10 Best Gifts For Hikers Under $50 – Last Minute Gift Ideas

Most recently updated December 6th, 2023

Are you looking for gifts for hikers or other outdoors types, but don’t have the cash to spring for pricey gear and gadgets?

And maybe you waited a little too long to brainstorm something creative and epic?

Don’t worry – sometimes the gifts they’ll really appreciate are the simpler, less expensive things.  Practical gifts are easy to find when you’re short on time, too.

I’ve made a short list of  ten practical hiking gifts or  inexpensive cool gadgets for hiking that would be welcome gifts for the outdoorsy people on your list. 

Give one, or select a few to make a hiking gift basket!

I’m always happy with gifts that handle chores – like replacing worn out clothing items.

Or gifts of delicious food:  That Man will sometimes present me with frozen Wild Salmon filets  (a.k.a. Fish of Love).

But I digress…   Click on any images (including the salmon!)  or links below.

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What could be more practical than socks?

1) Hiking Socks – 

I know – getting socks for Christmas is an old joke.   The only thing worse is if they’re filled with lumps of coal…   

But really, hikers don’t think of socks as dull and boring.

To a hiker, socks are vital partners in their next hiking adventure, and their best tool to keep their feet dry and blister-free!

Hiking socks are also pretty pricey, and as they wear out frequently everyone appreciates a gift of another pair or two.

There are several kinds of socks to choose from:

• Thin liner socks of soft, wicking fabric
• Heavy warm outer socks that stand up to trail abuse
• Other medium-weight socks (for warmer weather)

I usually wear a thin wicking sock as a base layer, with another thicker sock over it.   

As someone who hikes and walks a lot, I end up buying and replacing my socks more than any other clothing or gear item.

2) Container for Drinking Water

A hiker’s body needs plenty of water to perform, and it’s vital to have a practical bottle on the trail. 

Extra water in case you run out is really essential while you’re out sweating on the switchbacks.

In any weather, staying well hydrated can help you avoid dehydration or even altitude sickness. 

Staying hydrated also helps you avoid muscle cramps and soreness later.

A water bottle is a gift that says, “I care about you.  Drink water.”

I store one or two lightweight water bottles in the side pockets of my backpack for easy access.  I usually carry a few extra bottles in the main pack itself, as well.

There are a lot of different re-usable bottles available.  The important thing is to find a light and durable bottle with an easy to use mouth.

Collapsible bottles also take less space when empty, and are good for traveling.

You can even find bottles (both hard and collapsible) with a built-in filtration system to remove harmful bacteria on the trail.

3) Fun buffs or bandannas

Some hikers swear by bandanas or a Buff/Bana, which are multi-purpose items that work well for wiping off sweat, protecting you from the sun, or keeping your neck warm if it gets cold.

A multi-purpose practical accessory, buffs can be used to keep exploding hair more under control, and you can wet and wear them on a hot day to stay cool, or layer them up to stay warm in colder weather.

In winter, I also pull mine up over my nose and mouth to warm cold air before it hits my lungs.

4) Sun Protection – Hats and Sunglasses

Sun protection is a hiking essential that will help you to prevent injury.

To protect your skin from the sun while you’re hiking, apply sunscreen that is at least UPF 30 and won’t come off when you sweat. 

Also pack a breathable brimmed hat and sunglasses that aren’t fragile enough to break for eye and face protection, too.

Any hat will do – baseball cap, hikers hat, gardening hat, rain hat – anything with a brim to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. 

Collapsible is nice, though, so you can stuff it in your pack or pocket when you’re not wearing it.

During winter hikes the sun reflects off the snow and sends some pretty strong rays back at you. 

While needing a hat and sunglasses might be obvious for hot and sunny hikes, it’s not as commonly known that going for a hike in the snow on a sunny day can also cause sunburn from “snow blindness”.

I didn’t really think about this until my eye doctor told me I have calluses in my eyes from sun exposure. 

She said she most often sees this condition in farmers, outdoor athletes or others who spend a lot of time outdoors.  Protect your eyes!

6) Mini-Size Travel Towel

Don’t go anywhere without a mini-size quick-dry towel! 

While you probably won’t need to use it for hand-to-hand-combat or to wrap  around your head to ward off noxious fumes, if your towel is brightly colored enough, you could wave it in emergencies as a distress signal 🙂

I use mine mostly to wipe sweat off my brow, dry my feet after creek crossings, or  (if it still seems clean enough) dry my face and hands after washing up.

7) Knife and Spork

You don’t need to pack both a fork and a spoon when you can pack a spork instead.  This one is actually a fork/spoon combo…but you know what I mean.  

This is really convenient, but mostly I just like to say “spork” 🙂

I like the fancy titanium ones since they are light-weight and wash easily.  

A woods knife or camp knife could also come in handy on the trail for cutting line, eating, and digging holes for tent stakes.

Or if your arm is stuck in a crevasse or something.

A good multi-tool is also a good gift choice, especially if it comes with a wine-cork pull.

8) Books!

For hikers who love to read,  put together a handful of inspiring, adventure stories like Wild, A Walk in the Woods, Grandma Gatewood’s Walk, or The Barefoot Sisters Southbound.  

 
 

9) Trail Snacks

10) Gift Cards

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