Best Gifts for Hikers: Must Haves for Hitting the Trails
Hikers are a unique breed, in that they can never, NEVER, get enough gear!ย In fact, one of a hikerโs favorite pastimes is to meet other hikers and swap stories on who has the best goods!ย Shopping for the best gifts for hikers is an exciting endeavor, because there is bound to be something that the hiker in your life will love to add to their inventory!ย Gift ideas for hikers range from the basic necessities, to the accessories that just make hiking more comfortable and fun!ย Shop this guide to the best gift ideas for hikers to get inspiration for the hiker in your life, or for yourself!
Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. I wonโt make any recommendations on this page that I havenโt tested or personally used! Enjoy this guide to the best gifts for hikers!
Table of Contents
the Best Gifts for Hikers Guide
Don’t know what to buy the avid hiker in your life?ย Or looking to increase your own hiking inventory?ย This guide to the best gift ideas for hikers covers it all!
The Best Clothing Gift Ideas for Hikers
Itโs all about being comfortable when you are out hiking, otherwise, you wonโt look forward to hiking!ย Make your hiker as comfortable as possible with the right clothing and the right layers!ย You canโt go wrong with any of these, as they follow the hiking rule of avoiding cotton! These clothing options offer the best in protection, reliability, moisture wicking, breathability, and warmth!
Itโs hard to find the perfect balance of a fully waterproof jacket, that is also lightweight and friendly to a backpackโs weight limit!ย A lot of fully waterproof and windproof jackets are bulky and not easy to compress or pack, or they arenโt breathable, or they are stiff and inflexible.ย On the flip side, often jackets that are more lightweight, flexible, and breathable, come as water – resistant, but not fully waterproof.ย What should you do if you want the perfect balance?ย Look for the perfect blend of lightweight, easily compressible and packable, flexible, and fully waterproof and windproof jacket out there!ย And it only weighs 4 ounces, so your backpack will thank you!
- ULTRALIGHT RAINCOAT: Weighing a mere 5.5 ounces, this hooded jacket offers supreme protection. Whether you are cycling, running, camping, hiking, fishing, or just in need of incredible weather protection, choose the Helium II Jacket.
Wool is the perfect material to go to for layering.ย These wool layers are perfect for hiking and exploring in, and they also are perfect for just lounging around a fire!ย It doesnโt hurt that they are breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying, and odor resistant due to the Merino wool material!
- Icebreaker Merino Women's Quantum Ii Long Sleeve Zip Hood, Black, X-Small
- Updated design
This is the tank I practically live in during the summer!ย Same great wool qualities, but made for the warmer weather!
- Cool-lite fabric for faster wicking and drying
Take care of those extremities with the right footwear and headwear!ย
- Darn Tough is renowned in the world of hiking!ย Darn Tough makes the best hiking socks, hands down, and they come in so many colorful options!ย ย
Depending on a hikerโs preference, you can tackle trails in both hiking boots or trail runners.ย Hiking boots are preferable for steeper and rougher trails where extra support and stability are needed, such as an extended scree field, whereas trail runners are perfect for more predictable trails, and long distance hikes where you may benefit from a lighter shoe that will keep your feet feeling fresh, like when tackling the Grand Canyon’s Rim to Rim hike! ย These two options will do the trick no matter where your hiker is wanting to trek!ย ย
- The breeze Lite low Gore-Tex is a streamlined hiking shoe for fast and light Trail adventures. Save on weight, while taking full advantage of best-in-class traction and waterproofing
These two headwear items are an absolute must for any hikerโs inventory!ย Enjoy all the different color choices and options, and if you havenโt hiked with a Buff before, get ready to fall in love with its multi-functional purposes, including being a head covering, neck covering, baklava, or headband!
- Material: 100% merino wool
- MULTIFUNCTONAL NECKWEAR: Soft and cozy natural benefits of Merino Lightweight can be worn 12+ ways for ultimate outdoor versatility, from cap to balaclava, neck gaiter to headband
The Best Hydration Gift Ideas for Hikers
Never send a hiker out on the trails without an adequate water transportation system!ย With these gift ideas, your hiker will be set for any trek!ย From traditional methods to innovative new systems, these are the best hydration gift ideas for hikers!
The cool thing about this innovative water bottle is that it is collapsible, making it pack friendly.ย It also comes with the filter built in, so itโs great for on the go hydration and efficiency!ย ย
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILTER: The BeFree's 0.1 micron hollow fiber microfilter is tested to protect against harmful organisms, removing bacteria (99.9999% Klebsiella terrigena) and protozoan cysts (99.9% Giardia and Cryptosporidium) to EPA standards.
Lifestraw is a trusted name among hikers.ย You have several different options here, from the simple one piece Lifestraw that allows the user to drink straight from a water source, or the Lifestraw water bottle that comes equipped with a filter built in, which allows the user to fill up the water bottle straight from a water source, and then drink from it.ย ย
- Protects against 99.999999% of bacteria (including E.coli, Salmonella; 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium); 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness
- ADVANCED WATER FILTRATION. Protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more; improves taste
Prefer a more traditional hydration system?ย You canโt go wrong with the ultra insulated option of a Hydro Flask water bottle, or the durable and reliable Nalgene water bottle.
- Straw Lid Is Leakproof And Makes Cold Refreshment That Much Easier
- The original. The trailblazer. The Sir Edmund of water bottles. Nalgene's BESTSELLING water bottle for more than 30 years.
Want the ultimate in on the go hydration?ย A water hydration bladder may be what you are after!ย Just make sure that you have a backpack that is hydration bladder equipped.ย I love this Platypus model because it can easily carry a full 3 liters of water, and it is wide mouthed which makes filling, emptying, cleaning, and drying a cinch!ย
- Premium taste-free, leak-proof reservoir with fast flow rate offers hydration on the go for hikers, backpackers, travelers and mountain bikers
These two unique gifts for hikers include an easy way to clean those hydration bladders and bottles (because you and your hiker are going to need to take care of that occasionally), and the perfect boost to add to your water!
- SAFE & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING TABLET: Free of any harmful added ingredients and is safe for the nature around you
- HIGH ELECTROLYTES - Sports Drink Tablets bursting with a natural, low-calorie fruity flavor. Mix with water for a hydrating beverage to keep you powering through your next workout.
The Best Food Prep Gift Ideas for Hikers
Food is kind of crucial, and letโs face it, it just makes the payoff of a good hike that much more worth it!
Whatโs the best way to actually cook a hiking meal?ย Jet Boil packs a bit bigger punch, and a smaller sibling would be the MSR Pocket Rocket stove.ย Both capable of cooking your grub on the trail!
- Optimized for efficiency, the Jetboil Flash boils water in a lightning-quick 100 seconds, making it the fastest Jetboil ever.
- Ultralight (2.6 oz) and compact (2x2x3 in) folding canister stove for minimalist adventures, backpacking, hiking, trekking, camping, and global travel
And donโt forget, youโll need a simple, yet multi-functional, utensil set to enjoy your food with!ย This set is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for your pack!
- Ultra-lightweight: A fork and spoon combo all-in-one piece, no need to worry about being weighed down by lugging an entire set of silverware on the go, only 20g/0.7oz each
Need a little coffee to go with that breakfast meal?ย Or maybe a brew at the end of a sunset hike?ย This trio of hiking gifts will allow your hiker to splurge on a little comfort coffee!
- Starbucks Colombia coffee
- treat yourself on your hike with this Travel Coffee Press andย Espresso Maker, both perfect for your pack!
- An Amazing Cup, Now On The Go: Take the AeroPress Go with you and enjoy a truly delicious coffee wherever you go. The AeroPress Go is slightly smaller than the AeroPress Original, but can still produce 1-3 servings of espresso-style coffee, and it features a handy mug and lid that double as a traveling case, making it perfect for the office, traveling, camping, boating and more
Below are a few of my favorite hiking snacks for those shorter day hikes!ย ย
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- DELICIOUS Our best-selling flavor in a 16ct box. The Honey waffle has a thin layer of honey-infused filling sandwiched between two thin waffles. The perfect combo of gooey filling and crispy waffle, itโs the fuel youโll crave while on-the-go
- Variety Pack includes Chocolate Outrage, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Jet Blackberry, Tri-berry, and Strawberry Banana; caffeine varies by flavor. All flavors Vegan and Gluten Free.
- Spread on the smiles with tasty, creamy peanut buttery perfection. Itโs nothing but great snacking with this creamy classic.
READ MORE>>> Find out why Peanut Butter is the ultimate power fuel!
The Best Hiking Accessory Gift Ideas for Hikers
These gift ideas for hikers include items for a well rounded, safe, and responsible hike!
- Save your legs, get the most trusted brand of trekking poles!ย These Black Diamond trekking poles are equipped with cork handles, which is great for combating sweaty palms that might otherwise slip on traditional plastic or rubber handles.ย ย
- 7075 Aluminum shafts
- You may think youโll never need one, until you need one!ย Whether you plan to hike at at night or the early morning, or you just happen to mis-time your hike, itโs always best to be prepared with a fully charged headlamp!ย This no bounce 750 lumen Biolite headlamp is also perfect for the hiker in your life who also loves to run!ย Itโs lightweight, and a full charge will light your way for up to 5 hours!ย ย
- Max output 750 lumens. 150 Hrs LO, 7 Hrs HI, 2 Hrs Constant Mode, 7 Hrs Reserve
- Being able to compress your stuff in your pack can be a lifesaver, as well as help keep things clean, dry, and organized!ย Protect your gear and store it the right way with this compression stuff sack.
- Durable, versatile 10-liter roll-top/compression strap dry sack is a sleeping bag and clothing dry storage option for backpacking, camping, and water sports; valve-free expelling design for compact packing of bulky clothing and gear
- Rips and breaks happen, and nothing is better than taking care of unexpected gear mishaps than the duct tape of the camping world – Tenacious Tape Gear Patches!
- Patch a hole or fix tears quickly on tents, jackets, and outdoor gear with a peel-and-stick repair that requires no sewing or ironing
- Having a backup power source is critical, and this solar battery pack utilizes the sunโs energy to power your devices!
- Brand-Oriented and Outdoor Charger Pro: With over 10 years of experience in solar power banks, BLAVOR has already gained the favor and trust of millions of global users. BLAVOR only uses the highest-grade materials, to provide the most reliable and safe products.
- Do you know a hiker who loves to explore the outdoors in winter?ย Thereโs a good chance they may need a little extra traction and grip for their winter hikes and climbs, and that means grabbing a pair of the best and most reliable microspikes!ย These attachable set of โteethโ on the Kahtoola Microspikes are what got me through my explorations of Greenland and itโs polar ice cap!
- BEST FOR: Ice traction cleats for winter hiking & backpacking, hunting, ice-trekking, ice fishing, and icy trail & road running. Designed to perform like snow chains for boots, the MICROspikes are ideal for use when safety is paramount; trusted by forest park rangers, EMS & first responders, firefighters, police, CHP & sheriffs, surveyors, and ski resort lift operators & snowmaking & snowplow teams. Shoe and boot ice grips for winter backcountry, sledding adventures, and everyday icy roadways.
- Sweat happens on hikes, and when it gets to be too much, itโs nice to have a handy way of soaking it up, like with this handy travel hiking cloth, a sweaty hiker’s best friend!ย Also works great for hiking and camping clean up situations!
- MAKES YOU FEEL REFRESHED AND INVIGORATED. Light exfoliation scrubs away all the dirt, grime, sun block and bug spray from your day of travel. And then it rinses clean and dries super fast.
If you like to relax at the end of a long hike, thereโs no better way to do so than to chill in a hammock!
- Ready for some me time: The SingleNest is the perfect hammock when you don't feel like sharing.
- You never know when youโll need to help of a multi-use tool, but youโll be glad you have one when you do!ย Get the trusted brand of Leatherman Multi – Use Tool and be ready for any surprises!
- Multi-Tool Design: This multi-tool features 19 tools including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and more for versatile use
These nifty little gifts are perfect for cold weather exploring and camping.ย They are small, easy to pack, and easy to use, and will make those winter nights outdoors far more comfortable and toasty!
- ๐ฅTAILGATE BUNDLE - Stock up and save with our expertly curated Lap Warmer and Variety Pack bundle. The perfect combination of warmers to keep you at the game for longer!
Always do your research ahead of time, but if your hike takes you into bear country, and you are planning to overnight it, you will want to invest in a bear canister for storing your goods, and carry bear spray as a back up deterrent!
- grab this protective duo of a secure Bear Canister and Bear Spray
- MADE IN THE USA AND DESIGNED BY A GRIZZLY BEAR ATTACK SURVIVOR - Mark Matheny, President of UDAP Industries, survived a grizzly bear attack and has made it his life's mission to help keep people safe. Our bear attack spray is made in Montana (bear country), by American workers with American materials.
- Enjoy unwinding at the end of a long hike by writing and journaling?ย This fully weatherproofed journal means a little rain on your hike wonโt ruin your creative musings!
- WEATHERPROOF PAPER: 64 pages / 32 sheets per side spiral notepad. All-Weather paper wonโt turn to mush when wet and will repel water, sweat, grease, mud, and even survive the accidental laundry mishap. Make sure your pocket notebook stays RIGHT in the Rain.
The Best Hiking Necessities Gift Ideas for Hikers
Donโt hit the trails without a few basic necessities!
When picking out a tent for hiking and backpacking, you want one that is easy to set up, durable, weatherproof, and, very importantly, conscientious of weight!ย The MSR Hubba Hubba Tent is the perfect combination of all of the above qualities!
- 3-season solo backpacking tent that offers the most livable accommodations in a lightweight freestanding design
- The other crucial element of hiking basics is your backpack.ย If you are backpacking overnight, you will need a reliable and comfortable pack with enough storage for all your necessities.ย Think internal frame for a backpacking pack.ย Check out this Osprey 65 liter pack.ย
- Women's-specific sizing and fit
- For a day hike situation, you still need to ensure that your pack has ample room for all the hiking necessities and sufficient water storage!ย The Camelback Helena 22 Liter Pack is my go to for all my day hikes, and it is hydration bladder compatible!
- Breathable Air Mesh: For lightweight comfort and air flow.
The Best Emergency Gift Ideas for Hikers
No matter how experienced a hiker is, you cannot always predict when challenges arise!ย Be prepared and responsible with these emergency gift ideas for hikers!ย These emergency gifts for hikers cover all the basics, from fire, shelter, warmth, medical, and communication.
- Trustworthy No Matter the Forecast: Our meticulously designed magnesium ferro rod is your upgrade from the traditional flint & steel. It creates fire starting with over 16,000 strikes at a scorching 5,500ยฐF. Whether caught in rain, snow, or wind, rely on this indispensable kit to provide warmth, cook meals, and signal for help. Its unmatched reliability makes it a must-have in every adventurer's pack
- Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets - Emergency Blanket,Space Blanket,Thermal Blanket,Mylar Blanket,Survival Blanket.Our durable advanced aluminized Mylar blankets are perfect for civilian bug out bags, go-bags, and home/auto emergency kits.
- Emergency bivvy measures 84 x 36 inches, and weighs approximately 3.8 ounces
- TOUGHEST MYLAR EMERGENCY TENT ON EARTH โ Designed for hiking and outdoor adventures, the DDITW Survival Tent packs away ultralight & compact and sets up quick with room for two adults. NASA-designed mylar is waterproof and reflects up to 90% of body heat for year-round protection for cold, wet, or hot weather survival.
- a must have for emergency signaling – a combo Safety Whistle and Emergency Signaling Mirror device
- DIMENSIONS: Mirror: 4.5" x 2.75" x 0.1" & Weighs 0.6 oz ; Whistle: 2.75" x 0.75" x 0.75" & Weighs 0.3 oz; Float: 2.3" x 1.3" x 0.25" & Weighs 0.1 oz
- NEW UPGRADED:Newest combination first aid kits,based on customers' feedback. 18 items 163 pieces medical grade product.Such as Bigger, stronger metal scissors and tweezers,Flashlight .
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required).Special Feature:Bluetooth.
Best Comic Relief Reading Material for Hikers
If you know a hiker that loves the outdoors and National Parks, they are guaranteed to get a chuckle out of this gift!
- Ideal for Oil Recycling. Drain Direct - No Oily Tub, Funnel, or Mess. Plastic Drainmaster , 15 Qt. (14.25 L).Fit Type: Universal Fit
Hopefully this guide to the best gifts for hiker provided you some gift buying inspiration for your fellow hiker or yourself!ย Be sure to check out the SHOP for more active travel resources and inspiration!
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Last update on 2023-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
