(Left - JJ Powell Hunter's Flask / Right - Filson Hip Flask)
While doubled up plastic bags may have worked for a four year stint, they don’t travel as well with your outdoor gear, tux or business attire. These days, a dapper and leakproof flask complements the weekend away much better. Though they come in a plethora of styles, sizes and shapes, we picked three that you’ll be proud to pull out when toasting your mates.
-J.L. Powell, Hunter’s Flask (Leather & Sterling): Made from hand-bound sterling and English bridle leather, this companion carries 7.5 ounces and includes two stainless steel shot-size cups. $178
-Filson, Bridle Leather & Stainless Steel Hip Flask: Traditionally shaped and wrapped in bridle leather, this carrier holds 6 ounces and features an attached screw cap so you don’t misplace it when pouring. $67.50
-Orvis, CFO Flask: The largest of the three, this circular flask features leather wrapped over stainless steel, includes a funnel and holds 10 ounces. $69
Clotheshorse: Tired of jeans? Check out Bonobos for a selection of relaxed, but styling, trousers.
Yardman: Battle the leaves with a gas-powered Stihl SH 86 C-E Vacuum/Blower ($270) or an electric Toro Super Blower Vac ($70). Both produce hurricane force winds and can mulch/bag as well.
Executive: Check out custom suites, shirts and come-to-your-office pampering with the Tom James Company. Shirts from London-based clothier Thomas Pink are a good option and for the accoutrements, keep Mont Blanc in mind.
Hiker/Camper: Keep hydrated and free from stomach bugs with the Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Microfilter ($60 on Amazon).
Sportsman: Versatile, reliable and virtually indestructible, the Benelli SuperNova ($500) shotgun is a well-regarded option for the hunter. For those who prefer the quiet trout waters, consider the ultra-packable, and top of the line LT5 fly rod ($700) or the award-winning Vapor ($315) rod. Both are made by Winston, a premiere outfitter, break down into 5 and 4 pieces respectively and come in a variety of ‘weights’ to finesse the small streams of N. Georgia or the open waters of the Rocky Mountains. For less expensive outdoor options, look at Filson, Orvis and the London Trading Co. for appropriate apparel and accessories.
Fitness Buff: Developed by a Navy Seal, and now travel-ready, try the Perfect Pushup hand grips that help develop the upper body properly and cheaply ($50). If you’re a runner, consider the Nike+ Runners Gift Pack, ($129) which includes a shoe sensor, iPod adapter and $100 Nike gift card to purchase the new pair of Nike+ shoes. (Nike+ shoes have a slot for a shoe sensor which communicates instant voice feedback through your iPod of run distance, time, pace and calories burned.) Also available is the compatible Nike+ iPod watch remote for $69.
Music Lover: If you can’t leave home without the iPod, but are always on the go, see the super-portable and affordable Altec Lansing Orbit ($30) iPod speaker. If you’re a homebody and audiofile, consider the extraordinary Zeppelin ($600) by Bowers & Wilkins. To keep you in the know, put a subscription to Atlanta-based, national music magazine Paste on your list.
Chef: Ask for the gift of knowledge with Viking Cooking Classes.
Tech Junkie: For those who have not yet made the plunge into the land of LCDs, you’re in luck as they just keep improving. The following options (all by Samsung) are considered some of the very best available: LN52A650 (52″), LN46A650 (46″), LN40A650 (40″), & LN22A650 (22″). For a less expensive option, check out the miniature Flip Video Mino HD video camera for $230 on Amazon.
RoadWarrior: Look to the new breed of mini-laptop, the netbook. Dell tops the CNET charts with their Inspiron Mini 9, weighing in a 2.28 lbs. (Starting at $349)
Bookworm: For a tale of the famous southern maverick, pick up Call Me Ted about none other than Mr. CNN himself. Others of interest include Warren Buffet’s The Snowball, Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Billionaire energy entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens’ The First Billion is the Hardest. Peruse the NY Times Bestsellers List here for options and consider a year-long print and online subscription to the Wall Street Journal for $99 or just print service of The Economist for $117.
Energy (or money) Saver: Look at the Black & Decker Power Monitor ($99). It comes with a wireless transmitter that attaches to your electric meter and a handheld unit (for inside) that gives real-time feedback on power use and corresponding cost. The information enables you to monitor the effects of various appliances and living situations, receive month-to-date power costs and an estimated end of the month bill total.
With bird hunting season upon us, make an investment in your wingshooting skills at the prestigious Orvis Shooting School at Barnsley Gardens. One of just a handful nationwide, the school offers expert instruction for novice and veteran shooters alike based on the English Churchill method of shotgunning.
Through real-time practice on clays, the school teaches a complete shooting system, focusing on key areas like stance and footwork, swing, gun handling, visual concentration, proper mounting and gun fit. If, after the one or two-day course, you’re up for live action, tack on a quail hunt at the Gardens to put your new skills to use.
Located just 60 miles north of Atlanta, Barnsley Gardens was voted one of the “Top Places in the World to Stay” by Conde Nast Traveler and offers services including golf, fly-fishing, hunting, riding and a full-service spa.
