Best Gift Ideas for Hikers in 2023 (All Budgets)

Drinking from streams and other natural sources can lighten a day hiker’s load and offer emergency options in case water runs low. These water treatment tablets weigh almost nothing and make natural water safe to drink. Nothing shows you care like a gift that says “I don’t want you to get explosive diarrhea.”

Every day hiker should keep a first aid kit in their pack just in case. This ultralight kit from a reliable brand weighs only 2.3 ounces, so there’s no excuse not to carry it.

Though technically designed for running, this breathable sun hat makes a great gift for hikers thanks to its packable and minimalist design. It’s perfect for the hiker who likes a little sun protection but isn’t into the full-brim sun hat style.

It might look like a torture device, but this compact massage ball can offer sweet relief for tight muscles after a long day on the trail.

An ideal gift for the sustainability-focused hiker, these reusable ziplock pouches are perfect for packing trail snacks without disposable single-use plastic bags.

For folks who love longer and more remote day hikes, an emergency bivvy is a smart piece of survival gear. Nothing shows you care like a gift that says “Don’t die out there!” At only 4 ounces, this metallic emergency bivvy adds very little pack weight but can save a life if the unexpected happens.

Hotspots and blisters can be a real problem for some hikers, especially newer ones who haven’t found their favorite shoes yet. Help keep their feet happy with this popular lightweight anti-chafe balm.

Every hiker eventually discovers that the weather plays a key role in their experience. Help them get better at reading the skies with this practical guidebook.

It’s hard to go wrong with lightweight merino wool socks in general, but for the perfect gift try to consider your hiker’s shoe preferences. Folks who hike in trail running shoes often prefer low-cut and lightly cushioned socks, while boot enthusiasts tend toward taller and more cushioned options.

Every hiker loves a good snack! These nutritionally dense bars are healthier than the typical energy bar and taste great too, making them perfect to pack for a long day hike. They’re even gluten free and vegan, though you’d never guess from how delicious they are.

If your favorite hiker wears jewelry, they might enjoy a hiking or nature themed piece to help them fly their hiker flag both on and off the trail. Etsy is a great place to look for unique items.

These stretchy breathable gloves provide just the right amount of warmth and water-resistance for chilly day hikes in the spring and fall. Touch-screen compatible fingertips and suede palm make them as practical as they are comfy.

It’s always smart to pack a headlamp on a hike, even if you plan to be home before dark. Sometimes things happen! This clever compact design disappears into a pack so your hiker will forget it’s there until it saves their butt.

If your hiker enjoys long days on the trail, this compact water filter will lighten their load by allowing them to quickly top up their water supply from streams or lakes. There are many water filter options out there, but this one is known as the lightest and fastest of the bunch – that’s why it’s so popular with day hikers and trail runners.

Need a gift for an avid day hiker who can’t be stopped by a little ice or snow on the ground? Help them stay upright with these lightweight and spike-free traction devices that slip over regular hiking shoes. They don’t replace crampons for serious winter hiking, but they’re perfect for added traction on light ice and snow.

This minimalist packable day pack is the perfect gift for day hikers who love to travel to exotic trails. It packs down small for the journey to the trailhead, yet still includes plenty of helpful features like a hip belt, removable back pad, and hydration sleeve.

Hikers love merino wool for its breathability and comfort over a wide range of temperatures, plus its tendency to stay smelling fresh even when the human inside, well… doesn’t. You can’t go wrong with this lightweight classic t-shirt from Smartwool.

If you know a day hiker with a budding interest in wildlife watching, give them the gift of a closer view with these relatively lightweight Nikon binoculars.

If you know someone who loves traveling to the most spectacular hiking destinations, this pass will give them a year’s free access to all the national parks and thousands of smaller recreation sites across the US. Heads up: it’s nonrefundable, so make sure they don’t already have one first!

This popular ultralight rain jacket is perfect for the day hiker who wants to keep a light pack but still be prepared. Known for its balance of practical features with minimalist size and weight, it’s a perfect just-in-case layer for uncertain weather or cooler windy days.

Not all day hikers use trekking poles, but if your hiker does, these are the best of the best. These top-of-the-line lightweight carbon poles fold down small — perfect for hikers who love to travel light en route to their exotic hiking destinations — and are also partially adjustable in length. Make sure you choose the right length range for their height. See my detailed review for more info.

There are several good apps for finding and navigating hiking trails, but I find that AllTrails often has the most recent crowdsourced comments and updates thanks to its large user base. It’s free for basic features, and the small monthly fee unlocks offline maps and navigation – a key feature for hiking in more remote areas.

Let them choose the gear they need most with a gift card to REI Co-op. REI carries a good variety of hiking-specific gear as well as general outdoor gear and clothing. They’re also known for their excellent return policy, inclusive culture, and commitment to protecting the environment.

Hikers tend to be passionate about protecting the places and trails we love. Does your hiker have a favorite region or trail? Make a donation to the local stewardship organization, or a conservation group focused on their favorite type of animal or ecosystem.