Christmas gifts for Hikers – My TOP 5

This year is hard and we will feel it even more during Christmas time when we have long distance family celebrations.

Not sure how about you but I, specifically, would need to cross three borders to get home. It’s already challenging when there is no corona. Now, with all the queuing on the borders, while covid tests are checked or temperatures are measured, this journey wouldn’t probably take just 12 hours but 14 or 16? Who knows. So the question comes up: “To go or not to go?”.

Indeed, we won’t have typical Christmas. I also read a study few days ago that in the difficult times, people will tend to buy more physical presents in order to balance out low emotional state. And not only that, I already see it with myself. Normally, I love to give an experience as a gift (to name few: escape room, husky mushing, get away – new city exploration, hiking long weekend, etc… ) but knowing, that due to many restrictions to travel or due to social distancing this might not be possible as the people would not be able to take part, I will reach to physical presents too.

And therefore, here is my little guide to help you with some ideas. Sure, I’m pretty practical and I like functional presents. And if I think about me as a hiker or outdoorsy person, what I would love to find under the xmas tree?

no.1 – BANDANA / BUFF – I keep losing them, so if you have friend like me, one bandana is never enough 😊 This merino version from Icebreaker is fantastic, it’s still warm even if it’s wet. I also like this one from Mammut. Have to say, that I didn’t try it but I’m curious about 3D knit and no seams. If anybody has got experience with it, please share your experience in comment. Thank you so much!

no.2 – LIFESTRAW – absolutely brilliant product if you don’t want to carry heavy water. It saves you energy, especially, if you go for long hikes or multiple day hikes. Check this one out.

no.3 – HEADLAMP – since me and my sister had one big adventure, when we were decending from Oberrothorn in Zermatt area, in the dark and we were lighting up the trail with phone, I appreciate this piece of hiking equipment even more. If you want to start hiking to see the sunrise or sunset, it’s important to own one good headlamp. I have very good experience with Petzl as a brand.

no.4 – THERMOS – There is few products from Thermos in our household and we are always super happy. It really holds the tea warm for hours. It’s in our backpacks each winter hike. Here is one, which I’m recommending.

no.5 – SEAT – Part of my ritual on the hikes is to sit down and have a picnic, watch the nature and a enjoy cup of tea. To be perfectly honest, I don’t like to sit on the wet or cold places. Here is my favourite seat pad.