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43 Thoughtful Gifts for Hiking Lovers

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Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or want to spoil yourself, this post will inspire you with ideas for gifts for hiking lovers.

There’s nothing more enjoyable than being outdoors and connecting with nature on a hike. But when you’re outdoors, you are also in the elements. And that often requires high-quality outdoor gear!.

Any avid hiker will love these thoughtful and useful gifts. I’ve sorted them by price range so you can find a perfect gift that fits your budget.

Best hiking gifts under $25

hiking backpack with poles

Don’t have a large budget but still need a gift? No sweat; there are plenty of unique gifts for hikers under $25.

1. Buffs

Buffs are such a useful item to have while outdoors. It saved me in Yellowknife while I was out in -40 chasing the northern lights, as you can easily pull it up to cover the part of your face exposed to the wind.

Buffs are also helpful for warm climates as sun protection, making them one of the most versatile gift items for nature lovers. They come in a wide variety of colors.

Check prices: Amazon | REI | Backcountry

2. Nature-Inspired T-Shirts

These nature-inspired t-shirts are a great way for adventurous women to show off their love of the outdoors.

3. Books That Inspire You To Hike

Give the gift of inspiration with one of these outdoorsy books.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed is one of my all-time favorites. This beautiful memoir tells the story of how Strayed hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail with no prior experience after her mother’s death.

Another inspiring gift book is ‘Women Who Hike,’ which profiles over twenty of America’s most inspiring women adventurers and provides readers with practical how-to suggestions to maximize their own potential in hiking and life. 

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer – This book will have you at the edge of your seat. Into Thin Air is the true story of Jon Krakauer’s experience in the 1996 Mount Everest Tragedy that killed eight climbers.

A walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson – One of my fave travel writers. Bill Bryson decides to hike the Appalachian trail and takes readers on a hilarious journey with him.

Better yet, get your outdoorsy woman a kindle so she can download all her favorite books. They are lightweight, waterproof, and last days on a single charge.

4. Weatherproof Journal

This all-weather notebook is a thoughtful gift choice. It’s designed with materials that repel water, oil, mud, and grime, so she can take it to document all her outdoor activities.

Check prices: Amazon | REI

5. Phone tripod

As a solo traveler, I know the struggle of taking nice photos on solo outdoor adventures. This phone tripod solves that problem, making it super easy to snap insta-worthy photos no matter where you are.

6. Hiking Socks

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love getting socks as a gift when you’re an adult? I stepped into so many puddles wearing SmartWool socks while hiking around St. John’s and was super impressed at how comfortable I was, even after getting my feet wet.

My two favorite brands of hiking wool socks are Smartwool and Darn Tough Socks, which are more dense and absorbent than SmartWool.

Buy Smartwool on: Amazon | REI | Backcountry

7. Female Urination Device

While this might not be the sexiest gift out there, this female urination device is one of the most practical. Peeing as a woman sucks, and this makes it way easier.

8. Outdoor blanket

An outdoor picnic blanket is a cute gift for any outdoorsy woman. It’s always nice to have something to sit on for an overnight hiking trip.

9. Six Function Whistle

This is just a really useful hiking accessory. It functions as a whistle, thermometer, magnifier, LED light, compass & signal mirror. Also super useful for travel!

10. Stuff sack

This stuff sack is a great gift for your favorite hiker who goes camping/backpacking, as it helps them store and organize their gear.

11. Snacks

I can guarantee you anyone who loves hiking loves snacking because that’s half the fun.

Did you know hiking burns up to 500 calories an HOUR? Just one of the fantastic benefits of hiking. Avid hikers constantly need to replenish those calories, so snacks are always appreciated.

Some great snacks for hikers are cliff bars, fairtrade chocolate, moon cheese, dried fruit, freeze-dried meals, and trail mix.

12. REI Gift Card

If you don’t know what to get the hiker in your life, an REI Gift Card is always a good idea. There’s an endless supply of items they will want from there; I guarantee it.

hiking gros morne mountain
Hiking in Gros Morne Newfoundland

Gifts for hikers between $25-50

13. Portable Campfire

This portable campfire is such a cute gift idea! Each mini fire pit is only 3.94 inches wide and 2.76 inches high and only weighs one lb., so you can easily bring it on picnics, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, traveling, beaches, and almost any outdoor activity.

It will create an instant atmosphere in any outdoor gathering. I also love that it’s made of safe soy wax and recycled materials!

hiking the Inca Trail
Day one of hiking the Inca Trail

14. Trucker Hat

I bought a trucker hat from Patagonia earlier this summer for all my hiking adventures on the East Coast Trail, and I’ve grown pretty obsessed with it. I don’t know how I lived without one before!

An outdoor-themed trucker hat is a great gift choice for women who love the outdoors because it’s useful for sun protection, getting hair out of your face, and generally looking cute.

15. Clever Travel Companion Clothing

Clever travel companion is a brand of clothing designed to help protect you from pickpockets, with built-in stealth pockets.

While these clothes are designed for travel, they also make an excellent gift for a hiker, as you can easily carry your belongings while exploring. Plus, women who love the outdoors probably also love to travel!

16. Nature Inspired Jewelry

I love showing off my passion for the outdoors through my jewelry. Etsy has some perfect options, like these mountain and tree necklace pendants. Fashionable women who love the outdoors will also love these cute accessories!

17. Packable Hammock

This lightweight, packable hammock is one of the best gifts for outdoorsy women because it’s suitable for all kinds of adventures!

It easily packs up small, so you can throw it into a backpack while hiking and then hang it up between the trees if you want to relax. Or bring it to the park to chill – the possibilities are endless!

18. Yeti Rambler Tumbler

This 14oz tumbler is the perfect outdoor companion for morning coffee. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps beverages hot for hours!

I got one as a gift from Nova Scotia Tourism on my trip to Cape Breton and have no idea how I lived without it before.

Buy on: Amazon | REI |

19. Quick Dry Towel

These quick-dry towels by Nomadix are so versatile. They pack up light and are ideal for travel and outdoor adventures like long hikes, camping, or hitting the beach. Plus, it comes in a cute national park print!

20. Headlamp

I always have a headlamp in my bag when I hit the outdoors! Even if I don’t plan to be out late, you never know what will happen. They can be a lifesaver! Any hiker, climber, camper, or stargazer will appreciate this gift.

Buy headlamps on: Amazon | REI | Backcountry

21. Lifestraw

Lifestraw is a game-changer If you spend a lot of time outdoors and don’t have easy access to clean drinking water. With a lifestaw water bottle, you can have safe, clean-tasting water on every adventure, whether you’re refilling straight from the lake, river, well, or tap.

Buy lifestraw on: Amazon | REI

22. Solar Battery Bank

If you know an outdoorsy girl who loves to go on long adventures, she’ll love these solar battery banks, which can keep your electronics charged without a plug.

23. Dry Bags

These dry bags make fantastic gifts for outdoorsy girls who love the water. Whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, or sailing, these bags ensure your gear stays dry no matter what the adventure is.

24. 3-in-1 Camp Chair

This 3-in-1 camp chair is genius! It’s a lightweight backpack with a cooler that can convert into a stool camp chair. This would be ideal for bringing camping, as well as outdoor concerts, picnics, and festivals!

Best gift ideas between $50- 100

25. Merino Wool Base Layers

Base layers are one of the most essential parts of your outdoor gear, especially for winter hikes or visiting cold climates such as Canada.

I cannot explain how much I love merino wool base layers for all my outdoor adventures, especially backpacking. It’s lightweight and keeps you cozy as the material traps your body heat to keep you warm and dry. It’s a gift they will be sure to thank you for time and time again!

Buy Merino Wool On: Amazon | REI | Backcountry

26. Hydro flask water bottle

Water is an adventurer’s best friend, and Hydroflask is my fave water bottle. The stainless steel design keeps your water cool for up to 24 hours, which is ideal for long adventures! Plus, it’s much more environmentally friendly than buying plastic bottles.

27. Hiking Leggings

Leggings are a woman’s best friend. They are my go-to item for almost every hike, providing protection from the sun or warmth in cooler areas! Get a thermal pair if you know your outdoorsy woman will be in cold climates.

Shop leggings on: Amazon | REI | Backcountry

28. Travel Coffee Press

Because instant coffee isn’t okay. If you know a woman who loves the outdoors as much as she loves a good cup of coffee, then this travel coffee press is the perfect gift choice.

The insulated double-walled stainless steel keeps her favorite beverage hot for hours, and the micro-filter keeps the cup free of grit and sludge, so each cup tastes as delicious as the first.

29. America The Beautiful Pass

If you know a hiker who loves visiting U.S. national parks, this park pass is the ultimate gift. It gives her free entry to all the parks for a year for only $80. Considering entry into most parks is around $30, this is a bargain!

rocky mountain national park in colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

30. Trekking Poles

While I’m not a huge fan of trekking poles, I know many hikers swear by them. They can make a huge difference when going down rugged terrain!

Great gifts for hiking lovers over $100

31. Binoculars

I never knew how much I wanted a pair of binoculars until I received them as a gift for Christmas one year simply because they are excellent for viewing wildlife!

32. Bose Portable speaker

While not completely necessary, I take my Bose speaker on most of my adventures and never regret it. Nothing like taking in a gorgeous mountain sunset with your favorite song!

33. An outdoor experience

I truly believe that experiences make the best gifts, and through Tinggly you can give some epic bucket list adventures.

You can browse hundreds of unique experiences worldwide, like a hot air balloon in Cappadocia or a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. Whichever experience you choose, any outdoorsy woman is sure to love it.

Another great idea for an experience gift is to buy them a class that will help them improve their outdoor skills.

hot air balloon ride in cappadocia

34. GoPro

GoPros are the ultimate adventure camera, so any woman who loves to document her adventure will love owning a GoPro. I take mine on all my adventures, whether hiking, diving, or paragliding!

The Osmo Pocket is another travel camera I love, but I think the GoPro is the better of the two in terms of a perfect hiking gift. You can read my full review comparing the Osmo Pocket and GoPro here!

35. Fitbit

Fitbits are excellent outdoor companions because they track all the hard work you do. The battery can also last up to a week, which is great if you’re headed into the backcountry.

36. Patagonia Nano Puff

These nano puff jackets are one of my favorite items to wear in colder weather conditions. It’s ideal for backpacking because it compresses and hardly occupies any room in my backpack.

hiking in italy
Hiking in the Dolomites Italy

37. Patagonia Fleece

No outdoor enthusiast can ever have enough fleece sweaters. Ever. These really helped me in Yellowknife when I was out in -40 trying to photograph the northern lights.

38. Hiking boots

Any woman who loves to hike needs a good pair of boots to go with her. These hiking boots are my go-to boots for hiking trails!

I’ve worn them on long day hikes in Patagonia and multi-day treks through Nepal and on the Inca Trail in Peru, and they show no signs of being worn down.

39. Handheld GPS

If you’re feeling generous, any hiking lover will appreciate a handheld GPS like the Garmin inreach mini. Not only helpful but potentially life-saving!

Shop GPS’ on: Amazon | REI | Backcountry

40. Hydration Pack

If you’re going on longer hikers, hydration packs are so helpful because you can bring significantly more water, making it much easier to stay replenished on the trail without digging through your bag to find a bottle.

41. USA National Parks Push Pin Map

If they live in the United States and love to explore the incredible national parks, this USA National Park push-pin map is a perfect choice. Track where you’ve been or map out future hiking trips!

42. Nemo sleeping bag

If you know a hiker who likes to go on multi-day hikes, they will definitely appreciate this high-quality sleeping bag.

43. Hiking backpack

When preparing to hit the trails, you’ll need a day pack to put all these hiking accessories into. A high-quality hiking backpack can make or break a hike, so this gift is sure to impress.

lora hiking in patagonia
Hiking in Patagonia

Hiking stocking stuffers

Why not get a stocking and fill it with hiking gear? All these items are compact size and make great stocking stuffers.

FAQ: Perfect Gift for a Hiker

What is the best gift for a hiker?

The best gift for a hiker is something practical and durable, like a high-quality hydration pack or a pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking boots.

What every hiker needs?

Every hiker needs a reliable backpack, a water purification system, a first-aid kit, a map and compass (or GPS), and appropriate clothing for the weather.

What does a new hiker need?

A new hiker needs basic gear including a good pair of hiking shoes, a backpack, water bottles or a hydration system, a map of the area, and a lightweight rain jacket.

What would a hiker have in their backpack?

A hiker’s backpack typically contains water, snacks, a first-aid kit, extra clothing, a map and compass, a headlamp, and sun protection.

What do you get a hiker for Christmas?

For Christmas, consider getting a hiker something like a portable campfire, a set of lightweight cooking gear, or a subscription to a hiking or outdoor magazine.

What is a survival bag for hiking?

A survival bag for hiking is a compact, lightweight bag equipped with essential survival items such as a thermal blanket, fire starter, water purification tablets, a whistle, and a multi-tool.

What food do hikers carry?

Hikers typically carry lightweight, high-energy, and non-perishable foods such as trail mix, energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, jerky, and freeze-dried meals.

What is the difference between hiking and trekking?

Hiking usually refers to day walks on well-marked trails, while trekking is more challenging, often involving multi-day journeys through more rugged, unmarked terrain.

Is hiking a healthy hobby?

Yes, hiking is a healthy hobby that offers physical exercise, reduces stress, and provides opportunities for connecting with nature and improving mental well-being.

How do I make hiking a hobby?

Start by exploring local trails suited to your fitness level, invest in some basic hiking gear, and gradually increase the distance and difficulty of your hikes as you become more comfortable and confident.

Hopefully, this gift guide could help you find the perfect present. I adore hiking gear and would be thrilled to get any of these great hiking gifts. Happy shopping!

Pssst – If you’re looking for more hiking inspo, check out these inspiring hiking quotes.

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gift for a hiker pin
hiking gift guide pin

Author

  • Lora Pope

    Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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