Best Gifts for Hikers for Every Budget

Last Updated: January 2021

Written By: Opt Outdoor Staff

Looking for a gift for the hiker in your life that won't break the bank?  Well you've come to the right place.  

Anyone shopping for outdoor gear knows how easy it can be to purchase a pair of classic sandals, only to find that you've just blown over $100 in the blink of an eye. To help you find the perfect gift that won't burn a hole in your pocket we've separated our top picks into four distinct categories: 

We hope to provide an assortment of backcountry gifts that range in price so you can find the one that meets your needs. Let's break down the many options below.


Best Hiking Gifts Under $50

Stanley Classic Flask

A drink by the campfire is an underrated way to take the edge off after a day on the trail. This stainless steel flask from Stanley won't rust over time, is BPA-free, leak-proof, and features a wide mouth for easy filling and pouring. An integrated lanyard prevents you from losing the cap, and a lifetime warranty provides additional peace of mind behind your purchase. MSRP $20.

Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight and Watertight 0.7 Kit

This is a gift that you hope the recipient will never have to use but will give them peace of mind on their adventures. It is designed to meet the emergency medical needs of up to 2 people for 1-4 days. The kit's contents include medications to treat pain, inflammation, and allergies, as well as bandages and wraps for scrapes, strains, or fractures. All contained in an ultralight and watertight nylon bag. MSRP: $29

 Snow Peak Titanium Cup & HotLips

The Snow Peak Titanium 450ml cup is a great stocking stuffer for the hiking enthusiast. It’s super light and small enough to pretty much fit anywhere inside a pack. Snow Peak also makes a clever accessory for their mugs called HotLips.  Just push the HotLips accessory onto the rim to drink without burning your lips. MSRP: $29.95  & 2 HotLips for $6.95

New Balance 5 Panel Performance Hat

The runner in your life will be happy to receive this stylish performance hat. The 5 Panel Performance Hat from New Balance features an adjustable clip in the back that makes the hat easy to adjust. Their premium moisture-wicking fabric and vented sides helps the wearer stay cool and dry during those intense runs.  Reflective 3M material increases visibility at night while the super breathable and lightweight material soaks up sweat without trapping excess heat.  MSRP $22.

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock 

We know what you are thinking. Socks? Really? But these aren't just any socks. Darn Tough's famous "unconditional, lifetime warranty" means that this is a gift you are giving for life. But they aren't just durable; they are comfortable, versatile, and best of all - highly odor resistantWe like Darn Tough so much; we wrote this in-depth reviewMSRP $20-$23.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a great gift for any outdoors enthusiast.  It can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water contaminated without the use of iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals. Weighing just 2 ounces, this pocket-able filter is ultra-portable, and the included storage bag will keep it clean between uses. MSRP $18.

Ekrist Portable Charger Power Bank

We spend time outdoors to disconnect from technology, but that doesn't mean your phone should be dead the moment you hit the summit. Keeping a charger in your pack allows the user to take pictures, track your movements via GPS, and call for help in the event of an emergency without the risk of your phone dying when you need it most. Ekrist's portable charge power bank can recharge a phone 6-8 times thanks to a 25,800mAh fast-charging battery. LED indicators display how much juice is left in the battery, and two USB outlets allow you to charge two devices simultaneously. MSRP $32.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Oregon-based brand, Hydroflask produces some of the world's toughest stainless steel water bottles that are built for a life outdoors. Made from food-grade stainless steel, their 32-ounce wide-mouth bottle can keep any liquid piping hot or freezing cold for hours at a time. A slip-free powder coating makes for a reassuring grip, and every Hydroflask bottle comes with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. MSRP $45.


Best Hiking Gifts Under $100

Teva Ember Moc - Men's & Women's

Keeping your toes toasty warm often requires a layer or two of plush socks, but Teva's Ember Moc Slippers can do the job without breaking a sweat. As a "shoe-slipper" that's perfect for campgrounds, short hikes, backcountry huts, flights, or trips to the store, the hiker in your life will find different ways, time and again, to wear these snug slippers. A rubber sole provides plenty of traction while the rib-knit collar with webbing detail adds a bit of flair to the otherwise unfussy footwear. MSRP $75.

CamelBak Aurora Hydration Pack

CamelBak's Aurora pack features an ergonomic fit due to its small profile and lightweight design. A breathable air mesh back panel reduces sweat from soaking your shirt. And the magnetic tube trap keeps your hydration tube secure and accessible for the moments you need it most. External hooks provide storage options for more gear. Also, a stretch overflow compartment makes for the perfect place to stow a rain shell or an extra layer.  MSRP $73.

Carhartt Rugged Flex Rigby Bib

Whether you're working in the yard, hitting the backcountry trail, or sitting by the campfire with friends, Carhartt's Rugged Flex Rigby Bibs are ready to be a part of the festivities. Made from a durable blend of cotton and spandex, these classic overalls host a secure fit that loosens to your form as you break them in. Adjustable front-elastic suspenders can be modified to offer the perfect fit. At the same time, pockets hidden throughout the overalls provide plenty of opportunities to store your goods and gear. MSRP $90.

Eagles Nest Outfitters Lightweight Camping Hammock

Replacing your trusty tent with a hammock may seem like a daunting change of pace, but that's only true until you've plopped into ENO's DoubleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock. Made from 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta, the DoubleNest is breathable, lightweight, quick-drying, and capable of supporting up to 400 pounds. Best of all, it weighs a mere 19 ounces and stuffs easily into an attached storage bag, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or lounging around with a friend. Choose from over 30 color options to find the hammock that matches your backcountry personality. MSRP $64

Gerber Freescape Hatchet

You will need  to take care how you wrap this one.  But the Gerber Freescape hatchet is a great gift for car camping enthusiasts.  From chopping wood to digging holes this durable hatchet is a excellent addition to anyone's gear kit. MSRP $59


Best Hiking Gifts under $200

Leatherman Free P2 Multitool

Leatherman has been the embodiment of the multi-tool ever since they offered their original design to the masses in 1983. Of the various FREE models that exist, we’re fans of the FREE P2. It contains 19 different tools, all accessible with one hand. These include a screwdriver, spring-action scissors, a bottle opener, and Leatherman’s signature needle-nose pliers. The FREE P2 comes with a 25-year warranty, so you know the reciepient will be carrying it for years to come.  MSRP $120.

Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS

Garmin’s Instinct Tactical Watch features a rugged design that’s constructed with U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance of up to 100 meters.  A 3-axis compass pairs with GPS functions, a barometric altimeter, and a heart rate monitor that measures activity and stress levels. This smartwatch also pairs with your phone to provide you with notifications. And the battery will last up to 16 hours in GPS mode before it needs to be recharged. MSRP: $199


Best Hiking Gifts - No Budget

YETI LoadOut GoBox

If you are bringing a lot of gear to the campsite, you're going to need a place to store it all. YETI's LoadOut GoBox features a waterproof and dustproof design tailored to protecting your gear. YETI claims it's near unbreakable — the only reason they don't state that it's unbreakable is because they legally can't. The wide design and versatile interior compartments allow you to organize and separate your gear. And the strategic slots will enable you to securely fix the GoBox to the truck bed or roof rack. MSRP $250.

Nemo Tensor Alpine Mountaineering Sleeping Pad


Sleeping comfortably in the backcountry requires not only a proper sleeping bag but a comfortable pad too. Nemo's Tensor Alpine Mountaineering Sleeping Pad provides three inches of insulated lift to elevate the users body off the ground. It thus ensures that you're warmer, no matter how cold it may be. The pad's undulating lateral baffles are the most comfortable and unobtrusive design found on sleeping pads. Weighing just 24 ounces, this pad is perfect for backcountry trips when lightweight equipment is essential. MSRP $245

Red Paddle Co. Compact Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard Ride MSL

While not a hiking gift per se, it would be hard to find anyone who wouldn't appreciate receiving this. 

Stand-up paddleboarding has grown in popularity thanks in part to modern paddleboards that can be inflated and deflated for easy transport. Red Paddle Co. produces some of the finest inflatable paddleboards on the market, and their Ride MSL is well-equipped for a day on the water. At 10' 6", the Ride MSL is a perfect board for those looking to cruise the local waterways without fear of falling overboard.

The board's embossed deck pad offers comfort and grip.  Practical tie-down cargo ties can hold all of your supplies, from food and drink to towels and sandals. Every Red board comes with a Titan pump and an all-terrain bag with wheels to store and transport the board. Also included is a repair kit in the unlikely event your board gets snagged, and a waterproof phone case that fixes to the board for easy access. MSRP $1,299.


Best Hiking Gifts Comparison Table


Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect gift for the hiker in your life isn't always easy, if only because an infinite number of giftable options exist. From sandals to sunshades and backpacks to backcountry skis, stepping into your local gear shop in search of a gift can be an overwhelming experience.

If you're struggling to find the perfect gift, start by establishing a suitable budget that works with your needs. After all, there's no reason to spend countless hours sifting through gifts you simply can't afford. From there, take some time to look at options and reviews online. Make a note of what others have to say about the products you're interested in, as these can often be helpful and even revealing.

Once you've found the product that's sure to put a smile on a hiker's face, explore the many online and in-store shops to find the best price, but don't be afraid to buy local if you can!  From there, it only takes a bit of wrapping paper to seal the deal.

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