Top 10 Hiking Gifts: Gear for Every Trail

In recent years, many people have discovered the joys of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain walking, and camping. Hiking, in particular, has become a mainstream leisure activity that people of all ages and backgrounds favour.

From peaceful nature walks to challenging mountaintop hikes, there is a hiking trail for everyone. Preparing thoughtful gifts for hikers shows your understanding of their needs and interests. Whether you are planning to buy essential equipment, innovative gadgets or unique accessories, this hiking gifts guide has something for everyone. 

As a nice-to-have hiking gift, the portable power supply can provide sufficient electricity for communication devices (phone, radio, satellite phone, walkie-talkie), GPS, lights, and personal electronics. The Jackery Portable Power Station is a power supply that helps you on winter hiking trips.

What Characteristics Do Gifts for Hikers Need to Have? 

Finding the perfect gift for an avid hiker, camper, or anyone who loves the outdoors can be difficult. So, what features should a gift for a hiking enthusiast have?

Practicality

Hikers often encounter wet and rugged conditions, so practical gifts are recommended. For beginners, practical hiking gifts can enhance the hiking experience and ensure safety. These usually include lightweight and durable backpacks and multi-functional headlights.

Lightness

Hiking routes such as the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands often involve long treks and changeable climates. Lightweight equipment can significantly reduce the weight and improve the comfort of the journey. For example, a foldable silicone water bottle saves space. In addition, supplies such as energy bars and compressed biscuits should also be light and easy to carry.

Comfort

The hiking terrain in the UK is diverse, from the wet Lake District to the rugged Highlands, so the comfort of the gift is crucial. First, gifts for hikers must prioritise comfort, which is directly related to their outdoor experience and safety. For example, waterproof and breathable non-slip hiking shoes can effectively cope with sudden weather changes.

Environmental Protection

Hikers are often more sensitive to environmental protection concepts as a group close to nature. Therefore, gifts for hikers that focus on environmental protection are both in line with cultural trends and can also show respect for the other party's values. For example, beginners with strong ecological awareness will like reusable water bottles or equipment made of environmentally friendly materials.

Personalisation

Whether gifts for hikers need to be personalised depends mainly on the recipient's personal preferences and the closeness of your relationship. If the relationship is close, personalised elements can significantly enhance the meaning of the gift. For example, consider engraving a custom hiking pole or a waterproof jacket. 

Top 10 Gifts for Beginner Hikers 

Buying outdoor and hiking gear is not difficult, but choosing hiking gifts is not as easy as you think. When selecting and buying hiking gifts, avoid unthinkingly pursuing high-priced brands and take "comfort + adaptation to personal needs" as the primary criteria. Here are the top ten gift suggestions for beginner hikers.

Backpacks

Backpacks can carry equipment, distribute weight, and reduce back pressure for hikers. When choosing a backpack, please focus on carrying comfort, waterproof performance, capacity, and convenient storage design. For example, a 25-40L backpack can be selected for short hikes (1-2 days).

Here are some backpack brands:

• Osprey

• The North Face

• Deuter

• Rab

• Ordnance Survey

Hiking Shoes

A pair of good hiking shoes can significantly enhance the outdoor experience and protect the safety of your feet. Please prioritise GORE-TEX or similar waterproof membrane materials for rain, snow, or wading sections. In addition, hiking routes with complex terrain usually require high-end hiking shoes to protect the ankles.

Here are some hiking shoe brands:

• Merrell

• Decathlon

• Columbia

• Camel

• Salomon

Hiking Socks

Hiking socks provide foot protection, moisture absorption, and perspiration resistance and show concern for the other person's health and interests. Please choose wool blends or professional perspiration-wicking materials to ensure warmth and breathability. In addition, the socks should be higher than the upper to avoid friction injuries.

Here are some hiking sock brands:

• Smartwool

• Darn Tough

• Bridgedale

• Hike Light

• Icebreaker

Hiking Gloves

For beginners, suitable warm gloves (or sun protection gloves) can enhance the outdoor experience and prevent frostbite (or sunburn) on the hands. Thin hiking gloves are usually quick-drying materials for sun protection and touchscreen operations (such as taking pictures). Thick hiking gloves are usually fleece or waterproof to cope with low temperatures.

Here are some brands of hiking gloves:

• The North Face

• Columbia

• Black Diamond

• Sealskinz

• Mountain Equipment

Sunglasses

The UK has plenty of sunshine and changeable weather in the summer, so UV protection is critical when hiking. Sunglasses can protect hikers' eyes from glare during hiking activities. Generally, the lenses of hiking sunglasses need to cover UV400 protection to reduce the risk of snow blindness or desert glare. In addition, sunglasses with non-slip frames or straps can prevent them from falling off during strenuous exercise.

Here are some sunglasses brands:

• Decathlon

• Trespass

• Superdry

• Oakley

• Native Eyewear

Headlamps

Headlamps help hikers illuminate the trail at night and free their hands, especially for hiking or low-light activities. Please prioritise models with long battery life (at least 12 hours) and adjustable brightness, considering energy savings and safety. In addition, you may need to pay attention to whether the headlight's waterproof level is above IPX4 and can adapt to rain and snow environments.

Here are some headlamp brands:

• Petzl

• Black Diamond

• LEDRUNNER

Trekking Poles

The mountainous terrain of the UK and the humid climate make trekking poles essential for hiking. They provide stability and reduce pressure on the knees, especially for beginners. Please prioritise trekking poles made of aluminium alloy or carbon fibre and equipped with non-slip handles. If the trekking pole is adjustable in length, it can be adapted to different heights and terrains.

Here are some trekking pole brands:

• Black Diamond

• Leki

• Mountain Equipment

• Collapsible Designs

GPS Smartwatch

GPS smartwatches can help beginners locate, plan routes, and avoid getting lost. They also have functions such as real-time tracking, emergency assistance (SOS function), and weather warnings to improve the safety of outdoor activities. For example, GPS smartwatches from brands like Garmin and Suunto also support offline map functions. Please prioritise models with long battery life (at least 7 days) and waterproof levels (at least IP68).

Here are some brands and series of GPS smartwatches:

• Garmin Forerunner

• Suunto 9

• Coros Apex

• Amazfit T-Rex Pro

• Apple Watch Series 8

Camera

Giving a camera as a gift is appropriate for hikers interested in recording the natural scenery or outdoor experience during their hiking trip. In hiking scenes, it is preferred to choose a lightweight, anti-shake, and long-lasting camera to avoid carrying too heavy equipment. A wide-angle lens (14-24mm or 24-70mm) is recommended if the other party mainly shoots scenery. However, if you prefer to record the hiking process, you can focus on the video-shooting function or anti-shake performance.

Here are some brands and series of cameras:

• Ricoh GR III

• GoPro Hero 11 Black

• Panasonic Lumix GH series

• Cooke Optics

• Ross Lenses

Portable Power Station

In the UK, most hiking routes (such as the Lake District and the Highlands) are far away from the supply points. The portable power station can provide emergency power for mobile phones, headlamps, GPS devices, etc., to cope with the situation of no power for many days. Please prioritise portable power stations with solar charging panel-compatible models (such as Jackery's Explorer series) to extend off-grid battery life. In addition, lightweight (<10kg) portable power stations ensure they are easy to carry on foot.

What are your plans if your phone dies and you need to call 999? What are your plans for returning to where you're going in the dark woods late at night when your torch gives out? It's not possible. That is unless you have a way to keep those things lit up. This is where a power station comes in.

Jackery Portable Power Station is ideal for winter hiking since it is small, lighter, and stronger. You can quickly put it in your backpack and recharge it with Jackery Solar Panels on sunny days. If you plan overnight hiking trips, this could be a lifesaver for powering your light, phone, GPS device, and more.

Here are some brands and series of portable power stations:

• Jackery Explorer 240 v2

• Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking

A hiking portable power station is a small, light gadget that saves power to charge your electronics when there isn't an outlet nearby. It takes AC and DC currents from a wall outlet, solar panels, or a car's battery and stores them in a battery that is small, portable, and easy to keep.

A good power station, like Jackery Portable Power Station, quickly provides enough power to keep almost any gadget running, even in the middle of nowhere. It should be able to charge several things simultaneously and have a long-lasting battery.

Jackery takes pride in offering unparalleled power stations and charging solutions tailored to meet diverse individual requirements, whether for a three-day solo hike or a two-week family camping trip in the wilderness.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station is small but has a strong 256Wh capacity. At about 7.94 lbs and with a tiny foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than conventional models, allowing for effortless storage in your bag. It has one wall outlet, USB-A port, and USB-C port to charge up to five devices simultaneously, making it easy to power multiple tools quickly and efficiently.  

Quickly charge your gadgets and enjoy a longer battery life. Stay charged and linked no matter where you go. You can recharge it with SolarSaga 80W for 5 hours, a wall outlet for 2 hours, and even carport recharging for 5 hours.

Through an app, the Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in one hour. This is possible with the Emergency Charging Mode. Your portable power pack will ensure you never run out of power while on the go.

It used to be an NCM battery but has been upgraded to an LFP battery. It has an impressive 3,000 life cycle and can last up to 10 years, making it a safe camping and hiking companion.

Review from Our User:

I've been using the 240v1 for over a year during my camping trips and have been impressed with its quality and reliability. So, it was easy to purchase the latest 240v2 for extra capacity while maintaining a compact and portable design. I ensure they stay charged using 80w portable solar panels, compact enough to recharge from the car during a day trip.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Explorer 300 Plus has a different battery cell (LiFePO4), which can stand more in harsh weather conditions and last longer in a small size. Besides, it is smaller and lighter, weighing only 3.75 kg, enabling easy portability anywhere you hike. Learn more features of Explorer 300 Plus:

The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and 288Wh capacity. It can charge up to four devices concurrently, facilitated by one AC, USB-A, and USB-C output, enabling rapid and effortless charging of several appliances.  

The MPPT technique guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete wall charge requires 2 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 200W panel necessitates 4 hours. With car charging capabilities, concerns over power disruptions will be alleviated.

Jackery's ChargeShield fast charge technology pioneers the market by employing a stepped variable-speed charging algorithm. This improves safety and extends the battery pack lifespan by 50%. At a temperature of 45℃, the power station can achieve full charge in around 2 hours.

Review from Our User:

I bought this to save money on my energy bills because they are so high now as a pensioner. So far, I've used it to charge my phone, watch DVDs on my laptop, make hot drinks with the kettle, and use the torch instead of a lamp in my bedroom. I'm not tech-savvy, but it's so easy to use that it doesn't matter. I plan to get the solar panel next to save even more money whenever it shines. I'm pleased with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hiking Gifts

When choosing hiking gifts, a few key considerations can distinguish between a thoughtful and well-received gift and a missed opportunity.

Hiking Difficulty

Understand your recipient's hiking preferences (e.g., mountain, coastline, city hiking) and choose gear accordingly.

If your recipient prefers easy country hiking, essential gear like waterproof shoes and a lightweight backpack will meet their needs. For challenging mountain routes (such as the Scottish Highlands), consider technical gear like trekking poles, GPS trackers, or first aid kits.

Budget

The budget directly affects the quality and functionality of your hiking gifts. For example, with a low budget (less than £50), you can choose essential equipment such as hiking shoes or multi-functional backpacks, suitable for beginners or as holiday gifts. For a high budget (more than £200), you can consider professional equipment such as Garmin GPS watches or customised hiking poles.

Brand Reputation

Choosing professional brands can ensure that hiking gifts are tailored to the recipient's specific hiking needs (such as long-distance hiking, mountain climbing, urban hiking, etc.). Well-known outdoor brands (such as The North Face, Columbia, Salomon, Jack Wolfskin, etc.) have existed for many years. Their products usually meet strict outdoor standards in design, materials, and functions and can provide better waterproofness, durability, and comfort.

User Reviews

Online reviews (such as Amazon, REI, and outdoor equipment forums) can reflect the actual performance of the product, such as the anti-slip effect of the shoes, the breathability of the clothes, and specific design defects. Details help avoid buying "seemingly useful but useless" products. Most user reviews mention the performance of the product in different seasons (such as windproof in winter) or terrain (such as mud grip), which helps to choose equipment suitable for the recipient's everyday hiking environment.

What Hiking Gifts Should You Avoid?

When choosing hiking gifts, you should avoid giving useless and burdensome items or equipment unless you know the other party's needs. According to the actual needs of most hikers, the following types of gifts should be avoided:

Fragile Items

If you consider practicality, outdoor safety and environmental protection, you will not choose to give some fragile items as hiking gifts. British hiking routes are known for their complex terrain. The rugged stone paths in the Lake District and the wet mud in the Scottish Highlands require equipment to be highly durable. Fragile items such as ceramic tea sets and glass bottles are easily damaged in the bumpy backpack, which only increases the cleaning of debris and the psychological burden.

Fragile items you should avoid giving:

Glass

Ceramic bowls

Bulky Items

Avoid giving bulky hiking gifts. This advice is based on practical considerations. Bulky items usually take up too much space and are not conducive to the simplicity of hiking luggage. Unless the other party needs it explicitly, giving hiking gifts that are too bulky is not recommended.

Bulky items you should avoid giving:

Inflatable mattresses

Tents

Sleeping bags

Folding tables and chairs

Unsustainable Items

Hikers are generally concerned about the environment, so please avoid giving unsustainable gifts such as disposable plastic products and overpackaged goods. Instead, try to replace any disposable items with environmentally friendly equipment.

Unsustainable items you should avoid giving:

Disposable items (tableware or raincoats)

Chemical cleaning agents and skin care products

Over-packaged gifts

Energy-consuming equipment

Items that Require Complex Maintenance

When choosing hiking gifts for hikers, avoid items that require complex maintenance. High-end precision instruments that need regular calibration and clothing made of unique materials that require professional cleaning will increase maintenance costs and time consumption during travel.

You should avoid giving gifts that are difficult to maintain:

Leather backpacks

High-end wool clothing

High-end GPS devices

Where Can You Buy Hiking Gifts?

There are many ways to buy hiking gifts in the UK. Usually, you can choose a familiar shopping platform or channel to buy hiking gifts according to your habits. The following are recommended channels for buying hiking gifts in the UK:

Outdoor Goods Stores

In the UK, outdoor goods stores are ideal places to buy hiking gifts, offering a variety of choices. Some stores provide engraving or pattern customisation to enhance the personalisation of hiking gifts. Please prioritise environmentally friendly products certified by Bluesign or the Global Recycled Standard. In the UK, most outdoor goods stores also have seasonal promotions. Winter often sells summer equipment at a discount and vice versa.

Here are some outdoor goods stores in the UK where you can buy hiking gifts:

Cotswold Outdoor

Go Outdoors

Ellis Brigham

Online Shopping Platforms

There are many online platforms where you can buy hiking-related gifts. However, you need to check the return and exchange policy in advance, especially if the size or function of the equipment needs to match the recipient's needs. In addition, you may also need to confirm whether the product supports international delivery (if purchased from other countries).

Here are some online shopping platforms in the UK where you can buy hiking gifts:

Amazon

eBay

Official websites (such as Jackery)

Second-hand Stores or Websites

In the UK, second-hand hiking equipment purchased through second-hand stores and websites usually costs only 30% to 70% of new products, suitable for limited budgets or temporary needs. However, some products may have wear and tear. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to confirm the functional status of the items (such as waterproofness or damage) and give priority to reputable sellers or physical stores.

Here are some second-hand stores or websites in the UK where you can buy hiking gifts:

British Heart Foundation or Oxfam

Facebook Marketplace or eBay

Outdoor Exhibitions or Fairs

In the UK, outdoor exhibitions and fairs are ideal places to buy hiking gifts. They also offer the opportunity to experience local culture and discover unique products. For example, the UK regularly holds outdoor equipment exhibitions, such as Outdoor Retailer UK (usually held in spring), suitable for buying high-end equipment or learning about the latest products. However, please check the event dates beforehand to avoid missing seasonal exhibitions or fairs.

Here are some outdoor exhibitions or markets in the UK where you can buy hiking gifts:

British Outdoor Show

Outdoor Retailer UK

Portobello Road Market in London

Keswick Market

Hiking Gifts FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about hiking gifts in the UK:

1. What personalised hiking gifts can you give?

Here are some ideas for personalised gifts for hikers that combine practicality with creative design.

Laser-engraved hiking poles

GPS track recorder (3D map)

Personalised waterproof backpack stickers

Miniature hiking route (3D printing technology)

Solar charging panels

2. What are some cheap hiking gifts in the UK?

If you are considering buying more cost-effective hiking gifts, there is no need to worry anymore. According to Dales Walks, four practical hiking gifts cost less than £35 (these prices are sourced from Amazon, for reference only).

Rechargeable LED Lighted Beanie (£11.43)

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter (£19.51)

TheFitLife Hiking Walking Trekking Poles (£21.24)

Rechargeable Hand Warmer (£23.99)

3. What should be considered when choosing and buying hiking gifts for hikers?

You must consider a few questions when buying hiking gifts for hiking enthusiasts.

Are they more interested in short or long hikes that last several days?

Do they like hiking in forested hills or high mountain areas with complex terrain?

Do they need specific hiking equipment to hike more comfortably?

What type of hiking equipment do they already own?

Is there any hiking equipment they want in particular?

Final Thoughts

Whether you are talking about new or experienced hikers, a hiking gift that inspires their passion for the outdoors is always a welcome addition. Buying hiking gear is not difficult; you can find stores specialising in hiking and outdoor activities everywhere. However, choosing gifts for hikers is different. Hikers are unique; their gear and equipment can make or break their outdoor adventures. Therefore, unlike general gifts, selecting gifts for hikers requires considering their safety, comfort, and enjoyment during their trip.