It’s our first annual Kitchen Unnecessary gift guide. Below is a list of some of our favorite gear for enjoying the great outdoors. We hope you find this list helpful.
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1. Herne Wool jacket This is definitely an everyday wear for me. It’s warm enough as a jacket for most days here in the PNW. On the very cold days this works well as a layer. Love the fit and the style.
2. Kitchen Unnecessary Beanie - Who doesn’t need another beanie? No one wants cold ears. This helps.
3. Truffle Dog Co. - Truffle Hunt - It’s truffle season here in the PNW and I’m ready for it. Well, ready to head out with the Truffle Dog Co. Need a group gift? Organize a trip to head out in the woods and find this special ingredient. A truly unforgettable experience.
4. Mycologos - Mushroom Course - This is on my list this year. While I’m comfortable identifying a few choice edible mushrooms I am really eager to learn more about mushrooms. This class is thorough and enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.
5. A guided fishing excursion - Check In with your local fly shop to see what sort of trips they offer. I gifted Gabe with a guided fly fishing trip on the Yakima river last year with Red's Fly Shop and it was one of our favorite days from the year.
6. Orvis Encounter 5-Weight 9' Fly Rod Outfit (5wt, 9'0", 4pc) This rod was recommended to us by guides both young and old while fishing our way through Utah. Affordable, yet fishable. This rod and reel combo is a really great place to start if you’re considering getting into fly fishing. It’s also a respectable option if you’re looking to add a 5wt to your arsenal.
7. Opinel No. 8 knife - Whether it’s a hike, a hunt, an outdoor cooking excursion or a foraging trip I’m never not carrying this knife. The classic simple design is hard to beat.
8. Opinel mushroom knife - Another Opinel knife. This mushroom knife has both the hooked blade and a stiff bristled brush.
9. Foraging basket - I’ve been following Slater’s Handwoven Baskets for a while on Instagram. The baskets Corey makes are beautiful and I’ve got one on my personal wish list. ;)
10. Plant a tree - Earlier this year I read an article about the power of trees to fight climate change. With such a huge and daunting issue facing our world today it’s hard to know what we can do to help. Plant a tree! We have given the gift of trees as wedding gifts and to friends who understand the impact. It’s perfect for the friend or family member who is not looking to add more things but wants to make a difference.
11. Field Company Cast Iron - This is my favorite cast iron pan. Cleans like a dream and is much lighter than most. I use it at home and at the campsite.
12. Stanley Flask In order to catch a fish you need to drink like a fish - or so they say. This flask conveniently fits into my front pocket on my waiters so you know, if the fishing is bad at least you have something to keep you company or if it’s good you can have something to celebrate with.
13. Pocket Bellows Our guide in Montana, Ranga, introduced us to this amazing tool. It’s perfect for getting the fire going. It is now in our outdoor cooking kit that goes with us on all of our adventures. (Watch the Montana Episode fishing and cooking with Ranga)
14. National Park Field Notes I am never without a notebook and I love this new series inspired by our National Parks. With each purchase of this series Field Notes donates 5% to the National Park Service.
15. John Geirach Book John Gierach just might really be the best fishing writer. He’s certainly our front runner. He finds a way to put express how fly fishing makes you feel and captures the nuances of this beautiful pastime that keep us all returning to the water.
16. Sitka Long Unders Sitka makes light, medium, and heavy weight base-layers and they also have a Merino Wool version that’s a little more expensive. The Sitka Hoody is on Gabe’s personal Holiday List. These are great for staying warm in your waders when fishing during the colder months.
17. Straw Hat This hat let’s the world know that you’re serious about taking it easy. Blocks the sun from melting your face and your piña colada. A strap to help provide a snug fit and keep this beauty on your head while you ride horses on the beach. Ours has held up well over time.
18. Miir Pourigami
19. All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms
20. Modern Huntsman A beautiful bi-annual publication with a knack for curating stunning imagery and thought provoking story telling. They care about hunting and conservation and furthering conversations about the both. We can’t wait for their Woman’s Edition.
We also have lists of our favorite items for outdoor cooking as well as our library of outdoor related reading, some of which would make great holiday gifts.
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