Are you struggling with gift ideas for hikers or the outdoorsy person in your life? Don’t panic, I’ve done the work for you with my updated list of best gifts for hikers. From essential gear items, gifts for her, unique gift ideas for hikers, or adventure books – there’s a great gift for the casual hiker or experienced backpacker on this list!
Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukah, a birthday or Valentine’s Day, these are 37 great gift ideas for hikers that they’ll actually love and use for years to come.
And while the hikers in your life will always appreciate new and upgraded gear from this list, don’t be afraid to get them what they really want, and offer to spend some time on the trails hiking with them!
Disclosure: Some of the items on this list were gifted to me so that I could fully test them out in the real world. This page may also contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you! This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!
Looking for the perfect gift idea for the outdoorsy person in your life? Check out more gift guides here:
Best Gifts for Hikers: The Essentials
Whether you’re shopping for an experienced peak bagger, or casual day-hiker, everyone needs to be prepared with the essentials when heading into the outdoors. No matter the occasion, these essential gear items make great gift ideas for hikers.
1. Osprey Tempest 20L / Talon 22L Daypack
A hiking daypack is one of the most important pieces of gear that a hiker owns. A good daypack makes a perfect gift that they’ll use for years.
The Osprey Tempest 20L (Women’s fit) or Talon 22L (Men’s fit) daypack is my personal pick for the best hiking day pack for beginners and experienced peak baggers alike. This pack is the perfect combination of features and comfort, making it one of the most widely used daypacks on the trail.
The internal plastic back panel provides structure and support on even the longest day hikes. The padded hip belt pockets sit comfortably and are perfect for storing snacks, hand sanitizer and other small items. The Tempest has a hydration reservoir pocket and two side mesh pockets for water-bottles. This pack also has attachments to store trekking poles, ice axe, and helmet.
Osprey Tempest 20L pack
2. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a gift you hope they’ll never have to use, but one they should always have ready on any hike. These prepackaged first aid kits include the essential items to treat and clean the most common trail injuries like cuts, splinters, blisters, and insect bites.
3. Camelbak Crux 2L Water Reservoir
Water reservoirs, like the Camelbak Crux 2L, are the perfect gift ideas for hikers looking to take on longer and more strenuous adventures.
This reservoir holds 2 liters of water and sits securely against your back inside your day pack for optimal weight distribution. The on/off lever on the bite valve prevents leaks and makes it easy to drink water without breaking your stride.
Don’t forget to add a Water Reservoir Cleaning Kit to keep their water supply fresh and funk-free!
4. Black Diamond Rechargeable Headlamp
For pre-dawn sunrise hikes, or finding your way in emergency situation, a headlamp is a crucial essential for all hikers to always have on hand.
The Black Diamond Headlamp emits 400lumens, has multiple brightness settings, and recharges using a USB port so you don’t even need to bother with batteries.
5. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
The Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is my absolute go-to down hiking jacket and is sure to thrill any hikers on your gift list.
Synthetic filling made out of recycled materials keeps them warm during fall and winter hikes, or sipping coffee by the campfire. Unlike natural down, synthetic insulation retains most of its heat even when wet and packs down small to fit inside their day pack.
The Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is available in both Mens and Women’s sizes in a variety of colors.
6. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System
Get them the gift of safe drinking water a water filtration system like the Sawyer Squeeze. This simple, and day pack-friendly, filtration system filters out 99.99% of waterborne bacteria.
The Sawyer Squeeze includes 2 32 oz. water storage pouches, cleaning accessories, and inline adaptors to attach your filter directly into their water reservoir.
7. Kahtoola MICROspikes
For the hiker who still loves to get at it, even when the weather turns cold, invest in a pair of Kahtoola MICROspikes. These easy-to-use spikes were a game changer when I first started winter hiking!
Made out of stainless-steel, MICROspikes are essentially tire chains for their feet. These traction spikes slip onto any hiking boot and grip into the ice and snow, preventing slips and falls in ice and snow.
8. Carbon Trekking Poles
Not all hikers use trekking poles, but I absolutely recommend them, especially for any hiker attempting strenuous or long hikes that put a lot of wear-and-tear on their knees.
Trekking poles come in a variety of materials, but the gold-standard are carbon trekking poles for their strength and lightweight design.
Best Gifts for Hikers Under $25
Looking for the perfect gift for the hiker in your life under $25? These inexpensive gear items make the perfect stocking stuffer, white elephant gift, Valentines, birthday or holiday gift for anyone who loves to spend time on the trails.
Shopping for yourself? Go ahead at treat yourself to one of these great gifts for hikers without any guilt!
1. LifeStraw Water Filter
The LifeStraw water filter is one of the best value pieces of gear in a hiker’s toolkit! Weighing only 2 oz, this small plastic straw fits easily in any bag and effectively filters out 99.99% of waterborne bacteria.
Use the LifeStraw to drink directly from a water source, like a stream or lake, or fill a water bottle and use the LifeStraw to drink safely on the go.
2. Goodr Sunglasses
I bought a pair of Goodr Glasses years ago and I’ve been wearing them on my travels ever since! These polarized lenses are super comfortable, don’t slip off your face, and the polarized lenses block harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Goodr glasses come in a huge selection of colors (with hilarious names) to fit every style, and what’s more, these quality glasses are only around $25!
3. TheTentLab The Deuce #3 Heavy Duty Backcountry Trowel
It may not be a sexy subject, but a quality backcountry trowel is a great gift for hikers that they’ll use and appreciate!
The Duce #3 Trowel is practically weightless at 1oz, made out of high quality aluminum, and serrated to dig through roots and clay. Digging a proper cat hole is an important part of practicing Leave No Trace, so give the gift that benefits them and the environment!
4. Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape
Tears, snags, and rips are inevitable for anyone who spends enough time outdoors. Tenacious Tape repairs their jackets, tents, packs and other gear with adhesive patches that stick to any surface.
This super affordable tape works better than duct tape and easily fits in any pack for on-the-go repairs.
5. Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks
You may wonder, “who really wants socks for a gift?” Well, the hiker in your life actually does!
As someone who is prone to serious blisters, finding the perfect pair of hiking socks is essential. Thankfully, these Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks haven’t failed me yet!
Made out of a merino wool blend, these socks are naturally moisture and odor resistant. The extra cushioning in the heels and toes keeps your feet pain-free (as much as possible) on even the longest, toughest hikes. And after dozens of tests on every type of trail, I’ve yet to get blisters in these socks!
6. SOL Emergency Bivvy with Rescue Whistle and Tinder Cord
Another super affordable emergency item that you hope they’ll never need, but should always carry. The SOL Emergency Bivvy is an emergency shelter in the event that a hiker becomes injured or lost and has to spend a night outside.
These emergency shelters are cheap, lightweight, and roll up smaller than a can of soda. The SOL Emergency Bivvy also includes a rescue whistle and nylon wrapped tinder cord to start a fire in case of emergency.
7. UCO Stormproof Match Kit
Everything you need to start an emergency fire is included in this super compact and lightweight UCO Stormproof Match Kit.
This kit includes 25 windproof/waterproof matches inside a waterproof case and an external replaceable striker to light. Use these extra long matches to light campfires, stoves, BBQs, or an emergency fire.
Hiking Gifts for Her
Shopping for a girl who prefers hitting the trails to hitting the club? Check out these gift ideas for hikers especially for the bad-ass granola-girl in your life! These practical and stylish gift ideas are sure to please any adventurous woman who loves the outdoors.
1. Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the hiking enthusiast in your life, let me tell you about the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights. These beauties truly blend functionality with style, making them my favorite go-to leggings for the trail.
These high-performance tights are made from a durable, moisture-wicking fabric that ensures comfort during long hikes, while the reinforced knees and rear provide extra protection against rugged terrain. These are my go-to trekking tights when I want to cover my legs, especially when I know I’ll be tackling rough terrain.
Whether tackling steep ascents or casual trails, these tights are a versatile and thoughtful gift for any hiking enthusiast.
2. Kula Cloth Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
For female hikers who dread going #1 on the trail, the Kula Cloth is a hands-down must have. This reusable antimicrobial cloth keeps your hands dry while thoroughly cleaning any, ahem, drips when nature calls.
Store the Kula on the outside of your pack when not in use, and use the snaps to fold the absorbent antimicrobial side of the cloth shut for privacy.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this little cloth is a game changer for women’s comfort on the trails! Stay clean and avoid having to pack toilet paper in and out with the Kula Cloth.
3. REI Co-Op Sahara T-Shirt
Not only do I LOVE the Sahara Sun Shade Hoodie for day hikes and backpacking, I own it in 3 colors! This comfortable shirt has a ton of features that make it the ideal hiking top in all conditions.
With a moisture-wicking quick dry fabric, UPF 50+ sun protection, hood to shield your face, neck, and ears, and thumbholes to hold your sleeves in place.
4. Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack 3L
Fanny packs are useful for short hikes or casual walks around the neighborhood when a full daypack is simply overkill. The Cotopaxi Bataaan Fanny Pack fits your snacks, keys, wallet, phone and other small accessories, perfect for the granola girl on the go.
Cotopaxi uses repurposed and recycled fabrics – so no two Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Packs are the same!
5. REI Co-op Trailsmith Fleece Jacket
Pulled straight out of the 1992 REI catalogue, this light fleece jacket is retro-chic gear goals. The Trailsmith Fleece is made out of 80% post-consumer recycled materials.
This fleece jacket provides warmth without weight and works well as a fall or spring top layer, or a mid-layer for colder winter weather.
FYI, I found this jacket runs large, so I would recommend sizing down for those who don’t prefer the relaxed fit.
6. Icebreaker Merino Wool Base Layers
The key to staying warm and comfortable on even the coldest winter hikes is having quality insulating base layers, like Icebreaker Merino Wool.
Base layers should insulate and regulate your body temperature by wicking moisture (aka sweat) away from your body to keep you warm and dry. Merino wool is naturally water resistant and moisture wicking, helping to regulate body temperature and resisting pesky sweat odors.
These Icebreaker Merino Wool base layers make great gift ideas for hikers who want to stay toasty warm all winter long.
7. Vuori Ripstop Pants
Adventure-ready hiking pants that don’t rip on granite scrambles but still look flattering enough to wear into town? Yes, they actually do exist!
The Vuori Ripstop Pants are built with stretchy ripstop fabric, 5 pockets including 2 zipper pockets to store small items, and come in several trendy colors that work just as well for the trail as a casual brunch.
Best Book Gift Ideas for Hikers
These books are my personal favorites for a little armchair-adventure when I can’t be on the trail. Check out these great titles to spark your imagination, or they make a great gift idea for the hiker in your life.
1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after the death of her mother redefined the adventure memoir genre. Popularly known for its movie adaptation starring Reese Witherspoon, this book is a gritty, intimate, gut-wrenching, and ultimately uplifting look at one woman’s journey on one of the most challenging thru-hikes in the world.
While even Cheryl herself would probably tell you not to follow the backpacking and survival advice in this novel, her message about the redeeming power of time spent outdoors makes this a must-read for every hiker.
2. Into Thin Air by John Krakauer
Krakauer’s harrowing first person account of the 1997 Everest climbing disaster will thrill and terrify climbers, hikers, and anyone with a pulse, really. A dirtbag turned writer, Krakauer had mostly given up his climbing career when he joined the ill-fated Everest expedition with the intention of covering the climb for an article in Outside magazine. John’s own history with climbing is interspersed with the history of mankind’s many attempts, and ultimately failures, to truly tame the world’s tallest peak.
3. A Walk In the Woods by Bill Bryson
If you think a middle-aged British-American attempting to walk 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine with his overweight friend isn’t the the stuff of laugh-out-loud comedy, well then you don’t know Bill Bryson. This hilarious and educational memoir recounts Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail in his 40s with his old friend, a trip which both of them are woefully unprepared for.
This book is perfect gift idea for hikers who dream of conquering the world’s most famous thru-hike, or anyone looking for a good laugh.
4. Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
Many hikers dream of summiting the world-famous Inca Trail to the ruins of Machu Picchu. But did you ever wonder how this famous trail came to be, or who found the so-called “lost city” in the clouds? Mark Adams recounts the history and re-discovery of Machu Picchu by retracing Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition. This surprisingly funny book is part adventure-memoir and part fascinating history of the Incan civilization.
Unique Gift Ideas for Hikers
What do you get for the adventurer in your life who already has everything? Check out these unique gift ideas for hikers, from satellite emergency communicators to equipment to soothe their aching legs after a long day on the trail.
1. Garmin InReach Mini Satellite
The Garmin InReach Satellites are the ultimate safety gift for the hiker or outdoorsy adventurer in your life. Give the gift of peace of mind with this two-way emergency communicator.
A satellite communicator means you can call for help, even in remote backcountry areas where there is no cell service. The Garmin InReach Mini, or larger InReach Explorer+, can trigger search and rescue with the touch of a button, as well as two way text message communication to relay important information to rescue personnel, or to check in with loved ones about your status.
This gift is definitely a splurge, but the Garmin InReach Satellite is the ultimate safety accessory for hikers, skiers, and anyone who spends time outdoors.
2. Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag
If their New Years’s resolution is to be more sustainable, these Stasher Reusable bags help eliminate single use plastic from their gear. Available in a huge range of sizes, from snack to gallon bags, these reusable bags are ideal for storing your extra snacks or organizing your first aid kit and other small items inside your pack.
The airtight bags lock in flavors and smells, and the high quality silicone material is freezer-safe and microwave safe. These bags can even be baked, boiled, and washed in the dishwasher.
3. National Parks Annual Pass
Give the gift of travel to America’s 63 National Parks and more than 2,000 federally managed forests and recreation areas with this America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For just $80, the pass holder can visit any National Park (usually $20 per vehicle), so this pass pays for itself after only 4 visits!
The pass covers entrance fees for the driver and all passengers inside the pass holder’s vehicle.
4. State Park and National Forest Passes
You don’t have to visit a National Park to explore some of the best landscapes and outdoor recreation available. Give the gift of an annual pass to your local national forests or state parks, many of which are every bit as impressive as their National Parks counterparts.
These state, local and National Forest passes make great gift ideas for hikers looking to explore locally and a little more off the beaten path. Check your local state and national forests for pass requirements and purchases, or check out some of these popular passes below:
Southern California Annual Forest Adventure Pass
New York State Parks Empire Pass
5. Jetboil Cook System
Compact, lightweight, and fuel-efficient, the Jetboil Flash is ideal for backpacking. The all-in-one Jetboil cook systems include an insulated pot, stove, and built-in push igniter.
I love that I can boil water in literally seconds with the Jetboil Flash system, perfect for re-hydrating backpacking meals after a long day or making my morning cup of coffee at camp.
For a more advanced cooking system, the MiniMo Cooking System has a working simmer control, meaning you can cook gourmet meals in the backcountry without sacrificing weight.
6. Nalgene Water Bottle + Stickers
A new Nalgene water bottle plus a collection of stickers from their favorite travels is a unique way to commemorate your favorite hikers travels and adventures.
Order stickers from their favorite National Park, state park, or other outdoor destinations that have a special meaning and stick them to a new Nalgene for a cheap, but thoughtful, personalized gift. I never leave a park or vacation without a few stickers from the gift shop to put on my Nalgene water bottle!
7. Joby GorillaPod Flexible Tripod
I use this flexible cellphone tripod all the time to take photos on my solo hikes, or to capture cute couples photos with my husband. The flexible legs adapt to a variety of surfaces and can even wrap around a tree or trekking pole to get your shot.
This Joby Tripod makes a great gift idea for hikers looking to upgrade their outdoor photography game.
8. Trigger Point Performance GRID Foam Roller
Sore muscles are an inevitable part of every hiker’s life. A foam roller helps relieve sore muscles and promote faster recovery after an intense hike or workout.
The Trigger Point Performance GRID Foam Roller uses hard EVA foam wrapped around a hollow core for the most intense and effective muscle massage.
Still looking for Gift Ideas for Hikers? Can’t decide?
Gift Cards to REI or Backcountry
Stuck on deciding the perfect gift ideas for hikers and outdoorsy travelers on your list? Maybe you waited until the last minute and need a gift NOW – no shame, we’ve definitely all been there!
All hikers will appreciate a gift card to their favorite outdoor retailer like REI or Backcountry.
