If you’re looking for some fabulous and functional hiking gift ideas to buy that special someone, then look no further! I’ve brought together my favourite hiking gifts for you to choose from. From stocking stuffers for hikers to awesome hiking gadgets, I’ll help you find the best gifts for hikers to fit any budget. With this hiking gift guide, you’ll know exactly what to buy for hiking lovers in your life!
Some items in this guide were gifted to me or include affiliate or sponsored links.
How to Choose the Best Gifts for the Hiker in Your Life
This hiking gift guide is split into sections so you can find the perfect gift for the hiker in your life. Whether they are a beginner hiker or an experienced trekker, I’ve found the most useful and unique hiking gifts out there. The guide also works if you are looking for gifts for backpackers in the sense of multi-day hikers. If you want to find backpacking gifts for travelling backpackers then head over to this post instead.
What you buy will depend on how much you want to spend, how well you know the person you’re buying for, and what kind of hiking gear they have already. If you’re buying for a fairly new hiker then perhaps some of the essential hiking gear items will be best, or perhaps an upgrade of equipment for serious hikers would be useful.
On the other hand, you might want to consider some fun hiking gifts that won’t help them while on the trail but will bring a smile to their faces!
Whether you are looking for hiking gifts for her, for him, hiking accessories or some cute personalised hiking gifts I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for hiking Christmas gifts, birthday presents for hikers, graduation gifts or anything else, you’re sure to find inspiration and plenty of hiking gift ideas here.
To help you along, I’ve attempted to collect different hiking gifts together in several categories, including my overall recommendations for the best gifts for hikers, essential hiking gear, hiking gadgets, practical hiking gifts and more.
Hiking Gifts Quick Reference
If you don’t have time to read everything, here are the quick links for you, or scroll down to get more information about each item.
Top 5 Gifts for Hikers
- Water bottle with a built-in filter
- Microfibre trek towel
- Power bank
- Go-Pro action camera
- hiking poles
Essential Hiking Gear
Hiking Gifts for Her
Hiking Gifts for Him or Her
Hiking Books
Money-Saving Hiking Gifts
Tech Hiking Gifts
Useful Gifts for Casual Hikers
Hiking Stocking Stuffers
Want More Travel Gift Ideas?
Check out these other gift guides for inspiration:My 5 Top Gifts for Hikers
I’ve chosen these five awesome hiking gifts to be top of the list because together they cover a lot of bases. There is something to suit every budget, and every single item is a really useful gift for a hiker.
Filter Water Bottle
When setting out on a hike, there is one hiking accessory I never leave home without. A water bottle with a built-in filter is absolutely essential as it allows me to drink from any freshwater source by filtering out any potential nasties.
I’ve used my Water-to-Go bottle in all sorts of places where you’re not supposed to drink the water, from rivers and streams to public restroom sinks so it is a lifesaver for hikers. You can read my full review of the Water to Go bottle or head straight to the website for more information about how it works.
Get Your Reusable Water Bottle
Microfibre Towel
I love my trek towel, and although it’s not the same as wrapping yourself in a big fluffy bath towel, microfibre travel towels take up a fraction of the space and dry so much quicker than normal towels do. As with all hiking accessories, smaller is better so check out the Lightload Towels which are super light and compress into a sandwich bag. They are great gift ideas for hikers and campers who spend more than a day on the trail.
Power Bank
A power bank portable charger is always on my hiking essentials list as keeping a phone charged while hiking is important for safety and for taking lots of photos! I have a relatively large Anker power bank that will charge up my phone three or four times, which makes a huge difference for multi-day hikes.
There are smaller, cheaper portable chargers available that would be great for shorter hikes but whatever size you go for I definitely recommend the Anker brand as I’ve used mine for several years without any issues. This smaller Anker power bank charges phones at least twice so could be a great option as a gift for a casual hiker or someone who is just doing shorter day hikes.
Go-Pro Action Camera or Accessories
If you are buying a gift for someone adventurous then a Go-Pro action camera is a great choice. They can record their hiking adventures as photos or videos to share with friends back home or even use them to create content for blogs and vlogs to earn money.
If they already have a Go-Pro camera, there are hundreds of Go-Pro accessories which make for great hiking stocking fillers, either from the official Go-Pro store or unofficial ones which do the job just fine – such as this 50 piece accessories pack. Just make sure that whatever you buy is compatible with the right model of camera they have.
Hiking Poles
I wouldn’t say that hiking poles are essential hiking gear, but they are extremely useful – especially if there are steep ascents or descents on the trail. Hiking poles help provide balance and support for your knees and joints on the trail, so will show that you are thinking about your hiker’s welfare.
This pair of hiking poles are fully adjustable for hikers of different heights and will fold up for easy storage when not in use.
Essential Gifts for Beginner Hikers
If you’re looking to buy a hiking gift for a beginner hiker, then there are several essential items they are going to need. While they can usually start hiking with little or no gear, some of the basics will make a big difference. When I first started hiking I had a huge list of hiking stuff I wanted to get, and I certainly appreciated some help buying everything. However, before making a purchase, make sure they haven’t bought their hiking gear already!
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A Daypack
Yep, hikers need a backpack! Daypacks are essential for all kinds of hikers, from beginners who will only be hiking for a day, or ultralight hikers who can get away with packing their gear into a tiny space.
My favourite backpack brand is Osprey. I have one of their 40-litre Fairview backpacks which I’ve used for travelling, but for hiking a smaller daypack of around 25 litres should be plenty. Osprey backpacks always get great reviews and there is a wide selection to choose from so you can find the perfect fit for your beginner hiker. Check out the full selection here.
Waterproof Jacket
No matter where your backpacker is headed, a waterproof jacket is a must. I prefer to layer my relatively thin waterproof with a wind-proof jacket underneath, but for colder weather, a thicker waterproof jacket could be better. It’s probably best to chat to your hiker before buying their jacket as you’ll need to know the type and size they prefer.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are probably the most important gear a hiker needs. Keeping your feet warm, dry and blister-free on hikes will save them so much pain and discomfort! Before my big backpacking trip to South America, I knew I would be hiking to Machu Picchu so I definitely needed a good pair of boots. My mum & dad bought me some Salomon hiking boots for my birthday and I am very glad they did!
Money-Saving Gifts for Hikers
National Trust Membership (For UK Hikers)
When I was spending the summer in England I bought my own National Trust membership, but if I could have waited until my birthday I would have done! Buying a membership for the National Trust, or similar organisation such as English Heritage or the RSPB is a great gift idea for hikers who spend a lot of time hiking in the UK and what to explore the local area and explore historical attractions while they are there.
National Trust members can park for free in many of the National Trust’s car parks, so for hikes in the Lake District or Cornwall, a National Trust membership would be very useful as the Nation Trust manage a lot of the land in these regions.
Alternatively, if you know that someone will be hiking Hadrian’s Wall, there are several Roman forts along the wall that are managed by English Heritage, so buying them a gift membership means they can get their history fix while they take a break from the hike.
National Parks Pass (For US Hikers)
For hikers based in the USA, a National Parks pass grants access to over 2000 Federal recreation sites in the USA. One pass covers the pass-holder and the accompanying car passengers, or the pass-holder and up to 3 adults (kids under 16 go free) at sites where there is a per-person entry fee. It’s great value and is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year, as every time they use it they will think of you!
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REI Gift Card
While it is always nice to buy something you’ve personally chosen, sometimes the best gifts are ones we buy ourselves! If you’re not sure what to buy for hikers you know, a gift card for a hiking gear shop like REI is a pretty safe bet!
Tech Backpacking Gifts
Solar Charger
For multi-day hikes and treks, a solar charger will keep phones and other gear like camera batteries charged up and ready to go. Clip it to a backpack while hiking and soak up that sunshine!
Satellite Communicator
Giving the gift of peace of mind is invaluable. Satellite communicators might not be the cheapest hiking gift, but they can save lives. There are various trackers and communication devices on the market, this one from Zoleo gets good reviews and allows sending of SMS text messages over cellular, satellite and wifi signals as well as SOS alerting, check-ins to let others know you are safe, and sharing of your location.
Audible Subscription
If your gift recipient prefers to listen to books, an Audible gift subscription to listen to audiobooks could be a great gift so they have something to listen to on the trail or at camp. They can access the Audible app on their phone, and download their chosen books or podcasts before they set out so no data or signal is required.
A Small Drone
There is no better way to take epic photos than with a drone, and if the hiker in your life wants some incredible footage of them hiking then these little flying machines can take pictures and videos from angles we can only dream of from the ground.
DJI drones are some of the best on the market (with a price tag to match) and are great gifts for people who might use the footage professionally. Hikers will want something compact, such as the DJI Mini 2, which can fit easily into a backpack.
However, for the enthusiastic amateur, there are plenty of cheaper options on the market, like this one, which gets excellent reviews for the price. Make sure you also pass on the information needed to fly a drone safely and responsibly and tell your gift recipient to check the rules carefully for each country they plan to visit. Most drones will need to be registered and they may need a license to fly it.
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Hiking Gifts for Her
As much as I hate dividing gifts by sex or gender, these gifts are specifically for women and those who aren’t able to pee standing up!
A Pee Cloth
A pee cloth might not sound like the most romantic hiking gift, but it is eco-friendly and very useful for us ladies! Instead of using tons of toilet roll (which should be carried with you off the trail NOT left behind!), this clever little cloth is made with antimicrobial material so you can reuse it and clip it to the outside of your backpack to dry.
pStyle Pee Funnel
No, this whole list isn’t going to be about peeing in the woods, but I’ve done enough research to know that the pStyle is the preferred option for design, ease of use and lack of spillage, but it’s recommended to practise in the shower before being out on the trail fully clothed! You can even buy a handy little carry-case to go with it.
Hiking Gifts for Him or Her
These cool hiking gadgets make great gifts for anyone who loves hiking – with a little added luxury.
Mess Kit
This 6 piece mess kit includes a plate, bowl, cup, switch spork and tether for attaching it to the outside of a backpack. A functional and useful hiking gift for her or anyone into hiking so they can tuck into a tasty meal on the trail.
Travel Coffee Press
Carrying as little weight as possible is a must for all hikers, but if you’re looking for the perfect gift for hikers who love coffee, then this travel coffee press is just the ticket. It brews 1-3 cups of hot coffee in about 1 minute and packs up neatly into the included mug for easy storage and carrying. Perfect!
Camping Stove
For overnight and multi-day hikes, a lightweight camping stove is a must to be able to prepare hot food – especially for winter or cold-weather hiking!
Gifts for Casual Hikers
Journal
In the evenings after a day’s hiking, journal writing is a great way to relax and to clear your head, as well as to keep track of any hiking adventures! There are hundreds of different journal designs so you can find something for everyone, this is one of my faves. Aim for something as lightweight as you can.
Mini Picnic Blanket
It folds up really small but is big enough to seat two people and keep them clean and dry, wherever they want to sit down.
Hiking Stocking Stuffers
There are lots of cheap gifts for hikers under $25 (or your local equivalent), but the rule to stick to here is to make sure they are also useful hiking gifts. Anything non-essential is likely to get left at home, so these are some of my top picks for budget-friendly gifts for the hiker in your life.
Beanie Hat
Not all hiking gear has to be expensive, or specialist! This North Face Beanie is made from recycled materials and will keep your hiker warm in cold weather. I usually prefer bobble hats, but beanie hats with no bobble are better for hiking as you can put a hood easily up if it’s raining or very windy.
Emergency Whistle
A cheap hiking gift that could be priceless if it helps to save someone’s life. This 120-decibel whistle can alert anyone in the vicinity if your hiker gets into difficulty and needs help.
Buff Multifunctional Headwear
Buffs are very useful gifts for hikers as they can be used in all weathers and in various different ways to keep warm or cool while hiking. It’s also got UPF 50 protection and a fabric made from recycled plastic. And for a hiking gift under $25 what more could you ask for?
Earplugs & Eye Mask
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Hiking Book Gift Ideas
I love reading about inspirational journeys, whether that is hiking, backpacking or general travel adventures. I’ve found some awesome hiking books which would make great gifts for hikers. The links lead to independent book stores on Bookshop.org as I would rather buy books from them than Amazon, but if you prefer to shop at Amazon then just click here and search for the titles.
You can also find more cool hiking book gift ideas in my curated hiking books collection on Bookshop.org.
Epic Hikes of the World
Lonely Planet has brought together 150 of the most incredible hikes around the world to inspire hikers to trek these routes. Provide all of the hiking inspiration your gift recipient will ever need. Check prices here.
America’s Best Day Hikes
A great gift for casual hikers or weekend hikers who only have time for incredible day hikes! Derek Dellinger’s book has plenty of ideas to choose from. Check price here.
100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Scenic Trails
National Geographic’s version of the world’s most incredible hikes. Check prices here.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir follows her physical and mental journey from losing everything after her mother’s death to hiking over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. It was also made into a film starring Reece Witherspoon, but read it here first! Check prices
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
Bill Bryson’s entertaining tale of his time on the Appalachian Trail, including interesting characters he meets along the way, all told in his unique cynical style. Check prices.
I hope this backpacker gift guide has given you some great ideas for hiking gifts to choose from – no matter what you choose to buy I’m sure that it will make that special someone very happy! What would you choose as the best gifts for the hiker in your life? I’d love to know what you plan to buy – or have bought, I won’t tell them I promise!
Thanks for checking it out Joy, and for sharing the post 🙂
Thanks some great ideas here. Some super useful for those doing DofE too – and can be cross-interest with a lot also.