Hikers Will Love These Cheap + Useful Stocking Stuffers
Looking for stocking stuffers that won’t get tossed in a gear bin and forgotten?
This list is full of small, trail-tested gifts hikers will ACTUALLY use.
No junk. No gimmicks. No half-hearted “Wowww thankssss”
Ashley and I have spent YEARS hiking and covered 1000s of miles. These are the items we reach for again and again — most of them under $50, and small enough to fit in a stocking or stash in a daypack.
Whether you’re shopping for a weekend hiker or a full-time dirtbag, you’ll find practical, fun, and genuinely useful gear in this guide.
Stocking Stuffers for the Hiker in Your Life They ACTUALLY Want
These small pieces of gear are trail-ready and stocking-friendly.
Darn Tough Hiking 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.
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.
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.
A Seat Pad
We all say we don’t need comfort in the backcountry — until we’re awkwardly perched on a cold, pointy rock trying to eat lunch.
That’s where the NEMO Chipper Seat Pad comes in. It weighs practically nothing and instantly turns any rock, log, or patch of dirt into a decently cushy seat.
No more numb legs. No more wet pants. Just a little trail luxury they’ll pretend not to care about… but will use every single time.
Plus, it’s made from reclaimed foam scraps, so it’s easy on the environment too.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Some hikers may carry insulated water bottles; others may roll their eyes at carrying the extra ounces.
Either way, any outdoorsy person loves a good insulated water bottle, even if it doesn’t come hiking with us.
It’s just a great, all-purpose stocking stuffer that will get immediately slapped with stickers (see Hydrascape stickers below).
A Hydro Flask Water Bottle is our preferred bottle—we love the colors, size options, and that they’re dishwasher safe.
And if it ends up going on hikes, then that’s even better.
Pro tip: if you want to take their water bottle game to the next level, check out our review of the HiBear Adventure Flask.
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.
Pro Membership(s)
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.
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.
National Parks Pass
A park pass is one of those gifts that pays for itself over and over again.
Whether it’s an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass or a state park pass closer to home, this stocking stuffer gives your hiker access to the places they actually want to be — trails, mountains, campsites, and wide-open spaces.
It’s practical, it saves money on entry fees, and it’s a gift that lasts all year long.
Instead of another trinket, you’re giving them experiences — and that’s something every outdoorsy person will get excited about.
A Swiss Army Knife
There’s something kind of classic about having a Swiss Army Knife in your pack.
It’s simple, useful, and doesn’t try to be anything it’s not.
You’re not going to build a cabin with it, but you will slice cheese, open stubborn snack packaging, trim a frayed shoelace, and maybe even pull out a splinter.
It’s small. It’s reliable. And it fits perfectly in a stocking and in your pocket.
Energy Bloks & Gels
We LOVE Clif Energy Bloks. They’re basically fancy trail candy that gives you an easy energy boost on the trail.
They’re absolutely delicious, have clean ingredients, and are perfect for quick, carb-based energy while hiking.
We started carrying these a few years ago, and now they’re in the pack for every single hike and backpacking trip.
They’re small, cheap, and easy to stash anywhere.
If your hiker hasn’t tried them yet, go for the smorgasbord — grab a mix of flavors so they can find their favorite.
It’s a fun little stocking stuffer that’s actually trail-tested and useful. And yeah… kind of addictively tasty.
Falcon Guides
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.
Think of it as trail stoke in paperback form — the kind of gift that keeps them dreaming (and scheming) long after the holidays are over.
A Snack Pack
Hiker hunger is very real — and trust us, your hiker will never say no to snacks.
But don’t just grab a random box of bars from the grocery store. What we really love is a trail snack sampler — a little mix of different bites to try out.
Think of it like a backcountry charcuterie board: sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, high-calorie, and ready to crush miles.
One of our favorite ways to build this?
Head to the snack section at REI and just go wild. Grab one of everything — bars, trail mixes, nut butters, chews, jerky, cookies.
Toss it all in a little gift bag (or stocking) and boom! The most delicious stocking stuffer ever.
A Hiker 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.
An Emergency Blanket
It’s kind of funny how every gear checklist says “carry an emergency blanket” — and yet most hikers don’t actually pack one.
This Emergency Blanket is so light and so cheap, there’s really no excuse. It takes up less space than a granola bar, and it can literally save their life in bad weather, an injury, or a surprise night outside.
Just toss it in their stocking and tell them to stick it in their pack.
They might roll their eyes now, but IF the time ever comes that they need it?
Yeah, they’ll be real glad it’s there. And so will you.
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.
Bottle Bright Tablets
If your hiker uses a hydration bladder or reusable bottle, you already know how gross those things can get.
Funky smells, weird film, impossible-to-reach corners — it’s not pretty.
That’s why Bottle Bright tablets are such a smart little stocking stuffer.
Just drop one in, let it fizz, and it scrubs away all the grime you can’t reach with a brush. No weird aftertaste, no scrubbing required.
They’re lightweight, cheap, and genuinely useful for anyone who uses a bladder, bottle, or even a coffee mug on the road.
A LifeStraw
A LifeStraw is one of those things every hiker should have.
It’s simple, super light, and tough enough to toss in the bottom of a pack and forget about until it’s needed.
As a backup water filter, it’s pretty much bombproof.
And if they don’t already carry one? This is the easiest way to start.
No setup, no batteries, no fuss. Just pull it out, drink straight from the stream, and keep moving. It’s peace of mind in your pocket — and the idea of never running out of safe water? That’s a gift that’s hard to beat.
A Buff
A Buff is one of those weird little gear items hikers collect without meaning to.
We’ve all got one or two… or seven. Half of them have holes, and none of us remembers where they came from.
But the truth is, we use them all the time — for sun, wind, bugs, dust, sweat, and hair management on the trail. Whether it’s the bug-proof kind or the cooling version, Buffs are endlessly useful and always in rotation.
So do the hiker in your life a favor: help further the mysterious Buff cycle.
Add one to their stocking, and we promise, they’ll actually remember where this one came from.
Goodr Sunglasses
I’ve been wearing Goodr sunglasses for years, and honestly? They’re the best trail shades I’ve found.
They look good, they stay put when I’m sweating, and the polarized lenses actually work.
The real win? The price point.
I don’t have to stress about scratching them up, dropping them, or losing them in the woods — I just replace them when needed.
That freedom makes them perfect for hiking, trail running, or tossing in my car as a backup.
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.
A Packable Power Bank
Hikers and backpackers might pack light, but they still carry a bit of tech — a rechargeable headlamp, a phone, maybe a GPS or camera.
And sure, they probably charged everything before heading out… but batteries don’t always play nice on the trail.
That’s where the Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank comes in. It’s compact, lightweight, and gives just enough extra juice to keep the essentials running.
Whether it’s topping off a phone, recharging a headlamp, or saving a dead GPS on day three, this little backup is clutch.
They probably didn’t buy one for themselves — but once it’s in their pack, they’ll never leave it behind.
Mini Carabiners and Gear Clips
Mini carabiners and gear clips are like the trail version of missing socks. One day you’ve got six, and the next… they’re just gone.
These little clips are endlessly useful — hang a mug, clip your sandals to your pack, secure a trash bag, rig a clothesline, keep gear organized in a tent.
They’re the kind of thing hikers never think to buy, but always end up needing.
Toss a couple in their stocking — lightweight aluminum ones, or even those little Nite Ize gear ties — and trust me, they’ll get used. It’s the kind of small gift that’s surprisingly appreciated and always ends up in the pack.
Nikwax
Here’s the thing about rain jackets and shells — after a while, they stop repelling water and start feeling like a soggy trash bag. That doesn’t mean they’re done; it just means they need a little love.
Enter Nikwax Tech Wash and Wash-In Waterproofing.
This is a super practical gift that keeps our expensive gear working like new.
It extends the life of jackets, shells, and rain pants, saving us money in the long run and keeping us dry when the weather turns nasty.
Sunscreen Stick
Derek picked up a Sun Bum sunscreen stick after I kept reminding him to put on sunscreen while hiking.
But the liquid stuff is… well, liquidy. It’s messy, it leaks, and trying to rub it in with trail-dirty hands isn’t exactly fun.
The sunscreen stick changed everything. No mess, no spills, and easy to swipe on during a quick trail break.
Throw one in their stocking. They’ll use it way more than they expect.
Chapstick
Chapstick is one of those things hikers use constantly and lose just as often.
It disappears into hip belt pockets, falls to the bottom of packs, or somehow vanishes mid-hike — and yet we always need it.
I would also like to mention: get the kind with SPF. Because yes, skin cancer is real, and sunburned lips are no joke. It’s a small, simple gift that’s super practical and always appreciated.
Toss one (or two) in their stocking — guaranteed it’ll get used.
Waterproof Matches
Waterproof matches are one of those little gear items that feel kinda cool, especially if your hiker is a bit of a gear nerd. But they’re also seriously useful.
When it’s cold, raining, and everything’s soaked, being able to start a fire can make a huge difference.
These matches light even when wet, and they burn long enough to get a fire going when the usual stuff won’t cut it.
Toss a pack into their stocking. It’s one of those “just in case” items they’ll be really glad to have when it matters.
A Compass
I’ll admit it. I rely way too much on my phone and our Garmin InReach when I’m out on the trail.
Most of the time, it’s fine. But every once in a while, the tech fails. Dead battery, glitchy signal, or something just doesn’t work like it should.
That’s why I started carrying this tiny Suunto Clipper Compass. It’s small, clips onto a watch band or shoulder strap, and weighs next to nothing.
We probably won’t need it (hopefully).
But if things go sideways, having a basic compass can make a huge difference.
Want to take it an extra step? Get a personalized compass from Etsy.
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.
Gift Card
Sometimes, the best stocking stuffer is letting your hiker pick out exactly what they need.
A gift card to their favorite outdoor store or gear shop isn’t a “last resort” gift — it’s a thoughtful way to make sure they get the right size, style, or piece of gear they’ve been eyeing.
Whether it’s socks, maps, snacks, or a big piece of gear they’ve been saving for, a gift card lets them choose what’s most useful. Simple, practical, and guaranteed to be appreciated.
Here are some big examples:
