What do you get the hill-loverin your life for Christmas? If you haven’t got a clue about gear or they seem to have everything already, it can be hard to know where to start.
Thankfully, here at What’s The Best we know a thing or two about outdoor pursuits - from airbeds to sleeping bags, we're fans of adventure. We’ve used our expertise to put together a quick guide to the best Christmas gifts for hillwalkers. In our list, you’ll find custom maps and GPS gadgets, inspiring books and hillside espresso makers. There’s sure to be one or two stocking fillers in here for you to choose from.
The best Christmas gifts for hillwalkers UK 2021
Here are our top-rated Christmas gifts for hillwalkers this year, at a glance. If something catches your eye and you think it might be a good match, don't forget to scroll down for our full breakdown of the best gifts for adventurers.
The best gifts for walkers this Christmas at a glance:
• Epic Hikes of the World by Lonely Planet
• I’d Rather Be Hiking Tote Bag
• WACACO Minipresso NS Portable Espresso Machine
• Garmin eTrex 32x Outdoor Handheld GPS
• Customised Ordnance Survey Map
• Fitbit Inspire Health and Fitness Tracker
• Nordic Walking Retro Tourism Poster
• Ultimate Outdoor Alpaca Socks
• Hiker Definition Print
• Hord Custom Topographic Map Hip Flask
• Rural Airbnb stay
• Trail Magazine Subscription
• Wasatch Mountains Metal Wall Art
• Hiking Poop Card
The best Christmas gifts for hillwalkers in detail
Epic Hikes of the World by Lonely Planet
The ultimate coffee table book for hikers, walkers, trekkers and backpackers, Epic Hikes of the World celebrates 50 of the greatest hikes from 30 countries. From Californian coastal paths and Swiss winter valley treks to Tanzanian and Nicaraguan volcanic ascents, this books beautifully presents every hike with a wealth of information and inspiring imagery.
I’d Rather Be Hiking Tote Bag
This is the ideal stocking filler or Secret Santa gift because it is, without a doubt, true.
WACACO Minipresso NS Portable Espresso Machine
Arguably the only problem with the great outdoors is the absence of coffee shops. This problem is solved with the Minipresso, as it allows delicious espresso coffee to tasted at base camp with ease. It uses Nespresso and Nespresso-compatible pods, hot water, and internal pressure-creating pistons, the compact device delivers the perfect hillside coffee in a matter of seconds. It's only small too, fitting into a backpack's bottle pocket.
Garmin eTrex 32x Outdoor Handheld GPS
A handheld GPS is the ideal gadget for hikers, allowing you to check your heading, triangulate your position, access maps, check your elevation, and read up on barometric pressure to better predict incoming weather conditions. The eTrex is a great example of such a device, with a large, easy-read screen and 24-hour battery life.
Customised Ordnance Survey Map
If you know a hiker who loves maps as they do walking, then consider having a custom, official OS map made. You can choose between an Explorer and Landranger style, with the centre of the map focusing on a specific location, city or grid reference. Additionally, you can title the map as desired, and have the print folded, flat for framing, framed or printed on canvas.
Fitbit Inspire 2 Health and Fitness Tracker
Tracking your steps and calories is always an interesting and motivating thing, and with the Fitbit Inspire, it's never been more accessible. While it'll keep tabs on a day's activity, it'll also work through the night to inform the wearer how well they've slept (which, after a long walk and a pub dinner, is sure to be very well).
Nordic Walking Retro Tourism Poster
The perfect artwork for any dedicated walker's home office or living room, modelled on traditional and vintage tourism marketing, the poster reads: "Try the real Nordic walking, take a hike in Norway".
Ultimate Outdoor Alpaca Socks
No, these are not socks for alpacas - they are socks made from the lovely warm wool of the llama-like mammal. The result? Insulation, moisture-resistance and super-soft comfort. Ideal for a wintery Boxing Day ramble.
Hiker Definition Print
Low-fuss and a little romantic, this quote is a nice gift that would suit any hillwalkers kitchen, dining room or boot room.
Hord Custom Topographic Map Hip Flask
What could be better than a hipflask filled with their favourite beverage and the rest of the bottle wrapped separately (if you're not sure what whisky to go for, we've selflessly tried and tested the best). Hord has a selection of stainless steel flasks wrapped in cork or leather and engraved with the topography of the recipient's favourite mountain.
A trip to one of the UK’s best rural Airbnb stays
While some enjoy the hustle of busy cities or the relentless beat of the Spanish Sun, some enjoy and crave the quiet, wide-open spaces of the countryside. Booking a 2021 weekend away in one of the UK's most beautiful and rural locations is something that any nature-lover will be happy to receive. Read our article on the best rural Airbnbs now, and prepare to get excited.
Wasatch Mountains Metal Wall Art
A tasteful piece of minimalist wall art that will look just as good in the home office as on the wall of a campervan.
Trail Magazine Subscription
With this package deal, the lucky recipient will receive 13 issues of Trail, the UK's best-selling hillwalking magazine. Each issue comes with walk and hiking guides, photography features and extensive kit reviews and previews. As they say, a subscription is the gift that keeps on giving.
Hiking Poop Card
Just in need of a cheeky greeting card? Look no further than this, which reads "She may be lost but at least she can poop in a hole." It's also the perfect place to tuck a few vouchers to an outdoor shop, too. It's also available as a print.
Looking to gift your hillwalker with some (more) equipment?
Any hillwalker will be over the moon to receive any of the gifts above, but if you know they’re hoping to receive some new equipment this year, have no fear. From new backpacks and walking boots to waterproofs and camping gadgets, we’ve got plenty of buyer’s guides for anyone looking to pick up some outdoor and hiking equipment.
Check out all our Outdoors articles for the best camping, adventure and travel gear.
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Thoughtful Christmas gifts - the presents that keep on giving
William Lobley is a Senior Commercial Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in technology, gaming and outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
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