Advice needed - Useful gift for trekking friends

[bizzylizzy]

Hi everyone, we want to buy a useful going away gift for some young friends who are back packing around some of the more god forsaken parts of Europe and Asia for 6 months to a year. Is there anything we can buy them that will be of help/use to them in the travels. Obviously it can't be too big as they're only taking a couple of rucksacks. Thanks everyone.

[coccinelle]

You could make them up an emergency kit with say some plasters, some anti-septic wipes, needle and thread, a couple of safety pins, a couple of buttons, and don't forget to put in some dollars or euros.

[VHG]

They will probably buy everything they need.

Anything you buy they will have to carry with them, so there is a good chance they may leave it at home if they dont need it.

If they have not got one, how about a neck wallet to hold their passport, money etc.

People who go on these type of treks are prey to thieves so if their important stuff is round their neck less likely to get stolen.

Or how about a book or two to read BEFORE they go to help them with their planning.

Or how about offer to pay for their travel insurance.

[sn�gs]

When I was in SE Asia, trekking, the only thing I really wanted was DEET... developed by the US Army to protect the troops during jungle warfare...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEET

[dot.haukes]

one of those small square heat pads you can get in a chemist, it is light and will never let them down but they may be glad of it on the cold nights

[puzzled54]

how about a wind up torch

[annie0000]

How about something like this:
http://www.sbrsports.com/1011/767-650094

super absorbent and lightweight towel - they can use it and then hang it on their bag to dry

[Hymie]

How about a hand-held GPS unit � you can buy them from under �70.

If you are an MP, no doubt you could get it on expenses, along with all the digital cameras.

[Eve]

You could try and get a mini photo album (passport sized pics) of friends and family for them to take with them.

If they are into photography spare camera batteries and memory cards would be good.

Maybe a small journal of wallet for them to keep little momentos of their travels.