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If you have a hiker in your family or friend group, then you’ve likely heard it a thousand times: a good hiker is a prepared hiker. And what does a prepared hiker need? All the right gear to get them to their next peak.
But don’t want to buy a boring piece of hiking gear for your favorite hiker (though, we promise, hikers never find new gear boring!)? Don’t worry. You have lots of other, fun, hiking-themed gift ideas to choose from. If you’re shopping for a gift for your favorite hiker, here are 23 picks they’re sure to love.
Editor Favorites:
Preview | Name | Rating | View |
 | RUFFWEAR Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag | ||
 | An America the Beautiful Pass | ||
 | Rite in the Rain Outdoor Journal | ||
 | Mappinners National Parks Scratch-Off Travel Print |
Outdoor Gear Gifts for Hikers
If you’re buying a gift for a frequent hiker, they likely already have a lot of the gear they need, such as hiking boots, gaiters, micro spikes, hiking socks, trekking poles, a headlamp and the like.
However, they’re also likely always looking for some cool new gear to add to their collection. Here are some of the newest and latest and greatest pieces of gear that they likely don’t already have in their backpack.
1. Gaia GPS Premium Membership
For your loved one going off the grid on a regular basis, even just for day hikes, safety and navigation can all come down to having the right information at one’s fingertips, even when far out of range of cell service.
A Gaia GPS premium membership offers exactly the info a hiker needs, no matter where they are. The service’s map catalog includes topographical maps, trail maps, satellite imagery, weather overlays and maps for a range of backcountry activities beyond just hiking, including hunting, backcountry skiing, biking and more.
Furthermore, in addition to downloading the maps for off-line uses, premium members can also print the maps for use in the worst-case scenario, when their phone is dead and a charger is useless.
2. Bodum Chambord French Press
A fresh cup of coffee while on the trail can be a bit of a luxury, but you can give that luxury to your best hiking bud with this unique, portable French press. Lightweight and easy to pack, use and then clean, you can make delicious coffee in as little as a few minutes.
3. RUFFWEAR Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Lots of hikers enjoy hiking with their dogs, but when hikers and campers go on an overnight trek, it can be difficult to figure out a good sleeping solution. You can’t exactly stuff your dog’s normal bed into your hiking backpack, after all.
This RUFFWEAR dog sleeping bag from Amazon, though, is the answer. Available in both medium and large sizes, it provides a cozy spot for Fido to sleep, even on the chilliest mountain nights.
4. Hydro Flask Food Jars
Your hiking pal likely already has a favorite, high-quality water bottle, whether it’s from Hydro Flask, Yeti or another brand, but did you know that Hydro Flask also makes awesome containers for food?
These 12-ounce containers provide an easy and convenient way to carry your next meal to the trail, keeping items cold or hot for hours, and in a leakproof container that won’t ruin a daypack. When you’re ready to eat, you can simply pop the top off and use the container as a bowl.
5. Hillsound Ultralight Camping Stool
While this ultralight, telescoping stool was made with camping and hunting in mind, it’s also lightweight enough and portable enough to be used on a hiking trip. Just tuck it in a backpack and pull it out whenever you need a break.
It’s especially a nice piece of gear to have on hand when you’re hiking in muddy, snowy or wet conditions, and just need to take a little rest mid-hike, but don’t exactly want to sit on the ground.
Related: The 15 Most Comfortable Hiking Sandals [For Men and Women]
6. Stanley Adventure Stainless Steel Shots + 8oz Flask Gift Set
Lots of avid hikers like to celebrate summiting a peak with a drink at the top. This perfect gift set makes that celebrating easy. It comes with a stainless steel flask and four stainless steel shot glasses, so your gift recipient can take their favorite spirit on the go without worrying about spilling a single drop or adding more weight than necessary to their pack.
7. MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Stove Kit
If your hiking buddy has been talking about doing more cooking during their outdoor adventures, but they just haven’t taken the leap yet, because — let’s face it — doing so requires buying a lot of extra equipment, outfit them with everything they need with this comprehensive kit.
This kit comes with a stove, aluminum pot, two bowls, two mugs, a strainer and two sporks, and it all just weighs 25 ounces. They won’t even need a fire starter!
Gifts for the Traveling Hiker
Is your hiker always looking for their next big peak, somewhere far, far away? Are they always planning their vacations around potential hiking opportunities? Then give them one of these much-needed, travel-ready hiking gifts.
8. An America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful national parks pass is issued by the National Park Service and is only $80, which is a great deal for what you get. Pass holders enjoy access to more than 2,000 recreation areas managed by five different federal organizations.
Each pass not only gets your recipient solo access to national parks and recreation areas across the country, though; they’ll also get access for up to three adults in the same vehicle. And this gift also makes a great stocking stuffer!
9. The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust – Hiking Adventures off the Beaten Path
Inspire your outdoor enthusiast’s next trip with this wanderlust-y book that highlights some of the most dramatic and most spectacular hiking trails in the world. In addition to showing beautiful photography of each trail, the book also offers need-to-know details if the reader actually decides to visit on their next backpacking trip.
It’s nearly 300 pages of inspiration that you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, it makes a gorgeous coffee table book.
10. Rite in the Rain Outdoor Journal
Your favorite hiker likely comes back from their trips with all sorts of cool stories. Help them record those stories in the moment, with this top-rated Rite in the Rain outdoor journal that works in all weather. Fog, rain, sleet or snow — nothing will stop this archival-grade, wood-based paper with its all-weather coating that resists tearing.
11. GoPro HERO 10
If your favorite hiker is a bit more of a visual person than a writer, they might prefer to record their stories via video — and then upload them to YouTube and other social channels so everyone back home can ‘oo’ and ‘ah’ at their adventures.
Make the process a little easier with this lightweight, easy to use, rugged gadget, the GoPro HERO 10. Waterproof, the camera captures ultra HD video and is suitable for livestreams as well, during trail running, trekking, winter hiking, snowshoeing or however they’re active.
Related: The 20 Best Nature Documentaries [And Where To Stream Them]
Just-for-Fun Best Hiking Gifts
But we told you that this gift guide wouldn’t be just all about the gear. If you’re looking for a gift for a hiker that’s just for fun, here are a few options.
12. Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks
This New York Times bestselling book may not inspire your recipient to head out on their next big adventure, but it definitely will give them a chuckle. The humorous book features one-star reviews posted by visitors at some of America’s most beloved natural attractions.
Think gems like this review for Yellowstone: “Save yourself some money, boil some water at home.” Or this one for Glacier National Park: “Too cold for me!”
13. Customized Trail Maps Topographic Prints
These custom trail maps are printed on ceramic tile and come with a wood stand, making the perfect piece of unique decor for your recipient’s living room, library or office. Pick any trail or hike that you like, at any park around the country or in Europe.
14. Pendleton National Parks Blankets
Remind your recipient of their favorite national park hike with these luxurious blankets from Pendleton. There are more than 10 blankets to choose from, each themed after a particular park, and most come in an array of sizes. Made from 100% wool, they make an eye-catching throw that also acts as a conversation piece.
15. Lantern Press Explore Our National Parks Puzzle
This beautiful puzzle is just the thing to keep you busy for at least a few nights. With a thousand pieces and reflecting some of America’s most notable landmarks, it’s a gift that offers an activity and an attractive keepsake all in one.
16. PARKS: The Board Game
If your favorite hiker is also a family board game aficionado, gift them this board game themed around the national parks. The award-winning game features beautiful illustrations and is suitable for up to five players, ages 10 and up. Game play includes “hiking” on trails around the country, visiting new parks and collecting resources at each.
17. Homesick Premium Scented Candle: Gone Hiking
Remind them of their favorite long hike, even when they’re stuck at home, with this Gone Hiking candle from Homesick. Featuring a blend of pine, sandalwood and jasmine, it smells just like being deep in the woods, even if you’re just hanging out on your couch.
18. Hike More, Worry Less T-Shirt
This T-shirt for women is a cute and budget-friendly option if your recipient really doesn’t need another piece of hiking-specific clothing, but they still want to show off their love for hiking even when they’re not dressed in head-to-toe hiking apparel. Made from soft cotton fabric and true to size, it pairs well with jeans, not necessarily your base layer and hiking pants.
Related: The 10 Best Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet in 2022
Budget Gifts for Hikers
Not working with a very big gift-giving budget? Here are some budget-friendly gifts for hikers that are all under $30.
19. Herschel Fifteen Waist Pack
Sure, your favorite day hiker likely owns a trekking backpack. But they likely don’t own one of these trendy little waist packs yet. Yes, it’s a fanny pack and, yes, they’re back in fashion. These affordable options are available from REI, just about every hiker’s favorite store.
20. AllTrails Pro Membership
If you like the idea of the Gaia GPS premium membership above, but it’s a little bit out of your budget, consider going with the more affordable AllTrails Pro membership. While the map collection is a little less in-depth and all-encompassing, the recipient still enjoys a range of trail maps that can be accessed without cell service, and maps include information like air quality and pollen count, as well as notifications to alert hikers when they go off-trail.
21. Yoga for Hikers: Stretch, Strengthen and Hike Farther
Sure, many hikers think that their hiking is all they need to stay fit and active, but what if they could develop a workout routine at home that actually helped them to hike longer and further? This book will help hikers develop a yoga routine that will result in big differences in stamina and ability while on the trail.
22. Mappinners National Parks Scratch-Off Travel Print
This is a great gift for traveling hikers. It’s also budget-friendly! The large print features scratch-off squares that your recipient can scratch away to reveal illustrations from all of the national parks, to show off which they’ve been to and count down which they still have to see.
23. Vintage National Park Posters
For something a little more retro, these vintage national park posters fit the bill. They come in sets of four and are unframed, but are printed on semi-gloss paper and are UV-resistant.
This particular set comes with posters for Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park, but you can find other options from the same seller.
Still Not Found the Perfect Hiking Gift?
Nothing above quite catching your fancy? Sometimes, one of the best gifts you can give a hiker is simply going on a hike with them.
Often quite passionate about their trails and experiences, hikers love introducing the hobby to newcomers. So, if you’re at a loss for what to give, give the gift of your time and go out for a long day on the trails or even a car camping trip over the weekend!
Hiking not your thing? You can always go with an REI gift card.
You might also be interested in: 20 Ways To Celebrate Earth Day In 2022
23 Best Gifts for Hikers [Hiked It, Liked It]:
- Gaia GPS Premium Membership
- Bodum Chambord French Press
- RUFFWEAR Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
- Hydro Flask Food Jars
- Hillsound Ultralight Camping Stool
- Stanley Adventure Stainless Steel Shots + 8oz Flask Gift Set
- MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Stove Kit
- An America the Beautiful Pass
- The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust – Hiking Adventures off the Beaten Path
- Rite in the Rain Outdoor Journal
- GoPro HERO 10
- Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks
- Customized Trail Maps Topographic Prints
- Pendleton National Parks Blankets
- Lantern Press Explore Our National Parks Puzzle
- PARKS: The Board Game
- Homesick Premium Scented Candle: Gone Hiking
- Hike More, Worry Less T-Shirt
- Herschel Fifteen Waist Pack
- AllTrails Pro Membership
- Yoga for Hikers: Stretch, Strengthen and Hike Farther
- Mappinners National Parks Scratch-Off Travel Print
- Vintage National Park Posters
Holly Riddle
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