These gifts for hikers will help them enjoy their hobby.
If you have a family member or friend who loves the outdoors or is an avid hiker, these gifts will be great for birthdays, Christmas or just because!
Besides planning and conditioning for a hike, it is also very important that you dress and pack appropriately to ensure you are safe and have fun. I hope you find this gift guide is a valuable resource for both practical gifts and thoughtful gift ideas for your favorite hiker’s next hike or backpacking trip.
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Gifts for Hikers – Essentials
Backpack
What good is a bunch of important gear for hiking if you don’t have a good quality backpack or day pack to carry it all in? This Osprey hiking backpack has tons of great features and comes with tons of positive reviews. The Osprey Talon 33 backpack has all of the most important features you want in a good backpack. Some of my favorite features include an external hydration sleeve, trekking pole attachments, adjustable shoulder straps and sternum straps and zippered hip belt pockets. These feature make a huge difference by distributing the backpack weight, helping your hiker to feel more comfortable. Make sure to grab the Osprey Hydration bladder to go along with this!
- External hydration sleeve
- Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment
- Under top-lid zippered mesh pocket
First Aid Kit
Having a high quality first aid kit in your hiking gear should be a top priority for any hiker, especially when it comes to long hikes. This first aid kit is a great gift idea for hikers because of all the extras it has in it. Of course it has standard items like bandages, gauze and alcohol prep wipes but it also has some other essential items. This kit has a 3-mode tactical flashlight, multi-function paracord bracelet (with a compass and whistle), flint stone, knife, two glow sticks and a rain poncho. Get better value for the money and pick up one of these kits with all the essentials and more!
- ✅【250 PCS First Aid Survival Kit, Meaningful Christmas...
- ✅【Comprehensive First Aid Treatment Exceeds OSHA...
- ✅【Molle Compatible, Durable, Portable, and...
Headlamp
Although there are many to choose from, our choice is this headlamp because it uses a rechargeable battery and LED lights. It will use less power from the battery and last longer. It also comes with a recharging USB cord which you can plug into your Anker Portable Power Bank to recharge it for those extra long outings.
- Super Bright & 5 Light Modes - 3 Levels of white light...
- USB Rechargeable - Compatible with any USB port and provide...
- Lightweight & Comfortable - Weighting only 2.86 oz, with...
Water Filter
Water is right at the top of essentials needed for hiking but it is also heavy. If you are hiking where you will have access to a water source, it can significantly cut down on how much heavy water you need to carry with you. A good quality water filter will help ensure the water you are drinking is clean and free from potentially harmful bacteria. The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System is simple to use and can be used over and over again without having to replace any filters!
- Lightweight, Easy To Use Portable Water Filter Removes...
- High-Performance 0.1 Micron Absolute Inline Filter Fits In...
- Built-In And Removable Flip Top Sports Cap; Spray Water...
Hydration Bladder
Many hiking backpacks also have a separate sleeve or pocket to put a hydration sleeve into. This Osprey Hydration Reservoir fits nicely into the Osprey Talon 33 hiking backpack mentioned above. It holds more than a liter of water…anywhere from 1.5-3 Liters depending on the reservoir you choose. One of the great feature of this bladder is the easy slide top opening which makes this even easier to fill and clean. Unlike other bladders that can be difficult to clean, the Osprey Hydration Reservoir is also dishwasher safe! This is a great option that will ensure that you are drinking clean water that tastes good. Another unique feature is the magnetic hose clip that allows you to keep your drinking valve exactly where you want it for easy drinking access when you’re on the hiking trails.
- Lightweight, Easy To Use Portable Water Filter Removes...
- High-Performance 0.1 Micron Absolute Inline Filter Fits In...
- Built-In And Removable Flip Top Sports Cap; Spray Water...
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles may not be something you think of right away when you are looking for good gifts for hikers but once you use them, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without them. A good quality trekking pole such as the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles helps you to maintain balance and absorb impact so that you can hike longer and farther. These are great because they come in many different colors so you can show a little personality. More importantly, they are adjustable, made from lightweight and durable aluminum and have super comfortable handles that conform to the grip of each individual. This is another great item with thousands of 5 star reviews and fantastic value for the money.
- BUILT TO LAST: Whether you're hiking on rugged terrain or...
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These hiking poles are crafted with strong...
- ADJUSTABLE: Set to your desired height in seconds, from the...
Water Bottle
Most hikers will use a hydration bladder during their hikes because it is more lightweight and can hold more water but many hikers also like to have a good water bottle for everyday use. Hydrflask Insulated Water bottles are some of the best on the market and for good reason. They are made from high quality materials and designed with double wall insulation so your hot or cold drinks will maintain their temperature all day long. They also come in so many different colors and you can buy different lids for them. Turn your water bottle into a sport bottle with this lid. OR if you prefer to sip your water without removing the lid everytime, you can try this sip lid. Whichever bottle, color or lid you choose, this is another must have on your list of gifts for hikers.
- Fits most backcountry water filters
- Ideal size for all-day hydration
- TempShield™ insulation keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours...
Gifts for Hikers – Navigation and Communication Tools
The best gift ideas for hikers are the ones that give peace of mind to the loved ones of those hikers! These gift ideas will help them get to their destination with a lot less chance of getting lost. And if anything happens to them while they are on the trail they will be able to get in touch with someone that can help, even if their cell phone is out of service.
GPS watch
An outdoor enthusiast will see the value in a GPS watch. This Garmin GPS watch is an ideal gift for hikers of all activity level, from day hikers to a serious hiker taking on the Pacific Crest Trail. The Garmin will give you an accurate route of your whole trip so you can easily find your way home. It also has a built in barometer to notify you of incoming weather and track your changes in altitude. The bottom line is this GPS watch is packed with features and you won’t be disappointed.
If your hiker already has a GPS watch for hiking or you want to splurge, you may also want to check out the Garmin Fenix 6S Sapphire Premium Multisport GPS Watch which adds even more functionality such as pulse oximetry, music storage and contactless payments which makes it an everyday use watch. A GPS watch makes an excellent hiking-related gift for outdoor enthusiasts.
- GARMIN USA AUTHORIZED - Includes Full GARMIN USA WARRANTY
- Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS and Heart Rate...
- Rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest...
Satellite Communicator
This small, lightweight and powerful satellite communicator is the ultimate tool for peace of mind when your hiker ventures off the grid. It’s kind of a gift for both of you! The Garmin inReach Mini allows you to send and receive text messages, track your hike and share it with whomever you like. The best part is if your hiker runs into some kind of trouble and needs help, they can trigger an SOS alert to contact a response team 24×7. With inReach connectivity, your family and friends will know they can stay in touch globally.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2...
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue...
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial...
Portable power brick
Today we depend on electronics more than ever. Even though most of us venture into the great outdoors to avoid the noise and distractions, some of these electronics are still very helpful in getting us to where we want to go as well as getting us there and back safely. A portable battery charger can be used for hiking, traveling or commuting. This portable battery charger is one of the most reliable and high quality units on the market. It is also one of the most lightweight and is one of the best hiking gifts!
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our...
- Remarkably Compact: One of the smallest and lightest...
- High-Speed Charging: Anker's exclusive PowerIQ and...
Gifts for Hikers – Hiking Boots and Clothing
An important part of enjoying hiking is being comfortable. These hiking boots and clothing will make great gifts for hikers on your list.
What socks are best for hiking?
Keeping feet dry and free of blisters makes hiking infinitely more comfortable. The best socks for hiking include sock liners and comfortable hiking socks.
Sock liners
Sock liners are made of thinner material and help wick moisture away from your feet. They are meant to be worn underneath a thicker hiking sock. This three-pack of sock liners is highly rated and affordable.
- ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT: Stop the heat on your feet through added...
- WHY WEAR A LINER: They create a friction barrier to help...
- FOXSOX GUARANTEE: Each pair is crafted with pride in the USA...
Hiking Socks
These women’s hiking socks come in many cute patterns and are high-quality wool. These mens’ hiking socks are a medium weight that will work for walking and hiking.
Boots
Salomon Boots are one of the best brands of hiking boots. They come with a hefty price tag but are worth every penny.
- The fourth generation of our legendary Speedcross lug...
- Feel one with the trail with a precise combination of...
- Just enough to provide protection for technical trail...
If you have a smaller budget, these Merrell Boots are the hiking boots my husband and I have…they have worked wonderfully and last for years.
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper
- Traditional lace closure
Convertible pants
When packing light, or hiking through varying temperatures, these Columbia brand convertible pants make a great gift for hikers.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant...
- HANDY FEATURES: This men's durable convertible pant features...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: This men's convertible pant features a...
Sensor gloves
These gloves will keep hands warm while hiking and have fingertip sensors so you can operate your phone and catch all the best views on your phone camera.
- OUTDOOR RESEARCH: We built a company from a feeling: the...
Long sleeve shirt
Layering is essential for hiking, so when looking for hiking gifts a long sleeve and a short-sleeve shirt are a great way to go. This button-up option is great for men.
- Tips: Based on most customer feedback, we recommend that you...
- Comfortable Breathable: Moisture-wicking high-tech fabric...
- The shirts are comfortable and breathable, suitable for...
Short sleeve shirt
Quarter-zip layer
This Smart Wool quarter zip layer comes in many colors, is made for men and women, and will keep hikers comfortable and would make a great gift for hikers.
Gifts for Hikers – Survival Tools
Survival tools make great gifts for hikers because….well they are literal lifesavers! And everyone loves a cool gadget.
Leatherman Multipurpose tool
The Leatherman Signal Multitool is one of the best hiking gifts for the hiker or camper in your life. This multitool has 19 different tools all integrated into a small, 4.5-inch package. This multitool is really perfect because it has a bunch of useful features not found in other standard multitools. For example, the Signal Multitool has a fire-starting ferro rod, emergency whistle, bit driver and built-in hammer. It comes in a couple of different color but I recommend something that won’t blend in with the outdoors (think bright colors!) It can clip directly onto a belt or strap like a backpack strap for eacy access. The Signal Multitool also comes with a nylon sheath for protected storage. With a total weight of only 7.5 ounces, this portable tool is a must on your list of best gifts for hikers!
- DESIGNED FOR THE OUTDOORS: The Signal has you covered when...
- 19 TOOLS IN 1: The Signal is a complete 4.5-inch adventure...
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product...
Waterproof matches
Fire is one of the best ways to stay warm if you are stranded in the wilderness. Unfortunately, mother nature doesn’t always cooperate and your hiker may find themselves in less than ideal conditions. Make sure they are prepared by gifting them some waterproof matches. These matches are small, light and just simply do what they are supposed to. These matches can survive being submerged in water and burn for at least 30 seconds. They come in a waterproof container that floats.
- Stores and protects 15 typhoon matches/ floats in water &...
- Keeps strike pad protected & dry to ensure reliable match...
- Provides attachment point for use in pocket, go bag, or On...
Emergency Sleeping Bag (Bivvy)
Nobody ever plans to get stranded while out on an adventure, that’s why it is always best to be prepared for anything and why an emergency sleeping bag has made the list of good gifts for hikers. Why should you carry an emergency blanket? It will function as an emergency blanket, survival sleeping bag, or survival shelter. It is also tear-resistant, weather-resistant and will last. The seams are selaed fo it will keep the weather and cold out, while keeping your body heat in. It is also bright orange which can help potential rescuers find you more easily. This Emergency sleeping bag fold up really small and into a waterproof sack.
- Stay Warm and Alive in Extreme Conditions: The Life Bivy...
- Para-synch Technology Paracord Drawstring & Survival...
- Extra-thick Tear and Puncture Resistant Material: Your...
Emergency Shelter Lightweight Waterproof Tarp
Just like being prepared with an emergency sleeping bag, you won’t be sorry to have a small lightweight waterproof tarp in your pack should get stranded. This 9 foot by 11 foot tarp will give you the ultimate protection from sun, wind and rain. This tarp comes with aluminum tent stakes, tie lines and a handy carrying bag.
Analog Compass
We all rely on electronic devices these days for everything from books to news to directions on how to get places. Technology makes our lives easier and we love it. Unfortunately electronics depend on battery and sometimes the weather has an adverse impact on how long that portable battery power lasts. Its never a bad idea to have a back up plan
Inspiration and Book Gifts for Hikers
I love books and these hiking inspired books would be a huge hit for the hiker on your gift list!
Outdoor Adventure Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are a wonderful gift idea for hikers. I especially love the Nomadik subscription box. You can gift 1 month, 3 months or even a year of exciting boxes. What I love about Nomadik is the giftee will fill out a personal profile so that the products inside will be tailored to the outdoor adventures that they love! Each box includes 3-7 full-sized, premium products. It would be such a fun and unique gift for hikers.
These gifts for hikers will have them equipped with the best hiking equipment, excited and looking good for their next hiking adventure. I hope you found the perfect gift for the hiking friend or family member on your list.
Still looking for that perfect gift?
Check out these other gift guides!
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Happy Gifting!
Steph
