Are you scouring the web, trying to uncover great gift ideas for a walking enthusiast? Then stick around, you’ve come to the right place.
For regular readers of the blog, you’ll know I’m a BIG walking fanatic, so the carefully crafted list below is based on my own extensive experiences whilst on the trail. All the item ideas are things which I either personally own or have purchased as a gift for fellow hiking pals over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a birthday pressie, an anniversary gift, a Christmas stocking filler or anything in between, I’m positive you’ll find something below which’ll go down an absolute treat 👌
Likewise, to avoid bombarding folks with a million different ideas, I’ve whittled down my list to what I consider 17 of the very best gift ideas for walking lovers.
In addition to calling out which products I consider the absolute cream of the crop – I’ve also included some links to what I consider the best budget options, meaning there should be a present here for every price range!
Interested? Then let’s dive right in 👇
The best gift ideas for walkers
*The below list contains affiliate links, please see my privacy policy for details.
Hydration pack (water bladder)
Hiker or not, we all know staying hydrated is super important. Conveniently allowing you to sip water while on the move, bladder packs are a quintessential accessory for long days on the trail.
Freeing up your hands and avoiding the hassle of constantly rustling around for your bottle, hydration packs also store much more water than your standard 500 ml bottle, often coming in sizes of up to 2-3 litres.
When it comes to hiking gear, you really can’t go wrong with Osprey, and their Hydraulics 2.5 L Water Hydration Reservoir is certainly no exception.
Highly functional, this pack contains a wide range of features such as: zip lock fastening to prevent leaks; welded seams to minimise water sloshing in your backpack and a magnetic clip to secure the pack just to name a few.
Click here to buy the Osprey Hydraulics Water Hydration Reservoir 👈
Durable water bottle
If you aren’t sure whether a hydration pack is quite the right gift, then perhaps going for the tried-and-tested outdoors water bottle is a better option?
There are so many flasks out there these days coming in a variety of graphics, designs and patterns. However, look closer and you’ll see a lot of the fancy bottles being sold online are actually made from cheap plastic which simply can’t stand up to the toughness of the trail. A few excursions and the cracks soon start surfacing.
This is why I’ve always opted for the sturdy and reliable steel flask, with my top pick currently being the Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Water Bottle.
Offering a range of colours and sizes ranging from 500 ml to 1 litre, this insulated bottle also includes a loop cap which can be easily attached to your rucksack for easy access while on the trail.
Officially certified as as a ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ product and made from BPA free material – meaning no leaky chemicals polluting your water – this eco flask is the fantastic pressie for an outdoor adventurer!
Click here to buy the Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Water Bottle 👈
A snug pair of hiking socks
Socks are often laughed at as a bit of a gift cop out – but for keen walkers – a pair of quality hiking socks are a true game changer.
Trust me, for years I just wore cheap black cotton socks and never bought into the hype of proper ‘walking socks’.
However, ever since I was gifted a pair of top-notch hiking socks several years ago, I’ve never looked back. They’re so snug and comfortable I wear them even when I’m just lounging round the house.
Now, if you’re a hardcore rambler taking on the toughest of trails, you really can’t go wrong with investing in a pair from Darn Tough; largely regarded as the best hiking socks brand around.
In addition to their unrivalled durability, each pair also comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty, essentially guaranteeing a pair for life.
For those looking for more of a budget brand however, YUEDGE socks are solid alternative. Despite their cheaper price tag, they hold up surprisingly well.
I’ve worn these socks for years at a time before they’ve started to show signs of wear and tear. Plus, opting for a multi-pack option means you’ll have plenty of pairs in your rotation to prevent overuse.
Functional & snug without being too bulky, you can buy a 5-pack on Amazon for under £19. That works out at roughly £4 per pair. Absolute bargain!
Click Here To Buy YUEDGE 5 Pair Multipack 👈
Long lasting backpack/daypack
Whether you’re on a multi-day trek or simply out on an afternoon stroll, a quality backpack is a must-have when it comes to storing your essentials.
The ideal place to keep your snacks, drink, extra layers (you always need to prepare for the prospect of rain in the UK!) and personal belonging while on the move, a backpack makes lugging around all these items infinitely easier.
Coming in a variety of sizes which are measured in litres – if you’re unsure on the distances the person you’re buying for is hiking – your safest bet would be to get them a quality daypack.
These are exactly what the name suggests, smaller backpacks designed for one day trips. Large enough to store your essentials, but small & lightweight enough to avoid being overly cumbersome for shorter adventures. Pretty much every experienced hiker can benefit from one of these.
Talk to any walker about backpacks, and chances are they’ll bring up the outdoor brand Osprey. Beautifully crafted and made to the highest quality, this durable and stylish Unisex Osprey Daylite should last even the most hardcore hiker for years to come.
For more of a budget brand, I’ve always held Trespass in high regard. Their Albus Backpack comes in at 30 litres and comes in a range of colourways. Cushioned straps, various storage compartments and starting from just £13, you really can’t grumble at that price!
Click here to buy the Osprey Unisex Daylite 👈
Outdoors smart watch
For walking nerds (like myself), smartwatches are the ultimate way to keep track of your hiking stats. In truth, logging my rambles, monitoring my progress and constantly reviewing my hiking statistics has grown to become a bit of an addiction for me as of late!
Built for the outdoors, Garmin models are also more hardy than your standard Fitbit, which are more prone to damage when engaging in outdoor excursions.
One watch I particularly like is the Garmin Forerunner 255, which possesses a range of features such as: heart rate monitoring, daily suggested workouts, GPS tracking and sleep quality tracking.
I was first introduced to Garmin by my uncle – a fellow hiker & cycling fanatic – and he’s adamant it’s the best watch he’s ever owned.
We put a bunch of his watch’s features to good use during our attempt at the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, and it helped us tremendously when it came to mapping our route and seamlessly keeping tabs on our pace.
I’ve had my Garmin Forerunner 255 for around 4 months now, and I really couldn’t imagine life without it. I always enjoy analysing my detailed morning report when I wake, which provides me with a sleep score, HRV status and a daily recommended workout based on my recovery.
Click here to buy the Garmin Forerunner 255 👈
Pocket first aid kit
Far too many people head out on hikes without a first aid kit. I’ll hold my hand up, I’ve also been guilty of this in the past.
That is until my girlfriend badly grazed her knee after a tumble during a hike down Cornwall and we didn’t have a first aid kit handy. Embarrassingly, we had to wait and rely on the kindness of passerby’s to help bandage the wound.
Accidents unfortunately do happen, and having a first aid kit is often a must-have for dealing with them.
To avoid being too cumbersome, my personal recommendation is this compact Pocket First Aid Kit created by Lifesystems – designed specifically for walking, outdoor & travel.
Weighing only 180 grams, this pack is tiny and can easily fit into pretty much any rucksack. Despite its small stature however, open the bag and you’ll find its teeming with useful apparatus.
Tweezers, scissors, bandages, plasters, cleansing wipes and the like, this kit really could be a thoughtful lifeline for whoever you purchase it for.
Click here to buy the Lifesystems First Aid Kit 👈
Head torch
Who says outdoor adventures require daylight? Whether you’re camping out on a multi-day hike, climbing a peak in nightfall to catch a sunrise, or simply taking your dog for walkies early doors – with a head torch you have the freedom to safely ramble whatever the time.
For instance, during my attempt at the Three Peaks Challenge, we began the climb up Scafell Pike (highest mountain in England) at midnight. Wading our way through a deep river crossing and clambering up several scramble segments, having a head torch meant my hands were always free and my visibility was never compromised.
A truly invaluable piece of equipment, I’ve even previously used mine when pottering around the garden in the evenings 😂
For the best bang for your buck, I can’t recommend this Lighting Ever (LE) Head Torch enough.
Coming with 5 available lighting modes to suit your needs (including 2 red warning light options), this head torch is not only powerful – it’s also waterproof, lightweight and rechargeable.
Saving cash in the long run by not having to constantly replace batteries, this LE head torch has a run time of up to 30 hours and is suitable for both adults & children. Coming with a price tag of just £12.99, you really can’t grumble at that!
Click here to buy the LE Rechargable Head Torch 👈
Walking footwear cleaning kit
Speaking of walking shoes – if you’re anything like me – cleaning your hiking footwear is the last thing on your mind when you finally get back from a trek…
Nevertheless, to get the most out of your hiking shoes, giving them some regular TLC is actually the best way to maintain performance and longevity.
Muck caked into the soles of your boot weakens grip – increasing your likelihood of a tumble – while dirt on the upper of the shoe will diminish breathability and waterproof capabilities. Not to mention the lingering funky smells which inevitably start to make an appearance…
Nikwax are the kings when it come to shoe care for walkers. This cleaning kit is super effective, easy to use & environmentally friendly. Even better, the pack also comes with high performance water repellency to keep your feet staying dry.
Helping to effectively maintain the breathability of your footwear, the steps to keeping your shoes spick and span are easy-peasy:
- Spray on
- Rinse off
- Apply waterproofing
- Air dry
Suitable for fabric, leather nubuck and suede footwear, investing in this Nitwax kit is sure to prove a £17.99 well spent.
Click here to buy Nikwax Hiking Care Kit 👈
Proper hiking gloves
An age-old gift which really comes in handy during the colder months.
Ok, terrible jokes aside, a quality pair of hiking gloves are a must-have accessory for every walker. While you can pick up a bog-standard pair on the cheap, regular gloves often aren’t durable or warm enough for outdoorsy folks and wither away after a handful of uses (sorry, couldn’t resist).
As hikers, we really need a pair specifically built to survive the elements.
One brand of gloves I’ve never had an issues with is Berghaus. Keeping your hands snug & warm in the colder weather, their latest Powerstretch Gloves are also thin and lightweight meaning you don’t need to take them off to perform tasks with your hands while out and about.
Whether your camping in the elements, opening up a map during one of your hikes or rustling around in your backpack for some grub; your hands will certainly be thanking you for investing in these gloves!
Click here to buy Berghaus Powerstretch Gloves 👈
Waterproof overtrousers
If you live in a climate such as the UK where rain is an all too often probability, waterproof overtrousers are undeniably one of the most useful pieces of extra clothing to have stored in your backpack.
Easily packable, functional and easy to put on, you simply just slide the trousers over whatever you’re currently wearing. One important feature to look out for is to make sure the trousers you choose are ‘waterproof breathable’, which means they’ll resist liquid water passing through but still allow water vapour to escape.
This is why my top pick are the Berghaus Deluge Waterproof Breathable Overtrousers, which come in sizes for both men and women.
The lucky person you gift this to will surely be grateful should the heavens open during one of their many rambles!
Click Here To Buy Women’s Berghaus Deluge Waterproof Breathable Overtrousers 👈
Click Here To Buy Men’s Berghau Deluge Waterproof Breathable Overtrousers 👈
Polaroid camera
A Christmas gift I got for my hiking-obsessed girlfriend last year, a Polaroid camera is a fantastic way to create memories of your outdoor adventures.
Stylishly retro and somehow much more fun than simply taking a digital snap with your phone, the great thing about a Polaroid is you have a physical copy of your picture within just minutes of taking it.
My partner likes to collate all her best polaroid pics and stick them on the fridge; a constant reminder of all the great excursions we have together.
While there are budget polaroid cameras out there on the market, the general consensus seems to be the cheaper options simply don’t have good picture quality and aren’t really worth the investment.
In light of this, I decided to pay a little more and get the Instax Mini 11. Let’s just say my partner is more than happy with it! Sleek looking, compact and possessing fantastic picture quality (for a polaroid), you can currently bag one on Amazon for around £69.
Click Here To Buy The Instax Mini 11 Polaroid Camera 👈
Walkers log book
A caring gift for the budding writer. Penning outdoor adventures into a log book is one of the most tried and tested ways to really treasure our memories.
While they say a picture tells a thousand words, a journal entry is often a much more intimate and emotive recollection of events. Reading back on entries from years long gone can feel like you’ve been transported back to that very moment. Let the nostalgia flow!
Even better, why not combine the Polaroid with the Walkers Log Book above to create the ultimate hiker’s diary kit?
Click here to buy The Hiker’s Journal: Hiking Journal Log Book 👈
Outdoors mug
A thoughtful gift I received from my girlfriend, this outdoors mug has been one of my staple mugs (in and out of the house) for the past year now.
Tough, lightweight and coming in at 325ml, the ‘Gentlemen’s Hardware Enamel Outdoors Mug’ not only looks the part but is also highly practical.
Small enough to easily carry around yet big enough to enjoy a cuppa, the picturesque landscape depicted on the face of the mug never fails to get my hiking juices flowing!
Click here to buy the Gentlemen’s Hardware Enamel Outdoors Mug 👈
Hiking guide book
Browse any book shop and you’re bound to come across a plethora of walking-related titles to get your teeth sunk into.
A tried-and-trusted publication, I’ve often found Lonely Planet to be head and shoulders above the rest of most competitors with their informative, engaging and colourful walking guides.
For example, their ‘Best Day Walks: Great Britain‘ book contains a wide range of rambles ranging from easy to strenuous and takes you through the wide spectrum of landscapes on offer in this beautiful country.
One of my favourite things about Lonely Planet books is they always make sure to include plenty of spectacular imagery. As hikers, it’s nice to get some visual teasers of the walk to really get you excited to head out on the trail for yourself!
Conveniently split into separate areas of the UK and full of useful map pointers and expert advice – Lonely Planet’s book is currently on sale for £12.59.
Click Here To Buy Lonely Planet Best Day Walks Great Britain 👈
Hiking t-shirts
You can never have too many t-shirts – especially as a walker since they’re the base layer of choice for pretty much all our outfits when on a ramble.
Dependent on the weather, for hiking you’ll usually want a sturdy, lightweight t-shirt which isn’t too restrictive. Nylon tees are also a good option since they help wick away moisture if you work up a sweat.
One of my go-to brands when it comes to quality tees has always been The North Face. I really like the breathable fit & graphic designs of their t-shirts, plus they’re always made with high quality fabrics. You can tell they create apparel with the walker in mind.
Minimalistic in design, versatile and timelessly stylish, I’ve always been a fan of The North Face Dome T-Shirts in particular. Coming in a range of colours for both men & women, this garment will make a great addition to any hiker’s wardrobe.
Click Here To Buy Women’s The North Face Dome Short Sleeve T-Shirt 👈
Click Here To Buy Men’s The North Face Dome Short Sleeved T-Shirt 👈
Walking poles
Not something I use personally, but I know many walkers do rave about the benefits of walking poles.
Designed to assist you on long hikes and steep slopes, walking poles are also a particularly great piece of apparatus for more elderly hikers. Keeping you grounded and steady on your feet as you traverse the varied outdoor terrain, with the aid of walking sticks, walkers are able to expend less energy and tackle certain hikes which otherwise would be out of their capability.
With five different colour options, these ‘TheFitLife Trekking Poles’ are a cracking choice. Durable, extendable and built to last, the anti-shock absorbing technology also helps reduce damage from constant impact whilst on the trail.
Also coming with a carry bag and a range of attachments for all different surfaces, safe to say these poles have you covered for whatever ramble you decide to tackle.
Click here to buy TheFitLife Hiking Poles 👈
Quality walking boots
Last but not least – no post around walking gifts would be complete with a mention of hiking boots!
While walking shoes are better suited for more casual walks, hiking boots are a must when it comes to longer hikes and navigating more challenging terrain.
Essential for ankle stability and grip, walking boots work to keep you safe during outdoor ventures. Ideal for trekking in the colder and wetter months, the majority of quality hiking boots these days also come with waterproof capabilities.
Hands down, the best pair I’ve ever owned is the La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX Boots. Having successfully taken me along countless hikes and walking challenges over the last few years, the boots are still in great nick and showing no signs of wear or tear.
What I love most about these boots is that the high cut collar is sturdy enough to protect the ankle, yet nimble enough to provide flexibility. I still have a full range of motion in my ankles even while navigating the most technical of terrain.
A real breath of fresh air compared to some of the old-school, bulky and more restrictive boots I’ve owned in the past.
Designed with a GORE-TEX membrane, the boot is also highly regarded for it’s waterproof capabilities and breathability. I’ve still yet to experience any leakage or dampness inside the boot despite taking on hikes in all sports of weather conditions
Coming with a price tag starting from £165, they admittedly aren’t the cheapest. However, if you’re looking to splash out on a particularly special gift for a walker, you really can’t go wrong with these long-lasting beauties.
Click here to browse La Sportiva TX4 Mid Walking Boots 👈
Top walking gift picks
More resources
Are you interested in discovering new walking adventures in Britain? Then you really need to have a gander through the variety of hiking guides on our blog – I’m sure there’s something that’ll spark your interest!
Happy walking 🚶🚶
