Gifts for Outdoorsy People

Here are my suggestions for gifts for the hikers in your life. I have included handmade and low-cost options and different price ranges to suit everyone. This post contains some affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. 

Handmade and Low Cost Ideas (under $20)

    • Artsy? Browse your person’s social media and paint a scene from a hike they have gone on! Or a drawing, or cross-stitch…
    • Homemade trail snacks. If you know your person’s food preferences, make a homemade trail mix (peanut butter M&Ms are a great high calorie snack) or if you have food dehydrating skills, dried fruit is great. A homemade powdered hot chocolate is really nice too!
    • Photo album! Find some photos online from the person’s hiking adventures. You can either make a photo album with your printer or find a variety of companies that print albums and calendars.
    • Map art. I’ve seen lots of antique and book stores and online retailers selling old maps for cheap. You can frame them into art, or decoupage onto a keepsake box…get creative!

Zipper Pull Compass, Thermometer, and Magnifying Glass

I have this and it’s great to hook on a backpack for hiking and backpacking excursions.

Under $50

Wool Socks

Getting socks is kind of lame as a kid, but a pair of socks is honestly an amazing gift for a hiker! Wool is pretty much stink-proof, durable, dries fairly quickly, and keeps you warm even when wet.

Compass Jewelry

Similar to the keychain above, if you want to get someone something pretty but also practical but also symbolizing their love for adventure…this is perfect! There are lots of version on various retailer and vendor sites like Etsy for men and women.

Buff (neck gaiter)

Buff brand or generic neck gaiters are awesome trail tools. They are multipurpose – it’s a scarf, beanie, hairband, and quick mask on the trail. I’ve used one to keep my nose warm at night in my tent and as a cute hairband. Throw it over an inflatable pillow and it’s a pillowcase!

Between $50-200

Kindle Paperwhite

This guy only weighs 6.4 oz. If you know a reader that loves to backpack and hike, this is a great gift. I still love and own lots of paper books, but having a waterproof ereader makes a lot of sense for outdoor activities!

Ultralight Hammock


At 5.8 oz, the Eno Sub6 Hammock is less than half the weight of most hammocks. Make sure you get the matching ultralight straps as well (4.3 oz, a whole hammock set under a pound!).  Kammok and Hummingbird are other brands that make ultralight hammocks.

Over $200

Garmin InReach Mini

This device is only 3.5 oz and is commonly used by backpackers and hikers. It is a satellite communication device that can be paired with a mobile phone. If you are a worried parent or friend, this is a great gift to help your person stay safe in the wilderness!