20 Perfect Hiking Gifts For Her Under $100 (That She'll Actually Love!)
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Shopping for the hiking enthusiast in your life can feel very overwhelming - especially when you want to find something she doesn't already own, and will actually be useful!
As someone who is constantly hitting the trails for both work and play (meaning my gifts are almost always adventure related!), I've learned that the best gifts for hikers aren't always the most expensive or flashy ones. Sometimes it's the thoughtful, practical, or just plain fun items that make you smile every time you pull them out of your pack.
This guide features 20 carefully selected hiking gifts for her (all under $100) that either solve real problems on the trail, or will simply elevate her experience outdoors! These are items I've either used myself or watched fellow hikers absolutely rave about. You'll find something perfect for every budget and hiking style. Let's dive in!
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Gift Guide: 20 Perfect Hiking Gifts for Her
$25 & Under
$25 - $50 Gifts
$50 - $100 Gifts
Gift Cards / Memberships
Final Thoughts
20 Perfect Hiking Gifts For Her
$25 & Under
1. Kool Tie Cooling Bandana
Hot summer hikes can be brutal, but a cooling bandana is like having portable air conditioning for your neck. Simply soak the Kool Tie in water before (or during) your hike, and the special crystals within the fabric stay cool for hours. Perfect for desert hikes, summer trail running, or anyone who tends to overheat quickly.
2. Darn Tough Vermont Socks
Here's the thing about hiking socks - cheap ones will ruin your entire day with blisters and hot spots. Darn Tough socks are made in Vermont with a lifetime guarantee, and they're absolutely worth every penny. The cushioning hits all the right spots, moisture-wicking keeps feet dry, and they somehow stay comfortable mile after mile. These have a bit of a cult following, for a good reason!
>> Buy Darn Tough Bear Micro Crew Socks
>> Buy Darn Tough Lightweight Quarter Hiking Socks
3. Instant Craft Coffee Packets
Nothing beats starting a camping morning with actually good coffee. These Verve Instant Craft Coffee single-serve packets brew into surprisingly delicious coffee, and that's coming from an admitted coffee snob. They're lightweight, mess-free, and turn a mountaintop morning into something even more special. Perfect for the hiker who refuses to compromise on her caffeine quality, even in the wilderness.
>> Purchase Verve Instant Craft Coffee (Pack of 6)
>> Or try the Verve Instant Craft Coffee Sampler (Pack of 7)
4. Kula Cloth Reusable Pee Cloth
Let's talk about something every female hiker needs but might not have thought about before - a pee cloth! This antimicrobial, quick-drying cloth by Kula Cloth is designed specifically for women's bathroom needs on the trail. It snaps onto your pack, dries quickly, and eliminates the need to pack out toilet paper from every bathroom stop. Practical, eco-friendly, and honestly life-changing for longer hikes.
5. Electrolyte Hydration
Dehydration sneaks up on you during long hikes, especially when you're so immersed in the adventure that you forget to drink enough water (cough cough, very guilty of this). Quality electrolyte powder helps your body actually absorb and use the water you're drinking, plus it makes plain water taste way better. Nuun Hydration tablets or Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier powder are both great choices!
>> Buy Nuun Hydration tablets on REI
>> Buy Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets on Amazon
$25 – $50 Gifts
6. Sit Pad
A good sit pad transforms every break from "find a semi-comfortable rock" to "ahhh, this is nice." The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad has closed-cell foam provides insulation from cold ground and cushioning on rough surfaces. It sounds simple, but once you start using one, you'll wonder how you ever hiked without it. Lunch stops, photo breaks, and summit relaxing all become infinitely more comfortable.
7. Backpack Watercolor Kit
For the artsy hiker who loves capturing trail memories, a compact watercolor kit opens up a whole new way to document adventures. These mini sets include everything needed to paint on location - brushes, paints, and paper - all designed to fit easily in a backpack. There's something magical about painting a mountain view while actually sitting in front of it.
>> Buy the Backpack Watercolor Kit on REI
>> Buy the Mini Watercolor Paint Set on Amazon
8. A Buff
A Buff is like a Swiss Army knife for your head and neck. Use it as a headband, neck warmer, face mask, wristband, or even a makeshift first aid bandage. The summer weight versions are perfect for sun protection, while winter versions provide serious warmth with a polar fleece lining. I've never met a hiker who owns just one variation of a Buff - they're that useful!
>> Shop the summer sun shield Buff
>> Shop the winter polar fleece Buff
9. Mini First Aid Kit
Peace of mind on the trail is priceless, and a well-stocked mini first aid kit provides exactly that. Look for pre-made kits designed specifically for hiking that include blister treatment, pain relievers, and basic wound care supplies. This Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit never leaves my own daypack. The compact size means it won't add much weight, but it could save an entire hiking trip if someone gets hurt.
10. Hiking Waist Pack
The REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack is a super hiker-friendly take on the classic fanny pack. Sleek, lightweight, and comfortable - it provides easy access to her most essential gear without needing to stop and rummage through a backpack (think phone, snacks, chapstick, etc). Plus, it's water repellant! A true game-changer for day hikes.
11. A Cozy Beanie
A quality beanie like the Patagonia Everyday Beanie makes cold-weather adventures infinitely more enjoyable. Whether she's hiking in crisp fall weather or snowy winter conditions, a good beanie is essential gear that will last for years. Plus, this particular beanie is perfect for wearing casually with everyday attire as well.
$50 – $100 Gifts
12. Water Filter Bottle
Clean water access will absolutely make or break a hiking adventure, so a quality filter bottle provides total peace of mind. The Katadyn BeFree AC 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle filters out bacteria, parasites, and improves taste, all while being easy to use and maintain. This is a perfect gift for the hiker who wants to explore more remote areas or simply hates carrying heavy water loads in their pack.
13. Black Diamond Headlamp
A reliable headlamp is a must-have for any hiker. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp will give her reliable, hands-free lighting when she needs it most. With 400 lumens of brightness, solid battery life (with the ability to run alkaline or rechargeable batteries), and even waterproof protection, it’s built for proper outdoor adventures.
14. Trekking Poles
The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are perfect for hikers of all levels. This specific pair features an aluminum build, ergonomic breathable foam grips and are super adjustable for heights between 5'1" to over 6'. These poles will reduce strain on her knees during descents, provide stability on uneven trails, and even make river crossings easier.
15. Salomon Hydration Vest
Designed for trail runners and fast hikers, the Salomon Active Skin 4 Hydration Vest offers a snug, bounce-free fit that outperforms traditional backpacks. With multiple pockets for snacks / nutrition, her phone, and essentials, this vest is all about convenience and efficiency. This is a design tailored for women who love the trails, and more specifically, a minimalist carry on the trails! To be honest, I find vests and fast-packs far more comfortable than standard daypacks.
>> Shop the Salomon Active Skin 4 Hydration Vest
>> Add a soft water bottle (this vest can fit two!)
16. Down Vest
A packable down vest is like having a portable campfire for your core. When temperatures drop unexpectedly or you stop moving, a vest provides instant warmth without restricting arm movement. This REI Co-op women's 650 Down vest is one that I've sworn by for years. Plus, jackets can be much more difficult to gift, factoring in fit requirements like shoulder tightness and sleeve length that simply don't matter with a vest!
17. Peak Design Camera Clip
For photography-loving hikers, a camera clip system like the Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip is absolutely game-changing. Instead of burying your camera in your pack (or wearing it around your neck, which is so uncomfortable for long distances) the clip attaches to your backpack strap or belt, keeping the camera instantly accessible and secure.
Gift Cards & Memberships
18. REI Co-op Gift Card
When in doubt, an REI gift card is always appreciated by outdoorsy gals - I can vouch for that! She can choose exactly what she needs, whether that's trying something completely new or replacing some worn-out (or rather, well-loved) gear.
>> Buy an REI Gift Card (digital delivery or a mailed card)
19. AllTrails+ or AllTrails Peak Subscription
An AllTrails annual subscription completely transforms how someone discovers and navigates hiking trails. There are two premium tiers for annual subscriptions: AllTrails Plus or AllTrails Peak. I typically recommend Peak, since it has the most features including everything in Plus, the ability to create custom routes, view real-time trail conditions, and explore community heatmaps.
For the hiker who loves exploring new trails, this subscription opens up endless possibilities. I use AllTrails for nearly every hiking excursion, so this is a very useful gift idea that she can use over and over again.
>> Use code juliana30 for 30% off your AllTrails Plus or AllTrails Peak subscription, only at this link!
20. America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass is the ultimate ticket to adventure for anyone who loves exploring the great outdoors! This annual pass grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States, including the US National Parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and more. Whether she's dreaming of hiking in Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Teton, Zion, (the list goes on and on), this is one of the most unique and useful gifts to give the hiker gal in your life.
Final Thoughts
The best hiking gifts for her (or really, gifts for hikers in general) aren't just about "essential" gear - they're about enhancing the entire trail experience by giving her the tools to create incredible memories. And honestly, that's the best gift any hiking enthusiast could ask for!
More gift guides:
11+ Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women
25+ Best Travel Gifts for Her (Ultimate Gift Guide)
Travel Photography Gear Guide (great gift ideas for creatives!)
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20 Perfect Hiking Gifts For Her Under $100 (That She'll Actually Love!)
