More Hiker Holiday Treats
Sage suggests some great hiker gifts and gear for under $50. Did you know you can buy rain gear that works for under $40? You can give your hiker the gift of cleanliness in the backcountry with a few of the tips on Day 8. Want to put trail worthy treats in the stocking? Find Sage's snack attack favorites on Day 6.
Gifts & Gear suggestions- Upcycled
Gift & gear suggestions for hikers under $50. Sage shares some of her favorite trail worthy gear in her 12 days of Christmas blog posts. Adjust her recommendations to fit your hiker's style- maybe they are more a kilt hiker than a skirt walker... but there is something for every style of adventurer in this guide.
12 Gifts for Hikers, Day 1
12 Days of Trail Gifts For Under $50
Gift One: Cheap Good Sleep
A new floor:
Window Film Groundsheet (or polycryo from Gossamer Gear) Weight:2oz Cost: $5-$15
If your hiker likes to sleep under a tarp (floorless shelter), or is a cowboy camper (out under the stars), they need a ground sheet. My favorite ground sheet is a rectangle of Window Film. It looks like saran wrap and it’s super light weight, about 2 ounces will cover 4’x6′.
Window film isn’t super durable, but if treated gently a piece can last 500-1000 miles. It’s always nice to have a fresh extra waiting in a bounce box though, so you might want to splurge and get the multi window pack or a roll when you head to the hardware store. ACE has “cut to fit” window kits, which are nice because you can choose the dimensions of your floor.
A mattress enhancer/ seat/ yoga mat:
1/8″ Thinlight pad from Gossamer Gear Weight: 2.5 oz Cost: $16
Your hiker will be stoked to have a little extra insulation from the cold ground at night regardless of if they sleep in a tent or a tarp. This full length pad has become one of my favorite pieces of gear. I sit on it at almost every break, I put my shorty mattress on top of it at night, and it’s great for stretching & yoga. In winter this matt works great to insulate air mattresses from the snow. It can be folded and packed on the top of your pack, adding rain protection & helping to keep your perishables and water a couple degrees cooler.
For more substantial […]