Spending time in the lap of nature is always rewarding. But it is important to be prepared and be safe to enjoy the outdoors. So if you have a special someone or you are looking for something for yourself, you will love my gift ideas for hikers for all skill levels! This list includes a range of items from bags, safety gear to clothing and shoes.
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18 Gift Ideas for Hikers
All of these hiking gifts can be purchased from Amazon. If you need a day hiking packing list you can read it here
1. Waterproof Day Pack
A day pack makes for a nice gift item. It is thoughtful and can fit any budget. You will find backpacks under $100 or even $50, depending on the features, pockets, and organization options.
When you choose a backpack or a day pack, ensure it is waterproof, comfortable, and sturdy to carry all of the hiking essentials. Take a look at this backpack. This is perfect for day hikes, commutes, and more.
It has adjustable and padded shoulder straps and is equipped with water-resistant zippers, and organizational pockets to keep little things in place (and easy to find). Plus it comes in a variety of colors to brighten up the recipient’s day!
2. Garmin InReach Mini
Garmin InReach Mini makes for a great hiking gift. While backpacking and hiking, cell phone reception is always unreliable. This Gramin Mini helps to keep you safe on your trails.
This mini version is lightweight but a tough satellite communicator which enables 2-way text messaging. It also allows you to access maps, US NOAA charts, and more for tracking your way in and out.
Your recipient will love that it has an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required) to stay safe in the wilderness.
3. Hiking or Trail Running Shoes
Hiking or trail running shoes are a must on a hike. If you are planning a gift for a close friend and you know their shoe size then this is a great gift idea. Merrell Women’s Trail Glove 5 Fitness Shoes is perfect for lighter hikes of less than 3 hours with little to no elevation gain.
Click to shop trail running shoes
For avid hikers, choose hiking boots or shoes like these ones from Merrell – Women’s Alverstone Waterproof Hiking Shoe. These shoes are equipped with Eva foam midsoles for stability and comfort.
It also has a solid outsole that is super durable and provides great traction that grips when and where you need it. Plus they are waterproof as well!
4. Darn Tough Socks for Hiking
Socks are great stocking stuffers. They are functional, affordable, and super cute (choose in a variety of colors). Plus a good pair of socks will provide support on hikes and keep feet cool and dry.
These lightly cushioned Darn Tough hiking socks with a cute bear design are equipped with all the important qualities of Merino Wool, and they come with a lifetime guarantee (so no holes, tears, etc). You will love the sock designs.
5. National Parks Pass – America the Beautiful
Every hiking gift guide needs to have a gift card or a pass. And for a hiker – a National Parks Pass: America the Beautiful is perfect. You can buy an annual pass which will allow your recipient to explore and access all US National Parks quickly.
By giving this annual park pass, your loved one will save money, and enjoy nature and trails! You know you can’t go wrong with this gift idea!
6. Black Diamond Distance Z Z Poles for Trekking, Trail Running, Hiking
Hiking poles are a great gift idea, especially for those advanced and frequent hikers. These trekking poles protect the knees when walking down steep hills or climbing uphill on hikes. It provides balance and extra support on uneven trails.
Black Diamond Distance Z Z Poles are great for trekking, trail running, and of course, hiking. They will be favorite with your hiker friend as they will help improve posture and gives support.
7. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
For long hiking or backpacking and camping trips, a water purification system is essential. Gift this lightweight, and easy-to-use portable water filter for getting access to clean drinking water at any time.
Sawyer Squeeze removes harmful bacteria, protozoa, and cysts. It comes with a built-in removable flip top and allows you to spray water straight into the mouth or water bottle (standard bottles with 28 mm threads).
This filtration system comes in a pack of two reusable 32-oz, BPA-free collapsible pouches that can be rolled up tightly for easy packing, and drinking. Plus you also get a set of Sawyer Inline Hydration Pack Adapters for filter and a mesh bag for storage.
8. Stanley Backcountry Cuisine & Cooking Gear
Backcountry cuisine and cooking gear are often forgotten. This 11 piece Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset comes with reliable stainless steel pots and pans, and other cooking accessories such as 20oz bowls, bowl lids, folding cutting board, spatula with extending handle, and ladle with handle – all that one might need for an outdoorsy trip!
The great thing about this gift for hikers is that you won’t have to purchase other cooking gear. Everything (all the 11 pieces) can be neatly organized inside of the big pot. Plus it gives even heating over campfires, stovetops, and grills.
9. Gear Aid Tenacious Tape
Another stocking stuffer and a gift basket addition for a hiker is tape to repair holes and tears in down jackets, tents, rain gear, and other outdoor gear. Gear Aid Tenacious Tape is a fabric, peel-and-stick patch kit. It is an ultra-strong adhesive tape that permanently bonds to nylon, polyester, GORE-TEX fabric, and vinyl.
The best part is that it comes with a waterproof coating that’s perfect for tents, backpacks, ski pants, or gloves. You can choose from all black, clear, or a combination of black and clear patches.
10. The Deuce of Spades Backcountry Trowel
The Deuce Backcountry Trowel is great for backpacking and hiking. This trowel is lightweight, and compact so it neatly fits against toilet paper or a water bottle. Although small it is mighty and useful in digging catholes at a full 6 inches deep.
Deuce Backcountry Trowel is reliable and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
11. The North Face Venture 2 Jacket (for women and men)
From light walks to challenging hikes, a waterproof lightweight jacket is a must-have item. And it also makes for a great gift item as it is a very functional product for travel, adventure, and every day!
This North Face Venture 2 Jacket is easily packable and carried on your trails – you will hardly feel the weight. It has a nice hood, and deep pockets to store your cell phone, or warm up your hands quickly.
North Face is a great brand, and this rain jacket comes in a variety of sizes, colors and is available for men and women.
Check options for men | Check prices and availability for women
12. Farland Sleeping Bag
Farland Sleeping Bags are perfect for cool and cold-weather hikes, overnight camping, and backpacking trips. These bags are available for adults, and for young hikers and they come in a variety of colors!
Farland sleeping bags are packable, and it can be easily compressed to carry on trails. These bags can withstand 20-62℉/ to – 7-17℃ and has a waterproof, weather-resistant design to provide warmth even in extreme conditions.
13. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Hydro Flask water bottles are an amazing buy for a gift for someone you care for. They come in a variety of colors and sizes from mini, regular to widener mouth options. Hydro Flasks keeps cold drinks icy cold and hot drinks piping hot, when one is enjoying the outdoors or traveling.
These bottles are made up of sustainable metal, and are dishwasher safe, making it easy for cleaning and carrying.
14. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife
A thoughtful hiking gift idea is a pocket knife such as the one from the Swiss Army. They are handy to stay safe, and for combatting the unpredictable.
This pocket knife is reliable, compact, and can be easily stored inside of your jacket or backpack.
15. Hiking Inspiration Books
To inspire your hiker friend to hit more trails in the future, a book is a great gift. America’s Greatest Hiking Trails in hardcover is one of the best options. It makes for a nice Christmas or birthday present.
This book covers Appalachian, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide, North Country, Ice Age, Potomac Heritage, Florida, Natchez Trace, Arizona, Pacific Northwest, New England with amazing photography for inspiration.
America’s Greatest Hiking Trails book covers 11 routes in the National Scenic Trails system in the USA and highlights historical facts, maps, and planning tips to be trail-ready.
Click to read book reviews for America’s Greatest Hiking Trails book
16. Hammocks for car camping or backpacking
You won’t believe it but a hammock is super handy, compact, and functional as car camping or backpacking gear.
This Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammocks comes in a single or double version making it easy for carrying for hikes, and other adventures (indoors or outdoors). For those over 6 feet, choose the double hammock, and add a bug net for dense forests, or backcountry trips.
The price and the functionality of this hammock make for a great hiking gift idea, and it is less stressful for your wallet too!
17. Coleman Camping Chair
You might be wondering if anyone would ever need a camping chair on their hikes. And the answer is yes. They are handy after a hike when you can sit back and relax comfortably on a chair.
These Coleman camping chairs are great to carry and store as it takes very little space. It weighs 250 lbs so I won’t carry it on hikes. But once the hike is done, you are usually welcomed to a nice scenery where you can pull out the chair from the back of your car and enjoy!
18. prAna Women’s Halle Pant
There are a ton of hiking apparel clothing out there, but if you wish to gift an item that is popular and reliable, then look no further than these prAna Halle Pants.
These pants are made up of water-repellent material with UPF 50+ and are also quick-dry. So they are excellent for hot summer hikes or for rainy ones.
prAna makes durable clothing so you can expect these pants to withstand abrasion and tear. Your recipient will love to wear it and go hiking, climbing, or any outdoor activity. Plus the pants will make them look chic and put together.
It also comes in a variety of colors, and sizes (from small, tall to regular).
Click to view all the options here
So there you have it. These are my top picks for hiking gear gift ideas to suit every budget. Whether you are gifting for Christmas, birthdays, or any other special occasion you can easily buy these recommended items from Amazon.
If you have any questions or want me to add more products let me know in the comments.
Pin for later – 2021 Gift Guide List for Hikers
