130-Christmas Gifts for Hikers 2019
Show notes
It’s that time of the year again when you start to look for presents for that hiking fanatic in your life; maybe it’s you?
In this episode we focus on the best and brightest that has been released over the past year and those iconic status items that all hikers would be pleased to own ranging from the inexpensive to the grand gesture. Have a listen to see if you can pick up any ideas.
Podcast Overview
In this episode we discuss gift ideas in price categories with something to suit all budgets. One thing we would say, and this is something that both Gill and I appreciate as keen hikers is:
‘Avoid grand gestures without knowing what the hiker in your life really wants’
Think of this from your perspective of getting an expensive gift that really isn’t what you want. If you’re not sure, stick to small presents, or give gift vouchers.
Gift Ideas for $0
Spending money is easy but not always required and while we have talked about this previously these are still great options to consider and cost little to nothing from a dollars perspective and in some cases require just your time. Our zero cost ideas include:
- Baby sitting services to let mum and dad get hiking by themselves
- Drop off and pick up services from the trail heads
- An offer to go for a hike with someone who doesn’t have a hiking partner
- ‘Allowing’ your significant other to ‘disappear’ on a hike that they have always wanted to do.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are always a safe bet and something that everyone appreciates. The only downside is that the receiver knows how much you have spent. Try to find out where they usually buy their gear and choose a voucher from there.
Wild Earth gift voucher – choose an amount that suits you
Gift Ideas under $30
If you don’t want to go the voucher route but don’t want to spend a lot of money then then are plenty of options.
Books and videos
Over the past 12 months we have reviewed some great books and videos/DVDs so there is plenty of variety depending on people’s tastes. To look at the books and videos that we have reviewed over the past few years go here.
Now I know many people are starting to steam their movies these days but there are some great movies around that hikers and non hikers alike will love. Most of these movies are priced well below the $30 mark. The following are some great options.
Epic Hikes of the World – front cover
There are lots of great hiking videos available that make great presents
Hiking Equipment
Australian Hiker: Day Hiking-Gear basics
This is an e-Book Gear Basics for Day Hiking, our first eBook in our collection and aimed at the brand new hiker. It provides you with hiking gear basics so you can assess for yourself what gear you may need for the day hikes you’re planning. And the price is under $4!
Again with this one you need to know what sort of stove your hiker uses but I have a number of canisters sitting in my garage so if Gill wasn’t a hiker she would still know. Gas canisters of varying sizes can be picked up in just about any outdoor store. Prices start around $10
Something that most hikers will use and its handy when you just want to go at the drop of a hat. Prices start around $11-17
Light My Fire FireSteel 2.0 Army
My current go to means for lighting my hiking stove and easy to use
This is a great long handled spoon that’s lightweight (just 27 grams) and extremely comfortable to use
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Army
Top 10 Single Serve Freeze Dried meals on the Australian market
Top 10 Freeze Dried meals on the Australian market (single and double serve)
Gifts ideas under $100
These now form part of my tent peg arsenal and weigh only 6 grams a peg
Baladéo Basecamp Ultimate Cutlery Set
A high quality spork and knife set that is beautiful to look at, robust and very functional (it’s also a can opener and bottle opener). For our full write up click on the link
Great Walks Magazine Subscription
At $84 for one year of 7 issues this a great gift option for one of Australia’s top hiking magazines
At $60 for one year of 6 issues this is a great Australian offering
Baladéo Basecamp Ultimate Cutlery Set
Gift Ideas $100-$300
Once you hit this category you really want to know what your hiker wants. It is hard to surprise someone with this category. If they are an experienced hiker and have very fixed views on what they want, you’ll need to ask them.
A small compact stove system and under $200
This is Gill’s current go to pack (women’s pack) and she loves it. Definitely don’t buy someone a pack without talking to them first
Gift Ideas $300-$1000
In this bracket you’re starting to get serious on price and its best not to try to surprise an experienced hiker with gear in this price range. You‘ll either get it very right or you’ll get it very wrong.
A mat by which all others are measured, but it’s also noisy which can put some people off. Price around $350-400
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Sleeping Mat
Not quite as light or as compact as the Therm-a-rest but a lot quieter
I few years ago I did a Wilderness Navigation course with the Australian School of Mountaineering in the Blue Mountains to brush up on my skills. Use it or lose it! I’ve done other courses as well with this store and they never fail to impress
This can be considered a present for both the giver and the receiver. Price around $680 with additional subscription fees applying
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent Platinum
A exceptional two person tent for those who want all features but also want less weight. Priced around $835 (at time of article)
Thermarest Neo Air Xlite Sleeping mat
Sea to Summit Ether light XT Sleeping Mat
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 Platinum. Look it’s the same colour as the rocks
Gifts above $1000
While there is hiking equipment above the $1,000 dollar mark once you shift over this price bracket you are either buying more than one item or you are looking at one of the many hiking holidays on offer. If you do plan on spending this hefty amount don’t do it on a whim – you’ll need the agreement of the gift receiver as its so easy to get it wrong. Some options are:
Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort $2,985
Want a taste test of our favourite Australian Trail? And in luxury?
Outward Bound Summit to Sea ($5,356)
Take Outward Bound’s most famous epic journey through three states, from Australia’s highest mountain to the south coast of Victoria. In just under four weeks (26 days) you will discover new things about yourself and grow in ways you never thought possible
World Expeditions Bhutan High Trails via Laya ($6,940)
We did this trip in 2012. It’s a great trip that you can read about here. The way that Bhutan operates its trekking permits it is cheaper doing it as a guided trip
Final thoughts
Whatever you end up buying for your hiking enthusiast just remember that it’s not necessarily about how much you spend but the thought you put into. And if you aren’t sure, go the gift voucher or talk with them.
Listening to the Australian Hiker Podcast
You can listen to just one episode but the best way to listen to the Australian Hiker Podcast is by subscribing through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Spotify, anywhere the podcast episodes will be delivered to your device almost as soon as they are published. Go on, you know you want to!
You can listen to the Australian Hiker Podcast in the following ways:
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