By Gill Stewart at
There’s a hiker or walking enthusiast in every family as well as those who would love to get out more in 2026. That’s why gifts for walkers and Nordic walkers are a great option as your start that search for a unique gift.
We love to add fun and interest to walks and also encourage good walking technique so we have drawn up our top 10 gifts for walkers of all ages…..
1. A WATERPROOF STOWAWAY BACKPACK
This is a genius design that everyone needs
A lightweight backpack that has the usual section for carrying your water bottle plus pockets for valuables and a simple and totally waterproof roll top closing action.
Better still when not in use you can roll it back into its pouch. Just perfect for holiday hikes or even a day exploring markets when you need that extra capacity for a last minute purchase. A comfortable durable backpack that takes up no space in the hall or car but makes things easy to carry and keeps them dry.
Available in black or burnt orange.
Make walking FUN for all the family without having to head for the hills. Mystery guides make it fun to explore by foot as you solve clues and learn about the location you are walking in. They are great fun for groups to do together and suit all ages.
They make a day out a real experience and can be done at your own pace with as many refreshment stops as you fancy too. Find them at MYSTERY GUIDES.CO.UK
We may be biased but EVERY WALKER NEEDS 2 POLES and even keen polers are often secretly pining for new improved ones or a pair that collapse for travel etc. Now there is a simple answer when it comes to getting the RIGHT walking poles for your loved ones. WALX poles are suitable for everyone from serious hikers to those in need of stability. They are also the ultimate upgrade for nordic walkers who want to experience the comfort and power that you can gain from the angled shaft and ergonomic handles. They even come with ‘Get started’ videos matched to the needs of the walker.
OK there are Apps for everything these days from cloud recognition to plant identification but sometimes it’s nice to ditch the phone and go old school with a pocket guide. Whether it’s trees, birds or mushrooms our groups love to find out more about the wonderful nature they encounter.
One of our favourites is the little leaf swatch book from the woodland trust which helps you identify and learn more about leaves and trees.
A lovely little gift and supporting the great Warri they do to protect our wonderful trees
You can find pocket sized guides about everything from insects and butterflies to seaweed and reptiles. The biggest decision will be which one to take out.
5. A WAIST PACK
Backpacks are great for longer walks but sometimes you just want to carry the essentials (and they are essential on any walk) These are of course your fully charged PHONE, WATER, a SNACK and KEYS!. Waist packs mean your shoulders are free and your back does not get sweaty – This one form Fizan is perfect for pole users and the water bottle holder can be packed away leaving two pockets for your phone and valuables. You can fit in a lightweight layer or in case of emergency a foil blanket.
6. A WATERPROOF PACKABLE PONCHO
Lightweight packable and the perfect way to stay dry whatever the temperature. We have tested these in the worst conditions and would now not venture out without one!
The Mac in a Sac poncho is so versatile it can go over a T shirt in a Summer shower (great for staying cool and dry) or several layers on a cold winters day! No more tight rainwear on those days you need extra layers – stay dry whatever the temperature and whatever you are wearing. You can even throw it over your backpack to make sure nothing gets sodden even in the worst conditions. The length means your legs stay dry too and they are one size so suitable for everyone. They come in a little bag and are so light you don’t know you are carrying it!
No need to carry a massive vacuum flask if you want to enjoy your tea or coffee en route. These 2 cup sized carry mugs are great for any length of walk and will keep your drink either super cool (great if you pop some ice in) or toasty warm.
They fit neatly into backpacks or the pockets on waist packs (see above) and are really durable too.
Choose from Forest green or our signature purple to stay hydrated and beat the queues for over priced coffee!
8. TICK CARDS and BLISTER PADS
Looking for the ultimate stocking fillers for walkers – both of these items are essential. The Pellitec Blister pads go into the shoe or boot and PREVENT blisters if there is a friction point. This year ticks were more prevalent than ever in the UK and as they carry Lyme Disease, it is important to remove them quickly and properly. Ticks cards slip into any pocket and come with hooks for any size tick plus a magnifying glass to help ensure you remove them correctly. To avoid the risk of them attaching themselves to you in the first place, we also recommend eco friendly tick oil to put them off!
9. A NECK BUFF
Just the most durable and useful items of clothing for any outdoor enthusiast! Great for keeping the neck area warm on chilly days but also good in the heat if you wet them. You can also use them as a headband, hat or hairband. One regular walker told us she used her as a face mask on a long haul flight too! Lightweight breathable and stylish, these ones are made by FLANCI especially for WALX – a must have for any walker (or frequent flyer)!
10. A HEADTORCH
The days are short and the wintry weather is already bringing poor visibility via sleet snow and fog. Be seen by other path and road users and make sure you can see ahead of you too. These lightweight waterproof head torches are great for walkers. They are fully re-chargeable via a USB and have two options for making you viable and helping you stay safe. Choose from a fluorescent strip light or directional torch beam. A no brainer at only £19.99 too.
If all else fails, why not browse the WALX store for our Gift bundles and vouchers or talk to the expert team on 0333 1234 540 about what might be right for the walker in your Family ( or yourself of course!)
Don’t forget we also offer GET STARTED and INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES for all levels – a great way to change somebody’s life this festive season.
