Gifts for the 2012 Climber in your Life

Looking for that perfect gift for your climber (or yourself) ? Hopefully this post will give you some ideas.

You don’t have to spend a lot to make your climber happy! These are some ideas based on my own personal experiences.

If you have time and want the absolute lowest price, use the website Spadout. Do a search for your product and register to be notified for a lower price or the price you want to pay and be notified by email if one of their partners meets your needs. No tricks, try just a great service! I have no connection to Spadout.

Other places to shop on-line but Spadout searches most of these include:

  • Sierra Trading Post – lowest prices on first, seconds and closeouts
  • Steep and Cheap – Incredible deals that last only a few minutes
  • REI Outlet – deals on already great prices
  • Backcountry – full line on-line retailer with good review feature
  • Moosejaw – full line on-line retailer and this site has a real attitude
  • Campmor – full line on-line retailer for new gear at a discount
  • OMC Gear – full line on-line retailer with good phone service
  • TravelCountry – end of season deal spets

Books for Inspiration

 

Annapurna

 7 Summits Book The_time_Has_Come 
The Ledge: A story of resilience and courage by my friend Jim Davidson. Trapped on Rainier in a crevasse, his partner dying … the story reveals what humans can do. Annanpurna: Maurice Herzog told the story of this moment in mountaineering history first person from his hospital bed. The first summit in 1950 of arguably the world’s most dangerous mountain is a must for every climbing library. 7 Summits: A reference book for climbing the 7 Summits by a world authority. Mike Hamill has climbed the 7 over four times and some as many as 20. This book provides all the information you need to start your planning – even if you don’t have a plan yet.

The Time Has Come: Ger McDonald made history being the first Irish to summit K2 but it cost him his life. This biography tells us about his remarkable life and the drama of that day in August 2008.


DVDs, Ebooks for that cold winter night

   
Everest High Expectations
Everest High Expectations
Touching the Void: Probably the climbing movie ever. The story of Joe Simpson’s amazing survival after falling into a crevasse when partner Simon Yates cut his rope. Everest IMAX: The historic story of the 1996 disaster where 8 people died on a single day. The DVD tells the story from climber adn filmmaker David Breashaers viewpoint along with legend Ed Viesturs. This is the most popular IMAX film in history.

Everest-High Expectations

The story of two Canadian climbers trying put a new route up the world’s highest peak, the West Ridge from Tibet to the Hornbein Couloir. Told by summiteers Pat Morrow (1982) and Sharon Wood (1986), this is a unique way of story telling using the ebook format with 150 color photos, maps, archival video and audio recordings.


 Organizations that are deserving of your gift of a membership or a donation

       
American Alpine Club: The premier US climbing organization where your membership also s you an insurance policy while supporting the climber community. Nature Conservancy: Protecting ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. British Mountaineering Council: The largest climbing organization in the UK. Big City Mountaineers: Bring the gift of the outdoors to urban youth

 Safety for your loved one

 
SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger
   
SPOT: let your family know you are safe when away from cell coverage. Also send an SOS. $120 Avalung: Allows an avalanche victim to breathe fresh air directly from the snowpack $130 Bivy: Emergency shelter when you need it $160

Stocking Suffers are everyone favorite!

     
Kahtoola: When traction is needed for hiking or running but crampons are overkill $60 Feathered Friends Booties: Solves the cold feet plus camp life problem with one warm slip on. $90 Honey Stinger: Natural honey based gel, waffles and chews that give you a boost naturally. I love the strawberry gel and the orange chews. $1.35 each

 


Inexpensive Gear at a low price, and great quality

   
Kinco Gloves: an incredible value for climbers, skiers or anyone who needs hand protection from harsh conditions. $19 Black Diamond Equipment Cosmo LED Headlamp:  A must have in your pack for those emergences. Lightweight but big light in a small package. at a great price at Sierra trading Post $21 REI Socks: Durable, comfortable socks at a reasonable price $11

 Going Big with a Big Price, and Top Quality

     
The First Ascent Katabatic tent is the latest generation of serous expedition shelter. A three person, four-season expedition tent that took several years to design and prove is now available. Perfect for an expedition base camp $600 Mountain Hardwear has broken the mold with this 850 down filled jacket, the Ghost Whisperer™ Hooded Down Jacket that only weighs 7 ounces! Almost too light to be noticed, until you need it. $300 The Black Diamond Cobras ice axes have an intently loyal following for a reason. Perfect weight, lightweight yet rock solid construction and style to boot. what’s not to love! $680 pair

 

Alan holding a picture of Ida Arnette on the summit of Mt. Elbrus
Alan holding a picture of Ida Arnette who died from Alzheimer’s Disease

For your Children

Make a contribution to Alzheimer’s. This is a devastating disease with no cure with caregivers being the silent victims. Make a difference this holiday season by learning the 10 warning signs and making a donation

Please Donate for Alzheimers Today

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5 thoughts on “Gifts for the 2012 Climber in your Life

  1. Thoughtful collection….Happy Thanksgiving (US iteration) to alpine aspirants and flatlanders alike. We are grateful for your blog, Alan.

  2. Ok. ..starting from the top down….I’d like one of everything. Except for the axes ….I’d like two of those!

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