Find more than 30 local items with our 2021 Outdoors Holiday Gift Guide

A closer inspection confirmed my hunch. It was Santa, and he was fishing.

I couldn’t see what he was using for a fly — maybe a Wooly Bugger or a Royal Coachman — but his back casts were perfect.

I tried to get his attention, but Santa was having none of it.

“What’s in the sack?’’ I asked, knowing full well it was already full of presents.

“You’ll find out on Christmas,” Santa said. “But if you need some ideas on what to buy the outdoor enthusiast on your list, check out the Duluth News Tribune’s ‘Outdoors Holiday Gift Guide.'”

Sage advice, I thought.

Then Santa headed off, after working the best eddies and pools, and seemingly vanished along the shore of Gitchi Gami.

So take Santa’s advice and check out this outdoor gift guide. All of these items are available locally. Some are even made locally.

You have 21 days left to shop.

Lowrance Elite FS 7 All Season Pack

Four-inch SolarMax display, wide-angle broadband sonar, automated sonar settings, includes portable pack, integrated mounts, 200khz skimmer transducer and ice transducer with power cable, suction cup transducer mount, two stowaway utility boxes, includes C-Map Insight Pro, and also a 12-volt battery and charger. Cost: $949. Available at Marine General, Duluth, 218-724-8833, marinegeneral.com/product/lowrance-elite-fs-7-all-season-pack.

Eagle Claw Ice Rod Case

Holds up to six ice combos. It also has four locking points for travel, strong double-hinge latches, adjustable foam inserts, and extra space for ice tackle. Cost: $49.99. Available at Marine General, Duluth, 218-724-8833, marinegeneral.com/product/eagle-claw-ice-rod-case.

SVEN-SAW 60th Anniversary Edition

The original campers folding saw is ideal for camping, backpacking, canoe trips, scouting, hunting, hiking, picnics and countless uses around the home. Rugged with a frame of high-strength aluminum alloy and a blade of finest Swedish steel. Lightweight as they are less than a pound. Compact and fits in a pack. Fast as they rip through firewood. Safe as the blade is hidden when folded into handle. Manufactured by Swen Products, Inc., of Duluth. Cost: $39.95 for 15-inch; $44.95 for 21-inch. Available at Minnesota Surplus & Outfitters, Duluth, 218-727-3133, facebook.com/Minnesota-Surplus-Outfitters.

The Original Stormy Kromer, available at Minnesota Surplus Outfitters.

The Original Stormy Kromer Hat

Handmade in Ironwood, Michigan. They are 80% wool, 20% nylon and lining 100% cotton. Available in several colors and sizes. Cost: $44.95. Available at Minnesota Surplus & Outfitters, Duluth, 218-727-3133, facebook.com/Minnesota-Surplus-Outfitters.

Custom-built Water’s Edge fishing rods

Get a fishing rod built exactly how you want it to feel and look — for ice fishing or open water. Any length, any action, from custom colors and wording (names, schools, fishing lodges, etc.), to Vikings purple, Packers green and Bulldog maroon. Carbon-fiber graphite blanks. Hand-tied Fuji guides. Multiple options for cork handle styles. Cost $150-$175 for a 7-foot, medium-action walleye spinning rod. Custom ice fishing rods from $50. Available only from Waters Edge Guide Service and Custom Built Rods in Pike Lake, just outside Duluth, 763-242-5849, facebook.com/watersedgeguide/ or watersedgeguideservice.com.

Wintergreen Beanie (unisex)

Keep your head warm and add some fun to your look with our Wintergreen Beanie. Made from 11.8-ounce Polartec Wind Pro fleece for warmth and wind protection. Accented with trims that match Wintergreen’s anoraks and topped off with a tassel. Cost: $62. Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear, Ely, 218-365-6602, WintergreenNorthernWear.com.

Wintergreen women’s Hygge Pullover

Women’s Hygge Pullover

The “Hygge” Pullover takes its name from “Hygge” (hoo-guh), a Danish word meaning “cozy comfort” and related to the English word, “hug.” The Hygge Hoodie is made from a soft and lofty midweight Polartec recycled fleece, making this top as cozy as the name suggests. Features two hand-warmer pockets, beveled front and back, and luxurious hygge hood. Also available in a men’s style. Cost: $189. Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear, Ely, 218-365-6602, WintergreenNorthernWear.com.

Damage JOBSITE T-Shirt

One of the latest graphics with a little bit of a story line embedded into different details throughout the design. Stop by and take a deep look into this one. Cost: $25. Available at Damage, Duluth, 218-724-4027, damageboardshop.com.

Damage Beverage Devices

Hot or cold, Damage has the device that will handle any kind of beverage consumption. Cheers! Cost: $6-$30. Available at Damage, Duluth, 218-724-4027, damageboardshop.com.

UllrTec Insulated Cooler Stocking

Be cooler and give an UllrTec insulated stocking cooler to your friends and family this holiday season. These 100% functional coolers are the pinnacle of party gifts. Fit a six-pack of your favorite beverage into a stocking that even Santa Clause himself would thoroughly enjoy. Handcrafted in Duluth with Cordura nylon and a Thinsulate lining. Cost: $42.95. Available at Frost River, Duluth, 218-727-1472, frostriver.com.

Jay Cooke Sling Pack

Named after one of Minnesota’s top 10 state parks, this bag is built for those grab ‘n’ go moments when adventure is calling. Just as the suspended bridge swings over the St. Louis River, this crossbody pack is designed to swiftly sling over a shoulder and stay comfortably in place as you adventure up and down the rock gorge of the park — or wherever the next adventure takes you. Cost: $145. Available at Frost River, Duluth, 218-727-1472, frostriver.com.

Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife

Rapala’s Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife gives you more power resulting in incredible control when filleting even the biggest of fish. Model #HDEFAC. Reciprocating blade is dishwasher safe. Relaxed-grip body, 7.5-inch reciprocating blade, 110-volt power, double the blade speed and three times the power of standard electric fillet knives, and quiet, long-lasting motor. Advanced air flow design dampens vibration, also keeps the motor running cool and smooth. Eight-foot cord for extra reach. One-year manufacturer’s warranty. Cost: $59.99 but on sale as of Dec. 3 for $49.99. Available at Fleet Farm, Duluth, 218-722-4501, fleetfarm.com.

Mr. Heater Hunting Buddy Heater

Winter in the Northland means it could be 30 degrees above zero or 30 degrees below zero when you’re out in the woods. Pick up this portable heater and stay comfortable while waiting for the action to begin. Cost: $129.99. Available at Fleet Farm, Duluth, 218-722-4501, fleetfarm.com.

Limited-Edition Red Canvas Grab-N-Go

Convenient, compact and lightweight, the Large Grab-N-Go back is your go-to bag for holding all your essentials. This extremely versatile bag is perfect for when you’re traveling; just toss it in your suitcase or duffel for easy access to all your essentials. The oversized design of the Large Grab-N-Go bag has a rugged canvas for long-lasting durability. It’s the large multi-use bag that’ll make the organization a lot easier for your everyday uses. Cost: $45. Available at Duluth Pack, Duluth, 218-722-3898, duluthpack.com.

Mini Game Pack

This U.S.-made Duluth Pack Mini Game Pack is a must-have for the cabin, camping trips, long flights and relaxed days at home. Handcrafted of 15-ounce rugged canvas, this product will last through years of use. The Mini Game Pack includes a folding cribbage board with pegs, five dice and a full deck of cards. Complete with a mini-Duluth Pack Canoe Pack-themed design. A top seller for holiday gifts and corporate customers. Due to small pieces, keep out of the reach of young children. Cost starts at $45. Available at Duluth Pack, Duluth, 218-722-3898, duluthpack.com.

Tuff Camp Saw

Introducing the U.S.-made 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. The poly handle allows sure cam locking of the handle and no expansion or contraction due to moisture or the elements. This saw has a 21-, 24- or 30-inch blade for long draws and quick cuts. Complete your collection with the U.S.-made Duluth Pack Folding Saw Case. Cost starts at $65. Available at Spring Creek Manufacturing, Mountain Iron, 218-735-8719, springcreek.com.

Anchor Bag

Simply add rocks to Spring Creek Manufacturing’s Anchor Bag, and in seconds, you have a fully functioning anchor. Fastened tightly with strong Velcro, it will keep the bag tightly shut while in use. A sliding ring on the bag helps release the Anchor from the bottom of the lake with ease. Anchor Bag can also be used to hold minnows. Cost: $25. Available at Spring Creek Manufacturing, Mountain Iron, 218-735-8719, springcreek.com.

The Six Cooler Pack

Made by Mountainsmith. Lifetime warranty. Sized for six bottles, 12 cans, two growlers or a mix of your favorite cold snacks, this cooler is built for post-adventure tailgates and campfires. Cost: $29.99. Available at Twin Ports Cyclery, Duluth, 218-624-4008, twinportscyclery.com.

Kask Merino Wool bike helmet liner

Comes in three sizes. Made in Italy. Cost: $78.99. Available at Twin Ports Cyclery, Duluth, 218-624-4008, twinportscyclery.com.

GSI Rakau knife set

The set includes a compact bamboo cutting board with a juice gutter, a recycled microfiber towel, a soap bottle and a set of three masterfully crafted stainless steel knives with waterproof wood laminate handles. Designed to last for generations. The chef knife has a Santoku blade with Granton scallops for gracefully thin slicing. The serrated bread knife will tackle the hardest baguette crusts with laser precision, and the paring knife will deftly maneuver through crisp fruit cores. The set is contained in a convenient recycled PET cloth case with an integrated knife sheath to protect and safely manage the blades. Cost: $70. Available at Piragis Northwoods Company, Ely, 218-365-6745, boundarywaterscatalog.com/gsi-outdoors/gsi-rakau-knife-set-177098.

Uberleben Lore Kuksa and Kanu Spoon

Introducing the Lore 12. Boasting a generous 12-ounce capacity, the Lore is 50% larger than your standard Kuksa. Oh, and being crafted from a solid chunk of hardwood doesn’t hurt either. Drinking from a hand-carved wooden vessel may be considered a luxury to some, but consider the Lore 12 an absolute essential. Cost: $32 for bowl; $12 for spoon. Available at Piragis Northwoods Company, Ely, 218-365-6745, boundarywaterscatalog.com/uberleben/uberleben-lore-kuksa-12oz-179544 for bowl and boundarywaterscatalog.com/uberleben/uberleben-kanu-spoon-179542 for spoon.

Yooper Chooks

Proudly made in the Upper Peninsula 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. Cost: $27.99. Available at Northwest Outlet, Superior, 715-392-9838, northwestoutlet.com.

Up North Mittens

Handmade in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 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. Cost: $21.99 to $34.99. Available at Northwest Outlet, Superior, 715-392-9838, northwestoutlet.com.

Klim Backcountry Shovel

The Backcountry Shovel is engineered for fast deployment with robust construction to perform in emergency avalanche situations. In a chaotic environment where seconds matter, intuitive features allow for quick, self-locking deployment so you don’t have to fuss with small buttons. The aggressive blade is designed to efficiently cut into snow and easily switches between digging (shovel) position and chopping (hoe) position. A more compact size also allows the Backcountry Shovel to fit in a wider range of avalanche backpacks. Cost: $79.99. Available at Duluth Lawn and Sport, Duluth, 218-628-3718, duluthlawnandsport.com.

Stihl PS30 folding saw

Sharp curves ahead. The PS 30 folding pocket saw from STIHL features a curved-blade design, delivering better contact with the limb. With each stroke, its chrome-plated steel blade works harder to cut through more wood, decreasing overall saw time. And its tapered ground blade improves precision and reduces pinching. Combined with its convenient, folding-blade design, this pruning saw is the perfect secret weapon against stubborn shrubbery. Cost: $34.99. Available at Duluth Lawn and Sport, Duluth, 218-628-3718, duluthlawnandsport.com.

Primos Bloodhunter pocket light

For tracking or other applications. Runs on two AA batteries, which are included. Cost: $55.99. Available at Superior Shooters Supply, Superior, 715-394-4982, superiorshooterssupply.com.

The Primos Bloodhunter headlamp

The Bloodhunter Headlamp minimizes earth tones and makes blood visible in all types of terrain. Features dual modes for all applications. Cost: $31.99. Available at Superior Shooters Supply, Superior, 715-394-4982, superiorshooterssupply.com.

Paddle board

The Grey Duck 10-foot, 6-inch Coast is a more durable all-around stand-up paddle board that looks as good as it performs. Cost: $1,099 and includes a paddle. Available at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais, 218-387-3136, stoneharborws.com.

Map

The Myrmel Isle Royale map is a work of art suitable for your wall of this wild treasure of a national park. Other maps include the Superior Hiking Trail and entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Cost: $30. Available at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais, 218-387-3136, stoneharborws.com.

Continental “Hillside” items and tees

Continental “Hillside” stainless steel tallboy “cans” or “Hillside” hoodies featuring artwork from Tyler Johnson. Tyler also designed Continental’s “Trail Series” T-shirts, “Upper Burner” and “Ninja Beaver,” which feature mountain bike trail names turned into a graphic by Tyler. Cost: $11.95 for tall boy cans, $49.99 for hoodies and 100% of the proceeds from the T-shirts goes to Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores as a fundraiser. Available at Continental Ski & Bike, Duluth, 218-728-4466, continentalski.com.

ROMP

Packs from ROMP, made in Duluth. Cost: $25-$85. Available at Continental Ski & Bike, Duluth, 218-728-4466, continentalski.com.

Cedaero

For epic adventures and idle wanderings alike. Designed and built with pride in Two Harbors with U.S.-made materials. Perfect-fit frame packs, unstoppable zippers and bombproof construction, these packs are designed to last and keep your gear happy. Cost: $54-$120. Available at Continental Ski & Bike, Duluth, 218-728-4466, continentalski.com.

Legacy Hopback 7-Panel Flat Brim Hat

It’s a bit of a mouthful, but this new addition to the Superior Hiking Trail Association’s hat collection offers the same excellent Legacy quality in a different style of hat. Made of fine-gauge cotton canvas and woven-mesh back. This style is a seven-panel, structured high crown with a flat-curved visor and open-back snap closure. In two great colors, straw and olive, both with black mesh backs. Cost: $26. Its store at the office in Two Harbors is closed for the season, but you can order online. Go to superiorhiking.org and click on “trail store.” A portion of all sales goes to support the SHTA’s mission of bettering the Superior Hiking Trail.

HillSider Hip Pack with SHT Logo by Frost River Trading Co.

The Superior Hiking Trail Association has joined again with Frost River in Duluth to offer this locally made, high-quality Hip Pack with the SHT Logo on a front leather patch. This will be your go-to for heading out on the Superior Hiking Trail or out on the town. Made out of 10.10-ounce lightweight waxed canvas. A 42-inch cotton-web waist belt that can be adjusted for waist or cross-body shoulder use. Two zippered compartments and solid brass hardware. Measures 8 by 6 by 1.5 inches. Cost: $55. Its store at the office in Two Harbors is closed for the season, but you can order online. Go to superiorhiking.org and click on “trail store.” A portion of all sales goes to support the SHTA’s mission of bettering the Superior Hiking Trail.