Choosing gifts for hikers takes a bit of thought: anyone who heads for the hills every weekend has plenty of pretty things and not enough things that actually work. If you want to get unique gifts for hikers right, think about three moments: what they use on the trail, what keeps them safe and what they appreciate when they get home with tired legs. Autumn is also one of the best seasons for walking, so anything on this list will get its first outing soon.
Before you buy: how to choose the right gifts for hikers
Three quick questions help you avoid the classic present that ends up forgotten in a cupboard:
- What kind of walks do they do? Someone who walks for two hours on a waymarked path doesn't need the same kit as someone who climbs peaks over 2,000 metres.
- What do they already have? Take a look in their rucksack. If they already carry a good pair of poles, don't buy them another.
- Do they hike with a dog? More and more people head into the countryside with their dog, and that opens up a whole category of gifts.
A tip: avoid footwear unless they can try it on. Boots are the most personal part of anyone's kit, and the wrong size or fit will ruin any hike. If you really want to give boots, a gift card from an outdoor shop is a better bet.
Gifts for the trail: what they use every weekend
1. Folding trekking poles
They take the strain off the knees on descents and add stability on loose ground. Folding poles fit in the rucksack when they're not needed, which is handy on scrambly sections.
2. Stainless steel flask
A hot coffee or soup at the summit on a cold November morning tastes wonderful. Look for one that seals properly, doesn't drip and isn't too heavy.
3. Technical hiking socks
They might seem like a small gift, but good hiking socks prevent rubbing and blisters. A pack of two or three pairs always gets used.
4. Head torch
In autumn it gets dark earlier, and a walk that runs long can end in the dark. A lightweight head torch takes up little space and gets you out of more than one tight spot.
5. Daypack
Between 20 and 30 litres is the usual capacity for day hikes. Ideally with a ventilated back panel and a rain cover.
Gifts for hikers and mountaineers who put safety first
6. Compact first aid kit
With blister plasters, a bandage, gauze and antiseptic. It weighs very little and is the one thing hardly anyone buys for themselves until the day they need it.
7. Emergency blanket and whistle
Two cheap, lightweight items that should always be in the rucksack. Together in a dry bag, they make a really practical little gift.
8. Rugged power bank
The phone doubles as map, GPS and emergency phone. A small, shockproof power bank gives peace of mind on long routes.
9. A walking guide to their area
A book of routes in the hills closest to home will give them ideas for months. It's easy to get right and takes up no room in the rucksack: it lives on the bookshelf.
Gifts for hikers who walk with a dog
If the person you want to surprise walks with their dog, you have plenty to choose from:
10. Collapsible water bowl
There isn't always water to hand on the hills. A collapsible silicone bowl fits in a pocket and lets the dog drink at every stop.
11. Pet hair remover for the car and sofa
After the walk, the dog comes back tired, sometimes wet, and leaves hair all over the upholstery. A reusable pet hair remover helps lift it off the car seat or the sofa without using up disposable refills. It's one of those gifts nobody asks for but that gets used every week.
Gifts for mountain lovers for after the hike
12. Massage roller or ball
Great for loosening calves and the soles of the feet once you get home. It takes up little space and gets used every day, hike or no hike.
13. A soft throw for the sofa
The best end to an autumn day on the hills: shower, sofa and a cosy throw. It's a gift for the home that suits any hiker and will get used all winter.
14. An experience
A night in a mountain hut or a country cottage, a guided walk or a navigation course. For someone who already has all the kit, giving an experience is almost always a winner.
Ideas by type of gift
| Type of gift | Ideas from the list |
|---|---|
| Small gift | Technical socks, emergency blanket and whistle, collapsible water bowl |
| Practical gift | Flask, head torch, first aid kit, walking guide, pet hair remover |
| Special gift | Daypack, trekking poles, a night in a mountain hut or country cottage |
Conclusion
The best gifts for hikers are the ones that leave the house in the rucksack every weekend, or that make coming home more comfortable. Ask a few questions first, notice what they already own and think about their dog too if it comes along. And if you're also looking for something for their home, have a look at the Velia Select shop.