Ultimate Gift Guide for Hikers and Outdoor Lovers: 2024
Got a hiker in your life who's always out there chasing the next epic trail? We've rounded up the absolute best gifts for hikers that'll take their outdoor adventures to the next level – and have them thanking you with every step they take. Ready for some outdoorsy inspiration for the best gifts for hiking enthusiasts?
Practical Gifts
If you're a person who likes to give friends what they need, then this section of the guide is for you! Here are the best gifts that are necessary hiking gear for every type of hike.
Under $15
The Best Spork Ever from UCO
Do not underestimate the magic of the SPORK. Except this is more than a spork, it also has a knife sharp enough to cut through meat and a spoon big enough to enjoy your favorite soup with. I've used this spork for years, and I cannot recommend it enough.
It has a spoon, a fork, and a knife all in one, it's made out of titanium so it won't break at your first attempt to cut chicken, and it has holes that you can use as lashing points to tie to the outside of your backpack (shock cord tether included).
It's sturdy but lightweight, very versatile, and can be used in your daily life to cut out the use of plastic utensils. Get one for your hiker friend, and then get one for yourself because it's seriously that good.
Energizer Headlamp
A headlamp is one of those essential hiking gear that go on every single hiking trip, making this the perfect practical gift for the hiker friend in your life.
I suggest the Energizer brand because they're super bright, last for hours, and have a very large range of head sizes that it can fit. This one from Amazon even comes with batteries, making this the perfect gift for hikers.
Insect Repelling Bandana
Come springtime and summer, the bugs are out in full force on the hiking trail. I've been bringing this bandana with me on hikes for years, and it never disappoints. It won't repel every bug on planet Earth, but there is a noticeable difference when it's tied around your neck.
The best part about the bandana is that your hiker friend life won't need to douse themselves in bug spray, which is full of chemicals and can be irritating to the skin.
Overall, it works really well, and the color and the sweat-soaking capabilities are a great bonus, making it a great gift for hikers!
First Aid Kit
Another piece of essential gear, a first aid kit is a requirement for all types of hikes, backpacking trips and car camping trips.
I can personally say buying yourself a first aid kit is a bit annoying, because I want to spend my money on sexy gear, like hiking boots or trekking poles, not boring first aid kits. Even if they are a requirement!
What's nice about this gift in particular is that it's made out of quality materials, it has everything for basic injuries that may occur on the trail, and it's compact enough to fit inside a backpack comfortably.
This is a thoughtful gifts for an avid hiker, and you know that they'll be that much safer on the trail.
**link to what to pack blog post
Emergency Fire Starter Kit in a Tin
A fire-starting kit in a cute tin is a fun and practical gift for hikers. It’s also perfect for those moments when they need to cozy up around a campfire, cook something warm after a long day on the trail, or if there's an emergency.
The tin keeps everything safe and dry, so they can rely on it even in unpredictable weather.
Plus, it’s small enough to toss in any backpack without taking up much space, making it one of the best gifts for hikers that adds a little extra security and comfort to every outdoor adventure!
Kula AKA Pee Cloth
A Kula cloth (aka a pee cloth) is the ultimate trail essential that every hiker didn’t know they need! This reusable, antimicrobial cloth is designed for those moments when nature calls and you're far from the nearest bathroom.
It’s eco-friendly, super absorbent, and easy to clip onto a backpack without any fuss. Plus, they come in such cute designs!
For any outdoorsy girl looking to stay fresh and comfy on the trail, a Kula cloth is hands down one of the best gifts for hikers—practical, hygienic, waste free, and stylish.
Under $25
Smartwool Hiking Socks
Every hiker needs a few pairs of high-quality, merino wool hiking socks that they can rely on year after year, and Smartwool checks all those boxes. I only hike in Smartwool socks, and that's because they are comfortable, durable, and high quality that I have no problem paying $25 for a pair of socks.
What's unique about Smartwool socks is that they have extra cushion on the sole of your foot so that some of the shocks of walking on rocks are absorbed, and they have a nice tall ankle so that hiking boots don't rub against your shins or ankles.
And since looks do matter, I also love that they offer different colorways, so that it can match whatever color scheme you have going on. Whether these are stocking stuffers or the star of the show, they're guaranteed to make someone smile.
More of what to pack in this blog post:
Packable Waterproof Blanket
Every hiker, camper, and outdoor enthusiast NEEDS this blanket! Made from down alternative it's super warm and super packable, and even comes with a stuff sack for easy storage and to bring on the road.
It's made out of waterproof material on both sides, making this the perfect companion for ski and board trips, having a picnic, or bringing along on a camping trip.
Buff
I've had a Buff for years, and it goes on all my hiking adventures. These are especially great for summer hiking at high altitude, as it has UV protection built into the fabric, and it's super lightweight and cooling properties.
On days when you're hiking in the heat and need protection, but don't want to be too hot, this is the answer. It can be worn as a neck gator, as a head kerchief, or as a sweatband; the options are limited only by your imagination.
And with so many options for prints and patterns, you're sure to find the one that's perfect for the recipient.
Solar Powered Battery life Bank
A solar-powered phone battery bank is such a lifesaver for any hiker who loves snapping pics, using GPS, or just staying in touch while out on the trail. The best part? It charges with sunlight, so all they have to do is clip it to their backpack and let it soak up the rays while they walk.
No more worrying about running out of battery in the middle of nowhere! It’s definitely one of the best gifts for hikers, keeping them powered up and ready for anything!
John Muir Trail: The Essential Guide to Hiking America's Most Famous Trail
The book John Muir Trail: The Essential Guide to Hiking America’s Most Famous Trail is the perfect gift for any hiking enthusiast dreaming of their next big adventure!
Whether they’re planning to hike the trail or just looking for some inspo, this guide is packed with tips, gorgeous photos, and everything they need to know about tackling one of the most iconic trails in the U.S, dropping them off in one of America's most beautiful national parks.
It’s like having a personal trail buddy to help plan the perfect trip! For any adventure-loving gal, this book is definitely one of the best gifts for hikers who love exploring new places.
Under $35
Quick Drying Mini Face Towel
This quick-drying mini towel is a serious game changer. I didn't know how useful one of these babies could be until I brought one along on my Half Dome hike.
Although this is a mini size, it's still a good-sized towel. I was able to use it to dry off both my feet at the same time when I had to numb the pain I was in in the river. It’s the perfect gift for hikers.
These dry so quickly, that in ten minutes I was able to wipe the sweat from my brow with a dry towel. Now that I've brought one of these along on a big hike, I don't think I'll be taking any more hikes without one. I just had no idea how useful it could be to have a towel with you that dries quickly and absorbs water easily, and the patterns are fun and unique.
Hydro Flask Insulated Mug with Lid
This is a seriously versatile and downright useful mug, and one of the best gifts for hikers. At surface level this is just a cup, but I promise you it's so much more.
This Hydro Flask mug is insulated, so this will keep your cup of warm liquid warm for an hour or more even with the lid off. And speaking of the lid; if you want to walk around with a mug but you don't want to worry about spilling, just slide the cover over the opening and you're free to roam.
I also use this to make oatmeal at work, while camping, or while hiking and backpacking.This is one of my most prized possessions, and I don't go on a camping trip or hiking trip without it! Paired with the UCO spork you could have yourself the perfect gift for hikers!
Lifestraw Water Filtration System
This is an absolute must-have for backpackers- full stop. This is lightweight and super packable, so you aren't losing much space in your bag and you're not adding a ton of weight.
However, this just might save your life. Yes, that's a dramatic statement but seriously, this is wonderfully useful to have on long day hikes or backpacking trips. Water is very heavy, so when you bring this along you're reducing the water weight in your pack by being able to filter fresh water while on the trail.
This filters a lot of water at once, you use gravity to make the water flow quicker, and it filters well. Don't walk, run to the checkout with this dead useful Lifestraw bladder.
AMC White Mountain Guide Book and Maps
The AMC White Mountain Guide Book and Maps is the perfect gift for any hiker who loves exploring the rugged beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains!
This guide is packed with trail details, maps, and insider tips to help them navigate the area like a pro. Whether they’re planning a weekend hike or a big adventure, this book has everything your outdoor enthusiasts need to feel confident and prepared.
For any hiker, this is definitely one of the best gifts that will be sure to help plan many exciting hiking adventures for years to come.
Swiss Army Knife
A Swiss Army knife is a great gift for any hiker! It's compact, light weight, and is an essential multi-tool for all outdoor adventures.
A multitool or a knife is part of the essential ten for all hikes and all backpacking trips, so you’re really doing your hiking friend a favor with this gift.
It's a practical, thoughtful gift that every hiker will appreciate!
More of what to pack is in here:
No Budget
Garmin Venu 3S Soft Fitness Watch
If you have a hiking friend who's a serious nerd about tracking their outdoor experiences and key health metrics, then the Garmin watch may be the perfect gift for them.
Equipped with advanced GPS capabilities, this watch ensures precise navigation, as well as monitoring key stats like heart rate, distance, elevation, and more.
Whether mapping a trail or analyzing performance, the Garmin watch helps hikers stay on course and achieve their goals, making it a must-have tool for outdoor enthusiasts.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
If your hiker friend takes more than a couple solo outdoor hiking adventures then the Garmin inReach Mini may be the perfect gift. This compact satellite device ensures hikers can stay in basic communication with the outside world using satellites, even in the most remote locations. While it may seem pricey and it does require a premium subscription, its life-saving potential is priceless.
In emergency situations, it allows for communication with search and rescue teams, making it faster and easier to be found if things go wrong. For hikers who value safety and adventure, the Garmin inReach Mini is a must-have tool.
More on what to pack for a hike is in this blog post:
Fun Gifts
Maybe you're not at all practical, and you want to get a gift for your hiker that they don't NEED, but that they will certainly enjoy.
Under $15
Hiking Journal
This is the most unique hiking journal that I've found to date, as it's more than recording the highlights of outdoor adventures. Inside this journal are blank pages for hiking stats, and it includes thoughtful prompts to get you thinking deeper about why you're getting outside.
The prompts are thought provoking and fun to fill in, and it's a really fun way to write about a hiking trip.
There are also pages dedicated to education, including common animal prints, how to identify clouds, and even how to navigate using the stars. This is more than a journal, it's a companion to an outdoor enthusiast's lifestyle.
Fun Hiking-Themed Socks
When you get to a certain age, socks are the most appreciated gift. Especially fun ones like these, as they're a good laugh and they're cute! What I love about these is all the color options there are, and what is printed on the soles of your feet, it's so unique!
A Guide to Forest Bathing
This book teaches us how to be present while in nature, and discusses all of the wonderful benefits that come with that presence of mind and spirit.
Nature has a unique ability to heal all of us, and those of us who choose to spend time outdoors know this. We are especially drawn to the healing magic of the natural world, and this book will help us nature lovers appreciate it in a new way.
This book discusses what forest bathing is, why it could change your life, and provides space to journal about your thoughts and experiences. Books have the power to change lives, so consider this as a great gift option.
Under $25
Hand Poured Soy Wax Candle
Candles are one my favorite gifts to give and to get because they say “you deserve the small luxuries”, and that's a message that I always want to send to my loved ones.
What's unique about this candle is that it's hand poured in Littleton New Hampshire, and the scents are amazing. And you can support a small business in the process.
It truly captures the scent of the pine trees in nature. Give the gift of simple pleasures with this soy wax candle.
Basecamp Card Game
This game is unique because it's a classic deck of cards, but it also has fun, family-friendly questions to get your basecamp laughing up a storm. It comes in a tin case to protect the cards against damage, its waterproof, lightweight, and easy to pack anywhere. Backpacking and camping can get a little boring, but with this game, the whole family is sure to be entertained. So really, this is a gift that keeps giving!
National Park Cookbook
This is a fun cookbook as it gives recipes for each national park. They're not necessarily camping-friendly, but this would be a fun and exciting addition to any adventurer's collection! It also has beautiful, professional photographs of America's most favorite parks, so even just looking through the pages may fill you with inspiration and excitement to start planning the next adventure.
Under $35
Classic Teva Sandals
Teva’s are about as crunchy as it gets folks! These are great for wearing around basecamp and hiking because they have straps so they’re more secure, they have great traction, and you can wear them with socks. They’re light and easy to pack for camp shoes when backpacking and might save you on a water crossing. And once you switch them out for your water crossing, your recipient can dry their feet off with the Nomadix mini towel! The perfect coup de grace.
Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are an absolute must-have for hiking, especially in sunny places like Joshua Tree National Park or Death Valley. The polarization will protect your vision, and the cute frames will keep you stylish.
I've been wearing IOcean sunglasses for years, and I love that they're affordable, there are many different styles, and I love the polarized lenses. It's worth every penny; I even have a small collection going! I take these on every hike, and the recipient will love them too.
If you’re looking for more ideas of what to pack, we have it covered in this blog post:
Reusable Silicone Bags
Single-use plastic is incredibly bad for the environment and ourselves, and this set of reusable silicone bags is the perfect answer. These are perfect for packing your trail mix and nuts, and even a sandwich. They're not something that you necessarily want to buy for yourself, however, so they're the perfect gift!
The list could go on forever, but we’re going to stop here! We hope that this guide provided you with some ideas or inspiration about how to delight the outdoor lover in your life and that you had as much reading along as we did creating it. Is there anything on this list that you’re going to gift? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for some outdoor inspiration, join the newsletter to get curated outdoor content every month. Have fun out there folks!
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