26 Gifts for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
Shopping for gifts can be challenging, especially when you don’t have the slightest idea what to get someone. Fortunately, if you know a handful of their hobbies and interests it can be a lot easier to find something they might like. If you’re shopping for someone who likes the outdoors and goes hiking, you’re in the right place. Below are 25 perfect gifts for hikers and backpackers.
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Gifts Under $15
Long Handle Spoon
Premade backpacking meals are a delicious way to fill up at the end of the day. Unfortunately, these meals come in some deep bags. Using a typical spoon leaves your knuckles and wrist covered in sauce and food residue. A long handle spoon helps you get those last few bites without the mess.
This titanium long handle spoon from TOAKS is our pick. It’s really lightweight and easy to clean. With 8.5 inches of length, getting sloppy wrists will no longer be a concern.
Day Bag
There are days on the trail where backpackers will drop of their heavy pack, pack a day bag, then adventure down an offshoot trail. It could be to check out a must-see view or to add some milage to a short day. Having a lightweight and compact day bag is a must for these types of adventures.
This HOLYLUCK bag is perfect for this purpose. It’s a no-frills, simple drawstring bag with a zipper pocket to separate small items. It is also water resistant to protect belongings from moisture if it starts to rain. It comes in a variety of colors and designs as well, so it’ll satisfy any style. Find it here!
Or, if you prefer a bag with a little more to offer, check out this Adidas drawstring that is just a smidge above $15.
Selfie Stick/Tripod
Selfie sticks got a bad rep a few years ago, but they’re actually a great tool for backpacking. On the trial, you come across some insane views that are worthy of a picture. Unfortunately, there typically aren’t a lot of people around to help you get that shot. A selfie stick or tripod allows hikers to get in those photos.
This selfie stick tripod from kzomKzoo is a great option. It’s lighter than many other options at 6 ounces, comes with a Bluetooth remote, and fits most popular devices. Legs fold out to make a sturdy tripod or you can hold on to the extendable arm to take a selfie.
Quick Drying Towel
When you spend days in the woods, you might want to keep yourself fresh by taking a quick bath in a river or lake. However, a typical bath towel is too bulky to take in your pack. A microfiber, quick drying travel towel like this one is perfect for a camp bath.
We recommend the BOGI microfiber travel towel. They come in several sizes, have a built in loop for hanging, and have a compact travel bag. They’re also microfiber, so they’ll be soft and dry quickly.
Travel Wine Bag
Know what pairs really well with a campfire after a long day of backpacking? A little bit of booze. Unfortunately booze bottles and flasks tend to be a bit heavy and difficult to pack. That’s where a wine bag comes in handy.
We like the Platypus PlatyPreserve wine bag for this purpose. It is airtight, collapsible, and really lightweight at only .8 ounces. This brand has food-grade lining that is BPA, bps, and phthalate-free so the material isn’t going to make it’s contents taste weird or be harmful to your health. It doesn’t have to be wine in here, either.
Sleep Mask
Tents aren’t effective at keeping light out. That means once the sun comes up, which can be pretty early when you’re on the side of a mountain, your tent will get bright. Same goes for full moon nights. A sleep mask can help a backpacker get a good night’s sleep.
This 2 pack from BeeVines is ideal for backpackers and campers. It is made of silk, so it is gentle on the skin. The adjustable strap assures it will stay put on any size of head.
Water-Resistant Travel Journal
The perfect gift for the introspective nature lover is a water-resistant travel journal. Journaling is a great way to keep a record of your backcountry adventures. It’s also a great form of entertainment if you backpack solo. A water resistant one will keep those entries safe from rain, snow, or a tumble into a water way.
This Rite in The Rain spiral notebook is small, durable, and perfect for backpacking. You can write on it with pen, pencil, or market to fill the 64 waterproof pages. It weighs 3.2 ounces, so it’s fairly lightweight as well.
Gifts Between $15-50
Headlamp
It’s nice to have some hands-free light when you’re moving about camp at night. If your favorite backpacker is carrying a flashlight around, do them a big favor and get them a headlamp.
We recommend this PETZL headlamp. It has 3 different lighting levels with the highest capping out at 250 lumens, so you can choose how bright you want to go. The soft, adjustable strap assures it will fit snugly on anyone’s head even with a hat on.
This will do the trick for most backpackers, but if you want to level up, check out this 450 lumens rechargeable PETZL headlamp that also has a red mode. Red light can be beneficial because it extends battery life and helps preserve your natural ability to see in low light conditions.
Portable Charger
Believe it or not, there aren’t many charging stations in the backcountry. While they probably won’t have the service to scroll through social media, they might use their phone for pictures, music, or navigation. Having a reliable charge bank will assure they won’t be stuck with a dead phone.
A good option is the Anker PowerCore 5000 portable charger. It is good for at least 1 charge for most cell phones and is more compact than many other similar power banks. It weighs 4.8 ounces, so it’s a bit heavy for the ultralight backpacker, but compared to similar products it is on the light end.
If you’re willing to sacrifice weight and size for more charges, check out the 313 Power Bank. It weighs 7.5 ounces, but offers up to 3 full charges. Find it here!
Survival Knife/Multitool
One of the best gifts for hikes or backpackers are items that are several gifts in one. A compact multitool can be really handy on an extended backpacking trip. Having one means a backpacker is prepared to solve a variety of problems they may experience on the trail, from gear malfunctions to first aid.
This multitool by WETOLS is a great option that comes at a lower price than the premium Leatherman variety. For a backpacker’s use, it should still do the trick! It weighs in at 11.8 ounces, but with 21 uses, it could replace several items in their backpack.
Hiking Socks
Yes, socks were the classic boring gift when you were a kid. As an adult who loves to hike, high-quality socks are a blessing. You can never have too many good hiking socks. Here is a list of our favorite hiking socks, but this pair of classic Smartwool crew socks are our favorites.
They have medium cushion, which is ideal for cool to warm temperatures but may get hot in peak summer. This pair is also made from merino wool, a material that is breathable yet warm, dries quickly, and is less likely to trap in body odor. These are a no-brainer when it comes to gifts for hikers and backpackers!
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are an excellent accessory for the avid hiker. They give you a hand in crossing waterways, relieve some impact of downward steps, and give you a little extra oomph as you climb up large hills. For the ultralight backpacker, they can also double as tent poles. If you want to learn more about trekking poles before you buy a pair, read this.
This pair from Cascade Mountain Tech checks all the boxes for us. It’s made of carbon fiber, so it’s ultra light. It has a cork grip for superior comfort and it is fully adjustable from 26” to 54”.
Titanium Coffee Mug
There’s no better place to enjoy a cup of hot coffee than in the mountains. A nice titanium coffee mug is lightweight and compact. It can also be used for whiskey or hot chocolate around the campfire.
I use this TOAKS titanium coffee mug on every backpacking trip and it hasn’t failed me once. The handle folds in for more compact packing and it comes with its own carrying case. It’s also very lightweight at only 2.7 ounces.
Aeropress Coffee Maker
For some people, instant coffee just doesn’t do it. Unfortunately, bringing a coffee pot to the backcountry won’t help. An aeropress, on the other hand, is a great option. Backpackers can make a fresh, smooth cup of coffee each morning on the trail. No electricity needed, just a little elbow grease.
There are plenty of other great ways to make coffee in the backcountry, too. Read this to learn more!
Backpacking Pillow
Sleeping on the ground is a lot more comfortable if you have a nice place to lay your head. A good backpacking pillow can make a huge difference in sleep quality. A better night’s sleep is one of the best things you can give someone, which is why a backpacking pillow is one of our favorite gifts for a backpacker.
An inflatable backpacking pillow is the best choice when it comes to weight and space. While some inflatable pillows have a slick, plastic surface, this Hikenture pillow has a soft cotton cover. That means it won’t slip around as much and will feel better on skin. The shape also provides optimal support for the neck and head.
Find it here! Or check out our other favorite backpacking pillows!
Water Reservoir
A water reservoir is one of the most convenient ways to stay hydrated on the trail. You’re able to carry quite a bit of water and can drink from it without slowing your stride. Just be sure to look for one that has a cap on the straw so it doesn’t get gunked up with dirt when they set their backpack down.
This is an excellent stand-alone water reservoir by Cherainti. There is an auto-lock on the hose, so it wont leak when you detach it from the bladder. The dust cover for the mouthpiece is connected to the hose, so it wont get lost easily. Check out the other great features of this bladder on Amazon!
Gifts Between $50-100
Hammock
If the backpacker in your life doesn’t already have a hammock, they’ll be thrilled to get one. After all, hammocks are always perfect gifts for hikers and backpackers! At the end of a long day of hiking, you want to sit comfortably and most campsites don’t come with seating. Hammocks like this ENO Hammock are a lightweight and comfortable way to take a load off at the end of the day. We even wrote a whole article on how much we love these!
We recommend the ENO DoubleNest because it is larger, so you can comfortably sit two people in it or fit a sleeping pad and bag if you want to sleep. The straps are a great addition, too. They make it a lot easier to find a place to set up.
Another great, lower cost option is the double hammock from Craiks Creek. Use coupon code hinterback5 at checkout for and additional 10% off!
Day Pack
The hiker in your life might be due for a daypack upgrade! These packs are great for extended day hikes where all you need to carry is some water, snacks, and a few other essentials.
The Osprey Skimmer is an excellent option for most hikers. At 16 liters, it is large enough to fit everything you need for a fair weather day hike. It also includes a 2.5 liter hydration reservoir, so it’s basically two gifts in one! This pack also features a magnetic strip to clip the straw of the hydration reservoir for convenient access.
Check out some of our other favorite day packs here.
Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket
No matter if you are hiking in the transition seasons or you’re hiking in the middle of summer, it is always a good idea to bring along a lightweight yet warm jacket. A down puffer jacket like this one by Eddie Bauer is perfect because it packs down small but still provides ample warmth.
The CirrussLite Down Jacket has a temperature rating of -10 F, but we’d recommend bundling up a bit more if temperatures dip below 25 F. It has 650 fill Responsible Down Standard down and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. This is the gift that will keep your loved one warm for many adventures!
Gifts Over $100
e-Reader
Another crowd favorite on this “gifts for hikers and backpackers” list – an e-reader. Most backpackers will have a few hours of relaxation time at camp at the end of the day. It can be nice to cozy up with a good book during that time.
For the space and weight-cautious backpacker, a kindle is a great alternative to brining a full novel. It also wont get ripped or smushed in your backpack.
Garmin Smartwatch
A fitness tracker or smart watch can be a really nifty accessory for a hiker. They can keep track of how their body is doing in terms of hydration, respiration, heart rate, calories burned, and more, which are important stats for someone doing such a taxing activity.
The Garmin does all of this, has GPS capabilities and can connect with phones. The battery can last up to 6 days, so there’s no concern about having it die in the middle of a trek. All these features while still being durable, lightweight, and comfortable.
Satellite Communicator
If you’re a concerned parent of an avid hiker, this will be a gift for both of you. This small and durable communicator allows 2 way text messaging and works as a 24/7 interactive SOS device. That means if your loved one is in a pickle, they can call for help regardless of cell reception.
Garmin is a trusted brand for these types of devices. The InReach Mini is a no brainer because it is small, lightweight, and can easily clip on to a backpack or waistband. It’s a high ticket item and you’ll need to pay for a subscription plan, but the peace of mind will be worth it.
Dehydrator
A backpacker who goes on trips frequently will benefit significantly from a dehydrator. Being able to prep meals at home can save a hiker quite a bit of money in the long run. The added benefit is they get to make whatever camp meals they desire! If they need help figuring out how to plan out those meals, make sure to send them here where we have a full guide on just that.
The COSORI Dehydrator is an excellent option here. It has precise temperature and cook time controls so following recipes to the T is a breeze. It has automatic shutoff and overheat protection, so there is no worry about it becoming a fire hazard. It also comes with a free cook book!
Water Filtration System
A water filter is essential for every backpacker. Many backpackers will use a squeeze bag like this one, which are reliable and effective.
However, if you want to help them level up, get them this Platypus Gravity filtration system. They won’t have to spend time squeezing water through a bag, they can hang it up in a tree and let gravity do the work. If the 4 L system is too large, there is a smaller 2 Liter version.
GoPro Camera
There’s no better way to document an epic trip than with a GoPro. For the hiker in your life who takes on the most impressive trails, a Go Pro is a no brainer. The best part – they can use it for their other outdoor hobbies, too.
Portable Power Station
For the camper who can’t part with the comforts of electricity, a portable power bank can be a massive win. Craiks Creek has a few different options to choose from, but we recommend the EcoFlow RIVER 2 model because of how compact, yet powerful it is.
This power station can take your devices from 0 to 100% charges within 60 minutes and can power up to 6 devices simultaneously. You are also able to monitor the power bank from a connected app on your phone.
Bonus – as a Hinterback reader you can get an exclusive 10% off your order by using coupon code hinterback5 at checkout!
Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash
