‘Tis the season – to make your hiker happy with stocking stuffers and gifts guaranteed to bring on the smiles. Here’s a round-up of five useful and/or just plain nifty ideas that won’t break the budget.

1. The Wick-er Warmup Sport & Travel Towel is a thin, lightweight little scrap of fabric that every backpacker needs. Designed to wick away water from the body (after a dip in a stream or lake), the towel then dries out quickly. With silver fibers woven into the material, it’s also odour-resistant. I had my doubts when I held the small bundle in my hands – but I’m sold. It works, and it works extremely well. Price under $20.

2. Pocket knives are always a popular gift idea. The Victorinox Sport Knife is a handy little multi-tool with requisite long and small blades – but what makes it valuable to the hiker/backpacker are the punch/awl with sewing eye (for backpack repairs) and tweezers (sliver removal without having to dig out the first aid kit buried near the bottom of the pack). Mine’s been going strong for years, but it doesn’t have the punch/awl and tweezers – hmm… maybe I should be hinting for a new one! Price $20.

3. I love it when technology betters an old favourite. Candle lanterns have been popular ever since I started hiking (don’t you dare ask how long ago that was!), but there are times when safety factors negate a flame – enter the UCO Aluminum Candle Lantern Plus LED. A small LED light comes with the unit and can sit inside the lantern, replacing the candle when situations demand it. Price mid-$20’s.

4. Speaking of seeing the light, the Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp is a lightweight, bright little thing, perfect for tucking in your daypack – just in case you come back out to the trailhead a little after dusk. Price under $20.

5. If you’ve ever had your waterbottle freeze up on a winter hike, you’ll appreciate the gift of clothing for your container. The Outdoor Research Water Bottle Parka is just the ticket – and it’s priced under $20.

You’ll find the Wick-er Towels (and other outdoor clothing ideas) available online at Discovery Trekking Outfitters Ltd. Everything else can be found online at Amazon.