37 Practical Gifts for Hikers That Go the Extra Mile
Halfpoint via Adobe Stock
Much like walking an unfamiliar trail or negotiating a series of tight switchbacks, finding great gifts for hikers can feel like treading on treacherous terrain: For a sport so seemingly straightforward, hiking still requires a fair amount of gear for safety, practicality, and comfort—and the proper pieces of hiking gear, at that. The wrong pair of socks or hiking boots can make all the difference between a happy ramble through the woods and a miserable trudge—no matter how epic the summit selfie may look.
Fortunately, between the experts who shared their favorites with SELF and the wide range of high-quality hiking gear available at reputable retailers like REI, Adidas, and Backcountry, you don’t have to be a lifelong outdoor enthusiast to find the perfect gifts for one. From footwear and fanny packs to technical gadgets and supplies, there are plenty of great hiking gifts and stocking stuffers to choose from that will leave your outdoorsy friend smiling and looking stylish at the trailhead.
If you know someone who loves bagging peaks, can’t decide if they want to hit the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail first, or just prefers spending time in nature, below are some excellent gifts for hikers that they’ll appreciate on their next outdoor adventure. It might seem early to get started on holiday shopping, but we strongly recommend placing your orders sooner rather than later to avoid shipping delays and make sure you get something for everyone on your list.
For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2022.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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REI
Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack (1.5-liter)
A fanny pack is a practical and stylish way to keep essentials easily accessible, especially on shorter outings when there’s no need for a full pack. This one comes with Cotopaxi’s signature vibrant color-blocking, for an especially eye-catching look.
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Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Patagonia Black Hole 25L Travel Pack
This SELF Fave backpack from Patagonia is more than roomy enough for a sporadic day hike. Thanks to its durable, weather-resistant design, it just might become your recipient’s new go-to pack.
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Huckberry
Barebones Beacon Carabiner Light
If a night hike or evening spent around the campfire is on the books, you can never have too many lights—and this rechargeable lantern can clip to a backpack, harness, or tent interior for on-demand illumination.
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REI
Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle (24 oz.)
Give their water bottle a trail-friendly upgrade with this ultralight stainless steel option from Hydro Flask. It features tapered walls and a thinner base to cut weight from the original Hydro Flask design we know and love, but still keeps drinks icy cold for up to 24 hours.
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REI
Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket
Your loved one will be glad to have a Rumpl blanket to layer over their sleeping bag when the temperatures drop this fall. It’s a hit among hikers for how warm it feels despite its light weight and the fact that it’s machine-washable. Plus, it comes in many patterns.
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Amazon
Lifestraw Personal Water Filter (3-Pack)
You can give them the gift of joining the LifeStraw fan club (if they somehow aren’t already members). This bestselling personal water filter removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from water with a capacity of 1,000 gallons.
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REI
Eno DoubleNest Hammock
Your giftee can share this lightweight, packable, two-person hammock with a fellow hiker or keep it all to themselves. Either way, it’s a snap to set up (so no worries if they’re lounging solo).
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Columbia
Columbia Benton Springs 1/2 Snap Pullover
You can pick from a wide range of color combinations with this retro quarter-snap. Whichever you choose, you’ll be gifting a warm fleece layer that looks fantastic on its own and feels ultra cozy under jackets.
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
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Huckberry
Aeropress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
Coffee-loving hikers shouldn’t have to sacrifice a good cup of java while they’re on the trail, and this portable coffee press saves them from that fate. Its travel case doubles as a cup and a lid, so they’ll have everything they need to caffeinate on the move.
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REI
Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit
Whether it’s nabbing a gorgeous starscape photo, snapping selfies while solo hiking, or getting that perfect group shot, tripods can be a huge help on the trail. This mini tripod is made for the adventure-savvy photographer with its three adjustable legs that can handle bumpy terrain or even wrap around tree branches and fence posts. The GorillaPod comes in multiple sizes for cameras and smartphones and is small enough to slip into a backpack.
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REI
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
This compact charger can fully recharge a phone five times or a larger device, like a laptop, once. Hopefully your recipient doesn’t have to worry about dead batteries on the trail, but they’ll be well covered if they have this power bank.
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REI
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
Featuring interchangeable tips, durable aluminum shafts, and a collapsible design, these trekking poles will make navigating tricky hiking trails a breeze.
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Amazon
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
There are few products that have garnered the hiker seal of approval quite like this tiny yet powerful water filter from Sawyer. It can be attached to a hydration pack line or screwed directly to the top of a plastic water bottle; either way, it ensures that all it takes is a nearby creek, lake, or stream to secure clean, safe hydration—and at only two ounces, it’s barely noticeable until it’s needed.
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Backcountry
Five Ten Fivetennie Approach Shoe
On rocky terrain, your hiker pal may need more of a hybrid between climbing and hiking boots, which is where the approach shoe comes in. This Fivetennie approach shoe is a solid, stylish choice with a retro look that received repeat recommendations from a load of climbers we surveyed.
Available in sizes 7 to 10.
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Amazon
Rite in The Rain Weatherproof Tactical Field Notebook
With durable waterproof pages, these notebooks slip right into a daypack barely adding any extra weight, are perfect for jotting down notes, observations, and memories from the trail, and won’t get soggy if they’re caught in a sudden shower.
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Amazon
LifeProof Frē Series Waterproof Case
LifeProof’s sturdy phone cases (which are available to fit iPhones and Samsung devices) are waterproof and drop-proof, making them a necessity for anyone who lives an outdoorsy lifestyle. Because when you spend time in nature, it’s not a matter of if you slip into a puddle, but when.
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Amazon
Keymaster Games Parks Board Game
Cards of who-manity? This National Park-themed board game blew up on Kickstarter before its release (it was overfunded by more than $400,000). It’s the perfect way to pass the time on a group hiking trip, or it can simply be used to scratch that hiking itch when the weather keeps everyone inside.
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Nordstrom
Hyperice Hypersphere Mini Vibrating Fitness Massage Ball
For even more oomph, the SELF Fave Hyperice Hypersphere Massage Ball is great for massaging sore muscles all over with percussive vibrations, and small enough to tuck away when it’s not in use.
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Dick’s Sporting Goods
The North Face Tekware Pants
These SELF Activewear Award-winning hiking pants are water-repellent and moisture-wicking, so the wearer won’t feel bogged down by rain or sweat. They’re also insulated with a warm fleece lining, so winter hiking trips will seem downright balmy.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
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Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Sunscreen isn’t just for outdoorsy folks, but it’s especially important for people spending more time in the sun. Supergoop! Play was a former SELF commerce writer’s ride or die for everyday wear thanks to its smooth, streak-free application and sweat-resistant formula. Plus, it’s reef safe.
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Amazon
Camelbak Circuit Hydration Vest
Not only is this hydration vest ultra-lightweight, but it also features additional storage space for extra water, snacks, or fuel. So, whether the goal is to save weight with every ounce possible, or take multiple granola bar breaks, this vest will be a welcome accessory.
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Parks Project
Parks Project Minimalist National Park Playing Cards
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On Running
On Running Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots
This aesthetic hiking boot was made for day hikers who encounter overflowing streams or unexpected bouts of rain. It’s waterproof, grippy, and protective, with enough style points to wear into town.
Available in sizes 5 to 11.ta
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REI
MSR Windburner Stove System
The Windburner has won numerous awards over the years from outdoor publications like Backpacker Magazine, Outdoor Gear Lab, and Section Hiker. The lightweight stove is great for backpackers and minimalist campers.
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REI
Adventure Medical Kits ADS Me and My Dog First Aid Kit
Every hiker-dog duo can benefit from a first aid kit, lest any falls or accidents happen, or the pup gets overexcited and eats something they’re not supposed to. The kit is compact and easy to use with medical equipment for both humans and dogs, including gauze, gloves, and antibiotics.
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REI
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
One can never have enough hiking socks, especially if they’re Darn Tough socks. Made with odor- and moisture-wicking Merino wool, they keep feet dry and comfy even through inclement conditions and long, grueling treks.
Available in sizes S to L.
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USGS Store
USGS National Parks Annual Pass
An annual National Parks pass will help them on their way to ticking destinations off their bucket list—and, if you ask nicely, you can probably tag along.
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REI
Garmin InReach Mini
They’ll never fall out of touch again, thanks to this handy little communicator from Garmin, which not only navigates and tracks location but allows the user to send text messages even when they’re out of cell service.
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REI
Garmin eTrex 32x
Whether the GORP fan in your life is exploring new-to-them trails in the backcountry or hitting a familiar favorite, knowing where they are (and finding their way when lost) is critical to hiking safety. This lightweight, compact GPS from Garmin has a long battery life (up to 25 hours, unlike a smartphone) and has the basic safety functionality they’ll want when hiking, including preloaded topo maps and dual-satellite support.
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AllTrails Pro Membership
This smartphone app is a very handy way to find the best trails in the area; users can filter searches by trail difficulty, length, and even the type of views involved. The pro version offers users the ability to store trail maps offline (i.e., for when their phone inevitably loses service in the woods) and includes a handful of safety functions too.
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Amazon
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel, Assorted Flavors (8-Pack)
For avid hikers who like to go fast or clock nonstop days on the trail, endurance fuel can be a game changer. Tailwind Endurance Fuel makes all of its products in Durango, Colorado, including its drink mixes, which actually taste good and help maintain energy on the trail. We recommend going for the Endurance Fuel Kit, because it comes with eight different flavors.
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REI
Osprey Kyte 56 Pack
Send the hiker in your life off on their next backpacking trip in style with this Osprey pack. It has external pockets along the sides, front panel, and hip belt for easy access to essentials, plus a spacious main compartment that compresses for a secure fit.
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Amazon
Mr. Heater Little Buddy
This cute little propane heater folds down to a highly portable size, clips to exterior straps on a hiking backpack, and keeps toes toasty warm during breaks.
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Backcountry
Goodr Circle G’s Polarized Sunglasses
We love this running sunglasses brand, and hikers will reap all the same benefits of these fashionable yet functional frames, from their no-slip grip to their glare-free polarized lenses.
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REI
Flipbelt Zipper Running Belt
Primarily for folks who like to trail run, this little belt is a great hands-free way to store a phone, keys, and even a little snack.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
