We're coming in hot on the holiday season and it's time to start your annual quest for the perfect gifts for your family, friends and colleagues. No matter how well you know someone, it's common to draw a blank sometimes when you actually try to come up with the right gift. That's why we've put together a guide of our favorite Nite Ize products to give each person on your list.

 

Gifts for the gadget geek husband

• For a modern twist on the classic wallet gift, give him a Financial Tool RFID Blocking Wallet. His cards will be secure from RFID theft, and he'll have the benefit of 10 tools integrated into this sleek multi-functional accessory.

 

• Is the guy in your life constantly fumbling with his phone in the car? Give him a place to dock it so he can stay connected to navigation while keeping his hands on the wheel with a Steelie Orbiter Dash Mount Kit. (You can also check out all our other Steelie magnetic phone mount options here to find just the right style for your special someone.)

 

• Consider giving him a super high-quality flashlight. The INOVA T7R Flashlight is both rechargeable, with an option to use replaceable batteries for situations where he might not have power, making this 713-lumen, tactical-grade flashlight a perfect companion for around the home as well as on off-grid adventures.

 

• Any tech-savvy guy is sure to have an abundance of charging cables in every shape and variety lying around. Help him keep them in line with some Gear Tie Cordables. These 6" Gear Ties have a stretchy loop at one end that attaches onto the cable, so it's always ready to wrangle.

 

Gifts for the outdoorsy wife

• The RunOff Waterproof Phone Case will keep her phone, cash, cards and keys safe and dry when adventuring anywhere around water.

 

• It's never too early to start thinking about camping season. The Radiant Rechargeable Micro Lantern is a compact hanging light that can be set to four different colors, or be left in fun color-changing mode.

 

• For optimal campsite organization, look no further than the GearLine Organization System. The included S-Biners can hang essentials from hats to headlamps, and the Gear Ties on either end allow for easy setup.

 

• Speaking of headlamps, every nature girl needs one of those too. The Radiant 300 Rechargeable Headlamp is a great option that's durable, powerful and comfortable.

 

Gifts for The dad who loves to tinker

• For the guy who loves to work on household projects, fill his stockings with Gear Tie Reusable Rubber Twist Ties. Then, show him this blog post to give him some genius ideas on how to use them (aside from the tried-and-true cord organization).

 

• A pocket knife makes a great gift, and the DoohicKey Key Chain Knife puts the everyday-carry functionality of a high quality, fold-out locking knife into a compact key-sized body.

 

• If your pops is a certified hat guy, the Radiant 170 Clip Light is about to become his favorite hands-free lighting solution.

 

• Keep dad's tools by his side with the Clip Pock-Its XL Utility Holster, and then equip his other hip with a Traveler Drink Holster so he'll always have his favorite beverage in reach while he tackles his tasks.

 

Stocking Stuffers for mom she'll actually use

• Outfit out your mom's phone with a Hitch Phone Anchor + Tether, so she can keep it connected to her belt loop or bag to prevent drops, loss, or theft, or she can loop it around her wrist to carry it when her hands are full.

 

• Help mom get a grip with the Cinch-A-Lot Stretch Strap. This helpful key accessory can cinch around water bottles, phones, hand sanitizer, gloves, charging cables and more to keep them accessible.

 

• If your mom is always having to resort to the flashlight app on her phone, give her an upgrade with the Radiant 100 Keychain Flashlight. This little light packs a punch of 100 lumens (twice as bright as the standard smartphone), is lightweight, and clips conveniently onto her keychain or purse.

 

• Keep her ear bud cord tangle-free with a Curvyman Cord Supervisor. This handy little guy is also outfitted with a small S-Biner, so she can clip it to her keys, clothing, or bag.

 

Gifts for your fitness fanatic friend or family member

• Now that the days are shorter, your active friend or family member will likely be out running or riding after dark. Make sure they're staying visible to cars with a SlapLit Rechargeable LED Slap Wrap around their arm or ankle.

 

• For bike commuters, trick out their ride with a super bright headlight. The Radiant 750 Rechargeable Bike Light can be mounted tool-free to either the bike's handlebars or a helmet. To add side visibility (which is all-too-often forgotten), throw in a SpokeLit Wheel Light with Disc-O Select. In addition to safety considerations, the color-changing mode is just fun (or they can choose their own color).

 

• Give them a place to hold their phone while they ride with a HandleBand Smartphone Bar Mount. With its strong hold, the HandleBand is great even for mountain bikers.

 

Gifts for school-aged kids (and kids at heart)

• Make life's adventures more whimsical with the fun BugLit Rechargeable Micro Flashlight. With bendable Gear Tie "legs" that wrap to attach to various places, this creature-like little light makes a great companion for reading, camping, and more.

 

• Keep fun going after dark with a Flashflight Light-Up Flying Disc. It's a great way to tear kids (and adults) away from their screens, get outside and get active.

 

Gifts for the too-cool teen

• Bluetooth ear buds are sure to be a popular gift this season. The Cinch-A-Lot Mini Stretch Strap (a small version of the standard Cinch-A-Lot) makes a great companion to keep ear buds safe and easy to find – just stretch around the case, and clip the included S-Biner to keys or bags. They also work great to hold lip balms, hand sanitizers, charging cables and more.

 

• The FlipOut Phone Handle + Stand will help them keep a grip on their device while scrolling social media, and prop it up hands-free when on their next YouTube binge.

 

Gifts for your nieces or nephews

• The waterproof NiteGem LED Luminary is fun for all ages. They can use it for mood lighting in a fort, or make a boring bath into an instant party. (Adults are also known to put them in a cooler to light up the beverage selection.)

 

• For kids who love to camp, the Radiant 200 Collapsible Lantern + Flashlight makes for a cool gift they won't be able to wait to use (cue the living room tent setup).

 

Gifts for friends and family who love to travel

• Make their packing routine a breeze with the RunOff Waterproof Large Packing Cube. It compresses down so they can maximize bag space, but also keeps water out for aquatic adventures. A RunOff Waterproof 3-1-1 Bag is perfect for jet setters, since it's a TSA-compliant liquids bag, but also keeps any liquids that might burst or leak in-flight from making a mess in their luggage.

 

• For frequent flyers, give them a way to hold their mobile device so they can binge shows or read their e-books without having to constantly hold their device. The ultra-compact QuikStand folds out from just about the size of a credit card to create a handy stand for their phone or tablet.

 

• Keep their sunglasses protected and at their side with the Rugged Hard Shell Optics Case.

 

Gifts for The (Socially Distant) Office Secret Santa Exchange

• For your fun-loving co-worker, give them a SlapLit LED Drink Wrap to light up their beverage at night and keep it cold.

 

• Show your "work wife" how much you care with a RunOff Waterproof Small Travel Pouch. It excels at keeping devices, snacks, ear buds and other gear organized and dry.

 

• For a practical office gift with a twist, the INKA Key Chain Pen is a quick-use pen that converts to a full-size pen, and can write at any angle, any altitude, and at extreme temperatures – it can even write under water!

 

• If your colleague's keys are in a constant state of disarray, help them organize with a BigFoot Locker KeyRack.

 

Gifts for the family dog

• Don't forget Fido when shopping for gifts this year! Give your fetch-obsessed dog the gift of after-dark playtime with the Huck 'N Tuck GlowStreak Collapsible Thrower + LED Ball, or a Flashflight Dog Discuit LED Flying Disc.

 

• Keep them visible in the backyard at night or on evening walks with the cut-to-size NiteHowl Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace.

 

• For off-leash adventures, the RadDog All-In-One Collar + Leash lets your pup roam free while allowing you to quickly grab them with a 3-foot retractable lead that is integrated into the collar.

 

Buying the perfect holiday gifts for each of your loved ones can feel daunting at first, but we hope we've given you some helpful inspiration to start the search. For even more ideas, check out our 2020 Holiday gift collection here!

One of our fan favorite and most versatile products is the iconic Gear Tie Reusable Rubber Twist Tie. If you're not yet hip to Gear Ties, you'll soon learn why they've garnered a devoted following over the years. Although many people associate Gear Ties with wrapping and wrangling cords, cables, or hoses, they really have thousands of uses – you simply have to think outside the box. We asked you, our community, to submit photos of your favorite or most creative ways to use a Gear Tie, and you came through with some outstanding uses. Prepare to be inspired – these Gear Tie hacks are truly ingenious.

 

1. Hang your paper towels with a twist

 

2. Fashion your own tool holster

 

3. Keep your paint can right where you need it

 

4. Ride off-grid with your GPS on your handlebars

 

5. Hang & Organize your tools (bonus points for the S-Biners)

 

6. Create a place to hold your ear protectors

 

7. DIY some head and tail lights

 

8. No handle? No problem!

 

9. Keep those tools secure on the fire engine

 

10. Bring your own disinfectant

 

11. Keep your door jammed

 

12. Wrangle a pair of crutches during travel

 

13. Hang your bike (yes, Gear Tie Megas really are this strong)

 

14. Keep your coffee beans fresh

 

And finally.....

15. Fix your toilet on the fly

 

Do you have a creative Gear Tie hack? We love to see them! Describe it in the comments, or tag us in a photo on social media so we can share your bright ideas with the community.

The leaves are changing, the days are shortening, and there’s a chill in the air. It’s fall time, and before you know it, winter will make its icy appearance. But before we head into months of snow, slush, and shivers, let’s get out there and soak in the fall fun.

Keep reading for 10 fresh ways to make the most of our Autumn days and "nites."

 

1. Leaf through town

What’s fall without a leaf-peeping drive? If you live in a state with changing seasons, you might be able catch the vibrant Autumn colors come to life in person. Research the best leaf-peeping spots in your state (and make sure to check you haven’t missed the color change) and set off on your journey with your Steelie® Phone Mount to give directions along the route.

If you prefer to get out of the car and see the changing colors up close, nothing beats an Autumn hike or bike ride. Just make sure to bundle up and gear up your bike with one of our tool-free bike lights! Especially adventurous folks can take their leaf-peeping trip to the next level on a four wheel or ATV too — check out local rentals if you’re craving a little adrenaline rush.

 

2. Carve Out Some Fun

Carving pumpkins is a universal way to embrace the spooky season, unleash some creativity, and step up your decorating game while you’re at it. Grab a gourd of your choosing from your local pumpkin patch or grocery store and make sure to get durable carving tools that can get the job done (or kid-safe tools for little ones). Once your masterpiece is complete, throw in a SpotLit® XL or NiteGem for color-changing, fire-free illumination that will shine for nights to come.

Not up for a pulpy mess? Painting pumpkins might be a safer bet.

 

3. Drink It All In

Get in the Autumn spirit with some spirits. Check out local cideries to sample sweet and spicy hard cider varieties, or pick up your favorite 6 pack of pumpkin ale for an at-home happy hour, complete with an Ahhh… Bottle Opener. If you prefer the winer things in life, visit your local vineyard or winery to sip on some fall blends.

 

4. Plan A Picnic

If you live in a state with harsh winters, you know you’re in for months of being buried under a heavy winter coat, scarf, boots, and gloves get-up. Soak in the sun while you can on a peaceful picnic at the park or even in your backyard.

 

5. Train for The Long Run

Local Fall 5ks and Fun Runs are a popular way to get your blood pumping and raise money for a great cause. Sign up and start training — you can even get the whole family involved to get some fresh air away from screens.  If you're training in the morning or after work hours, be sure you’re staying safe and visible. The Rechargeable SlapLit LED Slap Wrap and TagLit Magnetic Marker are great ways to stay visible in the dark mornings and evenings, and a headlamp will help light your path.

 

6. Bake Up a Storm

After watching a few seasons of the Great British Baking Show, you’ve probably learned a thing or two. Put your skills to the test and try out a homemade pie, pumpkin bread, candy apple, or other Autumn recipe everyone in the house can enjoy. Free fall aromas included!

Keep the recipe on your phone visible and flour-free with a Steelie Bendable Arm + Ratcheting Clamp or Steelie Pedestal Mount to make your baking adventure a breeze.

 

7. Game On

Make the most of the warm days we have left with an outdoor family game everyone can play. Pick up a Flashflight Light Up Flying Disc to keep the games going after-dark, or even a GlowStreak LED Ball so your pup doesn’t miss out on the nighttime fun.

 

8. Paddle Your Own Canoe (Or Kayak)

While the chilly temperatures might make swimming out of the question, an Autumn kayak or canoe trip might be just the thing to appease water lovers already missing summer days at the lake. Research around for leaf-peeping spots and their nearby streams to find an especially gorgeous Autumn route.

You can rest assured that your phone, gear and snacks will stay safe and dry in one of our RunOff Waterproof Bags while you paddle the waters.

 

9. Gather 'Round The Fire Pit

Nothing screams fall like scary ghost stories told around the fire. Crack open an Autumn ale (wrapped in a SlapLit to keep it lit and chilly), and come prepared with your favorite spooky stories to set the mood. After everyone is scared silly, lift their spirits with a toasty S’more cooked over the fire.

 

10. See Stars

Grab a blanket, snacks, and a Radiant® 300 Headlamp set to red mode for a cozy night under the stars. Whether in your backyard or off the grid, you’ll be in for a night of out-of-this-world views, nonetheless. Three meteor showers are due when the moon is in crescent this Autumn, giving you the best view possible. Look out the Orionids shower on the night of October 20th through the 21st, the Northern Taurids on the night of November 11-12, and the Leonids on November 16-17.

And don’t miss the especially rare (and especially spooky) full moon on Halloween night!

Very soon we’ll all be setting our clocks back an hour on a Saturday evening, relishing an excuse to get an extra hour of sleep, yet dreading everything else that comes with the end of Daylight Savings Time. Most of us don’t tend to look forward to shorter days, and have trouble adjusting to the change. It’s amazing how just an hour of time can make that much difference, right? Along with that extra hour of z’s, there might be a few things to actually look forward to when we fall back, as well as several ways to help breeze through the adjustment better than ever.

 

1. Enjoy That Extra Sleep (Responsibly)

Most Americans are already sleep deprived, so it’s likely you could use a little extra shut eye when you can get it. Although it may sound like a good idea to stay up late the night before while enjoying an adult beverage or two, resist the temptation. Get the most out of that extra hour by not shifting your bedtime schedule too drastically, and for a more restful night, limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Practicing good sleep hygiene is important for a good night’s sleep, and better sleep leads to better health. Check out these tips for better sleep from Healthline.

 

2. Savor the Sunlight

Seasonal depression is real, and it tends to make an appearance as the days get shorter, with less sunshine to soak in. Not only will getting out in the sunlight before and after we fall back help you sleep better, it can also improve your mood. Knowing that it will get dark earlier, plan to get outside in the morning or mid-day. Consider taking a walk, run, or bike ride at lunchtime. Getting out in the sunshine will also help your body absorb vitamin D, and align your circadian rhythm with the solar clock, which will aid in better sleep.

 

3. Brighten Your Nights

Just because it’s dark, doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun outside. With the right accessories, you can still get out for your evening activities. For bike commuters, check out our Radiant Rechargeable Bike Lights and Rechargeable SpokeLits, so you can see and be seen from all sides on your ride home. If you prefer to run after work hours, be sure you’re staying safe and visible. Our Rechargeable SlapLit LED Slap Wrap and TagLit Magnetic Marker are both great for staying visible after dark, and a headlamp will help light your path. Heading out for your nightly dog walk? A Rechargeable NiteDog Collar and Leash will make sure you and your pup are seen by oncoming traffic. Check out all our other ways to illuminate your pup here.

 

4. Winterize Your Attitude

It’s time to get cozy! The annual time shift might be a good opportunity to officially change your wardrobe over to winter mode. Find those comfy sweaters at the back of your closet you forgot you owned and bring them back into rotation. A good way to think about the time change is how it symbolizes the start of the colder months and holiday season. While that might not sound exciting to everyone out there, we imagine there is something fun to look forward to for each of us – whether that be plush blankets and a roaring fire, cooking your favorite cold weather meals, decorating for the holidays, or indulging in an occasional pumpkin spice latte. Plus, you can start your movie nights earlier without having to employ the blackout shades.

 

5. Make An Annual Home Checklist

Okay, so maybe this one isn’t exciting in nature, but it is a good habit to form. Consider making the end of daylight savings a reminder to perform some annual maintenance around the home. Here are some tasks you might want to include in your yearly rounds:

• • Change the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Clean your gutters (or use a service to have them cleaned)
  • If you live in a region that freezes, winterize your sprinkler system if you haven’t already 
  • Change your air filter, and check your furnace and water heater
  • Check and restock your home emergency kit and/or go bag
  • Flip and/or rotate your mattress
  • Reverse ceiling fans for winter energy efficiency

And finally, make sure you set your clocks back! Although most of our devices will set themselves on their own, check your wrist watches, and clocks around the house and turn them back on Saturday evening so you won’t be confused when you wake up refreshed from an extra-long night’s sleep.

It's that time of year again when the ghosts, goblins and witches come out to raid your candy bowl. Halloween is just a few short weeks away and it's time to get those decorations up so you're ready to scare the bejesus out of your neighborhood children. Nite Ize is here to help you hang, secure, and light up your spine-chilling adornments.

 

Hang it With an S-Biner

S-Biners: our versatile, iconic dual-gated carabiner clips are perfect for hanging spooky skeletons and more. (Be sure to pick up the orange aluminum variety for an extra touch of seasonal color.)

 

Gear Ties Get it Done

You can never have too many Gear Ties on hand, and it might be a good idea to keep some in your holiday decoration boxes you keep in the attic to dust off every year. Here's a 12" Original keeping this ghost secured to a tree limb, making sure he doesn't fly off into the night to terrorize the neighborhood.

No need to put holes in your porch railings with this spooktacular way to hang your seasonal lights.

This 18" Loopable Gear Tie (orange of course) is the perfect solution for hanging wreaths where you need them.

 

Lights. ALL the Lights.

 

We have all kinds of options when it comes to keeping your porch LIT on Halloween. First and foremost, kick the candle to the curb and use a NiteGem, SpotLit or Mini Glow Stick in your pumpkin. This one above is a SpotLit XL in Disc-O mode (for an extra bit of flair). And, after the festivities are over, you can clip this light to your dog's collar during those dark fall walks! 

Make your zombie graveyard an eerie shade of red and maybe light up a skull or two. NiteGems and SpotLits work great, and even our Radiant 100 Mini Lantern on red mode is a perfect fit for this creep-tastic scene. If you're going the extra mile with a cauldron full of dry ice, put a Disc-O Select NiteGem on green and drop it in for some seriously spooky witch's brew. NiteGems are also waterproof, so you can throw a few in a punch bowl or cooler to illuminate the beverage selection if you're planning on having some extra "spirits" join you (pun intended).

 

Crack a Cold One

Last but certainly not least, after your yard is sufficiently scary you'll need to kick back and relax while you wait for the trick-or-treaters to arrive  (if they dare). What better way to crack a pumpkin ale than with a DoohicKey SkullKey? It's the DoohicKey of choice for those who just can't get enough ghoulish vibes.

Have you used a Nite Ize product to help you decorate? Let us know in the comments, and tag #LifesAdventureKit in your photos for a chance to win a Nite Ize Adventure Kit. Happy haunting!

 

Okay, we admit it: we make a LOT of products. You might say we’re slightly addicted to bringing new, innovative products to market – and we do it not once, but twice a year! With a product line of hundreds, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start when you arrive on the Nite Ize website. So rather than flood you with complex product recommendations, we let our staff do the talking! Nite Ize employees love to “geek out” about our gear. We also all tend to have personal favorites. We asked our team to weigh in on their favorite Nite Ize products, and here’s what they had to say.

 

Popular Favorites

Gear Ties

“I use Gear Ties for just about anything; from organizing my charging cables, attaching things to/in my car, and even baby proofing my house.”

- M.J., Marketing Manager

“They have infinite uses around the house, car, camper – anywhere.”

- Jeff, IT Director

“There are a million things I use Gear Ties for, and a million more that I haven't thought of yet.  Seriously I will have Gear Tie in all of my bags and all over my house, you never know when a Gear Tie will save the day!”

- Matthew, Key Account Manager

“All of my cables are organized and color coordinated. NO mix ups, NO confusion.”

- Judy, E-commerce Support Specialist

“I use Gear Ties every day, and they and make my life as a dad so much easier. I can attach just about everything to anything.”

- Adrian, Sales Manager

“I have been tying up my guitar cables and cords with these since I started at Nite Ize.”

- Matt, International Accounts Manager

“I find the value of Gear Ties amazing and endless. Sealing bread and food bags, tying up excess cords, even my boyfriend uses them in the Geology lab for his research.”

- Taylor, Marketing Communications Specialist

“You can use them for everything!”

- Jan, SVP of Corporate Development

 

RadDog All-In-One Collar + Leash

“I love the RadDog for off-leash hikes, trips to the dog park or the vet. It's so much easier than clipping the leash back on every time you need to grab your dog.”

- Cassie, Social Media Specialist

“I can take my dog on walks in the neighborhood and easily grab the leash when we need it.”

- Heather, Creative Project Manager

“It's a dream for apartment dogs when they need a potty break – no need to grab the leash. It's also amazing for road trip potty breaks and when camping/hiking - I can always grab him if he wanders too far.”

- Taylor, Marketing Communications Specialist

 

Steelie Magnetic Phone Mounts

“I use my Steelie literally every day, from when I take it off my lamp in the morning, to driving in my car, to having it on the Pedestal on my desk, to my bar mount on my bike, then on my fridge when I am cooking dinner, and back onto the lamp for sleep!  Couldn't imagine life without it!”

- Matthew, Key Account Manager

“Great hands-free way to secure my phone while driving. I love being able to see the screen without it distracting me from the road.”

- Diana, National Account Manager

“So versatile...you can use it in the car, office (with the Pedestal) and around the house. It keeps my phone visible and accessible, where and when I need it.”

- Jay, Director of Outdoor Sales

“I use the Steelie Pedestal all the time! I have one on my nightstand to put my phone on at night (for easy access) and one on my desk for meetings (so I don't have to hold my phone during work calls). I use it when baking to easily view recipes on my phone. It has so many uses! The Steelie Windshield Mount is great for taking selfies and filming Tik Tok videos. Just attach it to any window or mirror!”

- Amanda, Brand Protection Specialist

 

RunOff Waterproof Bags

“I enjoy camping and backpacking, so I like to know that my gear/clothes will stay compact and dry without worrying about what elements my backpack can hold up against.”

- Mike, Mechanical Designer

“The RunOff Small Packing Cube works great as a front bag on my bike.”

- Todd, National Accounts Manager

“I travel a lot, and the RunOff 3-1-1 Bag is the perfect size for carrying necessities. Plus I like the fact that it stands up by itself.”

- Pete, International Sales

“The Large Packing Cube is great for travel and packing clothes into, then dirty laundry bag that doesn't co-mingle with other things for the return home!”

- David, Account Executive

“The RunOff Phone Case is like a Swiss army knife! It works so well on my bike and on the kayak, and I know I can trust it!”

- Matt, Key Account Manager

 

S-Biner Dual Carabiners

“These things are truly super versatile and can be used for clipping, hanging and organizing. Anything from a keychain locking to a backpack to hanging a grass trimmer with a #8 to hanging a bike with a #10.”

- Truckie, Category Manager

“The S-Biner MicroLocks are great to secure my keys, and allow for removal of extra key weight when not needed - i.e. if I only need my car FOB, I can detach my house keys and lighten my load.”

- Diana, National Account Manager

“S-Biners are so useful in so many situations; hiking, biking, camping, you name it.”

- Jeff, IT Director

Flashflight Light-Up Flying Disc

“I played a lot of disc in high school and now we have one that lights up! That would have come in super handy on many occasions.”

- Tristan, COO

“Its the ‘Cadillac’ of flying discs, and beautiful at night, extending play hours!”

- David, Account Executive”

 

Noteworthy Accolades

DoohicKey Key Chain Knife

“I use it so much! I never realized how many boxes I open or need to break down (probably from all the stuff my wife and I buy on Amazon). I recommend it to everyone I meet.”

- Matt, International Sales Manager

 

GearLine Organization System

“I hang it between my headrests in my truck, and keep the things I need on it ... lantern, bottle opener, my hats/gloves, extra S-Biners and more.”

- Leo, Product Engineer

 

Radiant 100 Keychain Flashlight

“I carry it everywhere.  It's is incredibly handy and bright enough to find what I lost.”

- Brian, E-commerce Manager

 

Ca$hBack Phone Wallet

“I love not having to carry a purse and I can leave the house with just my keys and phone and I'm set.”

- Jenna, Director of IS and BE

 

Radiant 170 Rechargeable Headlamp

“It provides just the right amount of light to get the job done.”

- Jan, SVP of Corporate Development

 

 

Hitch Phone Anchor + Tether

“This unique product is one I use daily. I usually use it to carry my phone around my wrist when my hands are full (which is often). I'm a notorious butterfingers, and I can say I haven't dropped my phone once since I've been using it!”

- Cassie, Social Media Specialist

 

SpotLit XL Rechargeable Collar Light

“These are great for dusk or dawn runs and walks with the pups.”

- Jay, Director of Outdoor Sales

 

 

 

 

NiteDog Rechargeable LED Collar & Leash

“Having two huskies of the same fur coat helps me identify which husky is which during our nightly walks or playtime.”

- Judy, E-commerce Support Specialist

 

 

Nite Ize Headband

“This is a sentimental choice, for one, because it's the only item we still make from when I started with the company and second, we all wouldn't be here if not for that item. BOOM!”

- Tristan, COO

 

We hope our team members have helped you get to know some of our products better, and have maybe given you some inspiration for how they could help in your daily life. Have a question about one or more of our products? Feel free to get in touch with us by phone, email, live chat on our website, or hit us up on social media. Our team is always happy to help you find the right gear for your life’s adventures.

Did you know that September is National Preparedness month in the U.S.? With so much going on in the world, you may be asking yourself, “how can I possibly prepare for all the things that could go wrong this year?” The simple answer is, you can’t. But, with relatively minimal effort you can prepare for the most likely types of natural disasters in your part of the country. That is the sentiment behind National Preparedness month. Have a plan in place so that you can be prepared and self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in case a disaster hits where you live. The more people who do this, the less overwhelmed emergency services are in a worst-case-scenario situation. Then they can focus all their efforts on those who need help the most. If you need motivation to start prepping, think of it as a future-kindness to the emergency service workers in your area.

Before I jump into tips on preparing for specific types of disasters, there are a few preparedness practices that apply to just about any natural disaster:

1. Always follow evacuation orders and directives from your local officials.

Maybe you have stayed in your house for the last four hurricanes and been fine, but guess what, there’s a decent chance that the next one you’re going to be that guy getting airlifted off his roof on the five o’clock news – and that’s not the worst case scenario. Experts are not perfect in predicting the movements of natural disasters, but they are experts for a reason, and they aren’t throwing darts here. Warning systems save lives. A great way to make sure you receive emergency warnings is to download the FEMA app on your phone and sign up for alerts for your zip code.

2. Make a plan ahead of time.

Take time with your household to talk through a family plan of what to do and where to go in case a disaster happens when you’re not together or can’t go home. FEMA has this helpful worksheet you can fill out as a family and leave on the fridge as a reminder. If you live alone, it’s important to let a nearby friend know that they will be your planned destination in case of an emergency, then they can look out for you. Communication lines often get knocked out or overwhelmed during natural disasters. Text messages will be more likely to go through than calls, but sometimes calling outside of your area will work too, so it’s helpful to designate a family member in another state as the call-in person who everyone can check in with and communicate through.

3. Keep emergency provisions on hand.

The type of emergency kit you build should be customized to the type of emergency you’re most likely to encounter, especially whether it’s likely you’ll need to shelter in place or evacuate (I’ll get into those details more in the section below), and customized to the number of people in your household and any special needs they may have (think: prescription meds, diapers, formula, glasses, pet food, leash, etc…) As you build your kit, the goal to keep in mind is having the essentials needed to keep your family safe and sane for 72 hours without power or support in any season. If you have children, don’t underestimate the importance of comfort items like a favorite lovey – if you don’t have a backup one you can keep in your kit, make sure to add this to your family’s list of “most important items to grab in an evacuation”.

Prepping by Region

Earthquakes: When the ground is shaking, don’t stand in that doorway.

In the moment: Earthquake protocols have changed over the years, but many people still think that the classic Hollywood move of standing in a doorway is what you’re supposed to do – it’s not. The safest thing to do, according to FEMA, is to immediately lay down and cover your head with your hands, if you can easily get under a table, do so, then grab onto a leg to anchor yourself. If you’re outside, great, stay outside and away from buildings and power lines. If you’re in a car, pull over and put on the parking brake.

Preparing ahead of time: Unfortunately, an earthquake early warning system in the U.S. is still in the development phase (learn more about USGS ShakeAlert here), however there are many ways you can prepare ahead of time. Talk through your family emergency plan, research where your local shelters will be, anchor TVs and top-heavy furniture to the walls, and have an emergency go-bag packed. I recommend a go-bag rather than a traditional home kit because in a serious earthquake situation there is a good chance you will need to evacuate, but you should still store extra water and food in your house and use the bag for your other survival items in case you are sheltering in place. Some of my friends in California keep their emergency bags in weatherproof trunks or sheds outside their home. This way, even if their home is unsafe to enter, their emergency supplies are accessible. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of suggested items for your Go Bag.

 

Wildfires: They move fast - so should you.

In the moment: Wildfires are unpredictable and susceptible to rapid changes in size based on wind and other natural elements. If you are under a warning or evacuation order – take it seriously and leave the area. If the fire is very close, N95 masks are great for filtering out smoke and particles, but a bandana will help too. Once in your car, the filter will help do the trick.

Preparing ahead of time: If you live in a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) or a Grassland Urban Interface (GUI) you should have a Go Bag packed in case of an immediate fire evacuation, and a car emergency kit with food, water, a flashlight, blanket, and phone charger in case you’re not able to return to your home. You should have a discussion with your family members of the single most important item in the home to each of them. If you have time, grab those items along with your Go Bag and call it a day. Do not linger, if a fireman comes to your door and tells you have five minutes to clear out, they don’t mean ten. Fires are scary. My intention is not to scare you here, it’s for you to be prepared and therefore less scared in case you find yourself in one of these situations. Here are my suggested packing lists for Car Emergency Kits and Emergency Go Bags.

 

Hurricanes & Tropical Storms: Don’t be that guy on the roof.

In the moment: One benefit of hurricanes is that they aren’t stealthy. They are huge, relatively slow-moving storms that can easily be tracked and therefore people can be warned of their arrival ahead of time. These benefits are also what can make them so devastating. They are huge and can take down power grids and cause devastation over hundreds of miles. They are slow moving and wet, bringing large storm surges and dumping tens of inches of rain before heading inland. If you do find yourself in a scary situation with rising waters, move to the highest interior point in your house but where you could still get to a window to climb out if waters came that high. Never walk, drive, or swim through flood waters. Call for rescue.

Preparing ahead of time: Know your evacuation routes and heed local evacuation warnings. Make a plan with your family, and have an emergency Go Bag packed ahead of time. If you need to pack for your whole family quickly, just grab everyone’s hampers – that way you know it’s a variety of clothes that currently fit. If you are in an area that isn’t at risk for flooding or storm surge and plan to wait out the storm, make sure to have a well-stocked Home Emergency Kit with extra water and food (see a full list of suggested supplies here). When it comes to large storms you should have provisions for the grid being down for at least a week, and water supplies can be tainted for even longer. Two weeks after hurricane Katrina, only 30% of the area’s drinking water facilities and 40% of the areas wastewater facilities were operating (more details here).

 

Tornadoes: Hiding in the basement, it’s the right thing to do.

In the moment: If you hear sirens or receive an alert, move to a basement or secure interior room without windows immediately – tornado winds can move at over 200 MPH. If you’re outside and can’t get in, do not seek shelter under a bridge – they can create wind tunnels that blow debris even faster at you. Lay down flat in a ditch and protect your head and neck, cover yourself with blankets, jackets or anything to help protect you from flying debris.

Preparing ahead of time: Be familiar with your local sirens and sign up for digital alerts from FEMA in case you can’t hear the sirens during a storm. Meteorologists are often able to issue tornado warnings ahead of time – there is no shame in heeding these and moving to the basement. Growing up in Indiana we had our fair share of tornadoes, but my parents did a good job of not making it too scary. We just got to do a basement “campout” and all bring our sleeping bags down for the night. Tornadoes are unpredictable and not something to be taken lightly. Even if they miss your house, they can do serious damage to an area and leave you without power for days, that’s why it’s important to keep a well-stocked home emergency kit if you live in the Midwest or South.

 

Blizzards: Is that a “Polar Vortex” or a “Bomb Cyclone”?

In the moment: There are a lot of severe winter weather terms out there that the media loves these days, but good old snowstorms and cold can cause serious emergency situations. If you live in Colorado, you know that sometimes they are predicting 3” and we get 30”. If you live in Buffalo, you know it might end up being 50”. It’s good to be safely indoors when a storm hits. If you have a generator, do not use it in the house or garage. Generators emit high levels of carbon monoxide and have led to many post-disaster injuries and deaths – check out this article by Consumer Reports for generator safety tips. If you are in a car and lose visibility, pull over and turn on your hazards – stay in your car. At the end of the storm, if you are healthy, safe, and home (and maybe have a good snowblower or shovel), use the opportunity to go check in on older neighbors and friends who may need help.

Preparing ahead of time: Keep a Car Emergency Kit stocked with food, water, blankets, flashlights, etc…in case you need to stay in there overnight. At home, if you have a stocked pantry, flashlights, water, and a wood-burning fireplace, you’re in pretty good shape. If you have a gas fireplace, you’ll have a heat source, but if the power’s out and it requires a switch you might think you’re out of luck. However, most gas fireplaces have either an igniter bypass to the switch, or a box that you can put batteries in to turn it on. Look into this before an emergency situation so you’ll know how it works. Always have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home as well. And, as I suggest to most anyone, keep a well-stocked home emergency kit.

 

Strong community ties are essential in preparing for and rebuilding after disasters strike. You are our community and we value your feedback. If you live in an area that is prone to any of the disasters listed above and you have valuable tips to share, please leave them in the comments section below.

Want more information? Check out these useful resources from Ready.Gov:

Earthquake Information

Wildfire Information

Hurricane Information

Tornado Information

Winter Storm Information