Help your friends and family hit the trail in style and comfort
(Photo: REI)
Published October 21, 2026 02:50PM
Hikers love gear, which makes holiday shopping for trail-mad friends and family so much fun. They get excited about all kinds of outdoor products, there’s always a ton of innovative new tech out there, and you know they’ll put their gifts to good use. From an ultralight puffy to ultratough socks, these eight picks from REI will please any hiker on your list—and are sure to keep you on the short list for future adventures.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
You’ll never go wrong with the gift of weather protection. The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket seals out precipitation and wind, courtesy of a 2.5-layer HydroWall© waterproof membrane. The adult version is also packed with user-friendly features, including pit zips for venting, zippered hand pockets, and two internal drop-in pockets for stashing items you want to keep dry. Sealed seams and soft-touch fabric complete the build of a jacket that will stand strong when the rain rolls in. Bonus: It comes in kids’ versions that are just as protective.
Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan
Nearly everyone has a fleece jacket. But few have one like this. The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan boasts durable, supple recycled polyester fabric that provides midweight warmth and top-notch comfort, with an updated design that’s now even more resistant to abrasion and pilling. Plus, the sleek, minimalist look goes everywhere, so this fleece is the kind of gift that keeps giving.
Columbia Helvetia II Half-Snap Fleece Pullover
When conditions call for cozy, this fleece pullover delivers. The polyester fabric is soft and warm and the half-zip design enhances insulation. The men’s version has stretch binding at the collar, cuffs, and hem, plus a kangaroo pocket. The women’s version has stretch binding at the collar and cuffs and a slightly cropped hem with a drawcord. Both have a zippered chest pocket and maximum coziness.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
The hiker on your list either has a Nano Puff Jacket or covets one. If it’s the latter, be the one to make their wish come true. This iconic puffy impresses with a warmth-to-weight ratio that makes it a fantastic part of any layering system, and its synthetic fill insulates even if it does get wet. With great packability for a synthetic jacket, an internal pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, and two hand pockets, the adult version is the perfect puffy for day hikers, backpackers, and anybody who craves a do-it-all midlayer. And the infant/toddler version? Irresistible.
REI Co-op Trailmade Pants
For hikers, pants are like boots—you wear them a lot, so they’d better be good. The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are among the most full-featured models in the category, with stretchy, breathable fabric that’s made without PFAS (forever chemicals) and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. Two hand pockets and two back pockets ensure your phone, snacks, and other items are accessible, and there’s even a sunglasses loop. And most importantly, the pants are made for movement—hiking, scrambling, and climbing encouraged.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough has a cult following in hiking circles, and it’s sure to grow by one when you give these socks. The Micro Crew Cushion Socks offer a just-right combination of softness, structure, and medium cushion, with a merino-blend material that wicks away sweat and regulates temperature. And then there’s Darn Tough’s legendary durability, which will keep these socks in top-tier trail shape season after high-mileage season.
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Smartwool has been making feet happy with merino-blend socks for decades, and any hiker will appreciate the plush, super-comfortable result of all this experience. This model’s light cushioning softens the trail’s ups and downs while maintaining precise ground feel. The merino-blend fabric also wicks sweat well and resists odor, and the Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks’ mesh zones prevent feet from becoming too stuffy, even if the going is hard and uphill.
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Hiking Boots
If a hiker doesn’t have a good pair of boots, they’re not going to enjoy hiking. Put them on the right path with the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX. The Vibram Fuga outsoles with self-adapting lugs hold fast to any terrain, while the Mountain 600 Leaf GTX’s rubberized EVA midsoles, TPU heel frame, and burly leather uppers provide the stability and protection you need for long miles and heavy loads. Quality craftsmanship and GORE-TEX waterproofing provide tough, all-weather protection, so you can focus on doing more of what you love—hiking.
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 26 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.
