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

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.