A gift certificate might be the best way to go.

I say this because, in your price range, you could buy, for example, a pretty good waterproof jacket. But there is such a variety in terms of design and style, pockets, hoods, linings, etc. that something you think is the mutt's nuts is really not what the person would choose. Hence it gathers dust and ends up being a waste of money.

The more specialised and esoteric the hobby is, the less likely it is that someone would choose the right thing.

Why not take the person to their local outdoor store and let them choose something, buy them lunch and make a day of it that you'll both remember.

EMS is a good place to go for climbing gear and they also run climbing sessions in upstate NY and New Hampshire, but for gear you may as well visit your local climbing gym. They know the products better and can recommend specifics. Since you don't know what gear your gift recipent has, though, it's hard to recommend anything specific. I'd do a little research, first.

Seconding the gift certificate idea. However, you could sort of combine that with what Alex said. If the recipient climbs at a gym, someone there might have an idea about what s/he has been lusting after lately. That should make for a great gift, but if s/he just bought one the day before you hand over the package...

I think EJ's suggestion is the best one. I climb, and I can think of a heap of great gifts I'd like, but almost all of them have to be bought in person (shoes especially). If someone were to take me out and buy me lunch, then just the thought behind it, the prospect of some new gear, and a nice lunch in great company would make my day. The actual gear itself would just be icing on the cake.

Or, given that s/he seems to be the outdoor climbing type, protection. You can't have too many cams (I hear). If s/he is the indoor (gym) type, then an extra 6 months gym membership would be rather nice too. (But what if s/he is about to change gyms? - Too difficult).

Thanks guys. Alas, I'm not local, so no lunch/dinner. But a gift cert from a physical store in the person's area sounds like the way to go! :-)

National Geographic Adventure magazine's gear section may have some ideas. But a gift certificate might be best, especially with something as specific as climbing.

If they're serious about their hiking, maybe a copy of TOPO! and some Adventure Paper?

I got this as a gift several years ago, and I loved it.

I go through tons of chalk each week, as well as tape, but you'll only spend a few bucks on that stuff. Crash pads aren't too expensive, and they open up a whole new range of climbing possibilities. I would suggest asking your friend what types of things are missing from their "rack". Getting him/her a few cams of the right size would make for a very happy trad climber.

Why not buy yourself a pair of shoes and have your friend, 'show you the ropes', so to speak? The best gift a climber can ask for is always a new climbing partner!

$500 of chalk could *be* a crash pad. =)

(The partner idea is spot on too, but if lunch is out, I'd guess climbing together probably is too).

Bah, I didn't see that you and your friend don't live near each other. A new rope would make for a good gift and won't weigh all that much to ship. If you're willing to spend a bit, you'll get them one that lasts for years.

A crash pad might be impractical to ship, but really kicks ass. I want one oh-so-badly!

w00t! Nice suggestions everyone. Much appreciated! :-D