Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by foxintheforest
Wondering about what to get the hiker on your list this year? Fear not, as a (literal) professional hiker and gear expert, I’ve got a comprehensive lineup of the best hiking gifts of the season.
Give that outdoor lover the good stuff with these unique hiking gifts that any avid outdoorsy person would love. These are gifts that keep on giving.
As a professional gear writer, I’ve got the inside scoop on the hottest hiking gear this season. Each of these products has been rigorously tested by yours truly and the helping hand of a few expert-level gear testers that help me out over at Backpacker Magazine. The result is professional, honest advice about what to get the hiker on your list.
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About this Guide to the Best Hiking Gifts for 2022
Okay, so there are a ton of amazing hiking gift recommendations to share with you. I’ve decided to organize this hiking gift guide by price point to create a seamless shopping experience. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Budget-friendly hiking gifts for under $25
- Amazing hiking essentials for under $50
- The best hiking gifts for under $100
- Luxury hiking gifts for over $100
- Additional gift guides for any kind of outdoor adventurer
What is a Good Gift for Someone Who Likes Hiking
Hikers are surprisingly easy to grab gifts for. We don’t need much, and often the smallest gifts are the most rewarding. When it comes to the best gifts for hikers, think about simple items that are lightweight and functional. As a long-time hiker, I personally love a great pair of socks or sunglasses – who would have thought that someone could get excited about socks? That’s the joy of finding a good gift for hikers, we are super easy to please!
Amazing Budget-Friendly Hiking Gifts for Under $25
These awesome budget-friendly hiking gifts will put a smile on any outdoor adventurer’s face this season. Each of these gifts are simply perfect either on their own or as a stocking stuffer.
1. Buff Headband
Buff Headbands have been around for a long time. These multi-use, durable (and nifty) headbands serve as scarves, stuff sacks, hats, headbands, even backcountry camping pillows. Oh and bonus points in 2020 for being a face covering.
I use mine for everything from casual day hikes to enduring alpine expeditions and even international travel. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so choose one that’s got a personal touch.
MSRP: $20
Best for: Any hiker especially those who love travel, camping, and backpacking too!
Buy a Buff Headband
2. Sea to Summit Dry Sack
Sea to Summit makes a lot of really cool gear and their dry sacks are a must-have for any hiker that deals with wet weather. They come in a variety of sizes of varying costs, but most are under $25. What I love about these dry sacks is they are durable and lightweight. Carry your wallet, camera, and phone worry-free in the 8L or use the 13L for a little more capacity.
MSRP: $25 for the 13L
Best for: Hikers who hike in rainy environments. A hiker who also enjoys water sports or backpacking.
Buy a Sea to Summit Dry Sack
3. Petzl Headlamp
You can’t go anywhere outdoors without a headlamp. In fact, this essential piece of gear is a must-have for any adventure. the Tikkina Headlamp is cost-effective and works well in a variety of conditions. The best part? You’ll never have to buy batteries again with their hybrid battery or rechargeable tech.
MSRP: $20
Best For: All hikers.
Buy the Petzl Tikkina Headlamp
4. Nuun Hydration
After a long day on the trail, re-hydration is an absolute must. Nuun is the number one product to get it done. I always carry a Nuun hydration solution in my car after a long-mile day. The wide variety of flavors cater to every taste and some flavors even have caffeine (an added boost if you’ve got a long drive after your hike).
MSRP: $7 per tube or $24 for a variety pack
Best for: Avid hikers who go on long journeys. Trail runners.
Purchase Nuun Hydration
5. Nikwax Down Cleaner and Waterproofing
Nikwax sets the bar for cleaning your hiking gear. Their must-have lineup of Nikwax Downwash Direct washes and protects precious down items. Literally giving hiking clothes extra years, every hiker has to have the Nikwax downwash and down-proof products.
MSRP: $11 per bottle
Best for: All hikers.
Buy Nikwax Down Cleaner
6. Justin’s Nut Butter Packets
Hikers are all about quick calories. Yes, these items are literal lifesavers and we look at things such as Justin’s Nut Butter Packets as precious gifts. (Who says hikers are hard to shop for?) Pick up a pack of ten for $12 and make the hiker on your list happy.
MSRP: $10 to $12 depending on the flavor
Best for: Hikers with a sweet tooth
Buy Justin’s Nut Butter here
7. Hiking Books They Will Love
Okay, so I have a complete list of amazing outdoor adventure books that any avid hiker would absolutely fall in love with. Almost all the books on the list are under $25. However, if you need quick suggestions, here are a few handy classics:
- Annapurna: A Woman’s Place by Arlene Blum
- Stories from the Dirt by John Long
- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
8. Darn Tough Socks
Remember when you were a kid and you excitedly unwrapped a gift, only to find it was socks? Well, hikers are the special kind of person who gets really excited to be gifted socks. Darn Tough sets the bar for the best hiking sock, making a few pairs of these some of the best hiking gifts money can buy.
There are a wide variety to choose from but the quarter (wears approach or hiking shoes), crew (wears boots), or over-the-calf (trail runners) are all under $25.
MSRP: Varies, but generally between $18 and $25
Best for: All hikers
Buy Tarn Tough Socks
9. Hiking First Aid Kit
First aid kits are an absolute hiking essential and the Adventure Medical Kits make an excellent ultralight, water-tight medical kit for under $25. One of the most practical hiking gifts on the market, these are must-haves for any hiker.
MSRP: $18
Best for: Any hiker
Buy Adventure Medical Kits here
10. REI Gift Card
Overwhelmed by this list of the best hiking gifts? Let the hiker on your list decide with an REI gift card. Virtually every outdoorsperson has an REI membership. Which means they get 10% back on every dollar they spend. So when you give an REI gift card, it gives back double!
MSRP: Varries – you decide!
Best for: All hikers
Purchase an REI gift card here
11. Stasher Bags
Say hello to the plastic-free way to store your trail snacks. The Stasher Bags are the one-stop solution to zip locks. They are one of the lightest plastic-free options out there. The snack and sandwich sizes are perfect for any trailside noshing. And, since both can be purchased for under $25, they make an excellent budget-friendly hiking gift.
Pro Tip: I use my Stasher Bags for everything, including just around this house. This makes for one versatile gift.
MSRP: $10 for the snack size $12 for the sandwich
Best for: Hikers who are into protecting the environment.
Buy Stasher Bags
12. Rawlogy Cork Ball
Rawlogy makes these amazing cork massage balls that put your post-hike muscle soreness at ease. The 4″ ball is absolutely perfect for post hike bliss, while the smaller 2.5″ ball weighs literally nothing and makes for one of the best hiking gifts for the traveling hiker.
MSRP: Medium $17, Big $19 or get the set for $25
Best for: Hikers who like to treat themselves or have chronic injuries.
Buy Rawlogy Cork Balls here
13. Tenaciaous Tape
Shopping for hiking gifts is a breeze with items like Tenacious Tape. Seriously, we don’t need much, but we will literally cry if we tear even the tiniest hole in our coveted puffy. Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid keeps gear lasting longer and makes field repairs super simple. Every hiker needs some Tenacious Tape in their hiking bag.
MSRP: $3 to $10 depending on the amount and type
Best for: Any hiker
14. Kula Cloth
Squat to pee? Kula Cloth can handle the job. As one of the most unique hiking gifts for those that pop a squat, this anti-microbial technical pee cloth takes the TP out of the situation. Simply wipe and hang to dry. The fabric keeps bacteria at bay and no one has to carry around toilet paper. They also come in a variety of fun designs to choose from.
MSRP: $22 to $24
Best for: Hikers who squat to pee.
Buy Kula Cloth
15. Box of Toe Warmers
If you’ve got a cold-weather hiker on your list, consider getting a box of toe warmers. Why toe warmers? Because the sticky side of them means you can stick these suckers anywhere for a quick warm-up. Yet another simple hiking gift.
MSRP: $11
Best for: Hikers who explore in the cold. Hikers who are often chilly.
Buy Toe Warmers
16. Luci Light Solar Lantern
Luci Lights might just be one of the best unique gifts for hikers. These inflatable, solar-powered lights come in handy on the trail or at camp. Simply clip to your bag and charge on the go. If you’ve got an extra $10 to spare, you can even get one with a charging port.
MSRP: $25 for just the solar light, $40 for included solar charger.
Best for: Hikers that also enjoy camping and backpacking.
Buy Luci Lights
17. Mophie Stick Portable Charger
There are a lot of gimmicks when it comes to portable battery banks. Fear not, I’ve tested tons of them. When you’re hiking you want a compact, lightweight power stick that works without fail. Behold the Mophie Boost Mini. It’ll charge your devices twice and is about the size of two lighters stuck together.
MSRP: $12
Best for: Tech-savvy hikers.
Buy Mophie Stick
18. SOL Emergency Bivvy
For years I’ve ranted and raved about the SOL Emergency Bivy. It’s a literal life-saver and makes for a practical hiking gift for anyone. Simply put it in your bag and use it in case of an emergency. It’s essentially a space blanket with a zipper to keep you safe in an emergency.
MSRP: $17
Best for: Any hiker
Purchase a SOL Emergency Bivvy
19. The Freshette Pee Funnel
Free your pee without dropping your pants with the revolutionary Freshette pee funnel. Using a pee funnel is surprisingly easy and it’s a total game-changer for anyone who squats to pee. Confession: I actually got one of these as a hiking gift one year, and it was hands-down my favorite present of the season.
MSRP: $25
Best for: Hikers who squat to pee
Purchase a Freshette Pee Funnel
20. Box of Pro Bars
Us hikers love snacks and the more calories per snack, the better. Pro Bars offer up the most calories per ounce. On bar packs a hefty 400 calories, which is essentially a meal that’s smaller than a cell phone. A variety pack of 12 gives plenty of options for the avid hiker.
MSRP: $25
Best for: Hikers who love snacks!
Buy a Box of Pro Pars
21. Joshua Tree Lip Balm
One of the best hiking gifts is UPF lipbalm. Hikers expose themselves to lots of sun, so having a lip balm that also keeps the sun’s rays at bay. Joshua Tree Lip Balm is incredible stuff. It doesn’t taste funny or feel sticky to wear but it offers superior moisturizing and sun protection.
MSRP: $15 for a pack fo three
Best for: all hikers
Buy Joshua Tree Lip Balm
22. Big Agnes TwisterCane Seat
Sometimes you want a cozy place to park your bum on the trail. The TwisterCane Seat by Big Agnes is a lightweight, sustainable option for a quick seat. It weighs just a few ounces, making it ideal for hikers since it doesn’t add much weight. Not to mention, it’s made from sugar-cane based foam, meaning it’s great for the environment too.
MSRP: $25
Best for: Hikers who go on long hikes. Those that love to hike in the snow.
Buy the SwiterCane Seat
23. Ruffwear Portable Dog Bowl
If the hiker on your list takes Fido along, then you’ve got to check out the Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl. First, this bowl is cute (hello unique hiking gifts!), with an awesome mountain graphic. But most importantly, it works really well. It’ll hold water (it gets soggy after about 10 hours, but never leaks), packs down to nothing, and is virtually weightless.
MSRP: $15
Best for: Hiker’s with fury friends!
Buy the Ruffwear Portable Dog Bowl
Hiking Gifts for Under $50
If you’re looking to spend a few extra dollars, you can find a lineup of unique hiking gifts. These are a little bit pricier than the last category but are well worth every penny spent.
24. PackTowl
PackTowel’s UltraLite Towels are an excellent addition to any hiker’s gear closet. The super-absorbant and quick-drying microfiber technology is the perfect combination for the outdoors. Want to go for a dip in a famous alpine lake in Colorado? You’re ready to swim with PackTowel. The Beach size is perfect for lounging while the Body size is a bit smaller (and lighter).
MSRP: $40 for Body size and $50 for the Beach size
Best for: Hikers that love to make a splash or enjoy travel.
Purchase a PackTowl
25. The REI Flash Pack
Every year I recommend the REI Flash 22 and REI Flash 18 as the perfect hiking gift. It’s a revolutionary pack that gives a lot of bang for your buck. Seriously, it’s one of the best hiking backpacks for under $100 simply because it has all the bells and whistles you need in a light day pack.
Hydration compatable, lightweight, completely packable, and lots of places to store and hang gear are just one of the many reasons this pack is so great. The 22L version has a handy top with a zipper and side pockets, literally perfect for almost any hike.
MSRP: $28 to $40 for the 18L and $38 to $55 for the 22L pack
Best for: All hikers
Buy the REI Flash 22
26. Hydro Flask Food Jar
For longer hikes, you want a meal, especially in the cooler months. What if you can have a delicious hot meal without packing a stove? Behold the Hydro Flask Food Flask. Two distict sizes can bring you a meal straight to the trail.
Want to know a cool little secret? These flasks are so insulating, that they can keep ice cream cold for up to 24 hours. Speaking from experience here.
MSRP: $30 to $35
Best for: Winter hikers
Buy the Hydro Flask Food Jar
27. Saalt Menstrual Cup
Getting your period while hiking doesn’t need to be an issue with the Saal Menstrual Cup. With the ability to wear this all day (up to 12 hours), you won’t have to pack tampons or pads on the trail. This handy eco-friendly period cup is a definite lifesaver for hikers who menstrate.
MSRP: $29
Best for: Hikers who menstrate
Buy the Saalt Menstrual Cup
28. Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Toilet Kit
Serious hikes demand serious gear. The Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Toilet Kit Waste Bags are something hikers actually want, especially if most of your hikes are in permitted or regulated areas.
It turns out, going number two in the desert, in the alpine, or on many of the most famous hikes in America, require the use of a human waste disposal bag. Seriously, these things are like gold in a pinch, so a pack of 12 goes a long way.
MSRP: $34
Best for: Hikers who frequently hike in the mountains, desert or in national parks (many national parks require you to bring these bags)
Buy the Go Anywhere Toilet Kit
29. Gregory 3D Reservoir System
The Gregory 3D Hydro Reservoir is a game-changing product. Most hikers prefer to use a bladder system, simply because they don’t have to stop and grab a water bottle. The 3D Reservoir is easier to fill, clean, and hang than competing models. 2 liters is plenty to stay hydrated on a burly hike.
MSRP: $38
Best for: All hikers
Buy the Gregory 3D Reservoir System
30. Small Utility Knife
You should never leave the trail without a duty knife. You don’t need every bell and whistle, but a stout, reliable blade, scissors, and nail file make the perfect multi-tool. The Leatherman Free T4 Knife is one of my favs for hiking trails.
MSRP: $60
Best for: All hikers
Buy the Leatherman Free T4 knife
31. Joby Gorillapod
If they lovs to be behind the lens, then they Joby Gorillapod is a must-have gift for hikers. Suitable for GoPros or phones (I wouldn’t recommend this for a digital camera) this moveable, lightweight tripod easily adapts to its surroundings. It can bend, twist, and clamp on almost anything.
MSRP: $39
Best for: Photography hikers
Buy the Joby Gorillapod
32. Trigger Point Performance Foam Roller
For an active human, foam rollers make excellent hiking gifts. The Trigger Point Performance Foam Roller is built to feel like hands giving a deep tissue massage. With foam rolling you can relieve pesky pain and keep soreness at bay. Great for hikers who have bad knees, back, and shoulders.
MSRP: $35 for the small (best for travelers or arm pain) or $60 for the full size (great for butt, back, and knee pain).
Best for: Hikers with sore hips, back, and knees
Buy the Trigger Point Foam Roller
Must-Have Hiking Gifts for Under $100
These badass hiking gifts certainly keep on giving. Although they are among the more spendy, they would certainly make that special hiker on your list happy.
33. Kahtoola Microspikes
For the winter hiking enthusiast, there is no better traction product than the Kahtoola Microspikes. Literally the only product worth purchasing for snowy trails, these long-lasting microspikes take the cake.
MSRP: $70
Best for: Hikers who hit the trails in the snow.
Buy Kahtoola Microspikes
34. Eno Hammock
Many hikers take a hammock with them to relax at their final destination. Eno Hammocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, perfect for relaxing while you hike. Opt for the DoubleNest as a couples gift for hiking or give the SingleNest as a gift for one. Don’t forget the ENO straps to save the trees (comes with two).
MSRP: $50 for the SingleNest, $70 for the double, and $30 for a strap set.
Best for: Hikers who love to lounge
Buy an Eno Hammock
35. REI Sahara Sun Hoody
Sun hoodies are all the rage right now, and for good reason. These ultra-light, UPF hoodies block the sun so you can layer up without getting hot or slathering on sunscreen. The REI Sahara Hoodie is a top-notch sun hoody that soft and durable.
MSRP: $50
Best for: All hikers
Buy the REI Sahara Sun Hoody
36. National Parks Annual Pass
Give the gift that keeps on giving with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass gets you into all of the national parks, recreation areas, and national monuments across the country. It’s an amazing gift for hikers simply because there are endless miles of trails to explore. It’s good for 12 months from when you purchase.
MSRP: $89
Best for: All hikers
Buy a National Parks Pass
37. Peak Designs Camera Capture Clip
Get the perfect shot for the ‘Gram with the Peak Designs Capture Clip. I’ve been religiously using one of these for years. The clip easily secures to virtually any hiking pack strap and the screw attachment fits any camera with a tripod mount. As a result, you can quickly bust out your camera for the perfect on-the-go shot.
MSRP: $70
Best for: Hikers who love photography and have a digital camera.
Buy the Peak Designs Camera Capture Clip
38. ExOfficio Bugsaway Shirts
ExOfficio has been creating their Bugsaway line without fail for years. There are plenty of styles to choose from. Each shirt has integrated bug-repelling technology that keeps even the nastiest biters at bay. Perfect for travel or for hikers who spend a lot of time in buggy climates.
MSRP: Varries based on the model
Best for: Hikers in buggy environments.
Buy a Bugsaway Shirt
39. Grayl Geopress Purifier
For international hikers, there is no better gift than the GRAYL Geopress Purifier. When it comes to choosing a purifier, there are a lot of options. But the Geopress purifies water and gives you clean, incredible drinking water in just 8 seconds. It’s heavy, but it’s the perfect purifier and bottle in one for any overseas hike.
MSRP: $89
Best for: Hikers who love international travel
Buy a Grayl Geopress
Luxurious Hiking Gifts for Over $100
For that special someone, give one of the best hiking gifts that they will cherish for years to come. This line-up of top hiking gifts really says “you’re special.”
40. Garmin InReach Mini
Stay found with the Garmin InReach Mini. This hand-held SOS device calls for help, tells you your positioning, gets the weather, and even has messaging capabilities. It’s the perfect hiking gift for the avid hiker, especially for longer hikes or solo adventures. Pair with your phone and use a subscription to quickly text or use as a stand-alone device.
MSRP: $350 plus a subscription
Best for: All hikers
Buy a Garmin InReach Mini
41. Costa Sunglasses Untangled Series
These eco-friendly sunglasses are a dream for hikers. Their lightweight and durable while also giving superior protection against UV rays. What sets these shades apart from other designer duds is the fact that the frame plastic is made from 97% recycled fishing nets. You’ll
MSRP: $160 and up
Best for: All hikers, especially those that want to support great causes and care about sustainability.
Shop Costa Sunglasses
42. Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Watch
For a watch that’s literally a mini-computer, you get it all with the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro. It charts your movement including heart rate, calories, paces, and steps. But it doesn’t stop there. With a built-in GPS, altimeter, weather, compass, and more it truly is the adventurer’s smartwatch. The best part? It charges via solar.
MSRP: $800
Best for: Tech-savvy hikers who love to see their stats.
Buy the Garmin Fenix
43. Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody delivers the ultimate in warmth, comfort, and weight. Favorite “puffies” are somewhat of a staple piece for any hiker and the Patagonia Nano Puff delivers. Opt for a jacket with a hood for maximum warmth.
MSRP: $249
Best for: All hikers, especially those that hike in colder environments.
Pro Tip: Pick up the Nikwax Down Wash to go with this amazing gift.
Buy the Patagonia Nano Puff
44. Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
There are many different kinds of trekking poles, but the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Poles are the ultimate knee savers. I’ve used and abused mine for six straight years and they are still holding up brilliantly. The ergonomic cork grips don’t give you blisters and the snap locks stand up to the test of time.
MSRP: $130
Best for: All hikers. Especially those with knee issues or hikers who frequent hilly and mountainous areas.
Buy Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Poles
45. Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera with Lens
Wanna know a secret? I shoot all of my professional photography (and most of my blog photos) using my Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera. This compact, yet versatile camera offers up stellar picture quality with plenty of lens compatibility. I love it because it’s far more lightweight than a traditional digital camera and is fully customizable.
MSRP: $550
Best for: Hikers who are serious about photography
Buy the Sony A6000
What Should I get my Outdoorsy Sister?
Shopping for an outdoorsy woman? Don’t fret, there are lots of amazing gifts for the outdoorsy sister on your list. Aim for something that’s functional and fun. Think a headlamp in a cool color, a Kula Cloth, or a GPS safety device. Other great gifts include: menstrual cup, pee funnel, dry bag, or a pair of Darn Tough socks.
What Should Every Hiker Carry?
There are several hiking essentials every hiker should take when they hit the trail. If you’re shopping for a newbie hiker, consider snagging one of these essential items so that they are prepared on the trail.
- Water bladder
- Headlamp
- First Aid Kit
- warm layers
- lighter
- Bivvy sack in case of emergencies
- plenty of snacks
- Toilet kit (hand sanitizer, toilet paper, lightweight shovel, and a baggie to carry out TP)
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat
- Navigation or GPS device
- A hiking pack to store all of the gear in
Phew! You’ve made it through the amazingly comprehensive list of this year’s best hiking gifts. There’s the perfect gift for any hiker on your list this year from pee funnels to incredible GPS watches, you’ll give the perfect present to the hiker you love.
More Outdoor Gear Guides:
Get expert buying advice from gear professionals with this lineup of gear resources:
- The Most Amazing Camping Gifts
- Adventure Gifts for Her
- Incredible Gifts for Climbers
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