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Best Gifts For Hikers 2024:
Small But Mighty (And Thoughtful)

By Diane Spicer

Not sure what the best gifts for hikers 2024 might be?

Searching for exactly the right thing (when "right" is useful, practical and cost effective) for your favorite hiker?

This was an easy list to create, because it's what I have in my backpack for comfort and safety! So it's short, but focused.

No AI generated mishmash, no clickbait, no fake enthusiasm for hiking gear and clothing that just doesn't measure up.

And only 2 categories in this list of best gifts for hikers 2024:

• Best outdoor clothing for hikers, useful year round
• Best hiking gear for hikers 2024
  

I purchase my hiking gear and clothing from two trusted sources: REI Co-op and Amazon. I always select the best quality and tend to stick with trusted companies with long track records of high performance for hikers.

• If you're an REI member (details on why you should be here), you'll reap a lot of rewards!
• If you're an Amazon Prime member, you also get some perks!

I may earn a small amount of money if you purchase through these links. It's the way Hiking For Her remains free and ad free. Thanks for your vote of confidence in my recommendations!

Best gifts for hikers 2024:
outdoor clothing that works hard

To stay comfortable and safe as a hiker, it's all about being prepared to face the unexpected.

And that's what layers of well designed outdoor clothing are all about.

Here is the base layering combo I'm currently using to beat the weather. These would make a welcome gift for your hiker, especially if she's a beginner who needs to build a solid layering system.

Why am I wearing these particular pieces of hiking clothing?

Because they work!

Best base layers

There's no getting around the fact that if you don't stay warm and dry, you're miserable.

And misery can lead to trouble in a hurry. We want to avoid that!

If your hiker likes to venture out regardless of weather conditions, this combo of lower and upper body base protection is a thoughtful gift that can be used year round, either while hiking or in a cozy sleeping bag after a long day of hiking.

Best rain jacket and pants for hikers

From inner base layer to outerwear!

You can get creative with your mid layers (use these tips on vests and hiking pants). But you've got to get your outer layer right.

Note that there are a lot of different price points for rain gear, which can make it hard to pick out a rain jacket or rain pants as a gift.

Here's the good news: You don't have to spend a small fortune for your favorite day hiker to make sure she stays dry and happy on a hike!

This jacket and pant pairing performs way above its price point, and can be added or subtracted from her seasonal rotation of hiking outer layers as conditions change.

Truth be told, I carry these year round either on my body or in my backpack. They weigh nothing, take up a small footprint in the pack, and are my best insurance policy against getting cold and wet.

Clothing layers = insurance for a hiker!

Best gifts for hikers 2024:
hiking gear every hiker should be carrying

Now for some basic gear picks for our list of Best Gifts For Hikers 2024.

Boots are too personal for you to select them as a gift, but socks? Now that's a gift that will make her eyes shine and her feet purr inside whatever footwear she prefers.

My favorite brands and styles to hike in (and to recommend) are these:

You can see these socks on Amazon, too.

Here's another thoughtful gift idea for hikers: 2 ways to keep neck and ears warm in windy and wet conditions. They pair nicely!

Do these seem like outdoor clothing to you? I consider them gear, because I can use them for more than just head coverings: sit on them as a barrier against the cold, use them as a pillow, use them to cushion the rocks, pine cones, leaves and other trail treasures I want to bring home, wrap them around my hands at a snack break... very versatile little pieces of fabric seem like gear to me.

Anyway, here they are:

See TurtleFur neck warmer on Amazon. And the Beanie!

One more way you can gift your hiker something practical that will be used for years to come:  a pair of hiking (trekking) poles.

I never hike without my pair of Black Diamonds, for so many reasons including better balance, less strain on my knees going downhill, and a gentle workout for my upper body as I hike.

Here they are on Amazon.

That wraps up my top picks for the
best gifts for hikers 2024

Hikers don't need fancy gifts.

We need trail gear and outdoor clothing that does the job, no fuss or muss or failures, time after time.

That's why I've shared what I'm using these days.

And in case you don't know, the best gift for your favorite hiker is to go on a hike with her ;)

Happy gift buying for your hikers!

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Best Gifts For Hikers 2024