1. Eagle Creek Switchback Rolling Backpack
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2. iPod nano
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The latest and greatest iPod is a graduation gift that will always be appreciated. I like the iPod nano for convenience when walking and running. The 5th and 6th generation iPods have a built-in pedometer function that I truly enjoy. It makes the nano a real fitness partner, at a much lower weight than an iPhone or iTouch.
3. "Europe Through the Back Door"
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4. iPhone
Wendy Bumgardner © 2011
You can lighten your pack considerably by taking along an iPhone that has its built-in maps and travel books and more maps stored on iBooks. The iPhone has revolutionized my walking and traveling as the go-to gadget. Oh, and I hear you can use it to make phone calls, too!
5. North Face Yavapai Backpack
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A well-built day pack is essential. If the graduate is going to go off touring, this high-capacity day pack will let him or her take along everything needed.
6. Nikon S3000 Digital Camera
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It's tiny and thin to take along anywhere, with a large, bright LCD screen for easy photo viewing. It has 12.0 megapixels, 4x optical wide angle zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for big prints. Record TV-quality movies with sound in 640 x 480 size, then connect to your computer or TV for instant home movies.
7. "The Complete Walker IV"
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Colin Fletcher's classic on how to hike, trek, and walk. How to find the right clothes, food, boots, and tents for backpacking or day hiking or a 1000-mile walk. How to walk and hike responsibly and nuture the environment. Read this book before you venture into the wilderness.
8. Victorinox Swiss Army Climber Knife
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9. REI or Other Outdoor Store Gift Card/Membership
The first thing my husband (then boyfriend) did when he turned me into a walker/hiker was to take me to REI and make me get a membership. He then opened up the world of quality hiking and walking gear and clothing. My parents still give him an REI gift card each Christmas. You may want to choose Eastern Mountain Sports instead. But if you are uncertain about exactly what to buy, this is a gift that will send them in the right direction.
