Best Gifts for Hikers Under $50

It’s that time of year again. If you’re looking for the perfect budget-friendly gift for the hiker in your life, never fear — we’re here to help. From the hiker just starting out to the one who already seems to own everything, there’s something fun and useful in this guide for every type of thru-hiker.

Everything on this list is under $50, but help your loved one gear up for their next big adventure on any budget:

• Best Gifts for Hikers Under $150
• Best Gifts for Hikers Under $300
• Best Gifts for Hikers Over $300

Best Gifts for Hikers Under $50

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks (Men’s | Women’s)

• MSRP: $26
• Materials: 61% merino wool/36% nylon/3% Lycra spandex

Darn Tough socks are made in the USA (and in an Appalachian Trail state: Vermont!) and are pretty much the gold standard for wool hiking socks. They’re super soft, comfy, and durable, plus they come with a lifetime guarantee. All hikers covet Darn Toughs, and an extra pair or two definitely won’t go amiss.

For an extra-luxurious gift, check out Darn Tough’s deliciously plush, ultra-cozy Mountaineering Socks.

Injinji Outdoor Midweight Mini-Crew Wool Socks

• MSRP: $21

“Injiji recently added merino wool socks to their line-up. These socks are my go-to to prevent blisters and foot chafing. With 71% merino wool, these socks are moisture-regulating and anti-odor.” — Lisa Slutsken

BUFF Multifunctional Neckwear

• MSRP: $25

Everyone needs at least one good BUFF in their life.  It’s the true do-it-all accessory, and their EcoStretch line is made with 95% recycled Repreve Performance Microfiber. The Trek has a couple of custom Buffs in our own store, wink wink.  If you want to get your own design onto a Buff, check out Buff’s custom product page.

Even Naturals Bug Head Net

• MSRP: $7

“I don’t know why thru-hikers torture themselves with close-fitting, coarsely woven, scratchy bug nets. This is the net I took on the PCT in 2022, and it performed great again this year on the GDT. Fits even around a wide-brimmed hat, falls loosely to the shoulders, isn’t hot or scratchy, keeps bugs far away from nose and ears, is capacious enough to snake a hand under with a snack or coffee, and fine enough that my brain edits it out of my field of vision in short order. Just don’t forget you’re wearing it when you go to spit!” — Caitlin Hardee

Maine Train Gear Zipper Wallet

• MSRP:$10.99
• Weight: 0.18oz

This small, water-resistant wallet is perfect for keeping cards and cash dry on a backpacking trip or for everyday use. Made from durable Dyneema fabric, each wallet is individually sewn with special care taken to tape and reinforce seams, ensuring your valuables stay protected. Gray is the default color, but custom colors can be made to order. —Anna McKinney Smith

Dirty Girl Gaiters

• MSRP: $23

Gaiters are basically little ankle skirts that keep snow, mud, and debris from getting inside your shoe. Lightweight trail running gaiters suffice for most thru-hikers. Dirty Girl is the most popular brand, with literally hundreds of fun fabric patterns.

Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Bear Can Key

• MSRP: $10
• Weight: 0.14oz

Let’s face it, opening a bear can is a pain. In cold climates, it can feel nearly impossible to align the tabs and twist the lid. Enter CTUG’s Bear Can Key. This Onyx carbon-fiber nylon tool fits over the grommet, allowing you to easily twist the lid off in any conditions.

According to Trek blogger Anna McKinney Smith, “Using the bear can key was a game changer in the Sierra. In the past, I struggled to open my BearVault, especially if it was cold and I had gloves on. Adding the bear can key to my kit was easy, and now I can access my food even with gloves on.”

FlipFuel Fuel Transfer Device

• MSRP: $35

If you’ve ever encountered a hiker box at a popular trail stop, then you’ll remember the overflowing box of almost empty fuel canisters. Maybe you’ve even thought, “If only I could consolidate all that fuel, I’d be a millionaire!” Okay, maybe the opportunity isn’t that fantastic, but this FlipFuel gadget enables hikers to do just that — refill their canisters from the dregs of others. This reduces waste and saves money.

“The FlipFuel transfer device is the perfect choice for a savvy, money-saving, eco-conscious thru-hiker. If you get lucky, you might be able to hit a long trail and only ever buy a couple of fuel canisters. Once you get a hang of the transfer method, it becomes quick and easy to harvest all those mostly empty fuel canisters from hiker boxes. They can then be punctured and recycled, and you can hike off into the sunset.” — Matthew Kok

Luci Original Color Inflatable Solar Lantern

• MSRP: $29.95
• Weight: 4.4oz

“My favorite luxury item on the PCT was my Luci Light! I’d hang it in my tent each night and use it instead of a headlamp when getting ready for bed. It was a great addition to late-night hangouts with my tramily and added an extra pop of color to night hiking. My Luci Light made the LA Aqueduct feel like a rave.

The fact that it’s waterproof is awesome for night swimming or soaking in hot springs. It only weighs 4.4 oz, so I felt justified carrying it all the way to Canada. I certainly got my use out of it!” —Anna McKinney Smith

Greenbelly Meals

• MSRP: $8-$9 per meal

“What do you get the backpacker that has it all? Food! At this point, my gear is dialed, but I am so stoked when people gift me luxurious backpacking foods that I wouldn’t typically ball out on for myself. Greenbelly meals are my go-to for fast-packing or for throwing in my bag as an emergency meal when I go on a day hike or other outdoor pursuit.” — Madeline Newel

HykLyf  Pika Bowl

• MSRP: $7

“This little bowl takes up no space and weighs nothing — ultralighters, come at me. This little measuring bowl ensures you don’t overfill your dehydrated eggs into some kind of egg stew. It’s a practical and simple little tool everyone could likely find a use for.” — Deirdre Rosenberg

Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press

• MSRP: $49.95
• Weight: 11.5 oz

The Aeropress is famous for making great coffee on AND off the trail. This mini, travel-size version is ideal for thru-hiking, car camping, and travel in general.

JetBoil Silicone Coffee Press

• MSRP: $23

“If you already own a Jetboil or MSR Windburner stove this is a no-brainer. Really elevates your trail coffee game without breaking the bank or the back. Lightweight and works great.” — Moose Juice

READ NEXT – Trail Coffee 6 Ways: Which Method Makes the Best Brew?

Chicken Tramper Gear Water Bottle Sleeve

• MSRP: $35

“I like being able to access my water bottle while on the move without dislocating my shoulder. CTUG’s water bottle holder is a durable and well-designed sleeve that securely holds bottles. It’s adaptable to different packs and is available in four different sizes.” — Lisa Slutsken

WEBO Thru Hip-Pack

• MSRP: $45
• Weight: 2.6 oz

For the hikers who just can’t have enough accessible snack storage, then check out this fanny pack with wicked colors, water-resistant, and durable Xpac construction.

Also, fanny packs are the accessory in the thru-hiking world right now—the ultimate hiker trash status symbol, if you will. If you’re not sure what to gift the thru-hiker in your life, I maintain that a fanny pack is a foolproof pick. Check out our picks for the best fanny packs for thru-hiking.

Rawlogy Ultralight Cork Massage Ball

• MSRP: $16
• Weight: 1.4 oz

For just over an ounce, this massage ball can work wonders for sore, tight muscles at the end of a long day on trail. And since sore, tight muscles are the hallmark of any thru-hike, this inexpensive gift is virtually guaranteed to be a hit.

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow

• MSRP: $45-$55
• Weight: 2.1 oz

An inflatable pillow isn’t strictly necessary on a thru-hike, but having something soft to cradle your head is an incredible comfort to a weary thru-hiker. That’s why inflatable pillows are so frequently cited as thru-hikers’ favorite luxury items.

Glacial Gear Trail Rag Classic

• MSRP: $19.99
• Weight: 0.6 oz (small) 

This small swatch of fabric makes the perfect sweat rag, hanky, or towel. Made from 100% Merino wool, the Trail Rag is naturally odor- and bacteria-resistant. A reinforced loop allows you to clip it to your pack for easy access throughout the day. — Anna McKinney Smith

Garage Grown Gear Sit Pads

• MSRP: $10
• Weight: 1.1 oz

I tried to get away without a sit pad on my most recent long hike and ended up hating my life within the first 24 hours. This little foam square packs a big punch, protecting you from cold, wet, lumpy ground every time you take a break. I picked up a replacement sit pad at my first opportunity and never looked back. — Kelly Floro

Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad

• MSRP: $32
• Weight: 2.7 – 3.3 oz

As a follow-up to the above: one of my hiking partners this summer balled out with a 1/8-inch Thinlight pad in place of a sit pad. While I’ve always been a sit pad girly, I will admit to feelings of jealousy when my friend was able to sprawl out on her Thinlight during breaks while I perched on my tiny foam square.

The Thinlight is designed as a supplement to go under your main sleeping pad, providing a slight warmth boost and protecting your pad from abrasion from below — but it also works great for breaks, as I mentioned, and can even function as a yoga mat in camp. — Kelly Floro

Gossamer Gear Lighttrek Hiking Umbrella

• MSRP: $43
• Weight: 5.8 oz

Hiking umbrellas are all the rage these days, and for good reason. They provide both sun and rain protection with full ventilation. You can even get a hands-free umbrella kit so that the umbrella can be attached to your backpack shoulder straps — no need to hold it all day.

READ NEXT – Why Sun Umbrellas Are Becoming Thru-Hikers’ Favorite Piece of Gear

CNOC ThruBottle

• MSRP: $13
• Weight: 3.2 oz

“The brand new Cnoc ThruBottle is the perfect Smartwater bottle replacement,” writes Katie Jackson in her review of the ThruBottle. “By building a bottle that is functionally equivalent to a Smartwater (in terms of weight, shape, and filter threading) with HDPE material that resists shedding, Cnoc has delivered a product that makes the choice effortless.” 

As you might have guessed, it’s intended as a safer and more sustainable alternative to the single-use plastic Smartwater bottles favored by thru-hiker. Cnoc also came out with a new version of its beloved Vecto water containers this year, which the company says is significantly stronger and can safely hold boiling water.

Kula Cloth

• MSRP: $20
• Weight: 0.4 oz

These discreet, fashionable, super-absorbent antimicrobial cloths are the ideal backpacking pee rags. Because hygiene matters and dealing with toilet paper in the backcountry is a mess. Kula Cloth also ups the awesome factor by collaborating with independent artists, with their work available in the Artist Series of products.

“We’ve got some stellar artistic talent in the outdoor community, and it’s almost poetic that so many people are stoked to rep it on a pee cloth. Gander at some truly awesome designs and give the gift of an antimicrobial pee cloth to your favorite person who squats when they pee — all for under $25. What’s not to love?” — Oats!

Happy Bottom Portable Bidet

• MSRP: $18

Backcountry bidets are all the rage these days: they’re Leave No Trace friendly and save the owner a buttload (sorry) of toilet paper. Also handy for washing other body parts, like hands.

“I love the Happy Bottom Bidet so much, I wrote a whole article on it! This piece of gear is a game-changer, especially for longer thru-hikes. No more sacrificing hygiene; plus, with the added bonus of limiting toilet paper waste (and additional weight).” — Ariella Nardizzi

READ NEXT – Learn to Poop Outside Responsibly with a Backcountry Bidet

Trailbrush

• MSRP: $8
• Weight: 2 g

This is a contentious pick, I know, but it’s been huge for me. I struggle to brush my teeth on trail, and having the toothbrush right there on the end of my spork makes it really simple to transition right from dinner to a quick teeth brushing. I would recommend using a long-handled spork so you’re not touching the spoon part while brushing your teeth or your toothbrush while eating. — Katie Jackson

National Geographic Wall Map: AT | PCT | CDT

• MSRP: $20-$25

A wall map is a perfect gift for aspiring thru-hikers and veterans alike. They can use it as inspiration and a helpful planning tool before thru-hiking and will love looking back at and reminiscing about their favorite spots on the trail after they’ve completed it. A wall map is also an excellent gift for family and friends who would like a way to follow along with someone’s hike.

Appalachian Trials Signed Copy

• MSRP: $30
• Author: Zach Davis

Fun fact: Appalachian Trials was written by The Trek’s very own Zach Davis, and that’s how this very site came to be. Not to toot our own horn too much, but App Trials is a must-read for aspiring thru-hikers.

Long-distance hiking is physically grueling, but mental fortitude is a more important determinant of success. This book is packed with valuable advice for surviving the tough days and savoring the good ones. Getting a signed, personalized copy from Zach himself makes this an extra-special gift for anyone with dreams of hiking.

How to Afford a Thru-Hike

• MSRP: $7
• Author: Kelly Floro

Another home team special. This handy e-book doesn’t cost a lot, but it can pay dividends for hikers trying to outfit themselves on a shoestring budget.

The Unlikely Thru-Hiker

• MSRP:$10 on Kindle, $15 in paperback
• Author: Derick Lugo

Your hiker is sure to enjoy this entertaining and often humorous account of a New York City comedian’s thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. Read our review here.

Disclosure: Many of the products reviewed on this site, including some of the above, were donated for the purposes of review. This list was originally published on 11/10/2021. It was most recently updated by our editorial staff on 11/5/2025.

Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm (@chris.helm).