Gifts for hikers: 25 ideas for nature lovers

Finding the perfect gift for a hiker is a bit like choosing the right trail: you need to know the terrain. A casual weekend walker doesn't have the same needs as a long-distance trekker tackling multi-day routes. A contemplative nature lover expects something different from a fitness-driven hiker who tracks every ascent.

Good news: whether it's for a birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, or just to brighten someone's day, there are dozens of ideas that will hit the mark. We've selected 25 gifts tested and approved by hikers — from small accessories under 20 euros to premium gear that's a game-changer on the trail.

The essentials — practical gifts from 15 to 50 euros

These gifts are the ones you use on every single outing. They're not flashy, but they're invaluable — the kind of item you'd never buy yourself but absolutely love receiving.

1. A quality insulated water bottle

Forget plastic bottles. A good stainless steel insulated bottle keeps water cool for 24 hours in summer and tea hot for 12 hours in winter. It's the companion of every outing, year-round. Go for a 750ml to 1-litre model — big enough for a half-day without being too heavy.

2. Merino wool hiking socks

This is the gift nobody thinks to buy themselves, yet it makes the biggest difference. Merino wool socks don't smell, dry quickly, prevent blisters, and regulate foot temperature. A pack of 3 pairs is a royal gift for any hiker.

3. A multifunctional buff

The multifunctional neck gaiter can be worn as a headband, beanie, face mask, or sun protection for the neck. An ultralight accessory that's useful all year round. The kind of gift you slip into a Christmas stocking that becomes absolutely essential.

4. A rechargeable headlamp

Even for a day hike, a rechargeable headlamp is essential safety gear. USB-C rechargeable models have replaced batteries — they're lighter and more powerful. Look for at least 200-300 lumens for versatile use.

5. A multi-tool knife

A timeless classic. A multi-tool knife is perfect for slicing saucisson at the summit, fixing a bootlace, or opening a tin at the bivouac. Choose a compact model with the essentials: blade, corkscrew, bottle opener, screwdriver.

Trail comfort — 50 to 100 euros

6. Foldable trekking poles

Foldable carbon or aluminium trekking poles relieve knee strain on descents and help maintain balance on technical terrain. Foldable models pack away in the backpack when not needed — a real advantage over classic telescopic poles.

7. A day pack (20-30L)

A good day pack is a gift that gets used hundreds of times. It needs to be comfortable, well-ventilated, and have a solid carrying system. Go for 20L for short outings, 30L if your hiker likes to bring a picnic and a spare layer.

8. An ultralight windbreaker

A windbreaker that folds into its own pocket and weighs under 200 grams — this is the kind of gear you always bring "just in case" and that saves the day when the wind picks up on the ridgeline. Look for a water-resistant model with an adjustable hood.

9. An ultralight hammock

For nature lovers who enjoy stopping to soak in the view, an ultralight hammock (under 500g) is an original and delightful gift. Two trees, five minutes to set up, and you've got the perfect nap spot with a mountain view.

10. A microfibre towel

Compact, ultra-absorbent, and lightning-fast drying — a microfibre towel is essential for hikes with swimming in rivers or lakes. A very practical gift for those who hike in the Gorges du Verdon or the Calanques in summer.

11. A solar power bank

For multi-day hikes or trekkers who use their phone as a GPS, a solar power bank is extremely useful. The solar panel charges the battery while walking — even if the output is modest, it's a welcome safety net.

12. A phone mount for backpacks

A mount that clips onto the backpack strap to keep the phone always visible — ideal for following a GPX track without stopping every five minutes. Also great for quick photos without rummaging through pockets.

13. A hiking GPS watch

The ultimate premium gift. A GPS watch displays altitude, cumulative elevation gain, distance covered, and can follow a GPX track. Many models also include a compass, barometer, and weather alerts.

14. A laminated IGN map of their favourite area

In the age of digital everything, giving a beautiful laminated topographic map of the region where your hiker loves to roam is a gift that combines practicality and emotion. 1:25,000 scale maps are ideal for hiking and last for years.

Bivouac and multi-day trekking — 50 to 200 euros

15. An ultralight stove

A compact gas stove weighing under 100 grams — the ultimate luxury at the bivouac. A hot coffee at sunrise facing the mountains is priceless. Screw-on canister models are the simplest to use.

16. A compact sleeping bag

For hikers who want to spend nights in mountain huts or at bivouac spots, a compact sleeping bag with a good temperature range (comfort 5 to 10 degrees C for three-season use) is a major investment. Down or synthetic? Down is lighter and more compressible, while synthetic handles moisture better.

17. An ultralight inflatable sleeping pad

Night-time comfort is what makes the difference between a happy trekker and one who never goes back. Latest-generation inflatable pads offer an excellent comfort-to-weight ratio at around 400-500 grams.

18. An ultralight 2-person tent

The Holy Grail of the itinerant hiker. An ultralight tent (under 2 kg) that fits at the bottom of the pack and protects from rain, wind, and insects. It's a significant investment but opens the doors to complete autonomy.

Original and unusual gifts

19. A hiking app subscription

Giving a year's premium access to a hiking app with offline maps means giving access to thousands of routes. On OpenRando, find hundreds of free GPX tracks to plan your next adventures.

An experience gift that creates lasting memories. Navigation courses (map reading, compass, GPS) or wilderness survival courses (fire, shelter, water) typically last one or two days and are offered throughout France and beyond.

21. A waterproof hiking journal

A notebook with water-resistant paper for recording nature observations, weather conditions, walking times, or simply sketching the landscape. The perfect gift for the contemplative hiker who loves keeping a record of their outings.

22. A field guide to local plants or birds

An illustrated pocket guide to wild plants, trees, birds, or animal tracks in their region. This gift transforms every hike into a naturalist exploration — you never walk the same way once you can identify birdsong or recognise wild herbs.

23. A travel spice box

A small, clever gourmet gift: a compartmentalised box with salt, pepper, herbs, chilli... To turn a basic trail meal into a gastronomic feast. Perfect for lovers of trail picnics.

24. A waterproof neck pouch

A simple but very practical accessory: a waterproof pouch worn around the neck to protect phone, ID, and cash during hikes with rain risk or water crossings.

25. A merino wool scarf or beanie

For autumn and winter hikes, a merino wool beanie is a simple, effective, and always appreciated gift. Merino wool doesn't itch, regulates temperature, and doesn't retain odours — perfect for mountain efforts.

How to choose the right gift

The secret is knowing the person's level of practice:

Beginner or occasional walker: go for simple, universal accessories (water bottle, socks, buff, nature guide). Avoid technical gear that might feel intimidating.
Regular hiker: aim for comfort and optimisation (poles, ultralight jacket, power bank). This hiker knows what they need but often puts off replacing worn-out gear.
Experienced trekker: focus on ultralight gear or experience gifts. This profile already has all the basic equipment — surprise them with something original.

And if in doubt? A gift card for an outdoor shop is always a safe bet. Hikers are often very specific about their gear preferences — better to let them choose their next pair of boots themselves.

Our pick of hikes to test new gifts

What better way to test a new gift than on the trail? Here are some outing ideas near Aix-en-Provence to break in new gear:

For an easy first outing: the Bimont Dam — 5.8 km, ideal for testing a new water bottle or poles
For a sporty half-day: the Croix de Provence on Sainte-Victoire — 7.3 km and 500m elevation gain to put those new socks to the test
For a full day: the Plateau du Cengle — a 15.8 km panoramic loop perfect for testing a backpack
For a nature escape: the Gorges de Veroncle from Gordes — 7.8 km of canyons and ruined mills

Find all these routes with GPX tracks on OpenRando Explorer.

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