A List of Actual Useful Gifts for Hikers

If you have a hiker in the family, please buy them something from this list instead of whatever some stupid monetized list Forbes gave you.

This is stuff we actually use:

No.	Item	Reason Recommended
1	A Box of Ziplocs	Useful for storage and organization while backpacking.
2	Trail Patches	Display hiking accomplishments without permanent tattoos.
3	Socks	Essential gear; practical and necessary for hiking comfort.
4	Dental Floss	Multi-purpose: dental hygiene, gear repairs, emergency shoelace.
5	Bandana	Versatile item: towel, filter, neck protection, and more.
6	Hacky Sacks (Set of 6)	Lightweight entertainment for fun on the trail.
7	Toilet Paper	Essential item; ensures hikers won’t run out during trip.
8	Titan (or Voile) Straps	Secure trekking poles when setting up shelters in bad weather.
9	Crazy/Super Glue	Useful for quick gear repairs and minor first-aid needs.
10	Tent Pegs	Essential for tent setup; affordable options available.
11	Plastic Disposable Kitchen Gloves	Layering for hands in cold, wet conditions.
12	Baking Soda	Multi-use: toothpaste, deodorant, cleaner, antacid, itch relief.
13	Head Net	Lightweight protection against insects during bug season.
14	$10 Goodwill Gift Card	Allows purchase of affordable hiking gear from thrift stores.
15	Hand Sanitizer	Prevents illness by maintaining hygiene on the trail.
16	Folgers Classic Decaf Instant	Budget coffee option; shows minimal effort in gift-giving.
17	Simpsons Bic Lighters	Functional lighters with fun designs to brighten camp chores.
18	Six-Pack of Ramen	Inexpensive, lightweight food staple for hikers.
19	Tyvek Groundsheet	Durable, lightweight groundsheet material for tents.
20	Reconstituted Talenti Ice Cream Container	Reusable container favored by cold-soaking hikers.
21	Diaper Pins	Strong pins for drying clothes and gear repairs.
22	Dr. Bronner’s Soap	Multi-purpose soap in travel sizes; practical for hikers.
23	Mini Dropper Bottles (2 Pack)	Repackage liquids like sanitizer or water treatment drops.
24	Trash Compactor Bag	Affordable pack liner alternative to expensive options.
25	Zipper Cleaner	Maintains tent zippers, especially in sandy or salty areas.
26	Condoms	Emergency water carrier or phone protector during crossings.
27	Bag Balm	Treats chafing and skin irritations; originally for cow udders.
28	Titanium Sewing Scissors	Lightweight tool for gear repairs and first aid.
29	3M Micropore Tape	Versatile medical tape; alternative to band-aids.
30	Ibuprofen	Common pain reliever for sore muscles and aches.
31	Backcountry Bidet/Sports Drink Bottle	Hygienic alternative to toilet paper; reduces waste.
32	Bleach	Cheap water purification method, though less effective.
33	Inflatable Pillow/Wine Box Bladder	Dual-purpose: pillow when empty, wine carrier when full.
34	Safety Sunglasses	Affordable eye protection important for outdoor activities.
35	Electrolyte Tablets	Prevent dehydration and muscle cramps in hot conditions.
36	“Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips” (Book)	Guide to lightweight backpacking techniques.
37	Make America Great Again Cap	Practical sun protection with humorous/controversial message.
38	Hand Rake (Set of 2)	Humorous gift referencing forest floor “cleaning.”
39	Beer Koozie	Keeps drinks cool; serves multiple purposes on the trail.
40	Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Seat Pad	Provides comfort during breaks; can be shared if cut.
41	Frogg Toggs/DriDucks Rain Pants	Affordable rain gear; less durable but functional.
42	Mylar Blanket (Pack of 10)	Emergency warmth, groundsheet, or signaling device; inexpensive.
43	Baskin & Robbins Pink Spoon	Lightweight, durable spoon for trail meals.
44	“The Fellowship of the Ring” (Book)	Engaging adventure story about a long journey.
45	John Muir’s Works (Books)	Inspirational writings on nature and wilderness.
46	Tenacious Tape	Better than duct tape for repairing gear in the field.
47	Mini Dice	Lightweight entertainment during downtime or bad weather.
48	PeakFinder App	Identifies surrounding peaks; useful hiking app.
49	Nan Shepherd’s “The Living Mountain” (Book)	Reflection on the joys of walking in nature.
50	Dehydrated Cocktails	Portable drinks for relaxing after a day’s hike.
51	Personalized Revenge Voodoo Doll	Humorous way to express trail frustrations.
52	Backpacking Skills/Educational Books	Builds knowledge and skills for better hiking experiences.
53	Bottom Half of a Platypus Bladder	Repurposed as a water scoop or container.
54	Plastic Shower Curtain	Affordable rain protection, inspired by Grandma Gatewood.
55	Spam Sachets	High-calorie food option; taste may not appeal to all.
56	Mack’s Silicone Ear Plugs	Blocks snoring noises in shelters or huts.
57	Beano Ultra	Reduces gas from beans, improving camp atmosphere.
58	Croakies (or equivalent)	Keeps sunglasses secure; reduces loss or damage.
59	Smartwater Bottle	Lightweight, durable bottle preferred by many hikers.
60	Spiky Massage Ball	Relieves muscle tension after hiking.
61	Hands-Free Umbrella Clamp	Allows use of umbrella while hiking with poles.
62	Paper Coffee Filters	Pre-filters dirty water before purification.
63	Hotel/Spa Slippers	Lightweight camp shoes; useful in huts where boots are removed.
64	Sponges	Useful for cleaning pots and drying condensation.
65	Blaze Orange Vest (and Hat)	Increases visibility during hunting season for safety.
66	Foot File/Callus Remover	Helps maintain foot health by removing calluses.
67	Nikwax Down Wash	Cleans and restores down sleeping bags and jackets.
68	Lint	Excellent fire starter; personal touch if from your dryer.
69	Packing Pod Pillow	Doubles as storage and pillow when stuffed with clothes.
70	100 Wt Fleece	Affordable, versatile layer for various conditions.