the wind. I will travel anywhere you want me to go, and I genuinely believe seeing how others live, and love is the best way to understand others. One of my favorite memories is when I was accepted into a wolf pack that I worked with as a teenager. Two juvenile males sandwiched me between them and gave me a hug-—nothing like being the middle of a wolf sandwich!
