A Climber’s Christmas II

A Climber’s Christmas Part Deux!

Last year around this time we made a wish-list to assist you and the climber’s in your life with some gift giving ideas.  Was it helpful? Probably not. Was fun? Lists are always fun, wishing is always fun too, and so wish-lists…they are the epitome of FUN!

Carrot

A year ago,  I was all about the stocking stuffers, and I see no reason to change that now.  Reaching into what amounts to a sock shaped bag and finding paydirt in the toe is basically the equivalent of finding money in the pocket of your winter jacket from last year, or going to a vending machine and two bags of chips falling when you only pay for one, it’s like waking up late, but finding out it’s a snow day!  Stocking stuffers are the best, and here are my top three stuffers for 2018.

1. Petzl Connect Adjust ($49.95 Petzl.com) This thing is so cool, I’m terrible at finding the best/most useful loop in a PAS, the Connect Adjust has the ability to make even a bumbling fool (me) look like a smooth operator.  It’s kind of pricey for a stocking stuffer, but when the climbing lover in your life pulls this out of the sock, you’ll be able to sit back and just watch their heartlight glow! (of course by heartlight I mean the new biolite headlamp they received from Santa. $49.95 bioliteenergy.com)
2. I kind of blew through the stocking budget on the first stuffer, so let me offer a couple things that come in at less than $20 in order to balance out the bottom line.  So iLL Boar Hair Brush ($7.00 soillholds.com).  I’m kind of a sucker for a good climbing brush, and this little guy is my favorite!
3. Climbing Philosophy for Everyone ($10.28 Amazon.com) I am a little biased, this book happens to combine two of my favorite activities (Philosophy and Rock Climbing), and it is also edited by my former professor (Fritz Allhoff), but aside from my biases this is a really good book.  And while some might compare pulling a book from a stocking to getting an apple on Halloween, I say ‘apples are delicious’, so trick or treat and happy holidays!

High-Clip

If you can get use out of it, it’s a good gift. It’s all about functionality and practicality in my world.

1. Trango Rock Prodigy Training Center ($129.95 trango.com) This hangboard is definitely expensive, but it’s the best one out there. As a student, managing time is super difficult, and oftentimes you just can’t get to the gym to climb. Having a hangboard lets you at least train a little bit when you don’t have time to get on the wall. Plus, your grip strength will improve so much that you won’t even notice that your wallet is a little lighter.
2. Black Diamond Positron Screwgate Carabiner ($10.95 blackdiamondequipment.com) Just like Carrot, I kind of blew the wad on the first item, so here’s something to let the budget recover a bit. This little guy is an awesome, versatile carabiner. You can use it for so many different applications in climbing, so it never hurts to have an extra!
3. Chalk Cartel The Quarter ($15.95 chalkcartel.com) You’re always going to need chalk (literally always), so you might as well get good stuff for cheap. Chalk Cartel has your back. Happy holidays, and may your winter be merry and white (as in with lots of chalk and snow).

Gaia

Mom hacks is the way to go! Gifts that will make parents’ travels easier and give them peace of mind (hopefully!)

1. BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow ($24.95 Amazon.com) Neck pillow with chin support to prevent bobbling heads during long trips 😉 It makes me nervous every time T falls asleep in the car and his face can almost touch his feet! (if you have little ones, you might know what I’m talking about!) This pillow is great at preventing that and it comes in many different and fun patterns!
2. TraderPlus Seat Back Organizer ($11.59 Amazon.com) Small but functional! I am not a lover of car organizers because they take over a lot of legroom in my car (small car). However; this one I am in love with. It fits right above T’s knees still giving him enough space for his legs to dangle comfortably. Another plus? He reaches the organizer from his car seat! Also… Great for long trips 😉
3. So iLL Active Jeans ($59.00 soillholds.com) Let’s go a little crazy, because we deserve it too! We are always on the run and need to think about ourselves as well! These “jeans” have got your back (literally!) Stretchy= comfort in my book. Get ready to lounge around 🤣, drive or climb with this pant made specially for active people…Parents!…Just kidding, climbers…But parents too 😉  Dads, I did not forget about you: Male version ($79.00 soillholds.com) 🙌

Casen

The best gift, in my opinion, is the gift you use every single day. I’m with High-Clip, functionality and practicality is the way to go!

1. Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones (get the best ones within budget) I gotta say, my noise cancelling headphones changed my life for sure! Whether I’m getting pumped up to work out, listening to a podcast while I walk to class, or cranking on some video editing, my headphones are an everyday item. If you are buying a gift for a music lover, Bluetooth headphones are the way to go!
2. In-Car Trash Can ($12.99 walmart.com) Another must-have item for me is my in-car trash can. I had no idea that these existed until my girlfriend suggested one last year. Guess she thought my car was getting out of hand… As a messy person all around, this little trash can makes a big difference in my car, especially when I’m taking long road trips to the crag and need a place to throw away (or recycle) my snack wrappers. DON’T LITTER.
3. The Push by Tommy Caldwell ($24.30 www.barnesandnoble.com) Books are always a great gift. Giving The Push to a climber for a present is like buying them pure, concentrated motivation. It’s a great story chronicling Tommy Caldwell’s insane life, and can be punctuated by the online download of the movie The Dawn Wall! If you are, or you know a bookworm, this book was an inspiring one for me, and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting read!

Happy Holidays!