Gifts for Hikers They'll Pack on Every Trail
- 20 gift ideas
- From under $10 to $100 and up
- 8 niche picks
Good gifts for hikers are the things they pack every trip: carbon trekking poles, merino hiking socks, a rechargeable headlamp, a squeeze water filter or microspikes for icy trails. These 20 gifts for hikers cover day hikers, safety gear, backpackers, winter hiking and trail treats.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Carbon trekking poles Takes strain off the knees on steep descents. Idea 1
- Best stocking stuffer: Merino hiking socks Every hiker wears out socks, and they fit in a stocking. Idea 2
- Best splurge: A satellite messenger Peace of mind for solo hikers and the people waiting at home. Idea 9
- Best for backpackers: A squeeze water filter A lighter way to carry water on long backpacking trips. Idea 12
- Best for winter: Traction for icy trails Grip on packed snow and ice for winter hikers. Idea 17
The best hiking gifts are ones that go into the pack and come out on the trail: gear that lightens the load, keeps feet and hands comfortable, or helps in an emergency. Ask what they carry now and what they have been wishing for.
We sorted these ideas by the kind of hiker: day hikers, safety gear, backpackers and winter hikers, with a few trail treats at the end. If you are shopping for a hiker who is also a dad, see Gifts for Dad for more ideas.
Ideas 1 to 7
Gifts for day hikers
Gear for a long day out: comfort, water and a seat at lunch.
1. Carbon trekking poles
Trekking poles take strain off the knees on long descents and add balance on creek crossings, which suits a hiker with steep local trails or a trip with heavy packs. Carbon keeps the pair light, and quick-adjust locks let them change length on a climb. Check the collapsed length if the poles will ride in a pack.
Tip: Ask about their height, and whether they prefer cork or foam grips.
2. Merino hiking socks
Merino hiking socks cushion the foot, wick moisture and stay fresher over a long day, which suits every hiker who has dealt with blisters or soggy socks. Darn Tough is known among hikers for socks that last for years. Midweight is a good all-around choice, and a pair or two fits easily in a stocking.
Tip: This listing is in men's sizing; check the fit chart for the person's shoe size.
3. A hydration reservoir
A 3-liter bladder with a hose lets a hiker sip while walking instead of stopping to dig out a bottle, which suits someone who forgets to drink on the trail. A wide zip opening makes it easier to fill and clean, and a taste-free design is a plus for plain water. Most daypacks have a sleeve for a reservoir.
Tip: Check that the hose and bite valve fit their pack's sleeve before you buy.
4. A foam sit pad
A foam sit pad keeps a hiker dry and warm on cold rocks and logs at lunch, which suits a hiker who loves a long stop at the top. It weighs almost nothing and folds flat, so it rides on the outside of a pack. It is a small comfort that a hiker may not buy for themselves.
Tip: Clip it to the outside of the pack so it is ready at lunch.
5. A 22-liter daypack
A 22-liter daypack is sized for a day's layers, water and lunch, and a light one suits a day hiker with an old school backpack that hangs poorly. Fit is the key, so check torso length and hip belt size or let the hiker try it first. This listing is the men's pack, and a women's version is sold separately.
Tip: Fit matters: check the torso length, or choose the women's or men's version that suits.
6. A wide-mouth water bottle
A wide-mouth bottle is nearly indestructible, easy to fill from a stream and easy to clean, which suits every hiker who carries water. It also doubles as a hot-water bottle in a sleeping bag on a cold night. At 32 ounces it holds enough for a short hike, and it is a straightforward gift to pair with a filter.
Tip: Add a sticker or a name to personalize it.
7. A UV neck gaiter
A neck gaiter works as sun cover, a sweatband or a face cover in wind, which suits a hiker who spends long days above the tree line or on exposed ridges. This one is rated UPF 50 and made in an adult size. It rolls up small, so a hiker can keep it in a pocket and pull it on when the weather turns.
Tip: Choose a color or pattern they will wear on every hike.
Ideas 8 to 11
Safety and navigation gifts
Light, signal, first aid and navigation for hikers who go far or late.
8. A rechargeable headlamp
A headlamp matters when a hike runs late, and a rechargeable one is always ready for the next start. It suits a hiker who starts before sunrise or finishes after dark, since it leaves both hands free. Dimmable settings make it usable for reading in a tent as well as lighting the trail. Check the charging cable too.
Tip: Add a set of spare batteries if it is not rechargeable.
9. A satellite messenger
Out of cell range, a satellite messenger can send texts and an SOS from the trail, which suits a solo hiker and gives the people at home some peace of mind. It is a splurge, so it fits a hiker who goes into remote areas. Service runs on a paid plan, so check that the recipient is happy to subscribe first.
Tip: Check which paid service plan it needs before you give it.
10. A compact first-aid kit
A waterproof, ultralight kit covers scrapes and blisters on the trail, which suits a hiker who carries the group kit or leads friends on weekends. It is small enough for a daypack. Check that what is inside matches the hiker's trips, and add personal items they use. It is a low-cost safety item for a stocking.
Tip: Check it before a trip and replace anything used.
11. A mirror sighting compass
A real compass works when phones die, and a sighting mirror gives accurate bearings, which suits a hiker learning navigation or heading into backcountry. Give it with a local map, since a compass is only useful with one, and a basic orienteering book if they are new.
Tip: Pair it with a local topographic map and a short navigation course.
Ideas 12 to 16
Gifts for backpackers
For overnight trips: water, a hot drink, a good night's sleep and Leave No Trace.
12. A squeeze water filter
A squeeze filter lets a backpacker refill from streams instead of carrying all their water, which cuts weight on long days. It suits a backpacker or long-day hiker who plans trips around water sources. The system includes pouches and a straw, so it is ready to use. Remind them to read the care instructions, especially in freezing weather.
Tip: Check that the water source on their usual trails needs filtering.
13. A fast-boil stove for summit coffee
A fast-boil stove brings water to a boil in minutes for coffee or a hot meal at the top, which suits a hiker who loves a summit coffee or a quick dehydrated dinner. It packs compactly, so it works for backpacking and camping alike. Fuel is sold separately, and canisters need care when you pack them.
Tip: Fuel is sold separately, so add a canister to the gift.
14. An inflatable camp pillow
A packable pillow is an easy upgrade for sleeping in a tent, which suits a backpacker who has been stuffing clothes into a stuff sack. The inflatable style packs small and adds little weight. A large size gives a side sleeper more room. It is a small gift for someone who already owns a tent and pad.
Tip: Ask whether they sleep on their back or side; large suits most.
15. A backcountry trowel
Leave No Trace guidelines call for digging a cathole when there is no toilet, and a light aluminum trowel weighs almost nothing in a pack. It suits a backpacker who follows those principles and wants the right tool. A longer handle makes digging easier. A practical, low-cost gift that a backpacker will carry on every overnight.
Tip: Add a small bag for packing out used paper, as Leave No Trace advises.
16. A bear canister
Some parks require bear-resistant food storage on overnight trips, and a canister keeps food safe from wildlife. It suits a backpacker who camps in bear country. Clear canisters let the hiker see what is inside without unpacking. It comes in several sizes, so check which one the hiker needs and what the park rules require.
Tip: Check the park rules and which size suits their trips before choosing.
Ideas 17 to 18
Winter hiking gifts
Traction and warmth for hikers who keep going in cold months.
17. Traction for icy trails
Slip-on traction grips packed snow and ice, which keeps winter trails open for a hiker who keeps going when the temperature drops. It suits a hiker with local trails that freeze over in winter. It fits over hiking boots, then comes off when the trail clears. Sizing depends on shoe size, so ask before you order.
Tip: Ask their shoe size, since traction is sized by shoe.
18. A box of hand warmers
A bulk box of air-activated hand warmers gets a winter hiker through cold trailhead starts, and the box lasts the season. They suit a hiker who is out in winter and wants a pocket warmer ready. They are easy to share with hiking partners. Store them sealed until needed and follow the printed directions.
Tip: Keep a few spare pairs in the car for cold trailhead starts.
Ideas 19 to 20
Trail treats and reads
19. A Walk in the Woods
Bill Bryson's funny account of hiking the Appalachian Trail is the classic trail read, which suits a hiker who likes a book at camp or on the couch before a trip. It is light-hearted, so it works for people who have never done a long-distance hike as well as those who dream of one. It is inexpensive and easy to wrap.
Tip: A good tent or couch read, and an easy add-on to any hiking gift.
20. A freeze-dried trail meal
A freeze-dried meal needs only boiling water, which makes it a handy stocking stuffer for a backpacker who wants a hot dinner without cooking. It suits someone who plans overnights and wants a lightweight meal on the trail. The listing says gluten-free, but check the box for any ingredient or allergy concerns, and pack a spoon.
Tip: Check for allergies or dietary needs before you choose a flavor.
Frequently asked questions
What are good gifts for hikers who have everything?
Look for specialist gear a hiker may not have bought: microspikes for icy trails, a squeeze water filter, a mirror sighting compass or a satellite messenger. A consumable such as freeze-dried meals or hand warmers is also welcome. Ask a hiking partner what is worn out or missing.
What are good Christmas gifts for hikers?
Merino socks, hand warmers and a headlamp are easy stocking gifts, while trekking poles, microspikes or a daypack suit the main gift. Winter is a good time for traction and warmth, and many hikers like a trail book such as A Walk in the Woods for time off the trail.
What are good gifts for backpackers?
Think weight and water: a squeeze water filter, a fast-boil stove, an inflatable camp pillow, a lightweight trowel and a bear canister where required. A freeze-dried meal is a small extra. Check the park rules before you buy a canister, and add fuel for a stove.
What are good gifts for beginner hikers?
Start with comfort and safety: merino hiking socks, a wide-mouth water bottle, a first-aid kit and a headlamp. A daypack that fits well is a bigger gift. Add trail snacks or a local trail guide, and keep gear light for early hikes.
What is a good splurge gift for a hiker?
A satellite messenger gives a solo hiker a way to send texts and an SOS beyond cell range, though it needs a paid service plan. A lightweight daypack or a fast-boil stove are other bigger gifts. Check what the hiker already owns and their size before choosing.
What are good stocking stuffers for hikers?
Small things hikers use up or lose: merino socks, a box of hand warmers, a freeze-dried trail meal, a neck gaiter or a backcountry trowel. A first-aid kit also tucks neatly into a stocking, and a trail book fits in a larger one.
