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They cater to a niche market and you won't find them on street corners or in shopping malls. Their clientele prefer things a little out of the ordinary so they're hidden away from the average shopper. Until now that is, finally uncovered, great stores for adventure travel gifts and they're all online.

Before purchasing another pair of thermal, hiking, biking or any type of socks as a gift for your favorite adventurer start at the store that is synonymous with adventure, The National Geographic Online Store (http://shop.nationalgeographi c.com). Here you can shop by theme or by product type.

This store is more than just magazine subscriptions, although a gift of National Geographic's Adventure' magazine would inspire any intrepid traveler.

However for under $60 you can find some very cool adventure tools like Carabiner Watches, UV Monitors, the NG Carabiner Tool and the Adventure Plus multi-tool, a small lightweight organizational case that is freeze resistant and comes complete with compass, digital thermometer, magnifiers, mirrors as well as a dry-section to store matches.

For those with a bigger budget there are things like the Wildlife Motion Detector Camera and the Eco-Explorer Boat for those that want their own glass bottom boat. Or find out what the well dressed adventurer is wearing in the clothing and accessories section. There's even a section for kids.

If the gift recipient is a hard core adventurer than a browse around www.essentialgear.com would be better. This is an online store selling high-tech survival tools. Here you can pick up an inexpensive LED Keychain light or a Clip-On Ear Light, perfect for when you need to use both hands. In fact you'll find lights to suit any purpose and adventure expedition and budget.

The next great store is GearX.com (www.gearx.com) the online store for The Outdoor Gear Exchange Store in Burlington Vermont. This store is great for those on a budget or not wishing to spend a lot on outdoor equipment and accessories.
GearX.com covers a great range of sports like skiing and snowboarding, paddling, climbing and camping. What makes this store different is that it is also a consignment store so you're bound to pick up some great pre-loved gear at a great price. They also have clearance items and a good range of clothing and accessories.

There is one store that you will find in the malls but avoid the crowds and visit Eddie Bauer's online store at www.eddiebauer.com which also has a link to the outlet store. You'll find some items are only available online.

Probably more suited to the casual weekend adventurer there are some fun kits and gadgets that wouldn't go astray in any adventurer's backpack. There's fun and useful kits like the Survival Kit in a Bottle and the Cold Weather Essential Bottle which includes gloves and headband, hand warmers, key chain thermometer/compass, flashlight, lip balm, face lotion, emergency blanket and the all important cocoa mix, what more could an adventurer want.

The Electric Ice Scraper that runs from the car cigarette lighter maybe the ideal gift for those winter loving adventurers. Eddie Bauer also stocks flashlights and multi-tools as well as emergency equipment like radios and first aid and disaster kits.

Now you know where to go for adventure gift shopping, you'll never be stumped for a gift again. With all these great online stores, you won't even have to brave the elements, just have it delivered gift wrapped and don't forget the card.

Learn more about this author, Belinda Youlten.
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