28 Practical Gifts for Hikers They’ll Actually Use
Shopping for gifts for hikers? After years of hiking and backpacking, these are the kinds of things I’d be happy to give or get myself.
I love giving gifts, but I’m not a big fan of surprise gifts unless they’re actually useful. The last thing I want to give someone is another funny mug, water bottle, or hiking-themed gadget that gets shoved in a closet and eventually ends up in the landfill.
Everything on this list of gifts for hikers is something I think your friend could genuinely use. Some are things they’ll wear through or use up, while others make hiking more comfortable, help them stay safe, or take care of gear they already own.
I’ve spent years hiking in Colorado, Utah, and beyond, and I own and use many of these. I’ve also included gifts that don’t require you to guess exactly what gear someone wants. That’s particularly helpful when you’re shopping for a hiker who already seems to have everything.
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Small Gifts for Hikers That Are Actually Useful
1. Kula Cloth
A small, practical gift that’s especially useful for women who hike, backpack, or spend a lot of time outside.
I love my Kula Cloth and have gifted a few of these to friends. At first, they think it’s funny, but then it actually becomes a piece of gear they use. And you don’t have to haul around as much TP!
I don’t go hiking or backpacking without my Kula.
2. Matador Speed Stash
A pouch that attaches to your backpack straps and keeps things like your phone, snacks, or sunglasses within easy reach.
Great for someone who already owns the major pieces of hiking gear but might not know this accessory exists. Anyone who regularly hikes with a backpack will appreciate having essentials within easy reach.
My phone stays within easy reach in the Matador Speed Stash
3. Tinted SPF Lip Balm
An inexpensive, consumable gift that’s especially useful for hikers spending hours in the sun.
I’m always applying lip balm before and after hikes. Mineral lip balm can leave a white cast, but tinted balm looks great. I also like that Raw Elements doesn’t add synthetic fragrance.
4. Sunscreen
Hikers actually go through sunscreen, which makes it a much safer gift than another piece of outdoor gear they may or may not need.
I personally prefer mineral sunscreen, and Raw Elements makes the best-smelling sunscreen I’ve tried. It uses rosemary oil, and when I wear it, people have literally asked, “What’s that smell?” but in the best way.
5. Stasher Reusable Bag
If you want some pretzels on a hike, you probably aren’t bringing the entire bag. A reusable Stasher bag lets you portion out exactly what you need without constantly going through disposable plastic baggies.
It’s also useful well beyond hiking. So it won’t become another piece of hiking-specific clutter.
I’ve even used a Stasher bag as a toiletry bag for traveling.
Gifts to Make Hiking More Comfortable
6. Merino Wool Socks
One of the safest gifts for hikers because even people who already own good socks eventually wear through them. I’ve been hiking in merino socks for years and can testify they are so much more comfortable than cotton socks. The cushion and sweat-wicking properties are honestly game-changers.
- Smartwool Ankle Socks (great to wear with trail runners)
- Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks (work with any boots or shoes)
I wear a lot of merino clothing for hiking, including Branwyn merino bras and underwear. Underwear is probably too personal for most surprise gifts, but if you’re shopping for yourself, I have a whole guide to my favorite merino wool hiking clothes.
7. Smartwool Headband
Warm, practical, and doesn’t require knowing someone’s exact clothing size.
I find a headband works better for me during high-output activities. Hiking or snowshoeing in a beanie always makes me overheat, but I like keeping my ears warm and out of the wind.
8. Merino Buff
A versatile piece you can use for warmth, wind, and sun protection. I bring mine camping and skiing, too. It comes in handy more than you’d think.
9. Sun Gloves
I wear sun gloves to protect the tops of my hands while I’m using trekking poles. They not only prevent sunburn but also give me extra grip on my poles if my hands are sweaty.
If the hiker friend you’re shopping for uses poles, these are a no-brainer.
10. Kool Tie
A particularly useful gift for hikers in hot climates, in the desert, and for summer hiking. Soak the Kool Tie in water and let the crystals expand. This reusable cooling tie is easy to pack and store.
I wear mine when I’m hiking in the desert or even on bike rides on a warm summer day. They work best with airflow, so I don’t always put my hood up on my sun hoodies when I’m wearing it.
11. OOFOS Recovery Sandals
A more substantial comfort gift for someone who spends long days on their feet. This one obviously requires knowing someone’s shoe size. I would also recommend sizing up, especially if you want to wear them with socks.
I wear mine around camp and also use them at home as daily slippers.
Safety and Navigation Gifts for Hikers
12. Headlamp
One of those hiking essentials that’s genuinely useful to have. Even someone who already owns a headlamp can keep a backup in another pack, camping bin, or vehicle.
I bring a headlamp on practically every hike, even if I don’t plan to use it. Years ago I got a rechargeable headlamp as a gift, and it’s the headlamp I still use today.
I especially like rechargeable headlamps because I don’t have to worry about keeping spare batteries around like I used to.
Every alpine start requires a headlamp
13. Garmin inReach Mini
This one is a splurge gift, but totally worth it. A Garmin inReach Mini is excellent for anyone who hikes remote areas without cell service. It’s one of those things you hope you don’t have to use, but can be critical when you need it.
You can also text on your phone using the device. This lets you send updates to friends or family even when it’s not an emergency. My husband and I always update our family on multi-day backpacking trips when we don’t have service.
For remote hikes and backpacking trips without cell service, it’s one piece of safety gear I’m very glad to have.
14. Bear Spray
A practical safety gift for someone who regularly hikes or camps in bear country. Clearly, if your friend doesn’t hike in bear country, this probably isn’t the most useful gift. Bear spray can expire, so an extra can is always helpful to have on hand.
Just keep in mind that you can’t fly with bear spray, so this isn’t a gift I’d pack in my suitcase when visiting someone.
Gifts for Hikers Who Have Everything
If you’re shopping for an experienced hiker, buying gifts can feel impossible. They probably already have strong preferences about backpacks, shoes, trekking poles, and other equipment. These gifts give them more ways to hike without adding another random piece of gear to their closet.
If you know they want hiking gear but aren’t sure what to buy, you can also browse my favorite gear page. It has the hiking, travel, photography, and outdoor gear I personally use and recommend.
15. AllTrails Subscription
An AllTrails subscription is especially good for someone who already owns plenty of hiking gear because it doesn’t add another physical item to their closet.
I’ve been a subscriber for years. The reason to pay for a subscription is that you can download hikes and view them without cell service. Certain types of Garmin watches (like my Garmin Enduro 3) let you send AllTrails files directly to the watch. I can view the trail map, elevation graph, and more right from my wrist.
16. America the Beautiful Pass
A fantastic gift for someone who regularly visits national parks and other participating federal recreation sites. Instead of giving them another thing, you’re essentially helping pay for a year of adventures.
I live close to Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction, which charges an entrance fee and is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. So even if your friend doesn’t visit national parks very often, they may still use the pass at a monument or other participating recreation site.
17. REI Gift Card
Gear is personal. If you’re thinking about buying someone hiking shoes, a backpack, trekking poles, or another expensive piece of equipment but don’t know exactly what they want, let them choose.
A gift card isn’t a boring gift when the alternative is spending a lot of money on gear that doesn’t fit or isn’t what they wanted.
You can print inspiration photos in the card and tuck the gift card inside. A card with a photo of the Grand Canyon and a gift card that says “For your upcoming rim to rim hike” can be more special than you think.
18. A Hiking Guidebook for Somewhere They Want to Go
Make the book specific to the person rather than buying a generic hiking coffee-table book.
Ideas:
- Somewhere they’re traveling
- A national park they love
- A backpacking guide
- A dog-friendly hiking guide for their state
Falcon Guides are usually my go-to guidebooks. You can find a guide for practically any topic or region. A few of my favorites as someone who hikes in the Southwest:
Practical Gifts That Help Hiking Gear Last Longer
19. Nikwax Down Wash and Tech Wash
A practical gift for someone who already owns expensive outdoor gear. Down Wash is for down jackets and sleeping bags. Tech Wash is for technical waterproof clothing.
Not a glamorous gift, but I use these to keep my gear lasting for years.
- For down: Nikwax Down Wash
- For waterproof technical clothing: Nikwax Tech Wash
20. Gear Aid Tenacious Tape
An inexpensive repair product that can help extend the life of puffy jackets, sleeping bags, tents, and other outdoor gear.
It’s not particularly exciting until you rip your favorite puffy. Then you’re very glad you have it.
Repaired a couple of burn holes in my coat with Tenacious Tape
21. DEET-Free Bug Spray
Another consumable that hikers will actually use. Natrapel makes great-smelling DEET-free bug spray. DEET can eat away at synthetic fabrics used in a lot of outdoor gear like clothing, backpacks, and tents.
I like to pack the small, manual pump spray bottles in my backpack or toiletry bag. They make traveling with bug spray easy.
Gifts for Hikers Who Also Camp and Backpack
22. Nomadix Towel
I got my Nomadix towel for traveling to New Zealand because it folds up small and is perfect for backpacking. Since then, I’ve brought my towel everywhere: to hostels in Europe, camping in Yosemite, and to hot springs all over Colorado.
For how thin it is, it absorbs a lot. It’s soft to the touch and has held up after repeated washings. I even carry Nomadix tiny towels in my toiletry bag for washing my face.
Relaxing by the lake with my Nomadix towel
23. Backpacking Pillow
It took me a while to find the perfect backpacking pillow that was comfortable but light. The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Pillow doesn’t hurt my neck even after many nights in a row. For me, the large size is big enough for support, but it still fits in my sleeping bag hood.
This is a little comfort luxury item that I never go backpacking without.
24. GRAYL Water Filter
My husband and I have tried several water filters over the years, but our GRAYL filter quickly became our favorite. The design fills and filters quickly and lets you carry water like a regular bottle.
We’ve used this not only on backpacking trips, but also on long day hikes where we know we’ll have access to water to filter. That way, we don’t need to carry many liters of water at one time; we just stop to filter along the way.
Stasher goodie bag with some of my favorites
25. Build Them a Hiker’s Goodie Bag
If you’re not sure what gear someone already owns, make them a hiking goodie bag filled with things they’ll actually eat or use.
Some of my favorite things to include:
- Electrolyte powder packets (view all my favorite electrolytes in my post)
- SaltStick Chews
- Skratch energy chews
- Honey Stinger waffles
- Alpine Start instant coffee or matcha
- Backpacking meals or desserts
- Favorite salty trail snacks
- Favorite sweet trail snacks
You could also add smaller items from elsewhere on this list, like SPF lip balm or tenacious tape. This is easy to customize based on both the recipient and your budget. Make a small bag of their favorite trail snacks or put together a larger assortment of things they can try on their next few hikes.
Bonus points if you put everything in Stasher bags and then gift it all together.
Gifts for Hikers With Dogs
I don’t personally have a dog right now, but I spend a lot of time around dogs. These are practical gifts for hikers who regularly go out with their dog.
26. Collapsible Dog Bowl
Useful for hiking, camping, road trips, and travel. It packs down small and gives their dog an easy way to drink on the go.
I’ve gone hiking with dogs and packed a bulky plastic container. I wish I had one of these instead!
Hiking with my friends’ dog Moose
27. Dog Booties
These aren’t just useful for hiking. Dog booties can help protect paws from hot pavement and sand, sharp rocks, and snow and ice. That makes them something a dog owner can use well beyond the trail.
I’ve even seen dogs wearing booties walking around my local farmers market when the pavement can be over 120º F.
28. Dog First-Aid Kit
A practical safety gift a dog owner might not think to buy until they actually need it. Even if they just keep it in the car, it’s nice to have basic first-aid supplies ready for both hikes and everyday outings.
What I Wouldn’t Buy a Hiker as a Surprise
Some hiking gear is simply too personal to choose for someone else.
Unless you know the exact product they want, I’d skip:
- Hiking shoes
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Technical hiking clothing
- Other expensive gear where fit and personal preference matter
And I definitely wouldn’t buy something just because it has mountains or the word “outdoorsy” printed on it.
Most hikers already own plenty of water bottles, clothes, and basic outdoor gear. They probably don’t need more. I’d rather give someone something practical they’ll use up, wear out, or genuinely need than a funny gift that sits in a closet for the next five years.
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