10 Gifts a Hiker will LOVE (2025 Gift Guide) 🎄
After using lots of gear over the course of my 10,000+ km of hiking on long distance trails, these are my top 10 items that I think any hiker would love to receive!
#1: Sitting Pad: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion Insulated Sitting Pad
This is the perfect lightweight seat for day hikers and long distance hikers alike. Carrying this pad with you means you have a comfortable spot to sit anywhere you go. I sit on it for water breaks, snack breaks, lunch breaks, and even at picnic tables. It is way lighter than a camp chair and more versatile too!
#2: Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze with CNOC water sack
This truly is the G.O.A.T. of water filters. I received several recommendations to start using this system before I finally went for it, and I haven’t looked back. It’s lightweight, reliable, and packs down nice and small. There are several ways you can use this system, so it’s versatile. Carrying a water filter is helpful for all types of hikers. Being able to stop to fill up water instead of carrying all the water you need for the day is far preferable
Sawyer water filter with CNOC water sack
#3: Titanium Pot: Evernew
Beautiful sleek design, lightweight, and durable, this is my favourite backpacking pot I’ve ever used. A fuel canister and my stove can fit inside, making it easy to fit into my backpack. This gift will also probably last years. I still use the Evernew pot my uncle gave me after he used it for ~20 years.
Evernew Titanium Pot
Fuel and stove can nestle inside.
#4: Satellite Device: Garmin inReach mini
With this gift, you are giving everyone peace of mind. This gadget allows the hiker to connect to satellites to send messages and even trigger an SOS if they need a rescue. This means that when out of cell signal, they are still able to access help. I know this has helped me feel more confident out on trail AND it’s helped my loved ones relax knowing I have it with me.
Garmin inReach mini
#5: Tent: Durston X-Mid Pro1 Tent
My tent is my home out on trail and this one is so cozy. I used this tent for the entire Pacific Crest Trail and beyond. It never failed me. I stayed dry during rainstorms and always felt comfortable in my little space. This is definitely a pricier option, but how cool is it to know you are buying them their little home?
Durston X-Mid Pro 1 Tent
#6: Shoes: Altra Lone Peaks
I know shoes are very personal. But, if you know the person’s shoe size, this might just be the perfect gift. I decided to add it to the list after I’ve had countless people tell me they tried these shoes because they knew they were the ones I used and they absolutely love them! Give them the gift of no blisters and comfortable shoes!
Altra Lone Peaks Trail Running Shoes
#7: Camera Clip: Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip
This is the perfect gift for a photography lover or videographer. This clip allows the user to slide their camera on and off their backpack strap easily. It decreases the barrier to grabbing your camera to capture a moment out on the trail. Not sure if they have it already? It never hurts to have a clip for your day pack AND your backpacking pack, so I’m sure they will make good use of it!
Peak Design Camera Clip
#8: FarOut Guides Gift Card
FarOut is an app that many hikers use to navigate when they are out on trail. This app contains hundreds of routes around the world, including hiking trails, biking trails, and paddling routes. It is the most popular app amongst long distance thru hikers since you can buy most of the long distance routes through the app. Not only does the user receive the GPS route, but also icons with comments about important waypoints, like campsites and water sources. If you purchase a gift card for someone they can then use it to buy the next route they want to hike. Such a good gift!!
#9: Day Hiking Backpack: Durston Wapta 30
I use this pack as my day hiking backpack and absolutely love it! If the person you’re buying for is an ultralight hiker, they might even be able to use this pack as their overnight pack. You’ll need a few of the person’s measurements to ensure you buy the right size for them. Check out Durston’s size guide:
Durston Gear’s Sizing Guide:
Recommended Torso Length:
Small: 15 - 17.5" (38 - 45 cm)
Medium: 17 - 19.5" (43 - 50 cm)
Large: 19 - 21.5 " (48 - 55 cm)
Pack Height (Hipbelt Center to Shoulder Straps)
S: 15.5" / 40 cm
M: 17.5" / 45 cm
L: 19.5" / 50 cm
Hipbelt Recommend Hip Size:
S/M: 29" - 38" (76 - 96 cm)
M/L: 33" - 42" (86 - 106 cm)
Durston Wapta 30 Backpack
#10: Bear Resistant Food Sack: Ursack Major Food Sack
This is an especially good gift if the hiker you’re buying for hikes through bear territory. This sack allows the user to tie it to a tree and the material can’t be ripped open by a bear. I prefer this method to spending half an hour trying to toss a rope over a tree branch to hang my food up high. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and helps keep me safe. It’s a great gift!
Ursack Major Bear Resistant Food Sack
I hope you found an idea for the hiker in your life! Please note that if you shop through these links, I might earn a commission from that sale at no additional cost to you. There are still sales running on many of these items, so get them quickly!
Happy Holidays,
Krysta
