Holiday 2005
Ah, the holiday season, when well-meaning friends and relatives try to get you what they think is hot, but typically is not. Or, the time of the year when you’re trying to figure out that special Festivus gift for your partner who patiently belayed you on countless routes. Fear not, whether you’re giving or receiving we have you covered with everything from stocking stuffers to the big tickets.

Music gets us through endless approaches and tedious traverses in the climbing gym. If you’re going on a long trip or just can’t stand the thought of not toting your full collection from ABBA to Zappa, go with the hard-drive-based Apple iPod ($299 to $399) — six people in the Climbing office have. If light and fast is your gig and you’ve perfected your high-energy playlist, perhaps you should sport High Gear’s TrailAudio unit ($140 for the 512mb capacity). The TrailAudio’s well-protected flash drive will stand up to more abuse than a hard-drive player and the unit comes with a unique carabiner-style clip for convenience.
www.apple.com, www.highgear.com

If your chalkbag is looking tattered and crusty, and you’re looking to get wild and funky, put Krieg on your list this year. Most bags out there are meant to be marketing pieces for whatever gear or clothing company produced them. Not Krieg. Sam and crew do their Special-K bags ($21) in small batches, using short runs of unique, sometimes downright outrageous fabrics. Strap one on and be the talk of the crag.
www.kriegclimbing.com

Mmm ... beer. The staff of many a climber’s life. Speaking of staff, our picks around the office often tend toward New Belgium and Avery Brewing, partly because they’re quite tasty, but also because these breweries support the climbing community. If you’re looking for some holiday cheer this season, try New Belgium’s Frambozen ($7 a six pack) and Avery Brewing’s Old Jubilation ($7 for the six).
www.newbelgium.com, www.averybrewing.com