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Holiday gift guide

Best gifts for hikers, sorted by budget

Shopping for a hiker when you don't know their gear is harder than it looks. Boots need a size, packs need a torso length, and a tent depends on who they hike with. So my dad and I built this list around gifts that are hard to get wrong.

Every pick here comes from one of our ranked guides, so you can click through and see how it ranks against the rest. It starts with stocking stuffers they'll use up and ends with the big stuff, for when you know exactly what they want.

01 · $

Stocking stuffers

Small things a hiker goes through: socks, drink mix, hand warmers, blister tape and snacks. You don't need to know anything about their kit for these, and a second box never goes to waste.

See all eleven stocking stuffers →
02 · $

Small gifts

A step up, and still nothing that needs a size or a strong opinion. Each of these is a small piece of gear that a hiker will carry on almost every trip.

03 · $$

Main gifts

The present under the tree. These cost more, so a few of them need a little homework first: their shoe size for the boots and microspikes, their shirt size for the hoodie, and whether they hike at night for the headlamp.

04 · $$$

Big gifts

The splurge. Each of these is the top pick on its guide, and they're personal, so buy one only when you know what they want, or when they've told you their size and how they hike.

What is a good gift for a hiker?

A good gift for a hiker is something they'll use on almost every trip and that doesn't depend on knowing their gear: merino wool socks, electrolyte mix, a headlamp, a water filter or a small knife. Save boots, packs and tents for when you know their size and what they already own.

What do you get a hiker who has everything?

Get a hiker who has everything something they'll use up. Socks wear out, electrolytes and trail snacks get eaten, hand warmers and blister tape run out. Experienced hikers also tend to skip comforts like a camp pillow or a light chair, so those make good gifts for people who already own the essentials.

How did we pick these gifts?

Every product here is ranked on one of our gear guides, from published specs, Amazon buyer reviews and AI-assisted research. We haven't tested every one of them on a trail, and nobody paid to be on this list. We earn a small commission if you buy through our Amazon links, which is what pays for the hours we put into the site.

Questions

Gifts for Hikers FAQ

What should I buy a hiker if I don't know their size?

Stick to things with no size: electrolyte mix, hand warmers, blister tape, a Buff, a headlamp, a water filter, a small knife, a power bank or binoculars. Socks only need a rough shoe size range, which is easy to find from a pair of their sneakers.

Is a satellite messenger a good gift?

Yes, for someone who hikes alone or out of cell range. A Garmin inReach lets them text and send an SOS by satellite. It needs a paid Garmin plan to work, so check whether they'd keep one going before you buy it.

Are hiking boots a good gift?

Only if you know their size and the fit they like. Boots are the most personal gear a hiker owns. If you're not sure, buy socks or microspikes instead, or check that the seller takes returns.

What are good stocking stuffers for hikers?

Merino socks, LMNT or Liquid I.V. electrolytes, HotHands warmers, Leukotape for blisters, a Buff, trail snacks like Honey Stinger waffles, and Aquatabs. Our stocking stuffer guide ranks eleven of them.

By Tom. Picks are ranked from published specs, Amazon buyer reviews and AI-assisted research, never paid placement. Ratings are as last checked on Amazon, which always has today's price.

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