42 Gifts and Gadgets for Hikers to Conquer the Trails

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Who even understands the hiker in their life? These weridos eschew all creature comforts—like a soft bed or beautiful TV at night—to trek into the untamed outdoors and, I don't know, look at the stars. When they come home and tell you about their new tent or little camping gadget, you have to act interested. You can level with us, it's tough.

But don't worry! Here at Esquire, we've got some outdoor diehards. Some real adventurers who will gladly write 1,000+ words about hiking backpacks, camp chairs, and how to store perishables in the backcountry. So to help you, we tasked ourselves with finding the best gear for that hiker you don't really understand. We've got hiking gear, gadgets, and accessories for any type of explorer.

This is stuff they will love, so if you gift it to them, that means they will love you. (Pavlov said that, I think.) Even if you don't know shit about venturing into the backcountry, you'll find a gift here to help your hiker go farther than they ever have before. And for that they will love you.

VSSL Mini First Aid Kit

Over 40 emergency care supplies—bandages, antiseptics, meds, pads, thermometers, painkillers, tapes, and more—in a tube of compact cylinders will help them make it through the backcountry intact.

Qi Wireless Solar Power Bank

Able to charge up to four devices simultaneously, this portable charging bank is a little orthodox with a mammoth power capacity of 36,800mAh for wired charging, but real techy with a solar panel to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity for wireless charging. It's also got a bright LED flashlight because one can never be too safe when they're out in the wild.

Distance 8L Backpack

A perfectly sized daypack built with close fitting vest-style straps. It's made to survive alpine skiing, so it'll definitely handle a Saturday out-and-back at the local state park.

Shea Butter Foot Cream

They need it. They need it really, really bad. This will be the best gift they've gotten in a while.

Expedition 3-Pack Waterproof Notebook

Notes that won't get ruined when the weather inevitably turns. Absolutely invaluable.

PIXPRO WPZ2

If images are more their medium, this waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof camera from Kodak point-and-shoot will stand up to any foul weather or abuse they put it through.

Fenix 7 Solar

If that price freaks you out, Garmin's Instinct 2 Solar is a reasonable alternative for $200 less. But for the best outdoor smartwatch money can buy, the Fenix 7 Solar is it.

Vintage Tree Patch Hat

If you're overwhelmed by all the gear you could gift a hiker, just keep it simple. They'll never turn down a good looking hat that sends money back to our national parks.

Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

This water bottle is equipped with a UV light purification system to satisfy their curious nature that forces them to scoop a drink out of one out of the running streams without gulping down 99.99 percent of the bio-contaminants.

Thermoball Mules

After a long day, where their feet were cramped and sweaty in a pair of boots, these mules will feel heavenly.

Single Serve Packet

This seems like a joke, but it's not. Ever eaten the astronaut food most backpackers take with them? It's terrible. A little Tabasco, or some Cholula, goes a looooong way.

Hot Sauce Keychain Squeeze Bottle

Or just get them these mini squeeze bottles they can fill with whatever sauces they want.

Nike ACG Men's Trail Pants

Nike's ACG line is filled to the brim with impeccable outdoor wear. These weather-ready trail pants land a relaxed feel while keeping rains, snows, and thorns away. Plus they're pretty great for getting fits off.

Quest Element GTX Hiking Boot

A big ol' outsole helps to reinforce where boots tend to fail, and a GORE-TEX membrane, gives them everything they'll need in one boot. You know they will last a long time, and the fact that they go for under $200 is a true feat.

Exposure 2 Paclite Jacket

This powerhouse jacket packs down, features fully sealed seams, and it's GORE-TEX. All of that for a reasonable $200?! So yeah, this is the rain jacket they want

Cotton jacket

Imagine John Muir dripped out in The North Face x Gucci.

InReach Mini Satellite Communicator

Let's be serious for a second, trekking out into the backcountry is no joke. Bad things can happen in a second, so a satellite communicator is a necessity. Garmin's InReach Mini offers simple SOS, as well as more complex two-way messaging, location sharing, and weather updates.

Mountain Light II

Patriotism isn't in these days (for obvious reasons), but a Made in America boot that will last a lifetime is something we're willing to salute.

X Ultra 4 GTX

For a day hike or approach shoe, Salomon is the best in the biz. The X Ultra 4 GTX has a sturdy outsole and GORE-TEX waterproofing they'll surely appreciate.

No. 8 Folding Knife

Every serious hiker needs one, and Opinel's No. 8 is as timeless as they come.

'Walden and Civil Disobedience'

Get them something to dive into on their adventure.

Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

Black Diamond's aluminum trekking poles are the key to enjoying miles of wandering without destroying your joints.

Military Marching Compass

This rugged military lensatic compass with a built-in magnifying glass helps them find their way back from anywhere.

Portable Reusable Cutlery Pebble

Instead of plastic utensils that will end up disposed of in a trash can on the trail—or even worse, on the trail—offer them this reusable set of knife, fork, spoon, straw, and chopsticks for any backpacked meal.

Men's Forte 20 Sleeping Bag

If they like to hike for days on end, they'll not only need a place to crash at night, but they'll also need something comfortable to crash in. Looking up at the starry night will never feel better.

Knit Cuffed Beanie

Just a little warm something something to top off—literally—their hiking expedition outfit.

Ho'okipa PolarizedPlus Rectangle Sunglasses

A bright, sunny day has nothing on these polarized shades. Not to mention, they're also comfortable, durable, and saltwater safe.

Insulated Food Jar

For the hiker who brings their own fares to the trail, this insulated jar will make sure their last bite of fruit salad, oatmeal, or beef stew is as fresh as the first.

Men's Vermont Micro Crew Sock Cushion

SHOP WOMEN'S

Fitted with cushion density and moisture-wicking materials, these breathable socks provide under-foot comfort for the thousands of steps they'll take in a 34-degrees or 84-degrees day.

Typhoon Match Kit

Nothing, truly nothing, is worse than trying to start a fire on a nasty night, but most hikers try to make do with corner store lighters and matches. Give them a no-fail backcountry option.

HeadLamp 750 Rechargeable Head Light

Emitting Lumos Maxima for all the unpredictable natural light conditions they might encounter, BioLite 750 will get in a hike at dawn or dusk much better than a phone's flashlight.

On-the-Go Hammock

They've got a long hike ahead, but a splendid view right now—help them enjoy it.

20oz Rambler Tumbler with MagSlider Lid

From an energy boost of hot caffeinated drinks at the trailhead all the way to a celebratory sip of cold beer at the top of the mountain, this tumbler will keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last drop.

America the Beautiful Pass - 2022/2023

The gift of access to all 63 national parks for an entire year. You can't beat it.

OM 5 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer

This is one of the coolest and steadiest smartphone gadgets primed for group adventurers and all of their selfies, videos, vlogging, and live-streaming on the rail or off the grid. It even has automatic tracking to make sure the best looker is always in the frame.

Men’s Denali Etip Gloves

Just because they enjoy outdoor escapades doesn't mean they need to give up screentime completely.

Hydrating Mist

Being outside is drying. Fix that.

Fire Starter Necklace

A necklace with a slider and pendant for everyday wear turns into a survival kit that can get a fire burning—the old-school way.

Gaia GPS Premium Membership

Any seasoned, advanced hiker up for a zero-cell-bar challenge in the back-or-front country will appreciate 12 months of maps and GPS navigation on call to plot their routes.

REI Gift Card

It's their favorite retailer, isn't it?

"The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs"

So, they can put on a wilderness survival reality tv show in the highland for themselves, like Bear Grylls.

ALL-TERRAIN CHELSEA BOOT

The iconic Blundstone Chelsea boots are now equipped with vibram soles that offer you maximum traction in conditions up to 572°F or down to 5°F. You can have the control you need for your hike and still look good for dinner plans after.

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