Finding the perfect gift for avid hikers can seem like a challenging task—chances are, they already have tons of gear, and when they discover they need something for an upcoming trek—they buy it.

Fortunately, most hikers are always looking to upgrade their existing gear with quality equipment and reputable brands. Plus, who doesn’t love to be surprised with something unique yet practical that they can use to do an activity they love?

To simplify your shopping, here are 15 gift ideas for hikers that will impress every mountain-climbing adventurer in your life!

Most of these would make great gifts for outdoorsy women in general too!

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The Best Gift Ideas for Hikers

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Many climates require hikers to dress in layers, which can be inconvenient and bulky. Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket provides the perfect solution. 

This sleek, eco-friendly jacket is incredibly insulating—it traps your body heat and blocks 75 percent of wind. Plus, with over ten colors to choose from for both women and men, it is incredibly versatile and can perfectly match the recipient’s style. 

But the best part? This jacket compresses into its chest pocket, so you can easily stow it in your backpack until you need to use it. It’s perfect if you’re wondering what to wear hiking in the winter.

Black Diamond Headlamp

If you want to take a sunrise or sunset hike, you’ll likely be hiking in the dark for part of the trail. A headlamp means you don’t have to hold a flashlight the whole time.

However, there is also a safety concern. Although most seasoned hikers know their way around the trails, there’s always the possibility of getting lost, and the worst-case scenario—lost at night.

That’s why a Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp is a handy, compact tool for your friend or family member to have stowed in their backpack. It’s dustproof, waterproof, and offers multiple settings to adjust the brightness, and it only uses four AAA batters (included with the headlamp!). It’s also lightweight and adjustable for maximum comfort.

Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bags

Whether they need a quick snack or a lunch on the go, reusable silicone sandwich bags are one of the best gift ideas for hikers who want to decrease their carbon footprint.  

These airtight bags are convenient and eco-friendly. They also have extreme heat resistance, so your friend can throw them in the dishwasher for easy clean-up after a hiking trip.

Osprey Daypack

If you’re looking for one of the greatest gift ideas for hikers, daypacks are always a safe choice. Most daypacks receive significant wear-and-tear on the trails, so any hiker will love an upgrade. 

Osprey has hundreds of daypacks to choose from for both men and women. Here are some of their most popular options:

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Staying hydrated on the trails is critical—and there’s nothing more refreshing than an icy, cold drink of water during a long hike. Perfect for hiking in summer weather!

That’s why a Hydro Flask Water Bottle with a Flex Straw Lid is the perfect gift idea for hikers. It holds 32 fluid ounces, so it’s handy on shorter hikes, and the double-wall vacuum insulation will keep the hiker’s water cold throughout the day. Plus, the flex straw lid is super convenient to use for quick water breaks.

Check out these limited edition versions!

Trail Runner Dog Leash Belt System

Do you know a hiker who loves to hit the trails with their furry four-legged friend? If so, the Ruffwear Trail Runner Dog Leash Belt System is one of the best gift ideas on the market.

The Trail Runner System allows the hiker to attach their dog’s shock-absorbing Ridgeline Least to a comfortable, bounce-free hip belt for a hand-free hiking experience. The hip belt includes a mesh pocket for stashing treats and other essentials and comes with a BPA-free water bottle that rests securely in the belt.

Although this product is designed for trail runners, it can be used by anyone who wants to hike with their dog hand-free! It’s one of the must-haves if you go camping with a dog.

Mountainsmith Drift Waistpack

Not every hike requires a full-sized backpack—which is why the Mountainsmith Drift Waistpack is an excellent gift for hikers. 

This waistpack includes one main compartment with an organizer sleeve and a side pocket for water bottles. It even comes with a detachable shoulder strap if you want to wear it over the shoulder.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock

After several hours on the trails, there’s nothing more relaxing than resting in a hammock for an hour or two. 

ENO DoubleNest Hammocks are great gift ideas for hikers because they are lightweight and compact enough to squeeze into a backpack but large enough to fit two people. Plus, when the weather is nice for overnight trips, hikers can use their hammocks in place of a tent to sleep under the stars.

I loved having my ENO Hammock when we spent a weekend in the Linville Gorge.

Buff CoolNet UV+ Insect Sheild Multifunctional Headware

If you’re searching for a unique gift for the hiker that already has everything, Buff CoolNet UV+ Insect Shield Multifunctional Headware is an excellent option. 

These stylish pieces of fabric can be worn as hairbands, neckerchiefs, beanies, and more by both men and women to offer UV protection, lift sweat, and repel bugs.

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Durable socks should be a staple item in any hiker’s wardrobe. So naturally, Darn Tough hiking socks make the perfect gift.

Darn Tough makes Merino Wool socks that prevent blisters and reduce moisture. They have men’s and women’s socks in hundreds of styles—from lightweight no-show to mid-weight crew cut.

These make a great stocking stuffer idea too!

More Gift Ideas for Hikers

Garmin inReach Mini

If you have a friend who spends considerable time hiking off the grid, the Garmin inReach Mini is a thoughtful gift idea. 

This satellite communicator can exchange text messages when out of cellular range, contains a built-in GPS, and can trigger an SOS in case of an emergency. 

Plus, this device is water-resistant, impact-resistant, and compact, so it’s easy to stow away during a hiking trip.

Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl

The Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl is another excellent gift idea for hikers who love to hike with their dogs. 

This lightweight and compactable bowl has a waterproof lining, so it’s perfect for hikers who want to ensure their dog gets plenty of food and water, even while out on the trail. Definitely on the list of camping gear for dogs that you need!

Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir

Reusable water bottles are great, but they can sometimes be bulky, making the Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir one of the best gift ideas for hikers. 

This water reservoir can hold up to three liters of water and can be stowed easily in a backpack—especially one of Osprey’s Hydration Backpacks. The reservoir comes with a magnetic clip to attach to the hiker’s bag, so they can leave the magnetic bite valve resting there when it’s not in use.

Hiking Boots

hiking boots in grass gifts for outdoorsy women

Experts recommended that avid hikers get a new pair of hiking boots every six months. This means that boots are one of the best gift ideas for hikers because if they don’t already need a new pair, they will soon!

I was so glad I had my Merrall Moab 2’s for the rocky terrain when I was hiking near State College, PA.

Here are some sturdy types of hiking boots for both men and women:

Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles

Durable, portable trekking poles are helpful when hikers need some extra support. 

These Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles are the perfect choice. They are compact and lightweight, quick and easy to set up, and come with carbide and rubber tips to offer excellent traction in all terrains.

Find Every Hiker in Your Life a Gift They’ll Love

Whether they love challenging themselves with day hikes or trail running with their pup, you’re sure to find something every hiker will love on this list. Don’t like any of these items? Buy them some hiking snacks. They’ll love it.

Which hiking item will you be gifting this year?

Shopping for a woman in your life? Check out these gifts for outdoorsy women.

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