37 Practical Gifts for Hikers That Go the Extra Mile
Much like walking an unfamiliar trail or negotiating a series of tight switchbacks, finding great gifts for hikers can feel like treading on treacherous terrain: For a sport so seemingly straightforward, hiking still requires a fair amount of gear for safety, practicality, and comfort—and the proper pieces of hiking gear, at that. The wrong pair of socks or hiking boots can make all the difference between a happy ramble through the woods and a miserable trudge—no matter how epic the summit selfie may look.
Fortunately, between the experts who shared their favorites with SELF and the wide range of high-quality hiking gear available at reputable retailers like REI, Adidas, and Backcountry, you don’t have to be a lifelong outdoor enthusiast to find the perfect gifts for one. From footwear and fanny packs to technical gadgets and supplies, there are plenty of great hiking gifts and stocking stuffers to choose from that will leave your outdoorsy friend smiling and looking stylish at the trailhead.
If you know someone who loves bagging peaks, can’t decide if they want to hit the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail first, or just prefers spending time in nature, below are some excellent gifts for hikers that they’ll appreciate on their next outdoor adventure. It might seem early to get started on holiday shopping, but we strongly recommend placing your orders sooner rather than later to avoid shipping delays and make sure you get something for everyone on your list.
September 13, 2022
Self
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LIFE OUTDOORS
MEDIA MENTIONS
My only complaint is that eventually, backflushing won’t be enough. These can clog up after some time and no amount of back flushing will fix its low flow. I went through 2 on the AT. However, it will attach to Smart Water Bottles and most bladders!
MEDIA MENTIONS
Built for backcountry reliability and portability, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is our pick for the best portable water purifier.
MEDIA MENTIONS
The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common Pacific Crest Trail water filter this year – for the fifth year in a row. It’s a $39, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or with compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers).
