Good cheap holiday gifts for mountaineers?

[susanjoypaul]

Avalanche shovel. A lightweight, metal one. In case they summit Pikes Peak in a whiteout and can't descend, and the door to the emergency hiker's hut is snowbound.

Prices vary.

I don't use gift cards because I hate shopping. I find them around the house occasionally, after they've expired. If someone's going to get me a gift, I'd prefer they get to know me and understand the kinds of things I like and need. Otherwise, don't bother.

[HikesInGeologicTime]

I’d say the takeaway is, “Know your audience.” I’d pick gift cards 99% of the time - I’m a control freak who lives in a glorified refrigerator box, so not only do I hate surprises even more than I hate shopping, it’s questionable whether I’ll be able to make room for more stuff (and even small stuff stands a decent chance of getting lost in the concentrated masses of stuff I already need to clean out). I do, however, appreciate the times I can dig out an REI or wherever gift card from my wallet to ease the sting of replacing gear that is simply no longer usable but is something I consider necessary to my recreational pursuits, and since the mountains are a harsh environment, the cycle of gear replacement is a continuous one.

I also know people who find gift cards too impersonal, so if they have some kind of Big Event coming up, I will force myself to go shopping for something that seems up their alley. Again, it depends on the recipient.

[Monster5]

Gift cards are funny: they're a non-liquid depreciating asset people usually forget about. Why take cash in all its glory and make it less useful?

I'm also extremely particular about gear. But gifts that are always safe include darn tough socks, lightweight carabiners, BeFree filter, climbing slings, gaiters, or other smaller items that are frequently replaced but without much true diversity. Mountaineering boot resoles, zipper repairs, sleeping bag re-stuffing, cam re-slinging, professional patching/stitching, ice screw/tool/crampon sharpening - all great and saves people time on items you already know they love and use.

[Monte Meals]

With due respect

A FRESH burrito as big as my head !

[mtree]

With due respect

A FRESH burrito as big as my head !

Good food is always appreciated.

Cards are great as long as they're not the "virtual" version. I lose track of those and never use them. Hard card only.

[rmcpherson]

Speaking of CORSAR cards, does anyone know if they need to be issued in the user's name to be valid? I purchased one for my partner but it's issued in my name.

[Exiled Michigander]

Sea to Summit X-Pot collapsible kettle is one of the best gifts I've ever received. It is something I never would have bought for myself, but I love it.

[Trotter]

Speaking of CORSAR cards, does anyone know if they need to be issued in the user's name to be valid? I purchased one for my partner but it's issued in my name.

to be valid for what? They aren't insurance. They are basically a cash donation to SAR.

[Wildernessjane]

Speaking of CORSAR cards, does anyone know if they need to be issued in the user's name to be valid? I purchased one for my partner but it's issued in my name.

to be valid for what? They aren't insurance. They are basically a cash donation to SAR.

Still, it is a reasonable question:

What happens if I don’t have a CORSAR card?

If someone does not have a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card (or one of the licenses or registrations) the county or its search and rescue team bears the expenses that might be incurred in a search or rescue.

Source: https://alpinerescueteam.org/support/corsar-card/?amp

[Wildernessjane]

I’m loving these cap straps for clipping a Nalgene to a backpack or harness, though I use mine mostly for climbing. I’ve had too many straps break. https://tahrequipment.com/products/32oz ... 8942361905

[GregMiller]

If in budget, a good thermos is worth its weight in gold:
https://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Direct-D ... 7898&psc=1

[susanjoypaul]

If in budget, a good thermos is worth its weight in gold:
https://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Direct-D ... 7898&psc=1

Yes, especially this time of year! Along those same lines, an insulated mug with a lid. If I'm hiking with somebody, I bring two mugs so I can share whatever I brought in my thermos - usually hot chocolate or soup.

By the way, hot soup on a peak in winter is amazing. Not noodle soup, 'cause it's too messy, but a soup you can drink without a spoon. This is my favorite. Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and oil-free (if any of that matters to you) and 15 grams of protein. It's freaking delicious. You can gift somebody a six-pack of split pea soup for twenty bucks. They sell it at Whole Foods and online.

https://rightfoods.com/products/split-p ... e-soup-cup

Also, one of those fleece beanies with a built-in LED light. This is one of those things you'd probably never buy for yourself, but someone gave me one as a gift and it saved my butt when I broke my arm and couldn't get my headlamp on with just one hand (try it - it's impossible!). Now I carry it all the time. I gave everyone in my family one a few years ago and even though they don't hike, they use them to walk their dogs at night, go ice fishing, and other stuff. You can get these online and I think they even sell them at hardware stores.

https://panthervision.com/products/powe ... ith-lights