SectionHiker.com Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs 
The most popular form of hiking in the northeastern United States is peakbagging, usually done as days hikes, where hikers set out to climb different mountains on the White Mountain 4000 footer list, the Adirondack 46ers, or the Catskill 3500s. While not as high elevation as their west coast counterparts, hiking in the northeast is far more rugged than out west because the hiking trails were constructed for foot traffic only and not animal stock, such as pack mules and horses.
Predominantly located in New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and the state of Maine, the lists are maintained and recognized by many prominent outdoor organizations including the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Adirondack Mountain Club. The Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail run over many of these mountains, but most hikers climb than individually, rather than backpacking over them.
If you have a loved one or friend who’s caught the peakbagging bug or want to encourage one to get hooked, here is a collection of holiday gift ideas that they’ll appreciate as hikers and mountain climbers.
Essential Guidebooks and Maps
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Maine
- Vermont
Three-Season Hiking Gear (the 10 Essentials, Plus)
- Darn Tough Hiking Socks
- Adventure Medical First Aid Kit
- SOL Emergeny Bivy
- Foam sit pad
- Light-My-Fire Emergency Fire Starter
- Platypus Hydration Reservoir (2L)
- Sawyer Mini Water Filter
- Aqua Mira Water Purification drops
- Swiss Army Knife Classic
- Loud Emergency Whistle
- Sea-to-Summit Head Net
- Wide brimmed Rain Hat
- Marmot Precip Rain Jacket
- Marmot Precip Rain Pants (Full Zip)
- Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
- Suunto M3 Compass
- SPOT GPS Satellite Messenger
- Delorme inReach Satellite Messenger
- Garmin eTrex 30x GPS
Winter Hiking Gear (additional, 4 season necessities)
- Kahtoola Microspikes
- Hillsound Trail Crampon Pros
- CAMP Ultralight Universal Crampons
- Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
- MSR Snowshoes
- Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
- Hunersdorf Hot Water Bottles you can open without taking off your Mitts
- Balaclava w/ face mask
- Puffy Down Jacket
- Fleece Vest
- Polarized Ski Goggles
- Very Warm Waterproof Mittens with removable liners
Give the Gift of Outdoor Education
- SOLO Wilderness First Aid Certificate
- SOLO Wilderness First Responder
- Adirondack Mountain Club Winter Mountaineering School
Written 2014. Updated 2015.
The OR hat is really better than a Tilley hat? I remember a five-way BPL winter hiking roundtable and the only gear they had in common was Tilley hats.
Mine is the biggest brim with a bit of ventilation at the top (LTM2). Same price as the OR Gore-Tex hat, but it breathes a lot better.
Walter – I only write from experience.
Very nice list, thanks for taking the time to prepare it… I would add in the Winter Section…a Military Surplus item that is slow to be endeared by hikers for whatever reason, and that is the Militarys Fire Gel which comes in a little individual size package and weighs about 2 oz.s It burns for over 15 minutes and was designed to heat up a Canteen cup of water for Hot Chocolate and other drinks.I have been basically testing it out for the past 6 months when I purchased a full case.
I’m not in the Northeast, but there are plenty of items in the list that I would be super excited about as gifts.
“While not as high elevation as their west coast counterparts, hiking in the northeast is far more rugged than out west because the hiking trails were constructed for foot traffic only and not animal stock, such as pack mules and horses.”
Perhaps just a wee bit of overstatement here? The region “out west” takes in a rather large chunk of territory, with a huge variety of trails and routes. You might be amazed to discover that not all trails in that region were constructed for mules and horses. You will also be quite shocked to learn that there are many quite rugged and challenging trails “out west”.
I never exagerate.
You put the Hillsound Trail crampons on your list but gave them a poor review. Did you mean the Hillsound Pro Trail crampons which you liked in your review?
Good catch Pete. My thanks.
Would Kahtoola microspikes be good for most non-mountain hiking with occasional ice or hard-pack?
oh yes.