Best Gifts for Hikers, From Their Feet to Their Butts – CNET

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It can be a challenge when shopping for the hiking fanatic in your life. After all, knowing exactly what they’d want in a gift or — more importantly — what they’d actually need can be tricky. That especially goes for the buyer who isn’t at all familiar with the hobby. What the avid hiker doesn’t need is an impractical present like a T-shirt with a goofy quote on it or a quirky themed coffee mug. Rest assured, we’re here to bypass those silly ideas and make your shopping mission of finding the best gifts for hikers an easy one.

You may be asking yourself, what are the items that’d bring joy to your friend or loved one who eats, sleeps and breathes hiking? We’ve answered that question below with a roundup of worthy options. Practical gift ideas nearly always rank high on the list of the best gifts hikers would want. Whether they’re planning a multi-day backpacking trip or heading out for a 5-mile loop near home, various pieces of gear and useful accessories are always welcome. Gag gifts and cliche items, however, aren’t. We’re here to keep you focused on buying something that won’t end up being dead weight.

While you’re on the hunt for a great gift for the hiker in your life, take into consideration a few of my suggestions, which are based on my experiences hiking over the years. There’s a solid chance you’ll find some gear on this list your hiker doesn’t already have — or which could use an upgrade before their next outdoor adventure.

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.

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.

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.