Last Updated on August 24, 2023

Going hiking in the desert or know someone who is? There is plenty of useful gear you can pick as a gift for adventure seekers or people who are into backpacking or camping amongst sand dunes, and there are plenty of options which are both useful and functional.

When choosing the perfect gift for desert hikers, think about what the person enjoys doing in the desert, whether it’s hiking, camping, exploring, practicing sports or any other type of activite. Then also consider the unique challenges and conditions of the desert environment, such as extreme temperatures, dry air, and intense sunlight, and think about what could be useful in such a place.

Choose a gift that both fits your giftee’s interests and is suitable for these conditions and that will help the person stay safe and comfortable in the desert.

Below, a personally curated list of gift ideas for the desert for birthdays, anniversary and “not-so-white” Christmas celebrations… or just to wish someone good luck on their desert adventures.

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Gifts for desert hiking, trekking and camping

Gifts for Desert Dwellers

Desert Hiking Gifts Under $25

Inexpensive gift that won’t break your wallet while still being very cool and useful in the sand. The best budget friendly gifts for sand dune backpackers include scarves and small water flasks, especially suited for the hottest desert climates.

Just dune it! T-Shirt

Need a motivational push for your desert adventure? The infamous “just do it” quote takes a whole new meaning when you are practicing extreme sports in the desert.

You can also find a bunch of desert- and sandboard- themed shirts on our store, and they are all under budget.

Keffiyeh / Shemagh Scarf

A quality shemagh scarf is the perfect fashion choice for desert dwellers, and there are many options within budget. Ideally, opt for 100% cotton or cashmere fabric. These types of desert scarves are both fashionable and practical as they can be worn in a variety of ways, offering protection from the sun, wind and dust of the desert.

Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The best water bottle for desert hiking is one that comes with several layers of insulation, which keep the water temperature from overheating in the scorching desert sun.

Stainless steel water flasks are also leak-proof and shatter-proof which means your gift will survive the roughest dune bashing session.


Desert Hiking Gifts Between 25$ and $50

Staying hydrated should be on top of every desert hiker’s checklist and upgrading your gift to a higher value water flask can make a big difference.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Another water bottle that is perfect for trips in desert. Vacuum insulated and leak proof, these flasks come in sizes up to 64 oz (almost 2 liters) which can truly make the difference on a hot day in the sand dunes. Wanna upgrade to something even more useful?

Get a desert survival bottle with a water filter that will essentially let you purify and drink any water source you encounter from streams, fountains, etc.


Desert Hiking Gifts Between $50 and $200

Desert backpacking gear makes a great gift for someone who is going on a desert adventure. Backpacks, desert hiking shoes, tents etc. are all great gift ideas within this price range.

Kelty Redwing Backpack

Looking for the best desert backpacks? Kelty Redwing are versatile and lightweight, and ideal for trekking and camping amongst sand dunes, including both water bottle pockets and sleeping bag compartments. Their Amp Flow ventilated back technology allows to keep the hiker’s back cool and dry even in the hottest weather.

Clarks Desert Boots

Clarks has been in business for over 100 years making very fine dress shoes in a variety of styles, and their collection is especially dedicated to desert boots and chukka shoes.

Clarks Boot Desert Men's Chukka Shoes
Check Mens Shoes
Clarks Women's Desert Boot Ankle Bootie
Check Womens Shoes

Too formal? Barefoot enthusiast? We got you covered. See: Best desert barefoot shoes.


Desert Hiking Gifts Over 200$

The best presents we receive are experiences, and the memories we have of them – which need to be captured and re-lived. Gifts any desert explorer will love.

Sandboard

We could not forget to mention the ultimate gift for sand dune dwellers – a sandboard! Sand dune surfing is fun and thrilling and can be practiced on most dunes away from vegetation. Check our list of sandboards and sand sleds for sale and don’t forget to include some sandboard wax as well for a complete gift set.

GoPro Hero 9

A GoPro camera is a must for every adventure hiker and even more so if visiting exotic desert destinations. The latest GoPro Hero is untoppable for desert photography and videography, with 5K video shooting, 20MP photo clarity, and an option for live broadcasting on social media. Digital nomads and vloggers rejoyce!


Desert Hiking Gifts Over 1000$

If you are looking for a premium gift for yourself or a loved one, no expense spared, then look no further. Professional cameras, dirt bikes and off-road vehicles will spark joy in any desert adventurer out there.

Professional Camera for Desert Photography

Every adventure seeker needs the best equipment to document their journeys. We reviewed some of the best camera for shooting stunning golden landscapes and came up with a few winners: Fujifilm GFX 100 102MP, Nikon Z 7II FX-Format Mirrorless and Canon EOS-1D X Mark III won the podium.

Dirt Bike

Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki are popular motorcycle brands that offer two-wheeled off-road vehicles a.k.a. dirt bikes. For true adrenaline lovers.

Best Dirt Bikes for Desert

Yamaha YZ250
Yamaha YZ250
Photo: Rainmaker47
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KTM 300 XC-W
Photo: Cdw1952
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Honda CR250
Photo: Rainmaker47
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-4-1024x768.jpegYamaha YZ450F
Photo: Peprovira

KTM 450 XC-W
Photo: M I K E M O R R I S
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Honda CRF450X
Photo: Dbratland

Dune Buggy

The ultimate off-road vehicle for sand dunes – the almighty dune buggy. Sand duning / dune bashing is hands down one of the most fun and adrenaline-filled activities one can enjoy in the desert, and driving your very own ATV is the best way to enjoy bumpy rides all year round.

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