One factor is obvious: Hikers have … ideas … about their gear. Whether or not it’s ultralight trekking poles, a reusable water bottle or a solar hoodie with thumb holes, the gear is a part of the enjoyable of mountain climbing.
The opposite factor that’s all too clear? Gear could be expensive! Which is why it makes for such a terrific present come the vacations.
We’ve sorted by and trail-tested dozens of things to carry you this listing, with choices from lower than $10 to simply beneath $200. So go forward, get one thing in your outdoorsy family members — or your self. The mountains are calling, and we’ve acquired you lined, high to backside, while you reply.
Should you make a purchase order utilizing a few of our hyperlinks, the L.A. Occasions could also be compensated.
Arrak Outside USA’s Competitors Vest
Everybody will get aches and pains when mountain climbing, however your gear will help immeasurably. If there’s somebody in your life liable to minor again ache, outfit them in sensible fashion that may preserve them snug even after they’ve walked 10 miles. For instance, as a substitute of hauling round gear in a daypack, I hike in a vest with stuffed pockets so the load is extra evenly distributed. Arrak Outside USA’s Competitors Vest, which I take advantage of, is definitely a canine coach’s vest. It has pockets, D-rings and carabiners galore to safe your gear and even consists of exterior straps meant to carry puffy canine toys (I preserve a sweat rag there) and a detachable pouch for canine treats (I preserve a water bottle there). It’s produced from breathable, water resistant material and has air flow zippers to maintain you cool. The kangaroo-style pocket, in again, is ideal for bigger gadgets — I retailer a flat, collapsible water bottle there. The vest is available in black, burnt orange, olive and darkish crimson. Bonus: Arrak Outside USA is a woman-owned, minority-owned small enterprise positioned in Laguna Hills, Calif. — Deborah Vankin
$165 at Arrak Outside USA
Black Diamond Spot 400-R headlamp
Los Angeles could also be a mecca for mountain climbing, however not essentially within the depths of summer season when it’s too sweltering to hit the paths, even within the morning. Quite than watch for the most well liked season to move, I’ve taken to mountain climbing at night time, when it’s cooler exterior, in the summertime. And my most prized piece of substances throughout these sweaty canine days is an efficient headlamp. Present your mountain climbing liked one the Black Diamond Spot 400-R. It has a 400-Lumen max output, however continues to be slim and light-weight, to not point out waterproof. It has a number of modes (together with distance, dimming, strobe and crimson night time imaginative and prescient) and the battery, charged with a micro USB, will final you an excellent 4 hours operating at most energy. (On low depth, you’ll get at the least 200 hours, in keeping with some evaluations.) So go forth beneath the night time sky — no sunscreen required. — D.V.
$64.95 at REI
BeLeaf Vegan, Climax Meals and Individuals’s Alternative path snacks
Ain’t no mountain excessive sufficient to forgo a snack whereas mountain climbing — and these specialty gadgets make nice gourmand stocking stuffers. For traditionalists, good ‘ol beef jerky is a light and easy on-the-go hiking protein. And People’s Alternative beef jerky — made in downtown L.A. by a household that’s been within the enterprise for nearly 100 years — is a clear possibility in quite a lot of flavors (strive the Carne Seca or Sizzling Honey). It comes from pasture-raised, grass-fed and grain-finished cows and is made with no added sugar or nitrates. For vegan hikers, Metropolis of Trade-based BeLeaf’s plant-based vegan jerky, each the unique and spicy flavors, is excellent — we’ve been recognized to shine off a bag earlier than even reaching the trailhead. Make it a full vegan picnic with Climax Meals’ “blue cheese,” known as Climax Blue. It’s made with pumpkin seeds, coconut oil and lima beans, amongst different substances, however it tastes mind-bogglingly like the actual factor. — D.V.
Previous Common Authentic Beef Jerky ($6.99 for two.5 ounces) at Individuals’s Alternative Beef Jerky BeLeaf Vegan Jerky Authentic ($8.98 for 7 ounces) at Besties Vegan Paradise Climax Meals Climax Blue ($12 for 4 ounces) at Besties Vegan Paradise
To-Go Ware bamboo flatware
Talking of path snacks, these reusable bamboo utensil units are fashionable and sensible, making them an ideal present. They arrive in quick-drying “backpack cases,” produced from recycled plastic water bottles, with carabiners hooked up — so you may clip them to your daypack for comfort. And every ”basic utensil set” features a fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks, for versatility. The units are light-weight, BPA- and phthalate-free and stain-resistant — no extra orangey-brown tint to the cutlery after a number of meals. Say goodbye to disposable plastic utensils and picnic whereas additionally respecting Mom Nature. To-Go Ware is a neighborhood firm primarily based in Chico, Calif. — D.V.
$14.99 at Chico Bag
Articles in Frequent gently used gear
Osprey Dyna 1.5 hydration vest? Classic Patagonia flannel shirt? Primus stainless-steel campfire cookware set? For the outdoorsy, environmentally acutely aware indecisives in your life, contemplate a present card to Articles in Frequent, a “NextGen outdoor gear marketplace,” as the corporate payments itself, stocked with practically all of the recycled gear and clothes you may think about. The positioning even carries pre-owned canine gear and used books, amongst different gadgets. The mission, says founder and Angeleno Emme Hayes, is “to repurpose all gear, bring diversity to the outdoors and help protect the wild.” That’s a present to be ok with. — D.V.
Present playing cards begin at $25 at Articles in Frequent
(Taylor Arthur / Los Angeles Occasions)
California Explorer Annual Move
Win over any Angeleno hiker’s coronary heart with these two magic phrases: free parking. The California Explorer Annual Move is probably not the sexiest present on this listing, however it’s simply essentially the most helpful. The move, which is legitimate for 12 months, offers pay as you go entry to most California state parks, which usually cost a automobile day use payment. It’s additionally legitimate at many seashores alongside the California coast, together with Huntington Seashore, Leo Carrillo and Carlsbad State Seashore. There are 280 state parks throughout 340 miles of shoreline in California. They embrace 15,000 campsites and 5,200 miles of trails — and you will get into each single one in all them with this useful little move. Prehistoric and historic archaeological websites? Test. Lakes and lighthouses? Test. Ghost cities and historic houses? Sure, test. Ship your family members on an epic journey with the present of free entry to all of the Golden State’s parks system has to supply. — D.V.
$195 at California State Parks
Balega Blister Resist Quarter
I do know, you’re pondering: $20 for a pair of socks? Yup, and so they’re price it — should you’re shopping for for another person, decide up a pair for your self too. Balega’s Blister Resist Quarter would possibly simply be the proper mountain climbing and strolling sock. It has a padded heel and toe for consolation and safety in addition to a compression band across the arch space to maintain the sock securely in place. It’s produced from gentle mohair, which stays cool in summer season and heat in winter, and moisture-wicking “Drynamix” fiber to maintain your toes dry, even on the sweatiest adventures. There’s a lower-height “no show” model, and a better crew, however the quarter is right — it sits simply above the ankle and the material on the high is elastic, so it gained’t slip down. (It really works with each shorts and beneath longer pants.) Bonus: The toe is seamless, so there’s no cumbersome stitching to annoy your little piggies. As soon as, years in the past, I by accident put a Balega on one foot and an analogous black sock on the opposite (it was laundry day) and did a fast five-mile hike. Blisters began to kind on the non-Balega-protected heel! — D.V.
$20 at Balega
Darn Powerful Coolmax Hiker Boot midweight mountain climbing sock
My colleague Deborah feels the sock described above could be the proper mountain climbing sock. I’d prefer to suggest the precise good mountain climbing sock, Darn Powerful’s Coolmax Hiker Boot mid-weight mountain climbing sock. Darn Powerful describes it as a “burly trail legend,” because it’s in style amongst thru-hikers (long-range hikers taking over adventures just like the Pacific Crest Path). However the sock, made in Vermont, has served me simply as nicely on my day hikes, making it an equally good present for brand spanking new and skilled hikers. I’ve by no means had a blister with these unhealthy boys on, even when mountain climbing with moist toes after trudging by river crossings. The sock additionally has most cushion, which additionally makes it cozy to put on round the home. Despite the fact that it’s thick, it’s threaded with a sort of yarn that helps your foot keep cool on the path. Welcome to superior residing! — Jaclyn Cosgrove
$27 at Darn Powerful
McGovern Outside Desert Survival bandanna
This bandanna may assist save the lifetime of the individual you give it to. This previous 12 months, I acquired misplaced on a path I’d hiked many occasions. The rain had washed away a part of the trail and I acquired confused. Worse, I’d forgotten to obtain a map of the path, and I didn’t have cell reception. I paused, appeared round and stated to myself, “What’s that thing that rescuers say about getting lost? Don’t — what?” I couldn’t bear in mind. And that’s why I’m recommending the Desert Survival bandanna from McGovern Outside. Its design is an array of printed steering about what to do should you get misplaced within the open air, and regardless that it’s desert-specific, the knowledge is equally good on most trails. Amongst its recommendation is a listing of 10 methods to make use of the bandanna, together with as a bandage, sling and respiration masks (like should you’re in a sandstorm). Plus, its vivid orange coloration serves as a sign machine do you have to ever want to point out a helicopter the place you’re. Because the bandanna notes, “Don’t get lost in the beauty.” That’s good recommendation for on a regular basis life. — J.C.
$12 at McGovern Outside or $12.95 at Joshua Tree Nationwide Park Assn.
Westbound Gear shoulder pouch
Have you ever ever misplaced your telephone on a hike? Or are you simply bored with worrying it’ll fall out of your pocket? Or maybe you allow your telephone in your backpack, however then you must pull it out anytime you need to take a photograph? (Oh, not you, however somebody you recognize?) The shoulder pouch from Westbound Gear solves all of these issues. You merely connect the 7-inch water resistant pouch — accessible in a number of colours — to your backpack’s strap, and instantly you’ve an simply accessible pocket the place you may preserve your telephone, satellite tv for pc communicator or no matter else you’d prefer to have readily available. Or within the phrases of an notorious Rob Schneider character on “Saturday Night Live,” “You put your weed in there.” No matter you select to do with it, it’s useful! — J.C.
$25 at Westbound Gear
(Sierra Reserve Provide Co.)
Sierra Reserve Provide Co. Sierra Stick
Hiker Sacha Papouban couldn’t discover a lip balm that labored. The whole lot was petroleum-based and never really therapeutic his lips. So, after researching his choices, he developed the Sierra Stick. His San Diego-based firm provides the balm — which will help deal with chapped lips and forestall chafing, amongst different issues — in three sizes: a mini tube (5.5 grams), as a lip balm (18 grams) in a cardboard tube, and a bigger physique balm tube (36 grams). The balm is produced from a particular mix of cold-pressed seed oils that holds up on cold and hot journeys, and consists of domestically sourced beeswax from San Diego. I examined the physique and lip balm choices whereas out mountain climbing and tenting in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, and neither melted within the tube, even because the temperature crept past 90 levels. The balm additionally saved my lips moisturized and prevented any chafing the place my legs rub collectively. The Sierra Stick lip and physique balms are actually a necessary merchandise in my pack. It is going to be a much-appreciated stocking stuffer in your favourite hiker or walker. — J.C.
$4 to $10 at Sierra Reserve Provide Co.
Boss Canine Artwork Dept. Drink Water bottle
This bottle from Boss Canine Artwork Dept. provides a message from the Grim Reaper themselves: “Drink water or die.” This e32-ounce plastic wide-mouth bottle by Nalgene is one in all many treasures offered by the Palm Springs-based firm, which repeatedly slings fundraiser T-shirts for animal welfare teams and different native organizations. This bottle is a good present in your good friend or member of the family who by no means drinks sufficient water, together with on a stroll or hike. Is it a passive-aggressive present? Or is it merely supporting well being and native enterprise? You resolve. — J.C.
$24 at Boss Canine Artwork Dept.
Runyon Canyon Attire Tech Path hoodie
Founder Tony Nuccio was impressed to kind his firm after visiting Runyon Canyon and seeing how a lot individuals craved the outside within the coronary heart of town. What began in 2012 in a spare room in his house with a number of designs has developed into an L.A.-based clothes firm with greater than 400 gadgets, all made within the U.S. That features this gift-worthy hoodie, which was designed, reduce and sewn in L.A.’s vogue district. The hoodie provides UPF 20+ solar safety and has a jersey-like breathable material. I put it by hell, mountain climbing a number of miles in it, and located it to guard my pores and skin from the solar whereas maintaining me cool. And I liked its thumbholes, arguably a necessary characteristic of any train hoodie. A be aware about sizing: This hoodie is unisex. The XXS is a ladies’s small, and dimension S is a males’s small or a ladies’s massive. As an added bonus, the corporate’s coyote emblem is reflective, including only a trace of additional safety whereas exercising at night time. A fantastic base layer in winter, it’s accessible in a number of colours, and bonus — it’s odor resistant. (Yeah, I wore it a number of occasions earlier than I washed it) — J.C.
$48 at Runyon Canyon Attire
TOAKS titanium 550-ml pot and 375-ml cup combo set
Let’s faux you simply had a restful night time’s sleep in your tent in your favourite campground, and because the solar’s rays begin to peek by the pines, you suppose, “Mmm, coffee.” What could possibly be higher than sharing the present of morning brew with a good friend? The TOAKS titanium 550 ml pot and 375 ml cup combo set will boil your water in your espresso so rapidly, you’ll be tempted to make use of it at house. Established in Thousand Oaks, therefore the identify, TOAKS provides quite a lot of pots, cookware and packable stoves. On a current tenting journey, I didn’t really feel like constructing a campfire and introduced my heavier backpacker prepare dinner set to boil water within the morning and warmth my soup at night time. I want I’d had this ultralight set as a substitute. It not solely quickly boils water but additionally cools down rapidly, that means you don’t have to attend a number of minutes to place it again into your pack. It’s nice for day hikes the place you’d prefer to make some tea or have a elaborate lunch, or while you need to take a backpacking journey by the mountains. Because the metallic is skinny, it’s prudent to maintain the pots protected of their cushion mesh luggage (included) when not in use. — J.C.
$53.90 at TOAKS
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