The Best Gifts for Hikers. By a Hiker.

Updated: April 2024

Are you on a quest for the perfect gift for your hiking-obsessed buddy? Explore these hiking gift ideas that any hiker is sure to love! As an avid hiker, I’m creating a personal wishlist that just might be the key to finding the perfect gift for the hiker in your life!

My favorite hiking is through the less traveled mountainous trails that lead to spectacular overlooks or waterfalls. Throughout my time hiking, I’ve tried many products. Some are great, but some are unnecessary. Here are some things of the items I use and recommend that would make great gifts for hikers.

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On the Trail Gifts for Hikers

Hiking backpacks and hiking boots are big purchases that are very particular to the user’s preference. Unless you know exactly what they want or need, it’s best to skip past these items as gifts. But there are plenty more things to choose from-

Hiking Socks

Once I tried the Darn Tough socks, I never went back. This brand is a popular choice for hiking because they are made with high-quality materials and construction, and they are backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Darn Tough socks are made with Merino wool, which is a naturally moisture-wicking material. This helps to keep the feet dry and comfortable, even while sweating. They come in various heights and weights (light, medium, heavy) for men and women.

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Water Bottle

I swear by the Zulu water bottle! I love them so much I now own 3 and have gifted one. It keeps my water cold, longer and has never leaked.

AND one of them has withstood falling from a motorcycle at high speed and skidding on the pavement for many yards. When it was found, 24 hours later, not an ounce of water had leaked and the water was still cool-ish.

Flashlight

Don’t forget to pack a trusty flashlight in your hiking bag! Whether you’re spelunking in a mysterious cave or your hike lasted longer than planned, a trusty flashlight will light the way.

A flashlight is an essential tool for any hiker or adventurer. It can provide a sense of security and comfort when exploring the unknown. With advances in technology, there are countless options available that are durable, lightweight, and even waterproof. A good flashlight can also be used as a signal for help in an emergency situation.

First Aid Kit

Keep a trusty first aid kit in your hiking backpack for those pesky small-scale emergencies. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, carrying a first aid kit is essential for any outdoor adventure. Accidents can happen at any time, and having a well-stocked kit can help you treat minor injuries and prevent them from becoming more serious.

A basic first aid kit should include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, tweezers, and pain relievers. It’s also important to keep your kit up to date by replacing expired items and adding any additional supplies that may be necessary for your particular hiking destination.

Survival Kit

A survival kit is not a must, and may never be used. But it can give peace of mind to hikers (and their families) to have a full array of equipment on hand should a hike go terribly off course.

With proper preparation and a well-stocked survival kit, hikers can feel more confident and prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise.

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Hiking Poles

If your hiking buddy enjoys the more rugged hikes, this is a good gift for them. Hiking poles can assist with balance when hiking hills, mountains, and rocky areas.

Not only do they help with balance, but they also reduce the impact on your knees and joints by absorbing some of the shock of each step. This can help prevent injuries and make the hike more comfortable overall. Hiking poles also allow hikers to distribute weight more evenly, which can help reduce fatigue and make the hike easier.

Pee Cloth

Hear me out… This is one of the newer items I have discovered. You can take along napkins or toilet paper to use on a hike. But then you have to worry about disposal. And sure, napkins and toilet paper will decompose. But no one wants to see that lying next to a trail. It’s trashy (remember the 7 Leave No Trace principles?).

Although not quite as absorbent as a napkin, the pee cloth does the job and leaves no trace.

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Informational Book

If a hiker spends much time outside, they start to wonder about all of the resources around them. It can be fun to learn about the plants, berries, and mushrooms you see along the trails.

Not only does it provide a fun and educational experience, but it can also be useful in a survival situation. Knowing which plants are edible and which are poisonous is crucial knowledge for any outdoor enthusiast.

Survival Book

The next of the gifts for hikers can go well with the survival gear previously listed. You can never have too much knowledge about how to survive the wilderness! It’s better to have the knowledge and NOT need it than to need it and NOT have it.

Learning wilderness survival is a valuable skill that can come in handy in a variety of situations. Whether you are planning a camping trip, going on a hike, or simply want to be prepared for unexpected emergencies, knowing how to survive in the wild can be a life-saving skill.

Hiking Log Book

Hiking log books are the perfect gifts for hikers. Keeping a hiking journal can be an excellent way to monitor progress and set goals for future hikes. Not only is it a place to record memories and document the beautiful scenery you encounter along the way, but it can also serve as a valuable learning tool.

By reflecting on what went wrong and what went right during a hike, you can identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to your approach for your next adventure. A hiking journal can be a great way to plan out future hikes, as you can research and document potential trails, campsites, and other important details.

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Safety Whistle

Every outdoor enthusiast should have an emergency whistle. An emergency whistle is a simple yet effective tool that can be used to signal for help in critical situations.

It is lightweight and can be easily attached to a backpack or carried in a pocket. Most emergency whistles are designed to produce a loud, piercing sound that can carry over long distances, which is especially important in remote areas where help may be far away.

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Hiking App Subscription

If your hiking friend doesn’t already have a hiking app, or if they do but you want to get them a BETTER one, buy them a year subscription to AllTrails+. There is a basic AllTrails that is free, but the AllTrails+ paid version offers so much more!

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Off-the-Trail Gifts for Hikers

If those gifts for hikers didn’t hit the spot, try these off-the-trail gifts for hikers.

Hikers still want to enjoy the THOUGHTS of hiking when they aren’t on the trail. Here are a few off-the-trail gifts for hikers to enjoy:

Hiking Theme Throw Blanket

National Parks Tote Bag

Hiking Cosmetic Bag

Hiking Theme Tumbler

Bigfoot Hiking Hat

Complete National Parks of the U.S. Book

These outdoorsy gifts are a hiker’s paradise. Each one of these gifts for hikers are practical and useful. The best part? With a range of prices, you can pick and choose the ideal gifts for hikers without breaking the bank.

ALSO- Don’t miss the Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Men!

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” 

Mae West

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