Being close to someone who is an avid outdoors or hiking fan, chances are you'll know the challenge of getting them to sit still and remain indoors over Christmas. You could tie them to a chair but it's a bit antisocial. We suggest appeasing them with an appropriately-themed outdoor gift.
Outdoor gear gifts to avoid
Technical outdoor clothing is best avoided unless you've received a request for a specific item. Hikers are very set on what they do and don't like in terms of hiking jackets and footwear, for example.
Tacky or flimsy accessories will only draw a weak thank you smile because the concept fails when it's put to use. Below you will find a collection of well-engineered and purposeful outdoor accessories that we can recommend as great gift options.
The best gift ideas
Trail Magazine Subscription
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The perfect Christmas gift for you or your loved ones. With subscriptions from just £29 why not get someone a gift they can enjoy all year round?
A subscription to Trail magazine costs only £3.90 a month and you'll get information on high octane excursions across beautiful, yet challenging terrain, skills and tips from outdoor experts, gear reviews and more. Not only this, with your Trail subscription you will also get 50% off a 12-month subscription to OS Maps.
Speaking of OS...
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Get someone geared up with an OS map, or maps. Alternatively, you can get them an OS app map subscription.
1000 Mile 3 Season Walking Socks
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Walking socks never go unwanted. 1000 Mileu2019s three season socks are well engineered and great value. Consisting of 80% wool, they are fantastic for temperature regulation and keeping feet warm even when damp. There is extra padding on the toe, ball and upper mid-foot, as well as a flat toe seem to avoid irritation.
Patagonia Men's Back For Good Organic T-Shirt
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Patagoniau2019s organic cotton t-shirt is sustainable and looks brilliant. Itu2019s Fair Trade Certified and even printed using inks that are PVC- and phthalate-free.
Black Diamond Women's Chalked Up Tee
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This classic Black Diamond t-shirt is made from organic cotton; itu2019s a quality garment ideal for everyday wear without losing its shape.
Montane Supercell Tough Waterproof Gloves
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These winter gloves won the u2018Best Valueu2019 award in our group test. They are u2018warm, well-built gloves that are cracking value too. More than worthy of a place in your winter walking kit.u2019
Nikwax Outdoor Complete Protection Kit
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Gear is hard to buy when flying blind but gear care is not. This complete kit from Nikwax contains cleaning and reproofing solutions for clothing and footwear, plus a footwear brush and 10-litre drybag. Nikwaxu2019s products are PFC-free and all water-based.
Trespass Bamboo Towel
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This travel towel bears the same traits as microfibre ones (compact, fast drying, absorbent), only itu2019s made from bamboo. Size is 60cm x 120cm.
Lifesystems Trek First Aid Kit
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A first aid kit is a necessity when hiking. Lifesystems makes brilliant, compact, CE-certified kits. This 32-piece kit is specifically for hiking. Itu2019s 14cm x 11cm x 5cm and weighs just 241g. There is an even smaller Pocket First Aid Kit if you want it.
Earth Pak Torrent Series Waterproof Dry Bag
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Ah, moisture, the foe of delicate devices and gear. Earth Paku2019s Torrent Series dry bags are made from tough 500D PVC with thermowelded seams. The front zip is splash resistant. It comes in 10, 20, 30, or 40-litre volumes, and in a range of colours. It also comes with an IPX8-rated phone case.
Hydro Flask Insulated Wide Mouth 591ml
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Wide mouth flasks are easy to use and very easy to clean. Hydro Flasku2019s version is our recommendation because it is sturdy and effective (hot for 12, cold for 24 hours), yet reasonably light (591ml volume is 340g). It comes in three volume sizes and a host of colours.
Ledlenser P2R Core Rechargeable LED Torch
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German brand Ledlenser produces some industry-leading torches and headtorches. Its P2R Core is powerful, lightweight, and dependable. As an added bonus itu2019s also good value. This torch weighs a mere 36g yet pumps out up to 120 lumens. It has three brightness settings, is rechargeable, and IP54-rated.
Goal Zero Crush Light
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For a compact and reliable little camping light, look no further. Goal Zero's Crush Light offers up to 60 lumens and up to 35 hours of run time. It can be recharged via USB or by the built-in solar panel on top. Weight is 91g; size when open: 125 x 125 x 100mm, and height drops to 15mm when closed.
Vango Compact Gas Stove
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Vangou2019s camping stove is a stoic little cooker than delivers exactly what you need. At 102g itu2019s very light but still has an output of 3,000W and can therefore boil one litre of water in about four minutes. It comes with a storage box.
Stoic Aktse Tent Stakes (6 Pack)
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The letdown of a tent can be as simple as the inadequate pegs that bend out of shape or keep pulling loose. These Y-shaped aluminium alloy pegs are a great upgrade. They are strong yet light and pierce hard ground easily. Being red, theyu2019re also easy to spot.
Black Diamond Micron Carabiner
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Low-load carabiners are a fast and reliable means of attaching gear to a pack, for example. Black Diamondu2019s aluminium carabiners are superior to unbranded knockoffs because the clip doesnu2019t fail after five minutes.
Stanley Classic Wide Mouth Flask
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A hard hike or summit conquest is so often best celebrated with a victorious drink of choice. Stanleyu2019s little hip flask is the best receptacle for your favourite tipple. Itu2019s volume is 230ml, itu2019s leakproof, tough, and comes with a lifetime warranty. Available in several colours.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch
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Speaking of a tipple, we thought weu2019d sneak in a couple of top whiskeys. Laphroaig is a very flavoursome whiskey that warms the cockles. And this pack comes with socks, whatu2019s not to love. 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition gold award winner.
Talisker Skye Single Malt Scotch
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Taliskeru2019s Skye whiskey is another winner. Its slightly spicy flavour brings a welcome and fresh approach to scotch. 2015 International Wine and Spirits Competition gold award winner.