Backpacking gift idea

I'm looking for suggestions for a gift for my backpacking partner.

10 years ago he asked if I would be interested in going backpacking with him. Neither of us had any experience with it, but we both decided to go for it. Nearly 10 years later we've bushwhacked in Alaska, canoe camped in Canada, hiked in the alps, and hit up a bunch of other US locations.

This summer will be our 10th year of going (big trip this year is a multi day trek in Iceland). I kind of want to surprise him with something.

Neither of us need any more gear. I was hoping for something more sentimental. Any ideas?

in WildernessBackpackingby themonsterPhoebe

93%

14d

tfcallahan1

14d

You could consider some artwork that recalls one of your trips or just wilderness in general. For instance if you had a trip to Yosemite you could get a nice Obata print.

themonsterPhoebe

14d

Yeah I like the idea of a piece of art, but I'm blanking on ideas. I think my problem is trying to combine all the trips so maybe focusing on just one is probably a better idea.

Also despite years of trying, we have failed to get a Yosemite permit. Yosemite and Glacier permits are our white whales.

sidneyhornblower

14d

Don't know if you guys have hiked the Appalachian Trail or not, but I'll suggest one art project that's related: Red Eft Mapping. I am NOT affiliated with and do not know the person or company, but have always thought this would be a cool thing to have if I ever completed the entire trail. I'll link the website below. I believe they will personalize their maps with photos you provide.

https://www.redeftmapping.com/

themonsterPhoebe

14d

We're actually from Virginia so are definitely quite familiar with the AT. Our first trip was in Shenandoah so this has real potential. A full AT trip might be a goal when we retire (a long time from now)

tfcallahan1

14d

Regarding Yosemite permits there are usually permits available in the Hetch Hetchy areas like Beehive TH. It's not the marquee area but has a lot of nice terrain. Here's a trip report from a 5 night trip I did last year to give you an idea of what it's like. HTH.

Edit: also, if you don't mind some relatively easy XC travel the Nelson Lake and Budd Creek TH permits are often easier to get. These take you through the Cathedral Range which my personal favorite part of the park.

Ancguy

14d

Photos of the 2 of you when you first started together paired with recent shots?

bitz-the-ninjapig

14d

I’m not sure what your budget looks like, but maybe you could commission an art piece. Maybe the primary focus could be about your big trip this year, and then the artist could weave in some other important trips, inside jokes, etc.

Or maybe custom made patches that you could get sewn on both of your packs.

Top-Night

14d

For fishing gear, a Tenkara fly rod is quite popular in the UL backpacking community for its compact fold ability, weight and style. I’ve been thinking about getting one myself. https://www.tenkararodco.com/

File-Critical

13d

Tenkara rod is a great idea, though I would recommend the Dragontail Tenkara Kaida for a pack rod within the OPs budget. I battle tested mine on the PCT last year. Landed some huge and tiny fish - there isn't a more versatile pack rod on the market. u/themonsterPhoebe

sheila_starshine

14d

You always need more gear, what are you talking about!! 😜

If someone were doing this for me, a special knife sheath with something engraved on it would be meaningful. I would never buy this for myself.

themonsterPhoebe

14d

Oh for sure we always need more gear, lol. I actually like the idea of some sort of sentimental gear too. I moreso didn't want suggestions of "buy him a new tent or sleeping pad," or something like that.

We're borderline ultra lighters though so any gear has to pass the weight to benefit ratio. Maybe some sort of nice backpacking fishing gear could be nice for him.

cwcoleman

14d

What is your budget?

themonsterPhoebe

14d

Ideally under $100 but could go over if something was perfect. I think closer to $200 or $250 the eye roll from my wife would be more severe than I could handle.

StrongArgument

14d

I know you don’t need more gear, but what about fun stuff like Cotopaxi or Topo Designs hats, fanny packs, or clothes? They’re fairly new brands that focus on really fun colors

themonsterPhoebe

14d

Definitely looking into these. I'm not opposed to new gear, I mainly didn't want suggestions of a new tent or pack or something like that though. A piece of gear that's fun or sentimental is definitely an option.

Expert_Clerk_1775

14d

Get a favorite photo framed

themonsterPhoebe

14d

Yeah, right now I'm leaning towards getting some sort of collage framed. We weirdly don't take many selfies together while backpacking.

Expert_Clerk_1775

14d

I know what you mean. Could throw some feelers out and see if you can find out what some of his favorite nature shots he’s taken over the years

GaffTopsails

14d

Portable hammock

yes_no_yes_yes_yes

14d

Potential ideas for the weight conscious:

* GG thinlite as a sit/lay pad to replace a chair or add some comfort

* Tarp + Bivy to potentially try a lighter weight option?

* Maybe some kind of MYOG kit?

* EE Torrids are on sale right now for $180 if that's within budget

* Wind pants/shirt, sun hoody, sun gloves?

_daddy-long-legs

14d

Make a photo book on Shutterfly/etc. - can get creative and add trip stats, routes, maps, whatever you want in addition to your own photos. My group has done this and it’s an awesome keepsake and way to remember past trips

29187765432569864

14d

Guys think differently than women, if he doesn’t have a candle lantern just get him this, he will be happy with it. You can have it engraved.

MrTheFever

14d

Hmm.. I've been backpacking a long time, and this year I'm excited about my Pact Poop Kit. link

Feels good to know my poop will be gone sooner, I dunno.

dannydev2001

14d

https://wild-ideas.net/ this

StandUpTwice

14d

You can get a star where you have or will backpack under!! I did it for my (now) husband’s first bday we celebrated together. He cherishes it so much.

themonsterPhoebe

14d

That sounds super sweet. It may be a little too romantic for my strictly platonic backpacking buddy though. Super cool idea though.