C&K’s ANNUAL 2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GRAB BAG

C&K’s Annual HOLIDAY GIFT GRAB BAG

Peak UK Thermal Rashy: Peak UK proves its whitewater-rooted apparel can cross over to the surf (or simply be used as a baselayer ready to stand alone if things heat up) with its warm, quick-drying, four-way stretch fleece/Lycra Thermal Rashy, featuring a paddling specific cut ($55 l/s, $48 s/s, peakukus.com
).

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Immersion Research Arbolito: Even though they aren’t exactly designed for river immersion, IR’s track record with durable and stylish, well-cut outerwear makes the rugged Arbolito “work pant” worth considering for the long off-water winter days on the job. The sand-colored, jean-cut pants are made with made with a tough, yet surprisingly soft 55-45 percent hemp/organic cotton canvas blend. ($68, immersionresearch.com
)

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Outdoor Research Arroyo: Keep the sun off that raft guide bum on your holiday list with the Arroyo shirt from Outdoor Research. The classic, Western snap-button look in three colors with a few modern updates (Dri-release polyester-cotton blend for moisture-wicking comfort in a light 12 oz. package) will stay cool under any PFD ($55, outdoorresearch.com
).

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Watermans Applied Science: Ever apply sunscreen only to have your hands slip and slide on your paddle like a kid on, well, a Slip ‘N Slide? Watermans Applied Science sunscreen offers UV protection that the company guarantees won’t make your hands slippery or run into your eyes with perspiration. According to the California-based company, one in five people will deal with skin cancer at some point in their lives, putting paddlers at a high risk. That’s why Watermans makes a 33 SPF lip balm ($3) and a hands-free face stick ($16) and face cream that comes in an easy-to-apply pump ($20), both available in 18-, 33- and 55-SPF strength (watermansappliedscience.com
).

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Primus PowerLighter: Stuff that stocking with a little packaged Promethean pyro power—a narrow, concentrated 2372-degree flame, to be exact. The Primus PowerLighter makes ignition a breeze in any breeze and can be refilled from any standard cartridge gas canister($17, primuscamping.com
).

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?Black Diamond Titan: Speaking of lighting things up, Black Diamond illuminates campsites as wide as 45 feet with its largest lantern, kicking out 250 max lumens of bright, ambient light from a QuadPower LED. Powered with four D alkaline batteries, the lantern’s brightness is adjustable and its housing extends from 7.9 to 9.9 inches ($79, blackdiamondequipment.com
).

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ICON Rogue 2: Need a little more directed light? The ICON Rogue 2 has an easy-gripping slight triangular shape, and with 72 hours of runtime, two-stage LED output (high and low) this light (3.8 ounces) and rugged, waterproof superlight makes one indestructible paddle trip companion ($47, opticsplanet.com
).

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Princeton Tec Fuel: You’ll find another adept night-lighting stocking stuffer for hands-free headlamp junkies in Princeton Tec’s new Fuel, with four, 5-mm LEDs and 43 lumens of light. What’s a lumen? Who cares, it burns way brighter and for longer than the average fuel you’re burning, is water resistant, weighs 78 grams and has four operating modes ($26, princetontec.com
).

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Gerber Crucial Tool: Cut it, slice it, grip it, twist it, screw it and then clip it to go. Gerber’s new Multi-plier, the Crucial, packs the essentials (pliers with wire cutters, a blunt-tipped half serrated/fine-edge blade, two screwdrivers and a carabineer/bottle opener) in a compact, 5-ounce package light enough to stow in your PFD ($58, gerbergear.com
).

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Helly Hansen HH Dry Stripe Crew Graphic: For 35 years, the HH Dry has proven itself as one of, if not the, driest baselayer on the market. Chalk up the latest generation’s dry factor to Lifa Stay Dry Technology material, what the Norwegian manufacturer likes to think of as a “moisture super highway.” Now these guaranteed dry, polyester-polypropylene tops boast a stylish infusion of graphics. Because as Santa may have always said, you can’t stay warm if you can’t stay dry ($45, hellyhansen.com
).

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Ecogear Mojave Tui: If you’re in need of an eco-conscious gear tote, Ecogear has you covered with its “ultra-utilitarian” packs. The Mojave Tui (from its Genus Line) is made of Ecogear’s patented Ecoweave (constructed of PVC-free 1680D ballistic nylon & 300D ripstop) and other sustainable components to deliver solid, guilt-free gear, or even laptop, hauling solutions ($40, ecogear-products.com
).

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Kokatat Tropos Light Breeze/Squirt: If you’re escaping a white Christmas to head for warmer climes, pack Kokatat’s light version of its Super Breeze, or, the short-sleeve Light Squirt training top. Both are a minimalist’s dream, featuring sealed seams of waterproof/breathable TROPOS Light material and an adjustable, Lycra-coated splash collar and cuffs, plus drawcord waists to keep off the wind, water and especially—cross your fingers—the sun ($76 TL Breeze, $59 TL Squirt, kokatat.com
).

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ExOfficio Neptune Crew: ExOfficio, known for its heavily pocketed travel wear, is breaking into the baselayer market full fury. The Neptune is a formidable paddle top for warm weather, featuring varied surface fabric for easy wicking, quick drying and UV protection (SPF 30-plus). It’s even treated with Nanoplex to resist the odors from sweating out those lavish holiday meals ($54, exofficio.com
).

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Atayne Grind T: Sick of plastic bottles in you favorite paddling waters? Turn that trash into a gift with this Portland, Maine-based company’s 100 percent-recycled polyester (from post-consumer plastic bottles) performance shirts, featuring boater-boasting graphics, quick-wicking abilities and a naturally-derived, odor-fighting Chitosan treatment for the stinkiest paddler on your list ($39, atayne.com
).

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