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Gifts for Hikers

Author: Sarah Marie Finley

We all have those one or two friends, who are outdoors enthusiasts and love going on adventures. When it comes to gift-giving, hiking, camping or backpacking, is not everyone’s niche or forte. So, what should you do?

Save yourself the hassle and forget the mall! In today's day and age, technology is our friend. Find a comfy chair, a glass of chardonnay if you will and your mouse.

If you can, use your Amazon Prime account and save on two-day shipping. You also have the option of becoming an REI member, a national co-op that helps those who love the outdoors since 1938! Simply purchase a membership for $20 and receive free shipping on orders over $50, easy returns, and 10% back for life. REI is known for sending out coupons throughout the year up to 20%. Score! Want an insider's secret? Head to an REI outlet to save big on gear. I promise you will find your diamond in the rough!

Souvenirs (mostly under $50)

Platypus PlatyPreserve Wine Preservation System

Platypus PlatyPreserve Wine Preservation System – after a long day’s travel, at days end relax with a glass of wine. The PlatyPreserve can hold a full bottle of wine and collapsible when finished. Get it on Amazon HERE.

MPOWERS Luci The Original Inflatable Solar Light

MPOWERS Luci The Original Inflatable Solar Light – Durable construction that collapses down to 1 inch thick, the LuciOutdoor 2.0 lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge. As your enjoying the trails, clip it toyour backpack for a fully charged LED light at night. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Hiking Socks – When "equipment" failure is not an option, you choose Darn Tough. Great for keeping warm in the winter or cool in the summer, Darn Tough has a ‘no strings attached’, unconditional guarantee for life. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit – Scraped Knee? Poison Ivy? No worries! The Hiker Medical Kit organizes supplies to eliminate time getting the right treatment. Medical-quality tools for effective efficiencies and Hiker Guidebook written by a licensed doctor, containing advice like ‘when’ to worry tips and improvised first aid techniques. Get it on Amazon HERE.

MSR Strike Lighter

MSR Strike Lighter – Forget lighters and matches. The MSR Strike Lighter is moisture and pressureresilient and produces 5,500 0 F sparks to quickly ignite butane stoves. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife – Can’t go wrong with a gold ole’ Swiss Army Knife. Durable construction and compact for your pocket or keyring to take anywhere. Seven functions including scissors, tweezers, toothpick, and 1.25” blade in case you take of whittling.Stocking Stuffers ($30-$99). Get it on Amazon HERE.

Petzel Actik Headlamp

Petzl Actik Headlamp - Offering 300 lumens and multiple light modes, wide and mixed beam patterns, the Petzl Actik headlamp lights your way with a reflective headband, emergency whistle, and redlighting. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Xenvo Pro Lens Kit for Phone

Xenvo Pro Lens Kit for Phone – Forget the camera at home. Compatible with all phone models, the Pro Lens includes a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and mini LED rechargeable glowchip that brings that outdoors home with you. Get it on Amazon HERE.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker – Just like the old Folgers commercials, enjoy a good cup of joe while you take in the view. The Aeropress can be used on camping trips or at home. For coffee that is smooth to the palate, Just remember to not soak the grounds too long. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Porlex Mini Stainless-Steel Coffee Grinder

Porlex Mini Stainless-Steel Coffee – You can’t make coffee without fresh grounds. The Porlex Mini has a 20-gram capacity with ceramic conical burrs to grind from powder to French press. Stainless steel, static-free and only stand 130mm tall! Get it on Amazon HERE.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System – When the trails become icy don’t fret. MICROspikes provides supreme traction to handle any adventure. Plus, they fit in your pocket making them light and portable. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Mid-Range Gifts ($100-$199)

SteriPen Ultra

SteriPen Ultra – Forget chemicals, squeezing or drinking through a large straw. Technology steps in using UV light to purify water within 90 seconds. Comes with a rechargeable battery that can filter up to 50L of water per charge. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System

Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System – Make gourmet meals next time you’re in the backcountry with the 2015 Backpacker Magazine ‘Editor's Choice Award' winner. Redesigned valve, regulator, and a cooking cup provide superior simmer controls with a boil time in under 5 minutes. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Patagonia Men’s Stretch Rainshadow Jacket

Patagonia Men’s Stretch Rainshadow Jacket – Made with ECONYL 100% recycled nylon yarns (including discarded fishing net), the light and stretchy jacket is perfect for mild drizzles to epic downpours. Treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) this watertight jacket can also self-stuff into its chest pocket for portability. Get it on Amazon HERE.

Big Ticket Gifts ($200 and up)

REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2 Tent

REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2 Tent – This two-person tent is ideal for backpacking through three seasons. Weighing less than four pounds, vertical sidewalls, and color-coding simplifies setup time.

REI Magma Sleeping Bags

REI Magma Sleeping Bags – Choose between the Men’s 10 or Women’s 17 for a fitted silhouette, water-resistance and bracing extreme temperatures up to 10 degrees 0 F. Named 2017 Editors Choice Award Winner by Backpacker Magazine, the Magma sleeping bag weighs less than two pounds, 850-fill goose down and contains material which meets the bluesign® criteria.

Garmin inReach Explorer+ 2-Way Satellite Communicator

Garmin inReach Explorer+ 2-Way Satellite Communicator – This all-in-one communicator provides the safety and security of your whereabouts with a GPS tracker, 2-way satellite messenger, navigation tool and SOS. Stay off the grid with 100 hours or (10 minutes interval tracking) using a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, approved by the FCC, CE, and IC. Share map locations using text messaging, including weather forecasts where cell phones don’t. Get it on Amazon HERE.