Hiking gifts for your favorite hiker or outdoor enthusiast (or yourself!).
A big list of some of our favorite hiking gear, clothing, gadgets and so much more. We first published our hiking gift guide in 2010 and have kept it updated with our picks ever since.
We’ve been avid hikers for over 25 years – heading out on local trails every weekend, as well as hiking throughout the United States and internationally.
That means we’ve tried a lot of gear and clothing over the years and know what works… and what to recommend as the perfect hiking gift.
>>>Bonus: REI’s annual Winter promotion runs from Friday Nov. 15 through Mon. Nov. 25 if you want to score some deals. Catalog preview is available online now.
Below are the Top 5 Gifts for Hikers followed the Best Gifts for Hikers. For hiking clothing check our favorite hiking pants, layers, and jackets.
Top 5 Gifts for Hikers
#1 – Monocular
We like this compact, lightweight (6 oz.) alternative to binoculars and it appears others do too, as it is consistently popular with our readers.
A monocular is not the same as a good set of binoculars – but it’s not meant to be. This answers “hey! what’s that over there?” without much fuss.
It’s very light and comes in a soft case which I keep handy attached to the shoulder strap of my backpack. And I can’t count the many times I’ve used this to quickly make sure that dark shadow down the trail is actually just a bear-shaped tree stump.
It’s good to casually view wildlife while hiking, and was especially nice to have with us when we spotted a family of bobcats (got them on video too – visit our bobcats page to see the cuteness).
We chose this model due to its balance of function, size, and price and have been using it since 2014. Read our full review of the Vortex Optics Solo Monocular.
#2 – Winter Traction Devices
Winter traction is always a popular item on our site. These are like adding snow chains to your feet and totally increased our winter hiking when we started using them years ago.
The most popular are MICROspikes followed closely by YakTrax.
Runners up are Hillsound Crampons (very similar design to Kahtoolas but has a top strap), YakTrax Diamond Grip (multi-sided metal studs), and STABILiciers (metal pegs instead of spikes).
Check out our review for a comparison of Kahtoolas vs YakTrax.
#3 – Hydration Backpack
A backpack is a key item for any hiker, and a hydration backpack simply has an inner sleeve to insert a water reservoir with a hole in the top of the pack to thread a drinking tube out. This is an alternative to using bottles and makes it easy to keep hydrated.
The Osprey Talon 22 is a popular daypack for a reason. It’s a solid bag with all the right features – roomy but not too big, top zippered pocket for snacks or sunglasses, easy access outer pocket, inner mesh pocket with key-clip, padded shoulder straps, and handy hip-belt pockets.
It also features trekking pole and bike helmet attachments. It has a sleeve for a reservoir but there are pockets on both sides for water bottles instead of or in addition to a reservoir. Several larger/smaller sizes and a women-specific version, the Tempest, is available.
Tom replaced his trusty but 15-year-old Kelty with this backpack in early-2022 and has been really happy with it. The Talon also does double-duty as his carry-on bag.
I’ve been using the ever-popular CamelBak M.U.L.E since 2014 and it’s still perfect for me. See our full CamelBak M.U.LE. review.
#4 – Buff
Buffs have always been a popular item on the list, and we’ve been using our Polar Buffs for years. We also have lightweight and UV-protective Original Buffs for our summer adventures.
This versatile tube of fabric can be easily configured into a hat, neckerchief, hairband, balaclava, and more.
It comes in original and warmer fabrics for winter plus a wide variety of colors and patterns. There are even ones for dogs! This video shows how a Buff is used: Original Buff Demo.
#5 – Trekking Poles
We hike frequently and over rugged terrain and we’ve found trekking poles invaluable to reduce impact on joints, for cranky knees that hate downhills, and for stream crossings.
They give me more confidence on slippery terrain and have saved me from injury on many occasions. We favor Black Diamond, generally with shocks and flicklock. Read our trekking pole review.
For a train travel trip that required packing light I just opted to get new poles (my beloved-but-ancient Black Diamonds don’t fit in smaller luggage and I don’t care for Z-fold poles). I sprung for Black Diamond’s Alpine Carbon Cork poles (Women’s version). I’m really happy with them – super lightweight and comfortable, and they were fantastic for our trip.
Good trekking poles might not be something a hiker splurges on for themselves, so they can make a nice gift.
Best Gifts for Hikers
100 Hikes of a Lifetime
Ultimate hiker’s bucket list from popular to offbeat, with beautiful photos from National Geographic. Published 2020.
National Geographic Complete National Parks
Travel planner and reference guide for all the parks with full-color photos, detailed maps, historical background, best times to visit and best activities. Published Oct. 2022.
Post Hike “Slippers”
Channel your inner Mr. Rogers and swap out your boots pre- and post-hike for these comfy shoes that are part sneaker, part slipper, and warm and snuggly like a sleeping bag. The heel collapses for easy on and off.
UV Sun Sleeves / Arm Warmers
Easy to put on and take off as needed. Ward off morning chill or keep on all day for UPF 40+ sun protection. Wicking, lightweight, stretchy; reflective elements for night visibility. My pair of REI’s Active Pursuits Sun Sleeves weigh nearly nothing so I keep them in my pack for when I’m wearing a t-shirt.
Pocket Blanket
Compact, durable, waterproof pocket blanket for hiking, backpacking, picnics, beach, concerts… Always have a dry place to sit. 63″ x 44″ unfolded; weighted corners with ultralight stakes.
Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator
Have peace of mind anywhere you hike. This tiny unit provides global satellite coverage to send an interactive SOS message in an emergency, plus messaging, trackback, and location sharing. Requires a subscription. For a non-subscription SOS option, consider a personal locator beacon.
America the Beautiful National Pass
Covers entry fees for all of our National Parks and the more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States for one year. It even covers the driver plus all passengers in a personal vehicle or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person. We’ve gotten this pass many times over the years.
REI Gift Card
Give the gift that let’s them get whatever they want! Available as an e-gift that arrives via email (can be scheduled for later) or a physical card. Or, give a REI lifetime membership that gets them a discount on eligible purchases, forever. We’ve been members since 2007 and have saved a pile of cash since.
Energy Foods and Drink Mix
Good as “stocking stuffers” or make up a little assortment. Hikers can never have enough snacks! We like anything by Clif Bars (especially nut butter filled), Lara Bars, and Skratch Lab chews (like a fancy gummy). Pre or post-hike we love a Honey Stinger waffle (same as a Stroopwafel – thin chewy cookie; nice with coffee! but can crumble in a pack). Many hikers use hydration mix to add a flavor and electrolytes to water. We used Nuun for a long time but have since switched to Skratch Labs. A bag lets us dial in the amount, but they come in single sleeves too.
HydraPak Recon Water Bottle
Our favorite bottles mainly due to the twist cap that allows the water to flow as if drinking from a glass. Lightweight, easy to clean, and offers multiple cap colors. After liking the 25 oz. that came in a Cairn Box, I got another for Tom and later got two 17 oz. bottles. Not insulated – we add ice if need it super cold (heavy metal insulated bottles are too heavy to bother with). These are our daily on-the-desk bottles as well as for short hikes when we don’t use a hydration reservoir.
Trekking The National Parks Game
Go on a family adventure across America’s National Parks. Players compete for points by claiming parks and collecting stones. Quick play – games last 30-60 minutes. For 1-5 players, ages 10 and up.
Trails, a Strategy Board Game About Hiking
Explore iconic sites and national parks across the US and gather resources, go birding, and earn wilderness badges. Easy-to-learn rules; quick game that can play in 20 minutes. Compact enough to fit in a backpack.
USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder
Features 63 national parks in order of designation. Inspire and plan your next adventure with photography, maps, facts, things to do. Published: March 2024.
A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon
Two friends, with zero prep, embark on an end-to-end traverse of the Grand Canyon, a journey that promised, would be “a walk in the park.” Published: May 2024.
Waterfall Atlas of the United States
Extensive state-by-state overview and history of America’s waterfalls. Filled with beautiful photographs, maps, and charts. Published: August 2023.
Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Planning, Training, and Resiliency
Comprehensive guide for backpackers from renowned hikers Katie “Salty” Gerber and Heather “Anish” Anderson. This guide provides detailed information on basics of gear selection, navigation, safety, trip planning, nutritional and physical preparation, and body resiliency. Published: May 2022.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Awesome for outdoor adventure + fitness/health tracking; rugged titanium case, GPS, compass, waypoints, “backtrack”, 100m water resistant; heart health, ECG, blood oxygen. Our fave hiking/workout app with maps, for any Apple watch: WorkOutDoors.
The Open-Air Life
Reconnect with nature and slow down with this guide to “friluftsliv”, the Nordic tradition of embracing nature and enjoying the outdoors as a way of life. Published Nov. 2022.
Appalachian Trail Day Hikes
Selection of the best day hikes in each of the 14 states that the Appalachian Trail goes through, from 1 to 11 miles. Published June 2018.
Appalachian Trail Wall Map
Beautiful wall map of the entire Appalachian Trail. Plan a hike, track a thru-hiker, or inspiring decoration. Elevation, mileage; 18″x48″.
Zen on the Trail
Explore how to be outside in a meditative way, calming the mind, and deepening a connection to nature. Published Sept. 2018.
Hiking Socks
Sure, socks aren’t the most exciting gift… unless they are high-quality hiking socks! We mostly use Darn Tough, Smartwool,and Wrightsocks but there are plenty out there to find your own favorites.
Headlamp
Small and lightweight, we always keep one in our pack – just in case we’re caught on a trail after dark (…learned that lesson racing sunset on a Lake George trail eons ago…). Easier than a flashlight because it keeps hands free. We have Petzl and Black Diamond basic ones that do the trick, but there are a range of options.
Compass
Every hiker should have a compass in their pack, and know how to use it. This basic Suunto gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Hiker Medical Kit
Compact kit with ample first-aid supplies, suitable for 2 hikers for 2 days. Lightweight (8 oz); has internal pockets to organize first aid supplies. Covers all the bases plus more involved care.
Christmas Ornaments
Deck the tree in style with Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap ornaments. Some can be customized – add dates or names to the back!
More Christmas Ornaments
Fun and cute series of hiking-themed ornaments… compass, boots, backpacks, guy hiker, gal hiker, camp stove, kayak and more.
Appalachian Trail Mugs
Enjoy your morning coffee or after-hike hot cocoa in an Appalachian Trail mug. We’ve created three different designs: Elevation, White Blaze, and Forest.
Appalachian Trail Gifts
Our original designs “White Blaze”, “Elevation”, and “Forest” on T-shirts, water bottles, mugs, and more. More AT gift ideas.
Wood Burned Tree Art
Rustic wood burned outdoors inspiration magnets & other items. Custom orders available. From Forage Workshop in Boonton, NJ.