Gifts For Hikers – 15 Awesome Gift Ideas For Hikers

Updated: April 13, 2023
gifts for hikers

Hikers are a unique breed. We spend hours out in the mountains and are excited by the prospect of walking miles on end with only the pack on our backs. If you are not a trekker yourself, buying gifts for hikers could be challenging. 

Luckily, there are a heap of product out there designed especially to keep hikers happy. These type of presents show the people you care about that you take interest in their lives and hobbies. 

In this article, I go through 15 of the best gifts for hikers. Picking out the perfect gift is about to become super easy!

15 Greatest Gifts For Hikers

This is a list of 15 really good gift ideas for people who like to hike. Most of the things here are will delight the recipient and are practical enough to get used often. Right at the end, I've included a few more pricey gifts if you are looking to treat someone extra special.

Wearable Gift Ideas For Hikers

1. Venture Pal 35L Daypack

Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Travel Camping Hiking Outdoor Sports Backpack Daypack

This is a great quality backpack. It is small enough to work for day hikes but still has plenty of space for snacks, extra clothes, and water.

The material is durable and also water resistant which makes Venture Pal great for all trails. The back and straps are well-padded and have mesh inserts. It sits comfortably on the shoulders and allows some airflow.

This is one of the best gifts for a day hiker. It is also suitable for more serious trekkers and travellers who need a smaller bag for day trips.

2. OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves

OZERO Bike Gloves for Men, Winter Warm Touch Glove for Texting with Non-Slip Silicone Gel - Thermal Windproof and Waterproof for Running, Cycling, Driving - Black (Medium)

Every hiker need a warm pair of gloves. These ones from OZERO are wind and water-resistant. They are not too thick or bulky, ideal for hiking in the fall or on mountainsides with icy gusts of wind.

They are made of material similar to a wetsuit. The fingers have tiny grips so that you can still use your touch screen without taking the gloves off.

These are great for a friend or family member that enjoys hiking in cooler weather. They come in different sizes so take a look at the size chart before buying.

3. Buff 

BUFF Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter, UPF 50 Sun Protection, Breathable, Versatile, Quick Dry Face Mask, Black, Adult Size

The original stretchy and versatile ‘headscarf’ with a bunch of different ways to wear it. Although there are a lot of similar products on the market, Buff products are arguably the best quality.

Buffs come in a whole range of colors and designs. Classic black remains a favorite. This ‘scarf’ is made of recycled material and can be used to keep your neck and face warm, pull back hair or cover your mouth to keep dust out. It is an essential piece of gear and the perfect gift for hikers and adventurers.

4. Siftwick Vision Six Impression Hiking Socks (National Parks Edition)

Swiftwick - VISION SIX Impression, Parks Edition, Running and Cycling Socks (Arches, Small)

Even though Socks may seem like a cliche gift, I don’t know any hiker who wouldn’t appreciate a few extra pairs. Swiftwicks National Parks edition socks are particularly fun hiking gifts.

These socks come in different funky designs representing the USAs most famous parks. Much cooler than plain old grey wool socks!

The material is moisture wicking to keep feet dry. They also have good support and no seam on the toe. This is important as it reduces friction that could cause blisters. These are great for someone who hikes in trail running shoes and needs thinner socks.

5. PTEROMY Hooded Rain Poncho

PTEROMY Hooded Rain Poncho for Adult with Pocket, Waterproof Lightweight Unisex Raincoat for Hiking Camping Emergency (Black)

When it comes to essential trekking gear, a rain poncho never goes out of style. In a tight spot, hikers usually buy cheap, plastic ponchos. It’s always a whole lot nicer to have your own. A rain poncho is perfect if you are looking for an inexpensive, small gift for hikers.

I like this one from PTEROMY because it has good length and folds up into a small bag.  It's easily be stored in the side pocket of a backpack. Something I really love about the design of this poncho is the Velcro pocket on the front.

This makes for an affordable going-away present for a backpacker or as part of a bundle gift with one or two other gadgets.

Cool Gifts For Hikers To Stay Hydrated

6. IRON FLASK Sports Water Bottle $25

IRON °FLASK Camping & Hiking Hydration Flask, Wide Mouth, 3 Spout Lids, Stainless Steel Outdoor Water Bottle, Double Walled, Insulated Thermos, Metal Canteen - Twilight Blue, 22 Oz

This stainless steel flask is insulated, leakproof and double-walled. It  keeps water ice cold for a full day’s hiking. It can also keep your coffee hot for up to 12 hours!

Something that makes the Iron flask unique is that it comes with three different lids. Whoever you gift the bottle to will have options and also spares.

The flask is available in different sizes. As a gift for a hiker, I’d recommend buying at least the 22oz. It also comes in a huge range of colors including very pretty ombre tones.

7. CamelBak Crux 2-Liter Water Reservoir

CamelBak Crux 2-Liter Water Reservoir - Hydration Bladder - Faster Water Flow Rate - Leak-Proof Water Bladder - Ergonomic Shape - Big Bite Valve - BPA-Free - 70oz, Blue

A hydration bladder is one of the best gifts for a hiker that does a lot of day hikes or multi-day treks. The pouch with a drinking tube makes it very convenient to rehydrate without having to stop and take out a water bottle. CamelBak is an excellent brand as their products last for years and don’t leak.

You could buy the whole CamelBak backpack set but most hikers will prefer to put the loose bladder into a bigger bag where they have more space for snacks and extra clothes.

8. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness, 1 Pack, Blue

This is a great thing to have while trekking in areas where you cant fill up with clean water. The LifeStraw is essentially a straw-shaped filter. It can also be attached to disposable plastic bottles. Each straw filter cleans up to 4000l of water.

This is an ideal gift for the hiker that travels a lot. LifeStraw will ensure they have safe and clean drinking water wherever they go.

Another great thing about this product is that LifeStraw is very socially responsible as a company. Part of the sales go towards programs to supply clean drinking water for disadvantaged communities

Gear And Gadgets -Great Gifts For Day Hikers and Multi-Day Trekkers

9. Earth-Pak Dry Bag

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag - Roll Top Waterproof Backpack Sack Keeps Gear Dry for Kayak with Waterproof Phone Case

Dry bags are one of the best gifts for hikers. They keep your gear safe and dry  on the trail. Earth-Pak bags come in different sizes from 10l -55l. Smaller bags are usually better for hikers as they can fit into another backpack.

When you roll and clip and the top, the bag becomes completely waterproof. It will keep  cards, money, and electronics dry. Even in the pouring rain or if the bag falls into a stream.

10. Solar Power Bank

Power Bank Solar Charger,42800mAh Portable Charger,Solar Power Bank,External Battery Pack 5V3.1A Qc 3.0 Fast Charger Built-in Super Bright Flashlight (Light Black)

Hikers need to keep their phones charged for photos or for in case of emergencies. This power bank is convenient because you can recharge with sunshine.

It is a great gift for thru-hikers who may not have access to electricity. It’s also a good gift idea for casual hikers as they can use it in other aspects of their life.

This little device is tough enough to survive trekking adventures. It holds enough power to recharge phones multiple times before needing a recharge itself.

11. The Fit Life Nordic Walking Trekking Poles

TheFitLife Nordic Walking Mountaineering Anti Shock Hiking Trekking Walking Trail Poles, 2-Pack, Folding Collapsible Alpenstocks, Ultralight for Travel Mountaineering

Trekking poles can be extremely useful to someone who struggles with knee issues when hiking. They are also a huge help in mountainous terrain where the pathways are  rocky and steep. Fit Life Trekking poles come with different foot attachments to use on different surfaces.

These trekking poles are made of lightweight aluminum and telescope down to be easily packed in a backpack. They are height adjustable so they are a good gift for hikers of all ages and sizes.

12. Rainleaf Microfibre Towel

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For hikers that take on multi-day treks, a full sized towel is too heavy and bulk. A great gift for your hiking friend is a quick-dry, space-saving travel towel.

This No products found. is soft to the touch. There are different sizes available and they come in a variety of bright and cheerfull colors. It’s a nice idea to buy a large and a small-sized towel as a gift set for hikers.

Something Special - The Ultimate Hiking Gifts

13. Bisinna Two-Person Camping Tent

BISINNA 2/4 Person Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking Tent Waterproof Windproof Two Doors Easy Setup Double Layer Outdoor Tents for Family Camping Hunting Hiking Mountaineering Travel

The ultimate gift for a thru-hiker is a good-quality trekking tent. This Tent by Bisinna only weighs 2.15kg (4.72 lbs) and sets up quickly and easily. It is a super little tent for someone who enjoys multi-day hikes.

The tent is technically a two-man but it will be a squish. For its price, this tent is great quality! The waterproofing holds up well and it will be well loved by any backpacker.

14. Petzl ACTIK CORE Rechargeable Headlamp

Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp - Rechargeable, Compact 450 Lumen Light With Red Lighting for Hiking, Climbing, and Camping - Orange

Whether they are camping out in the rocky mountains or trekking up the stairs to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn, you need to see where you are going! 

The red light setting is great for hiking as it prevents blinding other people in the group. This light is rechargeable but also works with AAA batteries.

Although there are definitely cheaper headlamps out there, Petzl is fantastic quality. It is worth paying extra as a special gift for a hiker.

15. Costa Del Mar Sunglasses

Costa Del Mar Men's Blackfin 580p Round Sunglasses

Want to splurge a bit on a Christmas or birthday gift for a hiker in your like? A quality pair of sunglasses will do the trick.

We love Costa del Mar (see mens and womens) as they have ultra clear vision and great UV Blockage. They make great gifts for desert hikers.

The frames are also durable enough to survive falling off your head (inevitable while hiking!). They come with a hard protective case and are available in a variety of colors.

More Gift Ideas:

About the author 

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison used to work as a guide for a 5-star safari reserve in South Africa. Today she is a full time traveller and editor for Mountain IQ. She has travelled and hiked extensively in South America, including many solo hikes in Patagonia, the Cusco region of Peru, Ecuador and Chile.

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