Halfpoint via Adobe Stock
Halfpoint via Adobe Stock

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.

Continue reading here to find the full list of practical hiking gifts, written by Johanna Flashman, Gray Chapman, and Sara Coughlin.

Media Mentions

Cnoc’s ThruBottle also features a 28mm thread, allowing you to use it with filters such as the Sawyer Squeeze.

Mac
Contributing Writer

Media Mentions

Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L 28mm is widely considered to be the most reliable filter-bladder combo in existence, and we agree 100% with that sentiment.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor

Media Mentions

I carry the Sawyer Squeeze in my day pack in case of emergencies and as a backup to my larger water filter on backpacking trips where I know I’ll be relying on streams.

Mikaela Ruland
Editor in Chief