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It can be hard to come up ideas for perfect hiking gifts for him. But don’t worry, because there are so many to choose from!
Whether you’re looking for something fun, practical, unique, or a gift that keeps on giving, we’ve got you covered here.

Our Favorite Gift
Cairn Subscription Box
This is really the gift that keeps on giving! Every month, he will receive a box full of goodies that hikers love! If you want him to think of you every month for the rest of the year, this is the perfect gift!
Practical Gifts
A Multitool
I take my multitool on every hike I go on (and of course when I go camping too!). It’s amazing how useful they can be. No one has ever received a multitool as a present and thought “I probably won’t use this.”
Waterproof Phone Case
What’s more practical than a waterproof case for your phone? This isn’t just a normal phone case, though. This case provides serious protection for his phone – shockproof and waterproof up to 66 feet for one hour! Protects from dirt, snow, ice, and just about whatever you can throw at it.
Hydration Pack Cleaning Tablets or Cleaning Kit
If he hikes with a hydration pack or camelbak, chances are it needs cleaning. These items don’t come with the packs so he’ll appreciate them.
OutMore Inflatable Pillow
Small and light, this pillow is great for any adventure! Or just a picnic. Or camping. There are so many times when this pillow comes in handy that I take mine just about everywhere. And at such an affordable price, getting one of these pillows is a no brainer!
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles take about 30% of your weight off your knees when hiking and will save your knees in the long run. If he’s never tried them, maybe it’s about time! If he already uses them, he could always use another pair.
Lightweight Bug Repellant Lotion
Small enough to carry everywhere, this bug repellant lotion comes in handy more often than you’d think!
A Tough Headlamp
Anyone who likes being outdoors needs to own a headlamp…and you can have more than one. I’ve gotten headlamps from my aunt several years in a row for Christmas and I’ve been grateful for each one! I use them around the house AND when I’m hiking.
Tenacious Tape Repair Patches
Useful for so many things, it’s good to always have some extra patches around. I’ve used them on my tent, rain jacket, and backpack. They are super easy to apply and last a very long time!
Cleaner and Waterproofer for Gear
This is stuff is great for a little extra waterproofing on a rain jacket, hiking boots, or tent. I love that it comes in a pack with the cleaner too! This is the perfect gift for the hiker that likes to take care of his gear.
HotHands Hand and Body Warmers
Help him get out more in the colder months with a box full of HotHands! It’s amazing how much heat these little guys give off. Not only that, they last all day! Put one inside your jacket to help keep your whole body warm.
Ultralight Camping Chair
These chairs are small and light enough to take on any hike. It’s a wonderful treat to get to a summit with a great view and not have to sit on a rock! That’s why this is one of the best hiking gifts for him.
Unique Hiking Gifts for Him
Bees Wrap Natural Plaster-Alternative Food Wraps
These are such a cool alternative to plastic! Made from all natural bee’s wax and reusable, these food wraps are certainly unique and an excellent gift for him.
Cool Mountaineer Glasses
Nothing will make him look like serious mountaineer faster than these glasses! Plus they provide serious UV protection as well as protection from strong winds. Very handy when summiting high mountain peaks.
Sun Hat
A good sun hat can be a life saver when you’re out hiking all day! This is my favorite among unique hiking gifts for him.
A Collapsible Water Bottle
These are collapsible water bottles are super convenient and unique. They are great for traveling and backpacking.
Silicone Hiking Mugs
These are so convenient because they fold up and are very light. They are also cheap so you can get a four-pack at a great price!
Weatherproof Notebooks
For anyone who likes to write, inspiration most often hits you when you’ve got you blood flowing and you’re in a beautiful, serene environment. In other words, hiking is the perfect time to write!
Space Pen
This is a great gift to go with some waterproof notebooks (above) or give it all by itself. It’s perfect for hiking because you can depend on it working anywhere!
A Unique Hiking Shirt
Maybe something clever, maybe something funny…there are tones of great hiking shirts out there that are fun to wear both on and off the trail.
A Bottle Cozy with Outdoor Sayings
“Hike More, Worry Less” or “Going to the Mountains is Going Home” makes me want to get out onto the trail. Keep your bottle cold longer with these fun coozies.
An Ultralight Hiking Umbrella
This is no ordinary umbrella – this one is specifically made for hikers. It’s light enough to take on any hike but still sturdy and dependable even if he gets caught in a harsh storm.
Post-Hike Massage Roller
This thing is amazing to work out knots in your legs or back after a hike. You might not think of a massager for hiking gifts for him but this one is designed with hikers in mind.
Traction Cleats (Crampons)
These are a must-have for hiking on icy trails in winter. If he likes to get out even in the cold months, he will certainly appreciate a good pair of crampons.
Outstanding Hiking Clothes
Hiking Socks
Socks typically make terrible gifts…unless you’re a hiker! Darn Tough uses the highest quality merino wool, which naturally provides all weather performance. This Mens hiking sock stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Leg Gaiters
Anyone who has ever used leg gaiters when hiking on a dewy morning will tell you all about how useful they are!
New Hiking Boots
Any hiker can use a new pair of boots. Picture here are Timberland White Ledge but if you want to read more about great, inexpensive hiking boots, check out 21 Best Hiking Boots Under 100 Dollars.
A Lightweight Rain Jacket
These are so cool because they pack up so small and so light, you can just throw them in your backpack and forget about it. He’ll never find himself caught in the rain unprepared again.
Multifunctional Headwear
At first glance, this may not look like much but it is really an amazing piece of clothing! This one item can be worn 12 different ways: from cap to balaclava, neck gaiter to hair tie.
A Nice Pair of Gloves
These Black Diamond gloves are made for outdoor adventurers. Super warm and super tough, these are a great gift for anyone who loves to go out in the winter.
Smart Wool Beanie
Nothing beats a Smart Wool beanie! It’s amazing how much heat you lose out of your head and Smart Wool is one of the best insulators, even when it’s wet!
Food and Drink
Trail Snacks
From energy bars to beef jerky, trail food is beloved by hikers everywhere. Stuff a few items in his stocking or if you know what he likes, get a full box and he’ll be thanking you for months!
Pocket Utensil Set
These are super handy! Small and lightweight, he’ll never have to pack a full sized fork and spoon again.
A Thermos
Hot soup, hot coffee, or iced cold water (depending on the season) on a hike can be amazing! Go with the original, trusted Thermos brand for guaranteed quality!
Ultralight Gas Stove
These are so convenient for hikers and campers alike. You can take them on any hike because they’re so small and light so you can warm up your lunch or make some from fresh coffee.
Titanium Spork
If you want to step it up a notch from the pocket utensil set, a titanium spork is really the way to go. They weigh almost nothing and can be used to eat almost anything.
A Water Filter
A standard piece of equipment for any backpacker but still something casual hikers will appreciate. You can make just about any water source safely drinkable with a water filter.
A Nalgene Water Bottle
The classic Nalgene is a beloved piece of equipment for hikers and non-hikers alike. You simply can’t have too many and you’re never disappointed when you get another.
An Insulated Water Bottle
If you want to step it up a notch from a typical water bottle – get an insulated one! Yeti is simply the best at keeping your drinks hot or cold for ridiculously long periods of time. He’ll love this insulated water bottle for ice cold water on hot hikes or hot coffee on cold days.
A Hiker’s Coffee Maker
If he’s a coffee drinker, he’ll appreciate being able to brew up fresh, hot coffee in a delicious French press that doesn’t weigh him down. This ultralight coffee maker was designed for hikers.
A Hiker’s Coffee Grinder
A great compliment to the coffee maker just above, this coffee grinder is hand powered and awesome in a set of hiking gifts for him.
A Backpacker’s Mug
This goes great with the hiker’s coffee mug or all by itself. It’s just a great item for any hiker.
A Wine Bag
Imagine hiking to a perfect picnic spot and enjoying a nice glass of red wine with lunch in an open field. If he likes wine and likes to hike, a wine bag is a great gift!
Cool Hiking Gadgets
Pocket Binoculars
Any hiker will appreciate a pair of binoculars, especially ones so easy to pack up and carry! This is one of my favorite gadgets as hiking gifts for him.
Monocular
Easier to carry than a set of binoculars, get him a monocular! This monocular is waterproof and fog proof while offering 10x magnification. Perfect for spotting wildlife or taking a closer look at a great view.
Gobi Tripod
These tripods are really cool! You can wrap them around a tree branch or set it up evenly on an uneven surface. It’s perfect to get great pics anywhere!
Clip on Camera Lens for a Phone
Instantly give any phone a totally new lens simply by clipping onto the outside. Get a wide angle lens for great landscape photography or a magnifying lens for amazing wildlife shots.
Portable Solar Panel
Get energy anywhere there is sun with these portable solar panels.
Blavor Solar Charging Bank
Step up the solar energy game with solar charging bank. Let this charge when there is sun, then let it charge your devices later.
Solar-Powered Radio, Flashlight & Phone Charger
Who couldn’t use a flashlight that doesn’t take batteries? And how about a radio and phone charger too! Use the hand crank when there isn’t sun so you can always have power.
Altimeter
Any mountain climber loves to know the altitude changes.
GPS
When you’re going where there is no cell service, a GPS is super handy. These ping satellites directly so they are a perfect hiking gift for the man who likes to go into the backcountry.
A GoPro
GoPro has been changing the way adventurers make videos for years now. Take high-quality videos from many angles because these cameras mount to just about anything. They are a bit pricey so consider this great but affordable alternative.
This watch does it all! It has a built in altimeter, barometer, compass and it even tracks the weather for you. This gift is perfect for just about any outdoor lover!
These walkie talkies are super fun because they have such long range! You can stay in communication up to 36 miles away, plus they feature an SOS siren and NOAA weather alerts, keeping him safer when he’s out hiking.
Survival
Every man who ventures into the outdoors likes to fancy himself a bit of a survivalist. Even if he doesn’t say it outright, there is a part of him that likes survival shows, learning about survival, and survival gadgets!
Survival Bracelet
There are a ton of little survival gizmos built into these cool braclets – SOS LED Light, Knife, Multitools, Fire Starter, Compass, and Whistle. The best part is that it comes in a pack of 2 and they’re very affordable! They make great stocking stuffers
Fire Starter
Any survivalist will tell you that lighters are unreliable and matches limit how many chances you have to start a fire. That’s why they carry a good fire starter. Plus, it’s fun to practice your fire skills with one of these.
LifeStraw
LifeStraws are pretty amazing. They have won awards for their innovative designs and effectiveness. They make just about any water safely drinkable by removing 99.99% of all the nasty stuff that could make you sick.
Water Purification Tablets
Every hiker should carry a pack of these. They are small and lightweight and can treat almost any water.
A Good Compass
A good compass is really worth having for any hiker. This would go great with the navigation book and topo maps listed below.
A Mini Survival Kit
Can’t decide on a cool survival toy to get? Why not get them all? These kits are surprisingly affordable for what they include!
Mylar Blanket or Emergency Bivvy
Either of these items are a must-have in any survival kit. They make great stocking stuffers too!
A Good Outdoor Knife
The one key piece of a equipment for any survivalist is a good knife. If he loves survival stuff, he could always use another knife. And even if he doesn’t, every hiker can use a good one!
A Tactical Shovel
These shovels are so cool because they have a hidden survival item just about anywhere you can put one. You can do everything with these shovels – chop wood, start a fire, saw branches, and of course dig a hole!
An Emergency Satellite Messenger
This is a great safety item for the hiker that likes to head out into the backcountry on his own. You can send an SOS if your in trouble or just a check-in message to contacts to let them know everything is ok.
Stormproof Match Kit
I’ve carried one of these around for years. It weighs almost nothing and I know I can always start a fire anywhere, even if my pack gets wet.
First Aid and Self-Care
From blisters to sprained ankles, hiking definitely comes with some hazards. Not just that, it’s a dity, sweaty activity. Fortunately, there are a ton of gifts for him that will make hiking safer as well as more comfortable.
Hiker’s First Aid Kit
He might not have safety as his first concern but you do! That’s why this first aid kit makes a great gift…for his safety.
Survival Medical Kit
If he has some interest in medicine or if you just want to step it up a notch from a simple first aid kit, this medical kit has all you need to treat slightly more serious injuries while still being light enough to take with you on a hike.
Poison Oak & Poison Ivy Removing Cleanser
He’ll thank you later when he has sweet relief from some itchy redness that we’ve all experienced at some point after a hike.
biodegradable cleaning wipes
These are super convenient for hiking because you can give yourself a quick, refreshing wipe and then bury it in the forest because they are biodegradable! What a great stocking stuffer!
Anti Chafe Balm
Another great stocking stuffer! This balm is a life saver for the guy that likes to do some serious hiking.
Blister Bandages
Every hiker gets blisters from time to time, but not every hiker has these handy to treat them. He’ll thank you later.
Tick Remover
If he lives in areas where ticks are common, this tick remover is super handy.
Campsuds
Another great hygiene product for hikers, Campsuds is biodegradable soap so it’s totally acceptable to wash your hands in river using it (or take a full on bath if you so choose).
A Microfiber Towel
A microfiber towel is perfect for hiking and backpacking, especially if he likes to hike to swimming holes or waterfalls. It weighs very little and adsorbs a lot! I makes a great gift with the Campsuds from above.
Sunscreen
Everyone needs sunscreen and the thing is…it’s kind of expensive. He will appreciate this gift for sure.
Awesome Lip Balm
Chapped lips is a constant struggle for hikers. Joshua Tree Mountain Mint is the best lip balm I’ve found and it’s also 100% organic.
Different Kinds of Backpacks
Not all backpacks are created equally…or for the same purposes. There are actually many styles of backpacks, some best for traveling, some for short hikes, and some for more serious hikes.
Packable backpack
A packable backpack is made for the traveling hiker. It can pack up small in a suitcase but still makes a great pack if he is going to do some hiking wherever he travels to.
Waist Pack
Many people discount the convenience of a good waist pack. These are great for short to mid-range hikes. You can fit enough food and water in this size and the weight is already on your hips, where it belongs.
Waterproof Backpack or Dry Bag
From river crossings to slot canyons, sometimes you just get wet on a hike.
Sling backpack
A sling backpack only has one strap, which is more for style than for practicality. Some guys love them!
Hydration Backpack
A hydration backpack comes with a bladder and straw so you can carry all your water in the bladder and drink while you’re hiking. These are essential to stay hydrated on long, intense hikes!
Backpack Cooler
For a bit of fun, these insulated backpacks keep your favorite food or beverages cold while you hike.
Best Hiking Backpack
Even if he’s already got a favorite pack, he’ll be blown away when he tries the Osprey Talon 22. It is consistently named the best hiking day pack because of it’s light weight, durability, and comfort.
Books and Maps!
Books and maps can make excellent hiking gifts for him! From guides to adventure stories, topo maps to ecology books (that are actually interesting!), books and maps might be just what you’re looking for!
Local Hiking Guide
There are tones of these 60 Hikes within 60 Miles books for locations all over the US. If there is not one for his location, any local hike book makes a great gift.
National Parks of the U.S.
National Geographic’s comprehensive travel guide to recreation areas, trails, historic sites, nature hikes, seashores, camping, and campgrounds is for everyone who loves outdoor recreation!
Nature Book
I got this book last year and it transformed how I view the outdoors. I notice so much more than I used to and understand nature better than I ever thought I would. I highly recommend this book among hiking gifts for him if he enjoys learning.
A Good Hiking Book – Walking Home, Mountain Man, Walking Away
These books are the some of the best stories ever told and will inspire him to get out more than he ever has before.
Learn Navigation
Navigation isn’t just a necessary skill for hikers, it’s also a lot of fun! Consider giving him a good compass along with this book and he’ll have a great time learning navigation while out doing what he already loves – hiking.
A National Parks Calendar
Ring in the new year with a deluxe, oversized, vintage-style calendar of our beloved national parks.
An Illustrated Map from National Geographic
These illustrated maps are not only informative and useful, they are also fun!
A Photography Book
The name of this book says it all. If he likes taking pictures, this book will make a great gift.
The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide
They mean it when they call this the ULTIMATE hiker’s gear guide. Written by the legendary Andrew Skurka, this guide is perhaps the most useful reading material for a hiker.
A Subscription to Backpacker Magazine
Every month he gets a new issue, it’s like he’s getting another gift from you. Backpacker magazine has been a favorite magazine among hiker’s for decades.
Backpacker’s Field Manual
This guide covers the latest developments in gear—such as Global Positioning Systems and ultralight hiking equipment—first aid, and Leave No Trace camping, and includes a chapter devoted to outdoor leadership resources and basics. Beginners and experienced hikers alike will find this book indispensable for trip planning strategies and also as a quick reference on the trail.
Topo Maps for His Iphone – only $7.99
With all kinds of features like zooming and adding waypoints, his iphone can become a library of topo maps he’ll use on every hike. And at only $7.99 each, you won’t break your budget.
Pro tip: find the maps in the app store and use the gift button to send the app to his email as a gift.
Aquapac Waterproof Map Case
The main problem with paper maps is simple – they get wet. So if he likes paper maps, this waterproof map case will be one of the best gifts he gets.
Other Great Hiking Gifts for Him
Hammock
You might not think of taking a hammock on a hike but if it packs down small and is light enough, why not? He’ll love pulling this thing out midway through his hike and taking a quick break.
Adventure Flask
This flask is made tough and light for the outdoorsman that likes a little warm up every now and then.
Pike Trail Pocket Blanket
These blankets are compact, lightweight and durable. They are small enough to fit in your purse, bag, backpack and even in your pocket. How convenient is that?!
Compact Kumfie Sit Mat
On a long hike, having a place to sit down that is not a rock is amazing. These sit mats are a life saver sometimes!
Pelican Case
I got a small Pelican Case about 10 years ago and have used it in so many situations since then. They last forever, are completely waterproof, and are incredibly tough. They act as a safe box for your keys, phone, and other electronics and are great for hikers!
Lightweight Games! – Backgammon, Cribbage, Bocce
These are just a few ideas of the lightweight, outdoor games that are designed with hikers and campers in mind!
Fun Adventure Pins
These fun pins from REI are great for decorating his backpack or showing off some places he may have visited.
Packing Cubes
If he likes to be organized, these are for him! A backpack can be messy and hard to find stuff sometimes but these packing cubes help keep his pack neat and tidy.
A National Park Pass
With this pass, he can visit all the national parks as many times as he wants for an entire year!
Final Thoughts
Hopefully here you have found the perfect hiking gifts for him! Because if you haven’t, you likely won’t find it anywhere. This is the most comprehensive list of hiking gifts on the internet.
Ever wonder the difference between backpacking and hiking? Find the explanation here.
Hey, check out these cool Pinterest pins I made:


