Xmas gifts for outdoorsy types

WOOLLY WARMERS

These are a great idea for those who feel the cold, suffer from arthritis or other aches and pains, or just appreciate locally-made natural products.

The therapeutic heat pads are hand made on a farm in Boort, in north central Victoria, from allergy-free soft wool, cotton and wheat, Just throw in the microwave for a couple of minutes and they stay warm for ages.  

There are 19 different options targeting all parts of your body, so you’ll never freeze in the caravan again.

Prices start at $30, from Woolly Warmers.

KOMBI CAMPER TENT??

Don’t let the kids have all the fun, with this free-loving, four-person tent.

Officially licensed by Volkswagen, it’s a full-size replica of the 1965 love-mobile. It’s no toy however, with everything you need in a proper tent including a sewn-in waterproof groundsheet and two separate compartments divided by zipped walls.

It’s also large enough to stand in, and the doors open, just like on the original Kombi.

Price including postage in Australia is $399 from Righteous Kombis.

VINTAGE CARAVAN CALENDAR

??Brighten up the wall of any garage, kitchen or caravan with Vintage Caravan magazine’s 2014 calendar.

Recreating the style and pizzazz of a bygone era, the fun calendar features striking photos of 12 of the world’s cutest vintage vans accompanied by suitably attired pin-up models.

It will make you want to rush out and restore your very own teardrop van!

Get one for $20 plus postage from Vintage Caravan Magazine.

GREY NOMAD DVD

There are plenty of books on caravanning, but not too many ‘how-to’ DVDs.

Enter West Australia’s Sid Whiting and his wife Sandie, who have turned their on-road experiences into eight DVDs aimed at both beginners as well as experienced travellers.

‘Grey Nomad 101’ and ‘Grey Nomad 102’ cover the tricks and traps of life on the road, while other DVDs have specific themes such as the Nullarbor and tackling the far north in the wet season.

There’s even Sandie doing her best Nigella impersonation in Caravan Cooking 101.

Check them out at Grey Nomad 101.

HAPPY CAMPER GOURMET HAMPER

Happy Camper gourmet meals are designed to be a healthy, fast food option when you’re on the road.

Using local produce and stored in long-life packets, the tasty, nutritious meals are designed for a range of palates, with everything from Drover’s Beef ‘n’ Bean to Redwine and Rosemary Lamb Shank. Just heat and serve.

In time for Christmas are three hamper options. Priced from $44.95, they include goodies like a Christmas apron, Bush Christmas Fruity Damper mix, and a range of finger-lickin’ meals.

Check them out at Happy Camper Gourmet.?

ALL CLASS, NO GLASS??

Palm Products’ fancy range of unbreakable drinkware will add a touch of glamour to any camping experience. ??

The Melbourne-based company sells its stylish range of glasses, bowls, jugs, plates and other high quality injection moulded components, around the world.

Choose from the regular range of glassware from around $2 each to the award-winning Mark Newson range with their oh-so-cool coloured bases, from $8.95.

Find out more at Palm Products.

DIGITAL PRODDER

This one’s perfect for the bloke who has everything… or perhaps the BBQ expert who ‘char grills’ everything he touches!

The digital thermometer fork displays a meat’s internal temperature just three seconds after inserting it, ensuring perfectly cooked meat every time.

It has five preset meat types, up to four cooking preferences, and an audible alarm.

For retail outlets see Companion.

SLEEP WALKER ??

The Selk’bag is a ‘onesie’ for campers and outdoor adventurers.

Basically, it’s a sleeping bag that allows you to move, with a hood, leg venting system, double sided zips that can be accessed from inside, and padded feet.

There are a number of options, including the top-spec Patagon which has detachable booties, and a Kids version, all in a range of exciting colours.

Prices start at $99, from Selkbag.

LIGHTWEIGHT LITHIUM POWER

Portable power packs are a great idea for running your gadgets when you’re far away from civilization, but those using a regular deep cycle battery can get quite heavy.

A lighter and more expensive alternative is a lithium portable power pack. Priced at $950, the CL 750 pack comes with a Li-Polymer 12 volt 16 amp battery system which has its own smart charger and solar panels, all in a case weighing 5.4kg.

Or if you’re feeling really generous, the CL 2000 power pack has a 48 amp ion polymer battery (the equivalent of a 100aH battery) with fast recharging, all weighing just 9kg ($1995).

Check them out at CamperLED Australia.

DOUBLE THE FUN

The Feswave Double Fun chair is the camping equivalent of the loveseat.

The double seat has a quad fold design, and no armrests to make it suitable for a couple of kids (or adults) at a table.

The lightweight chair folds down to fit neatly into a carry bag, and comes in pink or green patterns perfect for summer.

It costs $59 from Coleman.