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Mark Agnew

Christmas is comingfast and it can be tough to think of good presents for those who love the outdoors. Nature lovers profess an affinity with the minimalism of the wild, so what can you give them that they really want?
Here’s a few great ideas for outdoor enthusiast friends:
Hong Kong trail scratch map
There is kilometre after kilometre of hiking and running trails and you could spend a lifetime trying to do them all. By the time you are a third of the way through, you have probably forgotten the ones you’ve done. But with the Hong Kong trail scratch map, you can hang it on your wall and scratch away the areas or trails as a reminder and a homage to your days in the mountains.




















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A post shared by Jason Holman (@hk.trail.map)



A running watch
Runners and hikers are obsessed with tracking their kilometres and effort. If you’re feeling generous, why not get them a new watch, like a Garmin or a Suunto. The range of products on the market is huge, from the Garmin Forerunner to the Suunto 9 or the Polar Vantage.
How to nail your trail running New Year’s resolution
While all perform similar tasks, find out what makes your gift receiver tick and match the specific capabilities with their hobby. For example, a mountaineer might like an altimeter on their watch, a sailor might like a barometer, an ultra runner might appreciate better battery life instead of all the gadgets, and a road runner might appreciate the ability to link to a heart rate monitor for more accurate beats per minute.
An experience
Memories last longer than material gifts, so why not get your friend an outdoor experience. There are so many ways to explore Hong Kong. You can get them rock climbing lessons, giving them the skills to go sport climbing on one of Hong Kong’s many crags. There are a number of companies that offer lessons, such as HK Rock Climbing Adventure.

Get a guided kayak tour around Sai Kung. The many islands hide secret caves, sea arches and cracks for you to explore, but you need a seasoned guide, like Wild Hong Kong, to find you the best spots.
Paragliding is a unique way to see Hong Kong. The website paraglidinginhongkong.com is one of the places you can go to find a tandem ride for beginners. Saw over Man On Shan, Shek O or Sunset Peak, depending on the weather or the time of year.
A tent
Travel restrictions are undermining any big plans, but Hong Kong is packed with opportunity for stayventurers.
Having a tent opens up a world of opportunity for hikers, runners and rock climbers to turn weekends into trips away from the bustling city.
Hike out to Tai Long Sai Wan, or any of the beautiful Sai Kung beaches, and set up camp. Dine at the local restaurants and spend your days hiking around the country park.




















View this post on Instagram























A post shared by Mark Agnew (@adventureagnew)



Take the ferry to Tung Lung Chau for epic rock climbing on the island – get as many sends in as possible by camping so you can get on the wall early the next day.
Attempt the 100km MacLehose trail in one push by camping en route.
You can get cheap tents at Decathlon, or more bespoke gear at the likes of RC Outfitters in Causeway Bay and Chamonix in Mong Kok.


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Explore Hong Kong

Christmas present ideas for hikers, trail runners and outdoors lovers in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an outdoor lovers’ paradise – get a gift to match their passion. Photo: Handout

People enjoy paragliding in Sai Kung on the weekend amid the third wave of coronavirus pandemic. 14AUG20 SCMP / Felix Wong

Should trail runners pay to use Hong Kong’s country parks to help preserve the environment their sport damages, and would they?

Trail runners already pay hundreds of dollars to take part in races, and a survey suggests they would be willing to pay more if it went towards protecting the parks. Photo: Dickson Lee

The start line of the 2018 Oxfam Trailwalker, one of more than 200 trail events each year. Photo: Dickson Lee

Leading Hong Kong trail runner Stone Tsang Siu-keung. Photo: SMP picture

South China Morning Post writer Mark Agnew transitions from trail to concrete, as he runs the Jardines Peak trail, in Hong Kong on July 14, 2017. 14JUL17 [HEALTH FEATURES] CREDIT / Antony DICKSON

Asia Pacific Adventure provides teambuilding exercises including rock climbing and abseiling, in and outside of Hong Kong

Hikers flock to Lion Rock Country Park, Sha Tin, on a hot Sunday whilst Hong Kong recorded no new coronavirus infections today, the 14th day in a row without any local infection. 03MAY20 SCMP / Winson Wong

The best hiking and running trails in Hong Kong – geologist creates guide for newcomers to explore the Island

Aerial view of Stanley, Hong Kong on the trail of the twins on Wilson Trail. Photo: Shutterstock

Ian Benton, Hong Kong-based Scot, has written The Runner's Guide to Hong Kong, taking in 25 of the best trail routes on the Island. Photo: Handout

People hiking on the Dragon's Back in Shek O. Scenic areas in the city fill up as residents seek room to breathe in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. 22FEB20 SCMP / Dickson Lee

Ian Benton, a Hong Kong-based Scot, has written ‘The Runner's Guide to Hong Kong’, taking in 25 of the best trail routes on the Island. Photo: Handout

Wearing masks when trail running or hiking is necessary so adjust expectations or training plans, say Hong Kong’s top trail runners

Stone Tsang Siu-keung knows a mask will make running uncomfortable but hopes people will comply. Photo: Agence France-Presse

A mask holder to make exercise more bearable. Photo: Handout

(L-R): SCMP Reporter Patrick Blennerhassett works out with one of Hong Kong's top marathoners Jeff Campbell for the 2020 Hong Kong Marathon in Cheung Sha Wan. 09JUL19 SCMP / Jonathan Wong

Milk Li is a Hong Kong ultra runner, taking on the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC) in 2020. Photo: Running Biji/EC Windblow

Cheung Man-yee en route to surviving the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC). Photo: Alan Li

Janice Cheung nominated for most improve female trail runner went from 41 hours on trailwalker to winning in 15 hours. Photo - Alan Li @we_run_we_photo

Best lunch time hikes if you are working from home during coronavirus restrictions in Hong Kong

There are short, sharp hikes near many of the city’s residential areas for you to enjoy during a lunch break when you work from home. Photo: Antony Dickson

Hong Kong’s best outdoor running routes with a view – from Victoria Harbour to the Lantau Trail

Whether you are looking to start running or want to add tough trails to your regime, these routes offer all the variety you need. Photo: Instagram/ @vivimorgado

Famous view of Hong Kong - Hong Kong skyscrapers skyline cityscape view from Victoria Peak on sunset. Hong Kong, China

Aerial view of pitches of the Hong Kong Football Club surrounded by the Happy Valley Racecourse track. 03APR18 SCMP / Winson Wong

Royalty-free stock photo ID: 131034323 HONG KONG - APRIL 10: Tai Long Wan beach "Big Wave Bay" in Hong Kong on April 10 2011. Considered one of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong, it is a popular surf destination. - Image

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Searching for the perfect gift this Christmas for your outdoor loving friend or loved one? Look no further



Searching for the perfect gift this Christmas for your outdoor loving friend or loved one? Look no further.


Extreme fitness

Wellness

Christmas present ideas for hikers, trail runners and outdoors lovers in Hong Kong

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Searching for the perfect gift this Christmas for your outdoor loving friend or loved one? Look no further

Searching for the perfect gift this Christmas for your outdoor loving friend or loved one? Look no further