43 of the Best Gifts for Backpackers (2024 Gift Guide)
While we also have an epic list of best gifts for hikers, I thought it was worth having a separate list of best gifts for backpackers! Sure, many of the gifts for hikers are similar to the gifts that backpackers would like, but there are some additional items that the backpacker in your life may love even more.
This list could be a beast, since backpacking is one of my favorite activities – I am a backpacking coach, after all. :) (Want to learn more? Join my waitlist for my one-of-a-kind Backpacking Program) But I decided to keep this list on the (relatively) shorter side to really hone in on those extra special gift items.
You’ll be pleased to know, that it is actually really easy to shop for the outdoor adventurer in your life. We are pretty rough on our gear, taking it out into the elements and pushing it to the limits, so eventually we need new gear. Plus, we are never sad about testing out things we haven’t tried before - perhaps it might be our next favorite item in our backpack!
So let me help you out. If you’ve got a friend, relative, or partner who really loves backpacking and you are feeling stumped on what to get them, I’m going to break out my backpacking gift ideas into 4 different sections:
Gifts for Backpackers Under $25
Best Gifts for Backpackers to Keep Them Safe
Best Backpacking Essential Gifts
Best Unique Backpacking Gift Ideas
In the end, don’t stress out too much. If your backpacking friend or family member is anything like me, we are easily pleased and enjoy the simple things in life.
We only want this kind of stuff to help our journey be a little bit more comfortable, and in the end, we just want to spend more time outside. Heck, buy us a new set of wool socks and some Lara Bars. We will still love you.
Better yet, come backpacking with us. Let’s go on an adventure together…
That would be MY ultimate gift. :)
If you’ve read my best gifts for hikers post, you may see a few repeats here, but only when they are truly great gifts for both the hiker and the backpacker.
Please note: The below post contains affiliate links.
43 of the Best Gifts for Backpackers
Gifts for Backpackers Under $25
1. GEAR AID TENACIOUS TAPE GEAR PATCHES
This stuff is the bomb, and such a simple, easy gift idea that is sure to please any outdoor enthusiast. PLUS, it’s super affordable. Sometimes it's hard to let go of that perfect down jacket or hardshell that you love, but snags and tears are inevitable in the outdoor world. I love this tape for patching up my favorite gear so that I can keep on wearing it.
This tape works super well and comes in some fun shapes, too. I've patched up my mountaineering hardshell pants in several areas with this tape when I've gotten rips from my crampons. I’ve also fixed up my beloved down jacket when I accidentally burnt a small hole in it from my backpacking stove.
2. THE DEUCE OF SPADES BACKCOUNTRY TROWEL
Nobody likes to talk about it but to be a responsible backpacker you need to bury your human waste. The Deuce of Spades Trowel is a fantastic lightweight option, and an indispensable gift idea for any responsible backpacker… and a funny stocking stuffer I might add. :)
One time when I went backpacking with friends in Tuolumne, all of my friend's trowel handles broke except for mine! Deuce of Spades backcountry trowel for the win!
3. WURU WOOL
Blisters are the bane of most backpackers’ existence, and this unique product helps prevent them. Wuru Wool is basically a little bunch of New Zealand wool that you pull pieces off and place on potential hot spots on your feet. A couple members of Team Alpine swear by it, and it’s the perfect stocking stuffer – literally! :)
4. GOODR SUNGLASSES
I originally bought these glasses when I got into trail running. I couldn't find a pair of glasses that were comfortable and would stay on my face when I was running. These finally did the trick, and now I love wearing them backpacking, too! They come in a bunch of great color options and the best part... they are only $25!
5. JOSHUA TREE LIP BALM
Every backpacker needs lip balm, and I love this stuff. This makes a great stocking stuffer or add on to any backpacking gift. Joshua Tree Lip Balm is organic with SPF 15.
6. KULA CLOTH
This little square of fabric is a game-changer in hiking and backpacking hygiene for outdoor women! The Kula Cloth is a reusable pee cloth, made of antimicrobial fabric to prevent it from getting gross. It has a loop to attach it to a pack, and a snap to keep it closed and clean. Plus, it comes in a bunch of cute patterns.
Trust me, any backpacker who squats to pee will love a Kula Cloth!
7. TRANGO PIRANHA KNIFE
Looking for a unique gift? This Trango Piranha knife is super cool! In hiking and backpacking (and pretty much all outdoor sports), weight matters, and this knife weighs almost nothing but can cut through just about anything.
It’s an awesome knife for adventures, and it’s the only one I bring with me on backpacking trips.
8. REI GIFT CARD
If you really can’t decide what gift ideas for backpackers might be best, it’s always safe to get your favorite backpacker an REI Gift Card. You can choose the amount and can even go as low as $10. It’s a great option if they are the kind of person that seems like they “already own everything”.
Trust me, I’ve never heard of any backpacker being sad about getting a gift card to REI. You can’t go wrong.
9. RITE IN THE RAIN NOTEBOOKS
Sometimes backpackers want to bring little “luxury” items that will make their trip that much better—like a notebook.
The Rite in the Rain mini notebook is perfect for your prolific fellow backpacker that enjoys recording what happens on the trail. The best part about these notebooks is that the paper is water-resistant, so the ink won’t smudge or bleed in the event it unexpectedly rains on the trail.
10. UST FLEXWARE COFFEE DRIPPER
If you have a backpacking friend who’s a caffeine fiend, you can’t go wrong with the gift of a UST Flexware Coffee Dripper. This silicone dripper makes a great pour-over cup of joe, and it collapses flat for easy packing. Combine it with a bag of their favorite coffee, and you will fuel many adventures for your favorite backpacker.
11. NICK’S STICKS JERKY
Beef jerky is a fantastic portable snack for spending time on the trail, and Nick’s Sticks is my new favorite jerky. They have beef sticks, chicken sticks, and turkey sticks, all with clean ingredients and no sugar – plus, they’re so delicious! Your favorite meat-loving backpacker will definitely appreciate a few packages of this jerky.
Best Gifts for Backpackers to Keep Them Safe in the Outdoors
12. GARMIN IN REACH MINI SATELLITE SOS COMMUNICATOR
I’m putting this in there for the mom or dad out there who wants to feel like their kid is safe when they venture into the backcountry. This, in my opinion, would be the ULTIMATE gift for any backpacker (or hiker or rock climber or anyone who goes into the backcountry, for that matter).
I’ve loved having this thing with me when I hit the trails. In an emergency, you can trigger an SOS for 24/7 search and rescue, if something horribly wrong happens while you are on the trail. But what is even cooler about this tiny device is that you can also have 2-way communication with the ones you love and send and receive messages even while you are in a “dead" zone for cell service.
The Garmin inReach Mini also has the ability to send a constant tracking signal while you are on the trail, so you can actually have your family members check up on you while you are backpacking. Pretty rad.
Another 2-way satellite communicator is the ZOLEO, which lacks a few of the features of the inReach Mini, but is a cheaper option and is especially great for texting.
13. PETZL ACTIK HEADLAMP
Headlamps are essential to backpacking, and Petzl makes the best ones I’ve tested so far. I pretty much don’t go anywhere without a headlamp, and my Petzl headlamp has been going strong for years now.
Once, I was backpacking near Half Dome, and I ran into some hikers who looked lost. It was getting close to sunset, so I asked them if they needed any help. They told me they had just gotten down the cables from Half Dome and weren’t sure which way to head back to the trailhead. They didn’t have anything with them – no water filter, no jackets, and no headlamp. All they had was their phone flashlight, which definitely wouldn’t last them on the way back down.
Don’t be this person, and don’t let your friends be them either. Make sure they have essentials like a light!
14. PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION OT THE GAIA GPS APP
I absolutely LOVE the GAIA GPS App. Handheld GPS’s are up there on one of the most expensive items a hiker or backpacker can get for the backpacking gear arsenal, but there are a lot of great alternatives these days that can pair with your phone and be used offline even at a fraction of the price.
My favorite phone GPS app solution is the premium version of the GAIA GPS, which allows you to download maps in advance and take them offline into the backcountry. You can record your tracks, upload prior tracks, and so much more with this nifty phone app. This is a great gift option for any backpacker.
GAIA is offering a special discount to those who subscribe online through my link below, 20% off their normal prices.
15. SAWYER SQUEEZE WATER FILTER
The Sawyer Squeeze water filter is an excellent water filter for backpackers. Compared to pump filters, the Sawyer Squeeze is much lighter and more compact.
This would make a great backpacking gift, particularly if your backpacking friend is new to the scene or is wanting to get into backpacking more.
16. KATADYN BEFREE WATER FILTER
Another awesome water filter option is the Katadyn Be Free. It only weighs 2.3 oz, so it would be a perfect gift for an ultralight backpacker. The Katadyn BeFree filter is integrated into a soft-sided bottle, so it’s super easy to drink on the go, then stash the bottle in your pack.
17. BEARVAULT BV450 BEAR CANISTER
A bear can is an invaluable gift for backpackers who adventure in bear country, like the Sierra Nevadas and the Rocky Mountains. Bear cans are a necessity in many areas, and any backpacker would appreciate the BearVault BV450. This canister is very lightweight, yet fits about 4 days of food for one person. Keep bears away from your favorite backpacker by giving them a bear can!
Best Backpacking Essentials Gifts
18. DARN TOUGH SOCKS
You thought I was joking about the socks thing, didn’t you? Socks may not be the sexiest gift out there, but man, are they practical! Why are socks important? Having dry feet is one of the key ways to prevent getting blisters on a hike.
So I guarantee you any backpacker will appreciate a good set of wool socks! I am a big fan of Darn Tough Wool Socks, but you could also go for Smartwool Socks. I like them both.
19. BRANWYN MERINO UNDERWEAR
Just like socks, comfortable underwear is crucial for backpacking when you’re spending days on the trail! BRANWYN underwear has taken the outdoor world by storm and would make a fantastic gift for your favorite female backpacker! It’s made from Merino wool, and many women swear by it on the trail, including some of our She Dreams of Alpine team and students.
>>>Find out more about BRANWYN and other underwear options in our Guide to the Best Hiking Underwear for Women here.
20. FJALLRAVEN CLASSIC BEANIE
Every backpacker needs a cozy beanie, and the Fjallraven Classic beanie is a great choice for anyone. It’s nice and warm with cool vintage style. But really, any good beanie would be a welcome gift for backpackers – trust me, you can’t have too many beanies! :)
21. MSR POCKET ROCKET TRAILIGHT BACKPACKING AND CAMPING STOVE KIT
The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove is an awesome little ultralight backpacking stove, and this kit with the camping stove pot, bowls, and utensils would make a wonderful backpacking gift set.
I’m a fan of pretty much everything MSR, so you can’t go wrong with this brand. They make my favorite backpacking stove, the MSR Reactor, and they make awesome snowshoes as well!
22. MSR PIKA TEAPOT
If your favorite backpacker already has a camp stove, the MSR Pika Teapot is a great gift to add to their setup. This teapot is designed for camping, so it’s lightweight and durable and can be used on a camp stove instead of a pot. Whether you want to boil water for tea, pourover coffee, soup, or something else, I have found this little teapot to come in handy in all sorts of situations while backpacking.
23. PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER
Patagonia is one of the best companies out there for outdoor gear. If you are looking for good gifts for backpackers, this jacket is one that any friend or family member will be stoked to get! The Patagonia Down Sweater is the perfect down jacket for most summer, fall and spring backpacking trips, and something every backpacker should have in their arsenal.
I highlighted this as one of my “favorite” items as a backpacker, because I literally take this thing everywhere. A good down jacket is an essential piece to every backpacker’s layering system, something I highlight in my Outdoor Adventure Starter Kit Freebie, which you can grab below.
GRAB MY [FREE] OUTDOOR BACKPACKER STARTER KIT
I created the Ultimate Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for you (and it's FREE)! This starter kit is filled with 14 pages of my best hiking and backpacking tips to help you learn what it takes to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient outdoor backpacker!
24. THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XTHERM NXT SLEEPING PAD
Your backpacking friend might already have a sleeping pad, but the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad is one of those “upgrade” gifts. It’s not a sleeping pad most backpackers will start with, simply due to the cost, but if you’re looking to give something extra special to your backpacker friend or family member, I highly recommend the XTherm.
I've gone through a lot of sleeping pads in my day, and this one is by far my favorite. It meets all of my criteria. It's lightweight and easy to pack. It’s super comfortable (no body parts touch the ground), and it keeps you super warm! It’s my go-to sleeping pad these days.
25. BLACK DIAMOND TREKKING POLES
I love the Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock trekking poles, and Michael and I both have these. I've owned a pair of cheaper trekking poles in the past that broke fairly easily, but these are almost indestructible. I've been using the same pair for almost 5 years now, and they are still going strong. These would definitely make an awesome gift for backpackers!
I also have a whole post that goes over essential day hiking gear. You can find it here if you want to get even more ideas.
26. SNOW PEAK TITANIUM COMPACT COOKSET
Every backpacker needs cookware, and titanium is where it is at when it comes to durability, strength, and weight. Snow Peak’s cookset is incredibly lightweight (11.6 ounces for four pans), packable, and easy to use while cooking. This set is a great gift for those getting into backpacking, and those that might need to update their cooking gear.
27. KATE’S REAL FOOD BARS VARIETY BOX
Every backpacker needs some bars for sustenance on the trail, and Kate’s Real Food Bars have become my absolute favorite! This variety box would make a great gift with a tasty selection of flavors to please all palates.
Best Unique Gifts for Backpackers
28. SHE DREAMS OF ALPINE WINTER HIKING & CAMPING WORKSHOP
Knowledge is a great practical gift, and I offer a special workshop to help outdoor women learn to feel safe and prepared for hiking and camping in the winter, so they can have outdoor adventures all year round!
This virtual training teaches about winter-specific gear, important winter safety skills, and how to stay warm when the temps are freezing cold! Give the gift of empowerment to your favorite outdoor woman with this workshop.
29. BACKCOUNTRY FOODIE ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING RECIPE MEMBERSHIP
Backcountry Foodie is an awesome resource for backcountry meal ideas and supplies! They offer an Ultralight Backpacking Recipe Membership which would make such a good gift for your favorite backpacker. The membership gives you access to tons of nutritious, dietitian-created recipes to help backpackers stay energized on the trail, and a new tasty recipe is released each month.
30. PRE & POST-TRAIL WORKBOOKS
Backpacking is a real chance to learn more about yourself and grow on many levels. Friend of She Dreams of Alpine, Marie-Pierre Tremblay, has created these adorable trail workbooks to reflect on your adventures before embarking on the trail and after you get home.
These would make a wonderful gift for a backpacker who loves to journal.
31. A WOMAN’S PLACE IS IN THE WILD PLAYING CARDS
A pack of playing cards is always nice for a backpacker to pass some time in a tent or around the campfire. The “A Woman’s Place is in the Wild” card deck is extra special, because the cards are illustrated with portraits of amazing female outdoor athletes including backpackers like the iconic Grandma Gatewood. Any female backpacker – and lots of backpackers of all genders – would love to get this deck to get inspired by some serious badass outdoor women!
32. WATERPROOF KINDLE PAPERWHITE
The Kindle Paperwhite – now waterproof with 2x the storage space – is a GREAT gift for backpackers who love to read.
When space is tight and you hit the trail for long stretches of time, it’s nice to have a small, compact, device like the Kindle to keep all of your favorite reads with you for downtime at camp. I personally use mine a lot anytime I got backpacking.
33. ROCKY TALKIES
Rocky Talkies are two-way radios specifically designed for outdoor adventures! These rugged radios are extremely durable, and the attached carabiner makes them easy to attach to a backpack.
With 3 days of battery life, Rocky Talkies would make a perfect gift for backpackers who like to head off from the group to explore on their own.
34. PATAGONIA PROVISIONS SALMON AND GIFT BOXES
You guys already know by now that I’m a big fan of Patagonia, and I love everything over at Patagonia Provisions, too. These packable salmon packets are really delicious, and one of my favorite items.
They make several different flavors, and they even have mussels, too. The best thing about these snacks is they don’t need refrigeration (as long as you haven’t opened the package), and they can be eaten as is or cooked.
While these are a bit more on the expensive side, this would make a unique gift for a backpacker (as long as they like fish that is!) because it’s not something they may typically splurge on. Patagonia Provisions also has some other items including jerky and soups, but I haven’t tried those yet!
35. XERO GENESIS SANDALS
One of the best luxury gifts you can gift to a backpacker is a pair of these Xero Genesis Sandals. These sandals are durable, bendable, and very lightweight, which makes them the perfect shoe to bring with you on any backpacking trip.
During our John Muir Trail thru-hike, these sandals were an essential part of my backpacking gear list, and I cherished slipping out of my hiking boots that I’d been wearing all day and into these sandals while we hung out at camp.
36. IPHONE CAMERA LENS KIT
It seems like we can do almost everything with our cell phone these days, including taking great photos on the trail.
This is cool because we can cut down the gear we need and get multiple uses from one item. This iPhone lens kit would make a fun gift or stocking stuffer for any backpacker who wants to up their iPhone photography game just a little bit more.
37. JOBY GORILLAPOD MOBILE MINI
I use a little iPhone tripod all the time, and it’s great for hiking and backpacking. It has foldable legs so it can adapt to a variety of surfaces or even wrap around a tree or trekking pole. It’s been really handy for me, so I’m guessing your backpacking friends might love it too!
And if you know a serious outdoor photography enthusiast, be sure to check out our guide to the best gifts for outdoor photographers!
38. KULA POCKET
The ladies behind Kula Cloth just keep innovating in women’s backpacking hygiene, and their newest product is the Kula Pocket. This waterproof antimicrobial bag is exactly what you need to keep your hygiene products organized (and to pack out waste when you need to).
You can get the Kula Pocket on its own, or give the ultimate backpacking hygiene gift with the Kula Wilderness Potty Kit! The kit includes a Kula Pocket, a matching Kula Cloth, a Kula leash, a pStyle pee funnel, an ultralight trowel, a Culo Clean portable bidet, and to top it all off, an “I Pee in the Woods” sticker.
39. LIGHTEN UP BOOK
This book is awesome for teaching the principles of becoming ultralight backpacker! I highly recommend it to any backpacker who is looking to bring their overall pack weight down and take their backpacking game to the next level.
40. LUMINAID PACKLITE MAX PHONE CHARGER LANTERN
While most backpackers carry headlamps on their adventures, LuminAID is a nice way to provide light around your campsite or in your tent. These inflatable lights are 5 ounces each and are rechargeable via solar power, which is perfect while you’re on the trail.
Even better? These lights can charge your phone while you’re asleep in your tent, so you or your friend can hit the trail-ready to take pictures with your smartphone.
41. PLATYPUS PLATYPRESERVE WINE PRESERVATION SYSTEM
Backpacking is about pushing yourself, but it’s also about having a ton of fun on the trail—solo or with friends and family. So why not bring a little wine to celebrate your time outdoors?
The backpackers in your life will love this wine preservation system by Platypus. This pouch is lightweight, packable, and extends the life of your wine by days and even weeks. Okay, yes, wine definitely falls under the “luxury” item list when it comes to backpacking. But with a device like this, there’s really no excuse for you or your friends to leave the wine behind on the next adventure.
42. BEE’S WRAP
Backpackers love snacks, and Bee’s Wrap is an eco-friendly way to wrap up food to take on the trail. This wax wrap is sturdy enough for sandwiches and so many other snacks, and you can just rinse it and reuse it. You can also use this stuff to wrap up toiletries like soap or your toothbrush. Plus, when it finally wears out (after about a year of use), you can even use it as a fire starter.
This variety pack contains wraps in 3 different sizes plus fire starters made out of Bee’s Wrap scraps, so it’d be a great gift for backpackers!
43. NATIONAL PARK PASS
Last but definitely not least, a US National Parks Pass would be a REALLY AWESOME gift. The passes cost about $80, but they give you access to all sites managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation for a whole year.
It’s worth the price if you or the backpacker you’re shopping for does a lot of outdoor backpacking and exploring in these areas. Otherwise, entrance fees run about $20-30 per visit, so after 4 visits, the pass has paid for itself. We buy one every year!
I hope this backpacking gift guide has sparked some ideas for your backpacking friends and family members (or maybe yourself)! If you have any questions or want any other suggestions, reach out to me in the comments below, and be sure to check out some of our other gear resources!
Other Gear Guide Resources:
Cheers,
Allison- She Dreams of Alpine
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