For several years now, I have spent a good part of my free time in the mountains, hiking and exploring routes. And every year, the same question comes back: “What can we give you for Christmas or your birthday?” It also works the other way round. Friends, family and people on Instagram regularly ask me for gifts for hikers. They know I am one of the people most concerned (so I must have some magical suggestions).
The best gift for hiking? Honestly, it is not that simple. When you hike regularly, you end up with plenty of kit. And when you need something for your next adventure, you rarely wait for Christmas in eight months. You also quickly become picky about what is really useful and what will just gather dust in a cupboard. I have received gifts that looked nice on paper but that I never used (hello, multi-tool gadget that weighs a ton). On the other hand, I have had simple, less “wow” things that go everywhere with me.
My ideas for gifts for hikers
So I wanted to gather all my gift ideas for hiking in one place. These are the ones I have tested, the ones I have given and that people really liked, and the ones I still use years later. They go from small, affordable budgets to dream-worthy big investments. I have also added a few original gifts for hikers that you might not think of. Whether it is for a man, a woman, a beginner or someone who clocks up long-distance routes, there will be something to pick from. And as usual, do not hesitate to give me your own ideas.
Sommaire
Why is it so hard to find gifts for hikers?
I remember one Christmas when I received a very complete survival kit, with a built-in compass, an emergency whistle, a fire starter and I do not know how many other things. On paper, the perfect gift for a hiker, right? Except that this thing weighed at least 300 grams and took up a huge amount of space in my bag. Honestly, I never used half of its functions. It came on two outings with me before ending up at the back of a drawer. The person who gave it to me meant well. But it illustrates the problem perfectly.
The truth is, we hikers are a bit annoying (sorry). We spend our time optimising our kit, hunting down unnecessary grams (you can see the proof in my article on my Camino de Santiago equipment), and testing and retesting our gear. So when someone gives us something, we ask a thousand questions. Is it really useful? Is it too heavy? Will it really serve me, or just take up space? We do not want to be difficult. It is just that after years of walking and tracking every spare kilo on our backs, we become very selective.
We already own the basics
And then there is a very simple reality. When you have hiked regularly for a few years, you have already collected plenty of kit. The basics are there, and so are the essentials. So finding a gift for someone who loves hiking, and who does not already have it in their cupboard, is a real headache. When people ask me what I want, I think for hours. Often I realise that, well… I already have what I need for my usual outings.
The thing that keeps coming up is the gadget. You know, those multi-function things that promise to revolutionise your life in the mountains. A fork-knife-can-opener-screwdriver that weighs as much as a small stove. Or a very stylish paracord survival bracelet that you will never wear. A head torch with 47 different modes when, frankly, you use two at most. I have received plenty of things like that, and honestly, they all end up in the same place.
Usefulness comes first
What I have understood over time (and I say it to people who ask me for advice on gifts for hiking fans) is that usefulness is the number one criterion. We much prefer a good Opinel knife at €15 that we will use for ten years to a high-tech gadget at €50 that gives up after three outings. After many kilometres on the trails, I have learned to sort what is truly essential from what just looks pretty in an Instagram photo.
Gifts for hikers under €50
Let’s start there, because we do not always have an unlimited budget, and there are very nice ideas at reasonable prices. I have items at €15 in my bag that I have used for years, while things at €100 gather dust at home. So price does not always make the quality of a gift for hiking.
The filter bottle (or foldable bottle)
I have had a LifeStraw filter bottle for two years now. In reality “we” have it, since it is mostly Cyril’s that I borrow when I need it. It was very useful on the GTVA (the Grande Traversée du Volcan d’Auvergne), where I sometimes struggled to find water points. It is great to fill up straight from streams without a fuss, and frankly it changes everything. Expect to pay around €25 to 30, depending on the model. If the person does multi-day treks, a foldable bottle such as a Platypus may be better, since it takes up little space when empty. But personally I prefer the filter bottle for its versatility.
The merino neck warmer
I have three now. The first one was a gift, and I thought, “hmm, okay, nice”. And in fact I use it all the time. Around the neck in winter, of course, but also over my ears when it is really cold, or even over my nose in an icy wind. In summer you can wet it to cool your neck. And the great thing about merino is that it smells far less than synthetic fabric after several days (it is relative, but still). My Icebreaker one cost me €25 three years ago and it is still spotless. It is a really good, inexpensive gift for a hiker, and always useful. Most of us have fairly cheap neck warmers, and nobody really invests in a nice quality one.
Proper technical socks
Yes, I know, socks are not a very sexy gift. But hang on, hiking socks are really not the same as normal socks. For a long time I walked in basic sports socks, and I understood the pain with my first big blisters. Now I often wear socks designed for hiking, in merino or Coolmax, with reinforcements in the right places. The difference in comfort and rubbing is huge. A pair can cost up to €20 to 25. It is the kind of thing you do not necessarily buy for yourself, because “well, socks”. But once you have them, you understand straight away why they are worth it.
A small head torch
Most hikers have one lying around somewhere. But it is often either an old model with leaking batteries, or a huge thing that weighs a ton. A small modern head torch, such as the Petzl Bindi or the Black Diamond Astro, costs €25 to 30. It weighs nothing and is more than enough for 90% of needs. I even keep mine in my bag on day outings, where I would not normally need it. It takes up so little space that I might as well have it just in case.
An inflatable pillow for bivouacs
For years, I slept on bivouacs with my bag full of clothes as a pillow. Until someone gave me a small 190 g inflatable pillow. At first I thought it was a useless luxury. But after a long day of walking, having something comfortable under your head really changes the quality of your sleep. There are ultra-compact models from Sea to Summit or Wilsa that slip into a corner of your bag. At around €20 to 25, it is a really nice, original small gift for a hiker who bivouacs.
A fire starter
Okay, I can see you coming: “a fire starter is a survivalist gadget”. But not really. Even if I do not use mine on every outing, I was very glad to have it each time I needed it. It works even in the rain, unlike lighters, which can be temperamental. And it lasts thousands of uses. It costs between €10 and 25 depending on the model. The most modern ones sometimes include a built-in electric windproof lighter.
A hiking notebook
It is a notebook designed specially for logging your hikes, with pages to plan, note your impressions, stick in photos and identify wildlife and plants. Count on around €10 to 15. It is a nice thing for someone who likes to keep a record of their adventures, and a really touching, personal gift.
Gift ideas for hikers: mid-range essentials (€30 to €100)
Now we are going up a notch. Frankly, it is in this price range that I have received my best hiking gifts. These are the ones I still use years later and that really changed something in my comfort on the trails. At this price, though, you need to aim right and find out discreetly, or even ask the person directly. One bad choice and the item ends up in a cupboard or on Vinted.
Hiking poles
I resisted poles for a long time. I thought they were a bit… old-fashioned. Until I understood why people use them, and they literally saved my life on the Camino de Santiago. Now I always have them with me, especially uphill or when I carry weight. They really relieve the knees and help on technical sections. Aluminium Decathlon models at €30 do the job very well to start with, but you quickly see their limits. If you want to spend a bit more (€60 to 80), the carbon Black Diamond models are much lighter. Oh, and always choose foldable or telescopic ones, because being able to stow them when you do not need them is very handy. If you want to know more, read why use hiking poles.
A day pack for hiking
What matters in a day pack is that it is light, that it has a hydration pocket, and above all that it is well ventilated on the back. Otherwise, in summer, you sweat buckets and it is just unbearable. It is a really good gift for a hiker who goes out regularly. But it is better to know the person’s build, because a badly fitted pack quickly becomes uncomfortable. Also check that the person does not already have a pack available.
The packable waterproof jacket
Trust me, when you go on your first outings and end up soaked because you do not have the right kit, it is really not pleasant. A good, compact jacket that breathes fairly well can save the day more than once. For top-of-the-range Gore-Tex, you are looking at €100 and more. But frankly, for most people a good jacket at €50 to 80 is enough. It is the kind of gift for hiking enthusiasts that is genuinely useful all the time.
A travel hammock
Okay, I am straying a bit from the classics here, but I love this idea. An ultralight hammock such as Ticket to the Moon or Sea to Summit costs between €40 and 70 and weighs 400 to 500 g. For the feeling of immersion in nature, frankly, nothing beats it. It is a really original gift for a hiker, one that will stand out and create memorable moments.
Credit: amazonas.
A cooking pot and stove
This is really for those who bivouac or who like a hot coffee break in the mountains. I have a small €25 gas stove with a pot that nests on top. Making a nice hot herbal tea at the top of a mountain, or warming a soup when it is freezing, really changes the experience. The whole thing weighs around 400 g and packs away easily. The pot and stove combo costs between €40 and 70. But check that the person does not already have one, because it is something you buy quite quickly once you start bivouacking.
What really makes the difference
In this price range, we are talking about kit that will last if it is well chosen. The advantage is that you start to get real quality, with brands that keep their promises. But this is also where you can go wrong if you do not know the person’s needs well. My advice if you hesitate: take the most versatile item. A good waterproof jacket will be used all year round, while a hammock is more specific to forest bivouacs. After that, it really depends on the type of hiking the person does.
Find more ideas in my articles about hiking equipment.
Gifts for hiking fans: big investments that change everything (€100+)
This is the kind of budget we usually spend on ourselves after struggling for months with unsuitable kit. But be careful. At this price you really need to be sure of your choice, because one wrong move and €150 goes down the drain.
The trekking backpack (the real game changer)
I did my first multi-day hikes with an old €40 Decathlon pack that literally wrecked my shoulders. For 40 days on the Camino, there was no way I would take kit that let me down. That is how I got my first Osprey! The difference is night and day. The shoulder straps are padded in the right places, the hip belt really spreads the weight onto the hips, and the ventilation system on the back means you sweat much less. As a gift for a hiking fan who goes trekking regularly, it is clearly an investment worth making. But you really need to know the person’s build. Some brands suit women’s builds better (Osprey, Gregory), others men’s. And ideally, the person should be able to try it on first, because a badly fitted pack, even at €200, stays uncomfortable.
Hiking shoes (the ultimate dilemma)
I will be honest: giving hiking shoes without knowing where you are putting your feet (pun intended) is very risky. Every foot is different, and what is comfortable for me may be torture for someone else. It took me years to find the models that fit me perfectly. So my advice is this. If you really want to give shoes, do it with a voucher for a specialist shop, where the person can try them on and get advice. Between shoe size, foot width, ankle height, the type of arch and more, there are so many parameters that it is really hard to choose for someone else.
The ultralight tent (for true adventurers)
This is the dream of every hiker who bivouacs. A tent that weighs less than 2 kg for two people radically changes the weight of your pack. When I switched to an MSR Hubba Hubba at €350 that weighs 1.5 kg, I discovered a new life. It also resists wind and rain much better. But it is a big budget, and it is really for people who bivouac regularly. If the person bivouacs twice a year, you might as well invest in something else. But for someone who often travels on long routes, it is a gift for hiking enthusiasts that really makes you dream.
The technical down jacket (thermal comfort at last)
For years I hiked with jackets that took up a huge amount of space in my bag. Until someone gave me a down jacket. I know it is expensive. But frankly, it packs into a pouch the size of a water bottle, it is very warm, and it weighs around 300 grams. It has become my essential for all high-altitude bivouacs and for autumn and winter outings with Rhéa. The important thing is to choose a packable jacket with real down (not synthetic), ideally with a hood. There are Decathlon models from €100 that do the job very well too, such as the MT900, which is really good for the price.
Compact binoculars (for the contemplative)
I am straying from the classics again, but I love this idea. Compact binoculars such as Nikon or Olympus at €120 to 150 are magical for watching wildlife in the mountains. Spotting chamois in the distance, finding marmots, identifying birds… it really adds a dimension to hiking. You need to choose compact, light models (under 300 g), otherwise you leave them in the bag and they are useless. It is a really original gift for a hiker who likes to take their time and contemplate.
Why it is really worth it
Frankly, at this price level, we are talking about kit that will last for years if it is well chosen. My Osprey pack has done I do not know how many thousands of kilometres and is still perfect. That is the difference with entry-level kit. You pay more at the start, but over the long term it pays off. And comfort and reliability are far from negligible when you are in the middle of nowhere and it starts pouring with rain. But here is the advice I always give: before investing in big kit at €200, make sure the person really needs it and will use it regularly. A great €400 tent for someone who bivouacs once every two years is a bit of a shame.
Gifts for female hikers: beyond the kit
A pink T-shirt and pink shoes… no, just kidding! I do not mean pink kit or “women’s” versions of classic items. I mean ideas that touch on the reality of women who hike. Because we have needs and questions that guys do not necessarily have.
“Rando solo: le guide féministe” by Marie Albert
This book is a real find. Marie Albert is an adventurer who does a “Survivor Tour” every summer, a walk around France against sexist violence. In Rando solo: Le guide féministe, she talks about everything. How to manage fear (the one that has been put in our heads since we were girls), how to answer worried relatives, kit and navigation. Above all, she dismantles the idea that the forest is dangerous for women. Spoiler: statistically, the home is much more dangerous than the forest. It costs around €15 and it is THE gift for a female hiker who wants to start solo or who needs to dismantle her fears.
➡️ Buy Rando solo: Le guide féministe on Amazon.
Sports period pants
Okay, back to the practical. Going on a multi-day hike on your period was a real headache for a long time. Managing sanitary products, changing them in the wild, bringing your waste back… Now there are period pants made for sport. They are breathable, they dry fast, and they let you hike normally. Brands such as Moodz or Sisters Republic make ones that are really well suited to effort. They cost between €30 and 40 a pair. It is not the most glamorous gift to give. But honestly, for a female hiker who goes trekking regularly, it is incredibly practical and life-changing.
A pee funnel (yes, really)
Okay, I know it seems like a strange gift, but let me explain. A pee funnel such as a Shewee or a P-Mate costs €10 to 15. For long mountain hikes where you find yourself in the middle of nowhere with zero privacy, it is just brilliant. Especially when it is cold or raining and you really do not want to half undress while balancing on two stones. I have had one in my bag for two years and I have used it more than once on my treks. It is the kind of thing you do not necessarily dare to buy for yourself, but it really makes a difference. For a female hiker who bivouacs, it is a small original gift that will really be used (and will certainly make an impression).
Care to recover better after a hike
We often think about kit, and a bit less about everything that helps us recover after several hours of walking. Yet between heavy legs, tension, or simply the need to sit down after the effort, it really matters. I think it can also make a good gift idea for a female hiker. At Sister Feel, for example, there are products such as the hot water bottle, the cryo packs and the herbal teas, which I find interesting for this care and recovery side.
Original gifts for hikers: beyond the kit
Here we really leave the beaten track. Because sometimes the best original gift for a hiker is not something you put in your bag. It is something that feeds the passion, inspires, or creates memories.
Little patches
Very original and highly personalised: you can find badges for lots of well-known French GR long-distance routes, and it is often a small, fairly inexpensive gesture that can please.
➡️ Buy patches in the FFRandonnée shop.
Adventure books
Adventure stories are what make us dream between two hikes. “Sauvage par nature” by Sarah Marquis tells of her thousands of kilometres walked solo around the world. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed inspires a great many women hikers. “La Grande Traversée des Alpes” by Jérôme Colonna d’Istria is for staying in France. These books cost between €10 and 25 and they really make you want to set off. It is the kind of gift for a hiking fan that stays with them for a long time.
Recto Verso boxes
The kind of slightly original gift I would have loved to receive. It is a box with a large map of the 100 most beautiful hikes in France (or Europe depending on the model), with all the detailed sheets, downloadable GPS tracks, and even transport information to get there. It costs around €45 to 50 and it is really well made. I think it is great because it gives plenty of ideas for outings, it looks nice on the wall, and it is very practical for planning weekends. For someone who is starting to hike seriously or who is looking for new destinations, it is exactly the kind of gift idea for a hiker that hits the mark.
➡️ Buy one of the boxes in the FFRandonnée shop.
Guidebooks and IGN maps
Even with GPS on your phone, unfolding a real IGN map, tracing your route in pencil and picturing the terrain remains irreplaceable. An IGN map of a region you dream of discovering costs around €15. Guidebooks for the GR routes (GR20, the Camino de Santiago, the Tour du Mont Blanc) are also perfect for preparing a trek. For someone planning a big hike, it is really useful and it builds the excitement before departure. If you are planning the Tour du Mont Blanc, see our Tour du Mont Blanc hike guide.
Camp Vibes, the hiking and outdoor box
Camp Vibes is a box that arrives every two months with hiking kit, snacks, outdoor hygiene products and lots of small useful items. It costs around €30 every two months. You discover brands you did not know, you test products you would not necessarily have bought yourself, and there is always a small magazine with hiking ideas. You can give one, three or six months of subscription depending on your budget.
➡️ Take out a Camp Vibes subscription.
A subscription to an outdoor app
Apps such as Komoot Premium, ViewRanger or IGNrando+ really change your life when hiking. You get offline maps, downloadable GPS tracks, detailed trail information… An annual subscription costs between €20 and 50 depending on the app, and it is really practical for someone who hikes regularly. No more struggling with paper maps in the wind or searching for your way. For a connected hiking enthusiast, it is perfect.
A course or a guided outing
A bivouac weekend course, a forest survival course, a snowshoe outing with a night in an igloo… Plenty of organisations offer these all over France. They cost between €150 and 400 depending on the length and type of course. You learn techniques, you live a memorable experience, and you meet other enthusiasts. You can find them on sites such as Chilowé, Altimood or Time On Target. It is really the gift for a person who loves hiking and wants to progress and live something truly special.
A piece of jewellery that recalls the mountains
A rope bracelet, a pretty necklace with a mountain, a discreet piece of jewellery… There are plenty of outdoor jewellery pieces between €20 and 60 that let you keep a link with the mountains or nature in general. Rope bracelets in particular have a nice, symbolic side for climbing and hiking lovers. Above all, they are very tough, which is handy when you spend time outdoors and can catch on anything. It is an original gift for a hiker that really stands out from the ordinary.
The technical wash bag
A proper wash bag designed for hiking is very practical. It is compact and waterproof, with well-thought-out compartments for a solid shampoo bar, toothbrush, sun cream and so on. Brands such as Sea to Summit or Ferrino make models between €20 and 40 that are really well designed. It sounds silly, but when you leave for several days, a well-organised wash bag changes everything.
Waterproof bags (dry bags)
Waterproof bags to protect your things from the rain are essential for hiking. Whether you use them for your sleeping bag, spare clothes or electronics, dry bags avoid unpleasant surprises. There are packs of several sizes (5 L, 10 L, 20 L) for around €25 to 40. Sea to Summit and Ortlieb make really reliable models. For someone who bivouacs or often hikes in the rain, it is really practical.
A selection of gourmet freeze-dried meals
Brands such as Voyager or Trek’n Eat make freeze-dried meals that are really good (not just bland rice). A discovery pack with 5 or 6 different meals costs around €40 to 50. For someone who bivouacs regularly, it is really practical and makes a change from buttered pasta.
The board game “Montagne”
A game co-created by François from Randonnée Malin that brings the mountains to a board. It is a playful way to discover the mountain world, respect for nature and good safety practices. At around €30 to 40, it is original for winter evenings.
Boot Bananas (shoe deodorisers)
Small bananas that absorb moisture and neutralise odours in hiking shoes. They contain activated charcoal and natural essential oils. At around €15 to 20, they are original and useful.
A relief map of the Alps
To hang on the wall, to picture the summits and valleys in 3D. Between €40 and 80 depending on the size. It is decorative and it makes you dream between two hikes.
Topographic whisky glasses
With the relief of a mountain engraved at the bottom of the glass. For lovers of the mountains AND of the aperitif. At around €30 to 40 for a pair, it is original and stylish.
An online video course
Certified trainers such as François from Randonnée Malin offer complete courses on how to hike light, choose your kit, prepare your routes and more. Between €50 and 150, it is really instructive if you want to progress.
Gifts to avoid for hiking fans
Come on, let’s be honest for a minute. I have received hiking gifts that went straight to the cupboard, and I want to save you from making the same mistakes. Here is what you had better avoid if you do not want your gift for a hiker to end up in a drawer.
Multi-function gadgets that do everything (badly)
You know, those things you find on Amazon with 47 different functions. The fork-knife-can-opener-screwdriver-nail file-bottle opener that weighs 400 grams and does everything… but nothing properly. I received one a few years ago, took it out once on a hike, and frankly it was just a pain to use. The knife cut badly, the fork was uncomfortable, and all that for a huge weight. Hikers much prefer a good, simple tool that does one thing well to a gadget that does fifteen things badly.
Entry-level kit that gives up after two outings
Hiking socks at €3 for three pairs that fall apart straight away. The €5 head torch whose batteries leak after a month. The “waterproof” poncho that lets in water as soon as there is a bit of wind. I know it is tempting when you have a small budget. But frankly, it is better to put €20 into something of quality that will last than €10 into something that ends up in the bin. For a gift for a hiking enthusiast, quality really matters more than quantity.
Clothes with “fun” slogans
T-shirts with “Extreme hiker” or “The mountain is calling and I must go” in Comic Sans. “King of the mountain” caps. Seriously, it is funny for five minutes, but it generally never gets worn. Hikers much prefer simple, understated technical clothes to things with cringey slogans, in sweaty cotton.
The XXL paracord survival bracelet
Careful, paracord is useful. But those huge braided bracelets that weigh a ton and are sold to you as “essential for survival”… meh. First, because most hikers will never need to undo their bracelet to use 3 metres of cord. And above all, because if you really want paracord to hand, you might as well have a reel in your bag rather than on your wrist. The real, discreet models with a built-in whistle can be useful. But the big “survivalist-style” things are rarely used.
Generic “100 most beautiful hikes” books
Not that these books are bad in themselves. But most regular hikers already have three or four lying around at home. And often the descriptions are so generic that you can find better on the internet. If you want to give a book, aim instead for an adventure story that inspires, or a proper, detailed guidebook to a specific region the person wants to explore.
Fancy water bottles that are too heavy
Those beautiful stainless steel bottles weighing 1 kg when empty, with engraved patterns and everything. They are beautiful, it is true. But for hiking, where every gram counts, they are simply impractical. A light plastic bottle at €15 will be used a thousand times more than a beautiful metal bottle that weighs a ton. Unless the person only goes on two-hour Sunday walks, but in that case they are not really a hiking enthusiast.
The cooking kit with 42 utensils
Those pot sets with plate, bowl, cup, cutlery, mini frying pan and saucepan, all in one… that weigh 2 kg and take up half the bag. For bivouacs, less is more. A simple pot with a stove and foldable cutlery is more than enough. Everything else is useless weight that will end up in the garage.
What to remember
The best way to avoid getting it wrong is to ask yourself: “Would I put it in my bag if I went hiking tomorrow?” If the answer is “hmm, it is pretty but it is heavy”, or “it is funny but would I really need it?”, then walk away. Hikers are pragmatic. They want light, solid, useful items. Not a gadget that looks pretty in a shop window but is useless.
FAQ
What is the best gift for a hiker?
There is no single best gift. Usefulness is the number one criterion. A good Opinel knife at €15 that you will use for ten years beats a high-tech gadget at €50 that gives up after three outings.
How much should you spend on a gift for a hiker?
You can start under €50 with a filter bottle, a merino neck warmer, technical socks or a small head torch. Mid-range essentials cost €30 to 100, such as poles, a day pack or a packable jacket. Big investments start at €100: a trekking pack, an ultralight tent or a down jacket.
Which gifts should you avoid for a hiker?
Avoid multi-function gadgets, entry-level kit that gives up after two outings and clothes with fun slogans. Skip XXL paracord bracelets, generic “100 most beautiful hikes” books, heavy fancy water bottles and cooking kits with 42 utensils.
Is it a good idea to give hiking shoes or a trekking pack?
Only if you know the person’s build. For shoes, I suggest a voucher for a specialist shop, where the person can try them on. For a trekking pack, ideally the person tries it on first, because a badly fitted pack stays uncomfortable.