Looking for gift ideas for hikers? There are a plethora of things a hiker needs (and sometimes just wants) to have. So whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts for hikers, birthday gifts for hikers, or any other sort of gifts for hikers…you’ll have lots of amazing options to choose from.
The gifts on this list range from inexpensive gifts under $10 all the way up to expensive gifts that cost several hundred dollars, so you’re sure to find something that is within your budget and fits with what you’re wanting to buy for your hiking friends or family. These are definitely some of the best gifts for hikers, whether you’re looking for something to enhance their safety on the trails, make hiking more comfortable, or simply give a gift they can just have fun with!
1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
If you’re looking for a gift for your favorite hiker and want to help them stay safe out on the trails, then a LifeStraw water filter is the perfect choice! Although for shorter hikes it is easy to carry all the necessary water with you, for longer hikes or in cases of emergency this can be a lifesaver. After all, no one wants to get lost or have something bad happen and then realize they are in danger of running out of clean drinking water!
The LifeStraw filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water to remove bacteria and parasites, making any freshwater safe to drink. And at only nine inches long, it’s small enough that you can throw it in a backpack and won’t even notice it’s there unless you need it in an emergency. This makes it a superb gift for any hiker, and certainly one of the best gifts for hikers under $25!
Click here to check out the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter!
2. Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter
Along similar lines as the LifeStraw, gifting your favorite hiker a water filter pump will make them love you forever! This is especially high up on the list of great gifts for hikers who like to take longer, multi-day hikes or go backpacking.
Where the LifeStraw is great in case of emergency, the Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter is a perfect option for when you plan to use a filter to create your water supply. It protects against bacteria to keep you safe and healthy, and helps improve the taste of the water as well. In fact, you can use it on a muddy puddle and emerge with fully drinkable water…it’s pretty much a miracle!
This particular model is perfect for backpackers or those who like to pack light, since it weighs only 11oz and is 3 x 3 x 6″. The easy-to-use pump system is also a bonus, as you can quickly fill up your water bottles and be ready to continue hiking!
Check out the Katadyn Hiker Pro and buy it now!
3. Eno SingleNest Hammock
A hammock is a perfect gift for all types of hikers—for those who like to take short hikes and want a hammock to use for fun on the trail, and for those who take longer hiking trips and want a hammock to sleep in instead of a tent. But the Eno SingleNest Hammock is the perfect one to choose in either case!
These hammocks are made from nylon and weigh only 16 ounces (packing into a 4 x 5″ included storage bag). When unpacked, the hammock expands to 9’4″ x 4’7″. It comes with aluminum carabiners, but you can purchase hammock straps separately.
Setup is a breeze, so whether this is a “just for fun” gift for the hiker in your life or a tent replacement, it is sure to be a hit!
Click here to buy the Eno SingleNest Hammock!
4. North Face Cat’s Meow 22 Sleeping Bag
For overnight hikes, a sleeping bag is a must. But some sleeping bags are so bulky or heavy that it is no fun having to drag them around during the day, while others are so light that they provide little comfort or warmth at night. The North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag, however, makes a great gift for hikers because it provides the perfect balance between lightweight (2 lbs. 7 oz.) and cozy (for temperatures as low as 20°F/-7°C).
This mummy sleeping bag also packs down into a 9 x 16″ sack, and features a fitted hood for warmth, ripstock nylon construction, and synthetic insulation to keep you warm all night. It’s a great sleeping bag for pretty much all seasons (except for very cold winters) and is perfect for all sorts of outdoor adventures. So this is an excellent gift to give your favorite hiker!
Purchase the Cat’s Meow sleeping bag now or read reviews!
5. Hydro Flask Water Bottle or Nalgene Bottle
When you’re looking for good gifts for hikers, water bottles should definitely be on that list! Water bottles are an essential for any hiker, but some water bottles are simply better than others. Take, for instance, the Hydro Flask water bottle or the iconic Nalgene water bottle.
The Hydro Flask is made with BPA-free plastic and food-grade stainless steel and insulation that keeps condensation from forming on the outside of the bottle. This same insulation also keeps the beverage inside at the same temperature—hot drinks for up to 6-12 hours and cold drinks up to 24 hours. This is a great bottle to take hiking as you can easily keep your water nice and cold for your whole hike, or if it’s cold outside and you want to bring coffee or another hot drink you can be sure it will stay hot as well.
The only downside of the Hydro Flask is that it is rather heavy for a water bottle because of the stainless steel, so for going on longer hikes or backpacking then you may be better off going with the classic Nalgene water bottle. This bestselling water bottle is BPA-free, safe for the dishwasher, and suitable for warm and cold beverages (all the way up to boiling water!) Although it might not keep your drink as cold or as hot as the Hydro Flask, this is a perfect lightweight water bottle for hiking and a great gift for any hiker in your life.
Click here to check out the HydroFlask Water Bottle or the Nalgene Water Bottle!
6. PETZL ACTIK CORE Headlamp
A light source is an essential on any hiking trip, as it can come in handy in an emergency, if you happen to stay out later than you expected, or if you come across any cool areas like caves that you want to explore. Because of the versatility and utility of having a light on hand, this is a wonderful gift to give whether you want to keep your favorite hiker safe or help them be prepared for more cool adventures!
The PETZL ACTIK CORE headlamp is my top choice for a light source as it is lightweight but offers an excellent brightness of 450 lumens. You can adjust the brightness levels of the white light to fit your needs or choose to use the red lighting feature at night. The headband also comes with night visibility built-in and it will reflect light from other sources so the wearer is visible to others even when the headlamp is not on.
This headlamp is also a great choice as it uses a rechargeable battery, so you simply charge it up before you head out and you are good to go. Plus, it is waterproof at an IPX4 rating, which means it can handle being splashed with water from any direction. This is great for cave adventures where water may drip on your head!
This PETZL headlamp is a bit on the expensive side, though, so if you are looking for one a little less expensive but still waterproof and bright then you may want to consider going with the Black Diamond Spot Headlamp. But if you can afford buying the PETZL one, it is definitely worth it!
Check out the ACTIK CORE Head Lamp or purchase it now!
7. Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are a great addition to any hiker’s gear, as they help reduce the impact of hiking on knee joints and leg muscles. They’re especially great for those with past knee injuries, although healthy hikers can benefit from them as well…so this makes them one of the best presents for hikers!
If you’re looking for a high value and low cost option, the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are a solid choice. These poles are lightweight with 100% carbon fiber and have a non-slip grip to make holding them comfortable. Additionally, they utilize a quick lock system which makes them easy to extend as needed or close back up to pack away quickly and easily.
While there are a ton of more expensive pole options on the market, these poles are a high quality option for a fraction of the cost and will be a perfect gift for the hiker in your life!
Click here to read more about the Cascade Mountain Tech Poles or buy them now!
8. Campsuds
For hikers that plan to take multi-day trips, Campsuds make an excellent gift! This soap is an all-purpose cleaner (marketed for washing dishes, clothes, face, hair, etc.) and is eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable.
It’s a concentrated soap, which means you only need a few drops to get all the suds you need to clean whatever you want to wash. And it works equally well in cold and hot water, so it’s no wonder this is one of the best gifts for hikers (and one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers as well!)
Click here to purchase Campsuds now!
9. SmartWool Socks
Gone are the days of hating getting socks as presents for Christmas! Good socks are a hiker’s best friend. But good socks can also cost quite a lot compared to normal socks, which means any hiker would be grateful to receive a pair or two of socks as a gift!
My favorite brand of socks for hiking is SmartWool. I actually wear them everywhere and all year round, in varying lengths and thicknesses as needed depending on the weather and the level of activity. They’re comfortable, odor-resistant, easy to wash and dry, and I find also help prevent blisters when doing a lot of walking. So what’s not to love?
I know that a lot of hikers also like the Darn Tough brand…but whether you decide on SmartWool or Darn Tough, these socks will last for a long, long time and make your favorite hiker super grateful. There’s really no better gift you can give!
Check out SmartWool socks now!
10. Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork
If you’re looking for gifts for a hiker who takes overnight or longer trips, then they will most likely need utensils to help them eat their meals along the way. But when hiking (or especially when backpacking) it’s all about carrying as little weight as possible. So why would you carry a spoon and a fork when you can just carry one spork instead?
The Sea to Summit Spork is one of the lightest metal cutlery options on the market, which means when you gift this spork you are gifting a super light and strong utensil that your hiker can use on trips for years to come. While this may seem like a small and simple gift, it is actually one of the most useful items (and one of the most often-used) so it is perfect as a gift or a stocking stuffer!
Click here to see reviews of the Alpha Light Spork or buy it now!
11. Granola Bars and Snacks
If you’re looking for small gifts or stocking stuffers for hikers, then you can’t go wrong with some great trail snacks! Energy bars like Kind Bars are one of my favorites, and Larabars are another good choice. Alternatively, you could buy different dried fruits, nuts, or beef jerky to gift as the perfect on-the-go snack.
And if you know that your hiker likes to take overnight trips, you could also consider gifting some food packs like the Mountain House brand of hiking food. While they’re not exactly like eating the best delicacies in the world, they are quick and easy to make (just add water to the pouch), easy to clean up afterwards, and nutritious as well. These are excellent gifts for campers and hikers, as these packs can be a great and easy option for eating on the go!
12. Anker Candy-Bar Portable Charger
Whether I’m hiking or just living my everyday life, I always carry this Anker portable charger with me. No one wants to end up without phone charge (especially if you’re using a phone for navigation on a trail or as an emergency contact system). So giving a portable charger as a gift to any hiker can be an excellent choice!
I love this particular Anker charger as it is a small candy bar size (3.8″ x 1.7″ x 0.9″) that fits easily in any pack or pocket, but it can charge a phone 1.5-2 times before needing to be recharged itself. This is excellent as you’ll know you will always have a back up power source in case you need it! It also comes with a micro USB cable for charging and a travel pouch, as well as an 18-month warranty.
Click here to buy the Anker Candy-Bar Charger now or read more reviews!
13. Anker 21W Dual Solar Charger
If you’re looking for cool gifts for hikers, then you can’t find any gift much cooler than a portable solar charger! While the Anker Candy-Bar Charger is perfect for shorter trips, on longer trips you might want a little more charge and a little more security in knowing that you will have all the charge you could possibly need. That’s where the Dual Solar Charger comes in!
The Dual Solar Charger is one of the more unique hiking gifts and contains three solar panels that you can easily fold up for carrying or fold out for charging. You can lay it on the ground in sunlight, or attach it to the back of your pack while you hike…and it simply converts the sunlight into electricity for charging any devices you have with you!
This solar charger is durable and highly portable, with its folded size being 11″ x 6.3″ and its open size 18.1″ x 11″. Plus it comes with a micro USB cable and an 18 month warranty. This is a great gift for hikers as it allows them to have access to the power they need even when out in the middle of nowhere…because all you need is the sun!
However, you should be aware that this solar charger does not hold charge, it simply creates it while in sunlight. This means you will either have to hook up your phone to charge while it is in the sun or you will need to attach a battery pack like the Anker Candy-Bar Charger to the Dual Solar Charger. I recommend the latter method, as then you have a charger you can use when it is dark outside and the solar charger (of course) won’t work because there’s no sun.
Click here to buy the Dual Solar Charger now or read more reviews!
14. EnergyFlux Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Some hikers recommend bringing single-use hand warmers out on the trail for cold days or cold nights, but why invest in creating more plastic waste when you can invest in a rechargeable hand warmer that you can use again and again?
The EnergyFlux Rechargeable Hand Warmer has long been a favorite of mine as it heats up quickly and warms on both sides of the device, and there are two heat settings you can use to keep warm. You can buy just one rechargeable hand warmer if you like, or if you prefer you can buy one for each hand so you don’t have to keep switching it between hands to keep warm.
This device can also double as a USB power bank to recharge a phone or other devices from it, although I still prefer to keep an Anker power bank on hand so I can dedicate the EnergyFlux specifically to keeping my hands warm.
And while this rechargeable hand warmer won’t last forever, it does last for a really long time with up to 500 recharges. So if you do the math, you’ll quickly realize that to get the same amount of use from the single-use hand warmers you would have to spend at least $300 on them. So it definitely becomes a no-brainer to buy this inexpensive rechargeable hand warmer instead! Plus, you’ll be reducing your plastic use and helping to save the planet. It’s a win-win-win for everyone!
Click to buy the EnergyFlux rechargeable hand warmer or read more reviews!
15. Garmin inReach Mini
Of all the hiking gadgets available, the Garmin inReach Mini is one of the finest gadget gifts you can give. It is a bit on the expensive side, but it is one of the best gifts for hikers EVER. Why? Well, this little device comes packed with all sorts of features to keep hikers safe on the trail.
First, as a satellite communicator, you can use it for two-way text messaging which means hikers can stay in touch with loved ones back home even while they’re in areas that cell phones won’t work. It can also trigger an SOS in case of emergency so search and rescue can find them no matter where they are. (Note that for these features you will need a satellite subscription). It’s also a handy little device as you can access downloadable maps or access the weather forecast!
So if you are concerned about your favorite hiker and want to make sure they have everything they need to safe out on the trails, then this is the absolute best gift you can give. It’s easy to use and easy to stay in touch through it, and the safety features are simply invaluable in case anything happens to go wrong while they are out hiking!
Check out the inReach Mini or buy it now!
16. Garmin inReach Explorer+
If you love the idea of the inReach Mini but want a device that takes it a step further, the inReach Explorer+ is the ultimate gift to give.
Not only does it offer the same features of the inReach mini (including two-way text messaging from anywhere, an interactive SOS in case of emergency, downloadable maps, and more)…it also offers onscreen GPS routing.
So while the inReach Mini is mostly for connection and emergency, the Explorer+ takes it a step further and becomes a GPS device as well. This means that it’s the perfect device to help any hiker plan out routes or find their way back to the trail if they happen to get lost while hiking. It’s the ultimate in combined safety and navigation, and any hiker would be thrilled to receive an Explorer+ as a gift!
Buy the Garmin inReach Explorer+ or check out more reviews!
17. GoPro HERO 7 Black
A GoPro is a perfect just-for-fun gift for any hiker or adventurer, especially for those who already have all the hiking-specific gear they could ever want. And it’s a great gift as well because it allows them to capture their adventures and capture the memories that will last a lifetime!
The HERO 7 Black (the latest version of GoPro camera) takes amazing video and photos, has hypersmooth video stabilization, allows for time warp videos, and is rugged and waterproof to last with any hiker on any journey. So if you think your hiker would enjoy capturing their adventures, you can’t go wrong with gifting them this small, lightweight, and durable camera!
Click here to buy the GoPro HERO 7 Black now!
18. JOBY GorillaPod Action Tripod
Alongside a GoPro or other small camera, a tripod can be an excellent just-for-fun hiking gift to help capture the adventures! And the JOBY Action Tripod is one of my favorite tripods for GoPro and other small cameras, so this is the one I recommend.
A tripod like this can be an excellent addition to a hiking trip, as it allows you to take steady shots and video where needed…and also to take pictures of yourself or the group while hiking, enjoying amazing views, etc.
The JOBY tripod specifically is a perfect choice as it is super light (only 0.4 lbs) and can easily attach anywhere with its flexible leg system. It also has fantastic 90° tilting and 360° panning capabilities, which is so helpful for capturing those amazing panoramas of all the best views! While it, of course, isn’t a necessary piece of hiking equipment, it is a fun gift that any hiker is sure to appreciate and enjoy taking with them on the trails.
Buy the JOBY GorillaPod Tripod now or read more reviews!
19. Camera
If you’re looking for a gift for a hiker who is not into the action camera/GoPro scene but does want to capture gorgeous images, then a Sony Mirrorless camera like the a6000 can be a wonderful gift to give!
This camera weighs less than a pound and is super small and easy to carry with you. And with the ability to change lenses, it can be a great camera to capture any sort of adventure or take pictures of landscapes or wildlife along the way. For those hikers that are looking to get into photography, this camera is the perfect choice and the perfect balance between professional and easy to carry and use!
Buy the Sony a6000 Mirrorless Camera now!