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Santa snowboards in with some outdoor holiday gift ideas

2020 News Tribune Northland Outdoors holiday gift guide

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Santa Claus (Sam Luoma) holds gifts as he snowboards down the hill at Chester Bowl in Duluth. (Jed Carlson / jcarlson@superiortelegram.com)

You’d think he might be sick of winter, what with living at the North Pole and all. But Santa was just as eager to get out and enjoy the little early snow we had this year as anyone else in the Northland.

Mr. Claus — a.k.a. Old St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, the Big Man in Red, Mr. Ho Ho Ho — was spotted recently shredding the gnar at Chester Bowl in Duluth, riding his snowboard down the hill and catching some air while showing off at the terrain park well before the ski and snowboard area was officially open.

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Santa Claus (Sam Luoma) catches air as he holds gifts while snowboarding down the hill at Chester Bowl in Duluth. (Jed Carlson / jcarlson@superiortelegram.com)

Santa (a.k.a. Sam Luoma, programs and operations manager at Chester Bowl) was carrying his big sack of gifts, probably training for the big day on the 25th. But he was hard to track down, gone in a flash once he did that finger-along-his-nose thing and the reindeer flew in to scoop him up.

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We did manage to get a peek into the sack, however, and saw that he had filled it with suggestions from local Northland stores, artists and manufacturers — all sorts of outdoors gear and goodies. So we’ve listed them here for some gift-giving inspiration for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list. All of the items are available locally, and some are even made locally. Many are listed at less than $50.

So here is the 2020 News Tribune Northland Outdoors Holiday Gift Guide, back for another year. Enjoy!

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Santa Claus (Sam Luoma) holds gifts as he snowboards down the hill at Chester Bowl in Duluth. (Jed Carlson / jcarlson@superiortelegram.com)

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Snow Sleeves

These stretchy sleeves fit over gloves and jackets to keep out snow and cold. One size fits all. Wash and dry on normal. Wicks moisture, block drafts. Use as fingerless gloves too.

Price: $24.99, Trimbo’s store, AdventureUs, in downtown Washburn, getadventureus.com.

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DAM Goods & Gear Vinyl Sticker

Price: $3. DAM Goods & Gear, 218-349-9970, damgoodsandgear.com

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DAM Goods & Gear Landing Net

Custom made to fit your style of fishing. All nets are made from reclaimed, recycled wood plus the history of wood is passed on to you.

Price: $180, DAM Goods & Gear, 218-349-9970, damgoodsandgear.com

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Goal Zero Crush Light

Hang it, light it, crush it. A solar-powered lantern designed for convenience. Features three light settings and can be recharged via the built in solar panel or USB plug-in. A multi-color model is also available to bring a campsite or patio to life. Price: $20-$25,Trailfitters, 218-6776, trailfitters.com.

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Merino Wool Socks

Everyone's favorite gift to stay warm and cozy through the winter. Whether you are hitting the trails or curling up with a good story, we have sock options to keep you comfortable. Smartwool, Darn Tough, and Farm to Feet have options to meet every adventure. Price: $15-2,Trailfitters, 218-6776, trailfitters.com.

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Frost River Sweatshirts

All Frost River Apparel is made in USA. Our crewneck sweatshirts are a blend 80/20 cotton/polyester, that much cotton makes it soft, the polyester adds durability and functional value outdoors. The Frost River logo with our caribou mascot is skillfully embroidered right here in Duluth. Invest in a sweatshirt that's easily wearable and display some Frost River pride.

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Multiple colors and styles available: Price $70 - $90, Frost River Trading Co., 218-727-1472, frostriver.com.

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HillSider Hip Pack

The HillSider Hip Pack is just the right size to carry what you need without overburdening a waistline. The lightweight 10.10oz waxed canvas stays neat and trim while offering great water and abrasion resistance. Twin zipper slides on the main opening allow cross body use if you choose to wear it over a shoulder, plus remain ambidextrous and southpaw friendly. A slim pack made for ascending Duluth's short and steep East Hillside. Keep it light for your 800-foot ascent. Price: $55, Frost River Trading Co., 218-727-1472, frostriver.com.

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Remington Fastsnap 2.0 Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Kit contains flexible rod for all calibers, brushes, patches and cleaning solutions. Packed in a zippered soft case. Price: $36.99, Superior Shooters Supply, Superior, 715-394-4982, superiorshooterssupply.com.

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Nebo Redline Big Daddy Flashlight

Features 2,000 lumens. 4X adjustable zoom, five lighting modes, waterproof, 346 meter beam on high. Price: $42.99, Superior Shooters Supply, Superior, 715-394-4982, superiorshooterssupply.com.

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Cribbage Boards

Cedar Cribbage boards from Castle Danger Woodworks in Two Harbors. Available in walleye shape, Lake Superior, or rectangle with a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness design. Each board is handmade and burned, and therefore one of a kind. Pegs are included in their own covered nooks. Price: $25-$42, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais, 218-387-3136, stoneharborws.com

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Luci Light Solar Smart Light + Speaker

Lightweight, water-resistant, and solar powered. This smart little light works with your Bluetooth phone and is your personal speaker, mobile charger, and wake-up light with unlimited color options. It includes a quick charge USB in addition to the solar panel. Price: $74.95, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais, 218-387-3136, stoneharborws.com

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Yooper Chook

Yooper Chooks are proudly made in the U.P. Of Michigan. They are made of a durable, warm fleece and each and every one features a face protection band that tucks up out of the way inside the hat when not in use. Available in assorted colors and adult sizes to fit every head and style. Price, $24.99, Northwest Outlet, Superior, 715-392-9838, northwestoutlet.com.

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Up North Mittens

Up North Mittens are another great product that are handmade in the U.P. These warm cozy mittens are made from recycled wool sweaters and have a super soft fleece lining. Since they are made of recycled material, no two pairs are exactly alike. Available in a wide assortment of colors in both women’s and children’s sizes. Price: $21.99 to $37.99, Northwest Outlet, Superior, 715-392-9838, northwestoutlet.com.

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Damage "Minnetallica" Graphic T-shirts and Hoodies

We have been printing this classic shop graphic for 15+ years.

Available in multiple color options in size XS-XXL on t-shirts and hoodies.

Price, $25-$60, Damage Boardshop, 218-724-4027, damageboardshop.com.

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Damage Boardshop Beanie

Limited edition cuffed knit "Damage" beanies.

Choose from our classic "tag" logo or our "side effects" graphic.

Price, $30, Damage Boardshop, 218-724-4027, damageboardshop.com.

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2021 “Place I’d Rather Be” Calendar

Over 100 designs featuring the places you love in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Available in magnets $6, 5x7 cards $5, poster prints $25, and more. Calendar cost: $20. Bemused Posters, www.bemusedposters.com

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Sock Guy Wool

The most comfortable sock you'll ever wear. This is made from a high performance blend of deluxe merino wool and polypropylene that keeps your feet warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Cost: $14.99, Twin Ports Cyclery, 218-624-4008, twinportscyclery.com

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Bar Mitts

Pogie type of cover designed for drop style handlebars, MTB, Commuter, Flat Bar, Jones H Bar and Various Townie bars. Can be used with regular cycling gloves of varying thickness. Easily installed and removed. Cost: $74.95, Twin Ports Cyclery, 218-624-4008, twinportscyclery.com

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Beaver Russian style fur hat

The ultimate cold weather hat for any winter outdoor activity. Made right here in Duluth to handle the coldest weather Minnesota has to offer. Perfect for ice fishing, hunting, snow blowing and any other outdoor activity that takes place when the weather drops below zero. Cost: $150. Ask about our matching beaver mitts to keep your hands toasty warm as well. USA FOXX & FURS Inc., 218-722-7742, usafoxx.com

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Beaver fur can holder

Keeps your beverage of choice cold and your hands warm. Works great at keeping your beverage cold during the summer as well! Cost: $15. USA FOXX & FURS Inc., 218-722-7742, usafoxx.com

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NEW Ranger Pack

The Ranger Pack is a durable pack that is built to be tough enough for all of life’s adventures. This pack is built to last for years to come at a price point you’ll love. Whether used for everyday use at school, in the field, or traveling across the world, the Duluth Pack Ranger Pack will get you through it all. The Ranger Pack is perfect for all explorers, from the very youngest to the oldest, with a rugged design built to last. Features rugged 15-ounce canvas construction, premium leather flap straps, high-quality roller buckles, comfortable cotton web shoulder straps and box gusset design. Dimensions: 14"H x 13"W x 3"D. Starts at $125. Duluth Pack, duluthpack.com, 218-722-3898

https://www.duluthpack.com/products/ranger-pack?variant=31966658855030

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Grab-N-Go

It may be a little bag, but it has a big personality. The Grab-N-Go bag is perfect for keeping all your essentials together when you're on the go. It's truly living up to its name. The Grab-N-Go is designed for your convenience. It can be used as a clutch, travel kit bag, or as an added pouch to toss in your pack or suitcase when traveling. Features rugged 15-ounce canvas construction, high-quality YKK zipper for secure closure and easy access to items tucked inside, nylon grab loop for easy attachment and transportation, premium leather zipper pull and logo patch, convenient and lightweight multi-use bag. Dimensions: 5"H x 8.5"W x 4"D. Capacity:3 liters. Cost: Starts at $35. Duluth Pack, duluthpack.com, 218-722-3898 https://www.duluthpack.com/products/grab-n-go?variant=13192552448059

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Women's Hygge Pullover

Introducing our new Hygge Pullover Hoodie. Hygge, a Danish word meaning cozy comfort is related to the English word, “hug”. Pronounced “hoo-guh” the word originated from the Norwegian term, hugga meaning well-being. Our Hygge Hoodie is made from a soft and cozy mid-weight cable-knit recycled fleece. Two hand-warmer pockets, beveled front and back, luxurious hygge hood. Also available in a men's style. Price: $169,Wintergreen Northern Wear, Ely, 218-365-6602, wintergreennorthernwear.com.

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Wintergreen Mittens (Unisex)

We splurge when it comes to keeping hands warm. Our mittens feature a double layer of thick Polartec® Classic 300® fleece with a wind-proof, 3-ply Supplex® nylon outer shell on the backside. Includes trim to match our Anoraks. Price: $69, Wintergreen Northern Wear, Ely, 218-365-6602, wintergreennorthernwear.com.

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Tuff Camp Saw

Introducing The “Tuff” Camp Saw by Spring Creek Manufacturing. This strong durable and easy to use folding camp saw is the most versatile, easy-to-use saw on the market. Its tube spine design allows for a very strong no bend or twist motion while keeping its lightweight strong aluminum finish. The “Tuff” Camp Saw folds for easy transport, is easy to assemble and is very lightweight. Poly handle allows sure cam locking of handle and no expansion or contraction due to moisture or the elements. This saw has a 21”, 24″ or 30″ blade for long draws and quick cuts. Made in USA.

Price: $55-$65, Spring Creek Manufacturing, 800-937-8881, https://www.springcreek.com/product/paddle-sports/manufactured-accessories/tuff-camp-saw/

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Drop-In-Seat

Spring Creek Manufacturing’s Drop-In Seat is just what you are looking for when wanting to add additional passengers to your canoe, or even for a solo paddle. No longer are the days of sitting on the wet canoe floor or a folding chair. This durable, lightweight seat requires NO drilling and easily is assembled and removed in seconds. The seat can adjust from 34″ wide to 40″ wide to fit a variety of canoes. Please specify canoe width in order notes before checking out. Each Drop in Seat comes with 1 seat, a pair of C clamps, 2 bolts, and 2 tightening knobs. Features strong aluminum frame, holds up to 300 pounds, and perfect seat for adding kids. Cost: $100, Spring Creek Manufacturing, Mountain Iron, 800-937-8881, https://www.springcreek.com/product/paddle-sports/manufactured-accessories/drop-in-seat/ .

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Stoker Flatpack Stove by Uberleben

Introducing the Überleben Stöker Flatpack Stove. We didn't need a stove — we just really wanted one. The Stöker Stainless weighs in at only 14.3 oz (including the canvas sleeve). The perfect balance of durability and weight. If you can't find fuel for this, you're going to need more than a fire to save you.

Price: $38, Piragis Northwoods Company, Ely, 218-365-6745, https://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/uberleben/uberleben-stoker-flatpack-stove-173268

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Flexcut Carvin' Jack Folding Knife

The Flexcut Carvin' Jack is the first folding multi-tool designed specifically for the needs of woodcarving. At 3.5 ounces and a closed length of 4-1/4", each comes with a leather belt mounted sheath and a custom strop for maintaining the sharpest possible edge.

Price: $165, Piragis Northwoods Company, Ely, 218-365-6745, https://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/flexcut/flexcut-carving-jack-folding-knife-166929

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Face coverings

Face coverings will be mandatory at all ski areas this season. Ski Hut offers many ways to stay safe and warm with a large selection of neck gaiters and hinged balaclavas from Buff and Blackstrap. Price, $20-$23, Ski Hut, 218-724-8525, skihut.com

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Humminbird 740178-1NB ICEPTCUNB2XI91521FB Portable Case

Buy at regular price and receive a pair of any winter gloves for 1/2 off. Price: $249.99, RJ Sports & Cycle, 218-729-5150, rjsportsandcycle.com

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ICEPTC CHIRP H8910 Portable Case

Buy at regular price and receive a pair of any winter gloves for 1/2 off. Price: $219, RJ Sports & Cycle, 218-729-5150, rjsportsandcycle.com

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Vexilar FL-8SE Genz Pak 19 Degree Ice Ducer

Price: $289.99. Fleet Farm, 218-722-4501, fleetfarm.com/detail/vexilar-fl-8se-genz-pack-w-19-degree-ice-ducer

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PEET Dryer

The PEET Dryer is a clever device designed to effectively remove wet, sweat and odor from footwear and gear, without deteriorating the materials and without using an excessive amount of energy. PEET Dryers are safe for use on footwear and gear made from most any materials, including leather, canvas, rubber, vinyl, cloth, plastic and all modern fabrics, including Gore-Tex. The drying process neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and arrests the development of mold and mildew that can ruin materials, extending your investment in your valuable footwear and gear. The result is what we call 'PEET Dry' and the benefits to your comfort health and well-being are considerable. Price: $44.99, Fleet Farm, 218-722-4501, fleetfarm.com/detail/peet-original-shoe-dryer

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Outings

Snowshoe self guided outings - bog, lake, forest trails, map/compass/snowshoes. Price: $20 per person.

Draft Horse Driving Lesson and sleigh ride offered Monday through Thursday. Price: $75 per person, kids under 12 free.

Sled Dog Introduction and Ride (mention the DNT gift guide and take $30 off per person). Call for prices. Positive Energy Outdoors, 4757 Datka Road, Duluth, outdooredventures.org , 218-428-5990 for reservations.

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Kinco Ski Mitt

Kinco lined heavy duty premium grain & suede pigskin ski mitt. Suede pigskin reinforcement patch on palm & thumb. Heavyweight Heatkeep thermal insulation in 5-finger glove design. Comfortable polyester & elastic knit wrist with leather pull-tab & shirred elastic. Comes with a pairing hook & packet of Nikwax waterproofing wax for leather. Available in: S, M, L, XL. Price: $29.95, Minnesota Surplus & Outfitters, facebook.com/Minnesota-Surplus-Outfitters , 218-727-3133.

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Minus 33 Long Underwear

Minus 33 100% Merino Wool Long Underwear for men and women. Midweight crew tops and bottoms are $69.95. Midweight 1/4 zip Mock Neck is $79.95. All styles are offered in black. Special orders welcome. Minnesota Surplus & Outfitters, facebook.com/Minnesota-Surplus-Outfitters , 218-727-3133.

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