Got any outdoor athletes on your holiday shopping list?

Lucky you; we are easily pleased. Every sport requires a certain amount of somewhat specialized equipment, and most of it needs replacing every so often. It’s easy to fish for hints; we love to talk gear. The trick will be getting an enthusiast to shut up, after you’ve asked, “So, how is that (insert performance item of your choice) working out for you?”

Bicycle tires, for instance, can make a great gift, all the more so as good ones have gotten pricey. Inner tubes are nice, too, if you’re on a budget. Runners need shoes with alarming regularity.

The all-weather athlete can hardly have too many gloves, socks, gaiters, tights, water-resistant windbreakers, or t-shirts made of brightly colored synthetics, long and short sleeved. Any such things should be sport-oriented (think REI, EMS, synthetic or wool fabrics). A note of caution: regular racers likely have all the t-shirts they could use in two lifetimes. 

Other ideas that may (or not) apply: water bottles or packs with water tanks inside, headlamp, lightweight waterproof cases for iPod or camera, multi-tools, books written about their favorite sports, yaktrax or similar product, sporty sunglasses, bicycle chain lube, reflective arm bands, bicycle lights, ultra-light gas stove, rain tarp, or a case of their favorite energy bars.