If you’re still looking for the perfect holiday gift for the hunter or angler on your shopping list, consider giving one of the small, rugged personal action cameras that have taken video recording to new levels over the past several years.
These personal action cameras brought to the outdoor sports forefront by GoPro and their HERO line of cameras – are designed to capture point-of-view action shots without the use of a human photographer. Hunters can capture their own shots via business-card-sized cameras that can be worn, affixed to outdoors equipment (like guns or bows), or mounted on other objects near or involved with the action.
The number of personal action camera manufacturers is growing, so it would be wise to first consider how the recipient will use the camera before you purchase one. Features, accessories, and prices vary, so a little research can make your shopping easier.
Most of the personal action cameras on the market are designed to withstand rugged use, but some cameras (along with their available accessories) are better suited for specific activities. Hunters, for example, need cameras enclosed in tough housings that can withstand collisions with things like tree branches and gun stocks.
However, shoppers must also consider camouflage and concealment of the camera, since some cameras use reflective housings and flashing lights that could scare game.
Although the list of features available on personal action cameras continues to grow, you should make sure any camera you purchase for a hunter or angler meets some minimum requirements. A camera that will be used by hardcore hunters and anglers will undoubtedly be exposed to rain, snow, seawater, and the like, so a waterproof housing is key.
Like watches, the action camera housings are rated to be waterproof at specific depths, so opt for a camera with housing that is waterproof to at least ten meters. Camera size is also important for hunters or anglers who will wear their cameras on all-day adventures while carrying other gear, such as guns, fishing rods, and backpacks. Choose smaller, flatter cameras and housings that are more concealable and less likely to get snagged on clothing or other gear.
Long battery life is another requirement, since no one wants his or her once-in-a-lifetime footage cut short. Some other features to consider and compare are video resolution, inclusion of a viewfinder, ability to connect via remote control or smartphone app, and embedded GPS technology.
To complement your gift, include some accessories. Mounting accessories (usually built for specific cameras) include head mounts, chest mounts, floating mounts, gun mounts, and clamp-based mounts that can connect to just about anything.
I’ve found head mounts to be more effective for shooting hunting and fishing footage than chest mounts because holding a gun, bow, or fishing rod sometimes obscures the view. Also, while gun mounts offer interesting footage, I don’t recommend using them because doing so could lead to unsafe gun handling (such as pointing a gun at something you don’t intend to shoot just to capture footage of it). Additional batteries and car charges also make great accessories.
Expect to pay £50 to £400 (without add-on mounts or accessories). Prices are usually reflective of the cameras’ features.
Once reserved for bike messengers and students,messenger bags have successfully crossed over to the mainstream. Messenger bags were originally designed to carry various documents and packages bound for multiple locations, but they are also the perfect size for laptops, schoolbooks and other everyday items.Designer messenger bags also make modern replacements for the traditional briefcase. Whether you are a young professional in need of sturdy leather messenger bags or a high-school student looking for a stylish alternative to a traditional backpack, messenger bags will work for you. This messenger bag buying guide has information to help you sort through the different types and styles available.
Messenger Bag Materials:
Canvas
Canvas messenger bags are a trendy option for students who want to carry all their books and accessories without having to resort to a kid's backpack. Canvas is a rugged material, made to withstand the everyday wear and tear that can be caused by those sharp textbook corners constantly grinding against the interior of your bag. It also dries fast, so if you get caught in an unexpected downpour on the way to class, your canvas messenger bag will be dry before the bell rings for the next one.
Synthetic blends
If you live in a rainy or humid climate, you'll want a nylon messenger bag to protect homework or important documents. Urban messenger bags are made of tough synthetic materials, like nylon, and many are then treated with water-resistant coatings. Look for a nylon messenger bag that also includes a vinyl lining to further protect your portfolio or documents for a client. These waterproof styles make great messenger bags for school, as their separate compartments will protect children's work and carry pencils, erasers, markers and more.
Leather
If your job requires a professional look but you can't quite see yourself with a traditional briefcase in hand, leather messenger bags are your answer. Available in an array of colors and sizes, these leather bags are a stylish way to keep all of your business essentials organized. Some of these designer messenger bags have built-in laptop sleeves, suited to hold any 15-inch or smaller laptop. To keep your laptop messenger bag looking its best, you'll want to treat it with water protectant, much like you would with a pair of fine leather shoes.
Messenger Bag Styles:
Large messenger bags
The classic messenger bag definitely falls into the large category. Students need plenty of room for textbooks, notebooks, calculators and more, so large messenger bags work well. Large messenger bags also work well if you're the type who doesn't like to leave the house without a couple of your favorite books, a travel mug, your computer, headphones and snacks.
Medium-sized messenger bags
Laptop messenger bags are among the many medium-sized bags available and can fit the average portable computer and other essentials, including files, notebooks and umbrellas.Men's messenger bags with plenty of pockets and compartments also fit into this category. These bags are generally slimmer and less bulky than classic messenger bags, but they still have plenty of compartments and pockets to keep all of your stuff organized.
Small messenger bags
For carrying around a few essentials, you'll want to have a compact messenger bag made of leather of fabric. The size of messenger bags for school makes them ideal carry-on bags. Available in a variety of chic styles, small messenger bags also make excellent alternatives to handbags.
