Buying for adventurous hiker friends and family can be difficult. They don’t want a Boots body lotion hamper pack or ANOTHER pair of socks (because trust me, we own a lot already). So what are the best gifts for hikers in 2023?
NOTE: I haven’t mentioned very much in the way of clothes or big gear below. Partly because this is very personal, so often not ideal as gifts. But also I am a big advocate of buying second-hand where possible, particularly for clothing, for several eco and ethical reasons! I have provided links below to some of my favourite items (many pictured above!), as sometimes we can’t find what we want second hand. And let’s face it, we all need a new treat occasionally. But please do not forget about eBay or your local outdoor gear exchange groups.
Useful Gear
1 – Money towards a trip
Let’s get this one out of the way and get on to the good stuff shall we? But it needs to be said. Hikers collect experiences, not things. So don’t buy them tat just to have something to unwrap. If your hiker buddy is planning a big trip, giving them some cash towards it will be gratefully accepted. This could go towards, their kit list, their insurance or the costs of the trip itself.
2 – A solar-powered charging bank
Camping in the middle of the woods or on an expedition up a mountain. There are no plugs in nature. But of course, hikers want to take those all important summit-selfies and snap shots of the amazing landscape to show the folks at home, right? A power bank will be the most used of these gifts for hikers. Even better is one with solar panels. They can be expensive, but budget options are out there. I have a really affordable one from Amazon that has worked a charm on my expeditions.
3 – Good-quality socks
Okay, I know I said no socks. But these Bridgedale liner socks are an exception because they are life savers for stopping blisters. Not the cheapest price tag, but Bridgedale have an incredible name for themselves in the hiking-sock-world. I have two pairs of these, and use them on big expeditions and in the UK. Reality is, yes we hikers have lots of socks. But if you get us the GOOD socks, we will be very thankful.
Home and Relaxation
4 – An outdoor-scented candle
While your loved one is snuggled up at home reading their favourite adventure book, make sure they are surrounded with the fresh smells of the outdoors! Essence of Harris candles are phenomenal and affordable. Their Sgarasta collection smells like the beach and the Adru scents are more earthy, like the mountains.
4 – Books
Speaking of books, they are ideal gifts for hikers, to inspire their future trips! I can highly recommend these three: Wild, about a woman trekking the Pacific Crest Trail to overcome her past troubles; Into Thin Air, the tale of the infamous 1996 Everest disaster; or Training for the New Alpinism, full of the science behind training for big summits and specific tips on different forms of training.
5 – Mountains for their walls
Filling a home with adventure memories is a wonderful gift. A Line in the Sky are a fantastic small Scottish business, selling sleek minimalist illustrations of your favourite mountains (you can ask for specific creations too!). Another beautiful artist drawing mountains with a more detailed approach is Drawn to the Mountain.
Stocking fillers for Hikers
6 – Blister plasters
A must-carry. Even if you have liner socks, your pal might need them or you might be in for a much longer day than expected. Either way, no hiker leaves their front door without these.
7 – Buff
For those unaware, this is the circle-scarf accessory that is a must for that I-am-on-an-adventure look. All jokes aside, they are brill. I carry two with me on all DAY trips I do (3 on an expedition!). They just have so many uses, from face protection to hair bobble. They come in all sorts of patterns too, so you can pick one that is personally suited for your chosen friend!
And most importantly
8 – Experiences
I’ve already said it, hikers collect experiences not gifts. So why not look into getting them a course? This could be in navigation or winter skills. Governing bodies such as Mountaineering Scotland have plenty of options. You could send them on a wild new adventure, like white water rafting, or get them tickets to an amazing adventure festival!
9 – Your support
Yes, it’s cheesy, but it’s true. Hikers (and all adventurers actually) have crazy dreams. We hatch up challenges and trips that to other people may seem ridiculous. It’s a lifestyle more than a hobby; an addiction to pushing ourselves to the extreme that’s laced with memorable experiences. But sometimes trips don’t go to plan or we are injured or exhausted. And having the support of friends and family, to encourage or give a supportive cuddle, is a priceless gift for hikers.
If you have any crazy plans or amazing hiking gifts your receive, let me know in the comments or on Instagram! I send out emails to subscribers too, with lots of exciting adventure updates. You can join the mailing list and even buy me a coffee if you’re super keen to support!
