Here is a list of some of my favorite things that I actually use and truly think every hiker would enjoy (I’m not making any money on any of the items.) Quite a few of these companies have donated to Approachable Outdoors fundraisers & I think it’s important to support companies who prioritize giving back!
They range in price from budget friendly to splurge.
Smartwool socks are always reliably great (and an awesome gift) but they’re doing something that’s also awesome for the environment. It’s their Second Cut program where they’re using recycled material and keeping 350,000 pounds of waste out of landfills. I’m obsessed with this new fleece that’s 75% upcycled materials. Also, they have a cool program where you order a free sock recycling kit so your hiking socks don’t end up in a landfill.
$23 for socks
$175 Fleece Zip Up
I feel like it seems obvious to get a hiking lover a hiking backpack – but they’re so personal to each back and body so it’s not something I recommend unless they’re asking for a specific one. But Topo Designs, a local company, has a lot of great accessory bags that make great gifts and stock stuffers. Their accessory bags start as low as $17 and there are lots of options for smaller gifts or you could do a gift card if they’re shopping for a bigger hiking backpack
$17 Accessory Bags
Cozy Gear That Helps Mountain Towns
We love supporting local! Mountain Weekend is a new Denver company with a mission to donate to mountain town nonprofits with every purchase. I get endless compliments on the beanie and have lived in the oversized hoodie since it arrived. Super high quality and would make for an awesome gift for men and women.
$30 for the beanies and hats
$74-$95 for the hoodies
Plus, they’re local! Shoutout to Nederland 🙂
Wheeled coolers start at $350
Soft Coolers/Keepers start at $150
They just launched the National Parks Scratch-Off and their Instagram post about it is what inspired my shopping list for hikers. I’ve seen quite a few variations of this type of map and usually find them cheesy, but I love how this one looks before and after scratching.
$45 without the frame
$145 with the frame
Northface ThermoBall Traction Booties
My coworker just walked by as I was putting this together and said those are weird looking shoes. These were a gift last winter and I thought the same thing… and then I put them on. They’re like wearing little clouds of your feet that have traction.
I wore them on a ski trip a month later and by the end of the trip 4 people had ordered them. They’re great for post skiing, hiking or camping – or just taking the dog out when it’s snowing and you don’t want to fully suit up.
Mens & Women’s ThermoBall Booties $69.00
I’m not kidding when I say I bring this chair on every hike. It’s compact and light enough that it sits inside my 17L pack with room to spare. It takes all of 30 seconds to set up so now instead of popping down on some rocks at the top of a trail or good viewpoint, my friend and I set up our Moonlites to enjoy the view comfortably. There hasn’t been a time that people haven’t come up to us and ask about the chair. It’s a crowd favorite.
Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair $159.96 (keep an eye out for sales from REI)
I want to hug whoever designed this bag because it finally has the pockets I need from a tote bag. I counted six pockets including a lap top holder & spot for a water bottle. The “puffy coat” outline makes this bag look like it was made for a stroll through a mountain town or holding your camping gear.
*I’m going on two years with this bag as my work bag and it shows zero signs of wear so it lasts.
Also, their tumblers are my go-to and actually fit in your car’s cup holder.
SMMT Powderloft Tote Bag: $198.00
Rumpl Blankets start at $125
Deneed Pottery Mugs are $28
These are my absolute favorite journals and they have a cool mission where for every item you buy, they plant a tree. The journals are gorgeous enough to be on display at home and there’s one for every National Park so you can pick their favorite.
Woodchuck Journals are $29.99
Products start at $16 with bundles starting at $38
