27 Hiking Gifts You Can Order Last-Minute From Amazon
Have you been too busy hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing to do your Christmas shopping? Good, you clearly have priorities. But now you have to scramble to buy everyone's presents before the deadline. I can't really help with romantic gifts or kid gifts. But here at Miss Adventure Pants, we definitely have all your last-minute hiking gifts covered. Read on for a list of the top 27 hiking gifts eligible for free 2-day shipping on Amazon Prime.
Not an Amazon Prime member? Just sign up and use it for Christmas. If you don't like it, you can cancel after and get a prorated refund. But you might find that you really can't to live without the music streaming, movies, and 2-day shipping.
So let's dive into the list. Yes, there's a lot of Sea to Summit stuff. That's because it's better that Cabbage Patch Kids and Tickle-Me-Elmo. Plus they just have a great selection on Amazon Prime.
FOR EVERYONE
It's like a law of the universe: the hiker in your life can't have too many Buffs. These stretchy Coolmax tubes make great headbands, doo-rags, beanies, and neck gaiters. The linked style also protects against 95 percent of UV rays. Purchase one of the National Park designs, and Buff will donate a portion of the proceeds to the American Hiking Society.
2. Darn Tough hiking socks (women's here)
Someone introduced me to Darn Tough socks a few years ago, and they changed my life. They're super comfy, last forever, and even have a lifetime guarantee. (Seriously. For socks.) I've been thrashing on one pair since 2013, and they show very few signs of wear. Made right here in the USA.
Another treat for your favorite hiker's feet. In addition to fitting snugly to prevent blisters, ArmaSkin Anti-Blister sock liners act like compression socks. After wearing them on a long hike, I find I have less pain and swelling. They also keep my feet a bit warmer in the winter.
4. ExOfficio Give-n-Go underwear (men's here)
Is it weird to gift underwear? Not underwear this awesome. ExOfficio Give-n-Go is comfortable, quick-drying, and durable, making it the perfect underwear for both outdoor sports and adventure travel. Available in a variety of styles for both men and women. For a full review, check out my blog post, How to Walk Across Asia With One Pair of Underwear.
This compass makes a great gift for any hiker serious about learning wilderness navigation. The sighting mirror folds down, allowing your friend to shoot super accurate bearings. In addition, a magnetic declination adjustment cog takes (most) of the math out of navigation. Got a world traveler on your hands? Select the "G" (global) version.
If the hiker in your life loves to tramp around on snowy trails, Kahtoola Microspikes provide stable footing when conditions turn icy. I've tried pretty much every foot traction device out there, and microspikes are by far the best, most durable, and easiest to put on. I hang them on the outside of my pack every October where they stay until May.
Give your favorite hiker the gift of peace of mind. This ultralight, heat-reflecting survival sleeping bag will allow them to survive overnight in an emergency. At just 5.5 ounces, it's an easy addition to any daypack. It can also be used to add warmth to a sleeping bag and protect it from moisture.
Hiking burns an estimated 450 calories per hour, so fortify your loved one with these delicious hiking snacks. Honey Stinger energy waffles are made with real honey, certified organic, and gluten free. Pack includes 14 waffles in seven delicious flavors.
Is the woman in your life tired of squatting to pee in the woods? Gift her a Go Girl so she can just step to the side of the trail and whip it out like the guys. Also great for traveling (no more hovering over filthy toilets) and especially winter camping (ahem, pee bottle). Warning: peeing through the Go Girl without leaking into your pants takes some practice. For a great (and funny) tutorial, check out this blog post by Meg at Adventures of Fox in the Forest.
Help your favorite hiker capture the perfect shot on every trail. Joby's lightweight "gorillapod" clings to trees and rocks while holding your phone securely. Remove the phone attachment to add a point-and-shoot camera, or purchase a separate mount for your GoPro. Add a bluetooth phone camera remote to complete this sweet photography setup.
11. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks
No weather will stop the hiker in your life after you arm them with this lightweight dry sack. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil protects clothing and valuables from the elements and keeps them organized. Available in a variety of sizes and colors. The 12L and 20L sizes are good options for day hikers.
FOR BACKPACKERS
A good bearproof container protects both your favorite hiker and the bears they encounter. A growing number of land management agencies require bear canisters to ensure that bears don't become habituated to human food. Also, the canisters make great camp stools. This smaller size is great for 1–3-day trips.
No more freeze dried meals in a bag! Transform the hiker in your life into a backcountry chef with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2. Ultralight and easy to operate, this tiny stove boils water in minutes. The latest design allows you to turn down the heat and simmer delicately. Fuel canister sold separately.
This unique Platypus wine preservation system helps your hiker buddy bring a bit of luxury to the backcountry. Simply pour in the wine, and the container will protect it from oxygen exposure to keep it fresh. Made of high-quality materials that won't leave a plastic taste in the vino. Also a great way to preserve leftover wine at home.
Save your favorite hiker from the ravages of giardia in an emergency. LifeStraw allows them to drink from any water source in a pinch. The device filters out viruses, bacteria, microplastics, and parasites. And your gift gives back: for every LifeStraw personal microfilter purchased, the company will pay for a school child in the developing world to receive clean drinking water for one year.
With this hammock in their pack, your hiker pal will always have the coolest campsite in the forest. The 12 oz. hammock is made of durable ripstop polyester and holds up to 200 pounds of lazy hiker trash. Check hardware requirements for each model. Trunk straps (sold separately) make wilderness setup a breeze.
17. Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle
Pouring boiling water from a pot: dangerous. Pouring it from a teakettle: awesome! Sea to Summit's collapsible X-Pot Kettle takes the hassle out of backcountry cooking. Made of soft silicone, the pot is BPA free and folds flat for easy packing. Holds 1.3 liters of water.
Give the gift of a good night's sleep after a hard day on trail. The Sea to Summit Aeros pillow features a brushed surface for extra softness and comfort. The design cradles the head and wicks away moisture for hot sleepers. Great for both side and black sleepers.
If your favorite hiker a freeze baby? If so, this cozy liner will add 25 degrees F to their sleeping bag rating. For just 14 oz. of weight, that's a lot of warmth! Hollow Thermolite fibers capture heat much like the hairs of a polar bear's fur. Design features a hood and drawcord to prevent heat loss from the head and neck.
The perfect gift for that hiker who would wrestle a bear for a good cup of morning coffee. Simply place this collapsible filter over a cup, add coffee grinds, and pour the hot water through. Holds enough coffee for two cups of brew. Also works with paper filters.
Yes, there's a clothesline on this gift list. Because what a clothesline it is. Its unique cord and bead design holds clothing and gear in place without pins. Cinching loops on each end make setup a breeze. An excellent gift for adventure travelers as well as wilderness campers and backpackers.
FOR MOUNTAINEERS
Is the hiker in your life still hauling their heavy crag harness on demanding alpine routes? Then they definitely need the Black Diamond Couloir. This minimalist alpine harness is lightweight and goes on fast, even with crampons. Updated design includes speed buckles and ice clipper slots. Great for snow climbing, alpine rock routes, and glacier travel.
Give a practical gift that protects your favorite mountaineer's brain from crashes and falling rocks. The durable Black Diamond Half-Dome is an all-purpose helmet that does the job high on Mt. Rainier or through a lazy afternoon at the crag. Features an adjustable suspension system and headlamp clips.
FOR HIKERS IN TRAINING
Help your hiker friend get in the best shape of their life the fast and easy way. The Wahoo TICKR transmits accurate, hassle-free heart rate data to over 50 different apps. Requires a smart phone proper use. For more details on its features and capabilities, check out my Wahoo TICKR review.
Cut the cord! These waterproof bluetooth earbuds free your favorite hiker to enjoy music and podcasts through every workout. Play, skip forward, and adjust the volume all with a tap or a swipe of the finger. Unique twist-lock system holds JBL Endurance Sprint earbuds securely in place even during vigorous speed workouts.
Transform your fav hiker into a record-busting speed demon! In this comprehensive training manual, Steve House and his trainer Scott Johnston share exactly how Steve trains to dash up high-altitude summits in record time. Includes many interesting contributor stories about what works (and what doesn't) in mountaineering training.
FOR THE LULZ
It's a bag that you can poop in and carry around. What's not to love? The Restop 2 toilet kit comes with a (very stingy) packet of paper and one antibacterial hand wipe. Safe for landfill disposal. Makes a perfect stocking stuffer.
So there you have 'em. My fav last-minute hiking gifts from Amazon Prime.
Do you have more to add? Comment to share.
Originally published Dec. 1, 2018. Last updated April 16, 2020.