6 gift ideas for hikers, walkers with Parkinson’s

When my family asks me what I want for Christmas, I stare blankly at them. I just can’t come up with anything I need or want.

I’m listing six gifts that could benefit a person with Parkinson’s who refuses to stop moving: someone who travels, hikes, or just walks around the neighborhood.

You’ll notice that I’m not promoting any specific brands. I leave that search up to you.

I am, however, including a price range so you have a general idea what gifts for people with Parkinson’s might fit your budget. 

You should also consider consumer reviews, but use them wisely.

And now (drumroll), the best gifts for hikers with Parkinson’s:

Microspikes

If you’re planning to hike snow-packed trails this winter or walk on unshoveled, icy sidewalks, these will boost your safety. Microspikes are designed to reduce slippage not only in cold weather, but also when trails are slippery from mud. This is a huge benefit for hikers with mobility issues.

Basically, microspikes turn your footwear into cleats. They are lightweight to carry and stretch to fit over most boot or shoe sizes.

Price range: $15 to $60

Neck gaiter

This clothing item is useful year round. It’s a tube of fabric that you pull over your head, and there are about a thousand different ways to use them. 

On cold, blustery days they can block wind from blowing down your jacket while keeping your head and neck area covered and warm. In the summer they protect against sunburn and those horrible biting flies.

Don’t hit the trail without one.

Price range: $6 to $30

Travel pill box

I received this thoughtful gift from a relative who knows I take several medications daily and like to travel. 

Maybe you use these pill sorters each day already. What I like about this one is that it zips shut and I don’t have to worry about digging through my suitcase or backpack to find tiny spilled pills.

It’s as cute as can be, too. Search online for “zipped pill boxes.”

Price range: $6 to $18

Book: “52 Ways to Walk”

Are regular walks getting to be the same ol’, same ol’ for you? Maybe it’s time to shake things up. 

This 2022 book by Annabel Streets will give you ideas.

She offers suggestions for trying different ways to take a walk – including any potential benefits of each method. It’s delightful and well-researched. A great reference to have on hand for any hiker or walker with Parkinson’s disease.

Price range: $10 (used) to $24 (new)

Hiking poles

Hiking/walking poles are a must for any hiker, and especially a hiker with Parkinson’s. There are so many innovations lately, and many come with multiple attachments to adapt the poles to different terrains, including paved trails.

I strongly suggest buying a trusted brand of poles. While all lightweight poles are not completely bend-proof, a cheaper one is more likely to break with weight or slip from its locked-in height setting, and that’s just plain dangerous. 

Wrist straps are beneficial to keep poles from getting dropped.

Price range $35 to $105

Daypack

If you’ve been using a high school student’s old backpack for hiking, stop now! Your shoulders and back will thank you for getting a pack made for trekkers.

As with the poles, there are many, many choices and a range of quality and features.

Look for side water bottle pockets, which are handy and encourage more drinking. Most daypacks can accommodate “hydration reservoirs” too.

Other features that are nice for people with Parkinson’s: clips on the outside to hold poles, a waist buckle to redistribute weight, accessible pockets, and large, easy-to-grab zipper pulls.

It’s a good idea to test the fit of a new backpack by filling it with stuff and wearing it around the house for a half hour. If it becomes uncomfortable, send it back and try another. 

Price range: $25 to $130

---

(Book cover used with author’s permission. First two photos by Andrea Piacquadio.)