5 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Hiking Enthusiasts in Your Life
As the Christmas season approaches, so does the difficult task of choosing presents for everybody in your life. However, when people have some hobbies or interests they enjoy, gift-giving is much easier. And if you have a hiker in your life, you have plenty of gift options to choose from. There are tons of practical and beautiful gifts awaiting on the shelves.
Trekking Poles
Did you know that using poles to support your hands during a hike can lessen joint and muscular strain by 20%? This should be a good reason to buy your hiking friend a pair of durable and practical walking poles. They can be of great help, especially if your mate is going on long and tiresome hikes that require lots of walking.
There are several types of poles you can choose from. The first one is telescopic poles. They’re made of several components that are joined together. If your friend needs adjustability, they’re the right ones to get. Plus, they’re easy to store because they can fit into the backpack. They’re also easy to use and can have a lever-locking or a twist mechanism.
The second type is folding poles. They’re made of sections that easily pull apart and are very lightweight which is perfect for hikers. They’re one of the most popular options, not just for hikers, but also for runners and climbers. Their only disadvantage is that they can’t support a lot of weight like the telescopic ones can.
The two main material options are carbon fibre and aluminium. Aluminium is a bit heavier, budget-friendly and more durable. Carbon fibre on the other hand is a lit lighter and costs more. Often, you can find a blend of both materials to get the best of both worlds. Make sure the handles of the poles you buy are made of foam or cork and have an ergonomic design. Otherwise, they’ll be uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.
All trekking poles should have wrist wraps. They’ll help your friend with stability and walking power. They’ll lessen the grip and make the hike much more comfortable with the webbing and foam padding. Before buying the poles, try them on your hands, and make sure they’re comfortable enough.
A lot of hikers wonder if they should use one or two poles, and the answer is simple, two is better than one in this case. That’s why you should get your friend a pair of trekking poles. They will give them more stability, a balanced walk and more support making each trip a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Sleeping Mat
After an intense day of trekking, getting a decent night’s sleep is key. Your pal needs a cosy sleeping mat so they can unwind after a busy day. The proper sleeping pad will tackle the challenge of having at least two-thirds of the insulation beneath and one-third above the hiker.
Your friend deserves the most comfortable mat there is. Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality products on the market you can choose from. Because of their excellent construction, they offer warmth, comfort, and weather protection. If you want to give your friend something as practical as the walking poles, invest in a self-inflating mat.
Sleeping mats come in different thicknesses. When you’re buying this gift for your friend, keep in mind that the thicker the mat, the harder it’ll be to carry around on a long hike. So, it may be a better idea to buy a thinner one so they can use it everywhere they go.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during a hike is crucial. Especially because hikers walk a lot and are very active. Hiking may be an intense sport that demands a lot of water drinking. Therefore, a water bottle is one of the greatest gifts you can give your friend. Not just any water bottle, though; look for one with insulating qualities.
If it has the proper insulation, it’ll keep the liquid inside hot or cold for more than 12 hours. Your mate can have a nice, refreshing drink at any time. During a hike, no one wants to struggle with caps that are hard to open. So, look for a lid that’s easy to handle while on the go and while holding hiking poles.
A water bottle with an ergonomic design will be very helpful. It should be comfortable to hold and not strain your friend’s muscles. When it comes to materials, choose a bottle made of aluminium or stainless steel. They’re both durable materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. You can also buy a glass one, but it won’t be insulating and can break easily.
Headlamp
A headlamp is a must if your friend likes night treks. It’s a nice safety gear piece that will keep them safe on the track and prevent injuries, slips and falls. It’s not complicated to choose a headlamp. Look for a reliable supplier and a brand you can trust. Get one that has a few power modes. Something adjustable for different situations.
A red light would be a good addition to the headlight. It doesn’t attract pests and is ideal for night vision. A strobe function will be ideal in case of an emergency. Choose the beam width carefully. A wider beam will give your friend a wider view and a narrower one will be more focused.
To make the headlamp even more practical, make sure it has a rotating lamp and a flexible tilt. The battery life matters as well. Pick something that can light the way for at least 6-7 hours. A lightweight headlamp won’t put a strain on your friend’s neck and will keep them comfortable throughout the whole hike.
Books
If your mate is a beginner hiker, some educational books will be great to enhance their hiking knowledge this Christmas. These books can also be entertaining and open up a whole new world of knowledge and experiences. Some of the most popular books in the hiking community are:
- How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Backpacking – Diana Helmuth;
- Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills;
- Gloryland – Shelton Johnson;
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail – Cheryl Strayed;
- Seven Years in Tibet – Heinrich Harrer;
- The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot – Robert Macfarlane and many more.
