Are you looking for presents ideas that will make a passionate hiker happy? Have a look at my list of carefully picked cool gifts for hikers and outdoors lovers.
I don’t know about you, but to me gifts are sometimes a bit of a headache. Don’t get me wrong: I love giving presents, but I don’t like going around shopping. Add to that that I like to make presents that are useful or purposeful, and I always try to choose them according to anyone’s personality and tastes, and you get the picture.
That’s how I got the idea to make thematic lists. And as I have a passion for mountains and nature, I picked up some fantastic gifts for hikers and anyone loving the outdoors. I went through the best items I recently bought, and added the ones I’d like to buy as soon as I have the money. I then made an extensive research and ended up with a selection of
40 cool gifts for hikers and outdoors lovers
There’s something for every budget because a present that comes from the heart and has been chosen having a person in mind doesn’t have to be expensive. It has to be thoughtful.
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Hiking clothes and other basics
If you’re not a hiker, you might think that clothes and other basics for walking and trekking are not original enough. Believe me, you would be wrong.
There’s the best outfit for any location, season and weather conditions, and as far as technical gear is concerned, there are new and more performing products launched every few years.
Last but not least, I learned the hard way that if you love hiking and in general the outdoors, it’s definitely worth spending more for decent gear. Good equipment is much more comfortable, lasts longer, and makes a huge difference in how you enjoy your outdoors experience. Technical gear is undoubtely expensive, but you don’t have to buy it all at the same time. I’m slowly replacing my hiking and outdoors gear, starting from the most important items. You’re sure to make your friends and loved ones happy with one of these hiking gifts.
FLEECE JACKET
Fleeces are not strictly meant for hiking. I do consider a fleece a must-have for active travelers, since you’ll wear it in multiple occasions.
HARD SHELL
I was happy to have my lightweight Gore-Text jacket to face the wind in Northern Ireland. The windproof and waterproof jacket came handy in many occasions, especially when I went hiking the Causeaway Coast Way. Northern Ireland is incredibly beautiful, but the weather is unpredictable.
THERMAL BASELAYERS
I use thermal base layers a lot, and not only for hiking and skiing. When I visited northern Pakistan in fall, thermal underwear was my best ally to face the cold, since many guesthouses didn’t have heating.
That’s on of the best gifts for hikers you can think of.
BACKPACKS
Anyone who likes hiking and outdoors will have (or like to have), more than a backpack. A medium-size is enough for 1-day excursions, but if you go on a long-distance hike, you’ll need at least a 65 l backpack. I’m very happy with my Osprey Women’s Aura AG 65. It’s ceratinly pricey but believe me, when you walk for hours you want to be comfortable and preserve your back.
HIKING POLES
My trekking poles are my best companions, and I never go hiking without them.
Water and hydration, for responsible hikers
A water purifier is a perfect gift for environmentally conscious hikers and nature lovers.
I am a solo hiker, and one of the most significant issues for me is the backpack’s weigh which, in turn, is directly related to water. With the small SteriPen Adventurer Opti, it takes then less than a minute to treat and purify it, destroying 99,9% of the microorganisms that can be harmful. I collect water wherever I can find it, and fill my LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle, using the filter if needed before purifying. I also carry a squeezable plastic bottle to store more water whenever I believe I might not find more soon enough.
Many of my friends use the water bladder, which allows them to sip water regularly. I haven’t tried it yet, and that might well be one of the next items I buy.
WATER PURIFIER AND WATER BOTTLE WITH FILTER
WATER BLADDER AND COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE
Small and useful gifts for hikers
Looking for small gifts ideas for hikers friends? Want something useful, nice, and not too expensive?
A Swiss knife is a must-have, and not only for hiking. Whenever you go outdoors, even just for a picnic, it can always come at hand.
Most hikers and trekkers do so during the daylight. However, the unexpected is always around the corner, and packing a headlamp is always a good idea. And if you’re making a long-distance hike, you’ll surely need it in the evening.
HEADLAMP
SWISS ARMY KNIFE
Hiking Techs
Gone are the times when people went trekking with a paper map, a simple compass, and a guide book.
Technology and electronic devices are all over the place, and there are a few items which are great for hiking and outdoors lovers.
COMPASS AND GPS NAVIGATOR
A Compass and GPS Navigator are both on my wish list. I don’t strictly need them since I mostly hike in Switzerland, the Dolomites, and other areas in Europe where trails are very well marked. There are times where I’d like to go hiking to more isolated areas but I have absolutely no sense of direction. The bottom line is that if you want to have a more adventurous trek, you will need a compass and a GPS.
PORTABLE CHARGERS
Even if a hike leads me to an area with limited or no cell phone coverage, I always have my mobile with me. First of all, in case of an emergency. Then to take photos and snap short videos. Especially when it’s cold the battery life can be unpredictable, and that’s why I always carry a portable charger.
Hiking and camping gear your friends and family will love
Camping Gear for Long Distance Hikes
I went for my first long-distance hike only not long ago, when I walked the West Highland Way in Scotland. I had luggage transfer arranged every day, and slept to guesthouses. Along the trail I saw many hikers camping in the wild and I thought that it was time to buy lightweight tent.
I did a lot of research, read any reviews, and visited stores specialized in outdoors equipment. I eventually set my eyes on the MSR Hubba Hubba, and never regretted the money spent. The tent is very light, and extremely easy to set even for a solo traveler.
LIGHTWEIGHT 3 SEASONS TENT
INSULATING MAT AND DOWN SLEEPING BAG
With a light inflatable mat and a super warm down sleeping bag, I had the most wonderful time trekking in Pakistan, feeding my passions for glaciers.
LIGHTWEIGHT COOKING UTENSILS FOR HIKERS
My mountain guide in Pakistan introduced me to the Jetboil, unbelievably practical to make warm drinks and soups.
Binoculars, camera, tripod, and dry bag
Hiking is exercise, a challenge, and an occasion to spot wildlife, for which you’ll be happy to have good binoculars in your backpack.
In case you or a loved one are as passionate about photography as I am, a smartphone camera, even if good, is not enough. After a tough hike in Argentina, at Los Glaciares National Park, carrying a heavy backpack with my DLSR camera and several lenses, I decided that I was done. I switched to a lighter mirrorless camera, and never regretted my choice.
A light tripod will ensure you steady shots, and a dry bag is a must have to protect electronics from the rain and other accidents that might happen with water.
Hiking books
If you feel like clothes are too personal, and gear is too expensive or is not your thing, an evergreen gift for hikers and nture lovers is a book with great photography.
They might bring back wonderful memories, or offer inspiration for future hikes. With a book you can hardly go wrong.
Paper books have a unique charm and warmth, but a Kindle is perfect on a long trip or during a long-distance hike. You can store a good library in a single device, including travel and hiking guides. And if your partner sharing the tent wants to sleep, while you’d like to read, the Kindle Paperwhite’s retroillumination makes light redundant. And your partner will be happy.
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Great blog! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Jennifer!