The Best Gifts for Hikers: Salomon's 2026 Guide
Ideal gifts for hikers are often the ones that see regular use on the trail. Drawing on years of outdoor experience, this guide to gifts for hiking lovers highlights practical options for a wide range of hiking styles and environments.
Hiking gift essentials: shoes
Shoes eventually wear out, even with proper hiking shoe cleaning and care, meaning hikers always need new ones. They’re also one of the best gifts for hiking enthusiasts because choosing the right hiking shoe can significantly impact comfort and performance on the trail.
All-purpose hiking shoes
A solid pair of versatile hiking shoes will cover most hiking adventures.
- Best for: Most hikes year-round
- Price range: $110-$270
Differing preferences for hiking shoe cuff height, sole thickness, and tread mean the best hiking shoe gift is one that matches the hiker’s usual terrain and hiking style.
Browse the full range of hiking shoes
Sandals/waterproof shoes: for puddles and streams
Waterproof shoes and sandals make a unique gift for hikers who head out on the trail in all conditions.
- Best for: Summer, rainy hikes, beaches
- Price range: $110-$130
Salomon’s hiking sandals feature a molded footbed and adjustable strap system for traction and fit, while waterproof hiking shoes use a GORE-TEX membrane to keep feet dry.
Check out shoes for summer adventures
Clothing gifts for hikers
A decision about what to wear on a hike is made with every outing, so apparel is a great all-around hiking gift.
Hiking tops and jackets: versatile layering
A technical top is a practical gift for a hiker that will see regular use across seasons.
- Best for: All-season, any distance
- Price range: $40-$500
Salomon’s technical hiking tops range from lightweight base-layers that wick moisture, to insulating fleece midlayers and outer shells that block wind and rain.
Explore the full range of hiking tops
Hiking bottoms: built for movement
Trail-specific pants and shorts deliver calibrated comfort, making them a great hiking gift idea.
- Best for: All-season, any distance
- Price range: $60–$130
Hiking pants use four-way-stretch fabric and articulated construction to accommodate knee flexion for ease of movement. When selecting hiking bottoms, you can also choose between shorts or leggings.
Accessory hiking gift ideas
Hiking accessories like a cap or bandana are always a safer bet if you need a gift for someone who likes hiking, and you don't know what size to choose.
Backpacks: storage capacity for longer outings
An ergonomic backpack can be a game-changer on the trail.
- Best for: Half-day to multi-day hikes
- Price range: $60– $230
Salomon trail packs feature water storage, ventilated back panels, and multiple access pockets in a close-to-body fit that increases stability and keeps the hiker cool and hydrated.
Browse the full backpack range
Hats & caps: sun and weather protection
A lightweight hat is one of the more versatile gifts for hikers, providing comfort and protection in varied outdoor conditions.
- Best for: Summer hiking, high-altitude routes
- Price range: $30–$50
Salomon caps have moisture-wicking sweatbands and vented panels to keep wearers cool during sustained climbs, and UPF-rated fabrics on select styles offer full-day sun protection.
Hydration flask: water on the go
Hydration is a constant consideration on the trail, making this a practical gift for hikers.
- Best for: Long-distance hikers, trail runners
- Price range: $12–$50
Flasks and reservoirs are cross-compatible with most packs and vests, and save hikers from carrying a rigid water bottle. A soft flask compresses as it empties to minimize water movement, while bite valves allow for easy hydration on the move.
View all flasks and reservoirs
Unique gifts for the hiker who has everything
For the hiker who has the essentials covered, smaller items like socks often become the most-used gifts. Conversely, a wider range of hiking gear to choose from could encourage them to seek out new terrain and experiences.
Socks: targeted cushioning
Socks are prone to odor buildup and holes with repeated wear, so a fresh pair is a great gift for any hiker.
- Best for: All-season, any distance
- Price range: $10–$25
Hiking socks use targeted cushioning at the heel and forefoot for day-long comfort, while a seamless toe construction reduces friction and blisters on long descents.
Walking poles: stability on technical routes
For hikers moving into steeper or more technical terrain, poles are a practical gift that helps manage effort across longer climbs and descents.
- Best for: Steep descents, long distances
- Price range: ~$150
Salomon trekking poles use a flick-lock system for easy adjustment. Their carbide tips grip on rock, compacted dirt, and roots for extra stability during hikes.
Gifts for every hiker
The best gifts for hiking lovers are often the ones that improve comfort, simplify logistics, or help them explore new terrain. From footwear and apparel to accessories and equipment, practical choices tend to be most useful on the trail.
Use this list to find an ideal hiking gift for him or her. Whether you’ve got someone wearing a hat to keep out the sun, breaking in hiking shoes mile after mile, or gratefully reaching for an extra layer, they can use your functional hiking gift to get the most out of their favorite activity.