Best Gifts For Hikers, Backpacker, and Campers For All Budget in 2023

Are your friends or family into hiking? Do you want to find the best gifts for hikers to please them? Since you read this blog, we assume you have at least a few and want to get some hiking gifts for them.

We are hikers and love to hike in the mountains through rivers and gorges.

We have done that so often that we know what to take each time.

It would be great if all the things the 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, many consider them 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.

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 valuable that you can also afford.

11 Best Gifts for Hikers from $5 to $20

You may be surprised, but first on this list is something your hiking friends will enjoy during their trips.

1. A Titanium Spork

titanium spork

As it is called (from spoon and fork), a spork is what they will need for single to multi-day hiking trips. That is cutlery, specially designed for that purpose. It is heat resistant, extremely durable, and washable.

2. Humangear GoTubb

hiking gifts

This small container is helpful for pills, vitamins, sewing sets, money, and anything small that needs to be kept safe.

Having it for a hiking trip or standard travel time is fantastic. It fits anywhere and is great for all these small things that must be kept “somewhere” without losing them.

It comes in different colors in the set, too.

3. Isothermal Hiking Socks

thermal socks - hiking gifts

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. 

4. Led Flashlight

led flashlight - outdoor gear

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 power up a single AA battery.

5. Protective Camera Case

protective camera - hiking gifts

We all want to take photos during our trips using a compact camera. We can use a waterproof case to protect our cameras from extreme humidity or/and rain.

If you fancy more “techy” waterproof cases, 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.

6. Hiking Poles

hiking poles - hiking gifts

These are a hiker’s best friends. They keep a hiker safe and steady over obstacles, and your knees will thank you later in life. 

7. Outdoor/Sports sunglasses

outdoor shades fun gift for backpackers

They are fancy. They protect the eyes from snow and sun and UV. Somewhat underestimated as gear but highly necessary. 

8. Hoods for Kids

perfect gift for kids

Kids will love such lovely designs and extreme warmth for their heads during hiking excursions.

Such gear can be used outdoors or just for a city walk. For even more heat, get one with fleece inlay.

9. Neck Gaiters

best gift for avid hikers

Are you seeking protection for the neck/throat from the severe cold?

The neck gaiters are the thing to get.

They are flexible, bendy, and can “transform” into scarves and hats. Pull it up to cover the nose too. Suitable for cold city escapes.

10. Hiking Blankets

ultimate hiking gift for campers

Time to rest? Time for a hillside pick-nick? Needing an extra “cloth” for emergencies, cold, or simply lying down and sitting on the cold ground?

This one super-lightweight sheet radiates 80% of body heat back to the user.

11. A Hiking Mug

most exciting gift for hikers

A way to enjoy a hot or cold coffee 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).

10 Best Gifts for Hikers at $20 – $50 Price Range

1. Hiking Multi-tools

best gift for an outdoor enthusiast

A necessary piece of gear for outdoors, but also for daily tasks. This “transformer” tool is 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, screwdriver’s saw, carabiner, and a fire-starting Ferro rod.

2. Fleece Jackets

exciting gift for a hiker

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.

Please don’t use it strictly for the mountains. It is eligible and elegant for walking around the city too.

3. Adventure Medical Kits

a must hiking gift for a camper

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, antiseptic wipes, some necessary instruments, and a book related to wilderness and travel medicine.

4. A Compass

unique hiking gifts

In this era of digital “everything,” the art of navigating 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 or a map can be the difference. That is essential gear for hikers.

5. An outdoors long-sleeve t-shirt

long sleeve shirt - great gift for campers

Such clothing is suitable on hiking trails or at the crag. It is a light, technical, incredibly soft layer with moisture-wicking fabric and meshes ventilation for adventure-ready comfort.

6. Windproof Jacket

camping gifts

Hiking lovers know that their gear must include a windproof jacket, especially during autumn and days when 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.

7. Hiking Gloves

hiking gloves best gift for winter hiking

Another “traditional” holiday gift with a unique twist regarding hiking gear is hiking gloves.

Such gloves provide perfect freedom of movement, and due to fleece insulation, it is for sure that hands will be kept warm. 

8. Hiking Boots for Kids

boots for kids - best hiking gift ideas

Such boots will ensure a kid’s safety and define the quality of their outdoor experience. A good pair of boots is a multi-level investment, so make sure they are outstanding.

9. Gaiters

gaiters - essential hiking gear

Apart from the neck gaiters, a hiker needs these for their feet. Their primary purpose is to keep the legs dry from 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/extended).

10. Hiking Backpacks

hiking backpack

This is the hikers’ inseparable companion, where they carry their belongings and essential gear. They come in different shapes, capacities, 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 and above

1. Sleeping Bag

sleeping bag - best hiking gifts

Sleeping in a tent or under the stars is another essential gear piece. There are specialized ones but also multi-season ones.

Many prefer bi-seasonal sleeping bags 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” covering the head.

2. Snow Boots

snow boots - great gift for camper

There are hiking boots and there are snow boots. These keep the feet warm and are, by definition, waterproof.

Usually, they are tall and have some extra heavy insulation (fleece or other material).

Snow boots are not 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 after hiking.

3. Dry Bags

dry bags gift for a avid hiker

A perfect choice for all who spent lots of time in rivers and lakes hiking, gorge walking, or river trekking.

Such bags are also suitable for canoeing, sea/river kayaking, or fishing.

4. The Camping Tent

camping tent - best hiking gifts

Suppose you plan to get a tent you need to do your homework. There is a vast range of tents for singles, couples, and families, depending on whether they are used for hiking, mountaineering, or regular valley camping. Read this post.

5. The Jacket

jacket - perfect gift for hikers

That is a vital piece of gear. There are plain jackets and highly “technical” ones. The more technical (and expensive) have better fitting and insulation, while they are breathable and light simultaneously.

The jackets are often just one of the sets of a “complete jacket” and 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 jacket.

In most cases, 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 an extensive list of knowledge to dive into. Do read our posts for insights on things to know about hiking and camping. If you are new to hiking, read this. If you are new to camping, read this one.

The list of the best gifts for hikers is endless.

There are so many small or large items you can buy as a present for a hiker.

Even if they have it already, a second pair will be two times more valuable, as they will lend it to a hiking companion or their spouse for their next trip.

Do the research and find the beautiful things you can get for the holidays.

If this article helped you prepare the best gift for hikers, consider checking out some of our other articles –

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