There is still time to find the best gift for the hikers on your list. Here are some of our best suggestions!
Keep Those Hands Warm
Hand warmers are a convenient way to keep your hands warm on cold winter hikes. Here are a few things to consider when choosing hand warmers:
- Heat duration: Look for hand warmers that provide heat for a long enough period of time to meet your needs. Some hand warmers only provide heat for a few hours, while others can provide heat for up to 12 hours or more.
- Activation method: Hand warmers can be activated in different ways, such as by shaking them, exposing them to air, or by clicking a button. Consider which activation method will be most convenient for you.
- Size and shape: Hand warmers come in different sizes and shapes, so consider which will fit best in your gloves or pockets.
- Reusability: Some hand warmers are disposable, while others can be reused by filling them with water and heating them up. Consider which type of hand warmer will best meet your needs.
- Price: Hand warmers vary in price, so consider how much you are willing to spend.
Best Budget Hand Warmers
Here are a few examples of hand warmers that are well-suited for winter hiking:
- Zippo Hand Warmer: This hand warmer uses a fuel cartridge to provide heat for up to 12 hours and can be refilled for reuse. It has a compact design and can be easily activated by clicking a button.
- Heatmax HotHands Hand Warmers: These disposable hand warmers are activated by exposing them to air and provide heat for up to 10 hours. They have a compact design and are easy to slip into gloves or pockets.
- HotSnapZ Reusable Hand Warmers: These hand warmers are activated by filling them with water and heating them up. They can be reused multiple times and provide heat for up to 3 hours. They have a compact design and are easy to slip into gloves or pockets.
Goggles & Sunglasses for Winter Hiking
It’s generally a good idea to have goggles or sunglasses with you when hiking in the snow, as the sun’s rays can be reflected off the snow and cause glare and eye strain. Goggles are a good choice if you will be spending a lot of time in very cold and windy conditions, as they provide additional protection for your eyes. However, if you are just doing a short hike in milder conditions, sunglasses may be sufficient.
When choosing goggles or sunglasses for winter hiking, it’s important to look for ones that provide good UV protection, as the sun’s rays can be even more damaging in the winter due to the reflection off the snow. It’s also a good idea to choose goggles or sunglasses that are durable and have a good fit, as they may be subjected to rough conditions on the trail.
In addition to goggles or sunglasses, some great gifts ideas are a hat or headband to help keep their head and ears warm, as well as a scarf or neck gaiter to protect their face and neck from the cold.
Great Socks are NOT Boring!
Socks are an important part of any winter hiking gear, as they help to keep your feet warm and comfortable on the trail. Here are a few tips for choosing socks for winter hiking:
- Look for socks made from wool or synthetic materials: Wool and synthetic materials are good choices for winter socks because they insulate well and wick moisture away from the skin, helping to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Choose a midweight or heavyweight sock: For winter hiking, it’s a good idea to choose a midweight or heavyweight sock to provide extra insulation and warmth.
- Look for socks with added features: Some socks have added features like arch support, cushioning, or reinforced heels and toes to provide extra comfort and support on the trail.
- Consider the fit: It’s important to choose socks that fit well and are not too tight or too loose, as this can affect the level of warmth and comfort they provide.
Great Socks to Check Out
- Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew Socks: These socks are made from a blend of wool and synthetic materials and have a midweight design for extra insulation and warmth.
- Darn Tough Vermont Merino Wool Hiker Boot Sock Cushion: These socks are made from merino wool and have a heavyweight design, as well as added cushioning for extra comfort on the trail.
- Wigwam At Work Crew Socks: These socks are made from a synthetic material and have a midweight design, as well as added arch support and reinforced heels and toes for extra comfort and support.
Keep Them Hydrated
Water bladders, also known as hydration reservoirs, are a convenient way to carry water with you on a hike, as they can be easily inserted into a backpack and allow you to drink through a hose without having to stop and take out a water bottle.
When choosing a water bladder for winter hiking, it’s important to look for one that is insulated to help keep the water from freezing. There are a few different types of insulated water bladders on the market:
- Hard-sided bladders: These bladders have a hard plastic or metal casing around the outside, which helps to insulate the water and prevent it from freezing.
- Soft-sided bladders with insulation: These bladders have a soft, flexible outer layer, but also have insulation inside to help keep the water from freezing.
- Bladders with a heating element: Some bladders have a built-in heating element that can be activated to help keep the water from freezing.
It’s also important to choose a water bladder that is durable and has a good seal to prevent leaks, and one that is easy to clean and refill. Some water bladders also have features like a hose that can be easily detached for filling, or a wide mouth for easier cleaning.
Our Favorite Hydration Packs for Winter
- CamelBak Antidote Insulated: This hard-sided bladder has a durable design and a wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning.
- Geigerrig Insulated Hydration Engine: This soft-sided bladder has insulation to help keep the water from freezing, as well as a built-in pressurized system that allows you to easily spray water for cleaning or cooling.
- Source Tactical WXP 3L: This bladder has a built-in heating element that can be activated to help keep the water from freezing, as well as a durable design and a wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning.
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