It's getting on to be Christmas here pretty quick. Ten shopping days left in fact.

What's that, you say? Haven't bought a thing yet other than a six-pack of beer, and that was for you?

Better get a move on it then.

You don't want to be stuck last minute giving that special hiker in your life things like Spam and TP, now do you?

Oh I'm sorry dear friends. Didn't mean to offend those that have given me such thoughtful and useful, if a bit on the cheap side, Christmas gifts!

Nothing like the smell of Spam sizzling in the fry pan over the Whisperlite stove now, is there?

A four-pack of 2-ply would have been a bit more thoughtful given that you just know what freeze-dried food does to my system...

Just in case you're stumped for gift ideas, Backpacker's Gear Store has a whole host of 'em to sift through, from packs and sleeping bags to clothing and cookware.

After you're done browsing and making your gift list, try buying your stuff locally if you can, like at Kittery Trading Post, L.L. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports or other outdoor shop near you.

Need an inexpensive gift idea that'll be wicked appreciated?

Try a subscription to my two favorite outdoor mags: Backpacker and National Geographic Adventure. Both are tremendous for an entire year of good reading, trip planning and all-around daydreaming.

So here's to the holidays, friends and loved ones, new gear under the tree, and snow in the mountains!

Cheers!