20 Awesome Stocking Stuffers for Hikers
20 Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas Outdoor Lovers ALWAYS Need
If you have a hiker or outdoor lover on your gift list, you want to give them Christmas gifts they’ll actually use and appreciate. That’s why you should check out this list of the best stocking stuffers for hikers.
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You’ll find ideas for things hikers use all the time, which means you know they’ll absolutely love them. Best of all, you won’t find large items that cost a fortune and clearly won’t fit in a stocking! Instead, these stocking stuffer ideas for hikers are small, practical, and affordable.
So check out these awesome stocking stuffer ideas for hikers and pick out a few that the outdoor lovers in your life will enjoy receiving this Christmas.
Related: Unique Christmas Gifts for People Who Love National Parks
1. Hiking Socks
If there’s one thing hikers go through a lot, it’s socks. Having the right pair of socks can make the difference between pain-free feet and blistered feet.
Related: The Best Hiking Socks for Every Type of Hiker
But not just any type of socks will do. Hikers should wear merino wool or wool-blend hiking socks because they’re soft, comfortable, and versatile. If you want to give some hiking socks as a gift, you can’t go wrong with Darn Tough Vermont socks.
You’ll find socks for men, women, and kids. Plus, they come in a variety of awesome colors and designs, so it’s easy to get something for everyone on your list.
2. Gloves
If you know a hiker who enjoys heading out on a lot of winter treks, a good pair of gloves is always appreciated. This is especially true for hikers who always manage to lose one glove when they’re on a hike!
Related: How to Stay Warm Hiking in Winter
3. Headwear
Good headwear is another important accessory hikers will appreciate receiving as a stocking stuffer. This can include either a beanie for hikes in cooler weather or a sunhat to protect their skin on summer hikes.
Related: Important Safety Tips for Hiking in the Heat
4. Tenacious Tape
Handymen have duct tape, and hikers have Tenacious Tape. Hikers can use this vinyl and fabric repair tape to repair rips and holes in everything from tents and hammocks to tarps and rainwear.
Related: Rain Won’t Ruin Your Hike Thanks to These 8 Must-Know Tips
Plus, since it’s available in a variety of different colors, you can add several rolls to their stocking to match all of their gear.
5. Hiking Snacks
You know what hikers use every single time they hit the trail? Snacks! We burn a lot of energy hiking, and we have to replenish it along the way.
Sure, everyone can throw in a bag of trail mix, but you can also surprise your hiker with some fun and interesting snacks in their stocking. Here are some unique ideas to consider:
Related: Delicious Backpacking Meals for Vegetarians
6. Camping Spork
It sounds ridiculous, but do you know how many times I’ve been ready to sit down and have a meal while on a hike only to realize I didn’t bring anything I could use to eat my meal? After doing it more times than I care to admit, I picked up this camping spork.
It’s made of titanium, so it can stand up to the rigors of hiking. It includes a fork, spoon, and bottle opener, so I always have what I need.
Plus, it’s small and lightweight enough that I can stick it in its carrying case and tuck it away in my backpack without any hassle.
Related: 10 Seriously Comfortable Backpacks for Hiking
7. Sunscreen Stick
I have fair skin, so I always need to make sure I’m wearing enough sunscreen when I’m on a hike. Of course, even if the hiker on your gift list doesn’t have fair skin, they should still protect themselves with sunscreen.
I always keep this sunscreen stick in my backpack because it’s small, convenient, and easy to use. The 100% zinc-based sunblock doesn’t contain any oxybenzone or octinoxate, which makes it reef-safe and skin-safe.
Plus, it also offers 80 minutes of water and sweat-resistant protection. Perfect for those long and sweaty hikes!
8. Survival Whistle
A lot of hiking backpacks come with a built-in survival whistle, but some don’t. Every hiker should have one (and know how to use it!) just in case they have an emergency on the trail. That’s why this survival whistle is one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers.
You can also take a look at this list of the best survival whistles for hikers to discover even more outstanding options.
Related: 10 Survival Gear Items Every Hiker Should Carry
9. Collapsible Water Bottle
Sometimes you want to have something you can use to drink water, but you don’t want to lug around another water bottle. That’s when a collapsible water bottle comes in handy.
These collapsible water bottles are made from BPA-free food-grade silicone. When they’re open, they can hold 20 ounces of water, and when they collapse, they fold down to about 80% of their original size. This makes them ideal for stashing in a backpack!
Related: Always Stay Hydrated With These Top Hydration Packs for Hikers
10. LifeProof Case
While we often hit the trail because we want to escape the craziness of modern life, that doesn’t mean we want to leave our modern conveniences behind. But electronic gadgets aren’t exactly designed for handling rugged trails.
That’s why a LifeProof case makes an excellent stocking stuffer for hikers. LifeProof makes all types of drop-proof and water-proof cases for cell phones, AirPods, iPads, and Apple Watches.
These sustainably made cases use ocean-based recycled plastic and are designed to stand up to everything outdoor adventures can throw at them.
Related: Best Outdoor Subscription Boxes for Hikers
11. Blister Bandages
Blisters stink, but they’re not an inevitable part of hiking. One of the tricks I’ve learned to prevent blisters when hiking is to use these blister bandages.
I put them on spots I know I always get blisters, and they work to prevent blisters from forming in the first place. I also keep some in my backpack in case any new blisters start to develop on my hike. Then I get to enjoy a completely pain-free hike from start to finish!
Plus, not only do they come as toe bandages, but you can also get them as heel bandages. This makes it easy to prevent any type of blister that might pop up.
Related: How to Quickly and Easily Break in Hiking Boots
12. Multitool
A multitool is a very handy gadget that every hiker should have on them when they’re on the trail. Yes, even day hikers!
Related: Not Sure What to Bring on a Hike? This Packing List Will Help!
A good multitool can help with repairs, first aid, preparing food, and more. If the hiker in your life doesn’t already have one, a multitool will definitely make a much-appreciated and useful stocking stuffer.
13. Pot Scraper
Hikers have to clean the dishes on the trail just like they do at home. However, unlike dish duty at home, they don’t always have access to all of the items that can make clean up easier.
That’s why this pot scraper made by Lodge, is one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers. Although it’s small, it’s mighty!
It easily removes burnt or stuck on food from pots and pans. But since it’s small and compact, it’s much easier to fit in a backpack than a scrub brush.
14. Electrolyte Tablets
Everyone knows it’s important to stay hydrated when you’re hiking. But it’s also equally important to replace any electrolytes you might lose as you’re sweating.
Related: The Best Easy-to-Use Water Filters for Hikers
These electrolyte tablets are a great stocking stuffer idea for hikers because the small tubes are easy to fit in a backpack. Plus, the tablets are way less messier than powder, which makes them more convenient to use on the trail.
15. GoToob Bottles
If you want to give your hiker something they will use again and again, stick these GoToob bottles in their stocking. These soft, squeezable, food-safe, travel-size bottles are unbelievably convenient.
They can carry pretty much anything without leaking, such as sunscreen, peanut butter, olive oil, and shampoo.
16. Instant Coffee Packets
Even hikers need some help getting up and going in the morning. Of course, bringing a full-size coffee maker on the trail is pretty much impossible. That’s why these instant coffee packets make such awesome stocking stuffers for hikers.
The packets are small and easy to use. Simply add water to the instant coffee and it’s ready to go! Plus, there are different varieties to please everyone.
If it’s decaf you’d prefer, Starbucks has their decaf Italian Roast coffee in little packets, too.
This instant dirty chai latte includes bold and creamy chai tea with a splash of premium coffee. Know someone who likes creamer in their coffee? This packet includes coffee and creamer in one.
17. Travel Towel
You never know when a towel might come in handy on a hike. This microfiber towel is lightweight, dries quickly, and packs down to a super convenient size. It also includes a small wash cloth that’s great for wiping off sweat during a hike!
18. Water Treatment Tablets
What do hikers do when they run out of water on the trail? Those mountain streams look fresh and clean, but who knows what type of bacteria or viruses might be lurking in the water. That’s why it’s always a good idea to carry water treatments tablets on a hike!
These water treatment tablets ensure you’re never without clean water. They effectively remove viruses, bacteria, and cysts from water. Even better, they leave no aftertaste behind!
19. Headlamp
When many hikers are beginners, they stick a flashlight in their backpack in case they’re on the trail a little later than they planned and they need light getting back to their car or their campsite. What’s the problem with that?
They don’t realize how much of a pain it is to fumble with a flashlight while trying to hold hiking poles or trying to set up camp.
Related: 10 Fantastic Trekking Poles for Every Type of Hiker
That’s why hikers should always have a headlamp in their backpack. Not only does a headlamp keep your hands free, but it also points a bright ray of light wherever you’re looking. This is incredibly helpful whether you’re trying to navigate a rocky trail or putting together a tent.
Need a few good ideas on the best headlamps for hikers? This post can help!
20. Guppyfriend Wash Bag
As hikers, we love the great outdoors and enjoy exploring its beauty. But sometimes the very things we need for hiking also hurt our planet. One prime example is what we wear to hike.
Related: The Most Comfortable Hiking Pants for Women
It’s not safe or practical to wear cotton when hiking because it easily absorbs and locks in moisture. This can lead to chaffing or even hypothermia if the temperature drops. So it’s better for hikers to wear synthetic materials that wick away sweat and moisture.
But washing synthetic materials is a leading cause of microfiber pollution. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to prevent microfiber pollution.
One such way is using the Guppyfriend wash bag. This wash bag will catch microfibers in the washing machine before they can enter our waterways.
Hikers can simply put their gear in the wash bag, wash everything like usual, and then properly dispose of any microfibers the bag collects.
The Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers
Shopping for hikers and outdoor lovers doesn’t have to be difficult. This holiday season, you can fill the stockings of hikers on your gift list with things they’ll really love when you get some of these best stocking stuffers for hikers.
More Outstanding Hiking Tips
Did you enjoy learning more about the best stocking stuffers for hikers? Interested in discovering even more excellent hiking tips? Then please be sure to check out some of our other popular posts:
- The Most Breathtakingly Beautiful Hikes Near Asheville
- Hiking for Beginners: All of Your Questions Answered
- Rookie Hiking Mistakes You Never Want to Make
- 7 Sanity-Saving Tips for Hiking With Young Kids
