Practical & Budget-Friendly Hiking Gifts & Gear For Men

From the best navigation and insulated water bottles to tough socks and decadent coffeemakers, discover the best hiking gifts and gear for men, both practical and budget-friendly. You might also enjoy this hiking gear and clothes list for women featuring our favorites.

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Article By Tori Curran (bio below) with additions from Christine: Here at Uncorked Asheville, we are hiking enthusiasts – with a team of both couples and family trekkers who travel and hike across the globe. We know that when it comes to finding the perfect gift and gear for the adventurous man in your life, you want quality gear and practical accessories at affordable prices. OK, and maybe a few luxury items; we need that coffeemaker on the go!

Whether the man in your life is a seasoned mountaineer or a weekend trailblazer, there are plenty of thoughtful hiking, camping, and backpacking gifts for him that will elevate his outdoor activities. From backpacks with easy access that are built to withstand the elements to versatile multi-tools – like pocket knives, stoves, and fire starters – that can tackle any wilderness challenge, explore the best hiking gifts for men tailored to their needs as well as adventure-type and length.

1. Stainless Steel Bucket List Water Bottle

We love these stainless steel bucket list water bottles to collect visits to National Parks, States, or Day Hikes. It’s fun to accumulate stickers as you go; plus, they’re vibrant and make for great conversation starters.

The stickers don’t come off if you clean the water bottle, as recommended, and the straw system is functional. And, you can never go wrong with a quality, insulated water bottle, considering hydration is almost always number one on the ten essentials list. These water bottles promise 24 hours of insulation for cold water and 12 hours for hot water, making them one of the best gifts for all weather conditions and any type of hiking trip. Buy a bucket list water bottle.

2. Garmin InReach Mini

Speaking of the ten essentials, proper navigation is crucial. An appropriate communication satellite device, like the Garmin In Reach Mini, can end up being one of the most necessary hiking and backpacking gifts for him. The InReach Mini allows hikers to send remote SOS signals at any time, from anywhere. And, the two-way messaging system allows you to communicate with loved ones while off-grid.

The companion to the Garmin InReach, the mini has a smaller profile and more accessible price point, with almost all the same features. The device requires a paid, monthly subscription, but if the person you’re gifting it to is an avid hiker, it is well worth the investment in their safety, especially considering how many popular hikes are in remote areas without traditional cell service. Purchase a Garmin InReach Mini.

P.S. If you are looking for a slightly cheaper version of a Garmin with basic navigation only – perfect for everyday use on those short hikes – Christine and Tom use this Garmin eTrex in the North Carolina Mountains. Clip it to your backpack for easy access.

3. Life Tent Emergency Shelter

An emergency bivvy or shelter may not be one of the most exciting hiking gifts, but it can be life-saving. One wrong turn or an unexpected storm, and you could find yourself stranded without shelter. Having an emergency shelter can often be overlooked, especially by day hikers. However, conserving body heat by staying warm and dry in an emergency can be life-saving.

Not to mention these make great stocking stuffers and can each shelter two people. At only 8.7 ounces and 3″ by 6″ packed, the Life Tent is easy to toss into any hiking backpack.  Consider it the gift most hikers don’t know they need until it’s too late! Buy a Life Tent Emergency Shelter.

4. Black Diamond Headlamp

We love Black Diamond’s headlamp. Black Diamond continually makes some of the best hiking, climbing, and mountaineering gear on the market. Their headlamp is no exception.

This headlamp is comfortable and can transition between full brightness, dimmed, strobing, or night vision. With three AAA batteries, it tends to last a bit longer than others. Our favorite feature, though, is that it is much more durable than cheaper options and does not break easily, even when dropped. The last thing anyone needs is to damage a piece of potential survival equipment – so consider upgrading your loved one’s headlamp next holiday or birthday.

P.S. Along with being a great hiking gift, a headlamp is also perfect for travelers. Having lived in and traveled around countries with frequent power outages, Christine relied on her headlamp during her time in Indonesia. It was a lifesaver! Discover even more essential women’s hiking accessories and gear. Purchase a Black Diamond Headlamp.

5. Trekking Poles

So many hikers overlook the importance of trekking poles, believing they don’t need them. However, trekking poles provide stability and balance. They can help distribute weight more evenly, especially for elevation hikes, unstable terrain, and water crossings.

Know someone who hasn’t yet tried out trekking poles? My own husband used to never hike without poles until I gifted him a set…mostly to prove him wrong! These make one of the most perfect hiking gifts for men like him.

They come with interchangeable accessories for various terrains, moisture-wicking cork handles, and adjustable telescopic poles to fit various heights and collapse down to a more compact size. Select from different colors. While the Trailbuddy Trekking Poles are not some of the most advanced hiking poles on the market, they are a highly-rated set ideal for anyone unfamiliar with poles or beginner hikers. Buy trekking poles.

More of the most highly-rated hiking poles:

• Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles – In 3+ different colors, these lightweight trekking poles are made from 100% carbon fiber and are suitable for all types of weather conditions.
• Cascade Mountain Tech – An extremely popular brand of hiking poles made from aluminum, these are a great option for any hiking or camping trip. Use the quick lock mechanism for those tough slopes.
• TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles – These are budget-friendly, anti-shock/shock-absorbing trekking poles.

6. Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter

Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter is part of a collaboration between Gerber and Bear Grylls, one of the most well-known and loved survival experts. Get a fire going quickly with the ferrocerium rod and metal striker. There’s also a waterproof storage compartment to keep tinder dry, a feature not part of many other fire starters.

It’s lightweight and compact but packs a powerful punch. It’s never a bad idea to be prepared for emergencies in the wilderness, but having a fire starter can also be quick and fun for making a campfire in non-emergency situations. It’s one of those gifts that is just perfect for the survivalist (or wannabe survivalist) guy in your life. Purchase the Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter.

7. Gerber Pocket Knife 3 Pack

We love Gerber. The quality for the price range can’t be beat. And, while there are certainly sharper knives on the market, Gerber is a solid, long-lasting choice for a tighter budget. The three-pack, stainless steel pocket knife set has just the blade for all your outdoor activities. Ideal for fishing, cutting cord, kindling, and safety, they easily fit in a day pack or on your hip.

We usually affix the smallest one to the shoulder strap of a day pack and pack the others. Most importantly, the locking mechanism is solid, so they’re pretty safe, making them great for an everyday pocket knife, too. Guys love getting knives and tools, regardless! Buy a Gerber Pocket Knife 3 Pack.

More Popular Camping & Hiking Pocket Knives

• Gerber Gear Camping and Survival Hatchet – The best feature includes its razor-sharp survival hatchet, perfect for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts on longer camping trips.
• Grand Way Pocket Knife – This tactical pocket knife stands out for its additional magnesium survival flint fire starter and whistle.
• RoverTac Pocket Knife Tactical Folding Knife – A great idea for him with its multiple tools, including a bottle opener, knife, pliers, and screwdrivers.

8. Goal Zero Portable Charger

One of our favorite hiking gift ideas for him, a portable, single-charge block or power bank is great if your favorite hiker is a techie and into the most recent gadgets. No one wants to run out of cell phone charge, especially if the phone is supporting navigation. The Goal Zero Flip 24 holds enough juice to charge two phones and recharges itself in four hours. The flip-out USB makes it super sleek, easy to use, and difficult to damage.

If you’re looking to amp up this favorite men’s hiking gift, add the Nomad 5 Solar Panel to charge the battery pack right from the sun; you’ll have an endless battery supply for all of your adventures. Purchase a Goal Zero Portable Charger.

P.S. If your outdoor enthusiast needs to charge his laptop, tablet, and other devices, upgrade to this Goal Zero Sherpa Wireless Portable Power Bank for those much longer hiking, RVing, and camping trips.

9. Osprey Daylite Day Pack

If you’re looking for perfect hiking presents for him, a new daypack is never a bad idea. We cannot hike without them. Osprey packs, especially, are high quality, comfortable, and worth the price. The Daylite features a large main loading compartment, a convenient front pocket, an interior water reservoir sleeve, compression straps, and a ventilated back panel.

Uniquely, it attaches to dozens of other Osprey packs for longer backpacking trips. Not to mention, it is a popular daypack for travelers. Buy an Osprey Daylite Day Pack.

10. CLIQ Three-Legged Camping Chair

The CLIQ chair has taken the backpacking and outdoorsy world by storm. Folding up to the size of a water bottle and weighing in at three and a half pounds, the CLIQ chair can hold up to 300 pounds. It is considered anti-tip and is ready to use in just five seconds.

The CLIQ chair is probably one of the coolest hiking gifts for him and has dozens of uses – from your own backyard and music festivals to sporting events and backpacking. With the light-weight feature, it’s become a hiking and backpacking luxury essential that will make the perfect gift.

Is a chair necessary for hiking? It’s not considered one of the ten essentials, that’s for sure. But we fully believe in those little luxuries that make your outdoor adventures more comfortable. Buy a CLIQ Three-Legged Camping Chair.

11. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System

We all know that fresh, potable water is one of the most important life savers and hiking essentials. Despite the constant recommendations to bring more than what you think you’ll need with you, many hikers often find themselves without water in an emergency.

So, if you’re looking for perfect hiking gifts for men who love the backcountry, you can’t go wrong with the Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system. Clean water is a must. This system removes 99.9999 percent of harmful bacteria, microorganisms, microplastics, and sediment from your water through its filter.

The Sawyer Squeeze is so small it fits in the palm of your hand and weighs only 0.2 pounds. It can be used on its own or fitted to a standard water bottle with 28 mm threads. Buy a Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System.

12. Aeropress Coffee Press

The Original Aeropress was not necessarily designed as a hiking or camping gadget. The innovative design was created to combine the bold flavors of French Press, Pourover, and Espresso-style coffees. However, there is a great travel/to-go version perfect for outdoor lovers. It’s smooth, ready in minutes, cleans easily, weighs only eight ounces, and is shatterproof. These great features make it one of the most innovative hiking and backpacking gifts for men.

And trust us, instant coffee – especially quality coffee – for your next backpacking trip will make one of the best gifts for anyone who has ever hiked with a coffee-deprived/dependent human. It’s never a bad idea to give someone the gift of coffee. Purchase an Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press Kit.

13. Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System

For more backpacking gifts for men, consider the Jetboil camping and backpacking stove system. No one wants to live on granola bars when backpacking, so providing an option for a camp-cooked meal is always a hit.

The Jetboil Flash boils water in 100 seconds. It folds up small, is lightweight at under one pound, and can be used with dozens of other Jetboil accessories, like the coffee press and cookware. My husband was gifted this recently and it has made our camping and backpacking trips next level when it comes to comfort food. Buy a Jetboil Flash.

14. Merino Wool Base Layers

Without a doubt, Merino wool base layers make some of the best hiking gifts. While Merino wool isn’t exactly the most affordable base layer on the market, it’s certainly the highest quality. The water-resistant, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating layers are especially ideal for anyone hiking in wet climates or extreme temperatures. Think hardcore winter hikes in cold weather.

Merino wool is known for being naturally SPF (sun protection!) and warm in the winter, so it’s an ideal gift for almost anyone, anywhere! Purchase Merino Wool Base Layers.

15. Merino Wool Socks

Looking for last-minute or inexpensive trekking gifts? Merino wool socks, like base layers, are high quality and essential if you’ll be hiking through water, especially. Merino wool socks dry extremely quickly, keeping your feet from getting compromised. They make great stocking stuffers too.

Plus, if you’re looking for hiking gifts for men who enjoy long hikes, a new pair of Merino wool socks can never go wrong. Let’s just say, we know a lot of guys who probably don’t update their sock wardrobe as often as they should, and new socks are always necessary, comfortable, and appreciated. Buy Merino Wool Socks.

16. Sun Shirt

Sun shirts are one of our absolute favorite hiking essentials, and we love to gift them to anyone who is an avid outdoorsman. Sun shirts are lightweight, breathable, and contain natural UV protection.

Surprisingly, or perhaps not, long-sleeved sun shirts offer greater protection from the sun than short-sleeved shirts but don’t weigh you down while hiking. If you don’t want to spend the money on Merino Wool, classic sun shirts offer a more affordable option for hiking in the hot sun, too. Purchase these Sun shirts.

17. Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

If you know someone who loves to hike, kayak, canoe, camp, or fish, these waterproof dry bags make the perfect outdoorsy gifts for men. Constructed from heavy-duty PVC, your gear is guaranteed to stay dry. And who doesn’t want to protect their expensive outdoor gear? A splashproof, outer zippered pocket is perfect for keeping keys, lighters, wallets, and smaller items dry, too.

We think this is one of those hiking gifts for men that are so easily forgotten about but essential around any kind of water. Not to mention they float and come in different sizes depending on the length of your journey or the amount of gear you need to carry. And, if you don’t care for the front zipper, be sure to check out this version too. Buy an Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag.

18. Combat Wipes

Combat wipes are a great stocking stuffer-style gift that may sound silly but actually works. Let’s just say that if you’re looking for hiking and backpacking gifts for him – that might also benefit you and help you both have a more pleasant trip together – you can’t go wrong with body wipes.

These aren’t like your regular old baby wipes, though. Combat wipes are designed by military soldiers with battlefield experience (read: smell) in mind. They are biodegradable and compostable; so easy that you can simply bury them in the soil or compost them to dispose of them. They can be used as body, face, and toilet wipes. Just choose your order carefully! Purchase Combat wipes.

19. National Parks or State Parks Pass

Is your significant other an avid hiker? National Parks buff? Camping enthusiast? The perfect hiking gift for him might be an entry pass to your local state parks or our nation’s National Parks. With unlimited entry across hundreds, if not thousands, of miles, the National and State Parks pass offers unlimited hiking with a flat fee.

The America the Beautiful Pass, for example, covers daily entrance fees to all lands managed by the National Parks Service. It allows free admission for the passholder and three guests or all occupants of a personal vehicle for sites that charge per vehicle. This is an especially helpful hiking gift for men with families who also enjoy the great outdoors. Buy an America the Beautiful Pass.

20. National Parks Adventure Book

If your guy is a planner, one of the best hiking gifts for him could be the National Parks Adventure Book. (Note this is not a guide but a journal; hence the mixed product reviews.) With spaces to plan trails, must-see spots, and itineraries, it’s almost impossible to forget anything.

Then, use the book as a journal to keep memories, moments, hidden gems, and nostalgia safe to look back on. Journal prompts encourage thoughtful reflection and adventure checklists can help you think outside of the box.

In addition to the National Parks Adventure Book, the publisher offers state park books across the USA, ideal for anyone looking to keep their bucket list a bit more local or start exploring their own state. Purchase a National Parks Adventure Book.

21. Ansel Adams in the National Parks Coffee Table Book

We love a good coffee table book, and Ansel Adams is known for his wilderness photography. Perfect for the guy who already has everything, breathtaking photography of beautiful places can often remind us of our own trips or provide inspiration for the future. The stories that accompany the photographs will transport readers and hopefully spark conversation, too. Buy a copy of Ansel Adams in the National Parks.

22. I’d Hike That Beer Can Pint Glass

We’d be remiss if we didn’t add a couple of hiking gifts just for fun. Most of the items on our list have a very intentional purpose, fill gaps in gear, or provide an opportunity for more epic adventures.

But what guy doesn’t love coming home from a long hike to a nice brew? Marry the two with a fun beer pint glass and encourage your favorite hiker to relax, reflect, and enjoy more of the simple things in life. Buy the I’d Hike That Beer glass.

23. Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods is a perfect gift for men who hike. Funny and thoughtful, Bryson attempts to rediscover America on the Appalachian Trail and document it for us to read. Bryson introduces readers to the beauty and magic of the Appalachian Trail, along with the hilarious cast of characters he meets along the way.

Bryson is inexperienced at hiking, but not at life, and readers will enjoy his comedy, and his wisdom. Read even more great hiking books for adults on our sister site, The Uncorked Librarian. Purchase A Walk In The Woods.

24. Hiking Movies

If you recognize both Christine and Tori from The Uncorked Librarian – an online literary magazine with books and movies to inspire travel – you know we watch plenty of hiking movies (OK, and wine movies too). Why not inspire the hiker in your life with one of these great hiking movies to stream right now:

• A Walk In The Woods – After you read Bryson’s book, watch the movie as he and tipsy Katz traipse the Appalachian Trail. Bryson is our favorite travel writer for his witty banter and incessant sarcasm.
• Into The Wild – You might have read the book or at least heard about hiker, Christopher McCandless’s, deadly trek into the Alaskan wilderness.
• Everest – This movie showcases the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, which Jon Krakauer is also famous for writing about.

Give the gift of Amazon Prime to stream even more adventure movies.

25. Fanny Pack

Did you know that fanny packs are back in style? We honestly cannot get enough of them, and we own at least five different versions (for different purposes) in our household right now. A fanny pack is also one of our top hiking gifts for him if you live near a lake – perfect for strolls – or are going on a common, easy-to-navigate, and short hike. They are also great for the gym or beach.

One of the fanny packs that Tom uses the most is this lightweight WATERFLY Fanny Pack. It comes in a variety of colors and is extremely budget-friendly. There are multiple pockets, one of which is anti-theft. Store your cash and keys. The fabric is water-resistant too. Buy a fanny pack (or three).

More Practical Gifts For Longer Trips

There are so many great hiking gifts that we couldn’t possibly name them all. A few more items to consider:

• First Aid Kit – For camping and hiking, this emergency kit has bandages, gauze, tape, and more.
• Hydration Packs – Boost hydration with this electrolyte drink powder for your water.
• Sleeping Bag – Great for all seasons, except winter, this is a popular and low-budget sleeping bag on the go for casual hikers.
• Freeze-Dried Meals – Enjoy lightweight, portable, and flavorful meals while camping and backpacking.