Hiking gifts for your favorite hiker or outdoor enthusiast (or yourself!).
A big list of some of our favorite hiking gear, clothing, gadgets and so much more. We first published our hiking gift guide in 2010 and have kept it updated with our picks ever since.
We’ve been avid hikers for over 25 years – heading out on local trails every weekend, as well as hiking throughout the United States and internationally.
That means we’ve tried a lot of gear and clothing over the years and know what works… and what to recommend as the perfect hiking gift.
Below are the Top 5 Gifts for Hikers followed by more Best Gifts for Hikers. Also check out the list of hiking pants, layers, jackets and gear we use. Giving hiking boots or shoes isn’t recommended unless you are pretty certain what they are looking for.
>>>Bonus: REI’s annual Holiday Sale runs from Friday Nov. 14 through Mon. Nov. 24 if you want to score some deals.
Top 5 Gifts for Hikers
#1 – Monocular
A monocular is not the same as a good set of binoculars – but it’s not meant to be. This answers “hey! what’s that over there?” without much fuss.
We chose this compact, lightweight (6 oz.) model due to its balance of function, size, and price and have been using it since 2014. Read our full review of the Vortex Optics Solo Monocular.
#2 – Hiking Socks
These are a solid, timeless gift pick as every hiker needs more – they eventually wear out no matter how good they are.
Sizing is guessable, and they are kinda spendy at $18+ a pair so it’s nice to get them as a gift! We mostly use Darn Tough, Smartwool, and Wornbrand and prefer “crew” height.
#3 – Buff
This versatile tube of fabric can be easily configured into a hat, neckerchief, hairband, balaclava, and more.
We’ve been using our Polar Buffs for years and also have lightweight and UV-protective Original Buffs for our summer adventures.
#4 – REI Gift Card
Give the gift that let’s them get whatever they want! Available as an e-gift that arrives via email (can be scheduled for later) or a physical card.
Or, give a REI lifetime membership that gets them a discount on eligible purchases, forever. We’ve been members since 2007 and have saved a pile of cash since.
#5 – Hiking Books
Options range from guide books to photo-heavy tomes of inspiration to books about hiking. Try a state or region focused hike guide for their local area or trip destination (even if they are just dreaming of it!).
Look for hiking-focused publishers: Falcon Guides, Mountaineers Books, AMC Books, National Geographic, NY-NJ Trail Conference, and Lonely Planet. Lots of suggestions throughout the list below.
101 Classic Hikes of the Northeast
Covers key hikes from eastern New York (from Bear Mountain on up to the Adirondacks) and throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Clear maps and plenty of photos. From Falcon Guides. Published August 2025.
100 Hikes of a Lifetime
Ultimate hiker’s bucket list from popular to offbeat, with beautiful photos from National Geographic. Published 2020.
National Geographic Complete National Parks
Travel planner and reference guide for all the parks with full-color photos, detailed maps, historical background, best times to visit and best activities. Published Oct. 2022.
Best Gifts for Hikers
Post Hike “Slippers”
Channel your inner Mr. Rogers and swap out your boots pre- and post-hike for these comfy shoes that are part sneaker, part slipper, and warm and snuggly like a sleeping bag. The heel collapses for easy on and off.
Winter Traction Devices
Winter traction is always a popular item on our site. These are like adding snow chains to your feet and totally increased our winter hiking when we started using them years ago. The most popular are MICROspikes followed closely by YakTrax. Check out our review for a comparison of Kahtoolas vs YakTrax.
Trekking Poles
We hike frequently and over rugged terrain and we’ve found trekking poles invaluable to reduce impact on joints, for cranky knees that hate downhills, and for stream crossings.
Good trekking poles might not be something a hiker splurges on for themselves, so they can make a nice gift. We favor Black Diamond, generally with shocks and flicklock. Read our trekking pole review.
Energy Foods and Drink Mix
Good as “stocking stuffers” or make up a little assortment. Hikers can never have enough snacks! We like anything by Clif Bars (especially nut butter filled), Lara Bars, and Skratch Lab chews (like a fancy gummy). Pre or post-hike we love a Honey Stinger waffle (same as a Stroopwafel – thin chewy cookie; nice with coffee! but can crumble in a pack).
Many hikers use hydration mix to add a flavor and electrolytes to water. We used Nuun for a long time but have since switched to Skratch Labs. A bag lets us dial in the amount, but they come in single sleeves too.
UV Sun Sleeves / Arm Warmers
Easy to put on and take off as needed. Ward off morning chill or keep on all day for UPF 40+ sun protection. Wicking, lightweight, stretchy; reflective elements for night visibility.
My pair of REI’s Active Pursuits Sun Sleeves weigh nearly nothing so I keep them in my pack for when I’m wearing a t-shirt.
Pocket Blanket
Compact, durable, waterproof pocket blanket for hiking, backpacking, picnics, beach, concerts… Always have a dry place to sit. 63″ x 44″ unfolded; weighted corners with ultralight stakes.
Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator
Have peace of mind anywhere you hike. This tiny unit provides global satellite coverage to send an interactive SOS message in an emergency, plus messaging, trackback, and location sharing. Requires a subscription. For a non-subscription SOS option, consider a personal locator beacon.
America the Beautiful National Pass
Covers entry fees for all of our National Parks and the more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States for one year. It even covers the driver plus all passengers in a personal vehicle or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person. We’ve gotten this pass many times over the years.
HydraPak Recon Water Bottle
Our favorite bottles mainly due to the twist cap that allows the water to flow as if drinking from a glass. Lightweight, easy to clean, and offers multiple cap colors. We have two 25 oz. and two 17 oz. bottles. Not insulated – we add ice if need it super cold (heavy metal insulated bottles are too heavy to bother with). These are for short hikes when we don’t use a hydration reservoir as well as our daily workout and at-the-desk bottles.
Trekking The National Parks Game
Go on a family adventure across America’s National Parks. Players compete for points by claiming parks and collecting stones. Quick play – games last 30-60 minutes. For 1-5 players, ages 10 and up.
Trails, a Strategy Board Game About Hiking
Explore iconic sites and national parks across the US and gather resources, go birding, and earn wilderness badges. Easy-to-learn rules; quick game that can play in 20 minutes. Compact enough to fit in a backpack.
USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder
Features 63 national parks in order of designation. Inspire and plan your next adventure with photography, maps, facts, things to do. Published: March 2024.
A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon
Two friends, with zero prep, embark on an end-to-end traverse of the Grand Canyon, a journey that promised, would be “a walk in the park.” Published: May 2024.
Waterfall Atlas of the United States
Extensive state-by-state overview and history of America’s waterfalls. Filled with beautiful photographs, maps, and charts. Published: August 2023.
Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Planning, Training, and Resiliency
Comprehensive guide for backpackers from renowned hikers Katie “Salty” Gerber and Heather “Anish” Anderson. This guide provides detailed information on basics of gear selection, navigation, safety, trip planning, nutritional and physical preparation, and body resiliency. Published: May 2022.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Awesome for outdoor adventure + fitness/health tracking; rugged titanium case, GPS, compass, waypoints, “backtrack”, 100m water resistant; heart health, ECG, blood oxygen. Our fave hiking/workout app with maps, for any Apple watch: WorkOutDoors.
The Open-Air Life
Reconnect with nature and slow down with this guide to “friluftsliv”, the Nordic tradition of embracing nature and enjoying the outdoors as a way of life. Published Nov. 2022.
Appalachian Trail Day Hikes
Selection of the best day hikes in each of the 14 states that the Appalachian Trail goes through, from 1 to 11 miles. Published June 2018.
Appalachian Trail Wall Map
Beautiful wall map of the entire Appalachian Trail. Plan a hike, track a thru-hiker, or inspiring decoration. Elevation, mileage; 18″x48″.
Zen on the Trail
Explore how to be outside in a meditative way, calming the mind, and deepening a connection to nature. Published Sept. 2018.
Headlamp
Small and lightweight, we always keep one in our pack – just in case we’re caught on a trail after dark (…learned that lesson racing sunset on a Lake George trail eons ago…).
Easier than a flashlight because it keeps hands free. We have Petzl and Black Diamond basic ones that do the trick, but there are a range of options.
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.
Hiker Medical Kit
Compact kit with ample first-aid supplies, suitable for 2 hikers for 2 days. Lightweight (8 oz); has internal pockets to organize first aid supplies. Covers all the bases plus more involved care.
Christmas Ornaments
Deck the tree in style with Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap ornaments. Some can be customized – add dates or names to the back!
More Christmas Ornaments
Fun and cute series of hiking-themed ornaments… compass, boots, backpacks, guy hiker, gal hiker, camp stove, kayak and more.
Appalachian Trail Mugs
Enjoy your morning coffee or after-hike hot cocoa in an Appalachian Trail mug. We’ve created three different designs: Elevation, White Blaze, and Forest.
Appalachian Trail Gifts
Our original designs “White Blaze”, “Elevation”, and “Forest” on T-shirts, water bottles, mugs, and more. More AT gift ideas.
Wood Burned Tree Art
Rustic wood burned outdoors inspiration magnets & other items. Custom orders available. From Forage Workshop in Boonton, NJ.