If you could recommend one thing...

[Queen bee]

Christmas is looming, so what equipment would you recommend to other people to help them enjoy the outdoors? It can be anything, so it doesn't necessarily need to be the latest flashy wotsit with more memory than an elephant.
I'd recommend a headlamp. I come home in the dark now (I don't even see the daylight at home til the weekend, which is a bit depressing) and we've all been there. It's dark outside, and cold, and the dog's whining at you to go for walkies and a walk sounds nice, but handheld torches get to be a bit of a nuisance for me, even wind-ups. Their spread of light tends to be small-- just a little circle of weak light in most of them. Plus, you have to take your hands out your nice warm pockets to hold them. I got my headlamp from Mole Avon, and before I'd been a little jittery in the dark (especially after reading The Woman in Black-- that fencepost was looking very sinister!)The better light has made me feel more secure and others know when I'm coming too. It is adjustable in direction, lightweight, with a large spread of good quality light and I think it was a really good buy. Although I haven't seen much beyond the odd rat or rabbit, it gets you closer to the other pleasures of night-time: the owls hooting, the foxes barking, the smell of the air...
Now it's your turn.

[Brocker]

Hi Queen Bee,
For me it has to be very good, warm, dry clothing. Unfortunately it tends to be a little on the expensive side but it is well worth it. I use a Nike ACG coat which is breathable, waterproof and wind proof. Fantastic piece of clothing. A good pair of gloves is next. I have several. Each for a different activity. Then theres the boots. Comfortable, warm and most importantly, dry. I have a pair of Raikle. Then theres hats, base layers, socks and trousers. Far too many to mention. . . . As long as I can do what I set out to do and stay warm and dry then I be happy

[ron1863]

A good pair of boots and binoculars for me.

[Hobjob]

A good wickable base layer

[beckiscott]

a credit card that i dont have to pay for would let me enjoy the outdoors a whole load more!!!

i never really appreciated the great outdoors and mothers nature hard work.. until i got my dslr camera and macro lens. now i see the most fabulous little details i never used to see... and my partner and i now make the effort to go places we wouldn't usually go (watching tv infront of the fire always appealed more than braving the british summer to go out!). its just with dslr cameras the spending never stops!

[coasty]

I think if there is one thing it would be a pair of binoculars,,,

[The Black Rabbit]

A bag or dull green rucksack in which you can put some butties, maybe a bottle of water, a jumper, a notebook, a field guide.... etc... etc...
Doug

[PMG]

Err....a camera?

Pauline

[RobSutton]

A good hand-lens (x10 would do)

[The Woodman]

A walking stick, preferably hand made and selected from an unauthorised source (always the most satisfactory!)
Build up a collection because they sometimes get lost, broken or lodges in the branches of trees.
A hand crafted stick is also a personal gift, it doesn't have to have a fancy top on it, just a nice comfortable hand grip.
Hazel is always popular and it's easy to find a straight shoot, I've been nurturing a privet shoot in an overgrown hedge for two years - straight as a die and I've debranched it as it has grown so there'll be no knots. It'll be ready to cut in a years time and will season to be as hard as nails. Damson and blackthorn suckers make good strong sticks as well.

I agree with the headlight. I've a couple of Petzl LED models, one with a fold down red lens, both invaluable.

Happy Christmas to all.