Best gifts for walkers: 19 top presents for hikers

Knowing someone’s hobbies always makes gift shopping that little bit easier, and we all have that one friend or family member who likes nothing more than a long walk in the countryside. From dramatic coastal walks to multi-day hikes in the highlands, Britain is a playground for ramblers. To help your loved ones explore the nation to its fullest, we’ve put together a list of the best gifts for walkers.

Below is a combination of useful items to help them get the most out of their walks to thoughtful products that simply celebrate their love of the great outdoors. We have also included sustainable gear for those looking to make greener choices.

If you’re not sure where to begin on your hunt for the perfect gift, our essential hiking list outlines the must-have gear.

So whether they just like a leisurely Sunday stroll or plan to climb every mountain in the British Isles, here are some of the best gifts for walkers and hikers.

The best gifts for walkers in 2022

Reusable Lunch Bag

Keep energy levels high on the next hike with this durable and reusable lunch bag. Made from waxed canvas this bag should be fully waterproof meaning the sandwiches won't get ruined if the weather turns. It also claims to be stainproof which is a handy feature whenever food is involved.

The inside is lined with a thermal material to keep the hot stuff hot and cool stuff cool, so the hiker in your life can push on with their journey, safe in the knowledge they have an edible treat to look forward to when they've reached their next checkpoint.

If it does need a wipe down you can use a damp cloth to clean any spots that need attention, and once you're done with your meal or want to ration more for later it can be re-sealed thanks to the Velcro strips.

Idwal Beanie

For those chilly coastal walks, help protect your loved one's ears and head with this Idwal beanie made from responsibly sourced lambs wool. Perfect for keeping the warmth in without overheating the wearer, the thick wool is also odour-resistant so won't require constant washing after each hike.

Available in a variety of colours, you can opt for a subtle seagrass tone or something more colourful like the ochre.

Buy Idwal Beanie now from alpkit

Adult Hiking Sunglasses

The sun can be a lovely addition to a hike, but it’s wise to consider UV protection during long walks. With that in mind, these specifically designed sunglasses would make a great gift.

Made for the mountainside, they’re lightweight at just 21 grams making them easy enough to carry in a pack or pocket, and they’re fitted with a category three lens which basically means they have a 100% UV filter.

Formed with high resistant plastic these sunglasses should see you through many trips, with additional coverage on the side helping to keep wind and and spray out of the hiker’s eyes should the weather turn.

Buy Adult Hiking Sunglasses now from Decathlon

Our guide to the best sunglasses for walkers contains many more sunglasses recommendations.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Hiking Poles

Handy for the avid hiker taking on challenging trails, these walking poles are designed to support weight and provide traction on any tricky areas. They should be lightweight enough to fit in a hiking pack weighing just 332 grams per pair, and easy to deploy when needed.

The handles are made with a moisture wicking grip so you can hold on in wet weather or sweaty ascents, and should be just as easy to fold away when you’re done, with a Kevlar® cord built inside that keeps them connected and in one piece.

For more walking poles head across to our comprehensive best walking poles list.

Rite in the Rain All Weather Pocket Notebook

This small pocket notebook is for those who love to sketch or take notes during their ambles. This 100% recyclable wood-based paper sheds water, moisture and dirt, so you can make notes even in the worst of weathers. It is also compact enough to fit into any jacket pocket.

Extremities Insulated Waterproof Sticky Power Line Gloves

With the combination of a warm insulated layer and a waterproof membrane, these gloves should keep your hands both warm and dry. The sticky silicone grid pattern on the palm and fingers of the gloves is designed to help with dexterity and grip when out in all weathers. The long cuff should keep out any draughts, too.

Read more reviews of gloves for walking

Ruffwear Quencher Portable Fabric Dog Bowl

Available in three colours (blue moon, meltwater teal and pumpkin orange), the Ruffwear Quencher is a fabric dog bowl that is lightweight and can be easily folded up and stored away. Features include a waterproof lining, reflective trim and it is machine washable.

Hydro Flask 32oz Lightweight Wide Mouth Flask>

From the trail series, this Hydro Flask is 25% lighter than the brand’s typical wide mouth flask to make it less of a burden on those longer walks. Because it’s insulated, the flask will keep any liquids cold for 24 hours and warm for up to 12 hours. Hydro Flask also promise the cap is leak-proof because that is a worry no one needs.

Nebo Lil Larry 250 Lumen Pen Light Torch

Weighing just 90g, the Nebo Lil Larry torch is small enough to slide into a pocket. It is sturdy, too, with a shock and corrosion-proof anodized aluminium body and recessed LED housing so it won’t get broken on your adventures. There are three light modes; high, low and emergency red flash.

Personalised Hiking Boot Bag

A great way to keep your car mud-free is with a hiking boot bag. This one from Not on the High Street can be customised with a name or initials for that extra touch. The embroidery is available in six fonts and a massive 25 colours including slate grey, duck egg blue and deep red.

Garmin Fenix 6 Multisport GPS Watch

A GPS watch can be a great tool for getting more from your walks. The Garmin Fenix 6 is able to provide you with lots of data from features such as heart-rate monitoring, thermometer, barometric altimeter (to detect changes in elevation), compass and sunset/sunrise timings. In battery saving mode, the watch can also last up to 48 days on a single charge.

For more gadgets for hikers head across to the best hiking gadgets list compiled by our sister publicatin Science Focus

Short Walks in Beautiful Places by National Trust

We’re all guilty of falling into a rut of walking our favourite routes each week. Short Walks in Beautiful Places by National Trust contains over 100 British walks to help find new walks and explore more of the countryside. Information about facilities, children’s activities, local restaurants and transport links are also included.

SmartWool Hike Light Crew Socks

A good pair of hiking socks can prevent rubbing, blisters and stop your feet getting too hot or cold. Made from a Merino wool rich blend, these socks should keep your feet warm, while the arch brace should keep the sock in place and provide additional support. These socks come with light cushioning that is designed to keep you comfortable on day hikes. SmartWool socks are available in men’s, women’s and unisex styles.

Read our review of the best walking boots

Grayl Ultralight Compact Water Purifier

By purifying and filtering contaminated water in 15 seconds, this compact water bottle allows hikers to drink clean water on the go without being weighed down by a heavy liquid-filled pack. The cartridge needs to be replaced after 300 uses so this gift would work well for those who enjoy multi-day walks. The bottle is also available in black and white.

Collapsible Camping Kettle

Knowing a hot cup of tea is waiting for you at the top of a summit is quite the motivator and reward. Weighing 200g, this collapsible silicone kettle from Sea to Summit is lightweight and durable. It can also be used as a pot to heat food if you fancied a hot lunch stop. It can boil 800ml of water so enough for a couple of cups. Its foldable nature makes it easy to pack.

Patagonia Altvia Backpack 22L

This Patagonia midsize pack would be a top gift for hikers who are partial to a day walk. It is made of 100% recycled material and has a breathable back panel and shoulder straps. A rain cover is included which is always a handy feature when walking in the British countryside!

For further inspiration, take a look at our list of reviewed backpacks for walkers.

Buff Coolnet UV+ Slim Headband

This fun and practical headband is an ideal gift for walkers looking to add a splash of colour to their hiking wardrobe. The high sweat management fabric, cooling technology and UPF 50+ sun protection make this headband a solid choice for a sunny day. The Buff headwear is made from recycled plastic bottles. There are a range of funky designs and colours to choose from including lime green and baby pink.

Explore our list of eco-friendly outdoor gear from some of the most sustainable brands.

Official Personalised OS Map

A custom-made OS map is a great way of celebrating a walk or location that has particular meaning to you. Starting at £16.99, the maps are able to be bought either as a folded map or flat ready to be displayed. Ordnance Survey allow you to pick a location and personalise the map with a name or message.

Buy now from Ordnance Survey

Jack Wolfskin Waterproof Touchscreen Sensitive Pouch

Hiking in the rain is often unavoidable so it’s good to be prepared. This waterproof and dustproof hermetic pouch is the ideal size for a phone. The pouch is touchscreen sensitive so you can read your messages in the rain without the help of a sheltering tree! When you do want to remove something, the fastener is magnetic for easy access.

Buy now from Jack Wolfskin

For more waterproof gear, have a look at our best lightweight walking jackets or round-up of the best waterproof trousers.