A Holiday Wish List for the Huntress
Britney Starr 11.20.14
Don’t know what to gift the huntress in your life this holiday season? Have no fear, below is a list of eight huntress-approved gift ideas for the outdoorswoman.
Próis Hunting & Field Apparel Archtach Down Jacket – $400
A recent addition to the stellar lineup at Próis (hunting clothing made by women, for women), the Archtach Down Jacket is sure to please the huntress on your Christmas list.
The jacket features 100 percent microfiber Ripstop fabric with durable weather resistance, 800 fill gray goose down, Lycra vented armpits and extra length to cover your tushy. The best part? This lightweight jacket folds down into its own pocket, making it the perfect item when packing for an out-of-state hunting trip.
Benchmade Steep Country knife – $115
The entire Benchmade HUNT line boasts products made from advanced materials usually reserved for spaceships and surgical equipment. My personal pick, the durable Steep Country knife, offers a 3.5-inch CPM S30V blade that is handy for opening hand warmers, notching out your hunting license and more. The Santoprene handle adds extra gripability in any weather condition, especially when you really need to get at those hand warmers.
Badlands Kali backpack – $160
The Kali backpack from Badlands (named after the Goddess of Hunting) is specifically designed to fit a women’s physique, including the following features: shorter torso, more contoured shoulder straps, specific center of gravity positioning, and a waist belt which is angled to fit the natural curvature of a women’s hips. Weighing in at just over two pounds, the ultra rugged and durable pack also comes with a 105-ounce hydration bladder compartment and the capability to attach a bow (using the pack straps) or rifle (with the purchase of an additional boot attachment) to the outside for hands-free movement.
SPOT Gen3 – $150–200
Give your huntress piece of mind this Christmas with the SPOT Satellite tracking system. For those hunters who travel to the backcountry, SPOT Gen3 allows you to send an SOS signal to emergency responders and allows family and friends to track your movements in real time.
Other features include Help/SPOT Assist that alerts chosen contacts that you need help in a non-life-threatening situation, the ability to check in with contacts, and custom messaging capabilities.
The device is available for $149.99, and the basic service plan starts at $49.99 per year.
Smartwool socks – $27
Happy feet equal a happy huntress, and Smartwool socks are the key to keeping her toes warm. Featuring ReliaWool technology these no-slouch socks offer durability, comfort and breathability, with a reasonable price point.
GoPro cameras and gear – price varies
A GoPro video camera is a great way to capture your hunting memories on film. Equipped with high-quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video, as well as burst photo, they can be worn on your person or attached to your gun/gear/sporting dog with the purchase of additional mounting accessories.
Eddie Bauer Yakima Breaks upland pants – $110
This women’s fit upland pants are a game changer for any huntress who likes to chase feathered quarry. Situated with a mid-rise waist, the pants are not too high, and not too low—just right! Their water-repellent, 500-denier CORDURA and 100 percent nylon fabric overlay provide optimal comfort and ease of movement when afield.
JetBoil Flash cooking system – $100
For pack-in hunts, the JetBoil Flash cooking system is a great addition to your hunting gear. Easily lit with the click of a button, the JetBoil quickly provides two cups of boiling water for hot beverages or freeze-dried meals.
Other features include a 1 liter FluxRing cooking cup with insulating cozy, adjustable stainless steel burner, color-change heat indicator and drink-through lid with pour spout and strainer. The bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowl. Mountain House freeze-dried meals ($6.79 to $9.99) are the perfect, hearty dinner to cook with your JetBoil while afield.
A southpaw from Michigan’s "North Woods," Britney Starr is a freelance writer and editor in the outdoor and shooting markets. She is part owner of Starr & Bodill African Safaris. In the fall, you will most likely find her in an aspen cutting with her German Shorthair Pointer, Wesson, hunting ruffed grouse and woodcock. She would prefer a beautiful over-and-under shotgun to jewelry, any day. Along with being a pro-staff member for Próis Hunting & Field Apparel, a member of Safari Club International, National Wild Turkey Federation, the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, Britney is the founder of the Women’s Outdoor & Shooting Industry Dinner, held annually during SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nev. Britney truly has an affinity for all things outdoors and strives to connect with and empower other women who share her love of hunting and shooting, or are interested in becoming more involved in those activities.
