21 Gifts for Hikers They’ll Adore Well Beyond the Trail

Available sizes: XS-XL

Treat your favorite winter hikers, skiers, snowboarders, and other outdoorsy friends to a pair of toasty base layers for the holidays. These leggings from Icebreaker are made from 100-percent merino wool that’s soft, warm, and completely thermoregulating, making them perfect for staying cozy outside. There’s no need to worry about the wool being itchy—they’re buttery soft and feature flatlock seams to eliminate any chafing on the trails. The best part? They’re odor-resistant, so they can wear them over and over again without having to wash them, and no one will know (or smell) the difference.

Available sizes: 5-11, in half sizes and two widths

A good pair of boots is a must-have for any avid hiker, and Danner’s Mountain Leaf 600 are about as comfortable as boots come. They’re perfectly classic (hello, brown-and-red color combo) yet functionally modern with a grippy outsole, waterproof liners, and durable cushioning. And while boot fit can be hit-or-miss, the casual design of these accommodates a range of feet so as long as you know your giftee’s shoe size, you won’t be playing a guessing game.

Available sizes: 5-12, in half sizes

Shopping for a speedgoat? Keen’s NXIS Speed Trail Sneakers will have them blazing through trails, thanks to their featherlight design and sporty profile. The bottom sports a serious tread for better grip as they walk and run, while the protective toe plate will keep them safe from the occasional stub. Just a warning: good luck keeping up.

Available sizes: XS-XL

Cute and functional hiking pants? Sign us up. These cargo-style pants are water-repellent with an adjustable velcro waist belt and flexible four-way stretch material for freedom of movement. While most hiking pants aren’t roomy enough to accommodate strong legs, these are a breath of fresh air.

Available sizes: XXS-XL

This jacket is a splurge, but for serious hikers and backpackers, it’s one of the most compact, functional pieces you could get. It feels like a lightweight windbreaker but offers the total waterproof protection of high-end rain jackets. True to its name, this jacket packs up to the size of an orange so it barely takes up any space and weighs only 6 ounces. (And if you’re shopping for a thru-hiker, they’ve probably talked your ear off about the importance of keeping pack-weight low.)

Available sizes: 6-11

These camp slippers are the perfect accessory for people who spend long days outside. Your giftee can slip them on after a hike or just wear them around the house when winter hits. What sets these apart from house slippers is the lugged, rubber sole that grips dirt or rocks: I wore mine all last winter while camping and around town, and the soles look as good as new.

The Garmin InReach Mini 2 is more than a communication device; it’s a safety lifeline that will give you peace of mind just as much as your giftee. No matter where they roam, the hiker on your list will have a reliable connection to send a message in case of emergency—or just to check in on an extended trip—even when cell phone reception is miles away. Keep in mind it does require an active subscription to use, so consider adding on an annual package, too.

Are you shopping for a hiker who doesn’t know what’s good for them? Trekking poles. As a former backpacking guide, so many hikers that I know denied that they needed them for years, but once they started using them, it was game over. They reduce strain on joints, allowing hikers to travel farther, and pain-free (as well as exert less energy on the uphill, which we could all use some help with.) This pair from Leki is affordable, lightweight, and has ergonomic cork grips that feel natural in the hand.

For the hiker that’s still lugging around that uncomfortable backpack without a waist belt, it may be time for an upgrade. Osprey is one of the most highly rated backpack brands because of its supportive harness systems that disperse weight and give the shoulders some much-needed relief. This one is the perfect size for day hikers who like to be prepared with layers and plenty of snacks and comes equipped with a rain cover so they can hike in any weather.

If the hiker on your list already has the 10 essentials, you can have a little more fun with your gift-giving. And this backpack cooler is sure to get the party started because it can hold up to 20 cans of their favorite boozy beverage or sparkling water. The straps are padded for comfortable carrying, and in classic Yeti fashion, the material is so durable that no matter how heavy handed your giftee is, they couldn’t damage this beast.

One of the ten hiking essentials is a light source, and this Black Diamond headlamp is much more practical than a flashlight because it allows your giftee to go hands-free. It has a rechargeable battery and multiple settings, like strobe and red light. Pro Tip: Grab it in a bright color like alloy, octane, or lilac so it’s easy to find in the dark.

Hydration is key, whether they’re embarking on a month-long thru-hike or taking a walk around the block. For savvy sipping, you can’t go wrong with Rtic’s line of insulated tumblers and water bottles, which are double-wall vacuumed sealed for all-day insulation. Even better, most designs—like the new Everyday Tumbler—are completely spill-proof thanks to the built-in lid gaskets. The cherry on top, though, is the customization option; select tumblers can be printed with names, monograms, and artwork for a personalized touch.

Safety is key on the trails. Enter, Leatherman’s sophisticated Signal multitool, which has everything they need to get outside safely. Its compact design houses 19 essential tools, ensuring they’re equipped for any challenge that comes their way. The stainless steel construction guarantees durability, while the striking colorways and accents (aqua and orange! cobalt and red!) add a festive touch to their gear ensemble. But what truly sets it apart is its preparedness for the unexpected; from a ferrocerium fire starter to a safety whistle, the Signal is a testament to both form and function.

Splash-proof and ready for action, these binoculars are the ultimate outdoor sidekick. Whether your pal is into birdwatching or just loves a good ol’ mountain panorama, these binoculars take their hiking game to the next level. And if you’re really in a pinch, you won’t have to worry about wrapping them—each binocular comes in its own drawstring pouch complete with a neckstrap and lens cloth.

When it comes to outdoor adventures, I never go anywhere without a Buff because of its versatility. I mean, a neck warmer, face mask, and headband all in one? Talk about a multi-functional gift. But I’ll admit it’s not the most exciting present to unwrap (it’s basically the equivalent to gifting socks—only the most practical giftees on your list will be elated), so it can also make a great stocking stuffer.

Socks are a great gift for hikers because 1) every hiker needs a good pair of socks (or five), and 2) hikers never want to buy them. This pair from Smartwool is my absolute favorite because they offer a bit of cushion without feeling too bulky or warm. They fit like a glove—no awkward bunching around the heel or extra fabric to create blisters. Plus, they’re not just your basic hiking socks; they have a cute floral print that somehow looks good with all of my shoes.

It’s true that many hikers care more about the outdoors than indoors, so if their home needs a little love, get them an illustrated poster of their favorite national park or hiking destination. From Yellowstone National Park to Big Sur to the White Mountains, this collection has something for everyone in a colorful, screen-printed style. And this gift will become a household staple for many years to come: Each poster is printed on museum-grade archival paper that never yellows or fades.

Extremities are one of the first things to get cold, so a good pair of glove liners should be a first line of defense. These glove liners are all about warmth but still have a slim, discreet profile so it’s easy to complete tasks like unzipping a backpack or sending a quick text.

For the eco-friendly hiker on your list who prefers to ditch the plastic, Hydro Flask’s food jar comes in clutch for carrying a hot meal while on the trail. Perfect for oatmeal, soup, or a steaming bowl of chili when they reach the summit, this container is leak-proof and will keep food hot (or cold) for hours.

Keep their ears warm on and off the trails with this fleece headband from Hoka. While other headbands get scratchy and uncomfortable, this one is made from the softest fleece, so they can wear for hours in comfort. And the panels are big enough to *actually* cover their ears without slipping or sliding all over the place. It’s the little things…

A festive gift for any adventurer, this lantern is pretty much a portable party. Solar-powered and collapsible, it’s eco-friendly, space-saving, and just plain fun—choose from eight colors or a multicolor fade to set the mood at your campsite. Bonus: It packs down into virtually nothing and collapses in on itself for easy storage, hence the name “crush” light.