Another year has flown by and as we get ready for 2012, we still have to get through the Christmas holiday and figure out what to get for the gearhead in your life. With the never ending supply of outdoor goods available and constant outpouring of new items, read on for a little direction of what could be some great gifts for those who love the outdoors.
Injinji toe socks are great stocking stuffers. They have every type of sock you need whether it’s for hiking, running or any outdoor activity. They’re available in men, women and children sizes. Kids seem to really dig these socks since they have the five individual toe pockets. If you like wearing socks when climbing, Injinji is the way to go. They have a thin layer sock that is perfect with the climbing shoes.
Point6 socks are also great for the outdoor enthusiast. These are some of the most comfortable socks that will support whatever outdoor adventure you’re involved in. The deep heel pocket is seriously cushy, and the socks won’t bunch up in your shoes. The 100% compact-spun yarn provides a nice luxury merino-wool sock without the scratchy, bulky and itchy feeling. The feet will definitely be happy.
Food bars are always a good way to stuff those stockings. CLIF Bar has a huge variety of bars as well as the Shot Roks, Shot Bloks, Shot Gels, and Z Fruit Rope for the kids (but the adults like to steal these too). The seasonal flavored CLIF Bars are out and this year they released the new Peppermint Stick. Olympia Granola has some tasty bars with flavors such as almond chocolate, honey almond, Espresso Almond Chocolate Coffee bars, and lemon chamomile. These all-natural bars are delicious and full of wholesome nutrients that will keep the hiker, climber or biker in your life healthy and energized.
Lucky Bums is serious about having real gear for kids. They’ve got backpacks, sleds, sleeping bags, skis, apparel, items for hunting and fishing, and so much more. Lucky Bums knows that getting the kids outdoors is good for them. They’ll have what you need to keep your kids warm, prepared and ready to conquer the outdoor ventures.
The CamelBak Ante pack is an ideal pack for the winter time. You can comfortably carry your skis or snowboard on the pack whether you’re skiing/boarding on the slopes or out in the backcountry. Hydration capacity is three liters and the reservoir included with the pack has a Big Bite™ valve, insulated Pure Flow™ tube and Hydro Guard technology. There’s plenty of room to pack your snacks, extra layers, and other gear inside. Better yet, just use the Ante for the Christmas stocking to hang on the mantle and fill it up with some gear.
Easton ATR-80 or CTR-80 trekking poles will put a smile on the face of your hiker, climber, or snowshoe extraordinaire. These lightweight poles are amazing on the mountain with the Rock-Lock Clamp System that makes adjustment easy. Each set of poles come available with or without the Vi-Brake grips that help absorb vibrations at the point of contact with the pole. This will spare your forearms and help you hike and climb longer.
The Selk’bag Sleep System is a practical and functional gift that your gearhead will get a kick out of. It’s a sleeping bag with arms and legs that you can walk around in. There is Velcro near the wrist areas on the bag, so your hands can peek out and grab onto that hot cocoa or food while sitting around the campfire. There are footpads on the bottom, so you have some traction while walking around all warm and cozy.
The above mentioned items can be found at places such as REI in Salt Lake or Sandy, www.backcountry.com, www.amazon.com, your local grocery store, and www.sportschalet.com.
You still have a few more days to finish up on that Christmas shopping. You don’t need to worry about any shortage of outdoor gear that will bring a smile from ear-to-ear. Just make sure, if it’s your turn to dress up as Santa this year and you rappel down a building or roof, to pull that beard back in an elastic to avoid any belay device malfunction. Happy Holidays!
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