Billy Reid Fisherman Sweater ($188); Cabela’s 100% Cotton Thermal Henley ($24.99); Manatash Mountain Cabin Jacket ($188); Dents Shearling Lined Gloves ($105); S.N.S. Herning Torso Wool Beanie Hat ($90); Laguiole Knife ($95); Danner Stumptown Mountain Light Boots ($330); Stanley Classic 1.4 QT Vacuum Bottle ($35); Makr Carry Goods Farm Ruck Sack ($160); Filson Flannel Lined Pants ($195)

We may be a few months away from shoving off a dock, hoisting sail or paddling down stream, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get nautically prepared. For boating aficionados, water lovers and the maritime curious, the 50th annual Atlanta Boat Show is coasting in to town January 12–15 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

From kayaks to ski boats, crafts small and large will be on display from hundreds of exhibitors. Both beginners and experienced captains will have the opportunity to board and compare options boasting the latest innovations in marine gear, engines, design and technology. The 5-day event also has plenty of educational opportunities on boating, fishing and sailing including:

Fishing sessions – experience an underwater view of demonstrations in a 5,000 gallon aquarium stocked with native species, along with tips on saltwater and freshwater fishing, trophy bass tactics, fly fishing techniques, spotted bass secrets and an introduction to kayak fishing.

Sailing seminars – get started or expand your skills on sailing techniques, celestial navigation and sailboat chartering.

Do it yourself seminars and hands-on clinics – learn to maintain, repair or upgrade your boat from certified marine technicians.

Getting started in boating – make the most of your time on the water by choosing a boat that fits your budget and lifestyle.

The show will also feature the largest indoor wake park in the country, a 200,000-gallon park with wall rides, spine kickers, quarter pipes and pipe rails. Watch some of the nation’s best riders pull off stunts and tricks during daily exhibitions.

If your New Year’s Resolution is to reduce stress in your life, studies show that spending time on the water is one of the top anxiety-relieving activities. So, capitalize on the cold down-time to plan some spring relaxation with a visit to the Atlanta Boat Show.

Photo by Rémi Carrerio.

We thought it was time to check back in with one of our favorite purveyors of manly goods, the Best Made Co. Since covering their axes a year back, founder Peter Buchanan-Smith has continued to source, manufacturer and design striking and unique goods of substance.

For this winter, four items in particular caught our eye:

Stay warm while cutting that Frasier fir with the Red Cap of Courage. A 3 1/2 oz. knit cashmere with embroidered badge that’s one size fits all; it’s classic and warm.

Perfect as a fireside companion, the Famous Red Wool Blanket was designed by Best Made. This 90 x 90 (queen size) blanket is 82% domestic wool, 18% cotton and was woven on a wide Jacquard Monobloc loom at the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills in Oregon.

The “Stay Sharp” Horn Whiskey Tumbler Set (of two) are made of polished – and ethically sourced – Ankole cattle horn by a 170 year old horn works company in England. A fitting complement to that single malt on Christmas Eve.

For those holiday pancake feasts with the extended family, Best Made’s “Big Jug” of Organic Maple Syrup is pure U.S. Grade A medium Amber and made by the North Family, a small, 60-year-old, New Hampshire-based, family-owned business that produces their syrup using renewable energy, biodiesel and sustainably-harvested firewood.

There is so much new fangled hunting gear out there these days. High-tech gadgets and fancy apparel have flooded the market, and something has been lost in the shuffle. Hunting is a heritage sport, passed down from generation to generation; part of its appeal is the timeless and classic nature of it. This goes for the gear as well.

Making “tough, comfortable outdoor clothing for hunters and fishermen, engineers and explorers, mariners and miners,” the Filson company was originally formed in 1897 to serve the men of the Great Klondike Gold Rush. Because of this, founder C.C. Filson could only produce the very best – it was a matter of life and death for his customers.

“Try to recall your sensations on the coldest night you have ever known: try to intensify the most bitter ice blast that has ever pierced your marrow by a thousandfold; even then you will not be able to realize spring in the Chilkoot Canyon, far less midwinter on the Klondike.” – Diary of Hume Nisbet, 1897.

From that dramatic birth, Filson has gone on to become synonymous with excellence in the outdoor goods industry, and is governed by a classic design aesthetic. The company recently shared with us theirGuide Waterfowl Sweater, Mackinaw Field Pants, Uplander Boots, Sportsman’s Bag, and Scoped Gun Case, which we put to use in the woods hunting the mighty whitetail.

All the gear more than lived up to Filson’s sterling reputation and drew envious stares and comments from fellow hunters upon arrival at camp.

A Filson bag is unmistakable. The heavy-gauge, bridle-leather straps, sturdy and shiny brass zippers and buttons, and thick, water-repellant canvas all exude masculinity and dependability. It can’t help but stand out from the nylon pack.

The weighty Mackinaw wool pants and dense guide sweater were a perfect early morning replacement for the warmth of a down sleeping bag. They turned the pre-dawn sit in the woods from one of endurance until the sun rose, to a comfortable enjoyment of the fall chill, welcoming that moment before sunrise when the air grows the coldest.

The Uplander Boots offered both stability and support through the days, the broad base leveling the uneven soil of a plowed field; the stiff, new leather gradually softening for its metamorphosis into a well-molded companion.

Unfortunately our outings did not produce the sought after trophy buck, but because of our gear, we relished the time outdoors nonetheless. For these and more “gifts that last,” visit Filson.com.

Photo by Andy Lee

Deer-hunting season is underway in the South, which means you may find yourself on the other end of an invite sometime soon. If you’re new to the sport, here are a few tips to get you started on the right foot.

Clothing – Camo is preferable and ideally it should blend with your surroundings (tree bark, dead leaves, brush, etc). However, pattern is more important than color as deer are partially color blind. Choose quieter fabrics (fleece/wool) to reduce sound and layer for warmth as you’ll get a lot colder once you sit still for some time. Pay special attention to your extremities by wearing thick socks, good boots, gloves and a cap.

Scent/Sight – Deer have a terrific sense of smell so you need to mask your scent, eliminate it, or both. There are sprays on the market to assist, but start by avoiding cologne, strong deodorants, detergents, and other pungent smells, like cigars. Deer have keen eyesight as well, so you’ll need to keep your movements to an absolute minimum once in your stand.

Set Up –Your set up should be based on what you’re hunting over (foot plot, trails, mating area), the wind direction and whether you’re in a tree stand or a ground blind. Tree stands, when available, give you a better range of sight, allow you to shoot safely towards the ground, and help with scent control. If there’s wind, you don’t want it carrying your scent into the food plot or target area so set up with it blowing in your face (assuming you’re facing the target area). Also, leave any vehicles a good distance away from your stand.

Time of Day – Mornings and evenings are traditionally the best because of feeding activity, though during the rut (when deer are mating) they can be active all day. For the morning, aim to be in your stand 30 minutes before daybreak. If you’re doing an evening hunt, stay until dark and then quietly slip out. Also, remember to only make a shot if you have enough light to see your target clearly. Length of hunts vary depending on desire, but 4 hours is typical.

Gear – You’ll need a rifle, shotgun (with buckshot or slugs) or bow/crossbow. You’ll also want a small pack to carry a flashlight, calls, snacks, a knife, extra clothes and rope (for bringing up your unloaded weapon once you are in your stand). A call isn’t necessary, but if you decide on one, use it sparingly and get a lesson first. A doe-bleat or a buck-grunt are good options.

Licenses/Safety – Pick up a license online or from your local sporting goods store. You’ll also need an orange safety vest, and a safety harness if you’re in an open-air tree stand. Don’t put a bullet in the chamber until you are seated in your stand and empty your chamber before getting up to leave.

Making the Shot – You always want to aim for the heart and lungs right behind the front shoulder of the deer if you’re looking at it broadside, about halfway up the body. If shooting it from the front, aim between the shoulders. Be aware of what is behind your target as the bullet or arrow will probably go through the body and wait for a clean shot, free of brush. If you make contact, wait 20 minutes before leaving your stand to give the deer a chance to die; tracking it too soon may cause it to keep running.

Processing – Once dead, field dress it (gut removal) as soon as possible if you’re able and then take it to a local processor to get your meat. Many processors will field dress it for an extra fee, but you’ll need to get it there quickly.