Holiday Gift Guide 2014 Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersKlecker Knives Klax LumberjackKlecker Knives did something brilliant when it combined the versatility of a Swiss Army knife with the practicality of a classic ax to create the Klax Lumberjack ($180 with handle). In addition to the blade, the detachable ax head also includes five wrench sizes, a ruler, and a bottle opener. Our only recommendation: finish the sharp stuff before cracking a beer. Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersCotopaxi Kilimanjaro packCotopaxi has become a leader in the "buy one, give one" model of consumerism. Its 20-liter canvas Kilimanjaro pack ($80) pays for one week of tutoring for Tanzanian schoolkids, so you can feel good about rocking it around campus next semester. Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersMaven binocularsMaven binoculars ($900) are endlessly customizable—you can specify everything from the magnification to the body color. And because Maven sells directly to consumers, they perform on a par with models costing twice as much.

During a recent trip to Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness, we used a pair of 10x42's to spot elk in dark shadows despite midday glare. Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersElectric ED01-T Nato watchElectric's ED01-T Nato watch ($100) is a sleek digital tide predictor with a tough polycarbonate case—the ideal combination of features to ensure you never miss a wave. Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersHorse Camping knifeHandmade at a cycling shop in Brooklyn, New York, Horse's Camping knife ($155) is forged from high-carbon steel for longer-lasting sharpness and finished with a Scandinavian grind for tougher cutting. It has quickly become our favorite pocket knife for overnight trips when a good blade is the only tool you need. Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersThe Woodbook, TaschenThe painstaking detail in Taschen's The Woodbook ($30) is the result of 25 years of work on the part of Romeyn Beck Hough to catalog his studies of 354 species of America's trees. Assembled from the original 14-volume collection into a single book, it's everything you'll ever want to know about wood, whether you're building a house or just a small campfire.

Photo: XtracycleFor ExplorersXtracycle Edgerunner 27DXtracycle's Edgerunner 27D (from $2,100) makes it easier than ever to ditch the car. The kid- and stuff-hauling utility bike is sturdy, versatile (the rear cargo area comes in family and freight configurations), and available with a ton of cool accessories, including the Hooptie Kid Carrier, which comfortably fits three little ones. Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersNew Balance Camping 574 shoesNew Balance's Camping 574 shoes ($80) look like they could be made from upcycled 1970s outdoor gear. Inspired by the company's heritage styles, the uppers are reminiscent of retro ripstop tents, and the plaid liner looks like it once belonged to an old Coleman sleeping bag. Photo: Dustin SammannFor ExplorersKeen Vendetta Mid WP shoesThe vulcanized outsole and leather upper give Keen's Vendetta Mid WP shoes ($130) the appearance of dressed-up sneakers. But they'll march through puddles like a waterproof boot, thanks to the company's proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane.

Photo: Dustin SammannNext Up:For ExplorersRedington Butter StickThe fiberglass Redington Butter Stick ($250) doesn't have the snap of its stiffer graphite counterparts, but that's the point. The super-smooth slow action that only fiberglass can deliver is ideal for smaller rivers and creeks.**Update: Read my new review of this packing list after traveling for a year** How much can you fit into a 43-liter backpack? Surprisingly, you can fit a lot. Here’s what I’m packing for one year of travel in just one backpack. skylanders backpack asdaIt includes a wide assortment of items I may need along the way, from nail polish to an iPad Mini.backpack 5k salem va Backpack – The Kelty Flyway 43 was my choice of backpack because of it’s carry-on size and many separate compartments, including a shoe compartment. redmax 8500 backpack blower

It also comes with a built-in rain cover and internal sleeve for a laptop or tablet. I also like the haul handle on the front which I can easily hold on to if I’m not wearing the pack. **Update** Upgraded my daypack for more comfort and style and am now using a Cotopaxi Kilimanjaro 20L Backpack. Shoes – I’m bringing just three different types of footwear including Teva Kayenta Sandals, Nike Flex Experience shoes and Old Navy flip flops. Jackets – For the winter cold I’m bringing a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, which can compress down pretty small. lenovo y510 backpackFor the rain I have a North Face rain shell and for regular day wear I have a cotton jacket.backpack ibood **Update** I picked up a Cotopaxi Sambaya Stretch Fleece along the way for additional warmth on the South American leg of this trip.diesel audacious backpack

Headwear – Since I’ll probably have many bad hair days while on the road, I have some headwear to help hide them including a North Face cap and 4 summer headbands, (not pictured). For colder weather I have a winter headband. Electronics – I have just a few electronics I’m taking with me such as a head lamp, iPad mini with a Logitech keyboard, Nikon Coolpix S9700 camera, iPod Shuffle with headphones, wristwatch and outlet converters. Miscellaneous – I’m taking an assortment of medicine, laundry soap and more. The full list includes a dry bag, paracord, Sea to Summit insect repellent travel sheets, dryer sheets, (to keep my bag smelling fresh), Woolite laundry soap, liquid soap, thread and needle, sink stopper, cough drops, Immodium, Advil Cold & Sinus, Pepto Bismol, Airborne, door stopper, collapsable bowl, spork, Kleenex, Band-aids, sleeping mask and gum. Underwear – I’m taking a bikini, one sports bra, a regular bra, six pairs of Under Armor underwear, three pairs of Asics running socks and a pair of warmer Fits socks.