Being deskbound in winter needn’t be a training tragedy. If you have a Gripmaster ($15) or Metolius Gripsaver ($19) handy, you can bust out some quick finger strengthening in between putting coversheets on your TPS reports. Just make sure you don’t get too pumped to start hammering the keyboard when your boss pokes her head in.
www.gripmaster.net, www.metoliusclimbing.com

If someone is intent upon hooking you up with gear, hook them up with this list of standout basics. For quickdraws, you can’t go wrong with Petzl’s keylock Spirit Express combo ($21.50). If they’re concerned you’re not being safely belayed (or belaying!), then have them stuff our Editor’s Choice belay device, Black Diamond’s ATC XP ($22.50), in your stocking. If alpine is your gig, have them set you up with Mammut’s 8mm shoulder-length slings ($7.50).
www.petzl.com, www.bdel.com, www.mammutusa.com

Looking to break into the GPS game? Trimble Outdoors’ GPS/cell-phone software may be the ticket. A Motorola GPS-enabled phone with Nextel cell service and a $10 monthly Trimble Outdoors plan give you trip-planning software for your PC; the ability to download topographic, street, and aerial maps to your phone; and let youupload trip information and photos to Trimble Outdoors’ community website. You’ll be dialed into lat-long before you know it.
www.trimbleoutdoors.com