UPDATED FROM 2023
Ranging from $0 to $899.99, Pathloom is bringing you the Ultimate Gift Guide to help you find the perfect gift for the explorer in your life!
It’s that special time of year again when you frantically Google ‘best gifts for backpackers’ and comb through the results searching for something other than socks.
The pages all blend into one. You’re now in information overload with no idea which path to choose. Do you go for ultralight gear? A new Jetboil cooking system? Or a simple memento of the places they’ve been?
And suddenly you’re a ball of anxiety with a big ol’ bow and tinsel on top.
Take a breath, we’ve got you.
So! What do you get someone who spends their free time without wifi, in a tent, up a mountain, with only a shovel as a bathroom?
Probably not a VR set – if you get me.
We’ve compiled a list of gifts from budget-friendly stocking stuffers to totally-blow-the-budget.
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Table of Contents
All prices are accurate at the time of writing.
Stocking Stuffers
This truly is the gift that keeps on giving! REI holds courses on everything from outdoor survival skills to virtual ‘Leave No Trace’ courses. The prices can range from totally free all the way up to $429 for a more practical, hands-on experience in a group setting.
Backpacking Meals From $3.50
Perfect for the hangry backpacker, these easy and quick meals not only offer nutrition in a jiffy but are healthy too. With a wide variety of choices, these meals make a perfect stocking stuffer.
Sunscreen lip balm is a savior on backpacking adventures – nothing is worse than blisters from sunburnt lips! Protect your lips with this incredible fragrance-free zinc-based wonder.
Even more impressive is that this miracle worker not only boasts cruelty-free credentials and a host of other benefits, but it’s also compliant with Hawaii Act 104 Reef regulations. This ensures that the product has no adverse effects on coral reefs and marine life.
All the spicy goodness of Sriracha, now in powdered form for your backpacking adventures. Lightweight, packable, and screw-top secured – because every trail meal deserves a kick.
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape $6.95
A must-have for every backpacker, this strong, waterproof tape instantly repairs tents, jackets, hiking pants, and more, leaving the item machine washable after 24 hours.
Bowls that fold flat for packing and pop up when it’s time to eat? Yes, please. These durable, reusable gems are a clever alternative to disposables and way more fun to use.
Travel Boggle $9.99
Because not every night around the campfire is filled with deep conversation, this travel-sized version of Boggle keeps the friendly competition alive. Rainy night? Sorted.
Recycling empty isobutane fuel canisters has never been easier. This handy tool punctures the canisters easily enabling simple recycling.
Ben's InvisiNet Bug Head Net $12.49
Don't bug out, get the Ben's InvisiNet Bug Head Net instead. Wave goodbye to pesky bites with this super-sheer bug net. So breathable even the mosquitoes won’t see it coming – and it packs small enough to forget it’s there.
Not every backpacking trip is an ultralight grind. So make room for that romantic backpacking weekend away. A bottle of wine is just the thing. But how do you backpack with a bottle of wine?
Never fear, the Platypus Portable Wine Bottle stores a whole bottle of wine without compromising the flavor. This ingenious pouch is durable and entirely leak-free, leaving you free to toast the sunset with your favorite vino.
Cross Bands, Heat Protectors $18.98
From grilling to DIY, these heat-resistant silicone bands do it all without breaking a sweat. UV-resistant and endlessly reusable, they’re a kitchen-to-campsite marvel.
Kula Cloth $22.95
Ladies know what I am talking about. Nothing is worse than that little jiggle after being caught without toilet paper. That’s where the Kula Cloth comes to the rescue!
This ingenious wee cloth absorbs 10x its weight in water with a durable and waterproof 'clean' side so your hand doesn't get wet. It’s made from eco-friendly natural materials and features a ‘double snap' that allows the cloth to hang from the backpack while folded in half. As if that isn’t awesome enough, hands down my favorite feature is the retro-reflective thread detail for locating it at night with a headlamp – no more frantic searching in the darkness when nature calls!
Feather-light but tough as nails, these titanium stakes hold your tent down in any soil. High-visibility tips mean no more losing them in the undergrowth – a win for your sanity.
It’s as if I asked a genie to make a natural sunscreen that doesn’t harm the planet while being totally reef-safe and providing the protection that I need. This stuff actually works! Protect your skin and the planet with this incredible sunscreen.
LifeStraw Peak Series Solo $29.95
This is a literal lifesaver. Super compact at just 5.1 inches, this portable device effectively removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness from drinking water. With standard 28mm threading, it easily screws onto most common water bottles. The one-handed flip cap ensures convenient on-the-go filtration, allowing them to fill up a 1L bottle in just 20 seconds. Weighing under 2 ounces and providing 2,000 liters of clean drinking water, it's a must-have for backpackers.
Unsure whether to use tablets, filters, or UV purification? Check out our water purification blog to find out which is right for you.
Upgrade their outdoor cutlery with the Sea to Summit spoon, fork, and knife set. Constructed from aluminum alloy, this sleek and lightweight essential will complete their backpacking kit.
Lather them in luxury this holiday season with French green and antioxidant-rich matcha green tea compact bars. Aside from smelling incredible, these little delights will provide 50-75 washes and are color-safe, vegan & cruelty-free. Weighing only 2 ounces each and at 2 inches in diameter, these bars are ideal for stashing in their backpack without taking up as much space as liquid shampoos and conditioners.
Gifts for Backpackers Under $25
National Park Puzzle From $7.95
Did you take an amazing trip with your new trail buddy this year? Memorialize it with this lovely reminder of your adventures together.
National Parks Playing Cards $11.95
For those long rainy days and avoiding awkward silence at camp – after all, you can only play ‘I Spy’ in a forest for so long before you begin to lose touch with reality. Gift your adventurer a fun deck of cards to pass the time while camping out.
Travel Cork Massage Ball $11.97
As a 30-something backpacker who enjoys pushing my limits, this has been a total game changer. At the end of the day my feet and back ache. There’s no way around it. And there is nothing like a massage to soothe away the pain. These super portable massage balls will have you feeling tip-top in no time!
Kuju Pour Over Coffee Packets From $14.95
Perfectly ground and precisely measured coffee spares you from intricate brewing procedures. All you have to do is tear open the packet, secure it to their mug, and pour the hot water. It’s quick and effortless coffee preparation.
A beautifully illustrated and factual book that covers everything from plants, animals, and our country’s coolest geological features. If your backpacker has the National Parks on their list, then this is a great addition to their library.
Part trail guide, part cheeky commentary on outdoorsy types, this book is the perfect companion for anyone who's clueless but keen to start backpacking. With brutally honest advice and a good bit of snark, Diana Helmuth ensures you’ll laugh while learning what not to pack.
Do you hate having to take off your pack to get to your trail snacks? So does your backpacking buddy. This is a pocket so handy you’ll wonder how you survived without it. Perfect for snacks, gadgets, or that emergency chocolate bar, it clips on like it belongs and stays put through thick and thin.
Ultralight Tyvek Groundsheet $19.95
Your campsite superhero –lightweight, waterproof, and tough as nails. You can cut this beauty to size and keep your sleeping bag out of the mud. This groundsheet won’t slide about or let you down.
Say goodbye to soggy socks and drenched gear with this roll-top waterproof liner. It’s basically a raincoat for everything in your pack–practical and surprisingly stylish.
Light up the dark with this must-have gift. The Black Diamond Astro 300 not only has a brightness memory feature that removes the endless soul destroying pattern of clicking through multiple cycles to find the right brightness setting, but it also has a digital lockout feature that prevents it from being turned on when stored. Nifty right?
Are you unsure which headlamp to get? Choosing a suitable headlamp for your adventures can be somewhat of a challenge. Check out this blog post where we highlight some of the most important features to look for when shopping for a headlamp.
Bucket list inspiration doesn’t get much better than this (well except the push pin map in the $25-$50 section below). Frame this interactive poster and watch their excitement grow with each adventure checked off the list.
Treat your backpacker's inner artist with this fun paint-by-number kit, where at the stroke of a brush they find themselves immersed in five of the National Parks (Arches, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, and Glacier).
Not only is this a visual masterpiece, but the accompanying booklet also includes fun facts about each park. (Did you know that the Grand Canyon National Park's most dangerous animal is the rock squirrel, which bites dozens of visitors attempting to feed it each year? We’re suddenly seeing Scrat from the Ice Age movies in a totally new light!)
A hefty tome packed with everything you need to know about America’s national parks – and a few things you don’t. Stunning photos and detailed maps will have you dreaming of your next big adventure (or at least an epic road trip).
Park Ranger Candle $22.25
Do you have a friend who seems like they are destined to be a Park Ranger? Are they always the one who plans every adventure and insists on navigating only by compass? This 9oz. environmentally conscious homage to the wilderness is ideal for the nature enthusiast in your life.
Minus 33 Merino Wool Beanie $22.99
A beanie that’s warm, lightweight, and classy enough to wear on a frosty hike. Double-layered for maximum coziness, it’s the layer you’ll never want to take off.
Let there be light! Light up your camp like it’s Christmas – not really…that would be annoying, but how about enough light to find the direction of the “bathroom” without a headlamp? This long, dimmable string of LED magic is perfect for late-night storytelling and stargazing vibes.
Itty Bitty Ditty Bag $24.95
Tiny, mighty, and tougher than your hiking boots, this ultralight bag keeps your essentials organized while barely adding a gram to your pack. Perfect for the minimalist who likes to keep it all together.
Are you ready to win the holidays? Like, seriously win the award for best present ever? Nothing ruins a trip more than those pesky flying hypodermic needles slowly draining your lifeforce, and patience, with every passing second. The Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller is a miracle worker - whether they are traversing trails or setting up camp for the night, this beauty will keep mosquitoes away.
Gifts $25 - $50
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 $23.99
This gift is such a power move — see what I did there? Okay, cheesy jokes aside, this compact charger that is smaller than a deck of cards and as light as a baseball packs serious charging capabilities. This charger proves that small can be powerful.
Okay, we lied – but only a little bit. Of course, socks would end up on this list, but let me tell you, these aren’t just any socks – these are Darn Tough Socks. Not only are they the most durable socks our team has ever tested, but they have a lifetime guarantee. In fact, I’m currently wearing a pair that I bought 4 years ago. And I wear them 2-3 times a week – not just for backpacking.
National Park Candle $29.95
Transport them back to their favorite park with this delicious smelling gift. Parks Project expertly blends fragrances that are GMO-free with 100% natural soy, giving you an impressive 80-hour burn time.
Terrarium Kit $31.20
Is your backpack friend imprisoned in an office five days of the week? Bring the forest to them this holiday season with a Terrarium kit that they can build to look like their favorite woodsy nook.
Unless you’re part of the 6% of Americans who think they can beat a grizzly bear in a fight, fumbling for bear spray at the wrong moment is a no-no. This holster keeps it secure and ready to deploy. Fits most 8–13 oz. canisters – and might just save your bacon.
This gorgeous National Park push-pin map is a vibe. This tasteful wall hanging will seamlessly adapt to any room while reminding your backpacker of all of the incredible adventures they’ve been on.
These are not your average undies! SmartWool uses merino wool technology to combat sweat, increase breathability, and combat odors.
Memories to last a lifetime. This journal helps you keep track of your most impressive adventures.
No more digging through your pack like a squirrel in autumn, these pods keep your kit tidy and in sight. Water-resistant with taped seams, they’re like drawers for your backpack, but far less effort to carry.
Do they have a favorite park or campsite? Engrave this stunning cuff bracelet with the coordinates of their special place and watch the memories flood back every time they wear this.
The collapsible water bottle that’s there when you need it and gone when you don’t. Compact, TSA-approved, and packed in a stylish case, it’s your jet-setting hydration hero.
Okay, I know we already have string lights in this blog BUT this one is not only solar (perfect for off-grid amiright?!) BUT it also can charge your phone. I believe that's called a twofer. A string of 100 warm LEDs to light up your camp like a hygge dream. With modes for every mood – including a candle flicker – it’s part light source, part ambiance essential.
The hat that does it all – sunshade, breeze-friendly, water-resistant, and even floats if it decides to take a swim. With a wide brim and neck cape, it’s practically an umbrella for your head.
Bring a part of their favorite National Park home with this creative National Park Botanical Kit. Each kit includes everything they will need to begin growing their little piece of their chosen National Park.
Aeropress Travel Edition $49.95
But first, coffee! Don’t let the compact nature of this coffee press fool you – it’s pure caffeinated wonder. I never leave for a backpacking adventure without this magical go-bean juice maker.
Does a backpacker 💩 in the woods? Yes. Yes, they do. And with the PACT Outdoor Bathroom kit, they can 💩 with dignity and good conscience knowing that they aren’t disturbing nature while they answer nature's call. This impressive kit comes with an ultra-durable tri-fold case that holds a lightweight ergonomic shovel, PACT Tabs (they break down 💩), PACT Wipes, organic hand sanitizer, and a nifty storage pouch. I promise this won’t be a 💩 gift.
Gifts $50 - $100
Who doesn’t want a Swiss Army knife? This is the crème de la crème of multi-tools with an outstanding 15 functions including a wood saw.
For everything from clearing trails to backyard projects, this folding saw is lightweight, tough, and ready for years of hacking. Simple, reliable, and satisfying in a “wilderness ninja” kind of way.
Turn tired feet into trail-ready tootsies with these supportive insoles. Designed to keep your balance on uneven ground, they’re a must-have upgrade for any boots that fancy themselves proper hiking gear.
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow $54.95
After hiking all day, nothing is more important than getting a good night's sleep. And it all starts with being comfortable.
The Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow is incredibly comfortable thanks to its multi-functional valve that allows tailored support. And if that isn’t good enough, it packs down to the size of a grapefruit and only weighs a few ounces!
3D Topographic Relief Map Sculpture From $55
Myer Mill not only creates stunning conversational pieces, but these 3D topographic maps are sure to remind your favorite backpacker of the times they’ve spent on those trails.
No coffee table is complete without a stunning book. From Dry Tortugas' sun-drenched shores to Denali's snow-clad summits, this captivating atlas weaves together authoritative maps, graphics, and photos, unfolding the stories of sixty-one of America's most cherished parks. Jonathan Waterman, a seasoned ranger and accomplished author, guides readers through scenic reserves, highlighting each park's exceptional features.
Otterbox Buildable Phone Case From $67.95
Is your friend a total klutz who is already on their second screen replacement this year? Perhaps it is time to invest in arguably the best phone case on the market.
Otterbox phone cases can be totally customized to their needs while keeping their all important gadgets safe from gravity.
Give the gift of constant support and comfort with the breathable and fashionable bra. This beauty is cut to their contours while keeping everything firmly in place.
Make backpack sweat patches a thing of the past with this stylish Merino technical top. As if regulating body temperature isn’t enough, this top also helps to control odor, keeping the wearer fresh for those long backcountry treks. Because let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of seeing how many uses we can get out of a top on one trip!
BigBlue SolarPowa 28 $69.99
Perfect for long treks where your devices will need multiple charges, this portable solar panel boasts 3 upgraded USB (Type A) ports, allowing for multiple devices to charge at once. Foldable and compact, this powerful solar panel won’t take up precious space in your pack.
Not so much a magazine as a gloriously oversized coffee-table book, this is for the reader who likes their outdoors stories larger than life—literally. Nearly two feet wide when open, it’s the ultimate reading material.
Perfect for the photography lover, this versatile clip secures their camera directly onto their backpack, diminishing the need to carry their case which inevitably gets in the way. This handy camera clip inserts into the tripod mount of their camera and holds it firmly in place while keeping their hands free.
Compact, rugged, and built for adventure, this monocular brings the wilderness closer with crystal-clear optics. At just 8.5 oz., it’s small enough to take everywhere and tough enough to survive the journey.
This all-access pass grants entrance to all sites managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation for 1 whole year. With 422 national parks and historical sites, as well as nearly 1,500 federal recreation areas to explore, the possibilities for adventure are limitless.
At the end of a long day’s hike, your feet need a break from your boots. Part camp bootie, part do-it-all slipper, these slip-ons are warm, water-resistant, and ridiculously comfy. Whether you’re fireside or dashing to the shop, they’re as stylish as they are practical.
They. Have. POCKETS! Not just any pockets, we have hiked mountains with their oversized phones in these pockets and they have not failed. Hands down the best leggings we have tried so far.
These uber comfortable, high waist leggings feature a 4-way stretch that moves with you as you scramble up hillsides. Totally breathable, you can wear them all year round. And they’re made from 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 21% spandex, so it’s also a sustainable gem that wins every single time.
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven - 8 qt. $89.95
Foodies unite! Okay, so maybe this isn't for the lightweight backpackers, but this is a must-have for any camp. This isn’t just cookware… it’s a campfire legend in cast iron form. Pre-seasoned and ready to go, it’s perfect for hearty stews, and breads, proving that gourmet meals aren’t just for home kitchens.
Keep the bears at bay with this handy food container. Designed to be wide, round, and slippery, this canister keeps the bears out and your food safe. It’s also approved by both the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
A blanket that’s as toasty as your favorite puffy jacket and doubles as a cape—what’s not to love? Made with high-tech synthetic insulation, it’s the ultimate in campfire comfort.
G’day mate, harness your inner Crocodile Dundee with this must-have hat. Offering UPF 50 protection and a mesh crown for extra breathability, this hat keeps you cool while blocking harmful rays. Bonus points for floating if it takes a dip and for looking so dashing while doing it.
Where style meets function, these highly rated hiking pants are exceptionally lightweight without compromising on durability.
These trousers are wind and water-resistant while maintaining exceptional breathability. The internal drawcord waist ensures a perfect fit while the drawcord leg hem keeps them snug. It also has lots of pockets with zips, ensuring your gear is safe on all your adventures.
Build your climbing strength and technique at home with this all-in-one training board. With enough holds, edges, and jugs to challenge every grip, it’s like having a crag on your wall.
Spend it All in One Place
Jetboil Stash Cooking System $112.49
Don’t let them get weighed down with bulky, heavy cooking systems. The Jetboil Stash is revolutionary, an 8L wonder boasting a rapid 2.5-minute boil time that weighs less than half a pound! A backpacker essential, this item features a nesting design facilitated by the pot's collapsible handle.
A great night's sleep can make or break a backpacking trip. Luckily, with the Megamat 12 Lite, they’ll be sleeping safe and sound on one of the world’s most comfortable sleep mats. This mat is incredibly warm thanks to its ThermaCapture™ technology and a Triangular Core Matrix™ construction which radiates body heat and helps reduce convective heat loss. And it’s totally silent.
To say I’m obsessed with these would be an understatement. Designed for gnarly terrain, these trail runners grip like mountain goats and cushion like clouds. Whether it’s switchbacks, ridges, or rocky descents, these shoes make rough trails feel like a walk in the park.
Kindle Paperwhite $159.99
Save valuable space and weight in their pack by swapping their books for a lightweight Kindle. Unlike a book, the Kindle offers both a light and dark mode, assisting with late-night reading- no headlamp required.
Constructed of incredibly lightweight and highly compressible 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with P.U.R.E.™ (Produced Using Reduced Emissions) technology, this warm, windproof, and water-resistant jacket packs down to an impressively small size.
Osprey Women’s Ariel Plus 60 $291.95
It’s no wonder that this pack is a bestseller. Specifically designed for the female frame, this versatile pack conquers all challenges. Featuring a custom Fit-On-The-Fly Hip-belt and shoulder strap, it enables total customization for optimal comfort. The close-to-body carry stabilizes the load, which is especially helpful on technical trails.
For versatility, the detachable top lid transforms into a daypack for exploring outside of basecamp. Crafted with top-notch bluesign®-approved high-tenacity nylon and PFC-free DWR, it prioritizes both quality and environmental responsibility.
Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent $300.93
There is a reason this tent has won so many awards. It’s ultra-lightweight while boasting some ‘can’t-live-without’ features, such as speedy setup and tons of storage pockets. You can also transform the door into an awning that gives way to beautiful views from the sanctuary of your bed. Overall I think they’ll find camping in this is in-tents-ly comfortable.
Prioritizing comfort and airflow, the Atmos AG 65 is the go-to choice for backpacks. Its AntiGravity suspension ensures an amazing fit, seamlessly wrapping around your back and hips in 3D-suspended mesh. You won’t even feel the load you’re carrying.
With user-friendly features like stretch mesh side pockets, an internal reservoir sleeve for extra hydration, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment, and an integrated rain cover, the Atmos AG 65 stands out as a top-tier backpacking pack. Crafted with recycled main, accent, and bottom fabrics, it sets the standard for the industry.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 $399.99
Does your friends spend most of their time in the backcountry miles away from civilization and phone signal? Then this is the perfect gift for them.
This handy device is connected to global satellite coverage, ensuring they’re connected even when there is no cellphone signal. With the two-way messaging feature, you’ll be with them every step of the way. With location sharing and SOS alerts, help will be on the way at the click of a button. And as if that isn’t impressive enough, the inReach Mini2 features TracBack® routing, helping to retrace steps if they get lost along the way.
Garmin Enduro™ 3 $899.99
It’s the GPS smartwatch for adventurers who don’t just test their limits – they break them. Solar-powered, ultra-light, and up to 320 hours of GPS battery life, the Enduro™ is packed with tech to keep you on course and on time.
Finding Gifts for Backpackers?
There you have it – Pathloom’s Ultimate Backpacker's Gift Guide for 2024! As you dive into this mix of must-have gear and outdoor goodies, I’m crossing my fingers that you stumble upon that perfect gift to make your explorer feel extra special this holiday season.
But if you ask me, it's not just about the stuff. Sometimes, the most incredible presents are the memories we cook up together. Some of the best gifts I have ever received have been experiences with my friends and family. A surprise weekend camping trip or backpacking through the jungle. Those are the memories that stick around, creating a highlight reel of stories I'll be telling until the end of time (and probably blogging about so keep an eye on this space!).
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