Sam Benedict pretending to be a weasel
1.) Black Diamond Cobras. No surprise here. By now, you have likely heard your significant other yearn for this set of toys. The sticker shock is a tad rough, but I am sure they do not expect you to throw down the cash for the whole set. Buy one for a Christmas present, and then let him or her pony up for the other one. You cannot go wrong with Cobras; and, with the carbon fiber shaft, your mate won’t be able to freeze his or her tongue to the tool.
2.) Black Diamond Turbo Express Ice Screws. Can’t quite commit to the price tag on a set of new ice tools? Grab one or a few of the best screws on the market for your mate. Climbing protection always says that you care, and have safety first in mind for your mate.
3.) Petzl/Charlet Dartwin Crampons. Why torment over getting the lightest boots on the market only to add on three pounds of metal? Don’t. Instead, go with these aesthetically beautiful spikes. At only 860g or 30.5 ounces, these are the featherweight champions of technical crampons.
4.) Petzl Meteor III Helmet. While you are counting grams, check out the specs on this lid. Very comfortable, lightweight, and super durable. As with the ice screws, this gift idea screams “I care about your safety”, while at the same time adding “hey, I want you to look good out there”.
5.) Gloves. Big gloves, skinny gloves, mittens even. While the ice tools win big gift presentation points, a good pair of gloves can really change your life too. Here, at the Wilderness Exchange, we offer a great selection of gloves to suit your needs. From the sexy Black Diamond Torque glove to the nuclear winter style Mercury Mitt, we have everything in between to keep the icy hot phenomenon away from your hands. My personal favorite? Outdoor Design’s Diablo glove makes for a brilliant softshell glove that works equally well for leading ice or ski touring with its amazing grip.
6.) Western Mountaineering Hooded Flash Jacket. This one wins the snow day fashion show, hands down. At nine ounces, this is the most coveted new piece of apparel here at the Wilderness Exchange. The hood fits over a helmet, and it all packs down small enough to attach to your harness for the next belay. This is the best lightweight down jacket out there. Indulge and enjoy.
7.) Yates Screamers. This gift says a lot of things. A) I care about your safety. B) I know you participate in activities that necessitate something ridiculous like screamers. And C) I want to see you fall on an ice screw and live. Well, maybe C isn’t the best thing to communicate in your gifting process, but it might be fun to watch your mate take a safe whipper on a stubby and fully rip open a screamer.
8.) Hand Warmers. This gift says that you agonized over the above choices, but you were not willing to accept a strict diet of ramen in exchange. The economy is pretty gloomy. While your heat and water may be getting shut off tomorrow, keep in mind that these will keep both of you warm in your apartment, in addition to being a great comfort while out ice climbing. Your mate will know you had his or her comfort (and maybe your own) in mind with this Christmas gift.
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
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