Gifting the best gear to hikers can be a challenge with so many products and options on the market. To help sort through these differences, we reached out to an array of experts for great gift ideas. From a pocket heavy day backpack that stores gadgets to a handheld GPS that allows your hiker to map out the terrain before setting out on their trip, you're sure to find something for any type of hiker on this diverse list of gifts.
Read on for the best gifts for hikers available.
MirMaru Hiking Crew Socks
There’s nothing like having a good hiking sock that fits snug inside hiking boots and protects the feet and ankles from dirt and chafing. Gift your hiker this set of five sock pairs from MirMaru that have high-density fibers and cushioning throughout the underfoot area for ultimate comfort. Dan Nolan, an avid hiker and founder of the outdoor camping gear site Camping Console loves the support, comfort, and durability of these socks. “I’ve owned a pair for more than a year and they haven't worn out at all,” says Nolan.
Eagle Creek Wayfinder Backpack 30L
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Eagle Creek leads the pack when it comes to outdoor travel gear. The new Wayfinder Backpack 30L comes in four colors that you can gift your hiker: blue, black, gray, and coral. Perhaps the best feature of the backpack is the cleverly designed pockets: a front zip pocket that has a drain duct for a wet jacket; a fleece-lined front pocket for sunglasses; and the pocket on the back panel for cords, phones, and power banks.
Helly Hansen Women's Lyness II Coat
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Since the weather is never a sure thing, hikers will appreciate a good rain jacket to protect from the elements. The Helly Hansen Lyness II coat is a great gift for the outdoorsy girl in your life, being both waterproof, breathable, and windproof. Plus, the hood creates extra warmth and protection from the rain.
Danner Men's Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots
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For a hiking boot that packs a lot of retro punch and functionality, gift the Mountain Light Cascade boots from Danner. The iconic hiking style was introduced in the early 1970s and features a leather upper with striking contrast flat red laces. The interior Gore-Tex technology makes the boot dry out quickly and resist odors.
“Hands down some of the comfiest boots I’ve worn for everyday use and hiking, the style and aesthetic of Danner is unmatched and always will be,” says Garrett King, a travel photographer and influencer. “I appreciate anything handcrafted and my Danner’s are no different.” A women's version is also available here.
The 10 Best Hiking Gear Items of 2020
Pendleton Hooded Towel
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If the person on your gift list loves to dip in hot springs, alpine lakes, or cool off in a gentle stream after a long hike, then Pendleton's Hooded Towel will be essential. The material is made from cotton jacquard that absorbs moisture well to cool your hiker off in no time. The built-in hood also gives another boost of warmth.
Stoic Driftwood 2 Three-Season Tent
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The adventurous hiker that camps overnight after a daylong hike needs a good tent to protect from the elements. That's where the Stoic Driftwood 2 Tent comes in since it's lightweight and can sleep up to two people. Rainy night? No problem: the PU-coated fly and floor protect against water. Clear skies and bright stars will be able to be seen through the tent’s mesh ceiling while also providing air circulation for hot nights. There's even space for your gear with six interior pockets.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
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This water filter will be a lifesaver in harsh conditions. The filter gets rid of the bad stuff that you could encounter in a natural lake or pond such as bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand, and general cloudiness. The filter is also super durable, being both easy to clean and easy to store as a mainstay in a protected pocket inside a hiking backpack.
Vipin Chahal, an avid hiker and the founder of Return Policy Guide has been using LifeStraw's Personal Water Filter for over a year and is highly satisfied with the results. “It is a great product to rely on for filtered water and the water tastes great,” says Chahal.
Columbia Bora Bora II Booney
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At times, the harsh sun rays can be a hiker’s ultimate nemesis: slowing them down from the heat or creating more challenging visuals on the trail. The solution: a good, lightweight hat. A bonus to the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney is that it has built-in UPF 50 to protect the skin and if it’s a little loose, you can adjust the dimensions with the drawcord and toggle at the back.
YaYa & Co Drake Canvas & Leather Toiletry Bag
For hikers that like to camp overnight, keeping a small set of toiletries in one place will keep them organized after the sun sets. The Yaya & Co toiletry bag is made with hardy oiled canvas and leather to put your travel toothbrush and toothpaste inside. There's also an interior zip compartment for the small things you don’t want to lose.
Casper Weighted Blanket
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Sometimes the hikers in your life set out for a long journey and there is no choice but to camp out overnight under the stars. In many locations—especially at higher elevations—it can get quite cool at night. Casper has a weighted blanket that's designed with breathable cotton to keep you warm but not sweaty. The cool thing about this blanket is that you can choose between a 10, 15, or 20-pound weight option that's tailored to the person receiving the gift. Hint: the brand recommends choosing one that's 10 percent of the person’s body weight for the best comfort and warmth.
Garmin eTrex 22x GPS
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For the outdoor enthusiast in your life, possessing a handheld GPS is such a valuable asset. The eTrex 22x has handy preloaded TopoActive maps that contain both streets and trails to use while hiking. There are also natural and urban demarcations like waterways, buildings, and international boundaries.
Stoic Fireside Lounger
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Once your hiker makes it to the summit, sometimes it’s nice to cop a squat to watch the sun rise or set over the mountain. The Stoic Fireside Lounger is a perfect gift, being a folding chair that includes a bag for easy carrying while hiking. Although the chair folds, the materials are made from durable polyester and steel, while the mesh panels allow air to pass through after a sweaty summit.
Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool
The hiker in your life will appreciate this pocket multi-tool designed by Leatherman. The small accessory will fit snuggly in a hiker’s backpack and includes all the essentials they'll need: mini pliers, a wire cutter, bottle opener, a small knife, a bit driver, and a Phillips screwdriver. It's also designed with a carabiner so they can hook it to an inner or outer ring on their pack.
Takeya Three Pack Water Bottle Bundle
A family of hikers will need a lot of water to get them from point A to B. For families with younger kids, a gift of the Takeya Three Pack Water Bottle Bundle will ensure hydration with the 16-, 22-, and 40-ounce bottles. The vaccum insulation keeps fluids cool for hours and the powder coating on the exterior gives your hiker a stronger no-slip grip, even when sweaty.