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20 Useful Gifts for Hikers and Walkers

Gifts for Hikers Header

Finding good gifts for hikers is actually a pretty easy task. Mostly, because there is seemingly no end to the amount of hiking gear and gadgets available. If your gift recipient is new to hiking, then you’ve basically got free reign on anything from a simple flask to technical backpacks and outer layers. Even if you’re buying for an experienced hiker there’s a ton of things they’ll almost certainly need and want, but haven’t prioritised over other more essential items. And if in doubt then you can’t go wrong with a good old pair of hiking socks!

20 gifts for hikers

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he Spotter’s Guide to Countryside Mysteries Book

The Spotter’s Guide to Countryside Mysteries

From Marl Pits and Tussocks to Smut Fungi and Slime Moulds, there’s no shortage of weird, wonderful and fascinating things to learn about in John Wright’s latest nature book. The Spotter’s Guide to Countryside Mysteries will educate and inform even the most avid and observant walkers out there. It’s the perfect gift for hikers and countryside ramblers who like to learn as they go. But it’s also an excellent tool to encourage curiosity and discovery in your local wild places. A superb coffee table book that will not fail to pique the interest of all that open it.

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Profile Books | Amazon


The Munro Beanie

The Munro Beanie

The Munro Beanie is the ideal gift for peak baggers and summit seekers who are always in pursuit of their next challenge. Taking inspiration from the Scottish tradition of marking each summit climbed with a red cross on a hat, this stylish beanie is more than just a very cosy hiking accessory. Made of 100% lambswool, the Scottish-made hats come with a thread of red wool so you can continue the tradition of remembering each summit with a simple stitch. The small company also donates £1 to Scottish Mountain Rescue for each beanie sold.

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The Munro Beanie


CamelBak Hot Cap Vacuum-Insulated Coffee Tumbler

CamelBak Hot Cap Vacuum-Insulated Coffee Tumbler

For those who like to brave the mountains during the winter this insulated coffee tumbler is the ideal way to sip as you walk. The innovative 360º lid means you can drink from any side of the bottle while you trundle along. And the leak-proof cap can easily be twisted open without even having to take your gloves off. It’s also the perfect gift for coffee loving hikers who need their fix to push them up the next peak!

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Amazon | Backcountry | Go Outdoors


Topo Designs Klettersack

Topo Designs Klettersack

Appealing aesthetics and timeless style aren’t the only desirable features of this climbing inspired backpack. Made from 1000 denier Cordura, and with heavy duty buckles, it’s super durable and ready for a day roaming the hills, too. Plus, it has features, like the internal laptop sleeve, that make it ideal for everyday use. A one-bag-fits-all kind of gift!

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Topo Designs | Huckberry | Backcountry


Swiftwick PURSUIT HIKE Six Light Cushion

Swiftwick PURSUIT HIKE Six Light Cushion Socks

It wouldn’t be a complete list of hiking gifts it it didn’t include at least one pair of socks! And although giving socks may seem like a bland and predictable gift, they’ll always be appreciated by keen hikers. Good quality hiking socks don’t come cheap, and they also don’t last forever. So grab a pair of magical merino blended socks that are moisture wicking, odour resistant and wonderfully comfortable, and you’ll be giving the gift of sweet smelling, happy feet. Now that’s sure something to be thankful for, if nothing else!

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Swiftwick


Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool

Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool

A multi-tool is another one of those gifts for hikers that is super useful in everyday life. The Leatherman Wave Plus is sure to get plenty of use in whatever scenario you find yourself in, especially when there are 17 hardwearing stainless steel tools to choose from. A good multi-tool should be on the essentials packing list of every hiker, even if it’s just there at the ready for those emergency situations that hopefully won’t ever happen!

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Amazon | REI | Huckberry


Teca-jacket

Cotopaxi Teca Windbreaker

The super fun and highly colourful Cotopaxi Teca Windbreaker will be sure to turn heads out on the trail. Yes, despite the casual, urban style, that Cotopaxi is so renowned for, the Teca is actually a highly technical jacket that does an excellent job at keeping the breeze out, wherever your adventure may take you. At a featherweight 5oz (142g), the Teca is ideal for shoving in your pack when traveling or hiking. And with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the repurposed taffeta fabric, it will endure the odd shower or two with no problem at all. But be quick, each colour combo is a limited edition, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

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Cotopaxi


Field Notes Expedition Edition 3-Pack

Field Notes Expedition Edition 3-Pack

If you’ve ever lost a sketch, story or notes because of an unexpected downpour then you’ll know just how frustrating it can be. So for budding landscape artists, outdoor researchers and adventure writers this all-purpose notebook is an invaluable gift. The book contains dot graph printed pages, and the Yupo synthetic paper is both waterproof and tearproof. Get it in the hands of a journaling hiker and they can scribble away to their heart’s content, rain or shine.

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Amazon | Huckberry


Bum-bag-1

Patagonia Lightweight Travel Mini Hip Pack

If you thought Patagonia couldn’t get any more hip, then think again and take a look at their Lightweight Travel Mini Hip Pack. Cool huh? You say fanny pack, I say bum bag. Patagonia says hip pack! And yep, that’s exactly what it is. (Although the adjustable straps make it wearable over your shoulder, bandolier style). Available in some super funky colours and boasting a combo of 70-denier and 210-denier nylon ripstop, the 1 litre pack also folds into its own pocket to store it when not in use. The main pocket has an internal zipper for your valuables as well as a key clip, and the padded back panel makes it comfortable to carry everything you might need for you day of sightseeing or a casual hike.

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Patagonia


Enamel mug

Mountains Are Calling Enamel Steel Mug

With a 22oz (624ml) capacity, and a 3.5in (9cm) diameter, this is one supersized mug! Tea and coffee drinkers can linger for longer over their break, dreaming up their next adventure in the mountains — inspired by good old John Muir. Or enjoy the post hike satisfaction of wrapping cold, weather-beaten hands around the rustic warmth of an enamel mug filled with your favourite campfire heated brew. Aaaah. Life doesn’t get much better than that!

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United By Blue | REI | Backcountry


Merino Buff

Merino Buff

Probably the most versatile piece of gear you can gift a hiker or outdoor lover is a buff. It can be worn in 13 different ways, not to mention other uses, like a makeshift bandage, face cloth or t-towel! Plus, opt for one made out of magical merino wool and it will stay fresh-smelling for longer, wick away moisture effectively and regulate temperature in both hot and cold conditions. One of the best gifts for hikers? Even better than socks?! I think so.

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Amazon | REI | Backcountry


Compass

UST Heritage Lensatic Compass

This UST Heritage Lensatic Compass, with all its vintage charm, certainly looks like it belongs only on the shelves of would-be adventurers. Despite its good looks, however, its features keep it functioning just as well as any other modern compass. Housed in a shock-resistant case, the compass has luminous directional letters for use in low-light, an adjustable lens that allows for dependable sighting, and a liquid interior with precision alignment. The result is highly accurate readings that enforce the need to scrub up on your navigational skills instead of relying on a trusty (and lazy) old GPS device!

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Huckberry


How to Hike the Appalachian Trail

How to Hike the Appalachian Trail

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a dream for many hikers. Completing it, however, is something very few people actually do. So for those who’ve dreamed for long enough and are ready to take the next big step in their commitment to hiking, getting some tips and advice from Chris Cage is a must. In his book How to Hike the Appalachian Trail, Cage provides a step-by-step guide to efficiently plan for a successful thru-hike. The book is everything he wishes he would have known before starting, and helps give hikers the best chance of turning dreams into reality.

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Amazon


Stanley Master Flask

Stanley Master Flask

One of the great joys of hiking during the winter is the excuse to slowly sip on something strong as you hike. A winter warmer at its best (providing you only sip, and don’t guzzle!). The sleek design of this 8oz (227ml) hip flask means you can carry it easily in your pocket to readily share around each time you stop. And the leak-proof screw top is attached to the main flask to prevent dropping it in the snow with clumsy, glove-clad hands. To add a personal touch, make a batch of homemade sloe gin to go with it — guaranteed happy hikers all round!

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Amazon | Stanley | REI | Backcountry


Brunton Echo Pocket Scope Monocular

Brunton Echo Pocket Scope Monocular

This pocket-sized monocular is a superb and unique gift for hikers who already have everything. With a power output of 7×18 magnification hikers can spot landmarks, hazards or wildlife from up to 1000 yards away with a field of view of 181 feet. Great for helping with navigation and bird spotting. The Echo is available in 4 bright colours and weights only 51g (1.8oz) — pair it with some hiking socks and you’ve got stocking fillers well and truly covered.

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Amazon | Backcountry


Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion

Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion

Hikers spend so much of their time on their feet. And when they do take a mid-hike break their options are often cold, soggy ground, or hard, knobbly rocks — neither of which provides any comfort or rest. So what better gift to give a hard-working, weary hiker than something to sit on? This Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion provides insulation on cold ground, just enough cushioning on hard rocks, and is waterproof to prevent a soggy backside. It folds up to be easily attached to the outside of a pack, and at only 2oz (57g), it’s also incredibly lightweight to carry. Couple if with a CamelBak Hot Cap Vacuum-Insulated Coffee Tumbler and you’ve got trail breaks sorted!

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Amazon | REI | Backcountry


United by Blue Field Guide Bandana

United By Blue Field Guide Bandana

Much like a buff, a bandana has a thousand uses on the trail. With a snippet of illustrated wildlife identification, this Field Guide Bandana is especially useful! It is 22 x 22in (55 x 55cm) and made from organic cotton. But what really sets this simple piece of attractive looking cloth apart from other pieces of cloth, is that United By Blue promises to remove 1 pound of wilderness trash for every bandana sold. A stocking filler for everyone!

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REI | United By Blue


Mobility bottle

MOBOT Mobility Bottle

If you’re not playing sport, then you’re training for it. And if you’re not doing either of those you’re probably in recovery. Sound like you? If so, you need a MOBOT Mobility Bottle in your life! These things are seriously useful and their combined functions are absolutely essential for those engaging regularly in sports and exercise. The bottles are available in three sizes (18, 27 and 40oz), and are covered in tough heat pressed foam to really get into those hard to reach muscles.

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Amazon


Red Primus drinking bottle

Primus TrailBottle Tritan

Weighing in at only 170g (6oz), the Primus TrailBottle Tritan is the perfect hydration companion for hiking and camping adventures where low weight is important. The wide mouth screw top (that is totally leak free), and measurements marked on the side, make it ideal for camp cooking and refilling. But what makes the TrailBottle a really appealing option for use on day hikes, is the mouthpiece that is as easy to remove and replace as it is to drink from. With the bonus of a super strong BPA-free plastic that can deal with the rough and tumble of life on the trail, the TrailBottle gives you everything you could possibly ask for in a 1 litre lightweight water bottle – including some super cool colour options!

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Primus TrailBottle


Stabilicers soles

Stabilicers Hike XP Traction Ice Cleat

Tired of letting the snowy conditions get in the way of your outdoor adventures? Want to keep enjoying the wilderness right through the winter? Well now you can without forking out on specialist footwear. Simply step into a pair of Stabilicers and away you go! Their adjustable straps means that they fit over just about any shoe or boot, and the traction cleat tread pattern provides optimal stability in snowy and icy conditions. So strap ‘em on and take a hike!

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Amazon


Gifts for hikers don’t need to be expensive. And with a little thought, they also don’t need to be yet another useless item that the recipient just doesn’t need. Opt for one of our hiking gift ideas and you’ll be sure to make one happy hiker.

About the author

author-joey

Joey Holmes is based in Cornwall, UK, and runs Cool of the Wild. She can’t get enough of being outdoors – whether that’s lounging around the campfire cooking up a feast, hitting the trail in her running shoes, or attempting to conquer the waves on her surfboard – she lives for it. Camping is what she loves to do the most, but has also spent many hours clinging to the side of a rock face, cycling about the place, cruising the ski-slopes on her snowboard, and hiking small mountains and big hills.

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