Choosing a unique Christmas gift for the rock climber in your life can prove challenging, especially if you’re not into rock climbing yourself. But no Christmas present will likely be more appreciated than one (or more) that acknowledges and supports his or her passion. Here are some climbing-related Christmas gifts to consider.
Rock Climbing Gear
Almost every rock climber will go gaga over receiving an innovative piece of rock climbing gear suited to her mode of climbing. The promise of a sleeker and lighter Petzl Grigri made for skinnier modern climbing ropes has the sport-climbing world psyched up. This product should be available in March 2011, so consider issuing a rain check (for the holidays in 2010) for a new-generation Grigri.
If you don’t want to wait, you can also find out what gear she likes by taking a peek into your climber’s gear bag or backpack when she isn’t around. Take notes on the product(s) that she prefers, including climbing shoes (brand and size), climbing harness, rope, belay device, quickdraws, and so forth. Look for signs of wear on shoes, rope, and harness in particular, as these need regular replacement.
Even better, talk with one of her climbing partners and ask what piece of equipment she might need or want. Often a person will be missing a helpful but not essential piece of rock climbing gear, such as a rope bag, a stick clip, an awesome locking carabiner for belaying, climbing pants, cleaning brushes, or a bouldering chalk bag.
It’s hard to go wrong in purchasing rock climbing equipment for her that she’s already used and learned to love, so this is one of the most surefire ways to hit a homerun with your climbing Christmas present. After you have some gift ideas, search for online rock climbing sales or internet bargains from discount websites like Sierra Trading Post.
Make a Rock Climber Christmas Stocking
Start with a cool Christmas stocking, and fill it up with climbing-related products that every climber would love to have. Choose a chalk bag for him that fits his style and hand size. Toss in a bag or block of climbing chalk. Other useful items include cleaning brushes, energy bars or bites, skin salves, headbands or a hat, a few carabiners or quickdraws, a water bottle, nail clippers, and athletic tape.
Climbing Media
If your climber likes to read, give her the gift of a climbing book or magazine subscription. Climbing periodicals include Climbing Magazine, Rock and Ice, Urban Climber, and Alpinist, among others. Books that make great gifts for climbers include:
- Wild adventure stories like Where the Mountain Casts its Shadow: The Dark Side of Extreme Adventure, by Maria Coffey; and Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival, by Joe Simpson;
- Performance-related tomes such as Sport Climbing: From Top Rope to Redpoint, Techniques for Climbing Success , by Andrew Bisharat; Maximum Climbing: Mental Training for Peak Performance and Optimal Experience, by Eric J. Horst; and Espresso Lessons From The Rock Warrior's Way, by Arno Ilgner; and
- Stone Mountains: North America's Best Crags, by Jim Thornburg, a photographic journey to some of the United States’ finest climbing areas.
For climbers who don't like to read, climbing media gift options include a climbing movie or a climbing guidebook – or both. Pick a guidebook and accompany it with a movie about a place that your climber has expressed interest in climbing, talking to her climbing partners if necessary to learn this information.
Rock Climbing Vacation
If you give your partner a climbing guidebook or movie as a Christmas gift, why not surprise him by tucking a plane ticket or hotel reservation (or both) inside the front cover of the book for a weekend getaway or week’s vacation at the area described in the guidebook? Almost any climber would jump at the chance of having a rock climbing vacation paid for and planned out for him in advance, so all he has to do is show up and climb.
If you’re not a climber, see if you can coordinate a climbing trip with one of his climbing partners. If you are a climber, you can also use this as a romantic climbing getaway for both of you. Just make sure his schedule is clear for the time of the trip, even if it has to take place next fall or winter. As an added bonus, advance planning often allows you take advantage of internet travel bargains, too.
Unique Holiday Gifts for Climbers
If you’re related to or in a relationship with an avid rock climber, nothing will likely delight that person more than a uniquely climbing-themed Christmas gift. Ideas include the latest gear innovations or replacing worn-out climbing shoes, rope, or harness. Stuff a Christmas stocking full of climbing accessories, perhaps with the help of a knowledgeable salesclerk at an outdoor store. Climbing media or a climbing vacation (or both) also make great gift choices for the rock climber in your life.
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