Published in The Post-Star (G15)
12/15/05
Let's face it, there's not a lot to do in the North Country if you're not into the outdoors. You probably have several "outdoorsy" people on your holiday shopping list -- or at least a few whose New Year's resolutions will involve spending less quality time with the couch.
George Miller, assistant manager at Eastern Mountain Sports in Wilton, suggests these gifts to get them geared up:
Stocking stuffers ($20 and under)
1. YakTrax walkers. A simple device that attaches to the bottom of a shoe or boot to add a tenacious grip to slippery soles. A great gift for hardcore hikers, as well as people just trying to survive a trip to the mailbox in winter. $20 a pair.
2. Nalgene bottle. These plastic drinking containers are virtually indestructible, and come in handy for almost any activity. Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors -- the latest options include a bike water bottle and a flask. Around $8 each.
Add a little extra something by filling the bottle with small gifts like energy bars, packets of Gatorade mix, or a bandanna.
3. First Aid kit. If you can't say "I love you," at least say, "I hope you never bleed to death in the wilderness." Buy a pre-made kit or put together your own, including essentials like Band-Aids, tape, and aspirin. $15 and up.
Mid-range items ($21-$80)
1. Headlamp. Better than a flashlight because it frees up your hands, this gadget is great for walking the dog at night, or snowshoeing deep into the woods to stargaze. Available at most sporting goods stores. Two of the most popular models at EMS are the Petzl Tikka Plus ($38, four bulbs) and the Petzl Tikkina ($24, two bulbs).
2. Bear Vault. Anyone who plans to camp in the High Peaks region will need one of these to avoid a run-in with a hungry bear. It may look like just a big plastic canister, but it's rocket science to a bear, who can't master the "press down and turn" motion required to open the lid. $80.
3. Jetboil personal cooking system. One of the hottest-selling gifts of the season. Campers and backpackers will barely even notice they're toting this lightweight stove and container, which isn't much bigger than a travel mug. It ignites electrically and can boil a cup of water in one minute. $80.
4. Fleece clothing. Even if they never wear it outside, they can turn down the thermostat and save on their heating bill. The price range depends on what you buy -- North Face jackets cost more than $150, but other brands are cheaper.
Going all out (more than $80)
1. GPS unit. A great gift for people who like to wander in the woods, these devices use satellite technology to keep track of where you've been, where you're going, and how to make the trip between. Prices range from $100-500, with features like electronic maps and altimeters in the higher-end models.
2. Snowshoes. Anyone who can walk can snowshoe, according to Miller. Snowshoes have come a long way since the days when they resembled oversized tennis rackets, but they're still one of the cheapest forms of winter recreation out there -- you don't need special boots or a lift ticket to put them to use. $110 and up.
3. Two-way personal radios. Most people have cell phones these days, but reception can be spotty in the mountains and woods. These are especially useful for large families who might want to split up during a day of skiing, or just chat between cars on a road trip. $50-100.
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