Budget-Friendly Gifts for Hikers (Under $25 & Under $50)
Looking for affordable gifts hikers will actually appreciate? This guide highlights the best budget-friendly hiking gifts under $25 and $50! Check out our practical, lightweight, and trail-tested gift ideas!
Affordable, thoughtful trail gifts for every kind of hiker.
You don’t need to spend a ton of money to give a hiker something they’ll love. In fact, the best hiking gifts are often the simple, small, practical pieces of gear hikers use every single day; on desert trails, mountain adventures, quick after-work hikes, and big backpacking trips alike.
This list is full of budget-friendly gifts that are lightweight, durable, and truly helpful on the trail. Whether you're shopping for a Southwest hiker, a beginner just getting started, or a seasoned adventurer who already owns the big-ticket gear, these picks hit the sweet spot of inexpensive and incredibly useful.
Best Hiking Gifts Under $25
These gifts are small, practical, and perfect as stocking stuffers, thank-you gifts, or trail-ready surprises. Some of these picks are under $10, so you could even grab a couple items to gift together!
Kula Cloth
Affordable, ultralight, and beyond practical, Kula Cloths come in loads of fun prints and designs. And they aren't just a pee cloth; the can also be used as ultralight hankies, or a great addition to a camp kitchen.
Why it’s great: help to follow Leave No Trace, and be eco-friendly.
Electrolyte Drink Mix
Hydration is everything, especially in the Southwest. Hikers always need electrolytes, regardless of Type 2 Fun style or location! Skratch Labs makes our favorite, due to the ingredients and effectiveness!
Why it’s great: super useful, easy to consume, and delicious flavors abound.
Trail Chocolate
Chocolate gifts are always a win! Hikers burn calories fast and love trying new treats. Tony's is delicious and a lot of fun. This sampler is phenomenal for testing out lots of flavors.
Why it’s great: food is awesome, fun, super yummy flavors.
Fun Nalgene Water Bottle
It's always nice to have a new water bottle! There are a lot of fun designs on Nalgene bottles over at REI, and we think most outdoorsy people would love them. High quality, a classic piece of gear, playful design; what's not to love?
Why it’s great: practical for every hiker, beginner to expert.
Burt's Bees Hive Favorites Gift Set
Southwest hikers never leave home without a good lip balm. And quality lotion for healing up sun-splashed or wind-whipped skin is a winning gift.
Why it’s great: everyday use and always appreciated.
Ultralight Titanium Scissors
This is a useful and practical ultralight gift, and it's perfect for backpackers and hikers alike! They're great to toss into a first-aid kit, but it's also great to have scissors on a backpacking trip at camp. They come in handy!
Why it’s great: small, durable, and one of those things people don't buy for themselves.
A Perfect Spork
The Titanium Fork-N-Spoon by Vargo Outdoors is a super thoughtful gift because of it's ultralight build and experience-based design. This spork is a do-it-all tool and built to last a lifetime!
Why it’s great: a heavily used item you likely wouldn't buy for yourself.
Do-It-All Waist Pack
Perfect for short hikes, bopping around town, or with a big backpack. This is a piece of gear most people use in some way or another. It's a good bang-for-your-buck gift!
Why it’s great: excellent value, useful, and something most would use.
Best Hiking Gifts Under $50
These gifts are still affordable but offer a little more variety and performance.
UPF Sun Hoodie
The best budget-friendly sun hoodie for hikers! Especially those in the desert regions. They are a staple in any adventurers wardrobe. The Sahara Shade Hoodie by REI is an incredible value, and it's currently on sale for the holiday season.
Men's | Women's
Why it’s great: protects skin from UV without overheating, great performance.
Hiker Hairbrush by Chicken Tramper Gear
This is a unique gift, from a small business making innovative ultralight gear. It's one of our top picks of 2025. We think any hiker or backpacker in your life would enjoy this handy hairbrush that adds a ton of quality to any trip!
Why it’s great: this is a luxury item turned ultralight for people who love a paddle brush at home, it can handle all hair lengths and textures.
Fjallraven Tab Hat
A nice beanie is always a nice gift, and the Tab Hat from Fjallraven is a solid pick. It looks nice on everyone, and is comfortable for long days on trail. Fjallraven is also an eco-conceous company, which many hikers appreciate.
Why it’s great: comfortable, versatile, and great year round.
Rambler Straw Mug
Road trips, car camping, daily life... the Rambler Straw Mug is great for it all! This is a classic piece of gear, and it's available in a ton of colors. No matter how your loved one likes to get outside, this makes a perfect gift under $50!
Why it’s great: high quality and popular, versatile.
Double Ragg Mittens
Hiking during shoulder seasons can be a chilly time, and so can alpine in the summer! These are great mittens that don't weigh too much that are perfect for all kinds of adventure. They're very warm, and quite durable! We always have them tossed in our backpacks!
Why it’s great: one size fits most, extremely comfortable, durable and warm.
Durable Gaiters
Kahtoola's RENAgaiter Low gaiters are one of our favorite gaiters on the market for those who hike in trail runners. They're effective, durable and comfortable! An essential for desert hiking, and rocky trails.
Why it’s great: keeps feet comfortable + laces in line.
Backpack Watercolor Kit
This is a fun gift for creative hikers. It's a small watercolor kit, made from premium paints and tools. This is a lovely and thoughtful gift!
Why it’s great: extremely thoughtful for creative hikers and campers.
Comfy Slippers
The Moc Slippers by Acorn are cozy and have a minimalist design. They make every day feel a little more special, and for outdoorsy folks they can make home feel more homey.
Men's | Women's
Why it’s great: durable, cozy, and made for the outdoors with indoor/outdoor soles.
How to Choose the Best Budget Hiking Gift
Budget-friendly gifts don’t have to feel cheap. Look for items that hikers use constantly: things that keep them safe, hydrated, protected from the sun, or more comfortable on long miles. Gear that prevents blisters, manages heat, keeps snacks handy, or makes packing easier is always a win.
If it helps a hiker stay organized, protected, or comfortable, it’s a perfect choice no matter the price.
PACKING IT OUT
You don’t need expensive gear to make a hiker’s day. These under-$25 and under-$50 gift ideas are practical, thoughtful, and gearhead-tested!
This article is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
