53 of the Best Gifts for Hikers (2024 Gift Guide)
Ahh, what are the best gifts for hikers you wonder? It’s an open-ended and limitless list of ideas, in my opinion.
You could get someone who loves hiking all kinds of different gifts, and even could get them a BETTER upgraded version of the gear they have.
When we start out hiking, backpacking, climbing, oftentimes we don’t have money for all of the gear we would REALLY like to buy. So we compromise.
We buy a nice down jacket but skimp on the backpack. Or we buy a good pair of hiking boots and skimp on the hiking poles. And don’t get me started on the list of things we SHOULD have but are definitely out of our price range when we get started.
53 of the Best Gifts for Hikers (2024 Gift Guide)
So let me help you out. If you’ve got a friend, relative, or partner who really loves hiking and you are feeling stumped on what to get them, I’m going to break out my hiking gift ideas into 6 different sections:
Best Gifts for Hikers Under $25 (for those of you on a budget)
Best Gifts for Hikers to Keep Them Safe
Best Hiking Essentials Gifts
Best Food Gifts for Hikers
Best Books for Hikers
Best Unique Hiking Gifts
In the end, don’t stress out too much. If your hiking friend or family member is anything like me, they enjoy the simple things in life and are easily pleased.
We only want this kind of stuff to help our journey be a little more comfortable, and in the end, we just want to spend more time outside. Any of these gifts for hikers here would help with that! Heck, you could even buy us a six-pack of beer for around the campfire or a box of Cliff Bars to keep in our pack, and we would totally still love you.
Better yet, offer to get outdoors with us! Let’s go on an adventure together…
Honestly, that would be MY ultimate gift. :)
In the list below, you’ll find all our ideas for the best gifts for hikers – a variety of gifts that are practical, fun, and timeless.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links.
Gifts for Hikers Under $25
1. GEAR AID TENACIOUS TAPE GEAR PATCHES
This stuff is the bomb, and such a simple, easy gift idea that is sure to please any outdoor enthusiast. PLUS, it’s super affordable. I love this tape for patching up my favorite gear so that I can keep on wearing it. Sometimes it's hard to let go of that perfect down jacket or hardshell that you love, but snags and tears are inevitable in the outdoor world.
Also, it’s more environmentally friendly to fix and re-use gear instead of automatically buying something new. This tape works great and comes in some fun shapes too.
I've patched up my mountaineering hardshell pants in several areas with this tape when I've gotten rips from my crampons, and I fixed up my beloved down jacket when I accidentally burnt a small hole in it from my camping stove.
2. THE DEUCE OF SPADES BACKCOUNTRY TROWEL
Nobody likes to talk about it, but to be a responsible outdoorsman/woman you need to bury your human waste. The Deuce of Spades Trowel is a fantastic lightweight option and a great gift idea for any responsible hiker.
Once, when I went backpacking with my friends in Tuolumne, all of my friend's trowel handles broke except for mine, so the Deuce of Spades is definitely my go-to!
3. GOODR SUNGLASSES
I originally bought these Goodr sunglasses when I first got into trail running. I couldn't find a pair of glasses that were comfortable and would stay on my face when I was running. These finally did the trick, and now I love wearing them hiking, too!
They come in a bunch of great color options and the best part... they are only $25!
4. GSI OUTDOORS MICROLITE VACUUM BOTTLE
There’s nothing quite like hiking with a warm cup of coffee or tea… or maybe even a hot chocolate to enjoy on the top of your favorite summit. Any hiker will be happy to have this thermos to bring with them on their hikes, particularly in the chilly mornings or in the winter time.
This is a great lightweight thermos that holds heat for up to 8 hours! And if you know a hiker looking for some delicious drink ideas to make on their hike, print off some of the recipes from my 3 Warm Boozy Winter Drinks to Make On Your Next Outdoor Adventure blog post to go with along with this gift.
5. JOSHUA TREE LIP BALM
Every hiker needs lip balm, and I love this stuff! Joshua Tree Lip Balm is organic with SPF 15 and makes a great stocking stuffer or add-on to any hiking gift.
6. WURU WOOL
Blisters are the bane of most hikers’ existence, and this unique product helps prevent them. Wuru Wool is basically a little bunch of New Zealand wool that you pull pieces off and place on potential hot spots on your feet. A couple members of Team Alpine swear by it, and it’s the perfect stocking stuffer – literally! :)
7. REI GIFT CARD
If you really can’t decide on the best gift ideas for hikers, it’s always a safe bet to get your favorite hikers an REI gift card.
You can choose the amount and can even go as low as $10. It’s a great option if you really don’t know what to get them, or they are the kind of person that seems like they already own everything. Trust me, I’ve never heard of any hiker being sad about getting a gift card to REI.
8. STASHER SILICONE REUSABLE FOOD BAGS
Most individuals who recreate outside are always looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, and that includes reducing trash and plastic on the trail.
These 100% silicone reusable food storage bags are perfect for sandwiches, snacks, and anything you might bring to munch on during your hike. By using Stasher bags, we can create less waste and invest in simple solutions for our outdoor endeavors.
Grab a few of these as stocking stuffers for your environmentally-conscious hiking friend or loved one.
9. KULA CLOTH
The Kula Cloth is a true game-changer for female hikers when it comes to backpacking hygiene! It’s a reusable pee cloth, which is made of antimicrobial fabric to keep germs from building up. It easily attaches to a pack with the built-in loop and has a snap to keep it clean and folded up.
Kula Cloths come in a variety of patterns, so you can find the perfect one for your favorite hiker who squats to pee.
Best Gifts for Hikers to Keep Them Safe in the Outdoors
10. GARMIN INREACH MINI SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR
I’m putting this in there for the mom or dad out there who wants to feel like their kid is safe when they get outdoors. In my opinion, this would be the ULTIMATE gift for any hiker (or backpacker or rock climber for that matter).
I love having this thing with me when I hit the trails. In an emergency, you can trigger an SOS for 24/7 search and rescue if something horribly wrong happens while you are on the trail, but what is even cooler about this tiny device is that you can also have 2-way communication with the ones you love and send and receive messages while you are in a “dead" zone for cell service.
The Garmin inReach Mini also has the ability to send a constant tracking signal while you are on the trail, so you can actually have your family members keep tabs on you while you are hiking. Pretty rad.
Another 2-way satellite communicator is the ZOLEO, which lacks a few of the features of the inReach Mini, but is a cheaper option.
11. LIFESTRAW OR STERIPEN
Ok, most people don’t think to pack a water filtration system when they go hiking, but I typically always do. I don’t take my more robust filtration system like the pump filter Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter (that’s more for backpacking), but it’s worth packing a lightweight water filtration option like the SteriPen (a little pricier) or the Life Straw (more affordable).
Both are lightweight and quick to filter water with and could end up saving your life if you get lost or something bad happens. Help your hiker be safer on the trails, and get them one of these water filters to throw into their day packs.
12. PETZL ACTIK HEADLAMP
You might be thinking, “Why would they need a headlamp for a day hike?” Well hopefully they won’t need it… but what if they get lost? What if something happens? I always pack my headlamp AND extra set of batteries.
In fact, I pretty much don’t go anywhere without a headlamp. I have a Petzl headlamp, and it has been going strong for over 3 years now.
Once when I was backpacking near Half Dome, I ran into some hikers who looked lost. It was getting close to sunset, so I asked them if they needed any help. They told me they had just gotten down the cables from Half Dome and weren’t sure which way to head back to the trailhead. They didn’t have anything with them. No water filter, no jackets, and no headlamp. All they had was their phone flashlight, which definitely wouldn’t last them on the way back down. Don’t be this person, and don’t let your friends be them either. Make sure they have the essentials, like light!
13. GAIA GPS APP OR GARMIN GPS DEVICE
This is up there as one of the “ultimate” gifts for hikers! I consider a GPS an essential piece of gear and there are many great options. I absolutely love the GAIA GPS app, and it has definitely come in handy to help me navigate and stay on track when I wasn't sure where I was.
Another great option is looking for an “all-in-one” device that has both GPS tracking capabilities and satellite SOS capabilities, like the Garmin GPSMAP 66i. You’ll be any hiker’s favorite gift giver for a very long time if you give one of these GPS devices!
14. LIGHT MY FIRE FIRELIGHTING KIT
When I first started mountaineering, I was told to buy a Light My Fire fire starter in case our backpacking stoves stopped working or we needed an emergency fire. This is the best tool out there since you don't have to worry about it getting wet.
The Light My Fire FireSteel tool can be used for up to 3,000 strikes, and it is super lightweight. It’s another one of those small items I always bring with me. This kit includes the fire starter tool plus an emergency whistle. It’s small and easy to throw in your pack, so you’ll always have it if you need it.
15. EMERGENCY TENT AND SLEEPING BAG
Another lightweight emergency item that would make a great stocking stuffer for any hiker is this emergency tent and sleeping bag. It folds up super small so it takes up very little space in a pack.
16. GOSSAMER GEAR HIKING UMBRELLA
The Gossamer Hiking Umbrella could literally be a lifesaver for people who hike in the unrelenting heat of desert terrain. These lightweight umbrellas have a reflective top to dissipate the sun’s rays and provide your own personal shade even as the sun beats down. They also provide protection from rain if you get caught in a storm.
Most of our group took these umbrellas on our Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike this year, when temps in the inner canyon reached as high as 105! We got lots of jealous looks and comments from other hikers, and a park ranger even gave us a thumbs up for carrying these to prevent heat illness.
17. KAHTOOLA MICROSPIKES
On the other end of the temperature spectrum, if you know a hiker who still gets out even when the weather gets cold, you’ve got to get them a pair of Kahtoola Microspikes. These fit over hiking boots and provide significantly better traction on icy trails to prevent potentially dangerous slipping and sliding. They come in a little tote bag to easily throw in a pack, just in case.
18. MSR EVO TRAIL SNOWSHOES
If the conditions are more fresh snow than packed down ice, MSR snowshoes are a game-changer. Instead of postholing through deep powder, which might just be the most frustrating way to tackle a trail, your favorite hiker can float on top in snowshoes.
19. SHE DREAMS OF ALPINE WINTER HIKING & CAMPING WORKSHOP
Speaking of winter hiking, I offer a special workshop to help your favorite hiker learn to feel safe and prepared for hiking and camping in the snow. This virtual training teaches you the winter-specific gear you need, important winter safety skills, and how to stay warm when the temps are freezing cold!
This workshop makes an incredible gift for the hiker who wants to extend their adventures all year long!
Best Hiking Essentials Gifts
20. DARN TOUGH SOCKS
Socks may not be the sexiest gift out there, but they sure are practical! Why are socks important? Having dry feet is one of the key ways to prevent getting blisters on a hike. So I guarantee you any hiker will appreciate a good set of wool socks! I am a big fan of the Darn Tough Wool Socks, but you could also go for Smart Wool Socks. I like them both.
21. BRANWYN MERINO UNDERWEAR
Just like socks, comfortable underwear is crucial for hiking when you’re spending a long time on the trail. BRANWYN underwear has taken the outdoor world by storm and would make a fantastic gift for your favorite female hiker! It’s made from Merino wool, and many women swear by it on the trail, including some of our She Dreams of Alpine team and students.
>>>Find out more about BRANWYN and other underwear options in our Guide to the Best Hiking Underwear for Women.
22. PATAGONIA NANO PUFF JACKET
Patagonia is one of the best companies out there for outdoor gear. So if you are looking for good gifts for hikers, then this jacket is one that any friend or family member will be stoked to get!
The Nano Puff jacket is the perfect “mid-layer” jacket, something every hiker should have in their arsenal. I’ve had my purple Nano Puff jacket for over 8 years now, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces of outdoor clothing!
(Psst…I talk about layering and why it’s super important in my Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit, which you can find below! )
GRAB MY [FREE] OUTDOOR BACKPACKER STARTER KIT:
I created the Ultimate Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for you (and it's FREE)! This starter kit is filled with 14 pages of my best hiking and backpacking tips to help you learn what it takes to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient outdoor backpacker!
23. PATAGONIA HOUDINI JACKET
The Houdini jacket is a relatively new favorite of mine, and in particular, the Alpine Houdini jacket, because it is super lightweight and wind and rain resistant. I bought one of the men’s Alpine Houdini jackets because I liked the colors better, and it fits me just fine.
This is typically the only rain jacket I bring with me on long hikes or even backpacking trips (as long as the weather looks fairly decent), and it has been an awesome addition to my hiking clothing arsenal. I love taking it climbing as well because it can be stuffed into its own pocket and clipped to my harness.
24. BLACK DIAMOND TRAIL PRO SHOCK TREKKING POLES
I love the Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock trekking poles. Michael and I both have these, and they have a set for women (blue) and men (red). I've owned a pair of cheaper trekking poles in the past and they broke fairly easily., but these are almost indestructible.
I've been using the same pair for almost 5 years now, and they are still going strong. These would make an awesome gift!
25. DEUTER AC LITE 22 SL HIKING DAYPACK
If you are looking for an absolutely perfect gift for day hikers, then you should consider helping them upgrade their hiking backpack. Backpacks get so much wear and tear since they are thrown around and stuffed with all of our gear, so getting a new pack is always a welcome surprise.
I love Deuter packs, and the Deuter AC Lite 22 SL is a perfect day hiking pack, designed with a women’s-specific fit. For day hiking, I usually like to make sure the bag is about 20-30 liters, has space for a Camelbak water bladder, and has hip straps and chest straps.
26. TRANGO PIRANHA KNIFE
Looking for a handy gift? This Piranha knife is super cool! The Trango Piranha Knife weighs almost nothing but can cut through just about anything. In hiking and backpacking (and pretty much all outdoor sports) weight matters! Having lighter gear is better than heavier gear.
This is really an awesome knife for adventures. It’s the only one I bring with me, and it’s strong enough to cut through rope.
27. CHACO OUTDOOR SANDALS
Not every hike warrants sturdy boots with ankle support. Some hikes require just a little bit of tread and a lot of comfort. Chaco outdoor sandals are perfect for those mellow to moderate hikes on warm summer days.
You can let your feet breathe and still feel solid on the trail. These are also great for trails that meander in and around water. While they’re not the most stylish of footwear, your fellow hikers will be thankful you saved their feet from sweaty boots. Plus, the Chaco tan is worn proudly in some outdoor communities.
If you’re still searching for the perfect gift, I have a whole post that goes over essential day hiking gear, and will give you even more ideas!
Best Food Gifts for Hikers
28. THE COMPLETE COOKIE
The Complete Cookie is an awesome plant-based, high-protein hiking snack. It’s been one of my favorite snacks for backpacking and hiking trips, and it’s nice to know I’m getting the added protein from a delicious cookie. A box of cookies would be the way to my heart for sure! :)
29. MAYA KAIMAL EVERYDAY DALS
I LOVE these dals. They make for a really awesome hiking or backpacking snack. I wrote a whole post detailing what makes them great, and you can read more about that here.
And if you’re going camping, I also wrote another fun post about 9 easy and delicious (5 ingredients or less) One-Pot Camping meals that feature Maya Kaimal Products.
Maya Kaimal meals make a great gift for any hiker or backpacker. They now have Dals, Rice Packets, and Chana Packets that are perfect for day hiking and short backpacking trip meals. Treat the hiker in your life with some upscale hiking and camping food.
Learn more about Maya Kaimal products in our featured recipes below:
10-Minute Turmeric Grain Bowls for a Healthy Meal on the Road
Backpacking Recipe: Everyday Chana with Surekha Rice and Cashews
30. NUUN ELECTROLYTE TABLETS
These makes a GREAT stocking stuffer item. Electrolytes are key for hiking and backpacking, and Nuun has some delicious flavors!
31. KATE’S REAL FOOD BARS VARIETY BOX
Bars are a staple hiking trail food, and Kate’s Real Food Bars have become my absolute favorite! This variety box would make a great gift with a tasty variety of flavors.
32. PATAGONIA PROVISIONS
You guys already know by now that I’m a big fan of Patagonia, and I love everything at Patagonia Provisions too – including their packable salmon packets that are really delicious, and one of my new favorite items.
They make several different flavors, and they have mussels, too! The best part though is that these snacks don’t need refrigeration (as long as you haven’t opened the package), and they can be eaten as is or cooked.
Since Patagonia Provisions are a bit more on the expensive side, I think they would make a unique gift for a hiker (as long as they like fish!) because it’s probably not something they would typically splurge on.
33. MOON CHEESE
Moon Cheese makes an awesome savory trail snack! This dehydrated cheese is super crunchy and comes in a bunch of yummy flavors, including gouda, cheddar, and parmesan. Moon Cheese is high in protein and gluten-free, and a variety pack would be an excellent gift for any hiker who has gotten tired of protein bars and wants a salty snack.
34. NICK’S STICKS JERKY
Beef jerky is a fantastic portable snack for spending time on the trail, and Nick’s Sticks is my new favorite jerky. They have beef sticks, chicken sticks, and turkey sticks, all with clean ingredients and no sugar – plus, they’re super yummy! Your favorite meat-loving hiker will definitely appreciate a few packages of this jerky.
Best Books for Hikers
35. TRAINING FOR THE NEW ALPINISM BOOK
This book is a beast load of information if you are looking to up your training game! If you really want to understand how training your body works for outdoor climbing, hiking, and mountaineering, this is one of the most extensive books I've read on the subject. It comes with training plans, and you can even buy an additional logbook to go with it.
36. SKRATCH LABS FEED ZONE PORTABLES COOKBOOK
Unless I am backpacking for a long time, I like to make a lot of our own food to pack on trips. Sometimes it’s hard to come up with easy and portable meals to make, but this book has some great options! Definitely recommended for any athlete.
37. WILD
Cheryl Strayed is an incredible writer. In her book Wild, she takes you along on her incredible journey of thru-hiking the Pacific Coast Trail – and what led her there. I definitely recommend the read.
38. A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO THE WILD
This book goes into the ins and outs of outdoor wilderness skills and techniques for women who love to adventure. Camping, hiking, backpacking… this book has it all! This makes one of those great “hiking gifts for her” ideas.
39. NATURE SWAGGER
This book by Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp celebrates Black joy in the outdoors – it’s full of awesome pictures, inspiring stories, and Black history. It would make a fantastic gift for anyone who loves getting outside and hitting the trails!
40. THE LAST SEASON
This was a fan favorite in my Dream of the Alpine book club. The story talks about the life of the National Park Service’s park ranger, Randy Morgenson, who disappeared in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range during his service as a ranger. A must-read for any adventurer! It’s a really great story!
41. DEAD MOUNTAIN
Dead Mountain is another one of those books you’ll have a hard time putting down. It dives deep into the mysterious deaths of 9 young Russian mountaineers on Dyatlov Pass.
The story is eerie and will keep you wondering what might have happened until the end of the book. A great read, as well as an interesting education about unexpected mountain dangers!
42. WOMEN WHO HIKE
This awesome book is a compilation of profiles of, well, women who hike! Each woman also shares her favorite hikes to add to your hiking bucket list. The featured women come from a variety of backgrounds, and it’s really interesting to read about the journeys that led each of them to hit the trail.
>> BONUS GIFT IDEA: A WATERPROOF KINDLE PAPERWHITE <<
The Kindle Paperwhite – now waterproof with 2x the storage space – is another GREAT gift for hikers and backpackers that love to read. When Michael and I went backpacking on the John Muir Trail, we made sure to bring our Kindles with us so that we could read at camp at night without having to carry a ton of books with us. I used my Kindle every night!
Best Unique Gifts for Hikers
43. DRAWN TO HIGH PLACES STICKERS
I love Nikki Frumkin's watercolors! I follow her on Instagram (@drawntohighplaces) and have fallen in love with her style of painting. It's gotten me interested in learning how to watercolor myself. I even bought a few supplies, but I’m still working on my skills (ha!). Drawn to High Places stickers would make a great gift for any hiker to put on their water bottles or other gear.
For even more gift ideas from outdoor artists click here.
44. STANLEY STAINLESS STEEL SHOTS & FLASK GIFT SET
I love Stanley products. We use our flask a lot when we want to relax outdoors after a long day. I even wrote a post on 3 Warm Winter Boozy Drinks that you can make on your next outdoor adventure, which would make an awesome little print off to include with this gift.
45. WISE OWL OUTFITTERS HAMMOCK
Hammocks are the new tents these days, and a lot of adventurers enjoy having a good hammock in their hiking arsenal. We like to keep one in the van in case we want to hook it up on some trees when we are car camping for some nice reading vibes, but I also have a lot of friends (like our social media coordinator Kellie!) who like to bring them as their primary shelter for hiking and backpacking.
46. ANKER POWERCORE PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER
We are using our phones more and more as hikers these days. We use them to take photos and sometimes as a GPS, so it’s wise to always carry around a good portable phone charger. This would make a nice gift for any hiker, and it really is useful outside of hiking as well (travel, camping, climbing, you name it).
47. IPHONE CAMERA LENS KIT
I mentioned this above, but iPhones are super popular on the trail for taking photos. This would make a fun gift or stocking stuffer for any hiker who wants to up their iPhone photography game!
And if you have a friend who likes to take photos with an actual camera, check out our gift guide for outdoor photographers!
48. JOBY GORILLAPOD MOBILE MINI
I use a little phone tripod all the time, and it’s great for hiking and backpacking. It has foldable legs so it can adapt to a variety of surfaces or even wrap around a tree or hiking pole. It’s been really handy for me, so I’m guessing your hiking friends might love it, too!
49. PLATYPUS PLATYPRESERVE WINE PRESERVATION SYSTEM
Um. Wine reserve? Yes, please! It’s perfect for those romantic hikes where you want to take a special someone to the top of a beautiful summit to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset.
I can’t say I do this all the time, but when we have a more chill hiking day and just want to enjoy the moment and the beauty in life, we like to sip some wine or beer with the epic views.
50. ARTSY BUFF BY RACHEL POHL
Good for both protection from the sun and protection from the cold, you can’t go wrong with giving your best hiker friend a buff. This piece of gear might not seem like a whole lot, but it is crucial on sunny days when you want to protect your skin (these are UPF 50+ rated) and on frigid hikes when you want to keep your face warm.
Artist Rachel Pohl has put and unique and beautiful spin on the buff so you can conquer the mountains, desert, and anywhere in between in style.
Use code SHEDREAMS10 at checkout to get 10% off your order!
51. A WOMAN’S PLACE IS IN THE WILD PLAYING CARDS
A pack of playing cards is always handy for a hiker to kill time in a tent or at home when the weather doesn’t cooperate. The “A Woman’s Place is in the Wild” card deck is extra special, because the cards are illustrated with portraits of amazing female outdoor athletes including hikers like the iconic Grandma Gatewood. Any female hiker – and lots of hikers of all genders – would love to get this deck to get inspired by some serious badass outdoor women!
52. PATAGONIA ULTRALIGHT BLACK HOLE MINI HIP PACK
Hiking packs might be the go-to pack when hitting the trail, but hip packs, or as I like to call them, fanny packs, are making a comeback when it comes to the outdoors.
For the short trails where all you need are your valuables and essentials, this fanny pack is perfect. It’s lightweight and barely noticeable while you get your quick hike in before or after work.
53. ANNUAL NATIONAL PARKS PASS
Last but definitely not least, a US National Parks Pass would be a REALLY AWESOME gift. The passes cost about $80, but they give you access to all sites managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation for a whole year.
It’s worth the price if you or the hiker you’re shopping for does a lot of outdoor hiking and exploring in these areas. Otherwise, entrance fees run about $20-$30 per visit, so after 3 or 4 visits, the pass has paid for itself. We buy one every year!
I hope this gift guide has sparked some ideas for your hiking friends and family members (or maybe yourself)! If you have any questions or want any other suggestions, reach out to me in the comments below, and be sure to check out some of our other gear resources!
Other Gear and Outdoor Gift Guide Resources
Cheers,
Allison- She Dreams of Alpine
Did you enjoy this post about the best gift for hikers? If so, pease take a moment to share it on Pinterest or other social media!
How to Clean a Camelbak - 3 Quick & Easy Methods! | Cleaning your Camelbak (or cleaning any hydration bladder) is really very simple. In this quick tutorial, I will show you 3 super simple methods for keeping your hydration pack clean and mold free! | shedreamsofalpine.com