15 Best Gifts for Hikers (that they’ll absolutely love)
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Hikers are notoriously hard to shop for. We are picky about our gear! Especially for hardcore ultralight hikers, you might want to ask what they want rather than surprising them. (Trust me, they’ve got a wish list!)
But in this article, I’ve assembled a gift guide full of awesome gift ideas that will delight (almost) any hiker: Fun unique gadgets that add enough value to the journey to be worth carrying, and universally useful and versatile items every hiker needs, but might not splurge on themselves.
Best Unique gifts for hiking enthusiasts
These assessories and gadgets will delight any hiking enthusiast – plus, you’d know if they had one already, because you’d be hearing all about it! Can’t go wrong! I admit most of these are somewhat pricy – see below for beginner and budget options.
Aftershokz bone conduction Bluetooth headphones
I love these headphones! (And never take them off.)
They don't cover your ears, but sit on the bone in front of the ear canal. This means that you can still hear everything around you - very important for outdoor adventures! - but still hear your music. It's like having background music for your life! The Shokz headphones sit comfortably on your head, and after a while you forget they're there. They're stable enough to run with, too! And because you never have to take them off and stuff them somewhere, despite being bluetooth headphones, they are basically impossible to lose.
Aeropress Coffee Maker
Not everyone likes carrying a coffee maker around - but for those who lover their mountain coffee, the Aeropress coffee maker is the best option, at just over 300g. A great gift for the kind of person who gets up early to see the sunrise at the summit!
Frelaxy Dry Bags
Dry bags are something you can never really have too many of. These lightweight ones are good for organizing hiking gear, rolling the change of clothes and other fluffy stuff into a small volume, and they are waterproof!
Portable Campfire
This is something super cool for chilly nights under the stars that not many people know exists – a portable campfire. A little fireplace right in a metal tin! You just light it up, and bam, instant cozy vibes without the hassle of gathering wood or leaving a trace behind. Perfect for those nights when you want to roast marshmallows or just enjoy the warmth with friends. It's super easy to use, safe, and totally affordable. Give the gift of sharing stories around a warm fire!
Icebreaker Merino Shirt
If you're in the mood to treat a hiking enthusiast with something a bit more high-end, an Icebreaker Merino long-sleeve shirt is a great option. This isn't just any shirt; it's like a secret weapon against the cold. Made of Merino wool, it's really warm yet surprisingly light. What I love about it is its versatility – it's perfect as a base layer under other clothes when it's freezing out, but just as great on its own on milder days. The comfort is top-notch, no itching like with some wool, and it handles sweat like a champ without getting smelly. It's a bit of a splurge, sure, but for the quality and comfort, it's worth every penny. Plus, it looks pretty sleek, so you're not just confined to wearing it on the trails. It's one of those gifts that any hiker would be thrilled to get and will use for years.
Best gifts for hiking Beginners
Unlike experienced hikers, who often have strong opinons on the optimal “core” equipment, it is much easier to shop for beginner hikers! Here are some ideas that will make the journey more enjoyable for people just setting out on their first adventures, in ways they might not even have considered yet.
Lightweight Camping Hammock
Now, an experienced backpacker's camping setup is something highly personal that you should not mess with. For a beginner hiker however, an entry-level lightweight hammock is an amazing gift! Nothing better than taking a comfy nap on a strenuous hike.
GearLight Lightweight Headlamp
A classic beginner mistake is to forget about time, and find yourself at sundown without a light - except the flashlight of a half-dead phone. These lightweight headlaps are the antidote! They can permanently live in your loved one's backpack, ready to go when the sun sets.
Hydro Flask
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things when out on a hike - and you need a good bottle for that. More advanced hikers often opt for water reservoirs, but for a beginner the HydroFlask is the best possible option.
I’ve been using mine for ages, and it’s amazing how it keeps my drinks ice-cold or piping hot, no matter what. Hiking in the heat? The water stays chilly. Out in the cold? Your tea's still warm hours later. It’s pretty rugged, too – mine’s taken a few tumbles, and it's still going strong. Plus, there are so many cool colors to choose from. It’s a bit of a splurge compared to regular bottles, but totally worth it.
YETI Rambler Tumbler
If you're looking for the perfect gift for a beginner hiker, let me share a bit about my YETI Rambler Tumbler – it's a game changer. For me, it's become an essential part of my hiking kit. It's tough as nails, keeps my drinks just the right temperature no matter what the weather's doing, and it’s super easy to carry. I remember how it transformed my own hiking experiences, from those early morning starts with hot coffee staying steamy for hours, to refreshing, cold water at the summit - and let's face it, also for sipping my coffee at work. Plus, it's a gift that lasts – believe me, it can take a beating and still come out looking grea!
Best Budget Hiking gifts for less than ~ $25
Looking for a cool gift for your hiking buddy but don’t want to spend a ton? This section is for you. You don’t need to drop a pile of cash to show you care! Here are some sweet ideas for wallet-friendly gifts that are big on thoughtfulness and small on price, that’ll make your hiker pal smile big on their next trail adventure!
LifeStraw
The LifeStraw is nifty little gadget that I think is a must-have for any hiker. You just dunk it into a stream or a lake, and voilà, you can drink straight from it, it filters the water to be perfectly clean and safe to drink. No more worrying about running out of water! I always carry mine as a backup, you never know when it comes in handy. Plus, it's super affordable and lasts forever. It's one of those things that make you wonder how you ever hiked without it. So if you’re looking for a gift that's practical, cool, and won't break the bank, a LifeStraw is the way to go.
PackTowl Microfiber Towel
Maybe one of the most versatile and useful hiking items you could get on a budget is a microfiber towel! Not only are these extremely lightweight and low-volume towels, but they can double as skirts or cloaks in a pinch. I never carry a change of pants anymore, I just wrap my towel around my waist instead.
I especially love these PackTowl ones, although I've got quite a few different mircorfiber towels. They are durable, don't stain easily, and dry you - and then themselves - easily.
Smartwool Hiking Socks
Something every hiker needs but might not splurge on for themselves – a good pair of hiking socks! These aren’t just any socks. They're like a cozy, warm hug for your feet on the trail, made from quality merino wool. Super comfy, they keep your toes snug without getting all sweaty. And hey, no more blisters! Plus, they last ages, even if you're hiking every weekend. Great for cold mornings or when the trail gets a bit rough.
Thesse Smartwool socks are my favourites - they come in all kinds of colors and patterns, to match with the rest of your gear or go completely wild.
Buff
Another incredibly versatile and useful gift is a buff. These can be used as a scarf, mask, hat, headband, UV protection... There are lots of really pretty ones, too! You can choose between warming materials, and cooling & UV protecting fabrics. This is also an amazing gift for trail runners and cyclists.
Hiking snacks!
Hiking burns an incredible amount of calories – especially when you climb to where the view is! Carrying some delicious and nutricious snacks is essential. Which makes Clif bars, chocolate or a quality trail mix excellent budget gift options!
Gift cards
Still can’t decide? Consider giving gift cards to outdoor shops like REI, and let the special hiker in your life pick their favourite!
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks – a roundup of some of the best gifts you can grab for the hiker in your life. Whether you’re going budget-friendly with the LifeStraw or splurging a bit on that cozy Icebreaker Merino shirt, each of these gifts is sure to put a smile on any trail enthusiast’s face. After all, it’s not just about the gear, but the thought and the adventures that come with it.
So, pick something that resonates with their hiking style, and you’re all set. Happy gifting, and even happier hiking! And hey, if you end up snagging one of these for yourself too, I promise, your secret’s safe with me. 😉
