Buying cool gifts for your outdoorsy friends and family doesn't have to be hard. We all know someone who likes hiking on the weekends—and probably someone who lives and breathes it too, using their PTO for long thru-hikes and adventures. And the best gifts for hikers are ones they can use out in the wild.
The one truth about folks who like to tackle a new trailhead: They love gear. So if you're looking for gifts for hikers in your life, consider some of the best hiking gear of 2023, new and old.
From quality hiking socks that will keep feet blister-free (and you on a holiday budget) to a super practical hiking app subscription that makes exploring seamless, there's plenty of great things to wrap that'll make your hiker even happier while they hoof it outdoors.
Here are some of the best hiking gifts you can surprise them with this holiday season.
1. A Cozy Pair of Slip-Ons to Relax in Post-Hike
Teva
Finishing a breath-taking hike is great, but taking off your hiking boots at the end is heaven. The only thing better is sliding into a pair of shoes that feel like walking on clouds. The Teva ReEMBER Terrains are slip-ons with a cushioned foam footbed for peak post-hike comfort and a solid rubber outsole for grip that won't let you down walking around camp. These slip-ons even have a nifty webbing loop so your hiker can hook them onto their backpack for overnight trips.
2. A Mini Satellite Device for Backcountry Safety
Garmin
A satellite communication device is a great gift for hikers because anyone headed into the backcountry, out of cell service, should have one—but most don't. We love the Garmin inReach Mini 2, a small and portable lifeline that uses satellites to let your hiker reach out via two-way messaging or, in emergencies, an SOS function. The inReach Mini 2 also has GPS features so you can follow their journey online to get an update and peace of mind.
3. A Stylish Pair of Pants for On and Off the Trails
Wide Open Spaces
Prana's best-selling Halle outdoor pants are ideal for every type of hiker. Not only are they clean and sleek, but they're also made from recycled stretch fabric, making them ideal for everything from hiking to climbing to traveling and casual work meetings. The pants also come in 10 different sizes and have great features like large pockets, an adjustable hem, and even UPF sun protection and water repellency.
4. A Perfectly-Sized Backpack with Included Hydration
Wide Open Spaces
Whether they're hiking 3 miles or 16, staying hydrated is key for peak trail performance. The Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack is compact but offers plenty of space and pockets for snacks, gear, and all the hiking essentials. Plus, it comes with a 3-liter water reservoir, so it's ready to hit the trails as soon as it's unwrapped.
5. A Subscription to Access Unlimited Hikes
AllTrails
The AllTrails app is beloved by most everyone who hits the trails, as it offers access to a database of trail maps, reviews, and images of hikes nearby. An AllTrails Plus subscription is basically a VIP gift for hikers. It unlocks access to next-level hiking adventures, with access to over 200 guides, offline map downloads, backup prints, and handy alerts for those occasional wrong turns.
6. A Durable Set of Trekking Poles
Wide Open Spaces
Black Diamond Trail trekking poles are the ultimate sidekick for any hiker looking to conquer hard trails with ease. Trekking poles keep hikers steady on steep terrain, provide stability on loose downhills, and ease pain in the knees and joints. The Black Diamond Trails are crafted from lightweight aluminum, offering a secure companion and comfy to grip, thanks to their foam handle.
7. A More Comfortable Way to Pop a Squat Outdoors
Kula Cloth
Okay, your first thought is probably that a potty cloth is a weird gift, but hear us out: We know so many women who own a Kula Cloth and swear by this game-changing product as it allows her to wipe after peeing on the side of a trail in a sanitary, mess-free way. The Kula Cloth is crafted to be super absorbent with silver-infused, antimicrobial fabric. It snaps together so any moisture is tightly facing inward, and is designed to hang on the outside of a backpack or easily stuffed into an external pocket.
Kula Cloth — from $20
8. A Portable Power Bank to Keep Devices Charged
BioLite, Wide Open Spaces
Biolite's 80-watt power bank is a superhero powerhouse that charges up everything from phones and tablets to laptops. Wherever your adventure takes you, this portable charger ensures that you still have access to maps, trail info, and weather updates at your fingertips. Another highlight? It's compact and perfect for camping or those long hiking adventures.
9. A Packable Rain Jacket to Keep You Dry
Wide Open Spaces
Nothing ruins a hike like an unexpected rainstorm—unless you have an awesome rainjacket as weather-proof as the REI Co-Op ZeroDry GTX. Your personal rain shield, this jacket is waterproof, windproof, crazy breathable, and won't weigh down your pack so you'll always have it on hand when the sky opens up.
10. A Breathable Pair of Socks to Keep Feet Dry
Bombas
High-quality socks mean a more comfortable, blister-free hike—and anyone who logs miles regularly can never have too many pairs. The Bombas Hiking Calf Socks get it just right with full cushioning all around the foot and added reinforcement at the heel and toe. They are also made with moisture-wicking magic to keep the feet cool and dry during all types of outdoor adventures. An added perk: For every pair of socks purchased, the company donates one pair as well.
11. A Lightweight Beanie for Warm Ears
Smartwool
If your buddy loves hiking in chilly weather, a Smartwool Merino Beanie is the go-to gift. It's made with a blend of soft Merino wool and moisture-wicking materials that will keep the head and ears warm and toasty. Plus, it's surprisingly lightweight, non-bulky, and versatile so hikers can rock it solo or slip it underneath headgear like a helmet or running light.
12. A Year of Free Entry to National Parks
Wide Open Spaces
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass offers hikers the candy store: The pass provides a year of free entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, from national parks to wildlife refuges and national monuments. The pass covers the entrance fee and day-use fees for the driver and their carload and is the ultimate ticket to breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
13. An Uber-Durable and Portable Way to Relax
Helinox
The Helinox Chair Zero is ultra-lightweight (just 1 pound, 2 ounces) and packs down to the size of a water bottle. It's built with heavy-duty aluminum poles, it can support up to 265 pounds and even comes with a full backrest so kicking back after a long day of hiking really lets you relax—the ultimate gift for hikers.
14. A Beloved Pair of Hiking Boots
Wide Open Spaces
Every hiker needs a pair of reliable and comfortable hiking boots, and there's nothing more universally beloved than the Merrell Moab 3. With top-notch traction, cloud-like comfort, and a simple design, these shoes can handle all sorts of terrain and wet conditions (yes, they're waterproof). And if for some reason the boots don't work out for your giftee, Merrell offers free returns and exchanges (as long as you buy directly from the retailer).
15. A Gift Card To An Outdoor Gear Store
Wide Open Spaces
If you still don't know what to get, you can't go wrong with a gift card so they can snag their own outdoor gear of choice. We recommend a gift card for Public Lands, the give-back outdoor subsidiary of Dick's Sporting Goods, as they fund local and national grants to protect our public lands (in addition to having a great selection of hiking-related gear). Of course, REI and Backcountry are other great options for retailers to give a gift card from, too.
