Most recently updated January 17th, 2022
There are plenty of gifts any hiker or outdoor enthusiast on your list would be happy to get – whether they’re just beginners or experts.
Gifts for hikers come in all price ranges, too, so you can be sure to find something in your budget.
Basic day hike gear is a gift that any hiker would be thrilled to get, and I’ve included links to some of my top picks.
FYI, every image in this post – not just the specific recommended items – is also a link to merchandise.
You’ll also see “Related Products” sections that allow you to browse more if you want to go beyond the items I’ve called out.
So, if you see something you like, click it!
If you want any of these things for yourself, you could also send this article to your family. Just sayin’ 🙂
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DAY HIKE GEAR EVERYONE NEEDS
Whether they’re experienced hikers or just beginners, below are day hiking essentials everyone should have and would be happy to get as a gift.
Who gets what is up to you – this is where your amazing gift-giving skills come in 🙂
1) Daypack or Backpack
The difference between the two is that a daypack is generally pretty light with a smaller capacity, and doesn’t usually have a metal frame.
Because it’s not that heavy it doesn’t need all the extra support.
Backpacks usually have some sort of extra support like a frame, and are more roomy to accommodate more stuff.
For a daypack, you’ll want to choose a size from 20-40 liters.
That’s big enough to hold your extra layers, water, snacks and other day hiking needs.
It’s best if you can try a pack on in the store to make sure it’s a good fit.
A small could be too small – but some brands might be fine.
If you’re giving a pack as a gift, make sure to include a gift receipt or other means for it to be exchanged.
(That’s actually a good idea for any gift.)
Here are a few excellent packs:
Click on the picture or link.
- Osprey Packs Kestrel 28 Backpack
– This pack is a great all around day pack. It’s got a removable rain cover to protect your gear from wet weather. An external hydration reservoir sleeve is located behind the shoulder harness, to allow easy loading/unloading of a hydration reservoir. This comes in small/medium and medium/large sizes and also comes in red or green. (How festive!) It also has lots of pockets, external loop ties and a comfortable hip belt.
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- HIKPRO 20L – The Most Durable Lightweight Packable Backpack, Water Resistant Travel Hiking Daypack For Men & Women – This is meant to be used as a daypack that you carry inside a more robust camping backpack. You would use this lightweight, packable daypack when you want to take a short hike from camp, and don’t need to bring all of your gear with you. It’s light, very affordable, and comes in a rainbow of colors!
- CAMEL CROWN 40L Lightweight Backpack Water Resistant Outdoor Sports Daypack with Rain Cover for Hiking Running Cycling Biking Climbing and Hunting –
This is a roomy, comfortable pack with extra padding in the shoulder straps and includes a waterproof rain cover. Multiple compartments, and comes in a variety of colors.
Easy to Wear Hiking Layers
The most important (and fun to buy) gear is the kind that you put on your body!
No matter what the season, hiking in layers is recommended for both comfort and safety.
When in doubt, toss some extra layers in your backpack.
It’s better to be over prepared than too cold!
I usually wear several layers hiking, and I’d much rather take off layers and carry them than wish I had been better equipped for the weather.
If it’s colder, add on a vest or puffy jacket, and another base layer as needed.
2) Hiking Pants
1) No one needs to see that and
2) Long pants help protect my legs from getting scraped up or bitten by insects.
Also hiking pants tend to be more comfortable and fit me better than jeans, so I wear hiking pants for casual wear, too.
Lately I’ve noticed a lot of women and girls hiking in leggings.
Let me just say this about that – leggings are not actual pants. (I’ve been having this argument for years with my daughter.)
I haven’t noticed any male hikers jumping on this “leggings” trend. Thank goodness, because I just wouldn’t know where to look. Anyway…
They’re also usually not rugged enough to withstand much rough scrambling on rocks, and won’t be very much protection for your legs, either.
This is why it’s better to wear hiking pants, in a weight appropriate for the trail, the season and the weather.
That said, in cold weather, wicking running tights or athletic leggings make a nice base layer (under pants) for your lower body.
Here are some of my picks:
Click on the picture or link.
Two front pockets, back and side cargo pockets with velcro.Pockets design suitable for larger stuffs. A little water-resistant,quick dry,lightweight,breathable,sun protection.
Adjustable waist allows pant to fit comfortably; Lining layer is polar fleece, premuim fleece lining keep you warm in cold weather;
Perfect for cold weather: camping & hiking, climbing, trekking, ski-ing and snowboarding, Soft-shell;Breathable,Lightweight,Quick-dry,Machine washable.
3) Wicking Base
The purpose of wicking fabric is to pull moisture away from your skin.
Wool is a great choice and comes in different weights to suit the weather; there are also good wicking synthetics.
Stay away from cotton – it will get wet and heavy, and is slow to dry.
If it’s warm this will be your only layer.
In cold temperatures, a base layer of wicking fabric will help by pulling moisture away from your skin, which helps to keep you dry and warm.
In cold weather, you would wear other insulating layers on top of your wicking base.
I’ve also used wicking thermals to double as a base layer and camping jammies.
Here are some good choices:
(Click on the picture or link.)
MIDWEIGHT THERMALS give you warmth without bulk – our shirts are not boxy like some other brands, a truly flattering women’s base layer fit!
Merino wool is antimicrobial, and will help regulate your body temperature.
BASE LAYER FIT – Designed to be worn next to your skin, if you want a looser fit order one size up.
Woolly Clothing Men’s Merino Wool Long Sleeve Henley – Everyday Weight – Wicking Breathable Anti-Odor – 100% 190 GSM 18.5 micron Australian merino wool; henley neck opening. Full merino construction for natural stretch, odor resistance, moisture wicking, itch free, 4-season comfort. Business casual, date night, camp layer, travel days.
4) Fleece or Padded Jacket
You’ll need to gauge the outside temperature and how hard you’ll be exercising to know how many layers you want.
Of course, you can always take off extra layers and carry them in your pack.
Here are some good choices:
Click on the picture or link.
Columbia Women’s Fast Trek II Full Zip Fleece Jacket – Crafted of soft 100% polyster micro fleece for ultimate warmth. Features two side zippered security pockets, a collared neck and zippered closure. With a modern classic fit, Columbia’s Fast Trek II Full Zip Fleece Jacket is an outdoor staple during cold winters for it’s ultimate warmth and comfort.
Baleaf Women’s Double-Layered Fleece Full Zip Hoodie Jacket Detachable Hood – 100% Polyester; Double layered fleece composite fabric; Detachable three-panel hood with adjustable drawstring; Full length zipper for easy venting; One chest pocket and two deep hand pockets with zippers store your essentials; Inner drawstring at hem for a snug, adjustable fit; Elastic cuffs to keep the chill out.
Mountain Warehouse Seasons Women’s Water Resistant Warm Padded Jacket – Fabric is water-resistant;Lightweight microfiber filler for better insulation; 2 front pockets; Elasticated cuffs and hood; 100% Polyester. Comes in many fun colors!
Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Down Jacket – Shell: 100% Nylon; Lining: 100% Nylon; Fill: 90% Duck Down, 10% Feather; Imported; Machine Wash; Down fill brings warmth without the weight to this water-resistant quilted jacket with a full-zip front and stand-up collar; Zip pockets, elasticized cuffs; packs into included carrying bag.
Columbia Men’s Mountain Side Fleece Jacket – 100% Other Fibers; Imported; Zippered chest pocket; Regular fit. Come sin a variety of colors.
YXP Men’s Mountain Waterproof Windproof Jacket – Great insulated shell jacket for winter outdoor activities: mountain/rock climbing, camping, hiking. Soft Fleece Lining，Removable Hood, Waterproof，Quick Dry, Durable, Warm, Multi-pockets, Breathable. Relaxed-fit style, quick-dry material.
5) Rain Jacket
I always carry a lightweight rain jacket in my pack (along with a hat and gloves in case it gets chilly).
This is one of those items that every hiker needs, but does unfortunately wear out over time and has to be replaced.
I had one that got perforated by hail when I was caught out hiking in a storm on the Isle of Skye.
Fortunately, I was able to replace the coat while I was on the island, but it cost a pretty penny.
That’s when I started packing a “backup” rain jacket for longer trips.
A rain jacket can double as a packable top layer to trap your body heat in the winter, too.
In case of a really drenching long-lasting rain, you can throw the poncho on top of everything else – including your pack – for another layer of protection from wind and rain.
Keep your favorite hiker (or yourself) warm and dry with a good quality rain coat.
Here are my picks:
Click on the picture or link.
MAGCOMSEN Women’s Hooded Softshell Outdoor Windproof Waterproof Mountain Jacket – Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable and fully seam sealed. The extra flap provides more protection from the rain, 2 zippered side-entry pockets and 1 chest hidden pocket. Adjustable cuffs, detachable hood. The interior is fitted with micro fleece inserts to maximize comfort and promote excellent breathability. Prefect for Rock Climbing, Hiking, Running, and Camping.
Mountain Warehouse Storm 3 in 1 Women’s Waterproof Jacket – Detachable Fleece; IsoDry fabric has a waterproof and breathable membrane to allow perspiration out, but keep you dry; Taped seams and Storm Flap make this garment fully waterproof; Adjustable hood, hem and cuffs.
Paradox Waterproof & Breathable Women’s Rain Jacket – Shell: 100% polyester. Coating: 100% polyurethane. Breathable, waterproof layer with a water repellent finish; Windproof – seam sealed; Lightweight; UPF 50
Huk Men’s Packable Rain Jacket – 100% Water Proof. 100% Wind Proof. Strategic Venting. Quick Drying. Breath-Ability. Packs Into Own Pouch.
GORE Wear Men’s Waterproof Hooded Jacket, GORE Wear C5 GORE Wear -TEX Trail Hooded Jacket, 100254. Super light men’s hooded jacket for athletic activities at an advanced level. Suitable all year round, Durably waterproof, extremely breathable and windproof. Close-fitting hood, Zip tag for easy opening, Full front zipper. Stowable and lightweight.
Boots
In hiking your boots are the foundation for your happiness on the trail!
Read my post on how to Choose the Best Boots – which also includes a good selection of boots to buy.
If you choose poorly, I also have a post on how to treat foot pain 🙂
Other Day Hike Gear
In hiking, as in my other activities, I’ve always tried to cultivate a certain amount of skill before I invest in all of the latest gear.
This approach does a COUPLE of things for you:
- It gives you a chance to see if you like hiking before spending lots of $$$
- It lets you figure out your own style and specific gear needs
That said, good gear can really help you perform better and be more comfortable. And who doesn’t like to be stylin’ on the trail? 🙂
Budget-Conscious Hiking Gifts
If you have a really tight budget, take a look at my article on Gifts for Hikers Under $50 or check out the Hiking Accessories I found.
Both articles will give you lots of good, less expensive gift ideas.
Give the Gift of Adventure!!
If you were thinking of something REALLY epic – and perhaps that you could share – give the gift of an adventure hiking trip!!
Here are a few that I recommend, and you could get some great discounts, too 🙂
Gift Cards
Click on the gift card picture.
If you just don’t have any idea what your hiker might like, you can always opt for a gift card. There are plenty of good reasons to give a gift card.
For instance, some items might be too personal to give directly – or things that need to be tried on and fitted.
You also may not know what they already have, or what others may be gifting them.
Give With Wild Abandon!
At the end of the day, any hiker would be thrilled to receive a gift of a good hiking pack, outdoor appropriate clothing, or even a gift card with a free trial Prime membership so they can choose exactly what they need most and get all the savings!
And if you’re still looking for gear and gifts, take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.
You’ll find gifts with the IRW Logo, Valentine-themed mugs and water-bottles, and other fun things to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection!
I hope you find inspiration in this post and some of the items I’ve included for you.
If you have any other day hike gear questions you can reach me at idratherwalkblog@gmail.com.
Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you next time – LJ
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LJ has spent much of her free time as a single Mom – and now as an empty-nester – hiking in the US and around the world. She shares lessons learned from adventures both local and in exotic locations, and tips on how to be active with asthma, plus travel, gear, and hike planning advice for parents hiking with kids and beginners of all ages. Read more on the About page.