Shopping for the sort of person who prefers muddy paths and dehydrated food over a spa day and a five-course meal can be tricky. That's why we gathered our favorite products for the backpacker or hiker on your list—these items are sure to round out their gear closet. Or gift them a lifetime's worth of knowledge with a hiking class, offered at REI locations nationwide.
Best Hiking Shoes
Merrell Speed Solo Hiking Shoes
Waterproof Yes
Upper Waterproof suede/recycled non-wicking mesh
Midsole FloatPro Foam
Outsole Vibram ECOSTEP rubber
Heel-to-Toe Drop 10 mm
Weight (pair) 1 lb. 4 oz. (women's), 1 lb. 8 oz. (men's)
The best parts of a hike are when you look around you, not when you stare at your feet. These stylish Speed Solo Hiking Shoes from Merrell let you do just that—though they're good-looking enough to earn stares from other hikers. Step with confidence thanks to the grippy Vibram® ECOSTEP outsoles and chunky 4-millimeter lugs. A comfortable fit means you could easily wear them all day and. Best of all, these kicks are made with partially recycled materials and also feature a lightweight, performance-driven midsole made partly from renewable, algae biomass. Buy women's. Buy men's.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
The coffee drinker in your life deserves a good cuppa, no matter where they start their morning. The AeroPress Go delivers the goods in a compact design that's small enough to take backpacking. Some of our editors even use it daily at home or in hotel rooms to avoid subpar push-button coffee. (True story: We really like this thing.) It's quick to learn how to use, too: Put grounds into the chamber, add boiling water and stir, then affix the top and press down. $39.95
Best Trekking Poles
REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles - Pair
Shaft Construction 7075 aluminum
Grip Material Cork
Minimum Length 37 in. (size 95–120 cm), 41 in. (size 105–140 cm)
Maximum Length 47 in. (size 95–120 cm), 55 in. (size 105–140 cm)
Collapsed Length 22 in. (size 95–120 cm), 25 in. (size 105–140 cm)
Locking Mechanism External lever lock
Weight (pair) 1 lb. 2.5 oz (size 95–120 cm), 1 lb. 3.5 oz. (size 105–140 cm)
Want to help your loved one reach new heights and see new sights? Give them a pair of take-'em-anywhere REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles. Trekking poles can add stability to any hike, and they're great for navigating over obstacles or on steeper grades. These handy trail aids' feature two baskets for trail and snow, making them reliable year-round companions. Easy adjustments mean the shaft can be lengthened up to 10 inches at two lever locks, allowing users to adapt to changing terrain. (On the uphill, you might want a shorter pole, while the downhill may require a longer reach.) Cork grips help keep your hands comfy over long distances, while the natural wicking material also helps keep sweaty palms from slipping or blistering. We never head outdoors without them—and that's why they earned an Editors' Choice Award. Buy here.
Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
You might be thinking, “A pee cloth, are you serious?!” But the sit-to-pee hiker in your life knows the struggle of heeding nature’s call in the wild, and this reusable pee cloth by Kula Cloth can make using the “facili-tree” discreet and comfortable. It also eliminates the need to pack in (and pack out) toilet paper. The smooth side is waterproof to avoid errant drips, and the dimpled side is antimicrobial for safe wiping. Best of all? This women-owned company’s colorful designs make the pee cloth fun to clip onto any backpack or belt. $20
Best Hiking Jacket
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Fabric Recycled polyester
Waterproof Water-reistant
Windproof Yes
Insulation 60 g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco postconsumer recycled polyester
Warmth Level Warm
Weight 10 oz. (women's), 11.9 oz. (men's)
REI staff just can't get enough of the windproof Nano Puff Jacket from Patagonia: It's almost the unofficial uniform around these parts. It's warmth-to-weight ratio is tough to beat thanks to 60 grams of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco postconsumer recycled polyester. Water-repellent filler means the Nano Puff retains an impressive 98% of its insulating ability even when wet. "Everyone in our family owns Nano Puff jackets that have lasted us for years," says Phuong Le, Expert Advice managing editor based in wet and chilly Seattle. She adds that they use the jacket for all seasons and multiple activities. "It's our base layer of choice when we don't want the thickness of fleece, and though it's not waterproof, it has surprisingly kept us all warm through some unexpected rainy adventures." Her family doesn't wear matching colors, but yours can: The Nano Puff is available in a range of fun hues, making it a perfect gift for everyone on your list. Heck, since it packs down into its own pocket, it could even be a stocking stuffer. (Other Nano Puff products include a parka, hoodie and mittens.) Also available in girls', boys' and infants'/toddlers'. Buy women's. Buy men's.
Black Diamond Astro 300-R Rechargeable Headlamp
Have an outdoors-loving friend or partner who lights up your life? Show them how you feel in the most literal way possible with the gift of an Editors' Choice Award–winning Astro 300-R Rechargeable Headlamp from Black Diamond. This multifaceted shiner features three brightness settings (6, 150 and 300 lumens) across three modes (full strength, dimming and strobe), and the headlamp can last up to 140 hours on the integrated, rechargeable 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery (USB-A to micro-USB charging cable included). And though the recipient might be your sunshine, the Astro 300-R is ready for a downpour thanks to IPX4 stormproof protection proven to withstand rain and sleet from any angle. $39.95
Best Base Layers
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer Top
Material About 53% wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane (depending on style and version)
Underwear Weight Midweight
If you've got someone in your life who loves getting socks as gifts, then do them one better by buying them a high-quality Intraknit Thermal Merino base layer top from Smartwool. Its wool-and-polyester blend wicks moisture and dries fast, two of the most important features you want in a next-to-skin layer. If your giftee tends to get … let's say "dewy" after a long hike, no worries: the Intraknit has an ability to resist picking up a stink—especially helpful when you bring only one or two base layers on a multiday outing. (Also available: Matching bottoms for women and men.) Buy women's. Buy men's.
LifeStraw Reusable Stainless-Steel Water Filter Straw
Whether you’ve got an internationally traveling bestie or a secret Santa who’s always out in the woods, this stainless-steel water filter straw from LifeStraw will come in handy. Weighing in at 3 ounces, this lightweight marvel is easy to stash in a purse or side pocket and filters out microplastics, bacteria and parasites from untreated water sources. Best of all, with every LifeStraw purchase, a child in need gets access to safe drinking water for an entire school year. $34.95
Best Hiking Socks
Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew Socks
Fabric 70% merino wool/21% recycled nylon/8% nylon/1% elastane
Sock Height Crew
Sock Cushioning Heavy
Socks are no longer the boring present your mom shoves way back behind the tree: All the cool kids know that a solid pair of hiking socks can make or break your day on the trail. This pair by Smartwool is made with extra-fine merino wool fibers that wick sweat and are naturally antimicrobial for funk-free feet. Plus, heavy all-around cushioning makes them perfect for protecting sensitive feet on big mile days and providing extra warmth at night. Buy here.
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
The ultimate gift for a family with littles, the Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier makes hiking fun for everyone. Kids can enjoy the ride, while a frame appointed with airy, durable mesh provides maximum ventilation for caregivers. Child-friendly details like a removable, cushy pillow (for fresh-air naps) and a height-adjustable seat and footrests up the comfort ante for Junior. The carrier's arched frame transitions up to 70% of the load onto the wearer's hips for added stability and support and ample pockets keep snacks, diapers, extra layers and water bottles handy. Finally, because sharing is caring, it's easy to customize the fit so multiple adults can wear the Kid Comfort on trail. This isn't just a gift: It's an opportunity to explore the outdoors with those you love most. (We love it so much, we gave it an Editors' Choice Award in 2020.) $320
Best Hiking Cooler
![Pack-Away 12 Soft Cooler [Interior]](/media/2d175fde-78f3-4aad-b4f2-a5add79c4f33/?size=440)
REI Co-op Pack-Away 12 Soft Cooler
Cooler Type Soft-sided
Capacity 17 liters (roughly 12 cans)
Weight 1 lb. 3 oz.
Sometimes a little goes a long way, and that's the case with the Pack-Away 12 from REI Co-op, a tidy solution for keeping small trail parties fed and hydrated. Help your giftee bring the party wherever their feet take them with this versatile, 12-can-sized cooler bag. When filled with ice (it can fit 8.5 pounds), it’s designed to keep their favorite beverages chilly (i.e. below 40°F) for up to 32 hours. Side clips easily transform the tote into a closet- or trunk-friendly padded packing cube when it’s not on beverage duty, and it folds flat when you don't need it at all. The polyester shell and abrasion-resistant nylon bottom are both made from recycled materials, and the leak-proof insulating liner is easy to clean. Buy here.
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars
Knock, knock. With the Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars, your favorite hiker will be able to see who’s there, even if their guest is really far away. That’s because these binocs feature fully multicoated optics, roof prisms and BaK4 glass. The result is a bright, clear, edge-to-edge image with an eight-times optical zoom (the equivalent of a 400-millimeter camera lens) and a 357-foot field of view. (Capture those views with the Nocs Provisions Photo Rig II Smartphone Adapter, sold separately.) The binoculars are also waterproof up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, fogproof and come with the manufacturer’s No-Matter-What lifetime warranty. And, as a bonus "gift" to Mother Earth, Nocs Provisions is a member of 1% for the Planet. The only thing these peepers can’t do: Tell a decent joke. $95
Best Hiking Pack
![Allpa 35 L Travel Pack [Interior]](/media/29a49ba3-fbc9-4aae-9989-ad8b1c8face7/?size=440)
Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack
Gear Capacity 35 liters
Laptop Compartment Yes, 15 inches
Dimensions 20 x 12 x 10 inches
Weight 2 lbs. 15 oz.
With its uber-tough exterior (thank you fully recycled, 840-denier, TPU-coated nylon) and Marie-Kondo-worthy organizational system (seven pockets, including individual laptop and tablet sleeves), the best-selling Allpa 35L Travel Pack from Cotopaxi is a tried-and-true companion for weekend getaways—and longer expeditions. Just ask Albert Lin, host of National Geographic’s Lost Cities Revealed, who uses his Allpa 35L on the regular. Or ask Emily Schrick, REI senior operations specialist: “My Cotopaxi Allpa 35 is the pack I grab for any weekend getaway. The dividers in the pack are perfect for organizing clothes without needing extra packing cubes, and the zippered top-front compartment is perfect for stowing a toiletry bag,” she says. Cotopaxi updated the Allpa 35 his season with better weight distribution and an exterior water bottle pocket, the hauler still features its signature three-sided zipper for open-and-lay-flat accessibility. Buy here.
Pescavore Ahi Tuna Jerky Strip
Elevate your giftee's next fresh-air adventure with the Ahi Tuna Jerky Strips from Pesacavore. This isn't your run-of-the-mill snack—it's a guaranteed umami bomb. The protein-packed ahi tuna strips are made from sustainably sourced fish that's been minimally processed and contains zero artificial ingredients or preservatives. Don't know if your recipient craves smoky, salty or savory-sweet? Three delicious flavors means there's something for everyone: Island Teriyaki, Caribbean Jerk or Smokey Poke. $4.95
Best First-Aid Kit for Day Hikers
HART Outdoor Day Hike First-Aid Kit
Dimensions 5.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches
Weight 3.5 oz.
Whether the outdoorsperson on your gift list is a hardcore mountaineer or a casual day hiker, chances are they’ll need a solid first aid kit at their disposal. This affordable, lightweight packet from HART Outdoor is designed for two people on a single-day adventure. The kit includes an on-the-go reference for administering first aid along with essentials like blister-preventing moleskin, antiseptic towelettes, gauze, bandages, scissors and a variety of over-the-counter medications. Buy here.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
From navigating icy sidewalks on a morning coffee run to traversing snow-packed trails, MICROspikes from Kahtoola are an epic winter upgrade for the avid hiker or walker on your list. Compatible with virtually any sneaker or hiking boot, the thermoplastic harnesses stretch over footwear to banish fears of slipping (and remain elastic down to minus 22°F). "I don't step out my front door without them from December through February," says Ever Meister, a Minnesota-based editor for Expert Advice. Twelve stainless steel spikes per foot help dig into slippery ice and snow, keeping feet stable when the weather outside is frightful. They even come with a storage baggie for easy stashing into a pack or purse. $74.95
An REI Hiking Guided Adventure
Got a hiker friend whose gear closet is already overflowing? Give them the chance to make a memory instead. You can treat someone you love with the adventure of a lifetime with REI Experiences. The co-op offers guided outdoor adventures across the United States for every level of experience. From women-only trips to family adventures and more, traveling with REI is the best way to explore iconic national parks and local hidden gems. Don't worry: You don't even have to choose the adventure. Simply purchase an REI gift card that your giftee can use toward any REI Adventure trip. REI gift cards can be redeemed for REI adventure travel on REI.com/adventures or by phone at 1-800-622-2236, Monday through Friday between 7am and 5pm PT. Buy gift cards at REI.com/gift-card/purchase.
Need more inspiration? Check out our Best Gifts for Less Than $50, Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Kids, Best Gifts for Runners, Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Dogs (and Their Humans), Best Gifts for Campers, Best Gifts for Skiers and Best Gifts for Snowboarders.
