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Whether you are a hiker yourself or a committed armchair adventurer, purchasing a gift for a hiker can be intimidating. Hikers are notorious for being snobs about having a just-so piece of gear, which can make finding something that they’ll actually use a serious challenge. To help you pick something that will impress and delight, we’ve selected some of the top products we’ve tested over the last year as some of the best gifts for hikers available right now.
Best for Cold Days: Unihand Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Best Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Messenger
Best Backpack Cooler: Hydroflask Day Escape
Best for Trail Runners: Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Mountain Print Crew Socks
Best Filtered Water Bottle: Epic Water Filter
Best Camping Mug: OtterBox Elevation
Best Stocking Stuffer: Grabber Hand Warmers
Best Sustainable: Noso Patches
Best Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
Best for Anglers: Bass Pro Shops Fish Eagle Spinning Travel Rod
Best Solar Charger: BigBlue SolarPowa 30
Best Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze
Best GPS Watch: Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
Best First Aid Kit: NOLS Med Kit 4.0
How We Chose the Best Gifts for Hikers
The Outdoor Life gear team and contributors have been taking the top gear and accessories out for day hikes and backpacking trips across the country for years. This roundup features the best of the best products we’ve used for hiking. We’ve also focused here on gear that will accentuate and improve an already dedicated hiker’s gear setup — no gag gifts or party favors. We use these products ourselves and are confident that they will impress even the most avid hiker in your life.
The Best Gifts for Hikers: Reviews & Recommendations
Best for Cold Days: Unihand Rechargeable Hand Warmers
The Unihand was the highest performing electric hand warmer in my test, lasting over six hours on high and nearly 11 hours on low. This was especially impressive as it clocked higher temp ratings than others that I looked at. Like all the rechargeable hand warmers I tested, the Unihand hand warmers were easy to use. After charging the pair via the double-head USB-C charging cable, you simply press the power button one to three times to choose your preferred temperature. They warm up surprisingly fast, so you don’t need to turn them on until you are ready to use.
Read Next: Best Rechargeable Hand Warmers
The downside to the Unihand is that it is slightly pricier, and the latching mechanism that couples the two hand warmers together — either for storage or if you prefer to have a larger hand warmer that heats on both sides — is a little stickier than I would like.
Best Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Messenger
After going through all the data I had on price, reliability, and functionality, it’s clear that the Garmin Messenger is the best option for the vast majority of people. Like all Garmin products, it works off of the Iridium network, which testing showed outperforms the Globalstar network in reliably sending messages. While it’s middle of the road for pricing across all metrics, I appreciated that it had a lower monthly fee than the Zoleo and ACR satellite messengers, which helps when you inevitably realize that you forgot to deactivate. I especially appreciate their recent decision to allow for an SOS-only subscription, called Enabled, with the option to send custom messages or check-ins that you pay for on a per basis. This costs $8 a month, while their lowest priced plan that includes 50 custom messages costs only $15.
Read Next: The Best Satellite Messengers
The Garmin Messenger has the most impressive battery of any satellite messenger we tested, and it wasn’t even close. While other testers were checking and re-upping their satellite messenger batteries during our testing trip, I left my testing unit on without upping the battery once. By the end of four days in the backcountry, the battery was at 86 percent. That translates to roughly 3.5 percent battery use per day which is on track for the Messenger to hit the claimed 28-day lifespan.
Best Backpack Cooler: Hydroflask Day Escape
The extra padding and wide frame made the Hydroflask Day Escape the most comfortable backpack cooler to carry.
The Hydroflask Day Escape has one of the most comfortable carries I’ve tested in this cateogry. This is what I would bring with me on a day hike, or really any carry longer than 50 yards. This is in large part due to its shape: It has a wider frame, with less depth, which holds the weight closer to your body than models that were free form or structured like a traditional cooler.
In addition to being comfortable, the Hydroflask Day Escape also has all the hallmarks of one of the great backpack coolers, being fully waterproof and holding ice for 37 hours during my insulation test — not the longest in my test, but plenty for a picnic or day hike. I also liked that it had an outside mesh pocket — useful for stashing small items or needing somewhere to stick your trail beer on the go.
Best for Trail Runners: Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Mountain Print Crew Socks
Trail runners need socks that can put up with abuse after abuse and still perform. The Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Mountains start with a big chunk of of merino wool (excellent for moisture management and temperature control) and then add in almost as much nylon for durability. To tackle one of the biggest failure points for running socks (the toes), these also have an extra chunk of cushioning — useful if you bang your toes on an errant root during a run. I’ve also found during testing that these socks stay in place better than anything I’ve tried. I never think about them when I’m running, which also means they’re always the pair I reach for before heading out.
Read Next: The Best Hiking Socks
Best Filtered Water Bottle: Epic Water Filter
As staff writer at Outdoor Life, most of my time evaluating products is spent out in the field, getting my hands dirty. That was not the case with the best filtered water bottles; instead, most of my time was spent trying to track down information on what testing had been done to validate a given filter’s ability to filter any number of contaminants, from PFAS to lead to chlorine to giardia. For several products, I had to query to track down the testing results.
Read Next: The Best Filtered Water Bottles
In the field, the Epic was also one of the filtered water bottles I grabbed for most often. The Nalgene housing felt familiar in my hand and I liked that the straw was more of a rectangular shape than a circle. Functionally, it has about one ounce less capacity than it states (due to the space inside the bottle the filter is taking up), but that’s a minor quibble. While this filtered water bottle had a noticeably bad taste at the start of testing, it improved rapidly and was on par with the rest of the filters in my test by the second day.
Best Camping Mug: OtterBox Elevation
If the hiker on your shopping list has been using the same ceramic camping mug for so many years that it’s more chips than mug, then they’ll appreciate this upgrade. Not only was the OtterBox Elevation an excellent insulator, it also has a unique lid that sets it apart from the competition. The centimeter-tall rim makes it easier to take a slow first sip, when you’re really just checking to see if it’s safe to drink your coffee yet, as the outside air has longer to cool the hot coffee before it hits your mouth.
Read Next: The Best Camping Mugs
Best Stocking Stuffer: Grabber Hand Warmers
Help keep your loved ones outside in the colder months with this top-performing hand warmer. In my test, the Grabbers stayed warmer longer than all the other hand warmers in this style, emitting heat as soon as the package is opened up, and lasting for 12 hours. It works when the outside air, specifically the oxygen in the air, kickstarts the oxidation of the iron powder inside the wrapping, which produces heat as the iron begins to rust. The secret sauce for most of these packets is in how they control the heating process, so that the heat is released continuously and at comfortable temperatures.
Read Next: The Best Hand Warmers
Best Sustainable: Noso Patches
Outdoor gear struggles to decompose once it’s tossed into a landfill. By making a proper long-term repair instead of throwing out ripped gear, you can give it new life and get the most from your favorite pieces. Not to mention, make a style statement with these artfully designed patches. Using duct tape to cover a rip compromises the structural integrity of your garment and can make things worse. These easy peel and stick repair patches are a permanent solution to prolong your already pricey gear investments. Noso’s mission is to patch the planet starting with one ripped puffy at a time. Any outdoor person can customize and save their gear with these attractive and practical patches.
Best Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
Darn Tough’s hiking sock has been the standard bearer for the best hiking socks for years, and they are still at the top of my list. The balance of merino wool — which both retains heat and wicks away moisture — with nylon’s durability, keeps my feet hot-spot free and comfortable on day hikes and thru-hikes alike. Since wool contains lanolin, a natural antimicrobial, the stink factor stays down on trips where even creekside rinses aren’t an option. The Lycra spandex provides just enough stretchiness to keep these socks from slipping down on high-mileage days.
I’ve worn these socks everywhere from the San Juans of Colorado to the Mojave in California to the temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park, and it performs equally well in all conditions. And when they did eventually blow a hole in the back heel after a thousand miles or so of use, Darn Tough’s Lifetime Warranty means you’re always covered.
Best for Anglers: Bass Pro Shops Fish Eagle Spinning Travel Rod
If the hiker in your life is eyeing some remote mountain lakes as their next destination of choice, then help them out by equipping them with a travel rod. We recommend pairing this affordable option from Bass Pro Shops with one of the best spinning reels.
Best Solar Charger: BigBlue SolarPowa 30
The BigBlue SolarPowa 30 impressed during testing, generating 17.8 watts of power out of its USB-C port under sunny skies and clocking 5.5 watts in the shade. That means it should reliably charge your phone in most conditions. And it accomplishes that at well under $100. While this panel only has one kickstand, in testing that was enough to aim it at the sun; however, the stiffness of the material connecting the three panel sections together had a tendency to hold its shape after being in storage for some time. Fortunately, it bent back without too much difficulty, and showed no signs of wear in the process. The BigBlue SolarPower 30 was on the larger side in my test, but this panel is still petite compared to the best portable solar panels and should take up virtually no space in your car camping kit. It’s even small enough that I would consider bringing it along on very short backpacking trips.
Read Next: The Best Solar Chargers
Best Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze
If the hiker or backpacker in your life hasn’t updated their water treatment system in a while, then this gift is a no-brainer. A mainstay of the backpacking world for a number of years, the Sawyer Squeeze performed exceptionally well in our test, coming in a close second to the Platypus QuickDraw for fastest flow time, while being noticeably easier to use. Part of what makes this filter so effective is its backflushing system, which involves filling a simple syringe with water and then pushing its contents into the outflow nozzle on the filter. After running the filters through three liters each of the Puyallup River, I wasn’t surprised to see the water shoot out brown initially, but it cleared up after only a couple of rounds of backflushing.
Read Next: The Best Backpacking Water Filters
Best GPS Watch: Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
If James Bond was into outdoor recreation and fitness, the Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar would be his watch. Garmin’s new line of Fenix watches includes three different models (Standard, Solar, Sapphire Solar). Each model is offered in three different sizes. There are too many variations to get into, so I’ll stick with the model I tested, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, which is the high-end version. This model has sapphire lens material and titanium bezel material. It has a larger and more efficient solar panel than previous Garmin models.
I’ve used this watch for a little over a month and am still digging into all of its features. On the upside, general setup was quick and painless. I navigated through the watch’s setting options and then paired it with my phone through Garmin’s Connect app. The first thing I did was take it for a run through one of my regular routes and was happy to see the watch tracked perfectly. As it should. The Sapphire Solar uses multi-band GPS, which can access more than one range of frequencies from different constellations of satellites (most GPS systems use a single connection to the satellites). In other words, it utilizes more powerful GPS technology that should mean faster and more accurate navigation. While navigating on hikes, the touch-screen feature made moving around the topo map (which comes pre-loaded on the watch) a breeze.
Like all other smart watch options, the Sapphire Solar has a variety of fitness and health metrics you can track and tinker with (though its offerings go deeper than most). But this watch is a bit heftier and quite a bit more expensive than most other smartwatches. Where the Fenix Sapphire Solar really sets itself apart is with its rugged construction, improved solar charging, and powerful GPS. So if the world (of standard GPS watches) is not enough, then you should go with the Fenix Sapphire Solar. It makes for one of the best gifts for hikers. —Alex Robinson, Best GPS Watches
Best First Aid Kit: NOLS Med Kit 4.0
This is the med kit I’ve been taking backpacking for years, and out of the 11 kits I tested for this roundup, I still won’t backpack with anything else. I have a NOLS Wilderness First Responder certification, and I’ve found this kit has a high emphasis on treating more severe wounds than minor abrasions. If the purpose of a wilderness medical certification is to stabilize a patient until emergency medical services can reach them, then this kit supports that intention.
Obviously this kit doesn’t have everything, so I have added a SAM Splint for fractures (although it adds weight), as well as a “cheat sheet” I made for assessing an injured or sick patient in the field and a lightweight SOTO Amicus backpacking stove. The 4.0’s roomy pockets are also a good place for the group to keep their personal medications if they so choose.
Read Next: Best First Aid Kit
I also evaluated the Adventure Medical Kit Mountain Series Backpacker in my test, but ultimately feel more prepared with the 4.0 in treating significant wounds. In fact, I gave this kit to a friend (an EMT) who had to treat someone in the field with a deep wound that had to be thoroughly packed and was immediately transported. That’s all the additional assurance I needed. —Samantha Silverman
Things to Consider Before Buying Gifts for Hikers
Weight
Even if the hiker in your life seems to have everything they could need, there is always one way to impress them with a gift: get them something they already have for hiking, but lighter (and you get double points if you get them something made out of titanium).
Aspirations
Hiking can mean anything from a two-mile river walk before brunch on Saturday to thousands of miles in the backcountry over several months. Knowing what kind of hiker you are shopping for is essential to picking the right gift. Before making a purchase, spend some time asking your friend or family member what kind of hiking they enjoy, and what kind of hiking they hope to do in the future.
Season
Committed year-round hikers typically need a much wider range of gear than hikers that stick to fairer weather, including bulkier layers, more durable rain gear, snowshoes, hand warmers, and more. Knowing whether your hiker is planning to head out in more inclement weather can expand the range of potential gifts that would be appropriate.
FAQs
Gifts for hikers can cost anywhere from a couple of dollars up to hundreds of dollars.
According to the American Hiking Society, the ten essentials for hiking include appropriate footwear, navigation (map and compass/GPS), water, food, appropriate clothing, safety items (headlamp, firestarter, and whistle), first aid kit, knife, sun protection, and shelter.
What you need to go hiking depends in large part on the type of hiking you are planning on. Hikers headed out on a long (over ten mile) trek on rarely used trails should be careful to pack the ten essentials and share their hiking plans with someone in the frontcountry before they leave. Hikers that stick to short, popular trails can typically grab a bottle of water, some snacks, and appropriate layers and be fine.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an appropriate gift for the avid hiker in your life is a matter of knowing what gear they already have, what aspirational hikes they are planning on for the future, and what their personal preferences are. Many hikers and backpackers can be quite picky about what gear they do and do not want to carry with them on the trail, so spending a bit of time asking about their preferences is a great way to ensure you give the best gift for hikers in your life.
The post The Best Gifts for Hikers of 2024 appeared first on Outdoor Life.