Are you planning for the best gifts for hikers?
Since you read this blog, we assume you have at least a few, and you want to get some hiking gifts for them.
We are hikers, and we love to hike in the mountains, through rivers and gorges.
We have done that so many times that we know what to take each time.
It would be great if all the things hiker thinks he needs could fit in a small bag and weigh something close to zero, but that’s not possible.
On the other hand, there are lots and lots of items that are considered as the best gifts for hikers. Why? Because a number of them are needed on every hike.
Each photo and caption leads to a related page with more information on each product and the option to get it for you or your hiking friends.
Table of Contents
Best Gifts for Hikers for Holidays – Gift Guide
Holidays are around the corner, so we thought to make a list for you and your hiker friends. They will have a “secret wish-list” with all the beautiful items they would like to have for their adventures.
Gifts for hikers have a dual purpose. They show that you care and they are practical too. They will use them. Let’s start then.
We created three budget-oriented gifts for the hikers’ list. In that way, you can give them something beautiful and useful that you can also afford.
Gifts for Hikers: Price Range 5 to 20 USD
You may be surprised, but first on this list is something your hiking friends will enjoy during their trips.
A Titanium Spork
That is cutlery, specially designed for that purpose. It is heat resistant, extremely durable, and washable. A spork, as it is called (from spoon and fork), is what they will need for single to multi-day hiking trips.
Humangear GoTubb
This small container is useful for pills, vitamins, sewing set, money, and anything small that needs to be kept safe.
It is great to have it either for a hiking trip or standard travel time. Fits anywhere and great for all these small things that must be kept “somewhere” without losing them.
It comes in different colors in the set, too.
Isothermal Hiking Socks
Yeah, the good old traditional pair of socks as a holiday gift, but with a twist. Isothermal socks are necessary for hiking, especially in wintertime, where feed must remain warm and dry.
These socks will protect the feet from humidity and increasing heat due to extensive walking. Their fabric gets dry sooner, while it is highly breathable.
REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition Hiking Crew Socks REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition Hiking Crew Socks
Led Flashlight
This is a gadget for all ages and all kinds of hikers. This flashlight is compact and lightweight, with a maximum output of 130 lumens. Read about how to choose EDC flashlights.
It can throw a beam up to 88m (288 ft.) and powers up by a single AA battery.
Fenix E12 V2.0 AA Flashlight Fenix E12 V2.0 AA Flashlight
Protective Camera Case
We all want to take photos during our trips when using a compact camera. To protect our cameras from extreme humidity or/and rain, we can use a waterproof case.
In case you fancy more “techy” waterproof cases, then this one below is also great. It stays in place with a carabiner and is ideal for a larger cell phone, camera, PDA, game player, pager, radio, or other small items.
Hiking Poles
These are a hiker’s best friend. They keep a hiker safe, steady, over obstacles, and knees will thank you later in your life.
Outdoor/Sports sunglasses
They are fancy, they protect the eyes from snow and sun and UV. Somewhat underestimated as gear but highly necessary.
Hoods for Kids
Kids will love such lovely designs and extreme warmth for their heads, during hiking excursions.
Such gear can be used in outdoors or just for a city walk. For even more heat, get one with fleece inlay.
Neck Gaiters
Seeking protection for the neck/throat from the severe cold?
Then neck gaiters are the thing to get.
They are flexible, bendy, and can “transform” to scarfs and hats. Pull it up to cover the nose too. Suitable for cold city escapes.
Check the following too, when it comes to neck gaiters.
Hiking Blankets
Time to rest? Time for a hillside pick-nick? Needing an extra “cloth” for emergencies, cold, or simply to lay down and sit on the cold ground?
This one super-lightweight sheet radiates 80% of body heat back to the user.
A Hiking Mug
Having a way to enjoy hot or cold coffee and/or beverages on a hiking trip is a treasure. This mug does precisely that.
It also comes with a splashproof and spill-resistant lid and uses double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for hours to come (0.9 liters).
Gifts for Hikers: Price Range 20 to 50 USD
Hiking Multi-tools
A necessary piece of gear for outdoors, but also for daily tasks. This “transformer” type of tool has all needed to fix things, even for defense.
It features a stainless-steel blade, needle-nose/regular pliers, safety whistle, wire cutters, awl, can/bottle opener, screwdrivers saw, carabiner, and a fire-starting Ferro rod.
Fleece Jackets
It usually consists of the mid-layer in our hiking clothing (in wintertime), but it can also be used as a plain jacket when the weather is mild to cold.
Don’t use it strictly for the mountains. It is eligible and elegant for walking around the city too.
Adventure Medical Kits
A must for all who hike on multi or single day trips.
Such kit contains 10th of absolutely life-saving items to treat blisters, stomach issues, bandages, anesthetic, and antiseptic wipes, some necessary instruments, and a book related to wilderness and travel medicine.
A Compass
In this era of digital “everything,” the art of being able to navigate with a compass and map must not be neglected.
Electronic devices/gear can fail or run out of power. Knowing how to use a compass and/or a map can be the difference. That is an essential gear for hikers.
An outdoors long-sleeve t-shirt
Such clothing is suitable on the trail or at the crag. It is a light, technical layer, incredibly soft, with moisture-wicking fabric and mesh ventilation for adventure-ready comfort.
Windproof Jacket
Hiking lovers know that their gear must include a windproof jacket, especially during autumn and days where the temperature is warm, but rain or cool breeze can come uninvited.
Such jackets need to be breathable with ventilation shafts under the armpits, while great ones can shrink and fit in a small fabric bag when not used.
Hiking Gloves
Another “traditional” holiday gift, but when it comes to hiking gear, it has a unique twist.
Such gloves provide perfect freedom of movement, and due to fleece insulation, it is for sure that hands will be kept warm.
Hiking Boots for Kids
Such boots will ensure a kid’s safety and define the quality of their outdoors experience. A good pair of boots is a multi-level investment, so make sure that they are outstanding.
Gaiters
Apart from the neck gaiters, a hiker needs these for their feet. Their primary purpose is to keep the legs dry from either snow or rain.
Their secondary purpose is to protect the lower feet from possible scratches or snake/insect bites. Gaiters usually come in two sizes (regular/long).
Hiking Backpacks
This is the hikers’ inseparable companion where they carry their belongings and essential gear. They come in different shapes, capacity and extras depending on the type of activity involved.
Their range is from simple daypacks and specialized mountaineering and climbing, to river trekking waterproof ones.
Gifts for Hikers: Price Range 50 USD and above
Sleeping Bag
For sleeping in a tent or under the stars, that is another essential piece of gear. There are specialized ones but also multi-season ones.
Many prefer the bi-seasonal sleeping bags that are suitable for temperatures ranging from 2 to 20 degrees (Celsius).
Such provides an ideal balance between warmth and insulation. Popular ones are in the “mummy” shape, with a “hoodie” that covers head too.
Snow Boots
There are hiking boots, and there are snow boots. These keep the feet warm, and they are, by definition, waterproof.
Usually, they are tall and have some extra heavy insulation (fleece or other material).
Snow boots are not the ideal for trekking/hiking as feet get hot in there unless the temperatures are so low that that is balanced well. Snow boots can be used for after hiking.
Dry Bags
A perfect choice for all who spent lots of time in rivers and lakes doing hiking, gorge walking, or river trekking.
Such bags are also suitable for those doing canoeing, sea/river kayaking, or fishing.
The Camping Tent
There is a vast range of tents for singles, couples, families, and all depend on if they are used for hiking, mountaineering, regular valley camping. If you plan to get a tent you need to do your homework. Read this post.
The Jacket
That is a vital piece of gear. There are plain jackets and highly “technical” ones. The ones that are more technical (and expensive) have better fitting and insulation, while they are breathable and light at the same time.
Many times the jackets are just one of the set of a “complete jacket” and are known as 2 in 1, or as 3 in 1 jacket.
In most cases and if they are not meant to be used in constant extreme cold circumstances, that choice is better as layers can be removed according to the encountered conditions.
Hiking and Camping Knowledge
This is quite a big list of knowledge to dive into. Do read our posts for insights on things to know hiking and camping. If you are new to hiking, read this. If you are new to camping, read this one.
The list of gifts for hikers is endless.
There are so many small or large items you can buy as a present to a hiker.
Even if they have it already, a second pair will be two times useful, as they will lend it to a hiking companion or their spouse for their next trip.
Do your research and find the beautiful things you can get them for holidays.
Dive into learning more about hiking and camping by visiting and reading our posts from here to find the perfect gift.
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