As Micheal Bublé defrosts and the holidays come right around the corner, shopping for the best gifts for hikers, and anyone else for that matter, is at the top of everyone’s to-do list. For those of you that have a hiker in your life, getting them the BEST gift this season is going to be an absolute cakewalk with these hiking gift ideas *holds up three fingers indicating the boy scout honor hand signal*.
I wanted to make this gift list as versatile as possible and after scrolling through and putting the final touches on this beast of a post, I can proudly say that I’ve done exactly that! So whether you’re looking for a hiking gift for someone planning to tackle the Pacific Crest Trail, an avid car camper, or someone that loves a good backpacking trip, I’ve got you covered.
This gift guide isn’t sponsored, so all recommendations are based on brands and gear that I love and use. I am a huge believer in quality gifts that will last lifetimes of exploration, as well as sustainability, so these gifts put quality first, which your hiker will love.
This post contains affiliate links for the products I mentioned, but as always, all opinions are my own. I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase or booking through these links. This helps to support this space and keep me blogging, which I am so extremely thankful for.
Best Gifts For Hikers Under $25
STOCKING STUFFERS FOR HIKERS
HYDROFLASK WATER BOTTLE
This water bottle is one of the defining pillars of design and durability, making it adored by the hiking community. It can keep liquids ice cold for a full day and hot for up to eight hours!
I’ve carried mine all over the globe and somehow after dropping it constantly and shoving it wherever it will fit in my bag, it still manages to look brand new. These bottles are awesome and will last a lifetime. You can pick this size up in this lovely green color, or you can browse all their other sizes and colors here.
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FALKE TREKKING SOCKS
I’ve made my way through a serious amount of hiking socks over years exploring trails, and FALKE is one of my absolute favorites. What makes these socks one of the best gifts for hikers? Let me tell ya. Not only do these socks come in a variety of styles, but a variety of thicknesses for temperature and trail ratings, something that isn’t too common with other popular brands.
So no matter what way the hiker in your life likes to explore, whether it be regular hiking or mountaineering, they have socks for them! The TK1s are my personal favorite for their breathability and ability to stay conformed to my foot. Darn Tough Mirco Crew Cushion Socks are another favorite among hikers, plus they have a lifetime warranty!
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ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS ULTRALIGHT FIRST AID KIT
A rather inexpensive gift that will definitely be appreciated is a quality first aid kit! This one comes in a lot of different sizes for different types of hiking trips and group sizes, but if you want to stay around $25 for your gift, then the 0.7 is the best size to go with! Safety while hiking is extremely important and everyone needs to be carrying some type of medical gear with them.
That looks different for everyone, but this is a great kit to cover all their bases and you can order refills for it, so no more cramming a bunch of full-size products in here. You can read reviews and specifics of this kit in the link below. I would also recommend tossing in a few extra band-aids with this one since it only comes with a few.
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TITAN STORMPROOF MATCHES
If you’re on the hunt for thoughtful stocking stuffers, this storm-proof match kit is perfect for those that love going into the backcountry, getting their hands dirty, and, literally, dancing in the rain. This match kit will be able to start a fire in wetter conditions or in an emergency situation.
I keep regular matches in my hiking bag as well as these since most regular boxes of matches get squished along the way anyway, so this case will keep the matches structurally sound. These are great to toss in a stocking as a compliment to the other ideas in this section for the perfect collection of small gifts for hikers.
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BRADLEY MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL BOOK
Hands down, one of the coolest gifts for hikers you can give is this 1970, Department of the Navy Field Manual for survival. This book is 288 pages of rugged and field-tested survival tactics for group survival, health and first aid, orientation and traveling, water, food, fire-making, cooking, hazards, survival, and a whole lot more.
This is a great gift for hikers no matter where they like to explore. Who knows, this may help them survive an apocalypse if one were to occur…You might even want to pick one up for yourself it’s so cool! I know I am!
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GSI OUTDOORS INFINITY BACKPACKER MUG
As an avid hiker myself, I LOVE THIS MUG. It keeps my coffee warm and my gear free from spills with the closeable, fully-sealed top. The best part is the fabric handle that can easily clip to a carabiner for the ultimate portable caffeine fix. This is perfect for coffee and tea lovers, or for hikers that like to pack soup or oatmeal along the trail for cooler mornings. This mug goes great with the instant coffee gift below.
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C.S. INSTANT COFFEE
What’s better than that fresh cup of instant coffee at the summit of your hike? A fresh cup of instant coffee that tastes bomb and doesn’t suck as most do. When it comes to blazing the trails, I take my coffee seriously! There have been many claims about what the BEST instant coffee is, some of those being horrifically wrong (a conversation for another day), and the others are just simply not as good as this one.
With biodegradable packaging, this robust arabica coffee tastes excellent even without creamer. That’s how you know it’s the real deal. It’s so smooth and lacks the acidity that ruins most other instant coffees. Gift this coffee to the coffee-loving hiker in your life and support a small business in the process! This stuff is seriously so good!
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GEAR AID TENACIOUS TAPE REPAIR PATCHES
While exploring the outdoors, rips and tears are inevitable. Whether it’s rips on my favorite pair of hiking pants or burn holes on some of my jacket sleeves, this stuff patches quickly and effectively. The tape comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and is perfect for anyone that loves to get outside. This tape is my favorite way to extend the life of my favorite gear items instead of purchasing new gear every time. Once a porcupine chewed the cork off my trekking poles and after a bit of doctoring, this tape made them brand new.
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TRANGO PIRHANA KNIFE
When I first got this knife in the mail, I thought 1. “there is no way it’s this small”, and 2. “what am I supposed to do with this?” I tossed it into my backpacking bag, and its ironically become one of my most cherished pieces of gear. It has cut through any material, opened my bear can, and served me in more ways than one during my adventures. It’s especially nice on day hikes since it saves a ton of weight in my backpack.
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SEA-TO-SUMMIT LIGHTWEIGHT DRY BAG
Dry bags, in my opinion, are like the creme de la creme of hiking gear. A lot of people never think they need one, but after one case of muddy shoes, a spontaneous downpour, or a wet swimsuit, they wish that they had one. This dry bag comes in a variety of different sizes, so you can get one that caters to your hiker’s needs, but the 4L option is both affordable and the perfect size to pack in with other hiking gear! To spice things up a bit you can even make this a surprise stocking and fill it with other goodies to give as a gift.
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BACKPACKER HIDDEN GEMS BY MAREN HORJUS
If there is one thing that we hikers love the most, it’s a secluded and quiet trail, which can be hard to come by as the National Parks get busier and busier each year. An adventurous and thoughtful gift to give is a book that highlights off-the-beaten path trails all around the United States that will get them get excited to plan backpacking trips and enjoy the solitude of nature. You can pick this book for 15% with my link at Thriftbooks!
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The Best Gifts For Hikers $25-$50
PETZL TIKKA HEADLAMP
Headlamps are a staple on any of the best gifts for hikers because they’re small, practical, and make a nice stocking stuffer. It’s the perfect pick for sunrise/sunset missions, tent readers, for those that get to camp a little bit later, and everything in between. What I love about this headlamp is that the light has three different brightness settings and you can adjust where the light points so you don’t blind your hiking mates. It’s a practical piece of hiking gear that every outdoor lover should own, so on the off chance your hiker doesn’t have one, pick this up.
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SEA-TO-SUMMIT COMPRESSION SACK
If backpacking trips are the name of the game for the hiker in your life, compression sacks are a must-have hiking gift. This compression sack is also waterproof, so in the event of a spontaneous afternoon shower, my sleeping bag and other important items stay dry. These sacks help free up a ton of space in a backpacking bag, so they’re sought after in the outdoor community.
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PATAGONIA ULTRALIGHT MINI HIP PACK
For days around town, lake days, or a quick day hike, the Patagonia Black Hole Hip Belt is the perfect solution for days where you only need the essentials. I can fit my cell phone, credit cards, cash, keys, chapstick, and other items easily into this bag and it’s my go-to for simpler days. I was gifted this multi-colored one for my birthday and now I never go anywhere without it, even when I’m not hiking.
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OSPREY HYDRATION BLADDER
A hydration bladder may seem frivolous when you can honestly just toss a water bottle in your bag and call it a day, but this piece of gear has turned into one of my absolute MUST-HAVES for upgrading my hiking experience. I tend to hike at a faster pace, and carrying this on my back not only helps with weight distribution but allows me to stay properly hydrated without stopping frequently. Another feature I love is that you can carry large amounts of water at a time, which is the perfect setup for taking on longer trails. Pretty much anything that will keep me going is something I will grab first when I go to pack my hiking bag.
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STANLEY POUR-OVER KIT
When it comes to getting outside, we hikers don’t mess around when it comes to our coffee. Whether we’re field-testing endless instant coffees or searching for the perfect roast, we’ll do anything to discover that perfect cup of joe. This Stanley Pour-Over Set is the perfect addition to slower camp mornings when I am not rushing at 4:00 am to get on the trail to make sunrise and cook myself a hearty breakfast. This durable set will last forever on any adventure!
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RITE IN THE RAIN NOTEBOOK
Most, if not all of my notebooks have been ruined by either saltwater or rain. It’s a real tragedy that I’ve had to deal with countless times, so to preserve my memories, this Rite in the Rain Notebook Kit is my absolute favorite! I plan on doing a thru-hike in the up and coming years and I know this is going to come in very handy whenever I encounter torrential downpours along the way.
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NIMBLE 20K POWER BANK
One of my biggest priorities while hiking is staying connected, so having a portable battery pack with me is essential. What makes this portable bank different than others is that it’s made with Certified Recycled Plastic and can even charge your laptop it’s so powerful. This is a great investment both for the trails and for the planet.
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STASHER SILICONE BAGS
Another huge priority of mine on the trail is reducing waste, so I like to pack my own snacks in reusable food storage before I head out! These silicone bags help keep me and the planet healthy on all my adventures! These take the place of single-use plastic baggies, so while they are on the pricey side, they’re perfect for the hiker in your life that is also environmentally conscious.
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SALTY, SAVORY, & SWEET SNACKS
When it comes to trail snacks, it’s hard to go wrong with any choice, but I’ve indulged in this plant-based jerky from Louisville Jerky Co. more times than I would like to admit. I’ve walked a lot of trails in my day and not one of them hasn’t included a bag of this jerky. Other great snacks hikers love are Stroop Waffles, Bearded Brother Bars, PRObars, and Solely Dried Mango Strips. These are great gifts to pair with hiking drinks like RISHI Tea, Hot Chocolate Mix, and NUUN Hydration Tablets.
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100 HIKES OF A LIFETIME
Crossing all continents and climates, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime shares single-day and multi-day hikes of all experience levels around the world. Hiking internationally is one of my favorite adventures and this book provides an eclectic mix, so finding a trail that suits my needs/goals is quick and easy. From Bhutan’s Snowman Trek to the Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming, these are some of the most sought-after trails in the WORLD that will have the hiker in your life inspired and planning in NO TIME.
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The Best Gifts For Hikers $50-$100
NATIONAL PARKS ANNUAL PASS
One of the most valuable gifts for hikers is an annual park pass from the National Park Service. If the hiker in your life is an avid park visitor, this pass grants them access to every single park in the US for a year! You should make sure they don’t already have one, but if theirs is about to expire, this is a gift that is guaranteed to put a smile on their face, and something that they’ll use all year long. I buy a pass every year and it saves me so much money.
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REI GIFT CARD
I tend to be picky with certain items that I either like or want, so if you’re shopping for someone that is a little tough to shop for, a gift card is always a great gift no matter the circumstance! A gift card is also great if your hiker wants something more expensive that may be out of your budget, like a sleeping bag or tent. I get all my gear from Backcountry or REI, but you can easily pick them up from other retailers or if your giftee loves a specific brand like Patagonia or The North Face!
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GARCIA BEAR-PROOF CANISTER
A bear-proof canister is an essential piece of gear for anyone that enjoys venturing into bear country. This bear can get them on the trail faster since they don’t have to find a place to rent one and it will keep their smelly items and food safe from bears, marmots, and other backcountry critters. This piece of gear is one that they will appreciate since most hikers don’t want to spend the extra money on one, but want it for their gear closet. The Bear Vault is a great alternative.
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SAWYER SQUEEZE WATER FILTER
One of the best gifts for hikers that is lower in price but big in satisfaction is the Sawyer Squeeze! This lightweight water filtration system is perfect for longer trails, overnight/multi-day backpacking trips, or if they want to shave some ounces off their total pack weight. What I like about this filter is that the filtration happens when you’re drinking through the bags provided, so you don’t have to spend a bunch of time filtering water at creeks and lakes. You just fill up the baggies and screw on the filter when you’re ready to drink.
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ENO HAMMOCK
There was a time in my life when these hammocks were all the rage and I never found out why until I took a good nap in one of these bad boys. You can get them set up in only a few minutes and you have a comfy and cozy chill spot! When I arrive at locations with scenery that is “atmospheric as fuck“, as my guide in Scotland said, I always make it a point to take some photos and soak it all in while hanging out in this hammock.
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XERO SHOES
One of the most unique hiking gifts is a pair of barefoot sandals. For a long time I put off buying these, but once I splurged, they never came off my feet for an entire summer. I love that you can feel the ground as you walk and they’re easily cleaned with a bit of water and soap. They roll up into the smallest crepe-looking rolls and fit perfectly into any size pack! These are a must for lake days, hot springs, and multi-day backpacking trips to alpine lakes.
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TEVA REEMBER MOC SLIP-ONS
A cozy hiking gift to give this season are the Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons. These are the epitome of comfort on those chilly camp evenings. One of the nicest features about these shoes is that they have a durable sole so they won’t wear out easily or get your feet wet in harsh weather. These are also crafted with 100% recycled materials, so it’s perfect for someone who is more eco-conscious.
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The Best Gifts For Hikers $100+
ARC’TERYX ZETA SL RAIN JACKET
Arc’teryx is an outdoor company that any hiker will rave about. The quality of the gear is immeasurable and this jacket, in particular, is one of my favorite pieces of hiking gear I own. The jacket fits like a glove, however, I recommend sizing up for your giftee so that they can layer other clothing items underneath it. An excellent alternative to this jacket that’s comparable in quality is this jacket from Patagonia. Either of these choices will guarantee a massive smile when they’re opened!
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GARMIN INREACH MINI
If you’re looking for a gift that is thoughtful and shows that you value the safety of the hiker in your life, a Garmin InReach is a perfect choice. This small device has the ability to save offline maps, communicate via text, contact emergency services, receive weather updates, and a myriad of other features that make this one of the most sought-after gifts for hikers.
I have the Garmin InReach Explorer+ and it’s the piece of gear that I value the most. Having this item hanging from my backpack strap helps me feel confident and secure in the wilderness since I can open a live map with GPS and contact my loved ones.
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GOAL ZERO VENTURE SOLAR KIT
This solar-powered charger keeps thru-hikers and long-distance lovers connected to their families and the “real world“. On more remote adventures where I am on an off-grid campsite, this is one of my favorite pieces of gear that keeps me and my adventure buddies safe. Most of the time if you don’t have an electric outlet, this is the next best thing since charging in the car is limited.
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JETBOIL BACKPACKING STOVE
Whether I am camping, backpacking, or hiking, this is one of my tried and true hiking essentials. Even if I have my regular camp stove, I still bring this with me because this can boil water in the blink of an eye. From boiling water for coffee, or a quick ramen dinner at camp, I LOVE this backpacking stove.
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BLACK DIAMOND CARBON CORK TREKKING POLES
A solid pair of trekking poles that are also compactable is one of the greatest things since sliced bread. These trekking poles are lightweight since they’re made from cork and carbon and they offer awesome stability on the trails. The cork wicks away moisture so kiss sweaty hands goodbye AND they even have an extended foam grip that is incredibly useful for more rough terrains. These will last for years on the trail and save your knees along the way.
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PATAGONIA HOUDINI JACKET
The perfect all-around hiking jacket is none other than the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. I’ve mentioned Patagonia a lot in this gift guide because their products are some of the best in terms of outdoor gear. Plus, they’re paving the way for new sustainability standards in the outdoor industry.
This jacket is one of my most anticipated additions to my hiking gear arsenal because it is weather resistant and it packs down into a small chest pocket. It’s a lightweight item that packs a massive punch to tackle a variety of weather conditions.
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OSPREY SKIMMER 28L DAY BAG
It took me a LONG TIME to find a hiking day bag that suited all my needs, but all of my patience served me well when I found this bag, the Osprey Skimmer 28L. I could rave about this bag for a variety of reasons, but these are some of my favorite features: abundant pockets, a sturdy hip belt, the fact that it comes with a hydration pack, and adjustable outer straps.
This bag becomes a part of me while hiking, so I don’t have to worry about it sliding around or my lunch pb&j getting smashed since it stays flush with my back. I cannot recommend this bag enough!
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WILDERNESS SURVIVAL CLASS
Something that I’ve always wanted to do ever since I got into hiking is a wilderness survival class. Nature, while beautiful, is extremely unforgiving, so it’s crucial to know how to respond to accidents, weather changes, and emergencies in order to be safe. NOLS offers a variety of wilderness safety and first aid courses that are perfect for learning the basics. If you still want to give this gift but don’t have the budget, REI offers some wilderness courses that you can view here!
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The Best Hiking Gifts For Him & Her
PATAGONIA FISHERMAN BEANIE
One thing that is guaranteed on any hiking trip is a chilly morning, so a warm beanie that is stylish and doesn’t itch is ESSENTIAL. This Fisherman Beanie is my go-to hat for my packing list whether I am getting my backpacking gear together or planning a National Parks road trip. These hats are made with 100% recycled polyester yarn, so you’re making a positive impact on the earth when you make this purchase as well.
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REI WALLACE LAKE FLEECE
I was gifted this sweater recently for my birthday and love that this sweater keeps me warm, but also stylish! It comes in four other colors, but this green is my favorite. Any sweater that has a kangaroo pocket and an adjustable mock neck is an instant crowd-pleaser when it comes to the outdoors.
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PATAGONIA FJORD FLANNEL
How cute is this flannel?! The best part about this is that it’s thick and rugged flannel unlike the vast majority of thin, poor-quality ones you can buy everywhere else. It’s made from 100% certified organic cotton which is a great plus for the environment. Whenever I was making this gift guide, my eyes went to this flannel almost immediately! After purchasing it and giving it a proper field test, I can proudly say that this is one of my favorites in my hiking wardrobe.
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PATAGONIA NANO PUFF JACKET
One of the most valuable pieces of gear that any hiker needs is a quality down jacket. This jacket traps body heat and blocks wind using 75% recycled materials, so whether you’re facing a chilly morning in the alpine or a windy day, this jacket will keep them nice and toasty. I underestimated the power of a good down jacket for a long time, but now there is nothing that keeps me warm and warms me up fast than a jacket like this. Mine is similar to this one, but the Nano Puff is a solid option.
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PATAGONIA MIDWEIGHT BOTTOMS
A good staple piece. and a gift that any hiker would love to receive, is a solid pair of long john/baselayer bottoms. The Capilene line from Patagonia is my favorite by a landslide because they fit in all the right places, are breathable, AND they don’t fall down while you’re in motion. They’re perfect for layering and any outdoor lover would love to open these up. I know I would!
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PATAGONIA BASELAYER TOP
Moving right along with our baselayer trend, you can pair the bottoms that I just talked about with this top! I listed them both in black because I like having black baselayers, but there are other colors you can choose from for the right style and fit. This top will keep you insanely warm and it was a game-changer on my trip to Iceland!
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KULA CLOTH
A small but mighty gift to give the female hiker in your life is the beloved Kula Cloth. This anti-microbial piece of fabric is used as a pee cloth that makes the complicated task of peeing outside a breeze. These come in a variety of designs (the s’mores being my personal favorite), and they even use artists’ designs within their own community. This product is changing the way women hike and get outside!
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DANNER INQUIRE CHUKKA BOOTS
Browsing the thousands and thousands of hiking boots from outdoor retailers can be overwhelming, and with these boots, you can go ahead and close those tabs and prepare to give the gift of the season to your hiker. Danner Boots are one of the poster children for outdoor exploration. The quality of their boots will last seasons and seasons of wear all around the world. Good-looking hiking boots are difficult to come by and with a waterproof feature, they’re almost unheard of. These boots are on my own wishlist this year!
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PATAGONIA RETRO PILE FLEECE
One of the most sought-after garments in the outdoor world is a Patagonia Fleece. These are a staple in any hiker’s gear closet and recently they have made a retro line that I favor over all their other styles. I like that this has a massive, zippable kangaroo pocket and that it’s 3/4 zip, so it’s easy to get on and off! They come in a variety of colors and styles, but this brown color is gorgeous.
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NOVELS FOR A UNIQUE HIKING GIFT
When it comes to any and all of my hiking and backpacking trips, I look forward to a quality book to either read or listen to as an audio file, and most other outdoorsy men and women do as well. These are some books, some outdoorsy some not, that have transformed my days on the trails.
JITTERBUG PERFUME BY TOM ROBBINS
“Jitterbug Perfume is an epic. Which is to say, it begins in the forests of ancient Bohemia and doesn’t conclude until nine o’clock tonight (Paris time). It is a saga, as well. A saga must have a hero, and the hero of this one is a janitor with a missing bottle. The bottle is blue, very, very old, and embossed with the image of a goat-horned god. If the liquid in the bottle actually is the secret essence of the universe, as some folks seem to think, it had better be discovered soon because it is leaking and there is only a drop or two left.” – Thriftbooks
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THE LAST SEASON BY ERIC BLEHM
“The Last Season examines the extraordinary life of legendary backcountry ranger Randy Morgenson and his mysterious disappearance in California’s unforgiving Sierra Nevada–mountains as perilous as they are beautiful. Eric Blehm’s masterful work is a gripping detective story interwoven with the riveting biography of a complicated, original, and wholly fascinating man.” – Thriftbooks
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TRAINING FOR THE NEW ALPINISM BY SCOTT JOHNSTON & STEVE HOUSE
“In Training for the New Alpinism, Steve House and Scott Johnston translate training theory into practice to allow you to coach yourself to any mountaineering goal. Whether you work as a banker or a mountain guide, live in the city or the country, are an ice climber, a mountaineer heading to Denali, or a veteran of 8,000-meter peaks, your understanding of how to achieve your goals grows exponentially as you work with this book.” – Thriftbooks
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MORE HELPFUL GIFT GUIDES FOR THE HIKER IN YOUR LIFE:
– The 50 BEST Gifts For Outdoor Lovers
LOOKING FOR OTHER HELPFUL GUIDES? THESE ARE MY FAVORITES:
– Packing For A Day Hike: 12 Adventure Essentials To Get You Exploring
– 14 Best Hikes In Grand Teton National Park
– The Ultimate Guide To Camping In Bryce Canyon National Park
– The ONLY Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary You Need
DID YOU FIND THIS LIST OF GIFTS FOR HIKERS HELPFUL? SHARE WITH ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
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