Tom Hutton Christmas Gear
Christmas is a bumper time in retail – even in the Outdoor Trade – but which items make a good present? Tom Hutton takes a look
E
veryone’s had one of those days when they just can’t get it It’s often said that it’s all in the giving, but few things in life feel quite as deflating as the realisation that the perfect gift you’ve just watched your nearest and dearest unwrap, is actually a rather grand faux pas and is likely to end up on a well-known internet auction site in the January de-clutter. So what advice can you offer when a well-meaning but slightly stressed looking customer walks up to you on Christmas Eve and mutters those immortal words: “I’m looking for a Christmas present for my…”? The first rule is definitely to avoid things where fit is critical. We’d all love a partner that would go out and buy us a pair of double plastic boots or similar but with almost all walking/climbing/skiing boots, fit is everything, and the only way that’s ever going to work is if the lucky recipient is there too. It’s probably best if they either march said recipient into the shop with them, or if that’s going to really ruin the surprise, perhaps they’d like a voucher? Or even take a photo of the boots and then march the wearer back in after Christmas to get them fitted properly?
are actually much more appreciated when they’re made from mega-techie breathable, wicking fabrics rather than bought from the local M&S.
But where Vector
Shoes aren’t quite so bad, although it still matters, and it’s also an issue with most shell clothing – be it hard or soft. If it has to be clothing, then base layers, casual shirts or even the much clichéd socks and undies, which
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possible, your last minute panicker is best pointed at what we could call gift items. Things that are small enough to squeeze into a stocking – or if you really want to go the whole hog: a merino wool expedition sock. Fortunately there is plenty of choice in this department, from the mega cheap to the seriously expensive. Here’s a few ideas of things I’d always be happy to receive – note to Editor: please send a copy to my mum…
Suunto Observer
A biggie. If it needs to be expensive, then for me it’s got to be a watch. At the top end, something like the wonderfully sexy yet functional Suunto Observer for example. Classy enough to wear out, yet excellent in the hills. A little cheaper but still recommended would be the Vector or the Timex
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