15 great gifts for hikers

All hikers want to be comfortable out on the trail, outfitted with the best gear—from the right clothing to keep cool and dry to smartly designed, roomy backpacks to store all their stuff.

Whether you are gift shopping for a new hiker starting from scratch or for an experienced hiker who needs updated gear, the items on this list are well-suited for any type of adventurer in your life, living in any climate.

Nike and ACG have you covered with the best gift ideas for hikers you may never have considered.

Starting from the top, a hat is a must for hiking, whether it's to ward off the sun's rays during intense heat or to keep warm while braving the cold. To prep the hiker in your life for those scenic hikes with incredible views, you'll want to give them a lightweight hat that blocks the sun but not the scenery. The Nike Dri-FIT Club Cap features six panels ideal for exploration and lightweight Aerobill technology for a comfortable feel.

An alternative to hats, face coverings and neck wraps help protect areas that hats alone cannot, so if you're seeking a practical gift that adds warmth when hiking or during a multitude of other activities, Nike has you covered—literally. A neck wrap protects from all kinds of extreme weather conditions. The Nike ACG Reversible UV Neck Wrap, for example, is constructed from a soft, stretchy material that regulates heat and cold, keeping the neck warm and protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Hikers are always on the hunt for the ideal water bottle, making one the perfect gift for any hiker. Nike carries every sort of water bottle imaginable, from shaker bottles to bottles with straws. To keep the hiking enthusiast in your life hydrated, consider getting a water filter as well.

A hoodie is one of the first things most people reach for to stay warm and keep cosy. Nike offers hoodies in a variety of styles and colours that would be the perfect addition to any hiker's must-haves. Whether the outdoor adventurer in your life prefers a fitted or oversized feel, you'll find one that's ideal for any outdoor or indoor adventure.

If your giftee prefers a hoodie without the hood, Nike has thought of that, too. The Nike ACG 'Wolf Tree' Crew is a hoodless version of the 'Wolf Tree' Hoodie for easy layering. Constructed with Polartec® fabric, this hoodless hoodie helps keep hikers warm by managing body heat and makes for a thoughtful gift.

A long-sleeve T-shirt might not come to mind when you think of an appropriate hiking shirt. But Nike Dri-FIT long-sleeve shirts are designed to move sweat away from the body, thanks to an innovative polyester microfibre that quickly disperses moisture across the material's surface.

Nike Dri-FIT tees are also available with short sleeves. There is even a tank top version. Give the gift of dryness and comfort to the hiker in your life with styles including the Nike ACG 'Chinati' Dri-FIT ADV Long-Sleeve Top. The Nike ACG Older Kid's Long-Sleeve Waffle Top is perfect for even the smallest explorers.

Trail-running tops, available in both Dri-FIT and Therma-FIT styles, are designed to trap heat without feeling bulky. Nike running tops are the perfect mid-layer when temperatures start to cool. When hiking turns the heat up from being on the move, just pull down the quarter-zip or half-zip neckline with ease.

Because the weather can be unpredictable, a water-repellent or water-resistant jacket that is also lightweight for less bulk is a great gift for him or her to offer protection from those warm summer rains. For example, the Nike ACG 'Morpho' Men's Storm-FIT Rain Jacket can help you keep dry in steady rain—it has even been tested in the Costa Rican rainforest. Not in need of the coverage? Just pack the lightweight shell into the internal pocket.

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If you're looking for a warm and cosy gift for your loved one this festive season, look no further than the Nike ACG 'Tuff' Fleece Pullover Hoodie. This oversized heavyweight hoodie is designed with Therma-FIT technology that smartly uses your own body heat to keep you warm. Thoughtfully designed ribbed cuffs are thick and stretchy to help seal in your body heat. A welcome surprise feature is the large kangaroo pocket with zips to keep your items extra secure. Matching sweatpants featuring the same Therma-FIT technology are even available—a potential bonus gift, perhaps?

Hiking sets are a great gift idea for her, especially since they make getting dressed a cinch. Shop a variety of matching tops and bottoms in multiple styles to keep the hiker in your life cool, comfortable and dry—everything from quick-drying sports bras with matching leggings to cosy fleece hoodie-and-jogger sets.

A backpack is the ideal gift for any hikers in your life. If they do a lot of hiking, their current backpack could be rough from use. If they are new to the trails, then a backpack is a must to store all their essentials, from food to supplies.

The Nike ACG 'DAYMAX' backpack will take them far, with a generously sized main compartment, front and side pockets for added convenience and a Nylon storm flap for water resistance. The plush back panel and customisable padded shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit. The adjustable side webbing and front strap provide attachment points to haul extra gear.

Trail-running shoes are a must for any hiker to keep their feet comfortable and protected from the elements or rough terrain. When shopping for trail-running shoes, find a pair that is well-cushioned, responsive and durable, like the Nike Pegasus Trail, the Terra Kiger, the Wildhorse or the Zegama.

Do your favourite hikers prefer to carry their pack around their waist rather than their back? A Nike hip pack is a unique, convenient storage option allowing the adventurer in your life to hike hands-free while keeping essentials close. With winterised and expandable packs also available, a Nike waistpack makes for a great hiking gift idea for him or her.

Well-made leggings are ideal for hiking trips, whether or not they include yoga. Nike leggings are made to be stretchy, breathable and soft, and come in a wide array of colours and fun patterns. Dri-FIT leggings have the bonus of keeping her dry and comfortable on warm days.

Hiking trousers have seriously evolved. With features such as water-repellent finishes and combined UVA and UVB protection, the Nike ACG Women's UV Protection Repel Hiking Trousers are the ideal gift for the hiker in your life to enjoy the outdoors.