Best Gifts For Hikers and Backpackers (Chosen by a Hiker & Backpacker)
Finding the perfect gift for hikers and backpackers can feel next to IMPOSSIBLE.
They’re picky about gear, already have a favorite water bottle, and probably know exactly how much their pack weighs—down to the ounce.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve put together this list of our favorite gifts for hikers and backpackers—chosen by people who actually hike and backpack (that’s us).
From budget-friendly finds to splurge-worthy gear, these are items we’ve used, loved, and would be thrilled to unwrap ourselves.
So whether you’re shopping for a seasoned thru-hiker, a weekend wanderer, or maybe even yourself, this guide has something for every kind of trail lover.
Let’s dive in—you might just find the gift that sparks their next great adventure.
Best Gifts Quick Picks
- Best Gift Under $50: Darn Tough Socks
- Best Gift Under $100: Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
- Best Gift Over $100: Garmin InReach Mini 2
- Best for National Park Lovers: America The Beautiful Pass
- Best Stocking Stuffer: Campfire Stories Conversation Deck
- Best Book for Hikers: Falcon Guide Books
- Best Gift Alternative: AllTrails Pro Membership
Best Gifts Under $50
You don’t have to spend a ton to give something thoughtful. These gifts are practical, trail-tested, and perfect for anyone who loves hiking or spending time outdoors. Small price, big impact.
Darn Tough Socks
It’s hard to admit to your parents, but yes — we love getting socks for Christmas.
Not just any socks, though. We’re talking about the HOLY GRAIL of hiker comfort: Darn Tough Merino wool hiking socks.
Are they magic? They kinda feel like it.
Are they worth the money? Abso-freaking-lutely.
And the truth is, good hiking socks are something we always need, but never want to spend money on. That’s why getting a pair in your stocking hits different.
And Darn Tough socks come with a lifetime warranty, so you’re basically buying them socks for life.
So whoever’s stuffing the stocking: please toss in a pair of merino wool socks.
Hiking Logbook
Every trail tells a story, and a hiking logbook is my favorite place to hold onto those little details that made each trail special.
There’s just something about writing down the trail name, the miles, the weather, and how I felt that day. It turns every hike into a memory I can hold on to.
And sometimes it’s easy to forget how far I’ve come—until I flip through my pages filled with miles, peaks, and moments.
This is the kind of gift that seems simple, but ends up being something they will treasure.
Outdoorsy Candle
Not every stocking stuffer has to be something that hits the trail.
Sometimes it’s nice to bring a little of that outdoor spirit home.
An adventure-themed candle is a great way to do that — it smells good, looks good, and reminds them of the mountains even when they’re stuck inside.
It’s the kind of gift that adds a little personality to their gear shelf, nightstand, or coffee table.
A GOOD Headlamp
If they’re even remotely outdoorsy, they probably already have a headlamp. But odds are, it’s dim, bulky, or is running on half-dead AAA batteries from last year.
The Black Diamond Astro 300-R is the kind of upgrade they wouldn’t splurge on for themselves — but will appreciate every time they click it on.
It’s bright, rechargeable, and lightweight, which checks all the boxes for hiking, backpacking, or just finding the bathroom at 2am in the dark.
It’s one of those “oh wow, this is way better than what I had” gifts.
Best Gifts Under $100
These mid-range gifts hit the sweet spot—useful, high-quality gear that feels special without breaking the bank. Every item here is something we’ve used, loved, and would be excited to unwrap ourselves.
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
There’s nothing better than wrapping up in a Rumpl after a long day on the trail. My legs are tired, the sun’s going down, and the air has that crisp, cool edge.
I pull out this blanket—soft, warm, familiar—and suddenly, I’m comfortable. Safe.
At home, even if you’re miles from it.
Whether you’re sitting by an evening campfire or watching the sun rise before a hike, this is the blanket you’ll always want close by.
ENO DoubleNest Hammock
Sometimes, all you need is two trees and a hammock to turn a regular day into something special.
I set my hammock up on a sunny fall afternoon, leaves just starting to turn, book in hand. I ended up staying there for hours.
No rush. No hecticness. Just fresh air and the kind of quiet that sinks in deep.
That’s what makes a hammock such a great gift.
It’s not just for backpacking trips or big adventures.
It’s for little pockets of peace, wherever you find them.
Camp Slippers
The first time I wore the Thermoball Slippers at camp, I actually sighed out loud. Total game changer.
After miles on the trail, slipping into something warm, soft, and dry felt like heaven. They’re cozy without being bulky, tough enough for walking around camp, and the comfort they add is next-level.
Trust me, once you try them, you won’t want to take them off.
HiBear Adventure Flask (Insulated Water Bottle)
The HiBear Adventure Flask quickly became one of our most-used pieces of gear. Morning coffee, afternoon tea, and trail cocktails—it handles it all.
It’s not just a water bottle. It’s a complete drink system designed for the outdoors.
Hot, cold, carbonated—it doesn’t matter. This flask keeps drinks how you want them and makes it easy to mix, pour, and share wherever you are. We’ve taken it camping, backpacking, to the beach, even just out in the yard.
Check out our full HiBear review here.
Kahtoola MicroSPIKES
Snow and ice don’t have to mean the end of hiking season. With Kahtoola Microspikes, you can keep moving through winter with confidence.
They slip over your hiking boots in seconds and give strong, reliable traction on icy trails, frozen ground, and packed snow. No more sliding around or second-guessing every step.
I’ve used them on everything from snowy summits to frozen forest trails, and they’ve made cold-weather hikes feel way more accessible—and way more fun.
Binoculars
There’s something special about slowing down on the trail and really seeing what’s around you.
An eagle soaring above treeline. The way sunlight hits a distant peak. A distance waterfall I would have missed.
That’s what NOCS binoculars give you—more moments like that. They made everything feel closer, more real. Like I wasn’t just in nature—I was part of it.
That’s why I always bring them. They’re small, rugged, and easy to use.
But more than that, they change how you experience the trail.
Best Gifts Over $100
When you really want to go all out, these gifts are worth every penny. They’re built to last, built for adventure, and sure to impress the hiker or backpacker who already seems to have it all.
Garmin InReach
The Garmin inReach is one of those gifts that gives something to both people—peace of mind.
If someone you love spends time in the backcountry, you know the feeling.
The waiting. The wondering. The “let me know when you get back” texts that don’t always come on time.
With the inReach, you don’t have to guess. You can message back and forth, check their location, and know they have an SOS button if something goes wrong.
It’s a powerful tool for the person on the trail. But just as much, it’s a quiet kind of comfort for the person who stays behind.
Digital Photo Frame
Years ago, we were gifted a digital photo frame—and it’s still one of our favorite things we own.
It sits in our apartment, cycling through snapshots from hikes, backpacking trips, and various adventures from over the years. Every time we walk by, we’re reminded of the places we’ve been and the memories we shared.
For anyone who loves the outdoors, this is a simple way to keep those memories close. Load it up with trail photos, summit shots, or campfire smiles, and it becomes more than a frame—it’s a window back to the good stuff.
Garmin SmartWatch
When I switched to the Garmin Forerunner 265, I knew right away it was different.
I’d been using a smartwatch that barely made it through the day, and now I only plug this one in every couple of weeks. That alone felt like a huge upgrade.
But what I really love is how it fits into my life outdoors. It tracks my hikes, keeps me on pace, and gives me the data I actually want without feeling like I’m babysitting a gadget.
Patagonia Puffy Jacket
Our Patagonia puffy jackets get more use than almost anything else we own.
Nanopuff, Micropuff, Macropuff—we have them all, and they’ve basically become part of our daily uniform. From cold mornings at camp to windy summit breaks (like the photo of us above), they’re the layer we always reach for.
They’re warm without being bulky, light enough to pack down small, and tough enough to handle years of wear. Honestly, we wear them just as much around town as we do on the trail.
Plus, Patagonia is one of the most (if not THE most) environmentally friendly companies, so we love supporting them.
GoPro Action Camera
Our GoPro might be a little outdated now, but it’s still one of the best pieces of gear we’ve ever owned.
It’s waterproof, tough enough to handle just about anything, and always ready to capture the moment—whether that’s hiking through rain, scrambling up rocks, or jumping into alpine lakes.
The best part? You don’t have to worry about it. Toss it in your pack, strap it to your chest, or clip it to your helmet—it just goes where you go.
And the footage you bring home? It turns into the kind of memories you’ll actually want to look back on.
DJI Drone
Adding a DJI drone to our gear kit completely changed how we capture our trips.
Photos and videos from the trail are great—but seeing the landscape from above is on another level. Wide valleys, winding rivers, rugged peaks… a drone makes you feel like you’re experiencing the adventure all over again.
(Like the photo above of those amazing fall colors—you can’t get that view without a drone.)
What we love about DJI drones is how easy they are to use. They’re compact, durable, and smart enough to handle the flying so you can focus on the view.
Pack it along on a hike or camping trip, and suddenly you’ve got a whole new way to tell the story.
Best Gifts for National Park Lovers
For those who can’t get enough of America’s wild places, these gifts celebrate the parks and the people who love them. Whether it’s a cozy blanket, a park pass, or a guidebook, each one brings the magic of the parks a little closer to home.
National Parks Pass
For national park lovers, the best gift you can give is access to the places they love most.
An America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance fees to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including every U.S. national park.
It pays for itself in just a couple of visits, and it’s the kind of gift that leads directly to more adventures, more memories, and more time outside.
Already know they have one? An REI gift card is the perfect backup. They can use it to renew their pass when it expires, or put it toward the gear they’ll need for their next big park trip.
Rumpl National Parks Puffy Blanket
We’ve loved our Rumpl blankets for years—they’re warm, durable, and perfect for everything from camping trips to cozy nights at home.
But the National Parks collection takes it up a notch. And these blankets are GORGEOUS.
It’s the same blanket we already know and love—soft, lightweight, and adventure-ready—but with designs that celebrate the places that mean the most to us. Designs include:
- Yosemite National Park
- Glacier National Park (see our favorite Glacier hike here)
- Grand Teton National Park
- Zion National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA
The newly updated Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA (2025 edition) is a must-have for anyone who dreams about their next park trip.
It’s packed with the latest info on all 63 national parks—updated maps, insider tips, and details on what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of every visit.
Whether it lives on the coffee table for daydreaming or gets tossed in the car for road trip planning, this guide is as useful as it is inspiring.
National Park Passport Book
The National Park Passport Book is such a fun and meaningful way to keep track of your adventures.
Every time you visit a new park, you can collect a stamp—just like a real passport.
Over time, it becomes a little scrapbook of memories: the dates you visited, who you went with, and where your travels took you.
Ours has become one of our favorite keepsakes. It’s simple, compact, and something you’ll actually want to flip through years later.
National Park Tracker
A National Parks tracker is a fun and creative way to celebrate every adventure. Whether it’s a wall map, a scratch-off poster, or a sticker-covered water bottle, it’s a visual record of all the parks you’ve explored—and the ones still waiting.
We love having ours where we can see it every day. It’s a small reminder of past trips, long drives, and all those “wow” moments on the trail. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when friends come over.
It doesn’t matter how you track it—as long as it inspires you to keep exploring new places and adding to your growing collection of memories.
- National Parks Water Bottle with Stickers
- National Parks Scratch Off Poster
- National Parks Wooden Wall Tracker
Board Games
When you can’t be out on the trail, these board games bring the adventure home. They’re fun, creative, and perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors—from casual hikers to hardcore backpackers. Game night just got a little more wild.
National Parks Monopoly
National Parks Monopoly is a fun twist on a classic game that every outdoor lover will appreciate. Instead of buying cities and railroads, you’re collecting America’s most beautiful landscapes—places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
It’s the perfect way to bring the spirit of adventure indoors. You’ll find yourself trading trails instead of properties and competing for iconic landmarks instead of skyscrapers. Whether it’s a rainy day at camp or a cozy night at home, this game is a reminder of all the wild places waiting to be explored.
Trekking the National Parks Board Game
I didn’t expect to love Trekking the National Parks as much as I do.
One minute we were shuffling cards, and the next we were swapping stories about hikes we’d done, parks we want to go to, and places we didn’t even know existed.
And that’s what makes it SO good.
It’s more than just cards and turns—it pulls you into the parks, sparks memories, and gets you dreaming about the next trip.
Know someone who lives for the trail? They need this.
Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers
Sometimes the smallest gifts end up being the most useful. These lightweight, under-$30 finds are perfect for slipping into a stocking, pack, or glove box—and they’ll get used on every adventure.
Check out our complete list of the best stocking stuffers for even more ideas. In the meantime, here are some of our favorites:
Kula Cloth
I’ve hiked A LOT of miles without a Kula Cloth. So I’ve spent my fair share of time doing the shake and “air dry” method. And it’s no fun.
But now that I have a Kula Cloth, I will never go hiking without it.
So what is it? It’s an antimicrobial pee cloth that’s way more sanitary and eco-friendly than using TP or any hands-free methods.
And yes, it’s awesome.
It’s built for outdoorswomen by outdoorswomen, so it’s the perfect stocking stuffer for ladies who hike or camp.
Campfire Stories Conversation Deck
The Campfire Stories Deck has quickly become one of our favorite things to pack for camping trips.
It’s a set of conversation cards designed to spark real, meaningful talks around the fire—about adventure, nature, travel, and the little moments that make life outdoors so good.
Some questions are deep, some are funny, and a few will totally catch you off guard. But that’s what makes it great—it gets everyone sharing stories instead of just scrolling or zoning out.
Hydrascape Stickers
For the hiker in your life who has to slap a sticker on every surface they own (their cooler, car, laptop, and water bottles, etc.), Hydrascape Stickers are an insanely cool addition to their collection.
These stickers can wrap around water bottles (like the Hydroflask above), stick across car windows, and tons of other cool places.
With us living in Montana, we LOVE the Glacier Infinity Sticker. But there are tons of options to choose from.
Rock Tape
Blisters are every hiker’s worst enemy — and nothing ruins a day on the trail faster.
That’s why we always keep a roll of RockTape in our packs. It’s our go-to for blister prevention and treatment.
A little strip over a hot spot keeps friction at bay, and if a blister does show up, RockTape stays put way better than bandages.
It might not be the flashiest stocking stuffer, but trust us — it’s one of the most useful. Their feet will thank you.
The Deuce
The Deuce is a backcountry poop trowel that is an essential part of anyone’s poop kit.
We asked for one as a wedding gift years ago, and we still take it on every hike and backpacking trip.
It’s seen some stuff—rocks, dirt, mountain views, and some funky backcountry poops.
Who knew that something so simple could be one of our most important pieces of gear?
Read more about The Deuce Review here.
A Packable Towel
Have you ever wanted to swim in alpine lakes or mountain streams (like the one in the photo above)?
Because that’s my favorite part of hiking and backpacking—swimming in insanely beautiful places.
And the best way to do that is to bring a packable towel. They’re lightweight, quick drying, and 100% essential after a dip in that cold water.
Something like the Nomadix Ultralight Towel is perfect.
So if the hiker or backpacker in your life ever mentions swimming, you know they’ll love this stocking stuffer.
Best Book Gifts for Hikers
For those quiet moments between adventures, these books keep the spirit of the trail alive. Part inspiration, part education, all great reads for anyone who loves getting outside.
Falcon Guide Books
You know those yellow and black books you see at ourdoor stores (and not the “For Dummies” ones..)?
Falcon Guides is our favorite guidebook publisher out there, and they have a book for every topic you could possibly think of.
These little books cover everything — best hikes in every state, backpacking skills, wildflower IDs, climbing basics, camp cooking, you name it.
They’re small, affordable, and guaranteed to spark adventure.
Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs
The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs is one of those books that completely changes how you see the outdoors.
It teaches you how to notice the details most people miss—like how a tree leans to show the prevailing wind, or how birds reveal what’s nearby.
It’s part science, part storytelling, and after reading it, you’ll never look at a trail the same way again.
AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Derek’s favorite thru-hiking memoir, and for good reason.
It’s honest, funny, and captures both the highs and lows of walking the entire Appalachian Trail. You feel the exhaustion, the awe, the sense of freedom that comes with life on foot for months at a time.
Even if you’ve never dreamed of a thru-hike, you’ll find yourself rooting for him every step of the way.
Best Gift Alternatives
Not every gift has to fit in a box. These experiences, classes, and memberships give something even better—memories, skills, and new ways to explore the outdoors. Perfect for the person who values experiences over things.
Pro Subscriptions to Awesome Apps
Gear is great, but sometimes the best stocking stuffer is digital.
Many outdoorsy apps offer Pro memberships that unlock extra features hikers actually use (especially offline maps and advanced route planning). Here are some examples:
- AllTrails Pro: like Yelp for hiking trails.
- OnX Backcountry: for backcountry and route planning.
- Gaia Pro: for backcountry and route planning.
- The Dyrt Pro: like Yelp for campgrounds.
- Outside+: online magazine for backpackers.
It’s the kind of gift they’ll use all year long, whether they’re planning a big trip or just sneaking in a local hike after work.
And the best part? It doesn’t take up space in their pack — just makes every adventure smoother.
Local Guide Trip
One of the best gifts you can give an outdoorsy person isn’t a thing—it’s an experience. Booking a local guided trip through GetYourGuide is a great way to do just that.
You can find adventures close to home—like kayaking tours, hiking excursions, or wildlife walks—or pick something for an upcoming trip, like a glacier trek in Alaska or a canyon tour in Utah. It’s the kind of gift that creates memories instead of clutter.
Whether they’re exploring somewhere new or seeing their own backyard with fresh eyes, a guided trip adds something special to any adventure.
Class at REI
We love taking classes at our local REI—they’re such a fun way to learn new skills and meet other outdoorsy folks in the community.
We’ve done everything from backpacking basics to navigation and outdoor photography. And every time we walk away having learned something new (and a few new hiking buddies, too).
REI’s classes make great gifts because they’re hands-on, practical, and genuinely inspiring.
Whether it’s learning how to plan a multi-day trip or finally getting confident with a map and compass, it’s the kind of experience that builds both knowledge and connection.
Wilderness First Aid Class
We took a NOLS Wilderness First Aid class before we moved to the mountains for the first time, and honestly, it was one of the best things we ever did.
The class was hands-on, intense, and packed with real-world scenarios that taught us how to handle emergencies far from help. From treating injuries to making smart decisions under pressure, the lessons stuck with us.
When you give someone this class, you’re really giving two gifts: peace of mind for yourself, and invaluable knowledge for them—skills you hope they’ll never need, but will be grateful to have.
Donation to a Park or Trail Organization
A donation to a conservation organization is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give an outdoor lover. Instead of another piece of gear, you’re giving something that protects the places we all love to explore.
One of our favorite options is the Arbor Day Foundation, which plants trees across the U.S. and helps restore forests damaged by wildfire and drought. You can donate in someone’s name or gift a membership, which includes updates on the projects they’re supporting.
It’s a small gesture with a big impact—a way to give back to the trails, parks, and wild spaces that make all those adventures possible.
Here are some national donation options (but also check out local parks and projects).
- National Park Foundation: helps preserve 85 million acres in the U.S.
- The Nature Conservancy: protect/preserve land and ocean projects around the world.
- Appalchian Trail Conservancy, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Condintental Divide Trail Coalition: perfect for thru hikers!
Nomadik Subscription Box
A Nomadik subscription box is the kind of gift that keeps the adventure going month after month.
We’ve gotten a few of these boxes, and it’s always exciting to see what shows up—gear, snacks, and gadgets we actually use on the trail.
Each box has a theme, like “camp cooking” or “trail essentials,” and everything inside is tested and curated for people who spend time outdoors. It’s a fun mix of practical and surprising—sometimes it’s gear we didn’t even know we needed until we tried it.
Weekend Away
A weekend getaway through VRBO is one of our favorite gift ideas for outdoor lovers. It’s a chance to escape the routine, slow down, and reconnect with nature—without needing to pitch a tent.
We love using VRBO to find cozy cabins tucked in the woods, mountain chalets with killer views, or quiet cottages near national parks.
Whether it’s a snowy winter retreat or a summer basecamp for hiking, there’s something special about waking up somewhere new with the trails right outside your door.
