5 Gifts for the Loser
Has anyone seen my keys? Oh no, I don’t have my camera. Where did I put it? Did someone steal it? I know I packed it, but I just can’t find it!
If you have a friend or loved one who just seems to misplace or lose everything ’tis the season to help them get organized. There are all kinds of fun gifts that you can help your friend get on the path to remembering their stuff. These are in no way, shape, or form fool proof solutions but you’ve got to start somewhere!
Gear Ties
Gear Ties
Keeping things together might be a problem for your friend or loved one. Seriously, one Yaktrax isn’t going to be much help. If they have gear that come in pairs and can’t seem to keep them together then they will really appreciate Nite Ize Gear Ties. From 6inches all the way up to 32inches in length, these bendable wire ties are incredibly useful. They have a soft rubber outer that won’t mark up anything, and a strong wire interior that holds shape. They are waterproof and UV resistant. That means they can be used on gear both inside and outside with no worries. Gear Ties are also very helpful when it comes to keeping the wires of your electronics together. If you have ever gotten your cell phone car charger wire all tied up to your MP3 input cord you will understand. Some electronics cords are just too long and Gear Ties can help secure them.
3 pack of S-Biners
Carabiners
Carabiners have many uses outside of the climbing world. Since I tend to misplace my camera, I keep it attached to my backpack using a carabiner while hiking. My point and shoot camera fits nicely in a case that gets attached to one of the shoulder straps. While hiking, the case stays by my hips, out of the way. When I want to take a picture I just pull the biner up the strap for quick and easy access to my camera. Carabiners have also come in handy for attaching snowshoes to the outside of my pack on winter trips. They are also very useful when you like to misplace your keys. Depending on the size of biner that you use, you can make your keys more visible, carry more keys, or be able to attach your keys to something (such as yourself). There are some carabiners that are made just for this purpose and can double as other things such as bottle openers.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Sac
Bag Organizers
Having your bag organized, be it a backpack on a hiking trip or your suitcase on vacation, can save you time and aggravation. Stuff sacks are a great way to separate your food and emergency supplies from the rest of your gear in your backpack. I personally like to use different color stuff sacks so I can quickly get at what I am looking for. They also come in many sizes for many different needs. A small, bright orange one for those easily misplaced keys perhaps or night time essentials. If your friend or loved one travels often they might like the Eagle Creek Pack-It collection. These Cubes, Sacs, and Folders can help your friend be organized and keep their unmentionables apart from dirty socks. It is especially nice to have something to put your toiletries in so you only have a small bag to bring into the bathroom instead of lugging the whole suitcase in.
Croakies (glasses not included)
Croakies
Whether your friend wears glasses on a regular basis or sunglasses for their outdoor pursuits they are at risk of losing them, or in my case crushing them. If I had Croakies on my sunglasses they would have been around my neck and not in my jacket pocket as I crawled out of my quinzee shelter last winter. Crunching plastic was not the sound I wanted to hear. I have also witnessed people falling off kayaks and paddleboards only to resurface without their $200 glasses. That’s a major fail. Then there are always the people that put the glasses on top of their head and then can’t figure out where they went. We’ve all seen that happen. Do your friend or loved one a favor and get them some Croakies for their outdoor adventures. I was hesitant for the longest time but am very happy that my Julbos came with them. No more crushed or lost sunglasses!
Highgear Clip On Compass
Compass
If your friend or loved one constantly loses things then they probably get lost themselves. Getting lost in the backcountry can be a very scary situation. Having a compass, and knowing how to use it can both prevent the situation from happening and solve the problem when stubbornness wins over thoroughness. There are a wide array of compasses out there. Some are nice, small clip ons (perfect for your forgetful friend) while others can be one of many functions on a watch. Just having a compass may not be enough so think about getting them a How To book on using their compass and a map. It’s a nice way to say, “We love you and don’t want to lose you.”
Do you have a good story about a friend, loved one, or yourself losing things? Comment below and let us know how you have helped them (or yourself) with these losing issues.
For more helpful ideas for the different adventures on your list, CLICK HERE!
hahaha! can I get these in bulk??? seriously, I have so many friends who are losers… this is a great post! The gear ties and S-biners are two of my little secrets to being a NON loser. So many uses for both. Go EMS!