| Many innovations have been made in | | | | and cold beverages. Retail $10 |
| the hiking industry in the last five years leaving | | | | 6. Tool Logic SL Pro 2 Folding Knife |
| many shoppers wondering which product to buy. | | | | – On the trail it is nice to have everything |
| This can be a daunting task, especially if the | | | | organized. This knife does just that by offering |
| person buying the gift is a non-gear savvy | | | | not only a knife, but also a magnesium alloy fire |
| individual. By interviewing several outfitters and | | | | starter, a LED flashlight, and an emergency |
| hikers and using our own input coming from years | | | | whistle. Weight 4 ounces. Retail $59 |
| in the field, we have compiled a list of 10 items | | | | 7. Jetboil Personal Cooking System – |
| any hiker would love. | | | | Stoves are one of the items that you should |
| 1. SteriPen – This lightweight | | | | discuss with the individual before buying as a gift. |
| portable water purifier uses UV light to destroying | | | | Some people want quick, easy, and lightweight, |
| bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The Steripen is | | | | while others want to be able to prepare a |
| quick and light in that it can purify up to ½ a | | | | gourmet meal. While the Jetboil is not as light |
| liter of water in as little as 48 seconds and weighs | | | | as some of its competitors, it has an incredibly |
| only 4 ounces (including batteries). This is a | | | | fast boil time, works great in inclement weather, |
| great gift for hikers and emergency personnel. | | | | and stores easily. The fuel canister and stove |
| Retail Price $99. | | | | are designed to fit snugly into the mug. 15.25 |
| 2. Subscription to Backpacker | | | | ounces including fuel canister. Retail $99 |
| Magazine. This magazine is a great source of | | | | 8. Nite Ize Flashflight Disc – While |
| information from reviews on new gear to | | | | this isn’t technically hiking gear, this flying disc |
| instructions helping hikers develop new skills. | | | | is amazing and fun to have around camp. It is a |
| Backpacker Magazine includes articles keeping you | | | | welcomed addition to sitting around the campfire |
| up to date on issues related to conservation and | | | | all night. While illuminated disc have been around |
| the environment. Retail Price $15.95 | | | | for years, this product is the most realistic and |
| 3. Merino Wool Socks – Bygone are | | | | feels the most like the non-illuminated disc we are |
| the days of itchy wool socks and sweaty feet | | | | all used to. |
| with the introduction of Merino Wool socks. | | | | 9. Olympus Stylus 720 SW – This |
| While SmartWool is known for popularizing this | | | | rugged 7.1 Megapixel point and shoot digital |
| product and has the largest selection, there are | | | | camera is designed to withstand drops up to five |
| alternatives for the savvy shopper. A great | | | | feet and shoot underwater down to 10 feet. |
| place to look is the Sock Shop in Sweetwater, TN | | | | Equipped with Bright Capture Technology it shows |
| which offers three pair of high quality Head brand | | | | dramatic improvement shooting in low light |
| Merino Wool trekking socks for $7.99. | | | | conditions. This is a fun camera to use around |
| 4. Petzl Tikka Plus LED Headlamp – | | | | mountain streams and waterfalls and takes high |
| Known not only for its great illumination, but also | | | | quality pictures and descent videos for the price. |
| for its comfort, efficiency, and weight, or lack of | | | | It is rare that I head out on the hiking trail or go |
| it that is. The Petzl Tikka has five settings, | | | | mountain biking without it. Retail $239 |
| low, medium, high, bright, and strobe. This | | | | 10. Hiker First Aid Kit – First Aid Kits |
| water resistant headlamp is 80% brighter than | | | | unfortunately are a necessity, yet too many |
| the original Petzl headlamp. Retail $35 | | | | hikers omit buying them which is what makes it |
| 5. Nalgene Everyday OTG Tritan Bottle | | | | the perfect gift. There are several on the |
| – While there are several new products on | | | | market most of which are very similar, just make |
| the market, this product has been time tested | | | | sure you pick a kit with an instruction manual, |
| and continues to receive high ratings. Unlike | | | | antihistamines, hand wipes, gauze bandages, |
| many of the new products, this product does not | | | | antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers. Look for |
| retain flavors or odors. The 22 ounce container | | | | kits that are 1-2 lbs or less. These kits range |
| is dishwasher safe and is suitable for both warm | | | | from $25 to $50. |