Each year about this time, at least one of my relatives asks for stocking stuffer ideas for another family member. Because just about everyone in my extended family hunts, I’m usually never left without a few good suggestions.
This topic might be on your mind as you prepare your store for Christmas, so instead of sharing the two ideas below to only members of my family, I’ll pass them along to you, too. And each one will fit easily into a Christmas stocking. Enjoy!
1: Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser From Mil Usos
This product caught my eye on my Facebook Feed one day. It has a strange name, looks weird (blackish/gray soap?), and claims to be scent-free and biodegradable. Interesting!
Well, I bought one and used it this fall during whitetail season, and I like it very much. Here’s the scoop:
The made-in-Vermont Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser from Mil Usos is NOT soap — it's an effective scent-free and biodegradable cleanser. According to the company, it won’t damage groundwater or plant life, and can be used to wash in a lake or stream. The company calls it an “Everything Bar” because it replaces hand/body wash, shampoo, face cleanser and even shaving cream. Well, I don’t use face cleanser or shaving cream, so I can’t comment on its effectiveness in that regard, but for me, it did replace my usual scent-free bar soap and shampoo.
The company website states that these are the three most important ingredients:
- Activated Charcoal — This gives the bar its deep gray color and latches onto dirt.
- Shea Butteramidopropyl Betaine — Derived from shea butter, this ingredient creates the bar’s thick lather; it also helps decrease irritation.
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — This coconut-derived cleansing agent is so gentle it’s sometimes used for baby products. That said, it’s still tough enough to tackle dirt, oil and other impurities.
MSRP: $26/5-ounce bar. FYI: To date, the company has sold consumer-direct only, but they’d like to expand into specialty retailers, too. Contact Becky Williams for more information: info@milusosskincare.com; www.milusosskincare.com
2: Viktos Reconnx Merino Over-the-Calf Sock
Yep, I’m recommending a sock as a sock stuffer.
A buddy of mine always seems to discover gear from the tactical world that works equally well for outdoor pursuits, and early this fall he sent me a text with this product link. I’ve used — and loved — merino wool socks for decades, so I was immediately interested.
The Reconnx merino socks from Viktos are some of the finest I’ve ever used. They are soft and warm, and even during rigorous hikes they kept my feet dry with their natural moisture-wicking properties.
Yes, merino socks are meant to be worn in cool temperatures, but I find they work well anytime the air temp is less than 70-ish. Features include: cushioned footbed and embedded arch support to reduce felt impact; ScentBlock anti-microbial treatment reduces odor; compression fit and vented instep help lessen fatigue.
The Reconnx comes in three colors; I went with the darkest choice, Nightfjall Camo, because I plan to wear them this spring turkey hunting with hiking boots.
(FYI, because there’s a decent chance you’ve never heard of this company, I’ll pass along this quote from its website: “Viktos was launched in the fall of 2017 by a combined force of industry and military veterans; our mission is to produce innovative gear for the tactical user. Our product transcends the typical boundaries of conventional tactical companies and addresses the entire black gun lifestyle, from combat to training, and everyday carry to R&R. It is a decidedly unique approach from a decidedly unique brand.”)
MSRP: $17. Contact: www.viktos.com
