Holiday Gift Guide 2017

It's time again to start thinking about getting a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life! If you're at a loss for what to get the hikers you care about something unique, let my holiday guide help you.  

STOCKING STUFFERS

GSI long-handled silicone spoon - VERY necessary for those who eat pre-made freeze-dried meals! This guy will get down into the nooks and crannies of even the longest bag meal. 
Hikertrash Stickers - I don't know a single hiker who doesn't love putting stickers on just about everything they own.  Help them rep their Hikertrash status proudly!
Sawyer Mini water filter - Being able to have clean water on the go is very necessary for anyone who spends any time outdoors.  These compact filters are super easy to use and easy to clean.
Klymit Pillow X - Makes a great pillow for backpackers and a good seat on a day hike too!
Therm-a-Rest Z seat - In case your hiker isn't a fan of things that can pop on the trail, consider this Z seat instead of the Klymit Pillow. 
MSR Piezo Ignitor - If your hiker uses a canister fuel stove, this thing is amazing! Lightweight and doesn't require fuel like a lighter.  Never worry about running out of fluid again. 

Under $30

Road ID - Have piece of mind when your hiking buddy is out solo. These bracelets (or shoe charms) can hold emergency info and some charms too. 
Darn Tough Socks - The only socks I've found that can keep up with the abuse I put them through - and that's saying a LOT! 
A Scratch-off Map of the US - for the hiker trying to hit every state (or every high point!) this fun multicolor map is a great way to keep track of your travels in the US. 
A US National Parks Scratch-off Map - Just in case you're trying to get all those parks in there too ;)
An Anker Portable Charger - A lightweight charger that won't break the bank. Great for those who use their phones to listen to music or podcasts in the tent at night. 
GSI Microflip Mug - This mug is vacuum sealed to keep your coffee or tea hot on the way to the trailhead on those early mornings. 

Under $50

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 - A new stove is never a bad thing! This guy can boil water in 3.5 minutes. 
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp - 350 lumens to keep the trail bright when you're night hiking or getting in those before dawn miles. 
A Mountain Ring - Let's face it, sometimes lady hikers want to look nice (and sometimes we even have to go to places in the "real world"). This ring will let her take the peaks wherever she goes. 
White Blaze Pendant - This unisex Appalachian Trail
pendant comes on polycord and is adjustable.  In fact, check out ALL of Tarma's jewelry. 
Dirty Girl Gaiters - Keep debris from your shoes and look good at the same time. 
Altra StashJack - A jacket that leaves room for your pack in the back, so you can put it on and take it off without stopping. Why hasn't this been thought of before?

Splurge Items

A Handmade Replica Trail Sign - Handmade to match nearly any sign, these will definitely make your favorite hiker's heart skip a beat. 
Suunto Traverse Series Watch - For the hiker who loves data and stats, this watch will leave a trail of breadcrumbs and show the trails in the area right on the wrist. 
Excalibur Food Dehydrator - For the hiker who loves eating well in the backcountry! This 9-tray dehydrator will make huge batches of jerky, meals, and more. 
Helinox Chair One - Because being comfortable shouldn't mean breaking your back trying to carry that chair to camp. 
Altra Wasatch Rain Jacket - A breathable rain jacket you can run in?! Yes, please!

These are just a few of the things I'd love to see as a holiday gift this year.  What are some of your favorite gifts to give? 

 

Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Your Favorite Hiker - a 2015 Gift Guide

The holidays are here yet again, and I can hardly believe how fast 2015 passed me by!  Last year, I did a list on Appalachian Trials about gifts hikers would love to receive.  I'm updating the list for 2015 and making it a stocking stuffer guide instead.  Why would I change this? Well, because I want to show the good gear, and necessary gear at that, doesn't have to be expensive!  At our house, we love giving lots of small and personal gifts to each other for all holidays. Here are a few of the great things I think any hiker could use!  All the gifts are linked below and are available on Amazon. 

Dr. Bronner's

Dr. Bronner's castile soap is wonderful for so many things.  According to the bottle it has 18 different uses, including toothpaste!  While I definitely wouldn't go that far, I would definitely say Dr. Bronner's is a great multipurpose item to have in a pack.  I've washed socks in a plastic bag with it, I've used it as soap and shampoo, and I've washed my dishes with it.  This tiny 2-ounce bottle is a welcome addition to any holiday gift for a hiker. 

Sawyer Mini

Sawyer water filters have changed the way I hike.  In 2012 on my AT thru hike, I met three people with a Sawyer water filter.  In 2013 when I was working in Millinocket nearly 90% of hikers we met were using it.  These amazing little filters are fast and easy to use.  I actually use mine as an inline system placed directly on the end of my Camelbak.  I drink directly from the filter, using my Camelbak as a dirty bag.  If I'm feeling lazy in camp, this same inline system can easily be a gravity filter.  I went from rarely ever filtering water to using it every time I drink in the woods, which is never a bad thing.  Bonus tip?  The filter can be backflushed on trail without the syringe by using a Smartwater bottle with a flip top cap!

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp

While there are many great small and ultralight headlamps on the market these days, I prefer the good old Gizmo.  It's cheap and small - definitely lighter than my old Walmart lamp I used for years.  This headlamp has an adjustable dimmer setting and a strobe light setting for nighttime rescue situations.  The only downside is the lack of red light for night vision, but I don't often find myself wanting that feature anyway.  The price won't break the bank either!

Klymit Inflatable Pillow

An inflatable pillow...? Really...? Yes, really!  So for years I slept on my spare clothing in a stuff sack as my pillow.  Then, this summer, NoKey bought an inflatable pillow as his luxury item and every time he got out of the tent before me I would snatch that pillow up in a matter of seconds and catch some more beauty rest.  At 1.95 ounces packed weight, this little luxury item will be a sure favorite for anyone who loves sleeping in the woods. 

Titanium Spork

Again, what sounds like a ridiculous idea is actually pretty practical!  How many times have you or your favorite hiker busted their spork in a jar of peanut butter or a pot of mashed potatoes?  If you've done it even once, you know this one time too many!  While the plastic sporks are cheap, if you've replaced it more than twice you could have splurged and bought a titanium version.  I bought one a few years ago and haven't had problems since!  Also a bonus, the Vargo brand has a mini carabiner end on the top, so you can attach it right to your food bag or the bag you store your cook pot in.  Never dig in your bag to find the spork again!

Smartwool Socks

Socks for the holidays?!  Well, the gift we all hated to see (and inevitably always got) in our childhood takes on a whole new meaning when you love all things outdoors.  While all hikers have their favorite brands of socks, mine are Smartwool's PhD Micro socks.  I've been an avid lover of these socks since 2008 and have never once had a blowout like others I know.  Find out which brand your hiker likes best and get them a few pairs!

I hope this short list of products I love has been helpful for your holiday shopping.  What would you add to the list?  I'd love to see what you think - leave me a comment below or reply on the Facebook post to get the conversation started!