Looking for that perfect gift for your climber (or yourself) ? Hopefully this update for Holiday 2018 season’s annual post will give you some ideas based on my own personal experience. You don’t have to spend a lot to make your climber happy!
I always try to buy local to keep the sales tax in my city and support my local retails but there are good deals online at:
- 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 with an attitude
- Campmor – full line on-line retailer for discounted new gear
- OMC Gear – full line on-line retailer with good phone service
- TravelCountry – end of season deals
If you are looking to research gear, I suggest using these sites:
note: I do not receive any compensation from any of these sites
Books for Inspiration
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| 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. | Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp: A quick easy read about a Tennessean who makes the trek to EBC for the first time. I was honored to have written the forward. | Training for the New Alpinism is a repeat from last year but still in my view, THE must read for anyone wanting to up their game – literally and figuratively. Written by Steve House, world-class climber and Patagonia ambassador, and Scott Johnston, coach of U.S. National Champions and World Cup Nordic Skiers. | Everest: The West Ridge. The amazing story of Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsold’s 1963 ascent to the top of Everest using the never climbed West Ridge Route. Even today, 2018, the West Ridge is rarely climbed. |
Climbing Movies for that cold winter night
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| Free Solo: Arguably the greatest rock climbing performance of all times. Alex Honnold completes the first free solo climb of famed El Capitan’s 3,000-foot vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park. Even though we know he safely completes the climb, it’s still a nail biter. | Dawn Wall: More than story of amazing rock climbing. Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson climb of the 3,000′ rock face in Yosemite is a tale of friendship, loyalty and commitment. Like Free Solo, we know how it ends AND this film still has you gripping the chair with white knuckles. | Meru: Even though its been out for a while, if you haven’t seen this flick, get on it now! Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk take on the Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru, the most technically complicated and dangerous peak in the Himalayas, and one that has never been scaled to completion. |
Organizations worthy of membership or donation
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| American Alpine Club: The premier US climbing organization where your membership also provides evacuation coverage, gear discounts while supporting the climber community. | Nature Conservancy: Protecting ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. | Himalayan Stove Project: Thru donating clean-cook stoves to rural homes thoughtout Nepal, the HSP changes lives by removing the toxic smoke from wood cooing fries inside homes. They have already made positive changes for over 40,000 people. $150 will buy a stove but any amount is appreciated. | Dzi Foundation: The dZi Foundation works in partnership with remote communities in Nepal to create lasting improvements in their quality of life through implementing community-driven programs that improve public facilities, public health, income levels and educational opportunities while preserving community unity, the natural environment, and indigenous culture. |
Safety for your loved one
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| BCA’s Tracker2 Avalanche Transceiver: BCA makes a full line of backcountry safety equipment from shovels and probes to airbag float packs. If you are skiing in the back country, out of bounds or in avi terrain, this is a must have piece plus a shovel and probe. The Tracker 2 is well-known for its ease of use and uncomplicated interface. $206 |
Personal Locator Beacon: If you are worried about your hiker/climber/hunter/boater/adventurer then this baby will give you peace of mind. Turn it on, push one button and rescue services will be contacted with the precise location of the device – anywhere on the planet! NO subscription required $290 |
Garmin inReach Mini 2: Fits in your palm, this tiny, lightweight device can not only alert Search and Rescue of an emergency but also send and receive text messages – all using satellites, not cell phone service. A subscription is required so more expensive than a PLB. $350 |
Stocking Suffers are Everyone’s Favorite!
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| Darn Tough Sock: Hands down the best sock I’ve ever used. Kept me cozy from Everest to K2 to Colorado 14ers. $24 | Anker Power Core 5000. A little bundle of energy that will charge your phone, camera or anything that recharges using a USB port. Always with me on any trip. $20 |
Snow Peak Titanium Spork: Who needs a titanium fork? Everybody!!! Especially if it’s in your pack. This little guy guy does it all – spoon and fork! $10 |
Inexpensive Gear at a low price and great quality
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| Honey Stinger Fruit Smoothie Chew: A natural way to keep your energy going during a long day. Made with organic honey and tapioca syrup. I only use Honey Stinger products on my outings as I find they give a long lasting boost and taste great. $29 for box of 12 | Grigri: While more expensive than traditional belay devices, the Petzel Grigri takes almost all the thinking out of belaying a partner high on a rock wall. $99 | Action Wipes: Not sure a run of the mill wet wipe but a thoughtful way to stay clean and refreshed after a long run, hike or day in the Hills where a shower is not close by. A bit pricy but worth it for a clean-up that leaves you fresh. $39 |
Going Big with Price and Quality
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| La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX: This boot does it all – warmth, stability, ice, rock or just walking. Fits well with all styles of crampons. I’ve used mine on the Nepal 20,000 foot Island Peak, and often here in Colorado in all types of weather. $575 | Osprey Mutant 38: A sweet bag that can hold gear like a 50 liter pack but in a compact 38L size. It rides well while rock or ice climbing but also along an easy trail. Even the folks over at Rock and Ice loved it! It comes in a 22L and a larger 52L size.$170 | Goal Zero Power Bank + Solar Kit: A must for any expedition or long trip away from reliable electricity. This setup will charge phones, cameras, laptops – well anything that use electricity! All charged from our sun!! $200 |
Preparing for the Best Experience
If you are considering attempting a peak from Rainer to Aconcagua or Everest to K2 you can increase your chances to summit and have a great experience through being as prepared as possible. Summit Coach is a consulting service that helps aspiring climbers throughout the world achieve their goals through a personalized set of consulting services based on Alan Arnette’s 25 years of high altitude mountaineering experience and 30 years as a business executive. Read our members testimonial’s on how Summit Coach is helping them summit Everest, Denali, Gasherbrum and more.
25% off all prices through December 31, 2018 when mentioning this post – Gifts for the 2018 Climber in your Life
For your Children
Make a contribution to Alzheimer’s. This is a devastating disease that no cure and caregivers being the silent victims. Make a difference this holiday season by learning the 10 warning signs and making a donation.
