How is it December already? Where does the time go! Anyway, don’t fret. We’re here to help. We know there’s not much time left to find the perfect gifts for the backcountry skier in your life. So, we’ve done a little research to help you out and below you will find some of our favorite items coming in under the $25.00 mark. Think Snow!
VTBC Voile Ski Straps
: $3.50–$5.50
These straps are some of the simplest yet useful pieces of equipment a backcountry skier can carry with them. They’re perfect for holding your skis together on the way to the trailhead, holding a loose skin on, a-framing your skis, and a myriad of other uses. You can never have too many of these and every skier should carry a couple in their pack.
Ski The East Buff: $12.95
Buffs don’t get enough attention. I always thought of them as kind of the Hammer Pants of the hat world. That is… until I got one. Now, don’t get me wrong Buff’s aren’t exactly the most attractive pieces of headwear, but they are by far one of the most useful. They are made of a very lightweight fabric that is perfect for high-output activities. You can wear it as a hat, a headband, neck gaiter, and balaclava. The lightweight fabric provides plenty of warmth and wind protection, but isn’t so heavy as to make you overheat. Don’t knock the Buff until you’ve tried it. And if you’re going to rock a Buff why not show off your love of east coast skiing!
Catamount Trail Association T-Shirt: $15.00–$25.00
It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Who couldn’t use a new t-shirt? Especially if that shirt helps support backcountry skiing in Vermont. Don’t forget to pick one up for yourself. There are long and short sleeve options for both men and women.
Nutty Steph’s Magic Chunks: $15.00
These chocolate covered granola energy bombs are the perfect thing to help liven up your stride mid tour. One of our favorites is the Peanut Butter Magic Chunks, but there are other options and you’re sure to find something that will put a smile on your face.
Darn Tough OTC Ultralight Ski Sock: $24.00
Sock are another gift that you start to appreciate more as you get older. And everyone can appreciate Darn Tough socks. They’re made here in Vermont and they’re lifetime guarantee means that, if you can keep your significant other from stealing them, they should serve you for many, many years.
Heady Topper 4-Pack: $12.00
Aren’t your ski buddies just the best ski buddies in the whole world? Well–if you can find it–pick them up a pack of Heady T’s because don’t the best ski partners in the world deserve the best beer in the world.
Hydro Flask 18oz Bottle: $23.99
These are great bottles. They’ll keep your water from freezing no matter how cold it gets, and better yet they’ll keep your coffee or hot chocolate warm all day long.
Catamount Trail Association Pint Glass: $6.00
Backcountry skiers tend to be beer snobs and if you’re going to be picky about what you drink… should you be just as picky about what you drink your drink out of? We thought so.
Themarest Z-Seat: $15.00
During a tour there are definitely times when it’s nice to be able to sit down. With the Z-Seat you will always have warm, dry patch of ground waiting for your behind. The Z-seat is superlight and compact and is one of those things you will always be glad you brought with.
Vermont Peanut Butter 16oz Jar: $5.00-$11.00
Peanut butter is one of the most perfect backcountry energy foods. The sugar will give you a little energy boost, while the protein will help stave off that feeling of starvation. Also, peanut butter doesn’t freeze very easily so you’ll never have to worry about chipping a tooth while out on the trail.
Cat Crap Anti Fog: $6.99
Hiking up a mountain? Well then your glasses and goggles are going to fog up no question. Might as well do something to help reduce the fogging. We find this stuff is especially helpful for sunglasses because you don’t often wear goggles on the way up.
Grabber Hand Warmer Value Pack (25 pair): $24.00
These are just super handy (see what I did there) to keep in your pack. Hands get cold and it’s not a bad idea to have a way to inject a little extra heat into the situation. These are also good for keeping batteries for your electronics warm and working.
Vermont Smoke & Cure Original RealSticks Sampler: $23.95
Another food item… noticing a trend here? In general food is always a good gift for the BC skier. These tasty, meaty sticks of goodness are perfect for a day out on the trail. They don’t freeze, they’re super flavorful, and their full of calories to help keep your legs pumping!
Swix F4 Rub-On Wax: $16.00
There are a quite a few different run-on waxes and these are great items to keep in your pack. They’re very easy to apply and they will help give you a little extra boost and can help reduce the icing up of the scales that can and often happens in the spring. We like the particular model because of it’s easy to use applicator and built in cork to burnish the wax in.
Adventure Medical .5 First Aid Kit: $17.00
A small first aid kit is one of those things you hope not to use, but are super glad to have when you need it. We like this one because it has most of what you’d want to carry with you for a day in the backcountry and it comes in a waterproof pouch to keep everything dry.
Kinco 901 Gloves: $22.00
When backcountry skiing it’s hard not to soak your gloves when touring our climbing, and it’s not always convenient to not wear them. These gloves from Kinco are perfect for touring. They’re all leather and they’re cheap enough that you can bring an extra pair or two so that you always have a dry pair.
Owl Energy Bar: $2.95
Food again… we know. But again food is a very important component in every successful backcountry tour. Keeping yourself well fueled is important as helps you stay warm and will provide you with the energy to keep a nice day of exploring in the woods from turning into a death slog. These OWL energy bars are great! They’re made here in Vermont with wholesome, gluten free ingredients and owner, Alli, is a backcountry skier herself so she knows what works and tastes great when you’re tired and sweaty and needing a break.
