For Christmas, a birthday, Valentine's Day or simply to treat someone special, you can sometimes run out of gift ideas for hiking enthusiasts. With CIMALP, that's a thing of the past! Here are 8 gift ideas for hiking lovers.
Classic gifts for hikers
Let's start with the most classic option: giving a gift to a hiker can be a great opportunity to complete their kit. However, to make sure you get it right, discreetly check with the person or their close ones to find out what they actually need.
A knife
A knife is an essential tool for any hiker and you're sure to delight them with one. Choose something solid, and why not one equipped with a screwdriver and other handy gadgets. Be mindful of the superstitious though — legend has it that gifting a knife severs friendship or love between two people, unless the recipient gives a small coin in return.
A backpack
A hike without a good backpack isn't quite a hike! This is a gift that will please every hiker — from beginners to seasoned veterans. If you're choosing the backpack yourself, go for a 30 or 35L: ideal for hiking. Make sure it has plenty of pockets and fits the build and activity of the person you're gifting it to. As for the style — classic or more original — that's entirely up to you!
Hiking clothing
A hiking garment or accessory is a genuinely useful gift!
Trousers, shorts, sweatshirt, windproof jacket, hat, water bottle or even socks — good hiking clothes are less original ideas but not to be overlooked. If you're not sure about the person's tastes or size, think about gift cards — they're an excellent alternative and take the guesswork out of it!
Tech gifts for hikers
Staying ahead of technology in the heart of nature is perfectly compatible! Many hikers are hooked on tech gadgets that make their lives easier. A gift idea that's a little pricier than the others, but one that will really make an impression.
A GPS
Tech-savvy hikers will be thrilled to receive a GPS as a gift. With one, they can pinpoint their exact location, record a route, follow a track…
If you decide to go down this route, make sure you research all the features carefully. Choose one with good battery life and solid mapping to last a full hike, a reasonably large screen for easy reading, and as lightweight as possible so it doesn't become a burden!
A high-tech watch
Altimeter, barometer, compass, temperature… all these useful hiking features in a single watch — it's possible! With a slightly higher budget, you can even find watches connected to your smartphone to track your performance.
Original gifts for hikers
If you want to make a real impression and stand out, go for something a little more original!
A scratch-the-world map
The person you're buying for has hiked across many countries? Give them a scratch map of the world! After each trip completed, they can scratch off the area they've explored. Decorative and ever-evolving, this gift will remind them of every great memory and will surely inspire them to discover new destinations!
An experience box
We tend to think of gift boxes for a quirky night in the treetops or a wellness weekend — but did you know hiking boxes exist too? They typically offer a guided hike of several hours for 2 adults, whether on foot, snowshoeing in the mountains, cycling, or more. And if you can't find exactly what you're looking for in existing boxes, nothing stops you from creating your own! A gift that could be perfect for beginners looking to hike with a guide.
A beautiful book
A hike takes planning and organisation, but it's also something you can dream about. And beautiful landscape or guidebooks can be the spark for that dream. Your friend has always wanted to hike in Lapland? Give them a book of the most stunning Laplandic landscapes — you might just be the one to plant that seed.
