Hikers can be picky about their gear because they often need specialized equipment. Unfortunately, this can make finding the best hiking gifts for him or her an extremely daunting task.
Luckily, we are here to help you find that special something for this holiday season. As avid hikers ourselves, we have personally hand picked every item on this hiking gift list.
We want your hiking present to be something the hiker in your life can actually use on the trails. In order to make your gift selection easier than ever, we have broken down this guide into specific categories.
You can shop our best gifts for hikers list by the following sections:
- Hiking safety accessories
- Best subscriptions for hikers
- Clothing gift ideas for hiking lovers
- Best gifts for mountain hikers
- Unique and thoughtful hiking gift ideas
- Luxurious hiking items
- Best hiking books
- Cheap hiking gifts under $25
This thoughtful hiking gift list includes ideas for both men and women as well as new or seasoned hikers. Feel free to jump to certain sections of this guide using the table of contents below.
Now, let’s shop the best gifts for hikers!
Our Hiking Experience
As a popular hiking blog, we love to write about our experience from hiking trails both in the US and around the world.
We have completed some pretty epic trails including Tour du Mont Blanc, the W-Trek in Chile and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Once Mark officially immigrated to the US in 2019, we spent the next several years road tripping around the country checking off the best hiking trails in the United States.
Our main goal in this best gifts for hikers guide is to help you pick out the perfect present for your hiking loved one featuring items we use on the trails everyday.
Where Should You Buy Hiking Gifts?
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this best hiking gifts list, it’s important to note that it has taken us years to accumulate all of our hiking equipment.
We have an REI Membership which gives us 10% off most items and we always recommend REI when purchasing new hiking gear.
However, you can sometimes find amazing deals during the holidays on official websites or Amazon so it’s best to shop around for the best price.
We have included links to everything you need to make this a wonderful shopping experience! Now, let’s find that special gift for the hiker in your life…
Best Hiking Gift Safety Accessories
The first section on our hiking gift list features important safety gadgets that can help your hiker stay safe at all times no matter where they roam.
All hikers should always carry the 10 hiking essentials even on day hikes. Safety is one of the best hiking gifts you can give your loved one.
Anything can happen on the trails, especially in the remote backcountry so these hiking gift options will help to give you a piece of mind when they are out on the trails.
1. SOL Emergency Blanket
This emergency blanket works by reflecting 90% of your body heat back to you. We always have two of these SOL blankets in our backpack for every hike. An emergency blanket is great to have just in case of an emergency and you have to spend a night outdoors when you weren’t planning on it.
2. Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool
A multi-tool will help your hiker solve almost any problem they encounter on the trails. With a 25 year warranty, this unique tool includes pliers, replaceable wire cutters, a wire stripper, knives, saw, spring-action scissors, ruler, bottle opener, files and screwdrivers.
3. Fire Lighting Kit
Hikers should always carry items for starting a fire because an emergency can leave them injured, lost or stranded. A fire starter is a cheap hiking gift that doesn’t take up much space, but it can also save their life should they need to use it. We love the kits by Light My Fire, but waterproof matches and fire staters work well too.
4. Nalgene Water Bottle
Water is essential for any hike, no matter the length of the trail. We love using wide mouth Nalgene Water Bottles to carry our water supply when hiking. Even if your hiker already has a water bottle, they will love this thoughtful hiking gift because you can never have too many water bottles. We always like to keep a few extra water bottles in the car for after our hike.
5. Gear Aid Tenacious Tape
Tenacious Tape makes a great hiking gift because it can be used for just about anything. This strong tape helps to stop rips from spreading by acting as an abrasion-resistant coating for any high wear areas on your hikers gear. We always have some of this amazing tape in our bag.
6. SPF Sunscreen Lip Balm
It’s important to keep your skin protected from the elements when hiking, but many hikers forget about their lips. A SPF sunscreen lip balm will help to keep your hikers lips hydrated and protected from the sun, wind or cold. We like Sun Bum because it’s made with shea butter and vitamin E as well as vegan and cruelty free.
7. Orienteering Compass
An orienteering compass is the perfect hiking gift because it’s small yet extremely functional. By carrying a compass, hikers will always be able to successfully navigate the trails. This is the ideal present for hiking beginners who are working towards feeling more comfortable in the wilderness.
New to the outdoors? You might like to read our popular guide featuring hiking tips for beginners.
8. Adventure Medical Kit
The Adventure Medical Kit is a great survival hiking present because anything can happen on the trails. This medical bag includes carefully-selected supplies to help your hiker meet any basic first aid needs they might experience such as wound care, allergic reactions, blisters and common backcountry illnesses.
9. Carhartt Hat
Another amazing hiker gift idea is a Carhartt Hat. We love using these caps for protection from the sun, especially when hiking at elevation. These caps are inexpensive, stylish and available in numerous colors so you will be able to find the perfect one for the hiker in your life.
>> Buy: Amazon
10. Emergency Food Rations
These emergency food rations are more than your typical hiking snack. Each ration provides high energy (410 calories) in a ready to eat bar. The SOS emergency food rations are US Coast guard approved and carry a shelf life of 5 years from the manufacture date. We always carry extra food rations on longer hikes and store a few bars in our car when road tripping.
>> Buy: Amazon
11. Water Purification Tablets
Water purification tablets should be in every hikers emergency bag. Katadyn Micropur tablets release chloride dioxide which purifies water from viruses, bacteria and protozoans like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Because we were scientists in our previous lives, these tablets along with the LifeStraw below are always the first thing we pack for a hike. Use one tablet per one liter of water.
12. LifeStraw Water Filter
The LifeStraw is our go to water purification system for any hike. Packing our LifeStraw gives us peace of mind when in the backcountry if our water reserves run out and we need more water. The best part about LifeStraw is that its extremely lightweight and takes up very little space in a hiking backpack so it makes a perfect gift for someone who likes hiking.
Hiking Tip: If tackling a long day hike such as the Enchantments in Washington, be sure to use a water reservoir in addition to the LifeStraw. We love these Osprey hydration reservoirs.
13. Mountain House Meals
Food can be heavy, but these lightweight prepackaged adventure meals are a great solution for longer day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. These meals are one of the best gifts for a hiker because all they need to do is add hot water, stir and let it cook for about 10 minutes. We like Mountain House because they carefully select their ingredients and offer a large selections of flavors ranging from veggie chorizo breakfast scramble to beef stroganoff with noodles.
14. Clif Bars
Any hiker will love opening up Clif Bars on Christmas morning. We enjoy Clif Bars because they contain a high amount of simple sugars and rolled oats to help provide needed energy during a hike. Clif bars are available in many different flavors so be sure to try them all. Our favorite flavor is chocolate brownie.
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Backcountry
15. Black Diamond LED Headlamp
A Black Diamond Headlamp is an essential gift for people who love hiking because it will help them navigate the trails in the dark if required. We love Black Diamond for the various light options including full strength, dimming, strobe, red, green and blue night vision. Red light helps to preserve night vision and we always use it for night photography. Give your hiker the gift of light!
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Black Diamond
Subscriptions Every Hiker Should Have
Next up on this guide featuring the best gifts for hiking lovers, we have included important subscriptions every hiker should consider.
This includes our favorite apps for hiking as well as memberships that can seriously help your hiker save money next time they camp, visit a US National Park or need to purchase hiking gear.
Interested in outdoor apps? Be sure to read about our recommended hiking apps for your next adventure.
16. Gaia GPS Premium Hiking App
Gaia is the best hiking app when it comes to phone gps navigation. This app will allow the hiker in your life to navigate trails easily when they do not have cell service via offline maps. Gaia GPS also lets users track routes, search for new trails, access weather conditions and study elevation profiles. Use our link below for an exclusive 20% off discount. Happy hiking!
17. AllTrails PRO Hiking App
Another extremely popular hiking app, AllTrails offers hikers a community where they can search for information about new hikes and see up-to-date reviews about trails they plan to hike soon. For example, if they want to hike Mount Pilchuck, recent hikers will often leave comment about difficult conditions such as snow.
18. The Dyrt PRO
The Dyrt PRO is a unique hiking gift because this app will help your loved one find both free and paid campsites anywhere in the United States. We have an exclusive 30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO you can gift your hiker so they can try to snag a reservation at sold out campgrounds including US National Parks with a new feature called Dyrt Alerts.
19. REI Membership
Anytime we need new hiking gear, we head to REI. A lifetime REI membership costs $30, but your hiker will easily make this back with one purchase because REI offers 10% back on almost every purchase (in dividends), free shipping, a used gear trade-in program and a very generous return policy. When we joined, REI was offering a $30 bonus card so our membership was basically free. This is a no brainer gift for anyone who loves the outdoors.
20. National Park Pass
Does the hiker in your life love the national parks? Then give them the gift of free park entry for an entire year. At only $80, this pass is a bargain if you consider entry into each park is around $30. After visiting just three parks, an America the beautiful pass will have already paid for itself. We always purchase one of these passes every year.
>> Buy: USGS Store | REI
Want to know more about the National Park Pass? Read our detailed guide about an America the Beautiful Pass to see exactly where your hiker will receive free entry.
Best Clothing Gifts For Hiking Lovers
There is a good chance your hiking lover already owns many of the hiking clothes they need to hit the trails. But there are a few items which always come in handy and make for great hiking gifts.
Here are a few hiking gift ideas we personally would love to receive under the tree this year so we have a feeling they will as well.
21. Buff
A buff is en extremely versatile piece of hiking gear that can be worn in many different ways. We like this lightweight multifunctional neckwear because it’s super soft and cosy. One size fits most adults and the merino wool material is sourced from humanely raised, non-mulesed sheep.
22. Patagonia Better Sweater
The Patagonia Better Sweater is one of the best gifts for hiking on this entire guide. While this is an expensive piece of gear, it is absolutely worth the cost because it will last your hiker for years. We both now own multiple Better Sweaters and they travel with us everywhere so we can back up our claim these are one of the best gifts for hikers.
23. Darn Tough Socks
There is only one brand of hiking socks we recommend and it’s Darn Tough. Tried and tested through hundreds of miles, we have never experienced a blister with our Darn Tough Socks (knock on wood). We love the Hiker Micro Crew Cushion style which provides the perfect amount of padding.
24. Smartwool Base Layer
If you are looking for an item they will truly appreciate, try gifting your hiker a base layer. This is a thoughtful gift they will always use on the trails. We like Smartwool Base Layers because they are breathable and odor-resistant. The flatlock seam also helps to prevent rubbing and chaffing as you hike.
25. Icebreaker Undergarments
These merino wool undergarments are the perfect hiking gift for men and women because it’s a present they will use to stay comfortable. Check out the boxer briefs for your hiking guy or the bikini underwear for your hiking woman. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a pair of these super comfy underwear.
Gift Ideas For Campers And Hikers
Everyone has that friend or loved one who is always posting photos on social media of their recent hike or camping trip.
But the questions is, what do you get for someone who probably has thought of everything outdoor related already?
Well, this next section on our best gifts for hikers list includes specialized hiking gear and camping options to help make their time in the outdoors a bit comfortable.
We hope to help you find a few cool hiking gear gifts they can’t wait to bring on their next outdoor adventure.
Is your hiker also an avid camper? Check out the best gifts for camping next!
26. Bear Spray
Encountering a bear during a hike is always a possibility when hiking in bear country. So while it might not be the most exciting gift your hiker has received, bear spray is certainly something they will need. When sprayed at a charging bear, this spray acts as a deterrent to inflame the eyes and upper respiratory system. It is made from red pepper oil and when used correctly, this powerful spray will stun the bear so your hiker has time to run away.
27. Sea To Summit Dry Bag
This lightweight dry bag is Sea To Summit’s best selling and most versatile pack. A dry bag can be used in many ways, but most people use it when hiking or camping near water. We used this dry bag when hiking the narrows in Zion National Park. It certainly made us feel better about having our expensive camera gear in the Virgin River. The dry bag is available in many different colors and sizes.
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Sea To Summit
Is your hiker heading to Zion? They might be interested in our Zion Travel Guidebook featuring seven example itineraries for both hikers and non-hikers.
28. Sea To Summit Sleeping Pad
Another Sea To Summit product is one of the best gifts for hikers because this lightweight insulated sleeping pad is top rated. With 4 inches of pad thickness and an R-Value of 3.2, your hiker can expect supreme support and comfort whether car or backcountry camping. We love the Exkin Platinum® thin metalized layer that helps to minimize heat loss. Check out the reviews for yourself.
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Sea To Summit
29. Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Black Diamond is a well known company in the outdoor gear world and their trekking poles are extremely popular. These poles are very durable and will help provide extra stability for any hiker’s adventure. Trekking poles have been proven to protect the knees, especially when hiking downhill. The EVA foam grip extension and nylon woven strap add an extra layer of comfort. We love how Black Diamond poles come with 4 season flex tips for multi-season hiking.
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Black Diamond
30. Jetboil Stash Ultralight Stove
The Jetboil Stash is the new ultralight backpacking cooking system with a stand along titanium burner and 0.8L FluxRing cookpot. This new stove yields an impressive 2.5 minute boil time and the pot even has a convenient built in measuring system with a snap on lid. This small compact stove is a great hiking gift that can be easily packed in a backpack for long day hike or multi-day hike in the backcountry.
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Backcountry
31. Coleman Classic Camp Stove
This Coleman Classic Camp Stove is our top recommendation for a campground set up. While the Jetboil is super portable and great for longer hiking trips, this stove is perfection for your everyday campsite. We absolutely love the wind-blocking panels and the two-burner system sold it for us because we can finally cook two things at once!
32. Garmin inReach Mini 2
This Garmin product is the ultimate hiking gift when it comes to off the grid communication. The inReach Mini 2 will allow your hiker to send SOS alerts anytime globally. Additional life saving features include two way messaging, location tracking and instant weather updates. If your hiker loves the backcountry, this is the perfect hiking gift option to give you a piece of mind during their hikes.
33. Helinox Chair Zero
This ultralight compact camp chair by Helinox features anodized DAC aluminum poles and can hold up to 265 pounds. The chair itself only weighs one pound and packs down to the width of a standard 32 oz. water bottle so its an ideal candidate for travel and hiking adventures. All Helinox products are backed by a five year warranty so give your hiker the gift of taking a break after a difficult climb.
34. Kahtoola MICROspikes
Microspikes are a good gift for people who like hiking in the mountains. We purchased these microspikes last year for our 2022 Tour du Mont Blanc hike and they were absolutely necessary. We like Kahtoola because they easily strap on to your footwear, yet they are small enough to fit into a hiking backpack. Microspikes are essential for hikers who want to explore icy winter trails.
35. ENO DoubleNest Hammock
This lightweight and compact hammock by ENO is amazing because you can literally take it anywhere. The parachute nylon material is extremely durable and we love being able to pack the hammock back up in the small carrying bag. Set it up at a campsite, on a hike or anywhere you want to enjoy the views. The Eno DoubleNest Hammock will fit 1 to 2 people so it’s a great gift for hikers.
36. BearVault Food Container
No hiker wants a visit from a bear in the middle of the night so give the your hiker the gift of sealed food. Approved by the National Park Service, this durable bear canister will help to properly store food in areas with active bear activity. BearVault is certified to withstand over one hour of non-stop grizzly action. You can shop different sizes depending on your hikers needs.
37. Osprey Hydration Backpack
From our experience, we have learned it’s better to purchase a high quality backpack from the start rather than trying to save some money with a cheap one. Osprey is a brand we have traveled with for years and these products have never let us down. We love Osprey’s hydration backpacks for hiking. Check out the Skimmer line for women and the Skarab line for men. Seriously consider this hiking gift because you don’t want your loved one to skimp on a backpack.
Interested in Osprey Backpacks? Don’t miss our detailed review featuring the Osprey Farpoint 40 which we used to backpack around the world.
38. Kula Cloth
The Kula Cloth is one of the best gifts for hikers because it’s a unique and thoughtful idea they might not already have. This top rated reusable antimicrobial pee cloth helps your hiker do their business in the wilderness without making a mess. The smooth side of the cloth is waterproof while the other side is very soft with antimicrobial properties. This is one gift the eco-conscious hiker in your life will love.
>> Buy: REI
Hiking Tip: This Kula Cloth has been one of the newest editions to our hiking gear arsenal. Its not fun to drip dry during a long hike and this product is life changing when used properly.
39. NUUN Sport Hydration Tablets
If your hiker is planning a long trip, you could consider gifting them NUUN Sport Hydration Tablets. We like to use these tables for optimal hydration both during and after a difficult hike. Just drop 1 tablet into 16 fl. oz. of water and wait two minutes before drinking. Available in many different flavors, this is a great way to turn water into a low-sugar sports drink.
40. NORTIV 8 Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes and boots can be quite expensive, but we found a great shoe for hikers if you are on a tight budget without sacrificing quality. These NORTIV 8 shoes are priced at $50, yet they still provide the durability and support you need for hiking trails. Kristen has the grey pink shoes and Mark uses the grey orange shoes for shorter hikes.
>> Buy: Amazon
Thoughtful And Unique Hiking Gifts
This next section of our best gifts for hikers guide includes unique hiking gift ideas. We hope you can find something special for the hiker in your life here.
We have personally gifted or received all of the hiking gadgets listed below. This thoughtful list will make the perfect gifts for hiking lovers so you can surprise them this holiday season.
41. Homesick Scented Candle
These hand poured soy wax candles are created with the intention of helping you relive wonderful memories. We love surprising friends and family with familiar smells of experiences we have shared together. Of course, your hiker will love the gone hiking scent featuring a pine, jasmine and sandalwood scent. These candles have an average burn time of 60 to 80 hours.
42. BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
Nowadays everyone uses multiple apps on their phone for trail maps. But what happens if your phone dies? You would certainly be in a pickle. Luckily, this little rugged power bank with full battery can charge a smartphone 1.5 times and a rechargeable headlamp 5 times.
Hiking Tip: Never solely rely on apps and just your phone to navigate while hiking. Be sure to study your route before hitting the trail and have a copy of a paper map in your backpack.
43. Peak Design Capture Clip
Does your hiker love photography? This capture clip by Peak Design will help your hiker easily clip and unclip their camera from a backpack strap when on the go. We love the flexibility this clip gives us during any hike because it is extremely well designed and allows us to free up our hands.
>> Buy: Amazon | Peak Design
Enjoy photography? You might like our Photography Guides from around the world.
44. Huckberry Whiskey Peaks
The Whiskey Peak series from Huckberry are a very popular hiking gift for men. We always see a lot of orders when it comes to these adorable mountain glasses and decanters. Having lived in Seattle, we recently purchased the Mount Rainier glasses, but we now have our eyes on The Wave set.
Want to hike the Wave? Don’t miss our popular guide featuring a walkthrough of The Wave hike.
45. ICEMULE PRO Backpack Cooler
Another hiking gift idea for the adventurer who has everything, this ICEMULE Cooler might just be the ticket. ICEMULE Coolers are highly rated and lightweight so you can bring your refreshments easily no matter where you go! These coolers are perfect for a beach get away or a kayaking trip. Available in various sizes and colors, you are spoiled for choice.
46. National Park Posters
For those hikers who can’t get enough of the US National Parks, you should consider gifting them a poster of their favorite park. These posters are affordable and make for a great hiking Christmas gift. This is one present they will never see coming. We like Landmark Project because the illustrations and colors are stunning. Search all available posters below.
>> Buy: Landmark Project
47. National Park Passport
Did you know you can collect stamps at each US National Park? The Passport To Your National Parks® is one of the best ways to document park adventures and can help your hiker remember all of the places they have traveled. We like these passport books because all net proceeds are donated to educational programs managed by the National Park Service.
>> Buy: America’s National Parks
Interested in these passports? Here is everything you need to know about National Park Passports.
48. Icy Hot
Icy Hot might not be the most glamorous hiking gift, but it is one we are sure your hiker will love. We use icy hot after long hikes because it dulls pain with a cooling sensation first then follows with a warming sensation to relieve any achy muscles and joints. This small present will certainly pack a punch and it works incredibly fast.
>> Buy: Amazon
49. Body Restore Shower Steamers
These Body Restore Shower Steamers are the most popular item on our best gifts for hikers guide. Shower steamers work very similar to bath bombs, but they are perfect for people always on the go. Place one tablet on the shower floor, turn on the hot water and soak up the instant relief. The oils released by these steamers will help your hiker to relax right away after a long grueling hike.
50. PackTowl UltraLite Towel
This UltraLite quick-drying towel is great for any backpacker, hiker or minimalist who is always on the move. The absorbent microfiber fabric can soak up to 4x its weight in water and dries up to 80% faster compared to its cotton competitors. We like the hang loop so it can be dried easily.
Luxurious Hiking Gifts For Him And Her
Of course, this extensive list featuring the best gifts for hikers had to include a few luxurious options.
Hiking gear can be expensive. We understand it’s not possible to buy everything at once. Remember, it’s taken us several years to purchase our hiking equipment and we still don’t have everything we need.
But you can certainly start chipping away at some of those items on your hikers wish list today!
51. Garmin Venu 2
Mark bought the original Venu half way through 2020 and it’s still one of his favorite items to date. He uses this watch for workouts, runs, swims and even golf. The Venu monitors his distances, times, heart rates, breathing and workouts. We guarantee this will be a well loved gift for any active hiking lifestyle. Be sure to shop both men’s and women’s styles depending on your needs.
52. YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler
YETI leads the way as one of the best cooler brands on the market. The DryHide shell is made from high density fabric so this cooler is waterproof, resists punctures and provides protection against UV rays. We like the small size of this cooler because it can be taken pretty much anywhere. The handle and shoulder strap make it the perfect get up and go option for hikers.
53. Nikon Trailblazer Binoculars
The Nikon Trailblazer Binoculars are a great gift for a hiker because they are compact, shock resistant, waterproof and fogproof. The wheel and adjustable diopter can be easily adjusted even while wearing gloves. The wide field of view is perfect for bird watching or wildlife viewing.
54. Kindle Paperwhite
A Kindle Paperwhite might not be the cheapest gift for your hiker, but this is one they will always enjoy if they are an avid reader. Kristen purchased a kindle in 2022 and it now goes everywhere with us (even on hikes). There is nothing like reading a book in nature. We guarantee your hiker will love this Kindle. Be sure to check out the new sage and denim colors!
>> Buy: Amazon
55. Birkenstocks
Our Birkenstocks are one of the first things we put in the car when packing for a hike because there is no better feeling than taking off those hiking boots and slipping into a pair of comfy sandals after a long hike. While Birkenstocks have a hefty price tag, you get what you pay for because they will last your hiker for years to come.
Hiking Books For Outdoor Lovers
The best gift for a hiker doesn’t have to be technical gear, it can be something much more simple.
A book is a great option if you are looking for a hiking gift for a couple or group of people. Whether you are looking for a new coffee table book or a fun story about an epic adventure, we have you covered.
Love reading about hiking? You might like our inspirational hiking quotes.
56. America’s Best Day Hikes
Is your hiker looking for their next big day hike? This beautifully illustrated book offers hiking ideas for new trails across the entire United States. The hikes in this book are achievable during daylight hours and do not require camping. We like how this book is organized by region so it’s easy to read and plan hikes.
>> Buy: Amazon
Looking for more USA content? Don’t miss our popular guide featuring the 30 best USA road trips.
57. Epic Hikes Of The World
This Lonely Planet hiking book includes 50 incredible hiking routes across 30 different countries. It’s a thoughtful gift that will continue to inspire the hiker in your life day after day. Previous readers rave about the beautiful illustrations and descriptions.
>> Buy: Amazon
58. Dirty Gourmet
Tired of having the same campsite meals over and over? Then treat your hiker to Dirty Gourmet! We love the diversity of recipes found between these pages and with over 120 delicious recipes, you are guaranteed to never be bored with outdoor food again. We also like how the recipes are organized into car camping, day hiking and backpacking options so you can find exactly what you need.
59. The Hiker’s Journal
This hiking journal is a unique gift that will help your hiker record everything about their treks. The logbook includes space for trail names, length, difficulty, weather conditions, flora, fauna and so much more. We like this journal because it has everything you need wrapped into a cute design. Most people order this as a gift, but then end up ordering one for themselves too.
>> Buy: Amazon
60. Take The Path Of Most Resistance
This is a hiking book we recently added to our reading bucket list because it’s about David Hiscoe’s epic hike along the Appalachian Trail in 1973. This memoir offers something different from your typical hiking book and after reading the reviews, we can wait to read it!
>> Buy: Amazon
Stocking Stuffer Hiking Gifts Under $25
The best gifts for hikers don’t always have to be the most expensive options. Sometimes, the most memorable gifts are the small items your hiker can pull out of their bag every time they hit the trails.
We like these cheap hiking gifts because most of them involve an element of safety which can seriously help your hiker if they get into trouble outdoors.
If you haven’t found a present yet, buy a few of these gifts for hikers under $25 and add all these items to a hiking gift basket to give them something unique this year.
These last few minute gift ideas for hikers are a meaningful way to show them how much you truly care about their adventures.
61. Sea To Summit Collapsible Bowl
The Sea to Summit bowl is made from flexible, food grade silicone and can withstand temps up to 300°F. We love how this bowl collapses into a small compact disk making it the perfect item to bring on an adventure. Your hiker can also use the calibrated edge as a measuring cup or flip it upside down to use as a cutting board.
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Sea To Summit
62. Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork
A spork is useful for any hiker because this utensil is such a space saver. Made from aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, this spork is perfect for backpacking because it’s extremely durable. We love the small carabiner at the end of the spork so you can clip it to anything their heart desires.
>> Buy: REI | Sea To Summit
63. Black Diamond Carabiners
A carabiner is a coupling link with a safety closure. They are typically used by rock climbers, but they can also be used for many other outdoor activities. We like using carabiners to secure items while hiking or camping. Trust us, the hiker in your life will appreciate this thoughtful gift.
>> Buy: Amazon | REI | Black Diamond
64. Energy Bars
Any hiker will love receiving energy bars because you can never have enough. We discussed Clif Bars earlier in this best gifts for hikers guide, but we also love PROBAR Meal and KIND Protein Bars. If your hiker is vegan or gluten free, you can also try Larabars.
65. The Deuce Backcountry Trowel
When you gotta go, you gotta go…. The Deuce is the perfect gift for a hiker to help them leave no trace when getting down to business in the wilderness. This baby is extremely lightweight, but do not mistake its small size. The 6.5″ aluminum handle was specifically designed to give users the ability to make a perfect cathole in seconds. Give your hiker the ability to relieve themselves comfortably outdoors. The Deuce is available in many different colors!
66. Outdoor Themed Stickers
Everyone loves stickers so you can’t go wrong with this fun hiking gift. There are many outdoor themed stickers so you have a lot to choose from when finding the perfect present. We love stickers for blinging out water bottles, laptops, luggage, notebooks and even our car to show where we have been. Search America’s National Parks for classic stickers, Landmark Project for National Parks and Amazon for everything else.
>> Buy: Amazon | Landmark Project
67. All Terrain Herbal Armor
No one likes bug bites and this 100% DEET-free formula includes 6 essential oils to help keep pesky insects away. This natural spray is a great alternative for kids with sensitive skin and it’s a perfect gift for people who love hiking or spending time outdoors.
68. Moskinto Patches
When bites do happen, we like using these fast-acting patches from Moskinto to help reduce itching and swelling from mosquito bites we get on the trails. These patches are made with all-natural products and are super easy to apply. So all your hiker needs to do is peel and stick after a bite!
>> Buy: Amazon
69. Rain Poncho
Having a rain poncho in your hiking backpack can be an absolute lifesaver. We used a rain poncho for the entire hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. While it poured for several days, a rain poncho kept us and our gear dry. We prefer hiking in a rain poncho over a rain coat on longer hikes because a poncho easily fits over your backpack giving you more freedom to move around.
70. Bee’s Wrap
Say goodbye to one use plastic harmful to the environment because Bee’s Wraps can be reused for up to one year. We love using sustainable food storage like Bee’s Wrap because you can either compost it or use it as a fire starter when the wrap begins to lose its grip. Your hiker will love this thoughtful and eco-friendly stocking stuffer which is available in many different sizes.
Conclusion For Best Hiking Gifts
If you have made it to the end, congrats because this is a very extensive hiking gift list. However, we have put a lot of time and energy into it so we hope you found exactly what you needed.
But if you are still on the fence about a few products, here are the overall 10 best gifts for hikers:
- Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle
- Gear Aid Tenacious Tape
- REI Membership
- Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
- Black Diamond LED Headlamp
- Gaia GPS Hiking App
- Patagonia Better Sweater
- Osprey Hydration Backpack
- America the Beautiful National Park Pass
- Energy Bars
Any of these products are great hiking gifts for men and women because these are things we can’t live without!
Best Gifts For Hikers FAQ’s
Let’s take a look at the some of the most frequently asked questions about hiking gifts and accessories.
A good outdoor gift is an item that will help hikers be comfortable on the trails such as Darn Tough socks, a subscription to Gaia GPS Premium, a Black Diamond headlamp or some energy bars. Hiking gifts don’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful.
Every hiker should carry the 10 survival essentials including a headlamp, a way to navigate, sun protection, first aid, fire starter, knife, emergency shelter, as well as extra food, water and clothing. If you gift the hiker in your life any of these day essentials, they will appreciate it.
Yes, hikers should always carry extra food during a hike because this is one of the 10 essentials for survival. Every hiker has a different preference when it comes to food but we recommend Clif Bars, KIND Protein Bars, PROMAR Meals and Larabars for short day hikes. Mountain House Meals are best for long multi-day hikes and camping.
Our Popular Gift Guides
- Outdoorsy Men – Unique gifts for the rugged Outdoorsman
- Outdoorsy Women – Amazing gifts for women who love the outdoors
- National Parks – Amazing national park gifts for him + her
- Campers – Thoughtful gift ideas for people who love to camp
- RV Owners – Gifts for Camper Vans and the RV lifestyle
- Photographer – Best gift ideas for photographers
- Traveler – Popular gift ideas for frequent travelers
More Hiking Inspiration
- Best Hikes In The US – 50 top rated US trails to add to your bucket list
- Beginner Hikers – Important tips every new hiker should know
- Hiking Essentials – Important items to bring on a day hike
- Quotes for Hiking – Motivational hiking quotes for your next hike
- Hiking Apps – Best hiking and outdoor apps to use today
Looking for another gift? Head to our Gift Guides or Product and Tour Reviews to find something truly unique.
We hope this thoughtful list helped you pick out the best gifts all of those adventurous hikers in your life!
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of the best gifts for hikers or hiking in general in the comments below.
If you aren’t exactly sure which gift your hiker would life, send them this webpage so they can choose for themselves!
Happy Shopping,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Their work has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications.