WIRED's gift guide for hikers and backpackers: socks, knives and fire kits

Socks top the list

WIRED has refreshed its annual gift guide for hikers, backpackers and other outdoorsy people, published on 10 November 2026. The guide's top recommendation is an unexpected one: merino wool socks, specifically a pair from Darn Tough at $26.

According to WIRED, outdoorsy people wear through socks quickly, so the gift is almost certain to be used. Merino wool, a fine natural fibre, stays comfortable over several days of wear, resists odour and helps the body regulate temperature in both cold and warm conditions. The publication notes that Darn Tough socks have a high merino content, survive heavy use and come in many colours and designs. For colder trips, it also suggests Minus 33 Expedition Weight merino socks at $24.

The November update added several new items, including trousers, a fire-starting kit, a Nalgene pressurizer kit and cast iron pans for open-flame cooking.

A classic blade for trail lunches

For a more traditional gift, WIRED recommends the Opinel No. 8 folding knife, priced at $23. The French-made knife is presented as ideal for picnics of cheese, cured meat and bread on a hike.

The guide notes that Opinel sells many variations, including versions with artist-designed handles. One caution is included: the carbon steel model is best avoided as a gift, because the blade can rust if the knife sits unused in a backpack. WIRED advises choosing the stainless steel version instead.

Learning to make fire the old way

A new addition to the guide is the Townsends Classic Firestarting Kit, a flint-and-striker set costing $38. Townsends makes historical gear, and the kit reflects fire-making methods from the era of the American Revolutionary War up to the invention of matches.

WIRED describes the technique as difficult but rewarding, and suggests it works well as a supervised activity with children. The guide frames it as a way to appreciate how convenient a modern lighter really is.

Cooking over an open flame

For camp cooking, WIRED recommends the Lancaster Cast Iron skillet at $145, calling it its favourite pan for open-flame use. The pan has a thick base for even heating and thinner side walls that keep the weight down. Its smooth finish also gives a more nonstick surface than rougher cast iron, which the guide says is helpful when cooking over a fire.

The guide pairs the pan with Cooking on Fire, a recipe book covering open-flame techniques. It includes recipes from simple vegetables to slow-cooked meats, plus background on fire types, cooking methods and equipment such as spits and forked sticks. WIRED reports trying the grilled pork belly, grilled carrots and griddle cakes from the book with good results.

Why it matters

The guide's central advice is that serious outdoor enthusiasts usually research their own major gear, such as boots, so gift givers should avoid trying to guess at technical equipment. Instead, WIRED suggests small, useful or whimsical items the recipient would not buy for themselves.

The full list, along with WIRED's other buying guides on sleeping bags, footwear and merino wool, is available on the WIRED website. Prices and availability may change, so readers should check current listings before buying.