Do you have a hiker in your life? Are you at a total loss for what to get them for the upcoming holiday season or a birthday? Well, worry no more. I’m here to share the best hiking gifts of 2023 with you.
This list of 55 epic gifts for hikers is organized by type of gift to help you find what you’re looking for. I’ve even included a few suggestions for the hiker that seemingly has it all.
So let’s dive into the gift guide and find the perfect gift for every hiker in your life!
Are you looking for more ideas for those who love exploring the great outdoors? Check out these posts!
- 55 Best Gifts for National Park Lovers
- 7 Best National Park Scratch-Off Maps
- 25 Best National Park Books and Guides
This post may contain affiliate links, where I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more in this disclosure policy.
Overall Best Gifts for Hiking Lovers
1. REI Gift Card
If you’re still unsure what to get your favorite hiker, consider opting for an REI gift card instead! REI is the largest outdoor retailer in the United States. You can give a gift card in any amount from $10 up to $1,000, making an REI gift card the perfect hiking gift for any budget.
Shop for an REI Gift Card.
2. America the Beautiful National Park Pass
Giving the gift of visiting national parks is one of the best things you can do for a hiker. The America the Beautiful pass grants access to all 63 national parks and hundreds of national monuments, historic sites, and recreation sites. Best of all, it is only $80 and is valid for a full 12 months!
Best Hiking Gear Gift Ideas
3. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are the key to conquering long hikes, especially with lots of elevation gain, by reducing impact. The Black Diamond Trail Pro poles are made from aluminum, an incredibly lightweight material. In addition, the foam grip and nylon handle strap make these hiking poles comfortable.
4. Osprey Daypack Hiking Backpack
The best investment for new hikers is quality hiking. Proper hiking backpacks have breathable frames, hip belts, and shoulder straps that lighten your back and shoulders load. The Osprey Tempest 20 for women or the Osprey Talon 22 for men have plenty of room to store extra layers, favorite gear, and water with a dedicated water reservoir pouch.
Shop the Osprey Tempest for women or the Osprey Talon for men.
5. Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
When it comes to hiking, a headlamp is absolutely essential. A headlamp provides better light than a flashlight and keeps your hands free while hiking. The water-resistant Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is an award-winning option. It can run on either standard or rechargeable batteries and emits 400 lumens of light. It also includes a red light function for night vision, plus strobing and dimming modes.
Shop the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp.
Best Hiking Gift Ideas Under $25
6. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
While socks may not seem exciting, merino wool socks are the perfect gift for day hikers! Quick-drying socks keep feet warm, dry, and blister-free. The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks are the best hiking socks. The padded cushion provides superior comfort, and the unique blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex offers a perfect fit.
Shop Darn Tough socks for women or Darn Tough socks for men.
7. Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
A compact portable charger is a perfect gift for the tech-savvy hiker who always brings a phone or camera along. Anker consistently makes the most reliable portable battery bank on the market. In addition, the Anker PowerCore 1000 is compact and can charge phones from 0% to 100% twice! This power bank is perfect for long-distance hikers and long-term travelers alike.
Shop the Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger.
8. LifeStraw Peak Water Filter Straw
One of the must-have ten essentials for hiking is a water filtration system that allows you to filter water to make it drinkable in the wilderness. It is a must if a hiker gets stranded on the trail or runs out of water. One of the most compact water filtration systems is the LifeStraw Water Filter. This straw filters out 99.99999% of particles and bacteria for you! This inexpensive but potentially lifesaving unique gift easily tucks away in your favorite hiker’s backpack.
Shop the LifeStraw Peak Water Filter Straw.
9. Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle
A lightweight water bottle is an essential item for hikers. Instead of heavy, stainless steel bottles, hikers should opt for a light, reusable plastic option like the Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle. This bottle is made with 50% recycled plastic and can hold 32 ounces of water. It’s dishwasher safe, easy to clean, and eco-friendly too.
Shop the Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle.
10. YETI Rambler Mug with MagSlider Lid
Every hiker needs a quality insulated mug, perfect for drinking coffee on the way to an early morning hike. YETI makes the best tumblers, mugs, and coolers out there. My YETI mug keeps coffee hot for at least 4-6 hours. In addition, the stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean with a quick water rinse, perfect for an outdoor enthusiast!
11. Rawlogy Travel Massage Balls
After a long day of hiking, the best way to relax is with an at-home massage to release muscle tension and roll out tight spots and knots. The Rawlogy Ultralight Cork Massage Balls are the perfect solution. These eco-friendly cork massage balls come in a pack of two and are water-resistant and easy to clean, perfect for the outdoor lover.
12. Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
A lightweight dry bag is perfectly designed to protect all contents from rain or water sources like rivers or lakes. The Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack is the best budget-friendly option for those looking to safeguard pricey gear, like cameras, while hiking. The durable, compact bag can easily fit into the tight corners of a hiking pack, kayak, or canoe.
Best Clothing Gift Ideas for Hikers
13. Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Pullover
Fleece pullovers are the perfect layer for hiking in the morning and evening. There’s no better fleece than the Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter-Zip. It’s durable enough for hiking and nice enough for everyday use. The pullover provides unmatched warmth while fitting easily into hiking backpacks and over lightweight base layers.
Shop the Patagonia Better Sweater for women or the Patagonia Better Sweater for men.
14. REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket
A durable, waterproof rain jacket is one of the best investments a hiker can make. REI has its own line of rain jackets, complete with waterproof Gore-Tex technology. At the price point, there’s no better pick than the REI XeroDry Rain Jacket. It also comes with core ventilation zips, perfect for hiking in rainy conditions.
Shop the REI XeroDry Rain Jacket for women or the REI XeroDry Rain Jacket for men.
15. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
When it comes to warmth, there’s nothing better than a down jacket. The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is the perfect option. It features a lightweight, durable synthetic down fill made from 100% recycled materials. In addition, the shell is ripstop polyester, making it windproof and water-resistant.
Shop the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket for women or the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket for men.
16. Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are the best investment for avid hikers. They must be comfortable yet sturdy and keep your feet dry in all weather conditions. My favorite hiking boots are the Columbia Newton Ridge Boots. The Columbia Newton Ridge Boots are waterproof, come in several different designs and styles, and hold up incredibly well. Plus, you can’t beat this quality at this budget-friendly price.
Shop the Columbia Newton Ridge Boots for women or the Columbia Newton Ridge Boots for men.
17. Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
For short day hikes or a quick post-hike outing, a compact, lightweight hip pack is the perfect alternative to hauling a heavy backpack. The Patagonia Black Hole Hip Pack is a great hiker-friendly fanny pack. It’s filled with deep pockets, allowing you to store all the essentials for a hike. In addition, the bag is made from 100% recycled and water-repellent ripstop nylon, making this tiny pouch eco-friendly yet durable.
18. Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long-Sleeve Top
A lightweight, moisture-wicking layer keeps you warm yet dry in all hiking conditions. The Smartwool Base Layers are some of the best, made from fast-drying yet breathable merino wool. The all-season merino base layer top is soft and comfortable but versatile enough to wear year-round.
Shop Smartwool Base Layers for women or Smartwool Base Layers for men.
Best Safety & Hiking Accessories Hiking Gifts
19. SOL Emergency Blanket
This lightweight emergency hiking gear is one of the ten essentials. The emergency blanket. The SOL Emergency Blanket often called a bivvy, is a lightweight sleeping bag substitute that can keep you warm overnight. It reflects 90% of a hiker’s body heat and is smaller than a can of soda (and much, much lighter).
Shop the SOL Emergency Bivvy with Rescue Whistle and Tinder Cord.
20. Adventure Medical First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is crucial to a hiker’s safety. It may not be the most flashy gift, but a fully stocked first aid kit is excellent, particularly for those newer to hiking. The first aid kits from Adventure Medical Kits are perfectly tailored to hikers. They include a book on performing field first aid. Plus, this kit is super lightweight and fits perfectly in the bottom of a hiking backpack.
Shop the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit.
21. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communication Device
If you worry about your loved one getting lost or stranded on a hike, a GPS device is one of the most valuable gifts. The Garmin Inreach Mini allows you to send and receive messages and navigate using detailed trail maps. In addition, the Inreach Mini can send an SOS message with a GPS location to search and rescue teams in emergency situations.
Shop the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
22. Katadyn BeFree 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle
One of the keys to hiking is always carrying a backup water source. The Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle is lightweight and compact. It features a custom-designed filter cap to eliminate bacteria and toxins from wilderness water sources like rivers or lakes. For the frequent hiker, this easy-to-use water bottle could be a lifesaver!
Shop the Katadyn BeFree Filter Water Bottle.
23. Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
For the hiker that likes to explore year-round but lives in a place with frequent ice or snow, microspikes are a must! These little spikes fit over regular hiking boots and provide extra traction on slippery or snowy hiking trails. The Kahtoola MICROSpikes Traction System is the best, made from high-quality, easy-to-use materials. Plus, they fold up into a small storage bag.
Shop the Kahtoola MICROSpikes Traction System.
24. MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes
For more snowy conditions when microspikes just won’t cut it, snowshoes are an essential item for getting outdoors. MSR makes some of the best camping and hiking gear, and their snowshoes are no exception. The MSR Evo Snowshoes are incredibly easy to use. Simply strap the snowshoes to your regular hiking boots and walk.
Shop the MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes.
Best Luxury Gift Ideas for a Hiker
25. AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
Few things in life are peaceful as coffee with a view. The AeroPress Go is the lightweight cousin of the best-selling original AeroPress. It packs up small to fit in a day hiking backpack. It even comes with hundreds of tiny filters. All you need is water and coffee grounds!
Shop the AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press.
26. Nikon Monarch M5 10 x 42 Binoculars
A pair of compact binoculars is a great gift for the hiker that loves wildlife and bird watching. The Nikon Monarch M5 10 x 42 Binoculars have a rubber, waterproof exterior and fog-proof lenses. The M5 magnifies up to 10x, and the broad field of view is perfect for spotting wildlife. While a bit pricy, these binoculars are a thoughtful gift nature lovers can use for years to come.
Shop the Nikon Monarch M5 10 x 42 Binoculars.
27. ENO DoubleNest Hammock
A hammock is one of the best ways to relax before, during, or after a hike. The ENO DoubleNest is perfect for one or two people. Simply strap the tent between two trees and hop in! It easily packs into its own stuff sack and fits into a hiking backpack. The nylon material is also highly durable.
Shop the ENO DoubleNest Hammock.
Best Gift for Hikers With Dogs
28. Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack
Any hiker that brings the pup along knows how much room water, treats, and toys can take up in a hiking backpack. Perfectly made for dogs of different sizes, Ruffwear’s Front Range Dog Day Pack fits like a harness and has plenty of room for gear. In addition, the pack features optimally cut saddlebags for comfortable and efficient load carrying.
Shop the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack.
29. Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl
When hiking with a dog, hydration is essential! The best way to ensure your pet stays hydrated is to pack a collapsible water bottle that is lightweight enough to fit in a hiking bag. The Ruffwear Quencher Dog Dowl weighs less than 2 ounces. The bowl has a water-resistant shell and a waterproof, lightweight interior lining. It also has a reflective trim to make the bowl visible at night.
Shop the Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl.
30. Adventure Medical Kits ADS Trail Dog First Aid Kit
Every dog parent wants their pet safe on the trail. That’s why Adventure Medical Kits makes a first aid kit for dogs! This kit includes bandages for dogs and splinter, thorn, and tick removers. Plus, the kit comes with a guide on field first aid for pets.
Shop the Adventure Medical Kits ADS Trail Dog First Aid Kit.
Best Hiking Gifts for Photographers
31. Peak Design Capture Clip
Cameras gear can be expensive. So shouldn’t every hiker ensure they are protecting their camera on a hike? The Peak Design Capture Clip is made to hold DSLR, compact, or point-and-shoot cameras. You simply attach the clip to your backpack strap and secure your camera in the clip! Better yet, your camera is still readily accessible at a moment’s notice.
Shop the Peak Design Capture Clip V3.
32. GoPro HERO10 Waterproof Camera
GoPro has made a name for itself in photography as the go-to for outdoor adventures. The newly released GoPro Hero 10 is redesigned and better than ever. The GoPro Hero 10 takes video in 5K and 20MP photos. This is the perfect gift for hikers who love to document their journeys but don’t want to carry around a heavy camera.
Shop the GoPro HERO10 Camera.
Best Hiking Books for Gifts
33. 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles
Do you know a hiker that’s always searching for a new hike? Give them the fun gift of inspiration! The 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles series publishes hiking inspiration for metropolitan areas across the US! This book is filled with maps, trail descriptions, and even directions!
Shop the 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles book series.
34. Lonely Planet’s Epic Hikes of the World
The Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the World is the ideal coffee table book for those that love to hike! The pages are filled with epic, once-in-a-lifetime hikes across the world. With treks from Patagonia to Mount Kilimanjaro, Epic Hikes of the World from Lonely Planet is the best book for hikers with big aspirations.
35. Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite
For those that want to read on the hiking trail or while camping, the Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect gift. This e-reader can hold thousands of books. Unlike other Kindle devices, the Paperwhite is waterproof and anti-glare, making it optimal for outdoor use. Plus, it’s super lightweight at only 6 ounces!
Shop the Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon.
Best Hiking Gifts for Kids
36. Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp
Headlamps are just as important for kids as they are for adults. The Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp is virtually indestructible and very kid-friendly. It works no matter how it is put on and automatically shuts off after 2 hours. It comes in several fun colors and is sure to be both a kid-pleaser and a parent-pleaser gift.
Shop the Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp.
37. National Geographic Junior Ranger Activity Book
If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to keep kids entertaining on a national park trip, don’t miss this National Geographic Junior Ranger Activity Book. It’s filled with 160 pages of games, trivia, history, and more about the nature of the US national parks and the wildlife found there.
38. Osprey Daylite Kids Backpack
This smaller version of the Osprey Daylite Pack is made with kids in mind. It has the same functionality as the adult version: a ventilated back panel, breathable mesh exterior pockets, and a hydration pack. Plus, the fun design and different colors make any kid feel ready for an adventure in the outdoors.
Shop the Osprey Daylite Pack for Kids.
39. MSR Tyker Snowshoes
If you have a family member that loves a winter hike and is looking for a way to include the kids, don’t miss the MSR Tyker Snowshoes. This mini-version of the adult MSR snowshoes offers plenty of functionality for kids up to 90 pounds and provides excellent traction on snowy terrain.
Shop the MSR Tyker Snowshoes for Kids.
Best Useful Gifts for Backpackers
40. REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is essential for the advanced hiker who enjoys multi-day backcountry hikes. The REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag is filled with good quality 850-fill down feathers and is rated for temperatures down to 30 degrees. In addition, it’s highly durable and lightweight, making for the perfect gift for a beginner backpacker.
Shop the REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag for women or the REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag for men.
41. Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad
Another practical gift for beginner backpackers is a sleeping pad. The Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad is more comfortable than most backcountry sleeping pads. With 3 inches of insulated padding and a 4.4 R-value, this premium option is a high-end backpacking gear item at a reasonable price.
Shop the ​Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad.
42. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent
If you’re looking for a luxury gift for any backpacker, don’t miss the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL tent. This premium tent was made for a backpacking trip with ultra-light materials and is easily condensable to fit in a backpack. The tent comes in the UL2 for 2-people or UL3 for 3-people. For couples, opt for the 3-person UL3 for a bit more space.
Shop the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2-person tent or the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3-person tent.
43. Helinox Chair Zero
For the backpacker who likes to set up camp and relax, the Helinox Chair Zero is a popular gift. This compact chair only weighs one pound and is rated for up to 265 pounds. Best of all, this backpacking chair packs up to the same size as a 32-ounce water bottle. It doesn’t get more compact than that!
Shop the Helinox Chair Zero.
44. Jetboil Flash Stove
A simple, lightweight cooking system is a must for warm meals in the backcountry. The Jetboil Flash Stove is compact enough to fit in a backpack. It boils water in just over 3 minutes thanks to superior FluxRing technology. Plus, the Jetboil Flash is compatible with various accessories like the Jetboil coffee press, FluxRing cooking pot, and FluxRing frying pan.
Shop the Jetboil Flash Stove.
45. The Deuce of Spades Backcountry Trowel
Every backpacker will need to use the restroom outside. An essential part of Leave No Trace is to bury #2s. Suppose you’re looking for budget-friendly, practical gifts for a backpacker. In that case, the Deuce of Spades Backcountry Trowel is an excellent option. It’s lightweight and durable and easily fits into any backpack.
Shop the Deuce of Spades Backcountry Trowel.
Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers
46. Swiss Army Knife
Another one of the ten hiking essentials is a pocket knife or multi-tool. A multi-tool can help a hiker repair gear, perform first aid, or start a fire if stuck in the wilderness. The Swiss Army Huntsman Knife is the perfect compact multi-tool for hikers, with several blades, a bottle opener, a corkscrew, tweezers, and a saw.
Shop the Swiss Army Huntsman Knife.
47. Stasher Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bag
One of the best ways to pack snacks and sandwiches on the hiking trail is in a compact, reusable food storage bag. Stasher reusable storage bags are the perfect gift for hikers who care about the environment. They are reusable, dishwasher-safe silicone bags used for hiking, cooking, freezing, or even storing cords and cables!
48. Gear Aid Tenacious Repair Tape
Gear rips and tears. It happens regardless of the quality! That’s where Gear Aid Tenacious Repair Tape comes in. A small piece will patch rips and tears in everything from jackets to tents! I like to keep a small roll of this in my hiking backpack so that I can repair my gear on the go.
Shop the Gear Aid Tenacious Tape.
49. HydraPak Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets
The HydraPak Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets are essential for any hiker. Hiking water bottles and bladders can grow mold and bacteria if not properly cleaned after a hike. Drop one of these super-simple cleaning tablets in the reservoir with water to thoroughly clean. This is an essential gift for any hiker and pairs perfectly with a hiking hydration reservoir.
50. Nuun Electrolyte Drink Tablets
Electrolytes are one of the biggest keys to a speedy recovery after a long hike. One of the best alternatives to sugary Gatorade is Nuun’s electrolyte tablets. Each tablet is sweetened with Stevia and only has 1 gram of sugar! So for under $30, you can get your favorite hiker enough electrolytes for 40 hikes!
Shop Nuun Electrolyte Tablets.
51. CLIF BAR Variety Pack
My favorite trail snacks are CLIF Bars. They are filling, lightweight, and come in tons of flavors. Plus, they have 10 grams of protein! This CLIF Bar variety pack has some of my favorite flavors like Peanut Butter Banana and Chocolate Chip. This is the perfect gift for any hiker and makes for a great stocking stuffer.
Shop the CLIF BAR Variety Pack.
52. Kuju Coffee Single-Serve Pour Over
Kuju Coffee Single-Service Pour Over Coffee is an excellent stocking stuffer for hikers who love a good cup of coffee. Unlike most instant coffee, Kuju’s coffee is brewed via built-in filter pouches. Just add hot water! Kuju Coffee uses 100% recycled materials and donates a portion of sales to the National Park Foundation!
Shop the flavors of Kuju Coffee Single-Serve Pour Over.
53. Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm
Many hikers forget about SPF for their lips when hiking! The ultimate stocking stuffer for hikers is a high-quality lip balm with SPF. The Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Lip Balm is a gender-neutral zinc-based sunscreen lip balm made from cruelty-free ingredients and is super budget-friendly!
Shop the Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm.
List of the Best Gifts for the Hiker Who Has it All
54. Gaia GPS Annual Membership
If your favorite hiker already has everything they need, consider gifting them a subscription! The Gaia GPS Annual Membership grants hikers access to navigation data from their smartphone – no extra device required. The hike can follow trails without cell phone service and study trail elevation, all within the Gaia GPS app!
Opting for the Gaia GPS premium membership saves 50% in the first year!
55. A Hiking Trip With Them
We hikers just want to spend time with our loved ones! So the best gift you could give us is the gift of time. My favorite gifts to receive are experiences, and there’s no better way to experience the outdoors than with those you love!
Final Thoughts on Gifts for People Who Like to Hike
While there’s no shortage of excellent gifts for hikers, a few fall into my Top 5 Great Hiking Gifts.
The top gifts for hikers include:
- REI Gift Card
- America the Beautiful National Park Pass
- Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
- Darn Tough Hiker Socks
- Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
Are you looking for more of the best gift ideas for those who love exploring the great outdoors? Check out these posts!
- 55 Best Gifts for National Park Lovers
- 7 Best National Park Scratch-Off Maps
- 25 Best National Park Books and Guides
Are you planning a hike but aren’t sure what to pack? Get this free, printable hiking gear checklist. This guide covers the 30+ items you need for your next hike, from the 10 hiking essentials to the luxury items to enjoy your adventure.
Download the free hiking gear checklist here.