Backpacking Gift Ideas for All Budgets: 33 Things We Actually Want

By Alissa Bell: lover of long trails, big views, and light gear

Updated:

Do you need gift ideas for a special backpacker in your life? You’re in luck! Backpacking is a gear-intensive activity, and there are tons of items (in all budget ranges) that we backpackers would love to receive as gifts.

Here’s the thing though: backpackers are usually trying to carry less stuff, not more. Stuff is heavy! And the stuff we do carry is often specific to our personal style, gear setup, and favorite trails. If you randomly choose a backpacking gift from a list that’s just promoting the latest gear, there’s a good chance it will languish unused in their garage.

My goal with this list is to offer gift ideas that a majority of backpackers will actually want and use. It’s tough to generalize, but as an avid hiker and gear nerd I’m pretty familiar with the range of styles and preferences out there. Though it still helps to know a bit about your backpacker – are they new or experienced, lightweight or traditional, fast or leisurely – I’ve done my best to offer the tried-and-true favorites most likely to be a hit.

Read on for dozens of fun and useful gift ideas for people who love backpacking!

When you buy through affiliate links in this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for your support! I always offer unbiased opinions based on real experience from the road and trail. Learn more.

Affordable Gifts (Under $30)

These affordable gifts for backpackers are exactly the type of thing we love most: small and useful items that pack a ton of value for their price. Gift one, stuff a stocking with several, or pair with a more expensive item further down the list.

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon

A spoon might seem like a boring gift, but this classic design is beloved by backpackers for its featherlight weight, long-enough-for-any-container handle, and mouth-friendly shape that’s somehow just right for scraping the last bite out of any kind of bowl.

Buff Headwear

Backpackers can never have enough of these handy tubular accessories. They’re headbands, sweat bands, dust masks, pillow cases, ear warmers, and so much more. Choose a fun pattern that suits your favorite hiker’s vibe.

Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets

Most backpackers already have a favorite water filter, but chlorine dioxide tablets make a great emergency backup or ultralight standalone. Nothing shows you care like a gift that says “I don’t want you to get explosive diarrhea.”

GEAR AID Tenacious Tape

Every backpacker should have a few inches of this gear repair tape in their kit. I’ve used it on more items than I care to think of – rain clothing, inflatable sleeping pad, down sleeping bag – and it’s never failed me. The clear color is most versatile.

Reusable Ziplock Pouches

An ideal gift for the sustainability-focused backpacker, these reusable ziplock pouches are perfect for packing snacks and dried meal ingredients without disposable single-use plastic bags.

Vapur Portable Flask

Perfect for the fun-loving backpacker who appreciates both a light pack and a bit of whisky around the campfire.

Insulated Food Pouch and Cooking Cozy

If your backpacker cooks dehydrated meals on their trips, they’ll love this ultralight cozy to help their food rehydrate faster and stay warm longer. The medium size is most versatile.

Sea to Summit Collapsible X-Mug

This popular collapsible mug packs down to nothing and works great as either a bowl or a cup. Go with the X-Mug model, not the smaller X-Cup – they’ll thank you when the hiker-sized appetite kicks in! Heads up though: if your backpacker goes solo with an ultralight pack, they might prefer to just eat out of their pot.

Platypus SoftBottle Flexible Water Bottle

This handy 1 liter bottle folds down to nearly nothing when empty, making it perfect for extra water capacity or while traveling to a faraway backpacking destination.

National Park Poster

The Landmark Project prints beautiful original artwork for each National Park on these gorgeous posters. If your backpacker has a favorite national park, this is sure to be a hit.

RumbleRoller Extra Firm Beastie Massage Ball

It might look like a torture device, but this compact massage ball can offer sweet relief for tight muscles after a long day on the trail. Backpackers can use it at home after a trip or even take it along as a luxury item.

Nikwax Hardshell Cleaning and Waterproofing

Sooner or later, every backpacker will need to refresh the waterproofing on their rain gear. This combo pack of detergent and waterproofing treatment is perfect to use at the end of each hiking season to keep waterproof pants and jacket in top condition. If they already have some, they’ll soon need more!

Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm

Hotspots and blisters can be a real problem for some backpackers, especially newer ones who haven’t found their favorite shoes yet. Help keep their feet happy with this popular lightweight anti-chafe balm.

Field Guide to the Weather

Every backpacker eventually discovers that the weather plays a key role in their experience. Help them get better at reading the skies with this practical guidebook.

Titanium Bathroom Trowel

Perfect for a newer backpacker who’s still figuring out the finer points of taking care of business in the woods. Help them keep the trails pristine and enjoy a smooth bathroom experience with this lightweight titanium potty trowel.

How to Shit in the Woods

Speaking of bathroom trowels… Get a laugh and help them learn a valuable Leave No Trace skill by gifting this classic little book.

Smartwool Socks

It’s hard to go wrong with lightweight merino wool socks in general, but try to consider your backpacker’s shoe preferences. Folks who hike in trail running shoes often prefer low-cut and lightly cushioned socks, while boot enthusiasts tend toward taller and more cushioned options.

Freeze Dried Meals

Freeze dried meals are lightweight and convenient, but the cost can really add up. Surprise your backpacker with a selection of backpacking meals. Even if they already have their favorite, they’ll probably be happy to try something new.

Mid-Range Gifts ($30 – $100)

The backpacking gifts in this range are quality pieces of gear that most backpackers would be thrilled to receive. Pair one with a couple smaller stocking stuffers from the section above for a fun backpacking-themed gift basket.

Outdoorsy Apparel

The Landmark Project makes delightful tees and other apparel with original outdoorsy graphics sure to resonate with backpacking enthusiasts. Choose a personalized gift from hundreds of options.

Snow Peak Titanium Mug

An ultralight and ultra-durable camp mug perfect for coffee, hot chocolate, or even cooking a simple solo meal directly on an ultralight stove. My husband and I received these mugs as wedding presents 10 years ago and we still use them regularly!

Petzl Bindi Ultra-Compact Headlamp

This clever compact design disappears into a pack and has all the features backpackers love: USB recharging, several brightness levels, and a red light for preserving night vision at camp.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Day Pack

This little foldable pack is perfect for backpackers who like to take side trips or bag peaks along the way. They can stash their heavy pack and bring only the essentials while adding almost no weight to their overall setup. It’s also super handy for traveling.

Ainope USB Power Bank 10000mAh

Reliable power bank in an impressively compact and lightweight package. Backpacking-friendly features include quick charging, dual simultaneous charging, and both USB-A and USB-C compatibility.

Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals

Not all backpackers like camp shoes, but for those who do it’s hard to find a pair that’s both as light and durable as these. They’re a bit of a splurge, which is exactly why your favorite hiker will appreciate receiving them as a gift.

Big Blue 28W Solar Charger

Not every backpacker will find this worth the weight, so check with them first! But for those who like to keep electronics charged in the backcountry and aren’t counting every ounce, this is a durable portable solar charger that actually works, even in semi-cloudy weather. Read my review to learn more.

NESCO Food Dehydrator

For the backpacker who enjoys food prep or has dietary restrictions, DIY dehydrated meals can save money and make menu planning easier. I’ve been using this dehydrator for years to make backpacking food in bulk for long trips.

More Expensive Gifts ($100+)

These generous gifts will make a big impression and deliver big value when your favorite backpacker is out on the trail. Just make sure to check with the recipient first and/or be ready to help with a return. Experienced backpackers probably already have a version of these items that works well for them.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad

The gold standard of lightweight sleeping pads, the NeoAir XLite packs down impressively small for its comfort and warmth. If your backpacker doesn’t already have a sleeping pad they love, there’s a good chance they’ll be stoked about this one.

Smartwool Merino Base Layers

Clothes can be tricky (be prepared to return or exchange if it’s not the right fit), but many backpackers love merino wool for its stink-resistance and thermoregulation properties. Smartwool is a quality brand and their lightweight t-shirts and half-zip long sleeve shirts are most versatile.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles

They might already have trekking poles, but if they don’t have these trekking poles they’ll surely appreciate the upgrade. These are top-of-the-line lightweight carbon poles that fold down small and are partially adjustable, ticking all the boxes an ideal trekking pole should tick. Make sure you choose the right length for their height. Read my review to learn more.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

This classic ultralight rain jacket is perfect for the backpacker who’s making an effort to cut weight from their pack. Known for its balance of practical features with minimalist size and weight, it’s a good choice for people who hike in mostly mild weather during spring, summer, or fall.

Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Messenger

This generous gift will help keep your favorite backpacker safe on the trail – the perfect way to show you care! If they don’t already have a satellite messenger or if they’re using the simpler SPOT Gen 3, they’ll love the custom messaging feature in addition to the usual emergency capabilities. Though they will need to pay a recurring fee to use the service, there’s an option to freeze and restart as often as needed.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket

This popular ultralight down jacket is a high-end gift for someone who loves to hike fast and light in moderate weather. It’s not the warmest down jacket out there, but it’s very warm for its weight and packs down tiny.

Gift Cards, Subscriptions, and Donations

AllTrails Pro Subscription

There are several good apps for finding and navigating hiking trails, but I find that AllTrails often has the most recent crowdsourced comments and updates thanks to its large user base. It’s free for basic features, and the small monthly fee unlocks offline maps and navigation – a key feature for backpacking.

REI Gift Card

Let them choose the gear they need most with a gift card to REI Co-op. REI carries a good variety of backpacking-specific gear as well as general outdoor gear and clothing. They’re also known for their excellent return policy, inclusive culture, and commitment to protecting the environment.

Donation to Their Favorite Trail Stewardship or Conservation Organization

Backpackers tend to be passionate about protecting the places and trails we love. Does your backpacker have a favorite region or long-distance trail? Make a donation to its stewardship organization in their name. For example, if they’ve hiked the Arizona Trail you could donate to the Arizona Trail Association, or the Colorado Trail Foundation for the Colorado Trail.

Surely by now you’ve found the perfect backpacking gift idea for your friend or loved one. If you’re still unsure, just ask them! They probably have their own wishlist of dream gear they’d be happy to tell you about.

Tips For Buying Gifts for Backpackers

If you feel comfortable, ask them what they need! They probably have a wishlist of coveted gear in their head or even written down.

When buying a specific piece of gear, camping equipment, or clothing without knowing if it’s needed, make sure it’s returnable. Include a gift receipt so they can exchange it themselves, or make it very clear that you’ll help them return it and they can use the money to buy something else. None of us want your expensive gift to sit unused in the garage because it doesn’t suit our setup and we feel too shy or guilty to admit it.

Generally speaking, more experienced backpackers are harder to choose gifts for than new backpackers who are still building their gear collection. Those of us who’ve been doing this a long time already have what we need and love what we have. Best to ask us first so we can tell you what cool new thing we want to try or what wore out and needs replacing.

More Backpacking Resources

If this article helped you, you might also enjoy these:

Or visit the Exploring Wild backpacking resources center for LOTS more!

About the Author

Hi there, I’m Alissa, founder of Exploring Wild. I’ve had the pleasure of hiking the Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and countless shorter amazing trails throughout the US and abroad. I love solitude, big views, and a good lightweight gear setup. Learn more here.

Excited about backpacking but need help getting started? The Backpacking Trip Planner Workbook will help you start off on the right foot.

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