The annual meeting of the National Rifle Association packed the Louisville Expo Center, with some visitors waiting three hours to get in. Obviously, the wait was worth it. Here are a few cool products from the show that are designed for women. (Guys, these make great gifts!)

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Prois Rain Gear: There’s no longer a reason for outdoor women to wear men’s gear (unless they really want to). Prois makes outdoor clothing that’s both functional and flattering to the female form. My wife has great taste in everything (but men) and her eyes instantly lit up when she saw the light versatile raingear offered by Prois. The Galleann (Gaelic for “storm”) is a fabric that’s waterproof, breathable, and so light that it packs into its own pocket. Features include deep pockets, waterproof zippers, and a storm hood, and is available in Realtree Max 1 and Olive in sizes XS to XXL. Prois is increasingly becoming an online retailer, so visit their website.

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CrossBreed Holsters: Many women carry a small handgun for protection and conceal it in their purse. Although some manufacturers make “carry-specific” purses, they rarely meet the style requirements for a lady’s most visual and function accessory. And mixing the pistol in with other items in a purse often makes it not easily accessible when needed. The Purse Defender solves this problem with a specifically designed holster to keep the grip of the pistol pointed upward so that it’s accessible with a single thrust. A Velcro lined Kydex panel fits securely in your purse or other bag and keeps the gun and purse stabilized.

Ladies, if your guy also carries, he’ll like the new Gideon pocket mag holder that fits comfortably in a front pant pocket without a visible exterior print. Gals, this is so new it’s not in stores at this writing, but you can find the full line of Crossbreed holsters online.

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Maven Binoculars: I once owed an African professional hunter $1,000 for an animal I had shot and asked if I could trade my Maven binoculars to settle the account. This man made his living with big guns and quality optics and I wasn’t sure he’d make the trade, since the binos weren’t one of the more well-known brands. He raised and lowered them several times, adjusted the focus, and quickly said, “Deal.”

Maven makes quality binoculars with lightweight magnesium chassis, maximum light transmission, and fully multi-coated LED glass. They are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to be fog-proof and waterproof. The quality is excellent, yet what sets Maven apart from other binoculars is their custom built nature.

Each pair of Maven binoculars is built to the specs of the customer. Ordering is fun, even if you just want to leave a hint for a significant other or pretend you’re a binocular engineer. As a customer, you select the color of the various components of the bino and build the finished product online, a chance to really show your style. Additionally, you can have your name or a dedication engraved on the frame. What better way to celebrate a graduation, marriage, or other special event than presenting a pair of binoculars that will last a lifetime and become a family heirloom?

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.