Gifts for hikers that earn a place in the pack

Hikers are picky about what they carry, so the best gifts are light and genuinely useful on the trail. These are the ideas we'd be glad to unwrap, with tips to help you choose.

Gift ideas hikers will use

From a bigger gift for the keen walker to small trail favourites.

Green 20 litre hiking daypack with front pocket
FOR THE TRAIL

Daypacks to trekking packs for every length of walk.

What to prioritise
Carry it all

Hiking Backpacks

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Grey adjustable hiking pole with a foam grip
KNEE SAVER

Adjustable poles for steady footing on hills and descents.

What to prioritise
Steady steps

Hiking & Trekking Poles

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Black rechargeable headlamp with an adjustable strap
EARLY STARTS

Hands-free headlamps for sunrise starts and late finishes.

What to prioritise
Hands free

Hiking Headlamps

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Clear reusable hiking water bottle with a screw cap
STAY TOPPED UP

Bottles and flasks built for days on the trail.

What to prioritise
Trail hydration

Hiking Water Bottles

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Two pairs of orange high wool hiking socks
EASY WIN

Cushioned hiking socks to keep feet comfortable for longer.

What to prioritise
Happy feet

Hiking Socks

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Green waterproof wide-brim hiking hat
SUN AND COLD

Sun hats, beanies and neck warmers for changing weather.

What to prioritise
Head covered

Hiking Hats & Beanies

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What makes a good gift for hikers

Light enough to carry

Every gram counts on a long walk. Compact, lightweight gifts are the ones that actually go in the pack rather than staying at home.

Matched to their trails

A short coastal walker and a multi-day trekker need different kit. Think about how far and how often they walk, then choose gear that suits that kind of day.

Ready for Aussie weather

Strong sun, sudden showers and cold mornings can all turn up on one hike. Hats, layers and good hydration gear help them handle all of it.

Kind to feet and knees

Comfort decides how far someone wants to walk. Good socks and a pair of poles take strain off feet and joints, especially on steep descents.

Gift-giving tips

Ask what's wearing out

Hikers usually know which bit of kit is on its last legs. A quiet chat with their walking group can point you to the perfect replacement.

Skip the guesswork on boots

Footwear needs a proper fit, so leave boots to them. Socks, poles and hats are far easier to get right.

Consumables are always welcome

Spare socks, a second bottle or a fresh headlamp never go to waste, even for someone who seems to own everything.

Gift ideas at a glance

GiftWhy they'll love itTip
Hiking BackpacksA pack that fits well makes every walk easierDay hikers suit around 20 to 30 litres
Hiking & Trekking PolesLess strain on knees going downhillAdjustable poles suit most heights
Hiking HeadlampsSafe early starts and no fumbling after darkRechargeable models save on batteries
Hiking Water BottlesEasy hydration on hot daysA wide mouth is easier to clean
Hiking SocksFewer blisters and warmer toesCheck their shoe size before you buy
Hiking Hats & BeaniesShade in summer, warmth in winterWide brims give the most sun cover

Help it last

  • Empty and air out backpacks after each walk so sweat and damp don't linger.
  • Wash wool hiking socks inside out on a gentle cycle and let them air dry.
  • Dry trekking poles fully apart before storing so the locks don't seize.
  • Rinse bottles with warm water and leave lids off to dry between hikes.

Frequently asked questions

What do you buy a hiker who has everything?

Look at the things that wear out or get lost. Socks, water bottles and headlamps all have a limited life, and a second set is handy for back-to-back walks. Trekking poles are another smart pick, because many keen hikers put off buying them until their knees start to complain.

What's a good gift for someone just getting into hiking?

A comfortable daypack and a decent water bottle are the two things that make early walks enjoyable. Add a sun hat for Australian conditions and they're set for most day hikes. Leave boots to them, as fit matters too much to guess.

How do I buy hiking socks if I don't know their size?

Hiking socks are sold by shoe size range, so you only need a rough idea of what shoes they wear. Peek at a pair at home or ask a family member. If you're torn between two ranges, the larger one is usually the safer bet with socks.

Are trekking poles worth it as a gift?

For many hikers, yes. Poles help with balance on loose or uneven ground and take some load off the knees on long descents. Adjustable poles can be set to suit most heights, which makes them an easy gift to get right.

What are good small gifts for hikers?

Headlamps, socks and hats all make easy small gifts that get plenty of use. They're light, simple to wrap and useful on almost every walk. A bottle or flask is another reliable choice, and you can't really have too many.

Give them a reason to hit the trail

The right gift is the one they reach for before every walk. Pick something light and useful and it'll travel a long way with them.

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Two hikers silhouetted on a mountain ridge as the sun sets