Buying a Christmas gift for a hiker can feel impossible. What do you get someone who already has strong opinions about gear? Christmas gifts for hikers can be difficult to find, after all, there are only so many times a pair of hiking socks will do. I have talked to our hiking holiday experts, dug through Hillwalk Tours favourite brands, and compiled this ultimate list of the best gifts for outdoor lovers this Christmas. Not only will hikers really appreciate these thoughtful items, but a small part of you will be with them on their next hiking adventure.
Budget & Level Guidance: Whether you’re shopping for someone taking their first countryside walks or planning multi-day adventures on tougher trails, this list has something for every level and every budget, from simple essentials to premium upgrades and smart-tech gear.
So here it is, a curated list of practical, trail-tested ideas chosen by people who spend their lives around walking holidays:
The top 10 gifts for hikers this Christmas (2025)
# 10 – Darn Tough Hiking Socks (All Levels of Hiker, mid-range budget)
OK, I know I joked about this in the intro paragraph, but this can be a really solid choice, especially if you have the right brand. Darn Tough hiking socks are a smart upgrade gift. Made from merino wool for comfort and performance, backed by a lifetime guarantee, they’re ideal for hikers who spend serious time on trail. A bit higher in price than basic socks, but the durability and lifetime warranty make them a standout choice.
# 9 – Outback Jacks Lifesystems Reusable Hand Warmers (All levels, lower budget)
Anyone who loves nature is always happy to get out into it, regardless of the temperature. And anyone who’s gone for an early morning hike will tell you, hand temperature can be difficult to maintain. That’s where Outback Jacks Reusable Hand Warmers come in handy. These hand warmers produce heat instantly when you pop the metal disk to trigger a reaction with the gel. Best part? They only take about 10-15 minutes to reset by boiling them in water. Great for on the go.
# 8 – Handheld GPS (Advanced level, Higher Budget)
For those who like to take the trail less traversed, a GPS is a particularly practical gift. If your phone dies, you can always use this to find your way. For the purpose of this article, we’ve selected the Garmin GPSMAP 67i – an absolute beast of a device that does particularly well in adverse weather conditions.
# 7 – Neck warmer (All levels, Lower budget)
It is beneficial to keep your neck warm, especially in the colder months. However, long scarves often do not fit into your jacket and can get in the way. A neck warmer is the ideal solution when the wind whistles around your ears on long hikes, and they can also cover your mouth and nose at very low temperatures. An ideal gift if you are unsure of the recipient’s size.
# 6 – Hydration System (All Hikers, low budget)
We all know we should probably drink more water, and on the trail, it’s essential. A hydration system allows the walker to stay hydrated on the move, without stopping and fumbling around in their bag with a bottle. For example, the Hoser 1 Bladder by Platypus is a great choice.
# 5 – Kelley Kettle (All hikers, Low-Mid Range Budget)
Ideal for the hiker who loves to slow down, savour a hot drink, or prepare meals at camp without hauling gas cylinders, the Kelly Kettle Base Camp 1.6 L is a smart upgrade gift that works brilliantly for weekend escapes, remote trails or family adventure days. Built from stainless steel, this kettle and fire-base combo boils up to 1.6 litres of water in minutes using only sticks, pine cones or other natural fuel. So no need for lugging around any gas or cartridges. My recommendation is the Ultimate ‘Base Camp’ Kit – VALUE DEAL (Stainless Steel), but they have various versions including the Aluminium ‘Trekker’ Kettle, more suited to day hikers than campers.
# 4 – Outdoor books (The Cerebral Hiker, Low Budget)
Books inspire, arouse wanderlust and introduce readers to fantastic worlds and landscapes. You can take them on the trail, further enriching an already special experience, or you can read them for inspiration as to where to go next. This makes books a fantastic gift idea for hikers exploring the outdoor world. Whether non-fiction or novels, they share valuable knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the different ways of being in nature. This year The Salt Path by Raynor Winn was made into a summer blockbuster about the challenges of navigating the trials and trails of life, as faced by a couple who decide that walking the South West Coast Path will be the answer to their problems. Definitely worth a read for anyone planning to visit the Coast Path! Check out some more recommendations from this very blog over at 7 Hiking Themed Books To Inspire Hikers.
# 3 – Luxury Base layer (All Levels, Higher Budget)
The base layer is the layer of clothing worn directly against the skin. It is essential for storing body heat. A good base layer should never be made of cotton, because it absorbs sweat and cools you down quickly, which is highly undesirable when spending hours in nature. Merino wool or good-quality synthetics are your best bet. If you want a gift that will genuinely upgrade someone’s hiking wardrobe, a premium merino or bamboo-blend base layer is a long-lasting, much-appreciated choice. Take a look at this option from our brand partner, Landers: Helly Hansen Men’s Lifa Merino Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Top.
# 2 – A “Smart” Backpack (For the Hiker Who Appreciates Clever Design)
(Advanced Level Hikers and Gear-Heads, Higher Budget)
If you’re looking for a thoughtful upgrade for a dedicated walker, a high-tech backpack is a great example of a splurge-worthy gift. Models like the Gregory Baltoro or Deva use an intelligent suspension system that subtly adapts to your movement on the trail, helping the pack sit more comfortably and distribute weight more efficiently. It’s not quite AI, but it does feel impressively clever when you’re out for a full day’s hike. This kind of backpack isn’t essential for everyone, but for hikers who appreciate good engineering and long-distance comfort, it’s the sort of gear they’ll notice and genuinely enjoy using. Gregory has some great options.
# 1 – Hillwalk Tours Gift Voucher (All levels and budgets)
What’s more memorable than a physical gift? A happy hiking experience! This is the number one gift on every hikers Christmas list. It’s the perfect gift for someone already planning a Hillwalk Tour, or for someone who might be interested in a long-distance hiking holiday. Our Gift Vouchers are customisable, valid for 5 years and can be purchased for any amount. Gift vouchers are also a great gift option for anyone with more than enough equipment and clothing. If you’re feeling particularly generous, you could even book them an entire hiking holiday.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best Christmas gifts for hikers. If you’re feeling inspired to plan your own walking holiday, we have itineraries across Ireland, the UK and the rest of Europe to suit all experience levels.
