35 Helpful Gifts for Hikers, According to Seasoned Trekkers
Hikers have come a long, long way from clunky framed backpacks, heavy boots, and hoofing it in floor-length wool skirts. Yet for a sport so seemingly straightforward, hiking still requires a fair amount of gear for safety, practicality, and comfort: The wrong pair of socks or shoes can make the difference between a happy ramble through the woods and a miserable trudge—no matter how epic the summit selfie may look.
Fortunately, outdoors brands have technology on their side: From sports bras to pants to smartphone lenses, hiking clothing, gear, and accessories have improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. If you know someone who loves trekking up switchbacks, bagging peaks, and, above all, spending time in nature, here are 35 excellent gifts for hikers that they’ll appreciate finding under the tree.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Amazon1
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel, Assorted Flavors (8-Pack)
For hikers who like to go fast or clocking nonstop long days on the trail, endurance fuel can be a game changer. Tailwind Endurance Fuel makes all its products in Durango, Colorado, which include drink mixes that actually taste good and help on the trail. We recommend going for the Endurance Fuel Kit, because it comes with eight different flavors to try out.
- REI2
Nathan Quickstart 4L Hydration Vest
Three-time marathoner and chief brand officer at Rungrl, Stephani Franklin, recommended this pack in our roundup of the best hydration packs and vests. Franklin loves this vest for marathon training, but it would suit avid hikers just as well with a 1.5-liter reservoir and another 2.5 liters of space for extra layers or snacks.
- Backcountry3
Five Ten Fivetennie Approach Shoe
On rocky terrain, you may need more of a hybrid between climbing and hiking footwear, which is where the approach shoe comes in. This Fivetennie approach shoe is a solid and stylish choice with a retro look that got repeat recommendations from a load of different climbers we surveyed.
Sizes in this colorway are almost sold out, but there are more sizes available in black and multicolored options.
- 4
Mountainsmith Glissade 7075 Poles
A good set of hiking poles make a world of difference on long hikes, backpacking trips, or snowshoeing. Mountainsmith is a trusted, well-known brand and these trekking poles are sturdy, reliable, and super easy to use.
- REI5
Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit
Whether it’s nabbing a gorgeous starscape photo, taking selfies while solo hiking, or getting that perfect group shot, tripods can be a huge help. This mini tripod is made for the adventure-savvy photographer with three adjustable legs that can handle bumpy terrain or even wrap around tree branches and fence posts. The GorillaPod comes in multiple sizes for cameras and smartphones.
- Amazon6
The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Traction Bootie
At the end of a long hike, these are the shoes you want to slip your tired feet into, especially after cold, winter hikes. The slippers have received high praise from various outdoor experts at publications including Powder, Outside, and GearJunkie.
Available in sizes 6, 10, and 11, with more sizes available in other colorways.
- REI7
Tiny Tents Tiny Tent
Cat or small dog owners, or even just outdoor gear junkies, will adore this scaled down, fully functional tent. It doesn’t really serve much outdoor purpose but it does provide amazing photo opportunities and immense joy to small animals.
- Amazon8
Showers Pass Crosspoint Ultralight Socks
Socks as a holiday gift? Groundbreaking. But really: A well-made pair of wool socks makes all the difference between dry, warm feet and a miserably soggy, uncomfortable trudge. These waterproof socks earned a spot in our 2020 roundup of the best running socks, where Portland runner, Lauren Ross raved, “These socks keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions while offering a surprisingly comfortable, blister-free fit.” ?
Available in sizes S/M to L/XL.?
- Amazon9
Rite In The Rain Weatherproof Tactical Field Notebook
With durable waterproof pages, these notebooks slip right into a daypack, barely adding any extra weight, and are perfect for jotting down notes, observations, and memories from the trail.
- REI10
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
This down hoodie offers intense durability and warmth. The jacket is a little pricey, but with 800+ fill down and superstrength fabric, it’s built to last.?
Available in sizes XS to XL.?
- Parks Project11
Parks Project Minimalist National Park Playing Cards
This deck of cards is nice to look at and fun to play with while camping or on a weekend adventure. Plus, the Parks Project donates a portion of sales to the National Parks Conservation Association for youth education and advocacy.
- Backcountry12
Backcountry
Chacos have a cult following in the hiking sandal world. They’re comfortable, adjustable, and have excellent grippy outsoles for light hikes or rock hopping.
Available in sizes 6 to 11.
- REI13
MSR WindBurner Stove System
The Windburner has won numerous awards over the years from outdoor publications like Backpacker Magazine, Outdoor Gear Lab, and Section Hiker. The lightweight stove is great for backpackers or minimalist campers.
- REI14
America the Beautiful Pass (2020/2021)
For national park goers, this is the gift that keeps on giving–for a full year. The pass provides access to all sites in the country managed by Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers. Yosemite? Check. Yellowstone? Yep. Shenandoah? You bet! And so many more.
- REI15
ENO National Park Foundation DoubleNest Hammock
A hammock is the ultimate outdoor lounging gift, and ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters) is one of the most well-known brands for hammocks. Plus, for each of these hammocks sold, ENO donates $10 to the National Parks Foundation.
- REI16
Trigger Point Performance AcuCurve Cane Massager
This massager is ideal for working out those hard-to-reach kinks after a long hike. The AcuCane can help massage the back, shoulders, and neck, as well as calves and feet.
- Nordstrom17
Hyperice Hypersphere Mini Vibrating Fitness Massage Ball
For even more oomph, the SELF-approved Hyperice Hypersphere Massage Ball is great for massaging sore muscles all over with percussive vibrations, and small enough to tuck away when it's not in use.?
- Sephora18
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Sunscreen isn’t just for outdoorsy folks, but it’s especially important for people spending more time in the sun. Supergoop! Play was SELF market editor Tiffany Dodson’s ride or die this summer for everyday wear. Plus, it’s now reef safe.
- Amazon19
Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Daypack
Made with recycled materials in a kaleidoscope of fun color combinations, Cotopaxi’s 18-liter pack is just the right size for an overnight or a long day hike with your Ten Essentials safely in tow.
- 20
Athleta Ultimate Stash 7/8 Tight
A SELF Certified winner from our 2020 Leggings Awards, Athleta's stretchy 7/8 length leggings held up through a variety of activities (including hikes) and include pockets on the thighs and back for storing small essentials while you're out in nature.?
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
- REI21
Klean Kanteen Wide-Mouth Water Bottle (27 fl. oz.)
This water bottle is the one we recommend for hikers: It’s slim, lightweight, and super durable. The stainless steel water bottle has a wide opening for drinking or pouring, and the loop cap is easy to grip.
- REI22
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
- REI23
Garmin eTrex 32x
Whether you’re exploring new-to-you trails in the backcountry or hitting an old familiar favorite, knowing where you are (and finding your way when lost) is critical to hiking safety—and no, you shouldn’t ever rely solely on your smartphone. This lightweight, compact GPS from Garmin has a long battery life (up to 25 hours) and the basic safety functionality you want when hiking, including preloaded topo maps and dual-satellite support.
- Backcountry24
Bjorn Daehlie Airnet Wool Baselayer
This merino wool shirt is the MVP for high-exertion workout base layers. It's designed for Nordic skiing, but works just as well for snowy hikes too.
Available in sizes XS to L.
- Amazon25
Goodr OG Sunglasses
We recommended these sunglasses specifically for runners, but they’ll make any hiker happy too. Goodr’s OG sunglasses are polarized and have a comfortable no-slip grip.
- Amazon26
Keymaster Games PARKS Board Game
Cards of who-manity? This National Parks–themed board game originally blew up on Kickstarter (it was overfunded by more than $400,000) before its release last fall. Pack it up on a group cabin or car-camping outing, or simply use it to scratch that hiking itch when the weather isn’t in your favor.
- Amazon27
Pendleton Women's Long Sleeve Board Wool Shirt
This women’s version of Pendleton’s best-selling Board shirt, which the brand finally released this year after customers begged for one, is hiker-friendly (thanks to that virgin wool) and cozy.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
- Amazon28
Fitbit Charge 4
We reviewed the Fitbit Charge 4 this summer and it earned one of our SELF Certified badges with an 8/10 rating. With its own GPS feature and fairly accurate mileage tracking, it’s a great hiking companion.
- REI29
Smartwool Smartloft 60 Hoodie Vest
For those times when you want a little extra warmth, but not the extra bulk, a vest can be the perfect solution. The Smartloft insulation is 88% recycled merino wool and is warm and cozy for cold-weather hiking.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
- Amazon30
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
There are few products that have garnered the hiker seal of approval quite like this tiny yet powerful filter from Sawyer. It can be attached to a hydration pack line or screwed directly to the top of a plastic water bottle; either way it ensures you’re only a creek, lake, or stream away from clean, safe hydration—and at only two ounces, it’s barely noticeable until it’s needed.
- REI31
Nikon Monarch 5 10 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars can be highly practical when it comes to way-finding, but also extremely fun for scouting out wildlife from afar (which most hikers know is the only responsible way to creep on wildlife at all). Nikon’s waterproof, fog-resistant Monarch 5 is relatively lightweight at just over a pound, with sharp optics and easy focusing.
- Oiselle32
Oiselle Flyout Wool Long Sleeve
Outdoor exercisers love this thumb-hole top which has a handy watch window for peeking at your fitness tracker. With its buttery soft, 30% merino wool fabric, it will keep you warm and comfortable on long hikes.?
Available in sizes 2 to 22.
- REI33
FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt
Primarily for folks who like to run on hiking trails, this little belt is great to store a phone, keys, and even a little snack for the trail. It’s also a product that running experts swear by.
- 34
AllTrails Pro Membership
This smartphone app is a very handy way to find the best trails in your area: Users can filter searches by trail difficulty, length, and even the type of views involved. The pro version offers users the ability to store trail maps offline (i.e., for when your phone inevitably loses service in the woods) and includes a handful of safety functions too.
- REI35
Adventure Medical Kits ADS Me And My Dog First Aid Kit
Every hiker-dog duo can benefit from a first aid kit, lest any falls or accidents happen, or your pup gets overexcited and eats something their not supposed to. The kit is compact and easy to use with medical equipment for both humans and dogs, including gauze, gloves, and antibiotics.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.