Hiking is one of the oldest free activities in the books, and while it’s absolutely wonderful that it costs nothing to just walk out your door with your family, gift-giving for those hiking adventures can be really fun!
Time outside away from it all can be fulfilling and full of memories. Over the years we have built up our gear closet with items perfectly tailored to our family hiking fun. One big ticket item per year is usually how we roll. Great gear can make all the difference, but keep in mind the balance between just getting out there as-is, and curating the perfect hiking setup.
Hiking is the first step of many steps that can lead to backpacking, traveling and even snowshoeing or skiing. As with any family hobby there will be different levels of skill and interest. As the parent or facilitator of the activity it can be intimidating and you may think that a hike needs to be a certain length to count. Nope, leave all that behind and get out the door.
Whether you are new to hiking or a well seasoned trail explorer, there are so many great hiking gifts to make hiking with your family that much more enjoyable. Below are just a few dozen of them that can help you embrace trail life. Hiking is a great hobby that can stay with you for a lifetime, it is never too early or too late to start.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, if you purchase something through one of these links and use the discount codes provided, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
All products and brands recommended are hand selected by our team, so thank you for supporting us by clicking through!
Engage Kids on the Trail
Kids enjoy hiking more when they are engaged in the adventure and not just being dragged along. One of the best ways to do this is to involve them in all the various aspects of the hike, and many of the hiking gift ideas below are designed to do just that.
We parents tend to want to make things easier for our kids so they can have more fun, but often in making hiking easy, we make it boring. So don’t make your family hike “easy enough”, make it interesting enough!
Start by giving kids just a little bit of gear to carry. Those things that we adults HAVE to carry, to kids look like things we GET to carry. Lean into that idea with the gifts below.
Favorite Backpacks for All Ages
Everyone can carry a backpack on the trail, they simply need the right size and design for their age and the task. Here are some of our TMM team favorites.
Deuter Pico, ages 2-4
These are probably the cutest daypacks ever created. Whatever little baby animal your toddler or preschooler most loves is probably on one of the many designs. I almost wish I had a toddler again so I could get one of these backpacks.
REI Tarn 12L, ages 5-8
My 6 year old son was dragging his feet about a family trek we were taking until he received this hiking gift. It looks cool and grown-up, just right for young elementary kids, and it offers great comfort and utility.
/
Read the full review here, and it’s also available in an 18L size for slightly older adventurers!
Gregory Nano 18, ages 10+
This backpack is a perfect grow-with-your child daypack, as it works for tween and teen ages, and you can even borrow it when they aren’t using it! It’s lightweight, breathable, and versatile for just about any outing.
REI Stuff Travel Pack
I received this as a hiking gift from a friend, and it’s been so convenient and helpful! It’s not as sturdy as a traditional daypack, but I love that I can stow it inside the attached carrying bag and tuck in a stroller, a vehicle, or my big backpacking pack, and whip it out when I realize I could use a backpack.
Day Packing for Littles
Now that you’ve got the backpacks for your miniature hikers, what do you put in them? Some favorite snacks, certainly, but here are a few more fun additions for your hiking buddy’s daypack.
16 Ounce Nalgene Bottle
We actually accidentally bought this water bottle instead of a 32 ounce, and my youngest son loves it so much. It’s the perfect size for his little hands (he’s six), and because it’s a Nalgene, he feels grown up using it.
Disposable Camera
Adults enjoy taking photos on hikes, and so do kids! A disposable camera is a really fun way to engage kids on a hike, and for you to see your hike through the eyes of your children.
Opaita Binoculars
Get a closer look at that hornet’s nest or squawking blue jay while out on the trail. These make a perfect hiking gift for kids because they are reasonably priced, but not as flimsy as some kids’ pairs.
Growing Hikers
Little hikers and big hikers alike with enjoy the gifts below, ideal for just about any age.
Rocky Talkies
Rocky Talkies are a way to keep in touch on the trail even in the most remote of places. Giving more freedom to explore on the trail or during a lunch break. Rocky Talkies are going to go the distance with you.
Trekking Poles
Knee savers for adults, but additionally, a fun way to keep kids engaged on the trail while giving their little legs a break. Trekking poles also offer you the extra hand or two that you need and give you that boost of confidence on off road terrain.
Pocket Naturalist Guide
I love these pocket guides from Waterford Press. They are sturdy laminated tri-folds easy to stow in a backpack, and come in all sorts of location-specific varieties for your family to use during your hiking adventures!
Activities on the Trail
You don’t have to limit your family’s activities on a hike to merely walking. Enjoy other adventurous action along the trail as well.
Rock Collection Bag
Kids love to pick up rocks, sticks, shells and more along the way on a hike. You can fill your pockets for them, or give them a bag so they can collect their precious treasures themselves. The mesh sides make it easy to see what they’ve gathered! Just make sure rock collection is allowed on your particular trail!
Bug Catching Kit
Another thing kids love to catch that parents don’t necessarily want to carry. Catching (and eventually releasing) bugs is actually a great way for kids to learn more about their environment, and how to treat even the smallest living things in nature.
Collapsible Fishing Rod
My kids love this little fishing rod–and I love that it collapses easily into its own lightweight carrying case that can fit into a daypack. We can use it if we happen upon a mid-trail pond, but aren’t stuck carrying a full-size rod in hand if not.
Parents Emergency Kit
These small but might gifts are important and extremely handy. They are perfect gifts for parents– small in size but pack a big punch when things take a challenging turn on a hike.
First Aid Kit
A pre-packed first aid kit takes the guesswork out of deciding what to bring for those minor cuts and scrapes on a hike.
Quick-Dry Towel
These come in handy for just about everything, from drying off feet after creek stomping to wiping out dishes after a quick river rinse.
NoSo Patches
Spice up the gear you love, NOSO patches extend the life of gear that wants to continue to serve you.
Hiking Gifts for Her
Bringing luxury to the hiking ladies, each one of these items has been thoughtful designed with females in mind.
Branwyn Essential Busty Bra
Branwyn’s wool won’t leave with more laundry and understands the support women need while on the trail.
Check out our full review on Branwyn Innerwear!
Shredly Shorts
Designed for every body Shredly’s variety of colors and sizes are sure to be a hit. Their clothing lines are meant for movement and comfort. Their Limitless stretch waistband shorts are so comfy!
Ibex Indie Hoodie
This wool top is a worthwhile investment for adventuring year-round. It’s light and breathes well, but is also surprisingly warm for hiking and camping as the sun goes down.
Hiking Gifts for Him
These are all practical and soon the be can’t live without hiking go to. The items here all the use every hike kind of gift.
Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket
This rain jacket is a lightweight and liner-free rain shell, but still offers sturdiness for tough rainy conditions.
Icebreaker Anatomica Wool Underwear
Great base layers make a difference, these wool boxers will keep a hiker happy for days.
Stio Hylas Hooded Sunshirt
Sun shirts that can not only offer protection but also enough prints and colors to choose from to let the personality shine through.
Kids Hiking Wear
Kids who are dressed appropriately for a hike will have more capacity to enjoy their surroundings and will also be safer and healthier on the trail.
Iksplor Base Layers
Base layers are perfect in at least three seasons, and Iksplor is a tried-and-true TMM favorite, created by a hiking family for hiking families.
Akova LS1 Graphene Hoodie
This lightweight hoodie is so soft and comfortable! My daughter doesn’t want to ever take it off.
Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
A vest is another great three season item, especially if you live in a location with a moderate winter climate.
All three of the items in this section can be layered for an extra cozy and adaptable outfit!
Footwear Hiking Gifts
Happy are the feet with the right boot. After all, your feet are carrying the rest of you, so treat them well.
Check out all our favorite Hiking Shoes for Kids and Best Hiking Shoes for Women.
Zamberlan Load Carrying Boots
For those carrying children, having boots meant to support your feet while heavily loaded are a game changer.
Keen Targhee Kids Hiking Boots
Waterproof, no-tie laces and durable, these Keen boots are an easy win for toddlers and kids.
NuuSol McCall Shoes
These are lightweight and grippy in the water making these a top option for stream crossings.
Nighttime Hiking
Hiking at night can be an amazing experience, and winter is the perfect time to try it, with the darkness hours extended.
National Geographic Night Sky Field Guide
Prep for your hike with a little family research, and also use the guide as you hike to discover more about our incredible night sky.
Everbrite Headlamps
These headlamps come with multiple light settings, including nighttime red so you don’t scare away nocturnal wildlife…or blind your kids with regular bold LED white.
Bug Repellent Stickers
Bugs are so happy to see us in the evening, but the feeling isn’t always mutual. Keep mosquitos away without the potent repellent smell with these fun stickers.
Hiking with Babies
The littlest hikers certainly change the game with their tiny presence on the trail, but that’s not a bad thing!
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Not only is Deuter a reliable outdoor brand, unlike most child carriers, this particular model is designed with a woman’s body in mind. Don’t worry, there is a unisex fit too.
Thule Jogging Stroller
You don’t have to jog to push this stroller, but you can if you want to. Either way, it works well in active settings.
Milk x Whiskey Adventure Diaper Bag
Proof that diaper bags can actually look cool!
Overnight Hiking Special Accessories
Below are some gift ideas for those who enjoy taking on overnight hiking and backpacking trips. They are not exactly essentials, but wonderful add-ons to a regular gear list.
REI Flexlite Camp Chair
We love these chairs! They are comfortable and light at under 2 pounds, great for weekend backpacking trips.
Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow
Comfortably inflate this pillow to your desired firmness, and get right to sleep with no squeakiness and no pillowcase required.
Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Liner
If you want a little more coziness inside your backpacking sleeping bag, or want a little less coziness on a warmer overnight, this is the perfect gift for you!
Hiking Experience Gifts
When you’re not looking for an item but an experience the possibilities are endless. Give the gift of reservations or a park pass.
Hiking Permits
One of the most exciting gifts is a trip to look forward too, permits are already open for next year.
National Parks Pass
Giving a Park Pass is strong motivation to get out there and do the hike, plan that trip and hike to your hearts desire.
Yurt, Cabin or Tent Reservations
When your hiking destinations take you far from home planning ahead to get the most out of your drive is always a good idea. Find a nice spot nestled in the backcountry to extend the miles you can cover.
What to Give a Hiker?
Gifts big or small, planned trips, bucket list hikes, or socks. This year, give gifts that fuel adventure. A hiker that is happy from head to toe can go the distance. There is no limit to where your feet can take you. Dream big and gift smart.
Looking for more outdoorsy gift ideas?
Related Posts:
- Toddler Hiking: Checklist and Tips
- Hiking With Baby Gear
- Best Hiking Gear for Women
- Gear for Hiking in the Rain
Hiking Gift Ideas for Everyone
© 2024, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.