The Best Gifts For Hikers of 2017

GSI Essential Travel Spoon

Eat your meal and squeegee your pot clean without packing (or washing) an extra utensil. This two-in-one pot scraper/spoon’s sturdy handle didn’t snap in jars of frozen peanut butter, and its deep spoon cup is great for soup or oatmeal. It also comes in long (9.9 inches) for digging mess-free into tall pots and prepackaged freeze-dried meal bags. $5

Amazing Sights of the Night Sky Playing Cards

One of backpacking’s biggest perks: the chance to escape light pollution and see real stars. Learn your way around the celestial show with this deck, which features some of the night sky’s most prominent objects. Pair with the companion book ($12) and a telescope or pair of high-powered binoculars for an evening you’ll never forget. $6

New Primal Beef Jerky

We love the flavors of these trail-friendly protein snacks. From the Date and Rosemary Chicken Jerky to Habanero Pineapple Beef Sticks, you can be sure you’re getting sustainably sourced protein from grass-fed and free-range animals without any added antibiotics or hormones. From $14

Black Diamond First Light Hybrid Hoody

[Sponsored] Employing the benefits of our First Light insulation with panels of blended merino wool in key areas, the First Light Hybrid Hoody combines a range of field-proven materials into an incredibly breathable and versatile midlayer.

MyCharge Power Cord Go Cable

Eliminate cord tangle from your backcountry charging setup with this sleek accessory from MyCharge. The handy clip lets you attach it to your pack or keys so you don’t have to hunt for it on the trail. $18

Yeti Rambler Lowball

This handsome mug keeps your liquids just the temp you want them, and its stainless steel construction is built to last. If you can’t finish your drink before it gets warm or cold, you’ve probably had too many. $20

Best Served Wild Cookbook

Outdoor writer and funnyman Brendan Leonard and cookbook author and food blogger Anna Brones teamed up to create this collection of tips, essays, photos, and recipes aimed at making backcountry cooking as much of an adventure as the hike itself. The recipes are entertaining and approachable, not to mention delicious. $22

Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka

[Sponsored] This hooded down sweater flaunts the aggressive warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility essential for comfortable backcountry activity. Give the gift of warmth this holiday season with a parka packed with high-lofting 800 fill power down and armed with a tenacious, wind-shedding gossamer thin nylon shell.

Clakit Two-Zipper Travel StrapPack

Forget cramming your phone, camera, or snacks into a hipbelt pocket or your pants. The Clakit clips right on to a pack strap, allowing for easy access of any accessories you may need on the go. $20

The North Face Short-Sleeve Great Outdoors Tee

Wear your love of the outdoors on your sleeve with this groovy, vintage-themed collection from The North Face. Stretchy cotton makes it feel as good as it looks. $25

Skida Kids Neckwarmer

When temps start dropping and the wind starts whipping, kids love this ultra-soft, fleece-lined neckwarmer. It adds all the warmth but none of the bulk of a scarf and comes in a ton of adorable designs. $24

E-Z UP Camping Cube™ and Screen Cube™ Tents

[Sponsored] Give the gift of an elevated camping experience with the new line of Camping Cube™ and Screen Cube™ tents and accessories by E-Z UP. The Camping Cube and Screen Cube tents transform E-Z UP® shelters into spacious camping retreats that can be set up in literally seconds, meaning more time for family and fun.

Bridgedale Vertige Light Ski Sock

Prove that socks aren’t a boring gift with these bright merino blend offerings from Bridgedale. A precision fit system ensures they’ll stay over your calf, and the colors add a bit of flare on the mountain. $25

National Park BUFFs

Released to commemorate the National Park Service’s centennial, these versatile scarves are a versatile take on an old classic. The headwear features 95% ultraviolet protection, Polygiene Active Odor Control that stays fresh through several days of hiking, and COOLMAX PRO fabric that wicks away sweat. $25.

Osprey Kamber/Kresta Pack Series

[Sponsored] Developed in the mountains of Colorado with feedback from professional guides, ski patrollers and dedicated weekend warriors, the women’s Kresta and men’s Kamber packs are designed to match the passion and needs of off-piste professionals and recreationalists from Thompson Pass, Alaska, to the Chilean Andes or your local backcountry runs.

Adventure Assist Travel Notebook

To inspire and collect your thoughts while you travel, Adventure Assist offers a hybrid travel planner and journal that’s thin and light enough to fit in your pack. The tabbed sections make it easy to find your packing list, to-do list, transportation, accommodations, calendar, contacts, and journal. Our testers especially liked the pockets in the front and back of the planner for collecting mementos. $35

Kahtoola MICROspikes

[Sponsored] Lighter and tougher, MICROspikes deliver unrivaled traction on icy winter trails. MICROspikes® are tough enough to handle any adventure with stainless steel spikes and welded chains. MICROspikes now feature an integrated toe bale and reinforced eyelets allowing for a 50% lower profile elastomer harness. 

Parks Project Mountain Hugger Youth Tee

Super soft. Washes well. Makes your kid look like the most adorable free spirit mountain child. Oh yeah—and supports parks. Questions? $32

Crazy Creek Hex 2.0

[Sponsored] The Hex 2.0™ is the perfect gift to cure Sit Envy! It’s our lightest, most packable chair … with all the comfort you expect from Crazy Creek. Great for hiking, camping, and the beach. Clip to your pack and go! Backed by our legendary Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Don’t Just Do Something … Sit There™!

Dickies Ventilated Work Shirt

The classic work shirt styling of this short-sleeve button-up from Dickies belies its technical chops. Perforated fabric in the underarm and upper back bleeds off heat efficiently on the trail or in the shop, while the poly-spandex blend dries fast and adds enough stretch that we could even take it on after-work sessions at the crag. $35

Packit Gourmet Tuscan Beef Stew with Parmesan Polenta

[Sponsored] When it comes to wilderness dining, Packit Gourmet’s Tuscan Beef Stew with Parmesan Polenta reigns supreme. Light in weight yet hearty in portion, this just-add-water dinner stews lean roast beef and veggies in a rich basil, red wine broth. Hungry for more? This family-run company serves up 45-plus mouthwatering backpacking meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent Light Accessory Kit

Make your campsite into a welcoming hangout spot with warm, ambient light inside your tent or around your hammock or picnic table. Big Agnes’ Tent Light kit weighs only 3 ounces and encases LED lights in lightweight nylon tubing. At 100 inches in length, and with 6 clips for easy attachment to gear loops, the mood-setting possibilities are endless. $40

Feathered Friends Down Booties

[Sponsored] Craving versatility? Our popular down booties deliver. Crafted so your feet remain toasty warm whether you’re at home or in high camp, everyone on your list will want a pair. Made with a Pertex® weather resistant shell and ethically-sourced 800+ fill power goose down.

WUDLife Rock Phone Case

Forget cheap plastic: these cases have real rock on the back. Aside from looking great, the stone provides a nice textured grip for when you inevitably show it off to admirers. $40

Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller

[Sponsored] The revolutionary Backpacker Mosquito Repeller creates a 15–. zone of protection against mosquitoes without messy lotions or sprays. It weighs just 4 ounces, runs on your camping stove gas canister, and delivers up to 90 hours of mosquito protection from a 4-ounce canister. Turn it on … MOSQUITOES GONE! Get free shipping and 30% off, on Thermacell.com, with code 30BP.

Discovery Virtual Reality Goggles

Put yourself in the center of the action with Discovery’s easy-to-use VR headset. Simply queue up a VR video on your phone, pop it into the viewer, and drop right into the middle of a hiking travelogue or ski movie. Get the version with built-in headphones to up the immersion factor. $15-$50

Patagonia Baby Furry Friends Hoody

Winter wear doesn’t get much cuter than this. The high-pile fleece is super cozy, and little ones love to wear the animal hood up. $55

Big Agnes Porcupine Hooded Pullover

[Sponsored] The Porcupine performance pullover is designed for activities where breathability and range of motion are most critical. Whether running, skinning up for fresh tracks, or shoveling the driveway after a big snow, these fully insulated layers feature breathable, stretch fabrics to provide excellent venting and movement. Check out bigagnes.com for the full collection.

Vasque Kids Monolith Low UltraDry

This waterproof shoe is so comfortable that that kids can wear it every day to school, and the abrasion-proof sole offers stability not only on trails but during recess, too. Bonus: the Monolith is highly breathable to prevent odor buildup. $55

Power Practical SPARKR Flashlight and Lighter

Sure, there are plenty of fuel-based lighters out there. But what about using an electrical arc to spark a flame almost anywhere? This all-in-one plasma lighter, 400-lumen rechargeable flashlight, and lantern offers a versatile lighter upgrade, and makes quick work of firestarting in both wind, rain and snow. $60

Nemo Stargaze Chairs

[Sponsored] Introducing the first ever swinging and reclining camp chair. Stargaze™ chairs take relaxation to a new level, with a new sitting experience that keeps you comfortably moving and easily reclining. There’s something undeniably fun about swinging, and when you’re ready to recline, simply lean back to activate the auto-reclining mechanism and enjoy a great view of the stars.    

Bogs B-MOC Monsters Kids Insulated Boots

These are hands-down the warmest kids boots we’ve tried, and they slide on easily, so toddlers can get into them with no fuss. The B-MOCs stay warm through creek stomping and snowman making, and the burly outsole handles snow and ice like a champ. $65

David Virtue Jewelry

[Sponsored] For over 49 years, David has been handcrafting jewelry in his New England studio. David’s jewelry is designed to express his customer’s lifestyle and passions.

Pacsafe RFIDsafe TEC Aluminum Case Wallet

If you’ve got bank and credit cards or a passport that has a RFID, and want to travel with peace of mind, consider Pacsafe’s protective wallet. It’s lined with RFID-blocking material to guard against card and identity theft, and is thin enough to fit in your front pocket. $70

Floyd’s of Leadville CBD Hemp Oil

[Sponsored] Want to keep your trail legs strong? Floyd’s of Leadville CBD Hemp Oil helps you recover by supporting your body’s natural response to inflammation and stress after a long day getting to camp. Available in a convenient softgel or drops it is easy to add to your pack. The extra ounces will be worth it.

United By Blue x Chaco Summit Convertible Tote

With a finish that is water repellent and stain resistant, Chaco has designed a great bag for spontaneous hikes or swims. It easily converts between a backpack and shoulder tote, and the water bottle pocket and padded laptop sleeve makes it convenient for both recreational and work pursuits. $88

Animosa Go With Your Flow Pack

[Sponsored] A mess-free, stress-free way to handle menstrual hygiene on adventures: the Flow pack holds period trash when there’s no waste bin, and has hypoallergenic, pH-balanced wipes for when there’s no toilet paper. Odor-containing, waterproof, lightweight, and compatible with all period products. Interior pockets keep supplies organized. Perfect for experienced and novice outdoorswomen alike. Made in Oregon.

Luvmother Aha Merino Hoody

Whether they’re out on the trail or hanging at home, kids will never want to take this merino sweater off. It’s super soft on skin, and warm enough for chilly winter conditions. The ultra-cool topo print is just the cherry on top. $59

Lamzac The Original Air Lounger

[Sponsored] Wherever you go, make yourself comfortable. Lamzac® The Original is fun and simple to inflate. Just swing the lightweight bag to fill it with air and create a life-size lounge seat. The Lamzac® provides form and function with durable construction and materials in a wide array of colors.

Mountain Khaki Men’s Flannel Original Mountain Pant

Perfect for the lumberjack or ice fisherman on your list, these cold-weather pants are built with a tough canvas exterior, but warm and cozy flannel on the inside. Angled front pockets are nice touches as well. $110

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra

[Sponsored] Hillsound’s Trail Crampon Ultra is a must-have for runners and hikers in wintertime. Eighteen stainless steel spikes, combined with a wide heel plate and velcro strap, give you the confidence to hit the trails in winter’s toughest conditions. The perfect gift for you or your loved ones!

Drinktanks 128 Oz. Insulated Growler

Hike, meet party. This gallon-size growler keeps beer at the ready for happy hour, whether on the trail, on the river, or at a festival. The pop-top lid holds in the bubbles better than most, and the elegant design adds a touch of class to any celebration. $114

Sven Can See Anti-Fog Gel

[Sponsored] Sven Can See is the safest way to ensure clear vision on the slopes, trails, and beyond. Coconut based, odor-free and biodegradable, Sven Can See Anti-Fog delivers immediate results on all lens types. One spray a day keeps the fog away. Sven Can See—The Safest Way to See.    

The North Face Homestead Snackle Box

This versatile 52-liter duffle has two compartments, one of which is waterproof and insulated for cold drinks and food, making it ideal for car camping or tailgates The North Face also equipped this durable bag with end-haul handles and daisy chains which make it easy for adult or kids to carry. $120

Mystery Ranch Scree Pack

[Sponsored] One pack = 10 uses. This mid-size pack fills a sweet spot in your pack quiver, functioning for a spectrum of outdoor, travel, and urban pursuits. The functional, 3-ZIP design provides quick, easy access to all your necessities. From ambitious day trips to austere overnighters, the Scree has you covered. 

MeFoto Backpacker Air

For photographers who want to keep their kit simple, the MeFoto Backpacker Air crams solid performance into a small package. It only weighs about 2 pounds, folds up to the width of a Nalgene, and sports a versatile ball-head rotation on the camera mount. $125

Mountainsmith Cooloir 24

[Sponsored] The Cooloir’s bomber construction is designed to outlast your adventures, delivering up to 72 hours of cold storage (when packed appropriately) with room for 24 cans, ice, and additional dry storage. Weighing under 4 pounds, the easy-to-carry cooler works hard so you don’t have to. Use code HOLIDAYADVENTURE for free Cooloir shipping on Mountainsmith.com.   

Toad & Co. Kennicott Shirt Jac

Made of 35% recycled wool, this slim-fitting jacket proved versatile enough to earn a permanent place in our suitcases. The wool-poly-nylon blend is sufficiently warm to wear alone during the shoulder seasons, soft enough to sit comfortably over just a t-shirt, and low-bulk enough to layer under a puffy when temps dip below freezing. $129

Old Town Castine

[Sponsored] Designed to feel custom-built for you, the new Castine is a day-touring kayak offered in three distinct sizes (135, 140, 145). Equipped with a variety of adjustable features, like the Active Comfort II seat and foot braces, the Castine will keep you adventuring on the water in comfort longer. 

Mio Slice Heartrate and Activity Tracker

There’s a full array of features hiding inside this slick, minimalist wristband, which tracks your mileage, heart rate, and sleep, and displays text message alerts. It’s water-resistant to 100 feet too, and survived waterfalls and an impromptu dip in the ocean during our testing. $130

Schrade Telescoping Folding Shovel

[Sponsored] It’s a shovel. It’s a blade. It’s a Declaration of Independence. The Schrade Telescoping Folding Shovel. A tool of ultimate efficiency that doubles as a sign of your self-sufficiency. With sharpened edges and a folding, telescoping design that’s virtually indestructible when engaged, you’re equipped to RELY ON YOU.

Glerups Open Heel Slip-Ons

These 100 percent wool slippers are perfect for nights in the ski hut or at home in front of the fire. Their rubber sole provides great traction, while the soft wool upper is like a cozy blanket for your feet. $95

T-Rex Tape

[Sponsored] T-Rex Tape is ideal for outdoorsmen who demand the highest quality tools. Its aggressive, double-thick adhesive is what gives this tape the ability to stick to rough, dirty surfaces through all weather types and temperatures. This Ferociously Strong Tape is the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life.

Rumpl Fleece Puffy Blanket

Rumpl’s new blanket combines their weather and abrasion-resistant ripstop nylon fabric on one side with plush moleskin fleece on the other for a feel that’s comfy indoors or out. Available in four sizes, the insulation ranges from 150g-300g and the blanket is machine-washable. From $95.20

SPOT Gen3 and SPOT Trace

[Sponsored] SPOT is here to give you peace of mind when your backpacker ventures within or outside of cellular coverage. By providing the latest satellite technology, SPOT allows users to stay connected to family, friends, and emergency responders, as well as protects their toys from theft. Enjoy 50% off 11/5/17 thru 12/31/17.   

Olukai Kualono Waterproof Boot

Add another trail-to-town boot to someone’s collection. The Kualono’s formative footbed and gel insert makes this waterproof shoe comfortable out of the box, yet its breathable, mid-cut look is versatile to take you from the mountain to a luau. $165

Sea To Summit Aeros Pillow Premium

[Sponsored] Whether in transit or the backcountry, Aeros lightweight and compact inflatable pillows will award you a comfortable sleep. This is a high performance pillow without the weight and bulk. The pillow case construction allows the outer shell to retain maximum softness while still being supported by a durable TPU bladder.

Outdoor Research Ascendent Vest

Pare down your layers while dialing up the exertion on days when the weather can’t make up its mind. Breathable enough to leave on for the uphill battle, yet woven with Polartec Alpha Direct insulation to protect your core against ridgetop gusts, this water- and wind-resistant vest is the perfect skiing partner. $175

VersaClimber

[Sponsored] Is your cardio falling short? Elevate it with VersaClimber, the most effective, non-impact, total body cardio climbing machine. Go farther and faster with better stamina and endurance—VersaClimber. Made in the USA since 1981.

Kitsbow Merino AM Hoodie

Soft on the inside but tough on the outside, the merino wool and Tencel blend knit in this hoodie serves you well whether you’re on the trail or out on the town. The security pocket on the left side of the back conveniently fits a wallet or cell phone. $195    

Patagonia Women’s Recycled Cashmere Cardigan

To lessen the demand for cashmere, which leads to overgrazing of delicate Mongolian grasslands, Patagonia introduced their Recycled Cashmere line of sweaters, beanies, and scarves this fall. Made from 95% factory scraps that are collected, sorted, processed, and then re-spun in Italy, this cardigan is rib-knit at the wrists, neck, and cuffs and drapes elegantly on your body whether buttoned or not. $229

Wacaco Minipresso

[Sponsored] The Wacaco Minipresso is your own portable pocket barista. No cafe on the summit? No problem! This lightweight, durable, and packable espresso maker has you covered. With the Minipresso you can have fresh hot cafe quality espresso anytime, anywhere!    

Solo Stove Bonfire

[Sponsored] The Bonfire is a backyard fire pit that makes way less smoke. It burns big logs into fine ash, making setup and cleanup super easy. Enjoy it at home or take it with you (free carry case included) for a killer flame and to stay warm wherever you are.