At about this time every year I start receiving emails from friends and clients (and family members of clients) asking about my recommendations for the perfect gift for the adventurer in their lives. This year I have decided to share a simple top ten list that runs the gamut from a few dollar stocking stuffers to bigger ticket adventure experiences. I am a fan of the gift that helps support people in getting out and following their dreams, improving their health and well-being, and bringing people together in nature. Enjoy the list below and as always: get out there!
1. Joshua Tree Healing Salve
The perfect stocking stuffer for the adventurer in your family – three lip balms and a large jar of JTree salve. All for $21!
Great for dry winter hands, irritated skin from climbing or skiing, and helps heal cuts and raw fingertips quickly. Can’t  say enough about this stuff! – Super special sale here: JTree Life.
2. Petzl Meteor Helmet
OK, not the sexiest or coolest gift to open on Christmas day, but, it certainly shows that you love and care about their safety and well-being! You gotta wear a helmet – this is so lightweight that you can easily forget that you have it on and it’ll work for all types of impact. A straightforward design that works great and protects your noggin from damage.
Well worth the investment and right under $100.
3. Cloudveil Zorro
The most frequent questions I get about gear revolve around rain shells. “Why are some jackets $400 and others are $100. The short of it – breathability, durability, and fit. Do you need a $400 shell – probably not. After years of testing and using dozens and dozens of jackets – I go for the Cloudveil Zorro.
A simple fit, total weather protection, and good breathability. And, a reasonable price point. You won’t break the bank and you won’t get soaking wet.
4. Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
You can read more about the Black Diamond Apollo here in an earlier post. Suffice it to say, if you have a camper on your list this is the ticket. Super simple elegant design that works amazingly well. What more can you say?
5. Evolv XY Project
Evolv is offering the absolute best gift idea for the climber on your list. The XY gift card is an opportunity to design your own climbing shoe and set it up with the exact particulars you want: color, styling, and personalize the performance fit. Climber on your list need new shoes but you know they want to pick them out for the exact fit – this is the solution!
You can order directly from the Evolv site and Mountain Gear.
6. New Balance N5 – Heart Rate Monitor
What I love about the New Balance N5 is that I don’t need a PhD to operate it – it gives me a simple and accurate reading and lets me focus on the task at hand – getting in and staying in great cardio shape. Sure there are more expensive options out there – but let’s keep the focus on getting out there and having fun – the N5 is easy to use and super simple to operate.
7. Osprey Talon Backpack
The Osprey Talon 22 is the perfect pack for day hikes, approaches for multi-pitch rock climbs, and traveling. I have found that the Talon 22 has become my go to pack for everything. It is a simple and streamline design and carries well with a little weight and while moving in the mountains. Plus, it is super durable and amazingly well constructed.
8. Prana Thresher Pant
Sorry ladies, had to put a men’s specific piece in here. This is my best piece of gear of 2009 – hands down. The Thresher pant is a cotton/synthetic blend that makes it abrasion resistant, quick drying, and stretchy. The fit is true to size and looks nice enough to wear out to eat after a day hiking or climbing.
Highly recommend…check it out here.
9. Â Beyond the Mountain – Steve House
Steve House released ‘Beyond the Mountain’ this year – whether you are an avid adventurer or arm-chair mountaineer House’s examination of his climbs and motivations is riveting and inspiring. House, one of America’s premier climbers, takes a closer look at the ‘why’ behind climbing and the lessons learned from his experiences – well worth the read!
10. Cochise Rock Climbing Camp
A little shameless self-promotion – but hey, what an incredible gift to give to someone (or you) in your life! March 3 – 5,2010. Three days of private instruction – go from the basics to climbing a 500 ft wall day 2 and an 800 ft wall day 3!
All equipment, food, and instruction included. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Arizona – plus you get out of the wet, cold, weather for a few days! Learn more here and check out the video from the trip last fall – give us a call and we’ll send you a unique gift card and carabiner to put under the tree!
