Shopping for hikers may seem like a daunting task, especially for the avid ones! You have to think about so many things, including personal style and preferences, and don’t even think for a second that hikers don’t like to show off their gear! They like to be stylish and often have clothes and accessories that are both innovative and practical.

Contrary to popular belief, hikers aren’t tough people to shop for, and while it can stump you at first, there are plenty of cool and useful hiking gifts that every outdoor lover would love to receive. You could get someone who likes hiking all kinds of different gifts, and if you’re thoughtful enough, you just might get them something better than they ever wanted or expected.

A lot of the hiking gear out there are investment pieces and when hikers start they oftentimes don’t have money for all of the gear that they would like to buy. They often would buy a nice down jacket but skimp on the backpack for example. Or they have a really good pair of hiking boots and skimp on the hiking poles!

Here is your chance to pay attention to what the hiker in your life does or does not have. Take a look at their gear and see what is missing or what needs improvement. Whether you’re shopping for the avid multi-day trekker or the casual day hiker, here is a list of gift ideas that you can choose from.

Hiking Backpack
There is nothing worse than going on a hike with an uncomfortable backpack. It is one of the most essential items that hikers take, especially on long treks. Buying a good quality one would ensure that the weight is distributed equally on your shoulders as it going to affect your back and posture.

The perfect backpack depends on what you bring while hiking, so if your hiker is someone who carries only the essentials, a smaller backpack would do. Regardless of the size, make sure that there is plenty of space with multiple pockets that are all easily accessible. It should have deep and densely packed padded shoulder straps and a hip belt along with long padded areas on the back for cushioned comfort.

The key thing you want in your hiking backpack is an external water bottle pouch so that you can have a drink without having to stop and open your backpack every time.

Water Bottle
They say that you can survive for weeks without food, but only days without water. A sturdy, insulated, leak-proof water bottle is always worth carrying on a hike. It makes a perfect gift that keeps the cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm and helps them stay alert and refreshed throughout the day.

Make sure to invest in a bottle that is strong to minimize dents and scratches, and a good size for a long trip. There are many different kinds available on the market including fully insulated ones in which you can keep water, tea, coffee, iced macchiato - whatever your drink of choice. This Kool8 water bottle which is included in this Cool Things Chicago gift guide is a great option.

Polarized Sunglasses
One can’t have too many sunglasses, they are like socks - always disappearing into the void. Polarized sunglasses help filter out the harmful UV rays while you are outdoors thereby protecting your eyes and ensuring that they stay healthy. The sunglasses have to survive the great outdoors so make sure that they are scratch-resistant and sturdy.

Make sure they are lightweight and durable look for acetate or plastic frames, they weigh close to nothing and also handle being dropped a little better. Choose frames that fit comfortably as they will be wearing them a lot. Look for sunglasses that have a high UV protection rating which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Lenses have ratings from 0 to 4 and it is recommended that you choose lenses that have a rating of 3 or 4 as they provide the best protection.

Portable Solar panel/charger
Every adventurer needs a portable charger to keep all of their devices powered up and a solar one is the best option because it never runs the risk of discharge. These devices can be quite compact and easy to carry around allowing easy and fast charging on the go. You can even attach it to your backpack while you’re hiking and let it charge.

You can find some that have a built-in LED light in them which serves as a convenient solution for when you need a light at night.  They are efficient and reliable and come equipped with up to three USB ports. A solar charger is an excellent gift for every traveler and in this age of technology, we always need power sources to keep all of our devices at an optimal level.

Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are something that many hikers don’t know they need until they have them. Get this as a gift for your friend or loved one and next time you chat you will hear all about how you have revolutionized their hiking.  They are the perfect gift for hikers tackling strenuous trails or those who have weak knees.

Trekking poles have many benefits - it reduces the accumulated stress on the feet, knees, legs, and back, especially when carrying a heavy backpack. It also protects the knees while walking down steep hills, improves your power and endurance when walking uphill,  aids with a balance on uneven trails, and even improves posture - making walkers more upright as they walk, which in turn helps with their breathing. Make sure to buy good quality ones that will last them for years.

Hopefully, this list has given you a few unique hiking gift ideas so you can properly surprise that special someone with a thoughtful and cherished gift. Get any of the above for them, and whether they will be hiking up a mountain on the other side of the world or just beheaded outside the door, they will be kitted out for the next adventure. Above all, make sure you choose a gift that fits right into their backpacking gear, something that will keep them safe and happy on their hikes.