Holiday Gift Guide for Hikers
'Tis the season for gift giving! And if you've got a hiker on your list but don't know what they might want or need, I've compiled a small list of things that any hiker should be happy to get.
Gifts under $25
Moisture Wicking Socks - These are very helpful for keeping your feet dry, especially on a hot day. Socks may sound cliché as a holiday gift but a good pair of moisture wicking socks can make all the difference for a comfortable hike.
Outdoor First Aid Kit - It's always a good idea to have a first aid kit when out hiking. Something like this HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit would certainly make a good stocking stuffer.
Gifts under $50
Hydration Reservoir - If you want to step up your water game, a hydration reservoir is the next level. No need to reach around to grab your water bottle or unscrew a top. The reservoir's hose brings the water right up to your shoulder for easy access. It may be helpful to make sure your hiker has a backpack that can house a reservoir, or gift a backpack as well!
Stainless Steel Water Bottle - Another water-related gift that can come in handy on the trail. A stainless steel water bottle keeps water colder longer than a regular plastic bottle. And even if you have a hydration reservoir, an extra bottle on hand doesn't hurt. Check out this NYTimes article on the 8 Best Water Bottles for some ideas.
Portable Power Device - Especially if you're going to be out for more than a few hours, it's a good idea to have some extra portable power in case your electronic devices drain. I've definitely been out and realized that, because my phone was searching for service for a while, the battery was pretty low. They even have power banks that can act as a hand warmer and flashlight on top of being a charger.
Gifts under $100
Trekking Poles - Poles are a very handy and versatile tool that can help stabilize you in many types of situations on the trail. I have found them helpful for steep trails, rocky trails, and even stream crossings. Some trekking poles can cost over $100 but there are plenty of very fine poles that are under the $100 threshold.
Day Pack - A hiker needs to carry a fair amount of stuff while out in the wilderness so a nice, sturdy, lightweight day pack is important. Some even come with a hydration reservoir built in. There are lots of options when it comes to day packs and the prices have a wide range, but I've found the REI Co-Op Flash 22 Pack to be a great little bag. It doesn't have that many compartments though, so if you're looking for something with lots of pockets, there are other options out there.
Headlamp - Headlamps are good for those hikers who may end up outside after dark or are interested in exploring darker places like caves. A headlamp frees up your hands so you're not having to carry a flashlight. The prices range anywhere from $20 for a simple non-rechargeable lamp to $100 (or slightly more) for ones that are rechargeable, brighter, water-proof, etc.
Gifts over $100
GPS Device - An avid hiker will at some point be on a trail that doesn't have good cell reception and so a GPS device is a great gift. The price can range anywhere from a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars if you want something super fancy. And they can be a handheld device or a wearable watch. Lots of options for this higher-end gift.
Are you a hiker? Is there a hiking gift you'd love to get that isn't listed here? Put it in the comments below!
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