Hikers can be easy to shop for. There is so much hiking gear, apparel, and accessories out there, and so many different styles, colors, and use cases that the gift options are plentiful. That is a double-edged sword, though. It can also be overwhelming to shop for hiking gear, and choice paralysis is a real thing.
No need to fret, because your hiking experts at GearJunkie know what the hiker in your life needs — or, at least, what they would enjoy being gifted. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite hiking gear and apparel for tackling long days (or weeks) on the trail. They’re gifts that will continue giving, enabling your loved ones to get outside and spend time in nature.
We’ve included options to fit different budgets and types of hikers, everything from compression socks to party shirts, monoculars, packs, pants, and more. Of all the hiking products we’ve tested this year, these are some of our favorites.
Be sure to check out all of our gift guides for more ideas to suit every adventurer on your list!
Hiking Gift Ideas for 2024
Fjällräven Keb Agile Winter Trouser — Men’s & Women’s: $250
Craftsmanship is at an all-time high with the Keb Agile Winter Trousers from Fjällräven. These soft-shell trekking pants have recycled polyamide, polyester, and elastane blend with a PFAS-free DWR finish. Double weave, four-way stretch fabric moves on the trail, while G-1000 stretch reinforcements bolster durability in high-wear areas.
Compared to the classic Keb Agile Trousers, the winter-specific design offers a slightly roomier fit to accommodate thicker base layers underneath. Plus, with zippered gussets on the leg endings, these pants can accommodate winter hiking boots.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 — Men’s & Women’s: $140
The Merrell Moab is the bestselling outdoor hiking shoe in the world. This summer, the Moab Speed got an upgrade and now offers all of the comfort and stability of a hiking boot in a much lighter and more agile shoe made from more recycled materials. And as our review noted, you can run in them for short distances if you get the urge.
Those who want more support from their hikers, without making the leap into the world of “mids” and full-on “boots” will probably take to this shoe very quickly.
The best base layers feel like they are barely there. That feeling is what Smartwool designers were after when they created the Intraknit Active Base Layer for women. The slim fit design with minimal seams hugs contours for a next-to-skin feel that works to resist bunching under other layers or rub during intense activities.
Made from a performance fabric blend, the Intraknit’s design checks all the performance boxes. Merino wool aids in moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor resistance.
Meanwhile, the softness and cooling properties of the TENCEL Lyocell help add extra comfort. Built specifically for women, the Intraknit incorporates mesh ventilation to help keep you dry, even during intense activity.
Fractel Hats: From $45
Fractel’s hats converted the skeptics among us. The reason they’re on this list is comfort, which is something our tester praised these hats for. Compared to other outdoor hats that use a weird synthetic material, feel cheap, and/or look weird, these are stylish, fun, feel great, and work well.
This Australian company makes performance hats in some truly awesome color schemes and patterns. They have legionnaire hats, baseball caps, bucket hats, and more. They make great gifts for hikers, runners, backpackers, and generally sun-averse individuals in your life.
Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles: $150
Trekking poles work to reduce compressive force on a hiker’s joints and stave off fatigue. They make a noticeable difference on alpine descents or long treks. Even still, a lot of people are averse to them for one reason or another. They just need to try the Black Diamond Pursuit poles.
With cork handles, recycled webbing straps, and easy-adjust lever locks, the Pursuits are lightweight, uncumbersome, and sturdy poles. According to our testers, they offer the best bang for your buck compared to others in the same price range.
Nocs Provisions Field Tube: $125
Nocs’ newest monocular seals multicoated optics inside for a waterproof, fogproof design. The rugged casing and oversized focus wheel make this great for one-handed use, whether you’re route finding or watching wildlife.
They aren’t going to be the first choice for hunters or replace binoculars or spotting scopes among birders. But as our reviewer noted, the Nocs Provisions Field Tube deserves space in your daypack on most adventures for field use, day hikes, and on-the-go glassing.
KEEN Targhee IV Hiking Boots and Shoes — Men’s ($170), Women’s ($160), and Kids ($75)
Built to tackle the most rugged trails, the KEEN Targhee IV Hiking Boots and Shoes are a solid gift for hikers who put tons of trail miles on their footwear.
To achieve the ultimate durability, KEEN developed a glueless construction method to fuse the upper to the midsole. The result: a durable hiking boot with a bond that promises to be longer-lasting and three times as strong as typical glue-based adhesives. According to KEEN, the upper and midsole won’t separate throughout the shoe’s lifespan.
An abrasion-resistant outsole, designed to be just as abrasion-resistant, has a multi-directional lug pattern that targets superior traction underfoot. KEEN backs this ultra-tough design with a lifetime delamination-free guarantee.
The Targhee IV is available in a classic boot design and a low-profile hiking shoe with multiple styles for men and women. For families with kids, KEEN also makes the Targhee in big kids and mini versions. (Because matching family hiking boots are goals!)
NEMO Resolve Technical Daypack 35L — Men’s & Women’s: $220
Daypacks should emphasize comfort as much as technical chops. That’s why NEMO gave the Resolve a mostly-air cushioning called CCubed — an alternative to foams, which tend to hold sweat and off-gas.
The rest of the pack is rad, too, made from quality materials, adjustable side bottle pockets, and wide shoulder straps with quick-reach pockets that are larger than what you’d find on running vests. It also has a top-load design with a zippered lid compartment for extra storage. Comfort, quality, and function are all represented equally in this slick-looking pack from NEMO.
Party Shirt International Stretch-Tech Party Shirts: $55
Who said hiking attire couldn’t be fashionable? Party Shirts make some of the coolest-looking, functional button-ups around. Its Stretch-Tech line is breathable, stretchy, and perfect for getting sweaty but not looking like it.
They just dropped some killer new patterns and color schemes (and perhaps some ’80s inspiration) to offer a unique look on the trails.
Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux Hiking Boot — Men’s & Women’s
Some hikers like lightweight shoes when they hit the trail. But if you’re like GearJunkie’s Camp and Hike Editor Will Brendza, you prefer something that’s a little more substantial — and a little more traditional.
The Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux hiking boot is both. This classic-looking boot is made with Tuscan leather uppers and uses one of the stiffest Vibram soles he’s ever worn.
These boots were tested for a full 6 months. Our reviewer absolutely loved them. He commented, “I’ve developed such an affection for this chunky, stiff, full-grain leather hiking boot that the rest of my shoes have gotten a lot less use lately.”
Ombraz Cammina: $160
In our eyes, there are three things that really sell a pair of sunglasses: Style, function, and quality. You could probably say that for any accessory gear, but Ombraz brings all three of those to the table in equal and generous shares.
The new Cammina is a snazzy unisex pair of shades, one of the first styles from the brand’s new Italian factory. Of course, they sport Ombraz’s signature armless design, which makes them ideal for hiking, biking, rafting, and general day-to-day use.
CEP Hiking Light Merino Tall Compression Socks — Men’s & Women’s: $50
Lots of companies make compression socks. But CEP has been doing it since 2007, using medical expertise (and some of that ol’ German elbow grease) to make high-tech compression socks, base layers, and underwear.
These new tall hiking socks help increase blood flow to aid in recovery. They also have a 3D structured footbed for traction between sock and boot. They’re thin (a common preference in hiking socks), and CEP guarantees a blister-free experience.
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp
Absolutes: Death, taxes, and the rotational forces of the earth. While we can’t help you with the first two, the latter is directly in the Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp’s wheelhouse.
This powerful headlamp is essential for those who like to race against the sun and often find themselves setting up camp in the dark. A reliable light source for when the dark sets in, the Storm 450 runs on AAA batteries that power a 450-lumen LED bulb. Use this waterproof and adaptable headlamp at full power to charge ahead, or opt for the red light setting for more subtle illumination.
Near Zero THE DEAN Backpack 55L: $200
For backpackers who like organization or folks who are just getting into the sport, Near Zero’s THE DEAN backpack has predesigned organization compartments for your sleeping bag, tent, food, stove, accessories, and more built into it. Quite simply, its unique design makes packing for a trip less stressful.
You can even order THE DEAN Ready-2-Go bundle with freeze-dried meals and other Near Zero gear already packed in each dedicated spot and head straight for the trails. In our review, our tester stated, “I can’t recommend this pack enough if you are a beginner or forgetful backpacker.”
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants — Men’s & Women’s: $60-99
It’s amazing what a difference a nice pair of hiking pants makes on the trail. When you’ve got comfort, mobility, and breathability, it can really change the experience. (It’s why people don’t often hike in denim.)
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pant was named GearJunkie’s Best Overall Hiking Pant in our guide to the Best Hiking Pants, and for good reason. This pant has a slim, athletic fit without being tight or constrictive. The two-way stretch makes movement unrestricted and easy. They’re both comfortable and technical, lightweight and durable, and even weather-resistant and breathable. These pants hit the sweet spot across the board.
How to Shop for Hikers
First things first: You’re going to need some info on your hiker. What kinds of hiking do they normally do? Are they long-distance thru-hikers? Are they trail runners who only hike to catch their breath? Or are they the casual kind of hiker who just enjoys pretty trails and taking it easy?
Knowing that can help guide you to the type of hiking gear that would be a good gift. Hikers who prioritize speed will prefer hiking gifts that are ultralight or improve efficiency. Hikers who prefer more support, protection, and durable gear won’t be as worried about weight. Casual, everyday hikers have their own gear preferences, too. Understand the type of hiker you’re shopping for.
Then, identify what they need. Maybe they just got a brand-new pair of hiking boots they love. But maybe they need some killer hiking socks to go with them. Or, if they’re always griping about that handy pair of binoculars they lost in the wilderness, replacing it with, say, the Nocs Field Monocular might be a killer choice.
Finally, consider your budget. Hiking gear can be extremely expensive, and it does nobody any good to shop outside of your budget — that’s just called dreaming. So, know how much you’re willing to spend, and that should narrow down your options significantly.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our hiking editor and contributors hike a lot and put a ton of hiking gear through the wringer throughout the year. Even when our main mission isn’t hiking, we often have to hike to start some other adventure. It’s both an end in itself and a means to many others.
Combined, we have decades of hiking experience. Many of us have worked in outdoor retail stores and understand the shopping habits of your everyday, average hiker. We know that there are different styles of hiking; whether that’s ounce-counting ultralighters, runners who refuse to hike in boots, or casual hikers who relish the journey without checking a watch.
Most of the gear selected for this gift guide is gear we’ve used and loved. It’s gear we trust and that you can trust your loved ones will enjoy when they’re out on the trail.
Want more gift ideas? Check out our other gift guides and buying guides.
