Trail-tested gifts for day hikers, national park dreamers, and women who feel most at home when they’re out on the trail.
If your loved one lights up at the words “new trail,” “summit views,” or “boots laced and ready,” you’re in the right place. Hikers are curious, observant, nature-loving souls. Finding a gift that fuels their joy in the outdoors is one of the best ways to celebrate who they are.
Whether you’re shopping for a brand-new adventurer, an experienced trekker, or you are the hiker and want a little treat for yourself, this curated guide highlights gear we truly love. At Adventures in Good Company, our guides, travelers, and staff rely on these items across the world. Each pick is practical, trail-worthy, and chosen to support safe and fun adventures.
These gifts work beautifully on their own or can be bundled into themed sets like a “Day Hike Starter Kit,” “Summit Essentials Pack,” or “Adventure-Ready Stocking.” No matter how you wrap them, every item here helps women step onto the trail with more comfort, confidence, and ease.
Best Gifts for the Hiker in Your Life
1. Osprey Daylite Plus 20L Daypack
Lightweight, durable, and surprisingly roomy, this is the daypack our travelers reach for again and again. Adjustable straps create a comfortable fit without bulk, and smart pockets keep your snacks, layers, and water organized. Bonus: it comes in a variety of colors that brighten even the cloudiest trail day.
2. Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
A must for anyone hiking steep, rocky, or long trails. These foldable poles are ultralight, stable, and game-changing for balance and knee support. Our guides use hiking poles on almost every AGC adventure. Once you hike with poles, you’ll never go back.
3. Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Featherlight, packable, and built for unpredictable weather. This wind-resistant layer stuffs down small in your pack and comes out when conditions change. Great for breezy ridgelines, cool mornings, and shoulder-season hikes.
4. REI Co-op Women's Sahara Shade Hoodie
A go-to sun hoodie for hikers who spend long days in exposed terrain. Lightweight and breathable with built-in UPF, it’s perfect for desert trails, beach hikes, and sunny summer adventures.
5. KuaiLu Women’s Orthopedic Walking Sandals
For the pro-sandal hikers or those who love comfy recovery footwear, these supportive sandals provide shock absorption and all-day comfort. Perfect for camp, casual hikes, or just city exploring. These sandals give your feet a treat after a long day on the trail. They are also stylish and come in multiple color options.
6. Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoody Jacket
The perfect extra layer for summit breezes, early morning hikes, or cool evenings by the campfire. The Nano Puff’s lightweight, low-bulk insulation keeps you warm without overheating, and its sleek design packs down easily into your bag. It’s that “always-pack-it” layer you’ll reach for again and again. It offers just the right amount of warmth without the weight.
7. Gaiters
Not the most glamorous gift, but definitely one of the most appreciated once they’re used. Gaiters protect boots from mud, snow, dust, and debris—keeping feet comfortable and helping footwear last longer. Cleaning boots over and over can feel like a chore, and gaiters help cut down on that so you can simply enjoy the trail.
8. JBL Compact Portable Speaker
Perfect for the hiker who loves a little extra pep in their step (while keeping the volume trail-friendly). It’s durable, waterproof, and clips easily to a backpack. Sure, the views are great, but when the trail gets tough, a little music can be a big motivator. It’s also a great companion for road trips, campfires, or clipping on anywhere around home.
Trail-Tested Essentials Under $30
Sometimes the best gifts are small, practical items we often overlook. These budget-friendly favorites make perfect stocking stuffers, little surprises, or thank-you gifts for your adventure buddy. Even low-cost essentials can make a big difference on the trail. You really can’t go wrong gifting any of these to an outdoor enthusiast.
1. Headlamp
Indispensable for sunrise starts, night hikes, or “we unintentionally took the scenic route” endings.
2. Kula Cloth
A reusable, antimicrobial pee cloth that supports Leave No Trace and keeps the backcountry cleaner. A favorite among women hikers. Plus, you can get it branded in our very own Good Adventures Shop.
3. Darn Tough Socks
New socks again isn’t the most glamorous but something they’ll thank you for when they’re out on the trail. Darn Tough Socks are so comfortable and durable, our travelers rave about them. They are blister-resistant and made to last.
4. Goodr Sunglasses
One of the most scene items on the trail! They come in fun colors, are affordable and slip-proof. With being nearly indestructible, they are the perfect pair for the adventurous spirit.
5. Scratch-Off National Park Poster
Let’s be honest, most people who love hiking also love the National Parks and have a strong desire to visit as many as possible. This poster allows the National Park lover to celebrate where she has been and plan her next big adventure.
6. Pocket Guide to Animal Tracks
A fun, lightweight guide that helps hikers identify the footprints and signs left by wildlife. It turns walks or hikes into mini wildlife safaris by helping spot animals you might never see directly.
7. Lightweight Sea to Summit Dry Bag
Keeps gear dry during rainstorms, river crossings, and unpredictable weather. Simple, packable, and incredibly useful. If your hiker is also a fan of water adventures, this makes a great gift for them too; it’s perfect for keeping food, gear, and other essentials safe and dry on the water.
8. Small Multi-Tool
A tiny powerhouse that solves countless small challenges on the trail. From tightening gear to cutting cord to opening snacks, it’s one of those items you don’t realize you need until you have it.
9. Adventure Medical Kit
A practical must-have for any hiker and one of the most direct ways to say “I care about your safety”. Stocked with essentials for scrapes, blisters, minor injuries, and unexpected moments on the trail, it offers peace of mind in a compact package.
Give the Gift of Adventure
This gear list is full of gifts that support your loved ones on the trail and elevate their outdoor experiences. With any of these items, you’ll help the hikers in your life feel more confident, comfortable, and connected to the outdoors.
If you want to give something truly unforgettable, consider an AGC trip or an AGC gift card. New experiences are far more meaningful than more stuff. The memories she makes on the trail will last long after the holidays.
Ready for more trail-tested favorites? Explore our full Gear Guidefor even more AGC-approved ideas, or browse upcoming trips to spark her next big adventure.
