The feel of a cool breeze, adrenaline pumping, the smell of fresh meadow grass, and woodsy moss. Do you know someone who loves these sensations? Then they are probably hikers. If you don’t hike yourself, you may be at a loss as to what to get them for that perfect present. We’ve taken the hard work out of finding that ultimate hiking gift by searching for useful and unique gifts so you don’t have to. There are gifts for campers, casual hikers, gifts for the home, even dogs!
1. U.S. Parks Pass
Best gifts for hikers
A U.S. Parks pass includes admission for one vehicle with up to four adults to national parks across the country, for a full year. This way they can hike America’s beauty all year long.
If they already have a pass for the National parks, you can choose one of these unique National parks gifts as an accessory or as a souvenir.
As a more ambitious gift, choose a unique hiking experience for them from destinations around the world.
2. Sturdy Travel Backpack
Gifts for Backpackers
When my son went to Europe after his highschool graduation, he needed a sturdy backpack to carry all his gear. They were walking, taking buses, boarding trains, and moving from town to town. It is exhausting trying to drag a suitcase around like that. A travel backpack will have cushioned straps and extra support to ease pressure on the back while carrying their stuff. Unlike school backpacks, these have many compartments to easily organize items.
A daypack can be used for shorter hikes where they don’t need overnight gear. A daypack can easily fold up into a larger pack for travel. During my son’s trip, they would leave most of their gear in their travel packs where they were staying for the night. Then they would use a day pack to bring lunch, a rain poncho, and extra layers of clothing when hiking into the mountains for the day.
If they won’t need to pack extra clothing, you can get them a waist pack. These have space for snacks, first aid kit, documents, and other basic necessities. They secure around the waist. Some even have holders for water bottles.
3. Silly T-shirts
Funny hiking gifts
Comfortable clothes are a must, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them some that play to their sense of humor.
You can also get some socks with funny sayings.
Don’t forget a goofy coffee mug. These are great for the office to inspire them to look forward to their next hike.
4. Backpacker Tent
Gifts for hikers and campers
For long distance hikes, they will need a lightweight shelter. You don’t want to get them anything fancy. Remember they have to carry this the whole time.
As an alternative, you can get them a camp hammock. This is great for traveling through wooded, muddy areas where they don’t want to sleep on the ground. They have rain tarps and mosquito netting to protect campers from bugs and weather.
They will also need a portable camp stove that can easily fit in their travel pack.
An inflatable camp pillow is also useful. These don’t take up much room and can be inflated when ready to use. They will feel more comfortable with this to rest their head on, instead of their clothes, after a long day of hiking.
5. Wine Backpack
Gifts for hiking couples
While these are not meant for serious hikes, they are great for couples going on a picnic hike for the day. These insulated backpacks keep food cold. Some even come with wine glasses, pockets for securing bottles of wine, or a picnic blanket.
For longer hikes where they need a backpack for carrying important gear, you can get them a pocket picnic blanket. They can still have their romantic meal together. These waterproof blankets fold up small so they don’t take up much room in their backpack.
Then get them a scratch off map of the national parks. This way they can keep track of all the places they’ve hiked together.
You might want to take a look at gifts for lovers of other sports too!
6. Thermal Energy Blanket
Hiking gifts for the cold
You never know when the weather might unexpectedly take a turn for the worse. A thermal blanket provides heat in emergency situations, winter camping, and for first aid. They don’t take up much space but can save lives.
It is easy to get frostbite in the extremities, even when the rest of the body is warm from moving around. Rechargeable hand warmers can be kept in their pocket for warmth.
Don’t forget the feet! You can get them heated socks, insoles, or toe warmers. Isn’t technology amazing?
7. Engraved Compass
Personalized hiking gifts
Personalized gifts make great keepsakes. This compass will be both useful in finding their way and be a cherished memento. They will think of you every time they use it. Don’t be surprised if this gift ends up becoming a family heirloom to be passed down through generations.
Do they have a favorite hike they want to relive over and over again? Give them a customized trail map to hang on their wall.
Another great personalized gift is a travel journal. They can take this with them to record their experiences and thoughts during their hikes to recapture those memories in detail later. Who knows? Maybe they will go on to write a book like Wild.
8. LED Gloves
Best hiking gifts for the dark
These gloves leave finger tips free for easy gripping, but shine light where needed, at the press of a button. These make great hiking gifts for dad because he can also use them while grilling at night, fixing things, or even taking the dog for a walk.
You can also get an LED beanie hat for hiking at night. These stay lit for hours and leave hands free for using trekking poles.
However, for warm weather, a beanie might be too hot. In that case a headlamp will be a better gift.
9. Wilderness Survival Books
Gift ideas for hikers who like to read
It is a good idea to know how to survive in the wild if you are a hiker. What if they lose the trail or get injured? These books can help them learn how to pack for a hike, how to navigate terrain, and what plants are safe to eat.
Of course, there are all sorts of hiking guides to inspire them or to help them plan their next trip.
You can also get them a book of hiking memoirs so they can learn from others. I read Wild by Cheryl Strayed for a book club I was in. I used it for inspiration in choosing some of these gifts.
10. Travel First Aid Kit
Hiking presents for emergencies
Out in nature, injuries can happen. Make sure they are prepared with a travel first aid kit. Get one that has all the necessities, but is small enough to fit in their backpack.
A paracord bracelet is another great piece of gear that makes a great stocking stuffer for hikers. These survival bracelets usually have a compass function, flint fire starter, and emergency whistle. They can also be used for securing gear, as well as other functions.
If they are hiking in the woods, they may come across bears. A bear horn will alert bears they are coming, so the bears will stay away.
11. National Parks Board Games
Christmas gifts for hikers
Christmas is a time for family. What better way to spend the holidays than to combine family time with their love of the outdoors? They can have a family game night and play National Parks board games.
Or spread out a National Park puzzle across the table so everyone can add a few pieces as they walk by.
Families with younger kids will enjoy scavenger hunt games to do out in nature.
12. Trekking Poles
Hiking accessories gifts
Even those in the best shape can use trekking poles to help them over rough terrain or to steady themselves on unsturdy footing.
To take amazing up close photos without heavy photography equipment, give them a telescope attachment for their smartphone. This way they can make those memories last.
They will also need a pair of polarized glasses to protect their eyes from harmful rays.
13. Collapsible Water Bottle
Gifts for hiking lovers
A reusable water bottle is better for the environment and easier to pack than a bunch of plastic bottles. But even a water bottle can take up precious space in a backpack. Give them one that easily folds up when not in use.
Staying hydrated is important when hiking. But for long hikes, they can’t be weighed down by all the water they need. A water filter will make water safe to drink when they are away from civilization.
They can also use chemical water treatments to make water safe to drink.
14. Scenic Wall Art
Unique hiking gifts
Get them a beautiful canvas of their favorite place to hang on their wall. You can choose the size and how many canvases you want the image displayed on.
They can also bring the trail into the bathroom with a nature shower curtain.
Then get them a white noise machine with nature sounds to help them fall asleep.
15. Solar Phone Charger
Gifts for casual hikers
Even casual hikers can benefit from a solar charger. They may drain their phone battery by taking photos or video, or using GPS. While this charger should be fully charged before venturing out on their hike, it’s good to know they can boost its power from the sun while stopping for a picnic lunch.
Casual hikers might also like a set of family walkie talkies to keep track of each other in case someone wanders too far ahead.
Even on casual hikes they can get stuck in the rain. Give them each a rain poncho that they can keep in their day pack.
16. Women’s Hiking Boots
Hiking gifts for her
It’s all about the shoes. Make sure to get her something sturdy and comfortable. However, blisters may still happen. Get her some blister prevention, either in the form of lamb’s wool or bandages.
Harsh winds, burning sun, natural irritants, all can take their toll on the skin. Pamper her in between hikes with some nourishing skin care products.
Does she like jewelry? You can get her a scenic pendant to wear around her neck. Don’t worry. They aren’t just for women. You can get one for him too.
17. Men’s Hiking Boots
Hiking gifts for him
He will need some tough hiking boots too. The last thing he wants is to slip and break a leg when he is supposed to be enjoying nature.
For additional hiking clothing, get him some lightweight quick drying pants or a fleece pullover.
Don’t forget man’s best friend! Get a dog pack so Fido can carry his own hiking gear.
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