The Best Gifts for Hikers, From Their Feet to Their Butts

There are about a thousand different ways you can try to repel mosquitoes, but in my experience, very few of them are 100% effective -- and the ones that are shouldn't live on or near your skin every day. You can't always control when you're going to get bit, but there are a couple of things you can do to stop those bites from driving you crazy. One I find particularly interesting is Heat It, an accessory that plugs into the charging port on your phone and uses an app to create a hot spot you press to the bite to dissolve the chemicals causing itchiness. The app also lets you document the number of bites and symptoms, to better help you determine if additional steps should be taken for your health.

Important note: The Android version of this accessory is USB-C, but it does not work with the new iPhone 15 series. An Apple-specific version will be available soon, but currently, only iPhone 14 and older are supported.

When it comes to camp stoves, Jetboil is the champion. It works better at higher altitudes without consuming as much fuel, and it's compact enough to fit in any pack. If you're doing a hike for more than an afternoon, this is the cookstove every hiker loves. What we don't love is accidentally running out of fuel in the middle of a trip, and that's what makes the JetGauge so useful. It weighs the canister and gives a percentage of the remaining fuel for better preparation, and it belongs in every hiker's pack if they're hiking for multiple days. 

Odds are that your hiking friend has SPF for their face and body, but may have forgotten their lips. That is why a sunscreen lip balm makes the perfect gift (and would fit nicely in any stocking). In addition to SPF 30, it also has vitamin E and aloe vera to aid in hydration, and is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free and Hawaii Act 104-compliant, meaning that it is formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Merrell is one of the best in the business when it comes to hiking boots. They have a wide variety of shoes for different trail types and climates, along with options that have waterproofing, ventilation, vegan-friendly materials and more. However, since hiking enthusiasts can be particular about their footwear, we recommend getting them a gift card so they can find their perfect fit.

Ever hike to the top of a mountain only to discover it's a lot colder up there? Not a fun feeling, especially if you're unprepared. I'm not a fan of disposable heaters that end up in the trash or a fire pit, so I usually recommend these rechargeable hand warmers. They have multiple temperature settings, can be recharged by a solar panel if needed, and are small and light enough to not really notice in a day bag.

There are few things better than sitting in a hammock at the side of a lake or the top of a mountain. This portable hammock is lightweight, packs away small and works in a bunch of different environments. It's a simple gift and comes in a variety of different colors, which is great for making this gift feel more personalized. Right now, you can get it for a pretty great price on Amazon using the code WO40OFF2024, which takes 40% off the already discounted total.

If you know someone who loves hiking but can't live without coffee, then this is the perfect gift for them. This compact coffee press has a drinking mug that doubles as a carrying case and can make everything from American-style coffee to cappuccinos and cold brew coffee at camp. In about one minute, it can brew one to three cups of coffee, which is great if you're short on time but need your caffeine. 

Perfect for hiking in dark or low-light settings, this headlamp has a 400-lumen beam and a red light function for night vision. You can also adjust the brightness, strobe and proximity, distance and lock modes. It has a handy battery display that will alert you when it’s time to replace the AAA alkaline batteries (which are included) or recharge the BD 1500 lithium-ion battery (not included). 

I swear by these. Not every hiking shoe or boot comes with the right arch support for your foot, and even those that do could use a boost. If you've got high arches like me or you're in need of something to provide a little extra heel support, Superfeet insoles mitigate the beating your feet take over hikes of any duration. Every color in the lineup indicates a different kind of support, and once you have trimmed these to fit the right shoe, they can stay there as long as you keep the boot. You can also pull them out and transfer them to any other shoe. Prices vary depending on size and support, but pick the right one and it'll last years. 

You can't have too many socks, especially when you're hiking. Whether it's a day hike or a full week out on the trail, having the right socks makes a huge difference. Smartwool socks come in a variety of heights, cushion levels and designs. They're also great for any temperature because the primary focus is keeping moisture away from your feet and adding pressure in all of the right places to help prevent blisters. Consider buying your hiker a variety of light, medium and highly cushioned hiking socks. The lightest and thinnest (no cushion) also feel great in everyday sneakers, and the wool material has never made me itch.

These moisture-wicking trail tights were designed for long adventures. The best part? They have five pockets, including double-tiered side pockets and a key clip to keep your keys on hand. The drawcord also allows you to create a more custom fit, so the pants can be as tight or loose as you’d like.

There is nothing more important on any kind of hike than hydration, and for a very long time, the gold standard in hydration on a trail or a bike has been the Camelbak. You can store loads of water in a convenient pouch on your back, with a long tube you can clip next to your shoulder for when you need a quick drink. 

You can get a lot of different kinds of backpack holsters for Camelbak reservoirs, but the Ambush is my personal favorite for hiking. The durable fabric can survive a fall, you don't have to fully remove the bladder to refill it and there are several pockets for holding all of your essentials. It's the perfect backpack for any kind of hike and makes it easy to leave with just this bag on your back.

While more and more phones are coming with emergency satellite functionality, not everyone wants to bring their phone on a hike and have to worry about keeping it charged. If the hiker in your life would rather leave their phone in the car but still be able to reach out and let someone know where they are, the Spot Gen4 is a great option. It's a simple black box you can clip to a belt or toss in a bag and offers satellite location and quick message check-ins at the touch of a button, as well as emergency services -- should the need arise. While there are monthly service fees associated with Spot, they're flexible enough that casual hikers would only spend a few dollars a year for safety when they're in the wilderness.