We've all got that one person in our lives who practically has hiking boots permanently attached.

You know the type – always up for an adventure, forever searching for the next trail to conquer. Well, guess what? It's gift-giving time, and we've got the lowdown on the coolest, most trail-friendly gifts you can snag for your favourite hiker!

I’ve scoured the virtual trails to bring you a gift guide that'll make you the undisputed champion of present-giving. From lightweight wonders to nifty gadgets, these picks are bound to make your hiker buddy break into a happy trail dance. So, buckle up and get ready to become the ultimate gift hero.

 

Ultralight Backpack

1. HYPERLITE UNBOUND 55L HIKING BACKPACK

 

 

Meet Hyperlite’s Unbound 55 - your sidekick for epic hikes! It's the bigger, badder sibling of your regular thru-hiking pack. This bad boy expands to fit all your extra gear, snacks, and whatever else you need for those off-the-grid adventures. Tested on crazy 3,000+ km treks, it's the real deal. Hyperlite has stripped the Unbound 55 down to the essentials for a comfy, efficient, and adaptable hiking buddy. Plus, it's got cool stuff like a roll-top closure, removable hip belt, and tough Dyneema material. Weighing in at only 900g, it can handle up to 18kg of your gear. Ready for the trail? Let the Unbound 55 take some of the load off!

 

2. OSPREY VOLT 65L HIKING BACKPACK

 

 

The Osprey Volt 65 backpack is your go-to for a comfy and simple backpacking adventure. With its adjustable design, AirScape® suspension, and LightWire frame, it's ready for weekend getaways or weeklong trips. Packed with features like a rain cover, side mesh pockets, and a hydration reservoir sleeve, it's got your back. Plus, it's made sustainably with 100% recycled materials. The one-size-fits-all design ensures a perfect fit, and it even comes with dual hip-belt pockets and ice axe/trekking pole loops.

 

Sleeping Bag

1. VANGO COBRA 200 DOWN INSULATED SLEEPING BAG

The Vango Cobra 200 is your lightweight sleeping bag solution for trekking and adventure. Its Welded Box Wall construction, filled with 90/10 700FP Goose Down, ensures maximum loft and even warmth distribution. With an ergonomic design and a durable 20D 380T Nylon Outer Shell, it's ready for temperatures as low as -17°C. Ethically sourced and independently tested, it's a reliable companion for any outdoor escapade.

 

2. SEA TO SUMMIT SPARK 2 SPII DOWN SLEEPING BAG

 

 

With a 100% Nylon shell and lining and packed with at least 90% GOOSE Down, the Sea To Summit Spark 2 SPII is your go-to sleeping bag for temps ranging from a comfy 4°C to a chilly -18°C. Perfect for people up to 183 cm and weighing just 490 g, it won't weigh you down on the trails. The clever design includes vertical chest baffles to keep you toasty and a smart zip setup for easy access and ventilation. Toss it in your backpack with the included compression bag, and you're all set for a cozy night under the stars.

 

Water Bottle

1. NALGENE WIDE MOUTH SUSTAIN WATER BOTTLE - 1000ML

Nalgene's 1L Wide Mouth Sustain water bottle is a game-changer, crafted from revolutionary recycled plastic technology that transforms landfill-bound plastic into high-performance, BPA/BPS-free bottles. With a dishwasher-safe design and a leak-proof guarantee, it's not only environmentally friendly but also practical for everyday use. Weighing just 177g, it's lightweight, fits filtration devices, ice cubes, and is made to last a lifetime. 

 

2. TRAVERSE COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLE

 

 

The Traverse Collapsible Water Bottle is a trail essential, offering convenience with its space-saving design. Weighing just 152g, it holds 500ml and collapses to 225ml, making it a perfect addition to your hiking gear. Features include a sealing screw cap for leak-free use, an aluminium alloy carabiner for easy carrying, and a foldable design that saves storage space. Plus, it's BPA-free for worry-free hydration.

 

Merino Wool Socks

1. BRIDGEDALE HIKE MIDWEIGHT MERINO PERFORMANCE SOCKS

 

 

The Bridgedale Hike Midweight Performance socks, originally known as the Trekker, set the standard for hiking comfort. Engineered with advanced zonal padding, Merino Performance Fusion Technology, and a performance fit, they provide support and dry, comfortable feet on long expeditions. The sock features a flat toe seam, an elasticated arch, and a 3D-shaped heel cup for a secure fit. Weighing only 76 grams per pair (size Large), it's a favourite among walkers, hikers, and explorers, providing unmatched performance.

 

2. ICEBREAKER HIKE+ LIGHT CREW SOCKS 

 

 

The Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew socks are durable, crew-length merino socks designed for day hikes and backpacking trips. With a weight of 120g (size Small), they offer stretchiness and natural odour resistance. The socks feature a half-cushioned design and an anatomically sculpted shape for added support. The 57% Merino Wool ensures comfort and durability on your outdoor adventures.

 

Portable Water Purifier

1. LIFESTRAW PERSONAL STRAW WATER FILTER

 

 

The LifeStraw is the ultimate survival tool, offering protection against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand, and cloudiness. Independently lab-tested, durable, and BPA-free, it weighs less than 57g and has an ultra-durable design. The membrane microfilter removes 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, and microplastics, with a pore size of 0.2 microns. With a lifespan of up to 3,800L, this tool is a long-lasting solution for clean water, meeting US EPA and NSF P231 standards. Compact and easy to store, the LifeStraw has no shelf life, making it an essential component for anyone preparing for survival in harsh conditions.

 

2. PURINIZE WATER PURIFIER DROPS

Purinize is a natural water decontaminator that ensures safe drinking water without harsh chemicals. Its mineral-based formula eliminates over 200 contaminants, including bacteria, protozoan cysts, chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides. Ideal for outdoor adventures, travel, emergencies, and water storage, it improves taste, odour, and clarity. With an active ingredient of sulphate mineral salts, it treats up to 50 litres of water. Tested to EPA and NSF/ANSI standards, it has an unlimited shelf life when stored properly. Easy to use, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, Purinize enhances water quality without chemical aftertaste, making it safe for daily use by everyone, including kids and pets.

 

Compact Camp Stove

1. JETBOIL STASH COOKING POT CAMP STOVE SYSTEM

 

 

The all-new Stash™ by Jetboil is designed for your big and ambitious dreams, offering iconic Jetboil performance in a lightweight and compact form. Weighing only 200g, the .8L Stash is 40% lighter than the .8L Zip. With a rapid 2.5-minute boil time using FluxRing Technology, it features a stand-alone stove with a titanium burner and a nesting design for easy portability. The cooking pot includes a lid, attached pour handle, and fuel stabilizer for extra stability. Adventure anywhere with the compact Jetboil Stash Cooking Pot Camp Stove system. 

 

2. TRANGIA 25-2 STORM ULTRALIGHT ALUMINIUM COOK SET & KETTLE

 

 

The 25 Series by Trangia is designed for groups of three or four people, making it ideal for camping, hiking, families, or basecamp use. With a capacity to accommodate big appetites, it features two saucepans (1.75 and 1.5 litres), a 22cm frying pan, upper and lower windshields, a burner, a 0.9L kettle, a pot grip, and a strap. Weighing 1.05kg, these stoves are made of ultralight aluminium and are perfect for larger cooking needs. Manufactured in Sweden, the 25 Series is a reliable choice for outdoor cooking with its spacious pans and wide frypan.

 

Solar Power Charger

1. KNOG PWR SUN 10W COMPACT SOLAR PANEL

Knog's PWR Solar 10W is a compact and lightweight solar charger designed for outdoor exploration. With a smart foldable design, it's portable and weighs only 450g, making it ideal for on-foot adventures. Featuring Sunpower Maxeon Gen 5 panels and advanced chip technology, it ensures efficient charging in various conditions. The unit is rugged and durable, coated with ETFE for protection. Dual-function LEDs indicate sunlight quality and charging rate, and a D-ring attachment allows convenient storage. 

 

2. GOAL ZERO NOMAD 10 SOLAR PANEL

The Goal Zero Nomad 10-Watt solar panel is a lightweight and durable solar charger designed for on-the-go charging. With a built-in Flip dock, adjustable kickstand, and USB port, it's versatile for various devices. Weighing 500g and folding for easy storage, it's ideal for outdoor adventures. The 10W-rated power and monocrystalline cells ensure efficient solar collection. Recommended for charging phones, power banks, headlamps, and more.

 

Headlamp

1. BLACK DIAMOND ASTRO 300 RECHARGEABLE HEADLAMP

Black Diamond’s Astro 300 rechargeable headlamp is designed for adventurers seeking simplicity and functionality. With a max output of 300 lumens, a weight of 75g, and varying distances and burn times at different settings, the Astro can handle any situation you end up in. It features a rechargeable 1500mAh Li-ion battery, recycled elastic headband, multiple settings, brightness memory, and IPX 4 stormproof rating. The digital lock mode also prevents accidental use during storage so you never have to worry about draining your battery. 

 

2. LED LENSER MH4 RECHARGEABLE 400 LUMEN HEADLAMP

A versatile headlamp suitable for any level of hiker, the Led Lenser MH4 features a red-light option for better night vision. It can be powered by a rechargeable battery or an AA battery, providing a maximum output of 400 lumens with various lighting ranges. The Advanced Focus System allows quick focusing, and it easily transforms from a headlamp to a multi-purpose lamp. While being water and dust-resistant, the MH4 also features a low battery warning to keep you from stumbling around in the dark all night. 

 

Multi-Tool

1. GERBER DIME MINI MULTI-TOOL

The Dime is a compact and lightweight mini multi-tool designed by Gerber to be a daily companion for any task. Weighing only 63g, the Dime features a butterfly opening for easy access to its 10 tools, including needle nose spring-loaded pliers, wire cutter, blade, scissors, screwdrivers, bottle opener, tweezers, and file. Made of sturdy stainless steel, it fits perfectly in your pocket and comes in multiple colours. The Dime also has a bladeless version available, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

 

2. THE JAMES BRAND THE ELLIS SERRATED MULTI-TOOL

For a compact and versatile multi-tool designed for daily use, look no further than The James Brand’s The Ellis Serrated Multi-tool. It features a lockback design, a partially-serrated drop point blade made of Sandvik 12C27 steel, and various tools, including scissors, a bottle opener, and a pry bar. With a durable G10 handle, deep-carry pocket clip, and key ring attachment, the Ellis is ideal for everyday carry. 

 

First Aid Kit

1. AMK 0.3 ULTRALIGHT WATERTIGHT MEDICAL KIT

 

 

The Ultralight/Watertight AMK 0.3 is a compact and waterproof medical kit designed for solo day trips and multi-sport activities. Weighing only 65g, it includes essentials for wound care, blister prevention, and bug removal. The DryFlex™ bag ensures durability and waterproof storage, making it ideal for a wide variety of outdoor conditions. Weighing just 73g, it's a lightweight, portable and ideal addition to your gear.

 

2. COMPANION ADVENTURE FIRST AID KIT

 

 

The Companion Adventure First Aid Kit is a lightweight and compact solution for multi-day hikes. Weighing 283g, it includes essential items for those longer trips and camping adventures. The three-fold design case features transparent compartments for easy component location, and the 63-piece kit covers a huge range of first aid needs, from bandages to gloves and more. A must-have in everyone's kit. 

 

If you need any further help, don't hesitate to come in-store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! We’ll see you outdoors. Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.

 

About the contributor: 

Chris Anderson is the graphic artist for Wild Earth. When he isn't getting creative behind the computer screen he's behind the camera lens hunting for that next epic landscape shot. You'll often find him hitting the trails and chasing waterfalls or jetting off to new places around the globe to surf, snowboard and just searching those hard to reach places for unseen beauties.
Follow his adventures on Instagram.