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For those with a passion for the great outdoors, the holiday season can present an opportunity to receive the perfect gift to enhance their hiking experiences. Whether your loved one is a seasoned backpacker or a weekend day hiker, here are five outstanding gifts that will resonate with their adventurous spirit, ensuring the holidays are a hit.
Gift a New Tent to Surprise the Avid Hiker
There’s something incredibly special about unveiling a brand-new backpacking tent during the holidays. This gift can inspire dreams of future expeditions and serves both seasoned backpackers and day-hikers planning to extend their treks.
Tents are available in a range of options, from featherlight solo tents to hefty multi-person expedition shelters for hardcore mountaineering. A fantastic middle-ground choice would be the MSR Hubba Hubba, a two-person tent that’s lightweight yet durable, perfect for camping across spring, summer, and fall. Imagine the thrill your hiker will experience finding this tent set up beside the Christmas tree!
Heat Things Up with a New Backpacking Stove
A backpacking stove can bring the comfort of a warm meal or drink to the wilderness, making it an impressively practical gift for hikers.
To elevate this present even further, consider including a compatible fuel bottle and a lightweight cooking pot. Just remember to keep safety in mind by excluding the fuel when setting it up under the Christmas tree.
Light Up Their Excursions with a New Headlamp
A quality headlamp is an invaluable tool for any hiker, especially those fond of overnight trips. It provides hands-free lighting for camp tasks or nighttime navigation.
The Black Diamond Spot is a standout choice, offering LED lights with a spotlight mode for enhanced visibility. For an extra festive touch, take the headlamp out of the package, install the batteries, and hang it as an ornament on the tree or mantelpiece.
Carry Their Joy Further with a New Backpack
Is your loved one’s backpack showing signs of too many miles? A new backpack, be it a compact daypack or a robust overnight pack, can be an excellent gift. Skip the wrapping paper, position it under the tree, and adorn it with a festive bow for a holiday surprise that’s both practical and appreciated.
Enrich Their Hiking Experience with a Planned Adventure
While tangible gifts are great, experiences can often provide deeper fulfillment. Why not surprise your hiker with a planned adventure? A brochure of a new trail system or a map of a potential hiking area can ignite their anticipation.
For young adult hikers, a place in a course from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) or Outward Bound might be an ideal gift. These organizations offer exciting adventures worldwide and are perfect for recent graduates with a love for nature.
These five gift ideas are just the starting point to impress the hiker or backpacker in your life this holiday season. Each offers a unique way to support and celebrate their passion for exploring the great outdoors.
