Stumped as to what to get your climbing partner for Christmas? Here are a few suggestions for those who already have everything they need or for those who are looking for something new.

Consider a new Petzl Tikka Plus headlamp as a great stocking stuffer. This next generation headlamp offers extra brightness with 4 LED bulbs. It also offers three brightness settings and an emergency strobe. All of this in an ultra light design makes it a great choice for that early alpine start. The new technology LED lights will push your older headlamps into the gear grab bin. Black diamond also offers Gemini, a combo LED and halogen light that provides even more brightness but more weight. Both are offered in the $30-ish price range.

A new Personal Anchor System by Metolius makes a great replacement for your daisy chain. It is stronger than your old daisy chain and is rated for use as a belay anchor. The PAS is a chain of sewn slings that can be clipped in at variable lengths and even can be attached at each end to form an equalized anchor for toproping. The authors of Climb On! Skills for More Efficient Climbing (another good gift idea) recommend belaying from a personal anchor as a method to increase belay station efficiency. Belaying off the PAS is a safe alternative to the daisy chain.

For those still in need of a stove, consider giving the MSR Pocket Rocket. This ultra light stove makes a great stocking stuffer for climbers who count ounces the way Weight Watchers participants count calories. The stove also comes with a $30-ish price tag that makes it even more attractive. It would not be a good idea for an expedition, but for the quick overnight trip, it works very well.

In keeping with the theme of lightweight gear, the Mont-bell gore-tex bag cover makes a great alternative to a bivi sack for mild weather. If it is combined with a lightweight tarp, it could make a great weight-sparing shelter option. This 8-ounce bag cover stuffs into a small stuff sack and makes a great addition for any summit pack. The only down side of this bag is its $135 price tag.

Finally, if none of these gear options fits your gift budget, consider stopping by the Mountaineer Bookstore during the Banff Film Festival to buy a climbing guidebook during the semiannual book sale. New this year is the Washington Ice Guide. Ice climbers finally have a guidebook to find new and interesting ice climb routes in the neighboring hills. The new (7th) edition of Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills is a must-have for any serious alpinist. This book sale also offers closeout prices on selected books. You certainly can find a great book at a reasonable price at this sale.

Have a Merry Holiday and a Happy New Year with a great climbing season in 2004