You made a great choice by deciding to get a unique hiking gift for him/her.
At times trying to brainstorm good gifts for hikers can be quite tedious plus you may not really know what they might like.
No worries,
In this post, I have carefully articulated 70 of the best hiking gift idea that will be so wowing.
Gifts for Hikers In Sections
I thought about this carefully, and I realized that I don’t want to clutter this page with gift ideas only for you to end up getting overwhelmed.
So, what I did resolve to do is to group all the gifts under sections of what we call 10 HIKING ESSENTIALS (though not limited to it) with subsections (as you can see below) so you can have a clear direction in getting what you want for your friend and also, I quickly inserted quick navigation.
I hope that’s okay.
Note: If you are interested in any of these unique hiking gifts products, just click on the image and you will be taken to Amazon only.
Here you have it.
Navigation Gifts for Hikers
As the name suggests, are the equipment hikers use to find their trail (better still, way) around large forests and bushes. They are so important that if any of them gets broken when hikers are on the trail, it’s heartfelt.
Your friend can easily get lost when one of these pieces of equipment is broken except, of course, he’s familiar with the trail.
They include but are not limited to GPS, maps, guidebooks, etc.
Hiking Logbook: Hiking Journal With Prompts To Write In
Few of What It Can Do
- It can be used for navigating
- To help you document your journey
Further Reading: How To Begin Hiking
Suunto A-10 Field Compass
This item is a recreational compass.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can be used for navigating
- The demarcation annotations help you read the degrees well since they are brightly written.
Garmin GPSMAP 64st
This device is a GPS. GPS generally can triangulate someone’s position. This is done by communicating a particular position to a satellite above then the satellite sends the coordinates of the GPS back.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can directly record and store your friend’s entire hiking trip with its inbuilt 8GB memory capacity with a slot for external memory.
- It has what we call GLONASS receiver. This can help it pick signals from almost anywhere. Getting lost with such a device at hand is pretty rare.
DeLorme AG-008727-201 InReach Explorer – Satellite Messenger
You could say this is a better version of the Garmin GPS. It has multiple functions that are really demanded.
Few of What It Can Do
- It has GPS navigation which works well.
- It can send and receive text messages (in the heart of the back-country) and also trigger an SOS call when in dire need.
Hiker’s Gear Guide – Second Edition
This item is a book, a guide for beginner hikers
Few of What It Can Do
- It helps you understand the first-hand experience of a hiker with strategies you can take to make your own success.
- The author gave advice on the best gear to take on a hike which is invaluable.
Guide to Outdoor Digital Photography
This item is a book that teaches how to do photography the right way.
Few of What It Can Do
- It will help you produce perfect digital work following a set of patterns harvested from case studies.
- Tips and tricks that are great for beginners are in it.
National Parks Map Fridge Magnet
It contains the maps of all the National Parks in the U.S.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can help with your hiking trip planning and acts as a constant reminder of trails you have not hiked.
Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die
Though the “die” word is a bit too extreme, this item is a book that gave details of trails.
What It Can Do
- The description of the places listed is so captivating that it can help push you to start hiking again
- It helps one to know what trails have not been hiked. Then making plans accordingly.
Backpacker The National Parks Coast to Coast
This item is a book that details a few National parks and their trail information including GPS coordinates. It actually is a resource for those who intended to hike for the first time. Almost similar to the “fifty places to hike”.
Sun protection Hiking Gift Ideas
I guess you can relate to me when I tell you that the sun has negative effects on the eyes.
To protect your friend from being a victim, it’s best he has one of these in his arsenal assuming he doesn’t already have it.
This is an opportunity for you to spy on him just to check.
The List;
Tree Tribe Bamboo Sunglasses
There is nothing synthetic about this sunglass. The frames of this sunglass are made of bamboo only. Which I think is pretty cool.
Few of What It Can Do
- The polarized lens has a UV400 protection coating. This simply means it can protect anyone using it (including your friend) from having a cataract or any other eye-related sickness caused by the sun.
- One of these sunglasses does a lot of good in society. For anyone you buy, 10 new trees are planted on your behalf which helps the lungs in a long run.
Ray-Ban Polarized Sunglasses
Performs the same function as the bamboo sunglasses except for tree planting and it’s not made of a wooden frame.
Insulation (extra clothing) Hiking Gift Ideas
These products are needed to protect your friend, me, and anyone else out there from harsh weather conditions.
At times, even when we hikers know exactly what we are going to face outdoors, we still push ourselves to do it no matter what.
Why? You may ask.
Because the joy-provoking thought of seeing the wonders of nature cannot be contained within us and as a result, we explain it by actually going out there.
So, even when the weather condition is pretty intense, we still choose to go out (with some form of insulation).
The List;
BUFF UV Arm Sleeves
Another Buff again. This time it’s a sleeve, not a head-wear.
What It Can Do
- It keeps your hands cool when it’s sunny and when your body generates heat.
- At times it could reflect the sun. This is good to minimize radiation poisoning and also for night visibility.
Sea to Summit DryLite Towel
No one can overemphasize the need for a towel outdoors. Not just a towel but the one that is quick to dry.
Few of What It Can Do
- it can dry water totally from your body no matter how small the size is.
- This towel has the capacity to dry of water no matter how soaked it was previously.
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
This item is a sock designed primarily for hikers. These are not run-off-the-mill socks. They are of high quality.
Few of What It Can Do
- These socks cushion your feet from having a blister with its special design.
- I don’t know if this is a constant, but it keeps your feet dry irrespective of the season.
Outdoor Research Men’s Pl 400 Sensor Gloves
This glove is the smart choice for those who take devices with touch screens outdoors.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can make your hands warm though that’s not the purpose.
- The sensors on it make it possible to use it with your smartphones and other devices with touchscreen.
Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Armour Compression Leggings
This item is a legging for men.
Few of What It Can Do
- It helps to keep winter at bay when hiking in that season because of its dual-layer fabric.
- It can give greater mobility and also make you comfortable.
Sea to Summit Stuff Sack
This item is a stuff sack with large enough storage to hold items. It is durable because of the material its made of.
Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves
This item is a compression sleeve for the legs.
Few of What It Can Do
- It appears that it provides a great deal of help to those with muscular complaints like torn calf muscle and shin-splint problems.
HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack
This item is a part of the emergency kit. It’s a hand warmer that delivers.
Few of What It Can Do
- You can get rid of hypothermia easily with one of these.
- There are about ten of them in one pack. Which means you won’t run out of it quickly.
Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0
It is an upgraded version. It can fit into your hands or pocket easily because of its lightweight. It’s so small that you won’t even notice it.
Few of What It Can Do
- Because of its size, it can be used by three people at a time.
- It has metal spikes that hold it down whenever it’s being used. It can be used in parks, festivals, for a picnic, etc.
Note: You May Also Get Him A Long Sleeve Shirt For Hot weather
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats
It gives traction to those hiking on snow or ice. Though it might not be for everybody, it’s the best you will find out there. It could also be used at home when it is snowy.
Few of What It Can Do
- You can gain traction, and run when you feel like it (with your strength actually moving you) on snow or ice because of the chains fitted under it.
- It is one size for all because of the rubber frame it is made of. You basically don’t need to worry about getting a small size.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction
I will be wasting your time if I start writing the same thing all over again.
This footwear functions the same way the Yaktrax pro does. It’s here as an alternative.
Hiking Gift Idea: You can get a nice Water Shoe for hiking as a gift for him. The keen Newport h2 is recommended.
Rubber Bands with Hooks
This item is a rubber band with hooks.
Few of What It Can Do
- They are good for holding anything together. E.g group of gears.
- It can also help organize your pack or a set of items a bit differently.
Hiking Gift Idea: You can get a nice Water Shoe for hiking as a gift for him. The keen Newport h2 is recommended.
Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) Gifts for Hikers
I have a feeling that your list is getting long now. Don’t be overwhelmed, just check what your friend wants (using Q and A conversation or common complaints you must have heard him make) or follow your heart. You really don’t need to buy everything listed here to make your friend happy. You need only to buy the right thing.
Here, the gift ideas include headlamps and flashlights commonly used at night or magnifying glasses used in the daytime to see objects from a far distance.
Rechargeable Crank Light
This item is a rechargeable lantern.
Few of What It Can Do
- They are very useful especially when hiking at night because they shine brightly.
Petzl Tikkina Headlamp
This item is a headlamp capable of seeing up to 30m
Few of What It Can Do
- It shines so brightly which is good after sunset
- The straps can make it fit tight to your head. In case you decide to hike faster, it won’t fall off.
Vortex Optics Solo Monocular
This item can be used to view objects from a far distance. Its design makes it waterproof.
Few of What It Can Do
- It gives a very clear image quality with its focus.
- Because of its solid design, it can still stand the test of time even after a few falls.
Carson 3D Series High Definition Waterproof Binoculars with ED Glass
This item is binocular. Meaning it can be used with both eyes to view whatever you wish.
Few of What It Can Do
- The lenses can be used with or without wearing glasses for scouting trail routes.
- It can be used for hunting and spotting wildlife.
Hiking Gift Idea: You can also get him a dog backpack carrier
First-aid supplies Gifts for Hikers
They are an absolute must for anyone hiking. Imagine your friend gets an injury, what is to help him stop the bleeding assuming there is one?
Ultralight First Aid Kit
The item is a medical kit used mostly for day trips.
What It Can Do
- You can clip it to a backpack for use when you are hurt or someone else is. It contains the basic essentials.
Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle) Hiking Gift Ideas
The ability to start a fire can be very helpful. When someone is lost, he will need to set fire at night for others to see or maybe he ran out of gas, he will still need to eat.
Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
This product is from Grylls a world-renowned hiker. This product is a fire starter.
Few of What It Can Do
- A little flint generally causes many (i mean a lot of) sparks.
- The strikers generate enough sparks that can be able to help start a fire.
Repair kit and tools Gift Ideas For Hiking
Tenacious Tape
As the name suggests. It a tape
What It Can Do
- It is used to repair rips, chair armrests, and holes and also work on dog leashes.
Victorinox Hiker
This item is a swiss army knife with a combination of tools
Few of What It Can Do
- Just with other multiple tools, this one is no different. It can be used for a variety of reasons using the knife, screwdriver, corkscrew, saw, etc.
UST SaberCut Chainsaw
This item is a lightweight pocket chainsaw that becomes handy when your friend is faced with certain challenges. E.g A tree branch on his path or say, gather firewood.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can cut through thick wood with no problem because of the rigidity of the saw.
- The chain has teeth on both sides that can cut both ways when needed to absolutely do so.
HIKING GIFT IDEA: You can also get him Gore-tex pants
Leatherman – Tread Bracelet
It’s a stainless must-have tool. It consists of multiple forms fitted together to meet a specific need that you will need Allen wrenches and screwdrivers.
Few of What It Can Do
- You can use it to loosen a screw.
- You can use it to pick a sim card. In Fact, the tool is chunky and multi-dimensional.
Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
It is important to note that all hiking items are optimally designed to be lightweight. This one is no exception. Amongst other things, trekking poles can help reduce knee pain when hiking, downhill, or uphill. They help to support weight by acting as a third leg.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can be adjustable when you decide to hike downhill or uphill so the clamps can hold the pressure.
- The rubber handle acts as a cushion. Whenever you bump on something with the pole, you won’t feel the impact that much (the shock is absorbed) as compared to your legs.
GoPro Hero 6 Black
Did you remember when I said, “hikers explain their joy-provoking thoughts of seeing the outdoors by hiking”? Well, it appears that this experience can be recorded. Let your friend tell you the story of what he feels, hears, and sees when hiking by gifting him this.
Few of What It Can Do
- It is capable of shooting up to 4k footage at up to 60 frames.
- The quality of the video is great both night and day because of its high resolution.
Morakniv Eldris Knife
Add this knife to your collection of knives. It works well. It is a small knife that does the job of a bigger one.
Nutrition (extra food) Gifts for Hikers
Staying healthy is a must while on the trail.
Jetboil Stove – Flash Personal Cooking System
This stove is so useful that it’s the go-to for hikers.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can boil water in a matter of minutes. It boils really fast.
- The fumes are a bit harmless because it uses propane.
Compact Cook Kit
This stove is almost the same as the Jetboil stove.
Few of What It Can Do
- It’s lightweight. That means you take it anywhere.
- It’s complete cookware. You can use it to serve yourself and a group of people.
Personal Java Press
Do your friends desire to make coffee while on the trail? If yes, here you have it. A portable coffee-making machine.
Few of what It Can Do
- You can use it at home even when it’s supposed to be an outdoor press.
- There are indications that it can even make an espresso.
TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup
Well, what more can I say, other than the fact that it’s a cup? What do you use a cup for? To drink water. Except this one is made of titanium, which means you can hold the cup without getting burnt when a hot liquid is inside it.
Hydration (extra water) Gifts for Hikers
This section is about water and the medium of keeping and purifying it. Well, in the hiking community everybody knows that hiking without water is dangerous.
At all times it is essential that your friend stays hydrated at all times.
Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottles
It can be used to hold water. It’s lightweight and has a wide mouth (which means you can wash it easily).
Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle
This flask has different sizes, all insulated.
Few of What It Can Do
- The insulation from inside keeps cold fluids cold for a long period of time.
- They are of different sizes which mean more fluids to carry.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
This stuff is one little monster on its own. I can’t begin to tell you everything it can do. It’s an actual life-saving machine in the world of hiking. When starting to hike for the first time, you will be told to forget about any water you find on trial.
Reality sets in when you discover that you probably cannot take all the water you will need when on the trail (am assuming the same for your friend). What happens next?
Simple. You rely on water filters to filter any water you come across while hiking. This is what this device does and it does it well.
Few of What It Can Do
- With its suck-first capability, it can filter contaminated water (local river, mirror lake) without the use of chemicals. This includes bacteria and protozoa-infected water.
- It can filter up to 1000 liters of contaminated water.
CamelBak 2016 M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
This pack is lightweight as a result, it won’t get in your friend’s way when hiking.
Few of What It Can Do
- It allows you to carry a lot of water with other packs because of its large water bladder. You can now tell your friend to give up his water bottle ):.
- It has enough large space for other items.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
This should be the third water filter I have mentioned. This to tell you that water is so important when hiking.
What It Can Do
- It’s one of the best around. There’s no need for pumps. It’s simple lightweight and effective.
Stanley Stainless Steel Shots
These are flasks and glasses. They make a great gift.
Few of What It Can Do
- It’s a mini bar for those who are into liquor or picnics.
- The design of the flask makes it leakproof. You can take it anywhere without worrying about anything.
Thermarest Z Seat
This item is a portable seat cushion that can be taken anywhere while on the trail.
Few of What It Can Do
- It’s lightweight, so, no need to be worried about added weight.
- It can be turned into a cushion when you are hurting though it’s meant to be a seat when you take breaks during hiking.
SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier
It’s a water purifier like the others above except it unique.
What It Can Do
- Unlike other purifiers, it uses UV to purify water. Most times 1L in 90 secs.
Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag) Gifts for Hikers
As the name suggests, are the things needed when someone (not your friend) is lost and has no hope of being found in time? These things are so essential for survival.
Like I said earlier, this list is not limited to just the emergency shelter. It includes other tools that have nowhere to fit in except here. Please take your time to sift through it.
Scrubba Portable Laundry System Wash Bag
In other words, this item is a washing machine neatly designed for the outdoors.
Few of What It Can Do
- You can basically wash your clothes while on the go since it’s lightweight.
- With a little effort in addition to the hundreds of internal scrubba nodules inside, your clothes can become squeaky clean in a matter of minutes.
Flowfold Vanguard Limited Slim Front Pocket Bifold Wallet
Just with everything outdoor, this wallet is minimal and portable.
Few of What It Can Do
- Because of its unique materials, it is water-resistant which protects it from moisture and sweat.
- It can hold your driver’s license, credit cards, business cards, etc in addition to your paper bills appropriately alright.
Guide 10 Plus Solar Kit
A portable solar-powered device capable of charging your phones on the go.
Few of What It Can Do
- It has a nomad 7 solar panel that’s capable of charging the battery pack really fast. And this battery pack then charges whatever you give it including your phones and headlamps.
- You can basically use a USB cord to do all of the charging which is easy because it has USB ports around it.
Bomber Firestarter Paracord Bracelet
It’s on the emergency list because it’s a firestarter. When I had my orientation training before hiking (i actually did), I was told to learn how to start a fire pretty quickly. I was told it will help me to keep warm, make food, and others in case am lost and waiting to be found.
Few of What It Can Do
- You can use it to start a fire by rubbing the metals at the tail ends together.
- The paracord is about 30 feet long when unraveled with a very strong tensile strength. It can be used for a variety of things. E.g when you want to tie something tightly. Say, a broken hand or leg, a snake-bitten leg. Anything worth tieing.
Kungix Aluminum Reflective Stakes
This item is a stake for tents
What It Can Do
- This stake is very tough and strong. It can be used to replace the weak stakes that came with our tents. It is reflective which makes it good for night visibility.
Adventure Medical Kits Sol Survival Blanket
This item is a blanket except it’s not your normal blanket. It’s medically designed.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can keep you warm when hiking through thick and thin in the winter season.
- The material is a tough one. You can use it without it getting torn easily.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Mesh Stuff Sack
This stuff sack breathes well. It packs small.
Permethrin Spray
This item is a chemical sprayed on clothes and tents.
What It Can Do
- It is for bug protection when in the woods. So, don’t worry about getting the fluke.
Further Reading: Use These 50 Hiking Tips Like A Pro
After a careful review of what you and others are searching for, I have decided to include other special sections of unique gift ideas.
Hiking Gifts For Him
Well, the sections won’t be complete if there are no gifts for him.
Fitbit Charge 2
It’s a wristband and a smart device. It’s the rave in the hiking community now. It is configured to give an instant health report.
Few of What It Can Do
- It can monitor your heart rate while hiking, using its robust optical sensors.
- It can also monitor calorie burn as you engage in hiking for fitness.
Hiking Gifts For Her
This section contains mind-blowing gifts for active women.
In case you don’t know, women count for about 25 percent of thru-hikers of just only the Appalachian Trail.
Diva Cup
This product is a feminine one. Preferably for a menstrual solution.
What It Can Do
- It collects rather than absorbs menstrual flow.
- It’s so much better than pads and it’s talk of the town now also, It’s reusable.
ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – DoubleNest Hammock
I suppose you know what a hammock is. If you don’t, let me explain. Do you know those little mattresses you tie to tree at both ends after which you tell your little boy to climb on it to sleep? Yes, that is a hammock.
Few of What It Can Do
- The Eno hammock is strong enough to hold two people, especially couples. It has a 400 lb limit.
- It’s lightweight so it can be taken anywhere.
She can make use of it once she gets tired and needs rest.
BUFF Polar Reversible Multi-functional Head-wear
This headwear is the choicest among many winter hikers. Not just for winter hikers but also for day-to-day hikers since the head-wear has a variety of functions.
Few of What It Can Do
- For winter hikers, this headwear can be very warm because the material of the “buff” is designed for minimal heat loss.
- It is multipurpose. It can be turned into a balaclava, hat, scarf, and so on.
Or you can decide to gift her a book.
Overall Best Hiking Gifts
This section carefully lists out some of the most wanted hiking gifts in the world today. Some are already on this page. but they’ll be listed again.
Some of these gifts are for both sexes. If otherwise, it’ll be stated.
Fitbit Charge 2
This item makes the list. It can be used by any gender. It’s most important especially when you have a hiking health goal/challenge.
Few of What It Can Do
- It monitors your heart rate while hiking, using its robust optical sensors.
- It can also monitor calorie burn as you engage in hiking for fitness.
Expensive Hiking Gifts For Him/Her
Well, what can I say? These hiking gifts are quite expensive. To tell you the truth, some of them can actually break the bank.
But one thing is sure. Whoever you’re going to get anyone of these for is definitely going to be worth it and they’re going to appreciate it.
LLSZ Mummy Sleeping Bag
As the name sounds, it’s a sleeping bag specially designed for moms. It’s lightweight with a zipper. Soft and expensive for hiking.
Something noteworthy is that it comes with a compression sack which means you can carry it around comfortably without any hassle.
The material is made of polyester and can be used at an external temperature of 5 degrees Celcius.
3000 Lumen Single Mode LED Flashlight
You never can underestimate the need for a flashlight when hiking. Obviously, there are no lightings on hiking trails hence a flashlight can come in handy.
But this particular flashlight is darn expensive. This could be the best gift you can give to a father or a husband.
Battery: 2 section 18650 battery
Product size: 210 * 34 * 60mm
Output: 3000 lumens – long life of 100 hours
Range: 200 meters
Waterproof: IPX-8 (2m underwater)
Bottom Line
I know your list must be darn long by now. But not to worry, you really don’t need to buy everything.
Go through the list and choose the right item. Maybe one or two will do. You must make your friend happy this time. Don’t you think?
I know am the one doing all the talking since and I also know you have something to say. Why not take advantage of the comment box?
Note: If you are interested in any of these products, just click on the image and you will be taken to Amazon only.
You can as well check out Christmas gifts for hikers