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42+ Incredibly useful gifts for hikers they’ll ACTUALLY want

It’s that time of year again when everyone’s thinking about gifts! If you know some hikers and are wondering what to get them this year then be sure to check out this list of the BEST gifts for hikers.

These Christmas gifts for hikers are based on my own experience of things that are useful when I’m out hiking in Vancouver (or dog walking ’cause that kinda counts too, right?).

They’re things I use every time I hike, wish I had, or things that keep my restlessness at bay when the weather isn’t playing ball in the mountains.

These presents for hikers are things that are going to be useful whatever level of a hiker they are and are mostly things that they could always do with more of. 

So, here are the best gifts for walkers and outdoor gift ideas that they’ll actually want (and love you for) including many gifts for hikers under $25/£25.

Under $25: Best gift ideas for hikers and gifts for walkers

These gifts for hiking lovers are going to come in super handy when they’re out on the trails! These gift ideas for outdoor lovers should have you covered. 

PSST! Want more gifts for outdoor lovers? Check out this post with over 60+ ideas!

1. Gear aid & tape for hiking repairs

42+ Incredibly useful gifts for hikers they'll ACTUALLY want hiking repair tape

Gear repair tape is a fantastic gift idea for any outdoor enthusiast.

It’s affordable and easy to use, making it a perfect solution for helping them patch up their favourite gear.

If someone you know is a keen hiker or outdoor enthusiast, chances are they’re pretty tough on their gear. Tears and snags are inevitable but with this tape, you can repair your gear instead of throwing it away, which is more environmentally friendly.

This tape is available in fun shapes and works exceptionally well. I’ve used it to patch up my hiking trousers when they wore away during a hike and to cover up a hole in my sleeping pad.

2. Goodr sunglasses

goodr sunglasses

Goodr sunglasses are the best sunglasses for hiking I’ve come across. Not only are they relatively cheap, but they come in a tonne of colours and styles, are polarised and stay on your face whether you’re running, hiking or even just sweating a lot.

They’re so comfortable I forget they’re there which leads to awkward moments when I’m frantically searching for them only to be told they’re literally on my face.

3. Blister aid

blister plasters

No matter how comfortable your hiker friends’ shoes and hiking boots are, chances are they’ve suffered from blisters and likely will again in the future.

This may not seem like a fun present for hikers, but if you combine this in a little box with some other hiking gifts under $25, then you’ve got a cute, thoughtful gift box for your hiking loving friends.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

4. Hand warmers for hiking

If the person you have in mind hikes rain or shine then hand warmers are going to be an awesome present.

I got some last year and they made my winter hikes near Vancouver SO much more enjoyable.

I like to shove them in my gloves so that my hands stay extra toasty and as someone who constantly gets cold hands, this was a blessing.

handwarmers

They’re one of my favourite hiking accessories, but one that a lot of people forget about. 

They’re also great to hand out to friends on group hikes. They’ll make this prepared hiker the most popular person on the trail! 

You can get disposable ones that heat up in a minute or two and last a few hours. Or, you can get reusable ones which look prettier and help save the environment too since you won’t be throwing them away. 

5. Kula cloth

kula cloth

A Kula cloth is an excellent gift for hikers as it offers a more hygienic and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper while on the trail.

These reusable antimicrobial pee cloths are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a backpack or pocket. I use mine a friend gave me all the time!

Kula cloths are also female-owned and made from durable materials, and come in a range of different styles and patterns making them ideal for outdoor adventures.

6. Hiking boot brush

bootbrush hiking gifts

One of my best friends has a boot brush that she loves and to be honest I’d never even heard of one before. If you want to get the mud off your boots you just stamp your feet hard, right?

Well, turns out I was wrong (and have spent years getting mud everywhere).

Boot brushes not only help hikers keep their boots nice and clean but they can actually extend the life of their boots making them one of the best gifts for backpackers!

7. Woollen hiking socks

stance hiking socks

Woollen socks make great gifts for hikers. Everyone receives some socks at Christmas right if it’s usually you gifting socks then upgrade slightly and get some woollen hiking socks as a present for a hiker this year.

Socks make great hiking gifts for him too; socks are always going missing so they always seem to need replacing so they’re among the best gifts for walkers.

Personally, I love Stance, but REI, MEC and other outdoor stores all have great own-brand socks.

8. A nice new water bottle

nalgene water bottle

Water bottles are the type of things that tend to get left behind whether it’s in an office, at the airport or on the trail.

Or maybe that’s just my husband who’s managed to lose 3 of the same bottle in the last 12 months…

I’ve recently bought into the Nalgene bottle hype and they’re great. Previously when I’ve had cheaper versions of these bottles (different brands) they’ve leaked everywhere.

That hasn’t happened with my Nalgene! I love the purple colour of mine but pretty much all of them are pretty.

The wide-mouth ones are great for taking on backpacking trips since they’re easier to fill. However, the narrow-mouth Nalgene is easier to drink from on the go!

9. Water bottle/hydration pack cleaning tablets

And while we’re on the subject of water bottles, these cleaning tablets are sure to be unexpected, but prove to be a super-useful gift for hikers. 

I’ve had my hydration pack for several years and I used it EVERY single day as a dog walker.

But, I haven’t even thought about how to clean it (I mean you drink water through it, so that cleans it….?) – I know I need to. 

Having these cleaning tablets would set my mind at ease that I’m not unknowingly giving myself some gross bug every time I drink water.

And I’m sure your hiker friends and family also aren’t that great at cleaning their bottles or hydration packs either. These are such good gift ideas for walkers and they’re great stocking stuffers too as they’re not too expensive. 

 10. A buff

buff

A Buff is a great gift for hikers and walkers because it’s a versatile and functional piece of clothing that provides protection against the sun, wind, and cold.

Buffs are lightweight and compact design making them easy to carry in a pocket or backpack. They have so many uses that I consider them an essential piece of hiking gear.

11. Reusable silicone food bags

stasher bags

People who love the outdoors want to protect it and they’re probably very aware of how much plastic or waste they’re creating when wrapping up food and snacks for hikes.

These reusable food bags solve the problem of wrapping stuff in tin foil and take up less space than Tupperware boxes which are my usual go-to.

They’re great for hikes and everyday use too – ideal gifts for outdoor enthusiasts! 

Plus, they’re not only good for hiking so even if you’re looking for gifts for casual hikers, they’re sure to get a lot of use out of these. 

12. Thermarest seat cushion

thermarest z seat cushion

This is a bit of a luxury gift for hikers and totally not necessary in order to go hiking, but boy o’boy do these Thermarest Z Seat Pads make hikes more comfortable.

It’s the kind of thing I wouldn’t buy for myself but would LOVE to receive as a gift. I’m sure your hiker friends would think the same. I think they make such good gifts for people who like to hike.

We actually got one each a few years ago mostly for ski touring so we’re not sitting on the snow and getting cold and they’ve been a game changer. I pack mine for every hike these days since it makes lunch stops so much more enjoyable!

13. REI/MEC/Cotswold Outdoors Gift Card

If you really just can’t decide what the hiker you’re buying for would like then a gift card won’t go a miss. I know some people think it’s a bit of a cop-out but I personally love receiving gift cards.

That way they can get something they really want and get those unique hiking gifts they’ve been saving up for. 

REI | MEC | Cotswold Outdoors

14. A nice lip balm

sunbum lip balm

I CONSTANTLY have chapped lips from them either getting burnt in the summer or drying out in the winter. These lip balms are so pretty and nice smelling that they make a great present for outdoors lovers and hikers.

It’ll keep their lips pain-free and make things more enjoyable when they’re outside. Look for a lip balm with SPF to make sure they’re protected.

15. Weatherproof sketching set and a notepad

write in the rain

The other day I was randomly thinking about how I want to start sketching on the top of the mountains.

Whether or not this will happen is yet to be decided, but if you know someone who already likes sketching, or writing then these waterproof sketching sets and Rite in the Rain notepads are going to go down a treat!

These pens are perfect for throwing in a backpack and doing some sketching with on these weatherproof notepads, they’re great outdoor gifts. 

Best gifts for hikers to help them stay safe outdoors

You love your hiker friend or family member and you want to keep them safe. Here are some of the best hiking gifts that’ll help ensure they return from their outdoor adventures safe and sound.

16. AllTrails Pro Subscription

alltrails review is alltrails pro worth it

I use AllTrails to find hikes, navigate during hikes, and track hikes I’ve done as I travel around.

It’s a super useful app for hikers to have on their phone as they can access downloadable, off-line maps, research new places and hikes and it helps them stay safe and connected to their contacts while out on the trails

I have a full AllTrails review here where you can learn more about it if you’re new to AllTrails.

You can gift someone a subscription (or sign up yourselves) here.

17. A multi-tool for hiking and camping

leatherman tool

A multi-tool is one of the 10 essentials you should have with you while adventuring outdoors.

They’re super useful whether someone’s carried a bottle of wine up the mountain but forgotten a corkscrew, needs to cut something free, like a pesky clothing label (been there), or gets a pesky splinter stuck in their finger or feet (also been there) and they make cool gifts for hikers.

Leatherman tools come in a variety of sizes and styles from small keyring-style multi-tools to larger ones that have pretty much every tool you could ever need while out in the wild. 

18. A headlamp for hikers

black diamond headlamp spot 400

Headlamps are one of the 10 essential pieces of hiking gear that should be packed on every hiking trip, big or small.

It might be that the hike ends up being longer than expected or you just couldn’t resist watching that sunset and now face a trail in the dark. Whatever it is, they’re SUPER useful.

I bought a Black Diamond headlamp and have used it in so many scenarios. I use it running the Vancouver seawall in the mornings, on sunset hikes, and when camping in Mongolia. PLUS, it’s a pretty colour and perfect if you’re looking for hiking gifts for her!  

19. Garmin inReach

garmin inreach mini 2

When my husband had had enough of joining me on early morning hikes and I still wanted to go on them, he insisted on us getting a Garmin inReach so that he could check in on me and I could reach him and emergency services if I needed to.

We now take it on all our hikes and overnight backpacking trips as you just never know when you’ll be out of signal.

A Garmin inReach is super easy to use but they are quite expensive and require a monthly subscription. Definitely, a hiking gift for a loved one rather than just a friend.

20. Sawyer water filter

sawyer squeeze

It’s easy to run out of water while you’re hiking and a Sawyer water filter offers an easy way to filter water and make it safe for drinking when you’re on the trail.

You simply fill up one of the pouches that come with the filter and then squeeze the water through the cap on the filter. You can also attach the filter to a water bottle and drink straight from it like that.

Since getting my Sawyer water filter several years ago it comes on all my hikes with me just in case I run out of water and it’d make a great gift for hikers to keep them safe.

21. Microspikes – Yaktrax

yaktrax microspikes

Yaktrax, are a fantastic gift for hikers They offer traction on icy or slippery terrain, making hiking safer and more enjoyable. They’re especially useful during the winter months when trails can become more dangerous due to snow and ice.

They’re also lightweight and easy to use and if you know a friend or family member who lives somewhere where it can snow or. gets icy a lot in winter, they’re useful for just getting around town!

Yaktrax are easy to pack, making them a convenient addition to any hiker’s kit and they can be quickly attached to hiking boots or shoes.

22. Snowshoes

snowshoes MSR

Snowshoes are a great gift for people who want to explore more of the trails in winter.

If there’s fresh snow or you’re hiking somewhere that’s less popular then you’ll need snowshoes to prevent you from sinking too far into the snow and making hiking very hard.

Your hiker friend who loves exploring the outdoors all year round would surely love snowshoes as a gift!

Best hiking essential gifts

These gifts for hikers are those items that every hiker needs no matter whether they’re doing a long or short hike or hiking once a year or once a week!

23. Patagonia better sweater

better sweater

Patagonia is my favourite outdoor company. They make great hiking gear that lasts a long time and they as a company have great sustainability ethics.

I’ve yet to meet anyone who wouldn’t be happy with a Patagonia Better Sweater (myself included), so this makes a great gift.

The Patagonia Synchilla fleece layers are also super popular if someone you know already has the better sweater.

24. A day pack for hiking

Every hiker needs a day bag to put all their hiking essentials and gear in while they’re on the trail — you don’t want to carry it in your hands!

Day packs come in so many colours, styles and shapes and sizes.

If you’re getting your hiking friend a day pack as a gift, be sure to do some subtle questioning to see if they have one in mind so you can be sure you’re getting on they’ll like.

osprey pack

Otherwise, Osprey packs are a popular choice. I use mine for all my outdoor adventures from hiking to ski touring, as well as my carry-on when I’m travelling.

25. Down jacket

A down jacket or a synthetic insulated jacket is a must-have for any outdoor lover or even someone who just lives somewhere where it can get cold.

I wear my Patagonia down sweater jacket pretty much every day during the winter and I always take it when I go on outdoor adventures.

Getting someone an insulated jacket like the Patagonia down jacket would make such a great gift.

patagonia down sweater jacket

26. Hiking and trekking poles

hiking poles

Hiking poles are a great gift for hikers as they provide added stability and balance, reduce fatigue and strain on joints, and increase versatility on the trail.

Having tested out a lot of different hiking poles, my favourites are the Black Diamon trekking poles with cork handles. I find the cork comfortable to hold and I like the way they look.

27. Teva sandals

teva sandals

Recently Teva sandals have become cool and I’m here for it. My husband has a pair that are over 10 years old he’s worn. them everywhere so they really stand the test of time.

Tevas and Chaco sandals are similar and come in cute colours and styles. They’re not only great for hiking on easier walks or places where you’re crossing rivers or are in more desert-like terrain, but they’re great for travelling and backpacking around new countries too.

Best snacks and food gifts for hikers

Hiking and food go hand in hand and there is some super fun hiking food you can get, as well as top-ups of your hiking lover’s favourite snacks for the trail so that they’re ready to go whenever.

28. Good quality instant coffee

kuju instant coffee for camping
alpine start coffee
hiking coffee

Most hikers love coffee and there’s nothing better than brewing a coffee at the top of a mountain.

If the promise of incredible views wasn’t enough to get them to make the final push to the top, then the promise of incredible coffee should be. 

I’ve tried Kuju and think it’s a pretty solid instant coffee that’s great when you’re on the trail (or at home!). It’s also quite fun to do since they have a pour-over contraption as part of the pack.

I’ve also heard great things about AlpineStart coffee and this version comes with coconut milk creamer in it so you don’t even need to have a black coffee if that’s not your favourite.

And, say what you will about Starbucks, but their instant coffee is much better than some other alternatives and easy to enjoy out on the trail.

29. A travel aeropress

travel aeropress for hikers

Sticking with the coffee theme, a travel Aeropress is another great gift for hikers.

Most hikers I know love coffee and sometimes instant just won’t do, and that’s where an Aeropress is a great present for hikers.

You can make great quality coffee without the need for big bulky equipment.

My husband and I actually use our Aeropress as our main coffee maker!

30. Moon Cheese

I get really excited when it comes to buying hiking snacks. The best hiking snack I’ve found this year is dried mango so actually, I’d be pretty happy with a few big packs of dried mango for Christmas.

42+ Incredibly useful gifts for hikers they'll ACTUALLY want moon cheese snacks

But, if you can’t guarantee the hiker you’re buying presents for loves mango as much as me, but you know they love cheese, then Moon Cheese is a fun hiking snack that is sure to go down well. 

I actually tried some Crunchy moon cheese and it was pretty good. It was also a bit of a conversation starter when we sat around taking a break from hiking.

31. Stock them up with dehydrated meals

Another good option is to get them stocked up on some dehydrated meals.

Backpacker’s Pantry’s Pad Thai is my absolute favourite and everyone I know who has tried it loves it. Plus it’s just fun to make when you’re on trail, as there are all these little sachets of peanut butter, dehydrated lime juice, siracha and the main event too. It’s so tasty!

Another fun dehydrated meal is astronaut ice cream which is freeze-dried ice cream put between a cookie so it’s like an ice cream sandwich. Sure, it’s not as good as the real thing, but it’s surprisingly not that bad either.

These meals are pretty expensive to buy every time you go camping or hiking, but they’re so much easier than planning what else to eat and I see them as a bit of a treat.

You can get so many different flavours that it makes such cool outdoor gifts for hiking lovers.

padthai
icecream sandwich

32. Cookies and bars

There are so many options when it comes to protein bars, cookies and trail bars for hikers these days.

Some of my personal favourites are the complete cookie, Go Macro bars, the classic Clif bars and Honey Stinger Waffles.

A box of any of these hiking snacks would be a great gift for hikers.

complete cookie
honey stinger
cliff bar
go macro bar hiking nutrition

33. Nuun electrolyte tablets

nuun tablets

One of my friends got me into these as every time we’d go backpacking together she’d always have a tube in her backpack. Now, I do too!

Nuun tablets help you rehydrate after a long run or day on the trails. The tablets come in lots of diferent flavours and I add one to 1 litre of water at the end of the day (though the recommended is 1 to 0.5 litres) — I swear they really help and they taste good anyway.

If you’re looking for gifts, these are such a good stocking filler for hikers idea.

Best books for hikers

Below are some of my favourite books as someone who loves hiking. If you buy these for someone who’s fond of reading and hiking, they’re sure to love escaping to new trails with these books.

34. Lonely Planet – Epic Hikes of the World book

lonley planet hiking book

My Dad got me the Epic Hikes of the World coffee table book for Christmas and now it’s proudly on display on our coffee table.

It’s FULL of hikes that’ll inspire any hiker you know, no matter how well-hiked they are. This book has hikes they’ll have heard of, but many they won’t, and makes the perfect gift for hikers and aspiring hikers. It’s the ideal gift for walking enthusiasts. 

35. More inspiring books for hikers

I’ve been reading a lot recently and I love all types of adventure books. If you know a hiking enthusiast they’re sure to love these books too.

All of these hiking and adventure books are great for rainy days when the weather is preventing you from getting outside and for journeys to the adventure you’re doing too. Below are some of my favourites which are great gifts for mountain lovers:

Read more: Check out my updated list of the best outdoor adventure travel books.

  • Wild: I read this a few years ago after watching the film. I think the book is so much better and highly recommend it as a book for hikers. It’s a classic and should always be on a list of good gifts for hikers. 
  • Into Thin Air: This classic adventure book is one I read recently and devoured. It’s so well written and really makes you feel for those who passed away in one of the largest Everest disasters in history.
  • Born to Run: Another adventure classic, this book will make even the most reluctant of runners want to get out there and run! 
  • Pants of Perspective, Barefoot Britain, Llama Drama & United States of Adventure: Anna McNuff is such a funny writer and I love reading about her self-powered adventures around the world. Her partner, Jamie, has also written about his experience running across Canada in Adventureman which I also recommend. 
  • Anything by Alistair Humphreys: Alistair Humphreys was the first “adventurer” I came across a few years ago. I love his writing style and he always takes on new adventures, his most recent of which was when he busked across Spain with only the money he could make playing his violin (not very well). 

Unique hiking gift ideas

These walking gifts and presents for walkers include things you may not have thought about before but that your friends who love walking are sure to appreciate.

36. Peak Design camera clip

peak design camera clip

I get asked about my Peak Designs camera clip a lot and I understand why. It’s such a useful accessory for hiking that allows you to be hands-free but still have your camera at easy access.

I clip this on the straps of my backpack, attach my camera and then I’m good to go whenever I want to take a picture of my friends or the view. There’s no more rooting about in my rucksack since it’s right there!

37. Portable phone charger

When you’re out on the trails whether for 1 day or longer, your phone can easily run out of battery. This is especially true if you’re using it for navigation, or to take photos and videos.

That’s why adding a power bank to my day hiking packing list has become another of my hiking essentials.

Even if your friend who likes walking and hiking doesn’t need one for hiking, they’re sure to find a use for it day-to-day. Anker portable chargers are my go-to.

38. A hipbag for hiking and walking

patagonia hip bag

If shorter walks and hikes a lightweight hip pack instead of a heavy backpack is a great idea that’s become super popular in recent years.

The Patagonia Black Hole Hip Pack is an ideal choice for hikers, with its ample deep pockets providing enough space to hold all your hiking essentials including water. It’s also made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon, which is water-resistant and durable, making it an eco-friendly and reliable option.

Another popular option is the Lululemon belt bag but my favourite is still the Patagonia one.

39. A hiking hammock

Hiking hammocks are a great gift for adventurers with some also replacing tents as a shelter if you’re somewhere with trees.

They’re also fun as an accessory when camping so you can chill in them at the campground while reading a good book, or just soaking up the view.

You might not even be camping or hiking, but just want to string it up in your garden or local park, there are so many fun ways to use a hammock making them perfect hiking presents.

40. Phone/camera tripod

hiking tripod for phone

How many times have you been hiking and wanted to take a photo with you and the view but didn’t want to take a selfie?

I know that’s a problem I’ve had and sometimes there isn’t a rock or a log to balance your phone or camera against while you run into position before the timer is up.

This phone and camera tripod is the ideal hiking accessories gifts for someone who likes hiking.

The legs can grip onto all sorts of things and it’s small enough to chuck into your day pack.

41. Rawology massage balls

massage balls for walkers

Hiking and walking can take their toll on your muscles and sometimes all you want is a massage but you don’t want to shell out for one.

Well, with these Rawology massage balls, you can give yourself a massage!

They’re portable and lightweight since they’re made of cork so they’re easy to throw into a backpack on multi-day hikes as well as keep at home for some post-hike rehabilitation.

42. USA National Parks Pass

devil's garden trail arches national park

Know someone who loves exploring the National Parks in America, or someone who is maybe booking a trip to explore them? Getting them a National Parks Pass is a great gift for someone who likes hiking.

The annual parks pass costs $80 and can be ordered online. It then gets you entrance to every National Park and monument across the United States for a whole year and can save you so much money if you were planning on visiting a few anyway.

Final thoughts on the best gifts for ramblers + hikers

If you’re on the hunt for gifts for a hiker, look no further than my list of over 40 top gifts for hikers.

Whether the person you’re buying for is a pro hiker, or a beginner hiker, there’s something on this list that’s sure to make their next outdoor adventure even more enjoyable.

The list above includes both walking gifts for him, and walking gifts for her since many are unisex. So, go ahead and make their day with a thoughtful and practical gift that shows how much you appreciate them and their love for the great outdoors.

Last Updated on March 24, 2023 by Hannah

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