The Best Gifts for Hikers

Crafted to excel on both quick day hikes and more extended adventures, the Trailmade hiking boots from REI Co-op are versatile trail companions. They're designed with sustainability and performance in mind: A proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane made from 75% recycled materials helps keep feet dry in wet, muddy conditions while the boots' woven uppers feature a feel-good combination of recycled PET and recycled synthetic leather. A durable anti-slip grip helps when the going gets rough, and a roomy toe box helps keep feet comfy even on long days filled with varied terrain. Performance isn't the only plus: Your giftee will love wearing these boots off-trail too. Available in men's and women's.

The best part about a big climb is the ride down. Unless you're dripping with sweat. Damp clothing can be, at the very least, uncomfortable. At worst, it can put you at risk for hypothermia. That's where the Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino comes in. Its wool-and-polyester blend wicks moisture and dries fast, helping you stay warm when you're out for a tour.

Sweaty users also rave that the Intraknit Thermal Merino has an ability to resist picking up a stink—important when you bring only one or two base layers on a hut trip or other multiday outing. One customer-reviewer says: "I really appreciate Smartwool and other wool shirts in general for their durability, warmth-to-weight ratio and natural ability to not smell after wearing for several days. But this Smartwool shirt is great. The vented weave seems to keep me drier in otherwise sweaty conditions. All around a great shirt that should last for years."

Reviewers also applaud the layer for its durability but note that wool can snag. It's best to pair it with similarly smooth fabrics. Throwing on your base layer top with a tougher fabric (like jeans) could cause the garment to wear more quickly.

Bottoms: Women's, Men's

The REI staff just can't get enough of the windproof Nano Puff Jacket from Patagonia, thanks to its 60 grams of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco postconsumer recycled polyester. This filler is water-repellent and retains an impressive 98% of its insulating ability even when wet. A brick quilting pattern ensures the insulation stays put when washed, rather than bunching uncomfortably.

"Everyone in our family owns Nano Puff jackets that have lasted us for years," says Phuong Le, Expert Advice managing editor who's based in wet and chilly Seattle. She adds that they use the jacket for all seasons and multiple activities (but they don't wear matching colors). "It's our base layer of choice when we don't want the thickness of fleece, and though it's not waterproof, it has surprisingly kept us all warm through some unexpected rainy adventures."

Emma Cullen, who works at REI on the paid-media team and lives in snowy Idaho, adds that the Nano Puff lives up to its name. "I barely remember that I am wearing a jacket when in the Nano Puff," she says. "It's so lightweight and moves with me whether I'm ripping skins, using hiking poles or just out for a dog walk. This is the perfect jacket to keep as a 'just in case' layer in a bag since it is so small but can be so warm."

Know who else loves the Nano Puff? Your Mother (Earth, that is). The jacket's recycled insulation comprises 100% post-consumer material, and its fully recycled polyester ripstop shell features a moisture-shedding DWR finish that's free from perfluorinated chemicals. (Other Nano Puff products include a parka, hoodie and mittens.) Also available in girls', boys' and infants'/toddlers'. Buy here.

Keep it simple and take 'em everywhere—that should be the unofficial motto of the REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles. Our testers loved the fuss-free design with just enough key features to make them reliable year-round companions, including two baskets for trail and snow.

Two sizes give you options based on your height; for ultimate flexibility, the shaft can be lengthened up to 10 inches at two lever locks, allowing users to adapt to changing terrain. (On the uphill, you might want a shorter pole, while the downhill may require a longer reach.) This came in handy when our testers approached a steep section of the Chilkoot Trail on the Alaska/British Columbia border. Our testers were able to shorten their poles for the more aggressive approach without compromising stability, giving them both better leverage to continue hiking in the slippery duff. The lever locks stayed tight over 8 miles on a fall trek through New Hampshire, too, rendering readjustments unnecessary.

Nice touches: Cork grips help keep your hands comfy over long distances, while the natural wicking material also helps keep sweaty palms from slipping or blistering. The cushioned straps come in handy on hot hikes and long hauls, or if you tend to lose poles on steep sections. (One tester was guilty of this.) Don't worry if you tend to beat up your gear: The tough-and-light aluminum poles survived a quarter-mile drop down a steep cliff with minimal scratching and zero dents, even after bouncing off boulders. "I didn't give a second thought to bringing them, because the hike was so much easier with that boost of upper body assistance," crowed one tester, who'd never been a trekking pole user before. "That's how gear should be."

Adulthood means realizing that socks really are the best gift ever. Darn Tough hiking socks are the unsung heroes of the hike thanks to the brand's collective 40-plus years in crafting and innovating the humble (but vital) sock. The Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks are no exception: They feature a custom-count merino wool that will cocoon your giftee's feet in comfort and wick moisture as the miles tick by. Mid-level cushion softens each step, and reinforced toes and heels help prevent chafing and holes. Available in men's and women's.

For easy training miles or treks around the city, give the gift of the REI Co-op Flash 22 pack. It weighs less than a pound when empty and boasts breathable mesh shoulder straps to lighten the load on the wearer's neck and shoulders, as well as a removable back panel that doubles as a backcountry seat. There's also a hydration sleeve (reservoir sold separately), zippered pockets for extra security and an internal organizer. The pack features a roomy interior, but if your giftee finds they need more space, they can add exterior loops to tote even more gear.