Top 10 Gift Ideas for Hikers
Top 10 Gift Ideas for Hikers
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Our top 10 Christmas Stocking Stuffers for a Hiker
We have made your Christmas shopping easy this year with a list of the latest and greatest gadgets any hiker or walker would love to receive in their stocking. We have included a few of our favourites as well as some popular items our clients and guides have been sporting on the track this year.
1. Buffs/Neck Scarves: These little beauties are so simple but so effective. Versatile and lightweight, buffs save your neck and face from the wind and sun and truly are a blessing for coastal walking! We’ve seen some pretty funky designs around and you could probably even make one yourself if you were skilled with a needle and thread. Every outdoor store will stock them or just Google ‘Buffs’ or ‘neck shield’ and you will be able to find plenty.
2. Hat with flap: These probably aren’t the height of fashion but a must have for the track. You should be looking for a wide brim and some form of sun protection at the back in a lightweight breathable fabric. We’ve also seen a few out on the track this year with a clip under the chin.
3. Microfibre Towel Keyring: Microfibre towels are awesome but a small one that clips to your clothes is even more awesome. Our guide Rachelle raves about these and always carries one. With endless uses, you can use it to wipe the sweat or rain from your face, dry your feat after a river crossing or clean your sunnies.
4. Hiking Bladder: WATER…you can’t live without this on the track and carrying it is a pain. Fortunately hiking bladders make it all the more bearable. Unlike a camel pack, hiking bladders will just slip into your existing day pack. With an easily accessible mouth piece your lucky gift receiver will stay refreshed on the track without the effort.
5. Half Finger Hiking Gloves: They say your hands show your age! Give the gift of youth with a set of half finger hiking gloves! These are perfect for protecting your skin from the harsh UV rays and enable you to still be dexterous and do fiddly things like take pictures and scratch kangaroos under the chin! You will find these guys at the Cancer Council, cycling store or outdoor store.
6. Hiking Poles: This gift is perfect for the more mature hiker who values their knees and stability on the track! There are lots of benefits to using walking poles. Not only do they give you more stability and prevent falls but used properly they can reduce the wear and tear on your joints as well as improve your posture. Not convinced, check out our blog article on Walking Poles.
7. Day Pack: A hiking day pack can really make or break your back, so choose carefully. Here are a few tips that will make sure you give the gift of love(not expensive physiotherapy appointments) this Christmas : How to choose a backpack for day hikes.
8. Humphrey Law-Genuine Army Socks: If by some form of torture you were forced to give someone the same pair of socks to wear for the next 2 years, these would be the socks. They were designed to be worn for long periods in hot and cold climates as they wick moisture out of the top of the sock. Cutting edge socknology! And yes, this is what the Australian Army wear… mainly on their feet.
9. Gaiters: If your loved one is headed to Tasmania, New Zealand or Middle Earth they are going to want some gaiters. Gaiters protect your legs from mud, stinging nettles, snakes and avalanches… well maybe not avalanches. The canvas ones are the best because they don’t sweat as much.
10. Dry Sacks Dry sacks are an awesome gift for your outdoorsy friend. They are water tight so you can stash your valuables without fear of them getting wet. Perfect for canoeing, hiking, cycling… but probably not scuba diving. Yeah, don’t take them scuba diving. Or base jumping for that matter. They are also cheap, so you can stuff a heap of sacks in their Santa sack!
Have we missed any? What are your absolute must have hiking accessories? Leave a comment below.
