Holiday shopping for someone who spends their weekends on the trail is one of the easier tasks on the list. Hikers genuinely want gear, they'll use whatever you give them, and there's a fresh wave of outdoor kit every season. A recent gift guide from Outside Online, built around picks from outdoor retailer REI, rounds up eight items that cover a hiker from head to toe. Here's what makes the cut.

Weather protection leads the way. The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket uses a 2.5-layer waterproof membrane to block rain and wind, and adds practical touches like pit zips for venting, zippered hand pockets, and internal drop-in pockets for anything that needs to stay dry. Sealed seams and a soft-touch finish make it comfortable too, and there's a kids' version with the same protection.

For insulation, the guide suggests two fleece options. The Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan is a midweight recycled-polyester layer that's been updated to resist abrasion and pilling, with a clean, minimalist look that works off the trail as well as on it. If you want something cosier, a half-zip fleece pullover in soft polyester comes in men's and women's fits — the men's has a kangaroo pocket, the women's a slightly cropped drawcord hem, and both have a zippered chest pocket.

Then there's the puffy everyone wants: the Patagonia Nano Puff. Its synthetic fill keeps insulating even when wet, it packs down into its own internal pocket, and the warmth-to-weight ratio makes it a go-to midlayer for day hikers and backpackers alike. An infant and toddler version exists, which is almost too cute to pass up.

On the lower half, the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants bring stretchy, breathable fabric made without PFAS forever chemicals, UPF 50+ sun protection, four pockets, and even a sunglasses loop — all cut for movement whether the day involves hiking, scrambling, or a bit of climbing.

Socks get serious attention. The Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion pairs a merino blend that wicks sweat and regulates temperature with medium cushioning and the brand's famous durability. Smartwool's Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew offers a plusher feel with lighter cushioning, odour-resistant merino fabric, and mesh zones that keep feet from overheating on climbs.

Finally, boots: the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX pairs Vibram Fuga outsoles with self-adapting lugs, a rubberised EVA midsole, a TPU heel frame, leather uppers, and GORE-TEX waterproofing — a stable, all-weather option for long miles and heavy loads.

Why it matters: anyone shopping for an outdoorsy friend or family member this season gets a ready-made shortlist that spans a full kit — shell, insulation, trousers, socks, and boots — from brands with strong reputations. Prices aren't listed in the guide, so check REI's site, but the range covers everything from affordable socks to a serious boot investment. It's also a useful benchmark if you're buying equivalents elsewhere. (Worth noting: this is sponsored content from REI, so treat it as a curated pick list rather than an independent comparison.) Source: Outside Online