23 Unique And Otherworldly Hiking Gifts For The Backpackers You Know
/It is a never-ending hunt to find the most unique hiking gifts for the backpackers or hiking buffs you know.
They have had everything sorted for their trip but what if there was one thing that was lacking in their wardrobe that could seal it together? or what if they have very specific tastes and you know your hiking gift has to be perfect, functional and inspire them to continue loving the outdoors rather than to dread carrying all that weight?
Here’s a really cool list where you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the most worthy, unique and otherworldly hiking gifts for him or her especially when they’re about to embark on a backpacking trip next year or in the next few months.
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1. Brass Hiking Compass
Imagine gifting someone a well-made brass compass that is artistic, functional and of great quality that inspires them to explore the great outdoors or simply begin a new chapter in life.
With Thoreau's Quote "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagine” - you can’t go wrong with a unique gift for the hiker in him or her with this.
2. Where Should We Camp Next?: National Parks: The Best Campgrounds and Unique Outdoor Accommodations
Featuring 300+ of the best camping and glamping spots in and around national parks, seashores, monuments, and more!
The national parks of the United States have been called "America's best idea," and some of the best camping and glamping experiences our country has to offer can be found in and around National Park Service units, including national parks, seashores, monuments, lakeshores, and battlegrounds.
Whether your friend is planning an adventurous trip or restorative solo trip, this book is your gateway to making memories in America's amazing national parks and the perfect gift for anyone who loves camping, the outdoors, and adventuring away from home.
3. I'd Rather Be In The Mountains - Gift Socks
This is a funny way of gifting your hiking friend who knows they would always rather be in the mountains than anywhere else.
It is also made from a super soft cotton blend that stretches comfortably to fit most calf sizes. These may be novelty socks but they don't feel cheap, they will be enjoyed for many wears and washes
4. Timberland Hiking Boots
You can’t go wrong with a pair of study and stylish hiking boots — Timberland is the ultimate gift for every hiker out there.
The Men's Euro Sprint Hiking Boot comes in a cool wheat nubuck colour. With a synthetic & mesh upper featureing a padded collar for extra comfort, this lace-up boot also has a Timberland logo heel stamp. The cushioned footbed comforts your foot, while the durable lug outsole grips the terrain no matter the weather.
For the Women’s version, the pops of red against rich brown leather enhances the Norwood women's hiking boots sleek making it the ultimate hiking gift. These waterproof leather boots fend off raindrops no matter the terrain.
5. 3-In-1 Wooden Walking Stick With Compass
We all know of that one person who is a “Gandalf” in the woofs and doesn’t mind walking endlessly but needs that support.
The natural wood is very sturdy with a rustic natural appeal. It even has a built-in compass and thermometer for that added convenience when you’re out in the wilderness, camping or hiking away.
The hiking stick is great for everyday use while walking in your neighborhood, on trails, or while hiking in the mountains, snow, ice, and more.
The added steel spike makes it really convenient for traction while walking in snow, dirt or packed surfaces.
6. AfterShokz Titanium Open-Ear Wireless Headphones
Unlike traditional headphones, Titanium doesn’t go inside or over your ears, so you can hear the world around you while you listen to your music or make/take calls.
Designed with athletes in mind, these secure and sweatproof headphones will keep you company for 6+ hours with premium audio and crystal clear calls.
If you’re looking for a fuss-free earphone experience where you’re constantly bobbing around, these won’t disappoint.
7. Monocular Telescope
One of the best portable hiking stuff is a monocular, almost like a binocular.
If you friend is a stargazer, he or she would love that they can carry something so light, small and easy to spot something quickly in the night sky which can enhance their stargazing experiences.
Not only that they can watch out for beautiful birds up-close, soaring eagles and vultures. The best part It includes a smartphone adapter allowing you to capture and record beauty all around you.
8. YakTrax Hiking Traction Cleats
You can’t go wrong with a pair of high traction cleats that fit all over shoes for walking, hiking or jogging on packed snow or ice - the perfect functional gift for your hiking friend.
There is no problem with these bad boys. You have no slippage either going up snowy hills or down.
One of the hardest things about running in the snow has been the feeling of running in sand where not all your momentum propelled you forwards but with this there’s absolutely no issues.
9. Ramble On: A History of Hiking
If you want to buy a great history book about the hiking roots in alpinism and mountaineering, the societal trends that fostered its growth as well as anecdotal stories of trail development in some of our oldest and most iconic national parks in America then this is one of the most interesting, fun and important read any avid hiker will appreciate.
It can be viewed as a vehicle for taking measure of where hiking got its start, why we hike, and what the future of the activity might look like as we crowd the outdoors.
10. CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack
You know if your friend is on hiking trip and they have thousands of miles of trails throughout the country there is one thing they never want to be without and that’s water.
Everything from the fabric, to the stitching, is solid, and the Rogue is a sturdy pack.
Even after a muddy day out on the trails, having a portable water setup makes everything easier especially on weekend trips where water bottles are not needed anymore.
11. Darn Tough Socks
It sounds boring to get socks as a “unique gift” for hikers.
But, trust me, every darn hiker would appreciate a pair of socks and the best of the lot is Darn Tough which comes with a lifetime warranty.
Hiking or backpacking essentials like Darn Tough socks are god-sent when your friend is wet and has done miles and miles of hiking.
They’re tested in the wilderness and known to be extremely durable. It’s all in the name, rugged and they’re darn good in weathering all terrains.
12. Hiking Patches That Handle The Elements
Picking a gift can be challenging, but with this patch you can’t go wrong.
For your mega-adventurer friends or hiking friends, they can easily sew this onto their jackets, bags and other hiking gear.
Quotes like “Out to Live” and “Stoked on Life” are small and important reminders that serve a thoughtful impression. It comes with a stylish gift-ready retail packaging as well!
13. SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack
You know you have a friend who is into hiking but needs one that is versatile and even functional for everyday use.
Whether hiking or running for errands, the SOG Ninja Daypack will keep your friend organised for any adventure with with a variety of compartments and hydration pack access.
This is the backpack for anything and everything for the "on the go" route with a tactical style.
14. Hiking and Adventure Coffee Mug
Some days if your friend is too busy to take a break outside and enjoy the breeze rolling off from the mountains, these mugs are a constant reminder that they need to push myself away from the computer and just enjoy a moment in the mountains.
These mugs come already packaged in a display box so they make the perfect gift for that coffee lover or adventure seeker in your life or even serves great as a perfect pick-me-up gift for yourself.
15. 100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Scenic Trails (Nat Geo)
This ultimate hiker's bucket list, from the celebrated Appalachian Trail to Micronesia's off-the-beaten-path Six Waterfalls Hike, treks through 100 energizing experiences for all levels.
Filled with beautiful National Geographic photography, wisdom from expert hikers like Andrew Skurka, need-to-know travel information, and practical wildlife-spotting tips, this inspirational guide offers the planet's best experiences for hikers and sightseers
This is the ultimate book to get for those who are super picky about their gift choices.
Imagine getting access to 100 hikes from Mt. Meru in Tanzania and multi-week treks (Egypt's Sinai Trail, Bhutan's Snowman Trek, and the Bibbulum Track in Australia),
Coffee table books like this are a great way to daydream about exploring places one may not have ever considered.
16. Unique Hiking T-shirt
Sometimes it is nice to wear a t-shirt that reminds you of the great outdoors and that’s the exact sentiment you’d want to gift your best bud! This comfortable and cool hiking t-shirt says it all “Hike more, worry less!”
17. Hiking Compass Ornament
We are always looking for reminders after hiking many national parks, and ornaments like these are great for gifts. They serve as a timely reminder and can be hung anywhere!
18. Survival Kit Bracelet
In outdoor activities like camping, hunting, climbing, and fishing, or even while walking long distances in the countryside or wilderness, it is always best to be ready.
With this 5 in 1 Essential Survival Kit, you will always feel safe. It is a great emergency tool and functional gift to provide your hiker friends.
One of the essentials needed to survive a night in the wild is a fire and with the included magnesium flint rod and sharp, stainless steel, fire striker, that doubles as an emergency knife, you will be able to start one without much effort to boil some water, cook some food, and stay warm.
19. Multi-functional Headwear
Looking for headwears to family and friends?
This magic scarf is perfect to as great gift for anyone, can be used as a neck gaiter, bandana tube, fishing mask, sport scarf or all for hiking while protecting from the sun and cold. Each one has it's own design and some are better than others!
20. Bluetooth Beanie
If your friend loves all things wireless and finds it hard to wear headphones and a beanie, this is the best gift that works well for hiking, cycling or all outdoor sports.
It keeps your phone snug and secure inside the case without needing to save your phone in your pocket to suffer from dropping off the Bluetooth connectivity while you're doing physical activity with the bluetooth beanie.
21. World’s Toughest Emergency Blankets
This could be a life-saving gift for your toughest hiking bud!
Designed for hikers, marathon runners, tactical gear preppers, car emergency kits, and every outdoor adventure, Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Blankets provide year-round protection for adults from harsh weather in any season.
It is also waterproof, windproof, and light reflective for countless survival uses year-round.
22. Fruit Infuser Bottle
Staying hydrated has never been more important than it is today, but some people may not be crazy about drinking glass after glass of plain water. This fruit infuser water bottle system ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy the healthiest and most flavorful water no matter where you are. Perfect for the hiking or outdoors person, as a unique gift!
23. Hiking Logbook With Trips and Trails
The hiking logbook is the uniquely perfect hiking gift for your friends who love to document trips and trails!
Each spread contains prompts and information to help them document their journey, a section for notes, and plenty of room to write.
You can write down the details of your wanderings so you can remember, revisit, and share favorite trails.
Including a place to record the date, weather, location, elevation gain/loss, time, distance, latitude/longitude, conditions, difficulty level, route taken, trail features as well as a place to document information about fees, parking, shuttles, etc.
With several additional prompts for journaling and plenty of space for notes, this conveniently sized guided journal is a hiker's notebook and makes great hiking gifts!
Tell me in the comments below: Which item are you most thrilled to buy for your friend or for yourself?
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