It’s that time of year again when we get to give (and hopefully receive!) new gear and hiking-related items. I’m super excited about this year’s gift guide; there are so many great products here that are practical additions to a hiker’s or outdoor lover’s gear stash. So without further ado, enjoy!
Note: I used the original price – not the sale price – when organizing these. You may just get a better deal than what I advertise! Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means that I receive a small commission if you decide to buy a product – there is no extra cost for you.
Hiking Gifts Under $10
SPF Lip Balm
Keep those lips from getting chapped or sunburned. Plus this four-pack is gluten-free, hypoallergenic, and made with organic ingredients.
Biodegradable Soap
If you’re worried about using soap while camping or backpacking, check out this 4oz. highly concentrated, all-natural soap that will work for washing everything from dishes to your hair!
SPF Sleeves
Don’t like or feel like wearing a full SPF shirt? These are fantastic for keeping you cool while keeping your arms out of the sun! (You can get them for your legs, too!)
Mosquito Nets
Keep the mosquitos, gnats, and other bugs off of their faces with either a 4 pack or a single head net.
Running Gloves
You don’t have to be a runner to appreciate running gloves. A small, lightweight pair like these can be a lifesaver, since they’re easy to toss into a backpack.
Pee Cloth
A pee cloth is such a useful device for those of us who have to “go” in the wilderness and hate packing out toilet paper. This one is priced for the perfect stocking stuffer.
Adventure Awaits T-shirt
This one is so pretty and so soft! It’s become a favorite.
Pretty and Camp-friendly Clothesline
A travel clothesline complete with clips and an easy-to-hang bungee-cord style setup? That sounds like a great socking stuffer!
Hiking Gifts Under $25
Helmet Liner
This is another of my favorite pieces of gear. It actually covers my ears and keeps them warm, plus it fits perfectly underneath my bicycle helmet (it’s also very nice for hiking).
SPF Shirts
The more I wear SPF shirts, the more I love them! These hooded versions, complete with thumb holes, cut down on the amount of sunscreen I need to use – plus they help you stay cool and safe on the trail. Here’s the link for the ladies’ shirts and the link for the guy’s version.
Biking Shorts
I love my Sportneer Cycling Shorts! About a year of daily use and they’re holding up great and making my bike rides much more comfortable. Here’s a similar version for guys.
USB Rechargeable Fan
A USB rechargeable fan is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who camps during the summer without electricity. There’s also a model with a clamp for even better experience while camping.
CozyPhones
I’ve had my CozyPhones for years, and I still use them often! They’re great for winter running, sleeping, and more.
Base Layers
Help them stay warm outside this winter with base layers – for women and for men.
Camera Lens Mug/Cup/Thermos
Give your loved one a gift that shows off their love of photography!
Waist Pack with Shoulder Straps
While I usually opt for my G4Free daypack, I really like the Viscne waist pack for shorter trails. It has several pockets, including one roomy zippered space that easily fits an 8” tablet case, two side pockets for 16 oz. water bottles, and padded waist straps. I wasn’t sure what to think about the optional shoulder straps – but I love them! It really sets apart this product from other waist packs I’ve used.
Hiking Gifts Under $50
Cute Hot Cocoa Set
If your hiker loves cute little animals, this will be the best gift! Twelve packets of hot cocoa in various flavors are presented in adorable little boxes, perfect for camping or a cold winter day.
Backpacking Chair
Backpacking chairs are the rage. No more to you have to sit on a damp tree stump (if you can find one!) while in camp. There are a wide range of models and weights, including this one that weights in right around 2lb.
Foldable Ultralight Daypack
I was highly impressed with two of these backpacks on my trips last summer. They fold up quite small (we’re talking 9”x8”x3” max) in a nice zippered bag (attached to the backpack) and yet can carry a good amount of weight and volume.
CooRun Hiking Skirt
This is the cutest hiking skirt I own, bar none. And yet somehow it’s also modest and extremely comfortable. A drawstring keeps it up and pockets let me carry a tissue and other essentials. I give it 5 stars!
Food Dehydrator
I love this model from the Elite Gourmet. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and has opened up so many opportunities for new meals on the trail (my favorites are Sesame Noodles and Unstuffed Peppers).
Katadyn BeFree Water Purification Bottle
I talked with a lot of thru-hikers this summer along the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Timberline Trail, and Wonderland Trail. The BeFree system is apparently a favorite, though of course some liked their Sawyer systems, too.
Inflatable Boat
So I hear, it’s a delightful thing to pack in an inflatable boat and then paddle around alpine lakes. Of course, you have to make sure it’s allowed, and the extra weight from the paddles causes its own excitement. I also hear that a sleeping pad in the boat insulates you from the chilly water and can act as a life-saving device if necessary (not that it’s necessary with this model since it’s dual chamber).
