OUTDOORS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING HOLIDAY ITEMS WITHIN BUDGET FOR ALL ENTHUSIASTS.

Byline: Keith Lair Staff Writer

Christmas brings out the child in nearly every outdoors enthusiast.

Once those catalogs arrive, the salivating starts. Sure, big-ticket items top the list. Bass anglers would love to own one of the latest Ranger VS/R series boats. Ocean anglers might be after a much-sought-after Accurate Boss 665HXM, Shimano Trinidad series or Penn International 975 CS reel or a Calstar rod. Hunters might like to try Remington's Short-Action Ultra Magnum centerfire rifle.

Of course, many of these items are just dreams. It's not in the family budget, but it sure would be nice to own one.

``We're pretty much getting requests for holiday gift items,'' said Sasha Heflin, the assistant manager at the Arcadia outlet for outdoor retailer REI. ``Plus, we're selling what we normally sell.''

It's that way at other outdoor specialty stores, too. Hunters are stocking up on ammunition for current hunts, and trout anglers are after Power Bait, treble hooks and new line as the Southern California trout season heats up.

Of course, for those who aren't exactly enthusiasts, buying that perfect outdoors gift can be a trying time.

Heflin said fleece and wool blankets, headlamps, sleeping bags and camp chairs and tables have been hits this season.

``Mom and dads have been setting up their kids for camping,'' he said.

MAKING A LIST

Here's a short list of what's affordable and some of the hot items currently selling:

--Headlamp: Petzi's Zipka LED headlamp adjusts to fit the head, helmet, wrist, arm, pack or whatever is desired. It weighs 2 ounces and the triple LED bulbs won't burn out. $44.95.

--Outdoor California: The Department of Fish and Game's Conservation Education Office produces a full-color glossy bimonthly magazine. It features columns on watching wildlife, hunting, fishing, maps and directions. The magazine is subscription-supported, with minimal advertising. $9.95 a year.

--Hooks, terminal tackle: The merger of Rapala and VMC has created five new lines of hooks and terminal tackle, all under the Rapala name. Perfect for stocking stuffers.

Hooks will come in Needle Cone, Pyramid and Cone Cut. The premium hooks come in 22 styles within five major hook lines. Other new styles of hooks are Fastgrip, Saltwater, Pro Guide and Sportsman.

--Computer watch: Suunto Vector's Wristop Computer Watch has an altimeter, barometer, compass and thermometer. The altimeter features a vertical ascent/descent rate, 24-hour and logbook memory and reference altitude and altimeter alarm. $199.

--Topographical maps: National Geographic has produced Topo! California. The USGS maps have been enhanced digitally on CD-ROMs. The maps have 3D shading to show land features. Users can also download free up-to-date recreation overlays. $99.

--Spinning reel: Mitchell has introduced the 300X spinning reel. The graphite body includes a five-bearing drive. It has a 6.0:1 high-speed gear ratio and aluminum spool with a skirted line keeper to discourage tangles on the main shaft. $44.95.

--Riflescope: Bushnell's Sportsman series has scopes for a variety of shooting activities: airguns, pistols, shotguns, hunters, target shooters. $58.

--Sleeping bag: REI's Sub Kilo +20 weighs less than three pounds, features 700 fill-power goose down insulation, a downproof nylon shell and microfiber lining. It has a locking zipper, muffler and fell-length draft tube. $209.

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MAKING A LIST (see text)