Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Gifts for Hikers
Are you looking for something special for that person in your life who loves the outdoors in general, and hiking in particular? The holidays are fast approaching and you’ll enjoy our 2023 Gift Guide featuring gifts for hikers.
We’ve broken it down by price and for him/her for easy shopping and browsing.
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Gifts for Men Who Love Hiking
I don’t know about the guys in your life, but the guys in mine like to get outdoors as often as possible to enjoy a trail hike.
I’m not sure how many trails they’ve hiked since we’ve been on the road, but traveling across the country in an RV sure opens up the possibilities. Some of their favorite trails have been Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park, a hiking trail in Banff, Canada that leads to a tea house and exploring the waterfalls in Oregon in the Umpqua National Forest.
My husband has hiked every kind of trail you can imagine. I see the joy in his eyes at the end of a good long hike, which is why I’ll be checking out a few of these gifts for him.
Gifts Under $30 for Men
60 HIKES WITHIN 60 MILES
These books are fantastic for the person who wants to go exploring and hiking more either in their own city or one they’re visiting. There are quite a few options for different regions, including Denver & Boulder, Minnepolis and St. Paul, and Portland, just to name a few.
Discover amazing scenic hikes within 60 miles of a chosen city. There are 31 books in this series highlighting hikes near many popular cities, including, Denver, St. Louis, Atlanta, and more.
These books give the outdoor adventurers a little of everything there is to enjoy around a particular city and include photos, maps, trail rankings and useful backpacking information.
HIKING, A HIKER’S JOURNAL
Full size 9" x 7.5" journal with writing prompts on each page. Includes 200 pages.
It’s fun to look back on your journeys and a hiking adventure is no different. This hiking journal is formatted with prompts including Date, Location, Trails, Weather, Wildlife sightings, and more. This is the perfect way to keep track of one’s hiking memories.
SAWYER PREMIUM INSECT REPELLENT
While this may not seem like the most personal gift, hiking enthusiasts are sure to be very grateful. Bugs on the trail are no joke. This is especially true when he plans on camping and backpacking. This insect repellent is effective against 55 kinds of insects, including ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes.
The description cites a study backed by the University of Rhode Island that found treating shoes and socks with this repellent reduces the likelihood of tick bites by over 70x.
The reason it’s effective is that the Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers. It lasts for up to six weeks or through six washings and will not stain clothes.
SALONPAS PAIN RELIEVING PATCH
Sometimes when you’re on a trail, pain can come out of nowhere. And there’s nothing worse (other than maybe breaking a bone or spraining your ankle) than having back and joint pain as you’re 8 miles into a 15-mile hike.
Salonpas products work well and are easy to slip into a side pocket on a backpack. The packaging is fairly slim and will not take up much space or add noticeable weight.
LIFESTRAW PERSONAL WATER FILTER
This gift is perfect for his stocking stuffer. Talk about an ingenious invention!
Protects against 99.999999% of bacteria (e.g., E.coli, Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand, and cloudiness. Weighs approximately 0.1 pound.
LifeStraw removes bacteria & parasites: The microfiltration membrane removes 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella), and 99.999% of waterborne parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium).
Dirty water enters one end and clean water exits out the other end. You can have clean drinking water anywhere, which is quite handy for hikers.
Plus, it’s very lightweight. This personal water filter only weighs 1.6 ounces. It’s also compact. At less than 9″ in length, it can easily be strapped to any hiker’s backpack.
T-REX TAPE
You never know when something might rip or break while on the trail. A roll of T-Rex tape can make all the difference in a hiker getting quickly and safely back on the trail.
T-Rex tape sticks to rough, dirty surfaces in all kinds of weather. With durable, waterproof backing you can count on this tape to get the job done, any job.
So if his trekking poles snap, backpack straps break, or tent rips, he will be ready.
We also recommend this as a must-have item for RVers.
SOLAR POWERED RECHARGING BANK
When you’re on an extended hike or a camping trip, a dead battery on your GPS unit can be frustrating enough to detract from the calm of taking a hike in the first place.
This BLAVOR solar charger is offers an external battery pack to keep your hiker on the trail. It includes a USB C input and output with the ability to simultaneously charge 3 devices.
In addition, it’s weatherproof, dustproof, and shockproof. It also comes with a bright flashlight and attached compass carabiner.
This little gadget is a perfect stocking stuffer gift for the serious hiker.
Gifts Under $50 for Men
HYDRO FLASK STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE
My boys swear by Hydro Flask bottles and don’t like to bring any other kind on our hikes. I prefer a bottle that is a lighter in weight, but they like these because they keep their water cold all day long.
They’re also incredibly durable. One of our Hyrdo Flask water bottles took a tumble down a mountain trail and survived.
This Hydro Flask design includes a Wide Mouth Straw Lid and a finger loop, you can clip to your pack. They also have a wide range of color choices.
LEATHERMAN WINGMAN MULTI-TOOL
With this LEATHERMAN multi-tool, a hiker will be well prepared. It features 14 tools, including a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, a package opener, bottle and can openers, a file, and a ruler.
Multiple versions of the LEATHERMAN are available on the market. This one includes 14 tools, including knife, pliers, screwdriver, and a bottle opener, among others. I like that it's made in the USA (Oregon).
With its compact size, lightweight design, and removable pocket clip, it’s easy to slip in your pack or clip onto your pants.
Gifts Under $150 for Men
NANOPRESSO PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE
What’s better than a cup of hot coffee while on a break from the trail or once you hit the summit? Not much!
Manually operated, small espresso maker is perfect for hikers and camping enthusiasts.
This espresso machine is small (2.8″ x 2.4″ x 6.1″), lightweight, and features an innovative handheld design that makes one strong and delicious espresso.
It is also available in a variety of colors, including black, orange, red, and yellow.
OSPREY TALON 22 MEN’S HIKING BACKPACK
This is one of the most popular daypacks for good reason. The 22L of capacity is perfect for day hikes. It has an incredibly stable carry system, and it features a Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system designed to simply attaching and carrying trekking poles to the pack.
The Osprey Pack is available several different colors, including black, green, red, and blue.
- Designed with recycled high-tenacity nylon
- BioStretch harness and wrap hip belt
- Airscape backpanel moves with hiker
- Lightweight and durable
- 22 Liter capacity
- Just under 2 pounds
Check out the prices on Backcountry, which is also currently offering a new shopper discount and has great deals during it’s semi-annual sale in August.
MEN’S MERINO WOOL BASE LAYER THERMAL SHIRT
Give the gift of the perfect base layer for cold weather hiking. This shirt will keep him dry. It’s naturally odor free and looks good even when worn alone.
100% Merino Wool
Be sure to follow the washing instructions to ensure wool garments last for many years.
Backcountry offers a wide selection of Merino Wool baselayer crew shirts in a variety of colors.
CAMERA TRIPOD FOR TRAVELERS AND BACKPACKERS
Compatible with DSLR cameras and cell phones. Includes travel bag.
Do you know a hiker who enjoys photography on the trail? This lightweight and sturdy tripod will simplify his camera set up.
It is made of alloy steel and weighs only less than 4 pounds. It’s folds into a compact size that can fit inside most medium- and large-sized daypacks and travel bags.
Gifts for Women Who Love Hiking
Thanks to the encouragement and gentle nudges of Todd and my boys, I’ve learned to really appreciate hiking and what it has to offer. It’s now my favorite way to exercise, unplug and truly experience the beauty this world has to offer.
When I first started hiking, I was very ill-prepared. I didn’t have the right shoes, the right clothes or even the right mindset. But, practice makes perfect and now I know what I need to bring and wear to have the absolute best hiking experience.
Whether there’s a lady in your life who’s already a pro at hiking or she’s a beginner and wanting to get out and explore more, you’ll find some fantastic hiking gifts for her on our list.
Gifts Under $30 for Women
DARN TOUGH HIKING SOCKS
Do socks make a difference on the trail? You better believe it. I found this out the hard way. If comfort on the trail is something you enjoy (and you should) a good pair of socks is crucial.
In addition to the fun designs, we love these socks for multiple reasons:
- Fast-action moisture wicking Merino wool
- Machine-washable
- Lifetime guarantee from Darn Tough
- Made in the USA
Darn Tough hiking socks are some of the best on the market in terms of quality. They also offer various styles, including heavyweight, full cushion, and no show.
These socks feature performance fit, which means no slipping, no bunching and no blisters. All of that also means fun times on the trail.
PARACORD BRACELET WITH SURVIVAL TOOL KIT
It doesn’t get much cooler than a 5-in-1 survival tool you can wear on your wrist.
K2-peak is a complete paracord survival bracelet that includes:
- High-quality compass
- Flint fire starter
- Fire scrapper / Emergency knife
- Emergency whistle (creates noise up to 100db)
They offer 4 fixed sizes and 1 adjustable, so you can find one that fits any size wrist.
WOMEN’S MERINO WOOL NECK GAITER
When the temperature drops and the wind picks up, having your neck covered with a Merino Wool Neckwarmer can make a huge difference in comfort level.
These are made with 100% superfine Merino Wool and feature breathable, moisture wicking fabric. Another great benefit of this comfortable neck gaiter is its UPF 50+ protection.
TREKKING POLES FOR WOMEN
Why bother with trekking poles? Because they reduce the labor required, improve efficiency of your gait, and make a hike more enjoyable.
These trekking poles are made from 100% carbon fiber, which means they are both lightweight and built to last. Each pole weighs under 8 ounces. If preferred, Hiker Hunger also offers trekking poles made of aluminum.
The grips are made of cork, which conforms to an individual grip and has moisture wicking qualities.
One of the reasons we like these poles is because they are are adjustable, which means you don’t have to worry about the size when purchasing as a gift. The poles can be easily adjusted from 24″ to 55″.
Gifts Under $50 for Women
WOMEN’S QUICK DRY CARGO HIKING PANTS
For a girl who likes to wear adjustable hiking pants, these cargo pants are a great gift idea. There is a drawstring hem that allows the pants to easily transition from capris to long shorts.
Slim fit, quick-drying cargo hiking pants for women.
These are perfect for extended hikes or regions that experience quick shifts in the weather. How often do you head out on a chilly morning only to quickly warm up and wish you had worn shorts?
Another benefit of these pants is the slightly loose fit, which makes for a comfortable hike or the ability to wear leggings underneath when another layer is needed.
These also make great pants for traveling and other sports activities. They are available in different colors, including grey, green, black, and blue.
Gifts Under $150 for Women
OSPREY PACKS DAYLITE PLUS DAYPACK
This daypack does well whether you’re hiking a 14er or on a trip to the farmer’s market. You can easily access the main compartment with its large zippered panel, as well as your water bottle from one of the two side mesh pockets.
It has a very comfortable back panel with plenty of ventilation for when you’re working hard on the trail.
The Osprey daypack is available in more than ten different colors. However, it’s quite popular so if you see the color you want, we suggest ordering it straight away.
SMARTWOOL WOMEN’S NTS MID 250 CREW TOP
Merino Wool is a great choice for a base layer when cold weather day hiking or worn alone for cooler days. The 100% Merino wool interlock knit provides ultimate comfort and the flatlock seam construction is designed to eliminate chafing. It comes in nine different colors.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Holiday Gift Guide for the hiker in your life and that these ideas help you surprise them with an unexpected gift!
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Julie specializes in helping you whip up delicious meals in your tiny RV kitchen, as well as RV organization tips and helping fellow RVers make their RV feel like home. Her favorite RVing spot is in Banff National Park in Canada where yes, the water really is that blue and the people really are that nice.
Thanks for the suggestions
You’re welcome Kara!