Hiking has recently become one of my favourite activities to do while travelling. You get to immerse yourself in nature, challenge yourself, see some incredible views, and get in a good bit of exercise too.
If you don’t know what to get your friend or loved one for Christmas (or for their birthday), if they love hiking, this is the guide for you.
I love hiking because it’s one of those brilliant activities that technically doesn’t need anything but comfortable shoes and shorts.
However, there’s a lot of cool gear you can get to make it more enjoyable, more comfortable, and more convenient.
Whether you’re looking for budget hiking gift ideas, unique gifts, or ones specifically suited to men or women, you’ll find it here. Read on to discover the best gifts for all your hiking friends.
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Hiking at Osmena Peak on Cebu Island, the Philippines
Christmas gifts for hikers and campers
These are the top gifts for outdoors adventurers of all types. Fun, unique, and well-suited to both beginner and long-time hikers, your friends are sure to love any one of these.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles are something many hikers don’t know they need – until they have them. So, get your friend or loved one a pair of these. And next time you chat, you’ll hear all about how you’ve revolutionised their hiking.
You can get all sorts of different trekking poles, there are also many great budget hiking poles. My favourite are these TrailBuddy Trekking Poles.
They’re pointed at the end to help with stability, with a padded strap and easy grip. You can also choose between some really cool colours.
Get your TrailBuddy Trekking Poles here!
Enjoying the sunrise view from the top of Little Adams Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka
Hiking GPS
A solid strap-on GPS is never a bad idea. You’ll ensure that your friend won’t get lost on their next adventure. And, it’s lots of fun to play around with while learning how to use it.
The view from the First Peak of Stawamus Chief, in Canada
Compactable camping chairs
After a long day of trekking, relaxing on an actual chair off the ground is unheard-of comfort.
This incredible little compactable chair fits into a small pouch. So it’s convenient to fit on a multi-day hike, without taking up too much space.
Click here to get your compactable camping chairs!
Hiking Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius
Comfortable hiking shoes
You can’t really go hiking without appropriate hiking shoes. There are loads of different hiking and trekking shoes out there, and which one you prefer ultimately depends on your foot and hiking style.
You might have to try a couple different shoes before you find the perfect one for you, but I personally love these trekking shoes.
Click here to purchase your hiking shoes!
Hiking in the Valley of the Winds in Kata-Tjuta, Australia
Lightweight hammock
For that friend who’ll sleep anywhere – get them a hammock, so they can do it in a little more comfort.
You can get a small, lightweight hammock that comfortably fits one. They can sleep in it, or just string it up after a long hike and relax with a book.
Click here to purchase a lightweight hammock for your hiking friend!
Hiking at Rolle Pass in Trentino, Italy
Comfortable backpack
There is nothing worst than hiking up a mountain with an uncomfortable backpack. Especially if it’s quite heavy, it won’t just be annoying on your shoulders but can also be bad for your back and posture.
The perfect backpack depends on what you actually bring hiking, for example I usually carry a lot of camera gear so I personally love this one. If you’re only bringing the essentials you can probably get a smaller backpack too.
The key thing you want your hiking backpack to have is an external water bottle pouch, so that you can have a drink while you hike without having to stop, open your backpack and search for your water bottle.
Click here to get a comfy hiking backpack!
View from the top of Quarry Rock, Canada
Unique hiking gifts on a budget
If you want to get them something special, but you’re working with a tight budget, don’t stress. You can get some presents your hiker friends will love without exceeding your limits.
Hiking Logbook
A fun way to show your enthusiasm for someone’s hiking hobby, without actually having to know much about hiking, is to get them a logbook.
It’s not quite the same as a journal, as they’re set up so that you can enter all the technical details – like weather, location, difficulty level, etc.
Journals like this one also include writing prompts to help them remember all the details. So if you think they’ve never had a hiking logbook before, get them this!
Click here to purchase a hiking logbook for your hiking obsessed friends!
Hiking along the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk in Oman
Colourful headbands
A fantastic budget hikers gift is a headband. They’re sweat-wicking and comfortable and can be worn for hiking, yoga, motorbiking, and running, among other things.
They’re also handy as bandanas for sun protection. Particularly for young hikers, one or two of these make for a great gift. Get some colourful, patterned ones like these.
Click here to purchase your colourful headbands!
Enjoying the views over the ocean while hiking from Coogee to Bondi in Sydney
LED Lantern for overnight hikes
One of the most important things to have on an overnight hike is light. These small lanterns are lightweight, bright, and collapsible, making them ideal for camping.
They’re also very durable, so you can take some knocks and still trust that you’ll be able to see at night.
Click here to purchase a LED lantern for your hiker friend!
Enjoying the view after hiking in the Westfjords of Iceland
Stainless steel water bottle
One of the most important things you always need to bring with you on any hike is plenty of water to keep you hydrated as you hike.
Personally I love these stainless steel water bottles because they keep your water cold for hours, regardless of how hot it is outside. They also come in lots of different funky colours.
Click here to purchase a stainless steel water bottle!
Hiking along the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre, Italy
Hiking gifts for her
While any of the gifts on this list will suit a woman just as well as a man, these are if you want to get something a little more specific for the hiking ladies in your life. They are the ideal presents for the adventurous women you know.
She Explores – A collection of traveling women’s stories
A little inspiration goes a long way. This collection of stories is an incredible companion on any woman’s adventures.
In addition to telling the stories of some really outstanding women, the book includes tips on solo hiking and travel for women.
Click here to purchase She Explores for your lady hiking friends!
Taking a break while hiking Stawamus Chief during our Whistler road trip
Women’s hiking trousers
You’d be surprised by how great a gift some solid hiking pants are. However, they can be hard to come by. And because of rough treatment and long-term use, it’s best to have a few pairs.
These women’s hiking pants are stylish and simple. They’re also super breathable, lightweight, and water-resistant.
Click here to get some fabulous women’s hiking trousers!
Hiking up Queenstown Hill, New Zealand
Comfortable sports bra
If you don’t have one of these, you need it. I use them also for training at the gym, for skiing or when I do other sports, but they’re perfect also for hiking.
You don’t want to be uncomfortable when you hike so make sure you have a nice comfy sports bra that supports you while you hike up mountains.
Click here to get a comfy sports bra!
Enjoying the view from the top of the First Peak of Stawamus Chief in Canada
Hiking gifts for him
Shopping for the perfect hiking gifts for men? They’re sure to love these.
Survival gear kit
This survival kit is helpful for any hiker, but it’s the sort of thing that young guys might be a lot more excited about receiving.
The kit can help in any emergency situation. It includes a wire saw, emergency blanket, flashlight, knife, mini light and whistle, among other things.
Click here to purchase your survival hiking gear kit!
Climbing up Le Mont Brabant in Mauritius
Hiking / Performance socks
Perfect for a bit of a laugh, combining ‘that gift’ every man gets, with one of his favourite activities. These socks are sweat-wicking, and extra padded at the heel and ball of the foot.
If you’ve ever been on a multi-day hike, you’ll know how helpful this is! So they’re not just socks – they’re socks that will make him more comfortable on all his future hikes.
Click here to purchase hiking socks for your hiking pal!
The view over Lake Tekapo from Mt John Summit, New Zealand
Final thoughts on gift ideas for hikers
These are my absolute favourite gifts for hikers.
Get any of the above for your friends and whether they’ll be hiking up a mountain on the other side of the world, or heading just outside their doorstep, they’ll be kitted out for the next adventure.
I’m a strong supporter of spending money on experiences over things. If you can’t live that experience with your friend, but instead of just getting them a random gift, you can contribute to that adventure, go for it!
Are there any other gifts for hikers you recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
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