We’ve put together a curated list of the best hiking gifts! From small, stocking stuffer like gifts to high-end technical gear, we’ve tested and researched to find the gifts worth giving. Additionally, if you purchase these (or any other gift) by clicking a purple link below, a very small part of your purchase will go to keeping our site up and running (at absolutely no cost to you). Cheers. And happy gifting!
Small Items (or Stocking Stuffers)
1. Leatherman Wingman Multitool ($60) – Easy to stow and carry, this little tool comes to the rescue in so many situations! Includes pliers (perfect for extracting pesky cactus thorns), a bottle opener, screwdriver and much more. A perfect hiking gift!
2. Zootility Pocket Knife ($35) – Light, nimble yet serious, this little number should be a standard in any hiker’s pack.
3. Tavva Snack Containers ($25) – Stow your trail mix, nuts or (hey why not) hair ties, in one of these super light weight, reusable, stainless-steal containers. Good for you and the environment!
4. AZ Silhouette ($18) or Gold Mountain Disc ($30) Necklaces – Delicate & stylish reminders of her love for the outdoors.
5. SOL Reflective Blanket ($12) – One gift they’ll be glad to have – but, hopefully, never use. A good “just in case” item to keep in the pack.
6. Hedgehog Multi Tool ($12) – We love, love, love this super compact, hardworking, and very cute tool. The comb is perfect for yanking out unwanted Chollas. And the bottle opener and screwdrivers are good to have on hand.
7. Sunbum SPF 30 Face Stick ($10) – Simply said “you can never have enough good sunblock.” And this baby is easy to pack and use.
8. Good Hiking Reads – Satisfy your wanderlust even when stuck indoors. These three books take you away: Wild, by Cheryl Strayed ($17), Desert Solitaire, by Edward Abbey ($8) and Bush Craft 101 Wilderness Survival, ($10.50), by Dave Canterbury.
9. Fox Sonic Blast Whistle ($9) – Sometimes we like attention. And other times we NEED it. This teeny beast packs a loud whistle if attention is required.
10. Letterfolk Hiking Journal ($10) – Keep a record of your best hiking memories with this compact journal. Space for 24 hikes with pictures.
Tech Essentials
1. GoPro Hero 9 ($400) – Capture and/or live stream your hikes with this rugged, waterproof action camera.
2. Garmin InReach Mini ($300) – Never be out of touch with this powerful satellite communicator. Allows 2-way texting, can send an emergency signal and more. An awesome hiking gift!
3. Garmin eTrex 10 ($95) – This rugged, handheld GPS navigator lets hikers go truly paperless. Tracks your path, mileage and other features.
4. Solar Power Bank ($30) – Capture Arizona’s plentiful sun to recharge phones and other electronics.
5. UBeeSize Flexible Tripod ($20) – No more contortions to get the right instagram shot. This tripod stands upright or wraps around branches for the perfect angle.
6. Slonik Rechargeable 1000-Lumen Headlamp ($36) – Yes. Lumens matter on a dark trail! Switch from 200-1000 lumens with this adjustable light. Or remove it and use it as a flashlight.
7. Waterproof Phone Pouch ($9) – I don’t know how many phones I’ve damaged during summer rains on the Mogollon Rim. Slip your phone into this tightly sealed pouch for full water protection.
Layer on the Style
1. Darn Tough Socks ($23) – Not only are these designs really cool, but Darn Tough socks are guaranteed for life! Cushy merino wool is both anti-microbial and great at keeping sweat and moisture at bay. One of our favorite hiking gifts.
2. Oboz Sawtooth II Hiking Shoes ($110-140) – OK. Hiking shoes are personal. But in our book, nothing beats the intense durability and tread of these shoes on Arizona’s hyper-rocky trails!
3. Arc’teryx Neck Gaiter ($40) – Pull it up when it’s cold, or down to protect your neck from the sun. Lightweight wool is anti-microbial and moisture wicking.
4. Page One Chunky Hat ($20) – Can you say “Cute?” We love this extra Chucky hat for cool mornings and evenings. Available in 20 colors.
5. New Balance Athletic Gloves ($15) – Protect your hands from chills and/or rock-scramble scrapes with these lightweight, grippy gloves.
6. PrAna Kingmans Baseball Cap ($35) -Organic cotton corduroy with a mountain design leather front. This one’s really special.
7. Cotopaxi Down Jacket ($170) – This company and their products rock! The down is responsibly sourced and nylon scraps go into other products. All about keeping the earth beautiful while enjoying it. Available for both men and women.
8. Northface Mens fleece ($89) – This sustainable fabric pullover is perfect for Arizona layering. Available in 7 colors.
9. Northface Womens Osito Jacket ($99) – Super-soft, cozy and perfect for cool-weather-layering. Available in 14 colors.
10. PrAna Wolf Pack Tee ($35) – This years set of visual word-play-Tees totally cracked us up. One of a great series.
11. Black Diamond Hiking Poles ($130) – Super light-weight aluminum poles that are a snap to adjust for height. The cork hand holds are an extra comfy bonus.
Hydration Have to Haves
1. OspreyMen’s Tallon 11 ($82) or Women’s Tempest 9 ($75) Hydration Backpacks – Major respect to Osprey for designing specifically for the male and female forms, making these some to the best 2021 hiking gifts! Plus, small details such as easy seal bladders, magnetic hose connectors and more, make these our favorites.
2. Hydration System Cleaning Kit ($10) – Stave off mold and mildew. Kit includes a short brush for the bladder, a long Flexi-brush for the tube and O rings.
3. BonDry Bladder Dryer ($20) – Insert this highly-absorbent, machine-washable, reusable mat into your clean bladder to quickly soak up moisture and wick it away. Made from sustainably sourced fibers.
4. Lifestraw ($17.50) & Carry Case ($9) – Another “good to keep in the backpack” hiking essential. This small, award-winning filter kills 99.9% of waterborne parasites, to sanitize drinking water in a pinch. The case protects it.
5. Katadyn BeFree Water Purifier ($36.50) – A solid water emergency filter alternative, this product kills 99.9% of waterborne parasites, to sanitize water in a pinch. Bonus, the 20 oz. silicon “soft bottle” rolls up to fit in tight spaces.
6. Yeti 30 L Cooler ($530) – Perhaps the luxury choice in 2021 hiking gifts. Who doesn’t who love an ice cold drink after a long day outdoors. With its abuse-proof shell and leakproof design, this portable cooler literally keeps ice for days!
7. Nathan Hydration Belt ($26) – For hikers who prefer a waist belt to carry their water and keys, this one’s well built and holds 22 oz.
Your Fun and Their’s
1. Hike More Sticker ($3) – Show their love of the outdoors with this colorful sticker.
2. Sedona Playing Cards ($12) – For a quick game on a Mountaintop, or at home thinking about the next hike.
3. Grand Canyon Puzzle ($40) – This 1,000 piece puzzle brings home Arizona’s beauty even when stuck indoors!
4. Superstition Mountains Gaming Pad ($25) – Check out the trails online, while using this oversized picturesque mousepad.
5. Extra Strong Dog Leash ($11) – Keep your pet secured on the trail with this extra strong leash.
6. Collapsable Water Bowl ($8) – It’s easy to keep their hiking buddy hydrated with this durable, collapsable dog bowl.
7. Kurgo Dog Backpack ($42) – Let Fido carry some of the weight with this roomy dog backpack, after all 2021 hiking gifts aren’t just for people.
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