Photo by Elise Ott
We’re well into December, but if you’re like most people, your holiday shopping isn’t quite complete yet, which is why we’ve put together this PCTA 2024 Holiday Shopping Gift Guide to help! Buying presents for others can be tricky: it takes time, thoughtfulness, knowing a person’s tastes, and money. Luckily, our curated list can help you find the perfect gift for the hardcore adventurers, wannabe outdoor enthusiasts, and peaceful nature lovers in your life without breaking the bank.
For The Coffee Lovers
A bag or two of Pacific Crest Trail roast from Triple Crown Coffee is a great gift to give people who are fueled by coffee and always seem to have a cup of go-juice in their hands. The PCT blend is a medium to dark Sumatran blend with notes of dark chocolate and caramelized sugar, a perfect roast for those who love their coffee rich and full-bodied. For each bag you purchase, Triple Crown will donate $1 to PCTA, making it a gift that gives back to the trail you love.
For The Beer & Spirits Enthusiasts
For those who enjoy sipping their craft beers and cocktails with class, North Drinkware’s Mt. Hood tumbler and pint collection is the perfect solution. The artisan glassware company specializes in incredible glass products while giving back to the mountains they love. Every 1% of your purchase goes to PCTA.
For The Artsy, Yoga-Loving Free Spirits
If you’re in California, you almost certainly know a few free spirits: they’re into yoga, DIY crafts and art, collect crystals, and are always looking for a deeper connection. You can foster that artsy creativity with a gift from GoodVibeGoda. Artist Goda “Freyja” Latvys specializes in macramé home decor, clothing, and art that will add a beautiful and whimsical touch to anyone’s home or person. Best of all, 20% of your purchase price will be donated to PCTA.
For The Loungers & Those Who Love To Chill
Not everyone who loves the outdoors is necessarily into hiking and adventure activities. Some people are just fine chilling out in nature, thank you. Chilling out in a hammock is even better, though. Luckily, we have two great options on that front. For those who like it a little more adventurous and to sleep in hammocks while camping out, the Pacific Crest Trail ENO DoubleNest Hammock Print from Eagle Nest Outfitters is what you need. Its sturdy and rugged build ensures it won’t let you down – literally or figuratively.
For those who prefer their hammocks poolside or strung between backyard trees, Lazy Daze Hammock has you covered. Their beautifully woven hammocks come with optional stands, making setup a breeze. Best of all, Eagle Nest will donate $10 to PCTA for every hammock bought, and Lazy Daze will donate 10% of the purchase price of their hammocks.
For Book Lovers
Loving nature and loving books often go hand-in-hand, so books rooted in nature are the perfect gift for those whose personal Venn diagrams intersect in that exact spot. First up is The Trek’s Pacific Crest Trials by Zach Davis and Carly Moree. Full of funny anecdotes and plenty of useful advice, the book is a great resource to understand the fundamentals of doing a thru-hike of the PCT, not just regarding equipment and supplies, but also how to prepare for it emotionally. 2-3.5% of all sales go to PCTA.
Next, there’s Glen Van Peski’s Take Less. Do More. Van Peski, a revolutionary in the field of ultralight backpacking, took the lessons he’s learned from his decades of hiking and camping and turned them into a life-affirming book that teaches others how to let go of unnecessary weight. It’s a life lesson that applies not just to what you carry in a backpack, but also in your soul, your mind, and your life, allowing you to live more freely and joyfully. 100% of the book’s purchase price goes to PCTA.
John Ostrander’s excellent The Pacific Crest Tales is a great gift for those who love memoirs and anecdotal stories. Ostrander’s modern spin on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales brings together a handful of pilgrims and thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Over the course of a night, they trade stories, personal experiences, and tales full of clever wit and profound pathos, making for a read that is a perfect reflection of our times. 15% of the purchase price of each book is donated to PCTA.
For Map & Cartography Enthusiasts
For those who love exploration and geography, maps, planning guides, and markers to commemorate visits make great gifts. First up are the illustrated maps of the Pacific Crest Trail from National Geographic also make a great pairing. The map booklets are regularly updated and are incredibly useful on the trail, or for those who just want to learn more about the trail. 4% of the purchase price helps to support PCTA.
Wilderness Press PCT Guidebooks are a great gift for those who want a deeper dive into the Pacific Crest Trail. Each guidebook offers an in-depth exploration of the different sections of the PCT, whether it’s great side-trips to take, the best scenic views, where to find water sources, how to restock and resupply on the trail, and more. 2% of each purchase benefits PCTA.
For those who want to go a step further, Walkabout Collection’s Pacific Crest Trail National Parks Challenge Coins Bundle is the perfect complement to any map and guidebook. As PCT lovers know, the trail winds through multiple national parks along its 2,650 miles. A special collectable coin to commemorate each national park visited on the trail is a great way to mark off bucket list trips and first-time visits. Plus, 2% of each bundle bought will go to PCTA.
For The Budget-Friendly Savvy Types
Thoughtful gift-giving isn’t always about spending money. After all, as the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts. Supporting a budding hiker or trail enthusiast who needs a little help getting started makes for a great gift, whether it comes in the form of a personal gift or a white elephant swap. Some excellent ideas that don’t cost anything (or very little):
- Used or thrifted gear: As we know, gearing up for camping or hiking can be expensive. Sustainable alternative, like donating gently used or thrifted gear is a great way to lower the barrier of entry for those who want to enjoy nature but don’t have the funds to buy new.
- Maps & guidebooks: It can be daunting for a brand-new hiker or camper to navigate the great outdoors. Gifting them how-to guidebooks and helpful maps gives people a starting point so they feel prepared and ready to take on what the PCT throws at them.
- Hiking support: Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give a hopeful hiker is simply yourself. Offering to help a novice hiker plan their trip, or even hiking with them for part of the trail, is a fantastic way to give your time and support to a friend and loved one in the most tangible way.
For Those Who Love The PCT & Want To Give Back
Lastly, a gift membership to Pacific Crest Trail Association is the perfect gift for anyone who loves nature, the outdoors, and conservation, or who wants to give back. Our work simply could not happen without you. Every single thing we accomplish, from getting new hiker on the trail for the first time to our conservation partnerships, is thanks to you and your support.