Do you have a hard time buying practical and quality gifts for that outdoor enthusiast or avid hiker in your family? We are pretty sure our suggestions will put a smile on their faces as they head out the door on their next adventure...
Bridgedale fully waterproof sock
Particularly for New Zealand hikers/trampers, this UK outdoor sock company have recently released their first fully waterproof sock, called the 'Storm Sock' range - with a lightweight, medium and heavyweight sock available. To achieve this, the hi-tech sock has three layers: an inner sock, HydroTech membrane and outer sock. If you are in the UK, you can purchase from a number of stockists (check here), or here in New Zealand, you'll have to order from Amazon, or check your nearest outdoor stockist. Dry toes for the win! Thanks Bridgedale.
Lonely Planet's Epic Hikes of the World
We've actually just purchased this book (what can I say, suckers for a pretty cover and lots of big beautiful mountain pictures!) and have spent a few hours poring over the pages, planning some bucket list hikes. Buy online from Book Depository, or find in most book shops.
LilyBee Wrap beeswax wraps
Are you looking for something practical, that's also good for the environment? Look no further than these brilliant beeswax wraps from LilyBee Wrap. Great for wrapping your sammies, homemade bars, baking, holding your trail mix on hikes. Trust us on this one, we've tried other cheaper brands, but they loose their coating very quickly. These wraps are quality and come in many different sizes and patterns. Order now and they will easily bee here for Christmas!
Lifeproof FRE waterproof phone case (for iPhone)
In New Zealand we hike in all conditions. Keeping your phone dry but also handy for photos is a real mission. A good waterproof phone case means you can still keep it in your pocket instead of in a dry bag at the bottom of your pack.
Leatherman Wave multi-tool
Leatherman is a trusted brand and super useful tool when you are out in the bush. Compact and lightweight (241g), the Leatherman Wave has 17 tools (think pliers, scissors, knives, bottle opener -essential! etc) it is stainless steel and comes with a 25-year warranty. Could get you out of many tricky situations. You can purchase from Tightlines New Zealand.
Ultra light merino hiking tee
Merino tops are great for hiking in, they keep you warm when it's cool, cool when it's warm and even if they get wet they stay warm next to the skin, unlike cotton. Another lesser known benefit is that they do not smell after a day of wear and sweat - perfect for light packers (think 1 shirt, 2 days!). Icebreaker is one of our favourite New Zealand brands, and outdoor lovers can never have too many good quality, merino polo t-shirts.
Lifeline premium hardshell first aid kit
For piece of mind, you can't go past a decent first aid kit and this 208 piece, hard-shell kit has all the essentials plus more.
GorillaPod flexible tripod
We actually have one of these (my husband is a tech-geek!) and they are brilliant! Wrap them around a fencepost, tree, branch, whatever you can find and get some great shots or video footage. They are a little creepy looking, but must admit quite fun to play with! Noel Leeming currently have these in stock in New Zealand. Here's a review of the best flexi tripod to buy if you want to make certain you are buying the best.
Elite Blue Grid foam roller
Never heard of a foam roller? Well let me tell you my friend, after a long hard day of hiking around New Zealand backcountry tracks, your calf and quad muscles will be feeling it! Particularly great for those with short, tight calf muscles, regular foam rolling after hiking will get the blood and oxygen flowing through those muscles again and promote muscle elasticity and flexibility.
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
One watch to rule them all! A watch, GPS tracker with topo maps loaded with more functionality than we can list here.
