Best Gifts for Hikers

Last updated 16. January 2020

You may be a hiker yourself, or you may have somebody close to you who likes to hit the trail. Hiking has become one of the most popular pastimes for people of all ages and walks of life. It is a fantastic way to recharge your battery, take in all of natures wonder, and escape the hustle and bustle.

Hikers are fairly easy to shop for, as there are tons of things that hikers can use to enjoy their trip more. From clothing to tools, to shelters, and survival kits, hikers are always on the hunt for the next cool thing that is going to make their life a lot easier on the trail. Another bonus of buying a gift for a hiker is that they will be eternally grateful, and they’ll think of you every time your gift helps them out when they need it most.

The best gifts for hikers can be a very long list of things. We have decided to pick our favorite ten and outline some of their key benefits here. That way, if you’re looking for great gifts for the hiker in your life, you will have a good idea of what is out there, and what is good about it. Here are our ten favorite gifts for hikers.

View The Best Gifts for Hikers Below

1. UST Tool-a-Long Multi-Tool Carabiners

UST Tool-a-Long Multi-Tool Carabiners

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This nifty little multi-tool is great for hikers, campers, and outdoors people. There are a number of models, all corresponding with various activities including fishing, hunting, sailing, biking, and more. They have been designed and shaped creatively into figures that directly relate to specific activities, along with being useful and practical for various escapades.

Each Tool-a-long will perform various useful actions based on what you need it for. They are all built out of durable stainless steel and are compact. They are attachable to your bag, or utility belt using a carabiner and are all TSA compliant.

These little multi-tools are a great gift for any hiker because they will help provide solutions to everyday problems and help out in emergency situations. Multi-tools are always a great way to show a hiker you’re thinking of them.

Pros:
+ Compact
+ Durable and strong
+ Multiple designs
+ TSA compliant
+ Attachable via carabiner

Why we like it – This is a wonderful way to make sure your favorite hiker has his or her bases covered. They will be able to perform all kinds of useful fixes on the trail and can have a customized little multi-tool for their next adventure.


2. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles

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The LifeStraw water filter bottles are one of the most innovative designs and useful gifts for hikers ever created. One of the most important things a hiker needs when walking around in the wilderness is clean water. Since it is not always recommended to drink water from any old stream along the trail, a LifeStraw and a good water filter are highly necessary pieces of equipment.

These water filter straws are super easy to use, and they are highly effective. They remove 99.99% of bacteria and parasites, turning a small stream into a fountain of life for outdoor activities. There is no need to pump water, as you just fill up the bottle from whatever stream you’re near, and insert the life straw.

The straw does all of the work and keeps the water clean and delicious everywhere you go. It comes with a 23oz BPA free plastic bottle which is both durable, lightweight, and safe. This is one of the best gifts you can ever get for a hiker.

Pros:
+ Fully filters water
+ Drink anywhere
+ Clean/safe water
+ BPA free water bottle
+ No pumping needed

Why we like it – Everyone needs water. Except maybe Chuck Norris. The LifeStraw waterbottle is the most convenient way to get clean water from the earth to your mouth in the safest, cleanest, and most enjoyable way possible.


3. Waterfly Hiking Waist Bag Fanny Pack

Waterfly Hiking Waist Bag Fanny Pack

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Along with with clean water, and a useful multi-tool, your hiker friend is always in need of somewhere to carry and hold their things while on the move. Backpacks are always great, but on a short hiker, they are not always necessary and can be a little bit uncomfortable. As an alternative, fanny packs that are designed for the great outdoors can substitute perfectly.

The Waterfly waist bag fanny pack is an excellent storage unit for any hiker. It comes with a water bottle compartment to hold the source of water, and it has two large pockets to keep things like a small camera, phone, emergency supplies, and more. The inside pad is made of a breathable mesh material which will cut down on the amount of sweat.

The buckle and strap are durable and will handle the elements well. It is very lightweight, and the material is waterproof on the outside to protect your belongings. For any hiker for needs a little bit of storage space to free up the hands, this is a great gift.

Pros:
+ Durable, breathable, waterproof
+ Two storage pockets
+ Water bottle compartment
+ Lightweight

Why we like it – This convenient waist pack is great for hikers who do not want to have a backpack on which can be hot and sweaty. It is durable and reliable enough to hang onto your important objects and free up your hands.


4. Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die Book

Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die Book

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Inspiration is one of the most important things for hikers. Whoever you’re buying a gift for, any hiker will love reading about some of the most awe-inspiring hikes available these days. Nothing excites a hiker more than planning their next big trip, and a guidebook containing key information and photos of some of the best hikes in the world is a great way to start.

With such a wide variety of hikes covered in the book, this is sure to be an interesting and captivating read for hikers and even non-hikers alike. With features of hikes such as the Lunana Snowman Trek in Bhutan, Japan’s Nakesando Trail, and Italy’s Amalfi Coast, there is plenty of exciting information that any hiker will be drawn to. Great reading material is always helpful on a trail and when in transit towards the next hiking destination.

Pros:
+ Tons of different featured hikes
+ Detailed information
+ Reading material for the trip
+ Available back referencing

Why we like it – This makes for an interesting and inspiring read even if you’re not a hiker. It has tons of information about hikes all around the world and will get anyone excited about chasing the next peak.


5. OUTZIE Wide Brim Packable Booney Sun Hat

OUTZIE Wide Brim Packable Booney Sun Hat

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Keeping well protected on a trail is highly important. You don’t want to get your head wet or have the hard sun beating down on the top of your head all day long. In order to keep safe and comfortable on a hiking trail, hikers need a good hat to keep away from the elements.

This Booney Hat has a wide brim to a higher level of coverage from the sun and the rain. It has an adjustable drawstring to help keep it secure around your chin. SPF 50 sun protection will ensure that you can be comfortable all day even on the hottest of days.

It is vented a breathable to help keep your head cool when it starts to get a little bit sweaty. It is made of lightweight cotton fabric which is packable in your bag and crushes down to the size you need it to in order to take it on the go with you.

Pros:
+ Lightweight
+ Breathable
+ UPF 50 Sun protection
+ Drawstring adjustable
+ Wide 360-degree brim

Why we like it – This is an excellently protective sun wat to keep any hiker protected and cool in extreme conditions. It is breathable and lightweight, making it packable, and the perfect sun hat for hikers.


6. Journals Unlimited JU-30 Hiking

Journals Unlimited JU-30 Hiking

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A hiking journal can be a wonderful source of information and entertainment on a trail. Journaling is not only important for mental health in everyday life, but it can act as a great way to chronicle the thoughts, feelings, and experiences that occur on a once-in-a-lifetime hiking trip. Finding some time and a serene place to document the day’s events can be one of the most relaxing parts of a hikers day.

This hiking journal is small, lightweight, and packable, making it easy to take anywhere. it has 200 blank pages where any hiker can write their history day after day and is bound by strong rings to keep everything organized and together. It measures 7.5×9″ and fits pretty much anywhere without taking up too much space. This is a gift that any hiker will love as they will be able to look back on all the amazing experiences they had on the trail.

Pros:
+ Great for taking down the days events
+ 200 pages
+ Lightweight
+ Small and packable

Why we like it – A wonderful way for a hiker to get the most out of their experience is to journal along the way. If they are open to it, you can also get to enjoy some of the thoughts of a hiker if they are willing to share it with you.


7. BEARZ Outdoor Beach Blanket

BEARZ Outdoor Beach Blanket

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Sometimes, when you’ve spent hours or days on a trail, all you want to do is pull up, stop, and relax on a beach to regain your enthusiasm. A great gift for the hiker in your life, as a beach blanket that can be taken anywhere and put down to sit atop as your take in the sights, and the memories of the day’s events.

This outdoor beach blanket by Bearz is super lightweight, easy to pack and carry, and fits up to four people in sitting position. It is made of waterproof material that will keep you dry if the ground is wet, and has a stuff sack for you to put the blanket into when you’re on the move.

It can also act as a rainfly to keep the rain from falling on your head if you need an extra shelter. It is puncture proof and sand resistant and is easy to clean off when you’re ready to leave the beach behind and hit the trail. An excellent, versatile gift for the hiker in your life.

Pros:
+ Waterproof, durable
+ Lightweight and packable
+ Comes with carrying sack and carabiner
+ Hanging loops
+ Large enough for four

Why we like it – A place to kick back an relax is always welcomed by a hiker. This is a great blanket to stretch out on or have as a backup shelter in the rain. It is lightweight and packable, meaning you can take it anywhere.


8. 3 Size Towels at the Price of 1 – Super Pack

3 Size Towels at the Price of 1 - Super Pack

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Towels are always highly useful pieces of equipment for hikers when on the trail. Sometimes you get wet, whether that is from the rain, or falling into a stream while trying to traverse the waterways. When you can get three sizes of towels for a bargain price, you’re a real winner and will have protection not just for the hike, but for the gym, and around the house as well.

These towels are made of microfiber material which is very lightweight, packable, and quick-drying. They are highly absorbent to help you get dryer quicker and get back on your way. They do not need to be washed as often as regular cotton towels.

They come with an elastic band that helps you roll them up into the smallest size possible, and a mesh carrying bag allows you to take them anywhere with a breathable transportation solution. This is a perfect gift for hikers and they will be able to use them for every trip that comes up from here on out.

Pros:
+ 3-sizes of towels
+ Microfiber material
+ Lightweight and packable
+ Quick-drying
+ Super absorbent

Why we like it – Microfiber towels are a must have for hikers. You need lightweight towels that dry fast and allow you to get back on the trail. Three different sizes let you get right down to business with whatever you’re doing.


9. EVEN NATURALS Premium Mosquito Head Net Mesh

EVEN NATURALS Premium Mosquito Head Net Mesh

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Mosquito nets can be an essential piece of hiking gear that will keep the bugs away. Along with keeping you comfortable when hiking, they will also protect against diseases carried by flys and mosquitos. You need a super fine meshing to keep away even the tiniest of bugs so nothing can get through.

This mosquito net has 380 holes per inch, which is small enough to keep out absolutely every bug that comes your way. This also means that it provides one of the most breathable and visible mesh linings that won’t impede your vision. You will be able to stay cool even on hot days.

It is larger than traditional mosquito nets and will be able to fit over most headgear and hats that may be used to protect you on the trail. It is stretchable, strong, adjustable, and packable, making it one of the best gifts for hikers who are out in mosquito-infested areas.

Pros:
+ Superfine mesh holes
+ Lightweight
+ Highly breathable and visible
+ Large enough to fit over most headwear

Why we like it – Staying comfortable and protected on the trail is easy when you have a good mosquito net. This one will allow you to come back from your trip without being covered by bites.


10. AWingspan Optics Explorer High Powered

Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered

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For the outdoorsman who needs to be able to see far into the distance to check out landscapes and wildlife. They are going to need a monocular that is going to allow them to see things clearly from far away without distorting the image, while also being able to handle the lifestyle of a hiker.

The 50mm lens allows you to see things clearly at a 12x zoom capability. It has a secure, non-slip grip which is strong and easy to hold onto. The material is designed to keep away moisture, fog, and debris from getting in, so all the moving parts will work long term.

The single hand focus allows you to see clearly with one hand if you need the other free for hanging onto something secure. This monocular provides some of the clearest sights from a distance that you will find and makes a great gift for hikers.

Pros:
+ Non-slip material
+ Prevents moisture, debris, and fog
+ Lightweight
+ Really clear
+ Durable and strong

Why we like it – Being able to see things from far away is a huge plus. Sometimes the hiking trail will only get you so close, and you need something to help you check out the sights in the distance. This monocular will be exactly what you need in order to see the far off sights.


Gifts for Hikers Buyers Guide

What to look for in the Best Gifts for Hikers

The best gifts for hikers will all allow any hiker to enjoy their trip more and provide some enhancement to the whole experience. They share some similar characteristics, and we are going to talk about some of the most important things to keep in mind when buying gifts for hikers.

Packability

The packability of a gift for hikers is one of the most important things. Generally, hikers need things that are smaller, more lightweight, and easy to pack into a backpack. The more durable they are to be able to handle the squishy life of a hiking tool, the better. Try to find gifts that are either able to easily stuff into a bag, or hang from a carabiner easily. Remember, the more lightweight, the easier it will be for a hiker to enjoy.

What type of hiker are you buying for?

Not all hikers are the same. Some hikers like to do things the old fashioned way, like to push their limits and get out of their comfort zone. Others enjoy more comfortable hiking experiences and these things should be considered when buying gifts for hikers.

If they are more on the comfort-seeking size, try to find gifts that will help them stay comfortable, as opposed to tools and gadgets. Also keep in mind if they are someone who is going for sightseeing, soul searching, and adventure. There are plenty of things you can pick up that will aid your hiking friend in their ability to achieve their goals.

Practicality

One of the major advantages of buying items that are good for hiking is the fact that they are generally practically focused. The best gifts for hikers usually don’t have a lot of bells and whistles and get straight to the point. They will help any hiker out by acting as a tool, giving vital information, or providing necessary protection when it is hot and rainy. Keep in mind the practicality of the gift you’re picking out for a hiker.

Versatility

Versatility is also a strong seller for many of the best gifts for hikers. Hikers usually take only a small number of items with them on the trail. This means that anything they do take with them if it can perform more than one function, it will be a huge bonus. Then they can cut down on the number of items they need to take with them while experiencing the benefits they need in order to fully enjoy their hike.

Conclusion

Now you have a good idea of what some of the best gifts for hikers are. You should have no trouble finding something special for the hiker in your life to allow them to have the best hiking experience possible.

Expert Tip

Hikers are simple people. Usually, they just want to be able to get out on the trail and immerse themselves in nature. You can help them by picking things up for them that will allow them to capture the moment better without being uncomfortable. Don’t over think it, and don’t be afraid to ask a hiker what they would really appreciate on a trail.

Did you know?

If you’ve never tried out hiking, you may find that it can be one of the most relaxing experiences you can have. It allows you to get out into nature, see the great outdoors and interact with wildlife. It has amazing health benefits both for your body and your mind. Now maybe the best time for you to get started.

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