12 Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Hikers

James Company is known for quality blades and their new Redstone knife has been totally reimagined for hikers. Available in both straight- and serrated-blade options, the Redstone features a Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel for high corrosion resistance and great edge retention. At just 1.8 ounces, it’s ultralightweight and its 2 ½-inch blade can handle all your cutting chores. What’s really unique, however, is the Redstone’s new “island” design, which allows for a finger to rest between the islands in the handle, providing superior grip, especially for a smaller knife. And an ultra-light clip makes secure carry a breeze.

Cool shades always makes a great gift and new Seeker Sunglasses from Smith are spot on. Designed for hiking, biking, running, and alpine adventure, The Seeker is tailored in form and function from athlete feedback, including multidiscipline athlete, Anton Krupicka. From adjustable QuickFit temples to the included paracord leash, you can count on The Seeker to stay put through sweaty hiking across any terrain. Subtle, built-in, low-profile side shields add peripheral light coverage, while ChromaPop™ lens technology enhances contrast and reduces eye fatigue over long days on the trail. And they’re super comfortable.

For those chilly mornings on the trail, nothing beats a warm base layer that wicks moisture away to keep you feeling warm and dry. The Body Mapped Heatwave base layer from Seirus utilizes three dynamically complementing fabrics to deliver warmth where you need it most. Seirus’ own Heatwave fabric features integrated Spandex that allows for stretch and comfort while the ergonomically placed Max Wick™ fabric enhances breathability in areas where you generate the most heat.  And a Polygiene® anti-microbial mesh used in the highest vent areas, means you get a base layer that regulates temperature while delivering the utmost comfort no matter how steep the trail gets.

If you’re looking to give the hiker on your list the ultimate layer that regulates warmth and is highly breathable, fast drying, compressible, and durable, look no further than any of the jackets, hoodies, and fleeces from major manufacturers like Strafe, Norrona, Giro, and 66° North that feature Polartec’s new Alpha fabric. This amazingly light fabric is designed to regulate your body heat based on changing conditions and unpredictable environments to keep heat in when it's needed and let it out when it's not. So if you heat up hiking a steep section of trail, the fabric breathes to let heat out. When you stop to take a breather and want to stay warm, your heat stays in. Actively moisture resistant, garments made with this fabric are ready for high-output hiking under any conditions.

Known for making some of the most comfortable hiking boots around, Altra’s new Lone Peak Hiker 2 is a lightweight, comfortable, and stylish hiking shoe that provides great ankle support, steady traction, and plenty of breathing room. Altra’s EGO™ midsole provides a responsive-yet-soft ride while their DuraTread™ outsole excels on dry dirt and rocky terrain—perfect for day hikes or a weekend overnight. Available in both men’s and women’s styles, these boots are also stylish enough to wear into your favorite casual dining spot after your hike.

This holiday season don’t forget the best friends on your list. Rocky or snow-covered trails can be tough on your dog’s feet. Winterproof their paws with WagWell’s new Paw Protector balm. Vet-approved and totally lick safe, Paw Protector’s 100% natural formula hugs the skin with a soothing blend of ingredients that lock out dirt and germs, and fortify your dog’s skin barrier against sand, salt, snow, rough terrain, and extreme weather. It can also be used to protect snouts, ears, and elbows. And when you dog’s ready for a tasty reward, give them one of WagWell’s freeze dried/high-protein dog treats.

No matter what season you’re hiking in, protecting your skin from the ravages of the sun is all-important. Ridge Merino’s Solstice Hoodie offers natural UPF 30+ protection with a longer hem in the back for more coverage, making this the perfect layer for long days spent in the sun. Available in both men’s and women’s versions, the lightweight, breathable material and comfortable, relaxed fit keep you covered without the risk of overheating and the 87% Merino/13% Nylon blend is machine washable in warm or cold.

Designed for fall and winter hiking across the most challenging terrain, the new Summit Offtrail TR from North Face features the BOA Fit System integrated into a shrouded wrapping upper for improved ankle stability. Simply twist the dial to tighten or loosen the fit while you’re on the fly. A high-rebound EVA midsole with 18 mms of cushioning at the heel and 12 mms of cushioning at the forefoot makes these boots super comfy, and an integrated gaiter helps keep out debris while offering enough stretch that you can slip these boots on or off with ease.

Tired of having to carefully launder your headwear then worry about whether it will actually fit again when it’s dry? Next-generation merino wool beanies and neckwear from Turtle Fur feature a “Carefree” design that won’t shrink, pill, or otherwise get damaged in the wash, so you can get sweat to your heart’s content in it on tough hikes then throw it in the laundry without fear that it’ll be the last time it fits. This little Vermont company is staying true to their mission of designing products that last.

Can’t decide what to give the hikers on your holiday gift list? How about premium socks for everyone? Gordini, has been a leader in cold-weather gear innovation for more than 65 years, offering wool socks made with Italian knitting technology that allows for strategic placement of yarns that deliver dynamic performance and comfort. Their socks feature special SoleKNIT layered technology that leverages the functional performance of premium fibers and weaves them into the appropriate zone of the foot so you get a soft, moisture-wicking interior combined with a strong, durable exterior. And Gordini socks feature single-seam construction that closes at the toe to prevent hot spots, friction, and bunching to keep your feet warm and comfy no matter what the trail conditions are.

Don’t let a little wet weather keep you off the trail. The new  Aspire 3L Jacket from Outdoor Research features a stretchy, three-layer, 100%-recycled nylon shell that moves, flexes, and complements your body's range of motion while AscentShell™ Dry technology delivers superior breathability, waterproofing, and wind resistance. This keeps moisture out and allows sweat vapor to pass through to regulate your body temperature so you stay dry, not clammy. And when you’re working hard on a steep stretch of trail, TorsoFlo™ venting allows hikers to make a rapid heat dump by unzipping nearly the entire length of the side of the jacket from the hem to the bicep. This feature also allows users to access base layers, pockets, and waist belts without removing the jacket.

The Brant Fleece from Jetty is a lightweight, pullover polar fleece made from 100% recycled polyester, which offers exceptional warmth without the bulk so you can wear it by itself as an outer layer on warmer days or use it as part of your laying strategy when the temperature drops. With a kangaroo pouch pocket and a sleek woven placket, it's the perfect companion for transitional weather and chilly mornings on the trail.