Hiking Gift Ideas
Hiking gift suggestions for your favorite hiker or outdoor enthusiast
(or yourself!). Below
is some
of our favorite hiking gear, including a bunch of small items that make excellent "stocking
stuffers".
And, if you are looking for New Jersey or Appalachian Trail themed hiking items – T-shirts, mugs, totes, hats, magnets – check out the designs we've created in our NJ Hiking Store.
Petzl Headlamp
Small and lightweight, we always keep one in our pack - just in case we're caught on a trail after sunset. Easier than a flashlight because it keeps hands free.
YAKTRAX Pro
Metallic coils add grip on icy or snowy conditions. Slips over any boot or shoe. Also great for shoveling driveways or walking the dog in winter.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Small metal spikes grip snow and ice; slips over any boot or shoe. More rugged than YAKTRAX, meant more for hiking than general use. Love these; have changed our winter hiking.
"Buff" Headwear
Versatile tube of fabric allows hat, scarf, balaclava configurations - depending on the temperature. This short Polar Buff video demo explains how a Buff is used.
Windstopper Hat
Comfy, lightweight but warm fleece hat from Mountain Hardware. Covers the ears to really keep the chill out. Bonus: looks good and comes in many colors.
Under Armour ColdGear
ColdGear bottoms are tight fitting enough to layer, turning your regular hiking pants into all-season gear.
Guide to Outdoor
Digital Photography
New guide from the Appalachian Mountain Club covers all the essentials to getting great shots. By photographers Jerry and Marcy Monkman.
GoPro Hero2 Sport Cam
Oh is this cool. Accessories allow this tiny waterproof video cam to be strapped to your head, trekking pole, bike, as well as tripod... we have a blast getting point-of-view footage.
Joby GorillaPod
Compact camera tripod with flexible legs that can be wrapped around trees, or used on uneven surfaces like rocks. For SLRs with zoom lenses cameras, get the SLR-Zoom version.
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.
North Jersey Trails
If you are a Jersey hiker and don't have at least one NY-NJ Trail Conference map set... wow, are you missing out. At least get the North Jersey set
Garmin GPS 62s
Rugged, dependable unit to track how far you hike, and get you back home. Accurate, finds satellites quickly. We finally upgraded from our trusty 60CS – and we love this one even more.
Compact First Aid Kit
A 5"x4" heavy plastic sealed bag with the basics you need most: bandages, pads, wipes, tweezers etc. We got it for the compact size case, and keep refilling it.
Whistle
Signaling for help in an emergency could literally save you life. Clipping a whistle to your pack is a lightweight and inexpensive bit of insurance.
Emergency Blanket
Another lightweight and inexpensive bit of insurance to stuff in your pack. Could mean the difference between surviving a night caught outside... or not.
Knife/Firesteel Combo
Basic blade with a firesteel in the handle - a compact addition to our 'just in case' gear. Create sparks to ignite tinder by striking the knife against the steel.
Trekking Poles
Helpful going both up and down hills, crossing streams... and can reduce knee pain in general. We prefer Black Diamond, with shocks, and flicklock instead of twist-tighten.
Hiking Dog Bowl
Lightweight, collapsible bowl to keep your favorite hiking pal happily fed and watered on your adventures.
Clif Bars
Energy bars make great stocking stuffers for your favorite hiker... we are partial to Clif Bars
Poison Ivy Soap
Anytime we get anywhere near poison ivy we wash with Burt's Bees Poison Ivy Soap when we get home, and haven't had a case since. Natural ingredients, not chemicals.
EMS Gift Card
Can't decide what to get – or your favorite hiker just likes to pick out their own gear? Try a gift card from Eastern Mountain Sports:
Scenic NJ 2012 Calendar
Showcasing photos taken on NJ's best hikes. Delaware Water Gap, Surprise Lake, Terrace Pond, Pinwheel Vista, Apple Pie Hill and more. All photography by NJ Hiking.
Hike The Gap Mug
Features the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey. Designed from a photo we took on a hike up Mt. Tammany, which overlooks the Delaware River and the Gap.
Fun and cute!! In addition the hiking dog
"Gone Hiking" Necklace
Handstamped on a fine silver dog tag (3/4 x 1/2 inch). Unisex and can also be personalized with a 2 line phrase. From New Hope Beading in Flemington, New Jersey.
Paracord Survival Belt
Variation of the popular Paracord survival bracelets. Simply pull the tab and unravel the belt to have 80+ feet of 550 strength Paracord for emergency uses. (and it looks cool!)
Compass Cuff Links
...because even dressed up your mind is on the trail. A vintage compass image set in sterling silver cufflinks and preserved under a dome of glossy resin. Rounds measures 15 mm.
