For those who really, really procrastinate, some last-minute gifts for the outdoors enthusiast....

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2184866.jpg>

If you're outdoors -at all- and suffer from cold toes, heated insoles are appealing. Until you realize that the chemical ones need oxygen to heat and there's not that much in the bottom of a good boot. So...how about battery powered and rechargeable ones? Yep, those exist...Therma-Cell's newest units have flexible lithium polymer batteries, a remote control and are rechargeable up to 500 times. We've used a pair, and they're warm. But you're not going to get warm feet on the cheap. The MSRP's $134.99 per pair, but they're available from a variety of retailers and online for around $100.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2184868.jpeg>

Motorola has always been synonymous with radios. And their new Two-Way Talkabouts are advancing the two-way. I've been working with a pair of their new MU series two-ways and have found them to be awesome. They have a theoretical 35-mile range, and are pretty much weatherproof. They also have the ability to tune to the 7 NOAA weather radio channels to keep you up-to-date on weather conditions. Additionally, there's a small built-in flashlight that comes in handy when you just need a little bit of light and don't want to go searching for a flashlight. The primary attraction to me is the ability to connect the radio to a bluetooth headset and go wireless. If you've ever fumbled around in a ground blind, tree stand or on a bike with cords, you know the ability to simply use the push-to-talk button and speak is terrific. They're available nationwide, and the price for a pair is in the $100 range. Money well spent to keep in touch.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2184870.jpeg>

I own and regularly use GoPro (and other) action cameras. They're equally good for strapping to God-only-knows-what piece of sporting gear and shooting great photos- or pitching in a shirt pocket or pack just-in-case. But they can get knocked around -and the accessories are always a challenge to keep track of. That's where two affordable items from Incase Designs come in. I use their Protective Case ($29.95) on GoPro cameras just to give them a little extra shielding. It can be a pain to take off at times (think with gloves), but otherwise it's just another layer of protection. Their Accessory Organizer ($19.95) is a small, zippered ballistic nylon pouch with frosted TPU window panels. It lets me keep the GoPro accessories with each of the cameras. And when I'm not using the cameras, I simply zip them into the accessory case and it's all together for tossing into the car, boat, backpack or bike. Available nationwide or from the company at: https://www.goincase.com/shop/action-camera/ancase-accessory-organizer-for-gopro-hero3/

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2184872.jpeg>

Finally, a tool everyone can use. Stanley Works is synonymous with useful tools for any sort of work. And their TLM65 laser distance measurer might not seem to be a tool you'll use a lot in the outdoors, but I disagree. Since getting this affordable device (MSRP: $59.95 and available at Amazon, HomeDepot and others online) I have used it for everything from accurately measuring room sizes to make certain I ordered enough construction materials to making certain shooting targets supposedly at seven yards really were at twenty-one fee. One of my bowhunting friends borrowed it to accurately measure his 20-yard shooting arcs from his treestand, and credited the TLM65 with correcting a perception problem he had with distances from elevations. His archery gear corrected for the arcs, but his distances were wrong. Problem solved. It also calculates -instantly- square footage or volume of rooms- if you're ordering materials or HVAC, you'll appreciate it immediately.

That's all of the 2014 holiday suggestions- so you are on you own with six days left before Christmas. Get busy!