Gift Ideas for Backpackers

If you are looking for the best gift ideas for backpackers, look no further. These items are some of the newest and grooviest pieces of gear out there.

Since backpacking is MY LIFE, I have a pretty good idea about what your most beloved backpacker would want to receive as a gift for the holidays or special occasion.

Below is a list of gifts that I would LOVE to add to my gear collection; or products I own that I love and can’t live without.

Take a look at these 10 best gift ideas for backpackers; I am sure you will find the perfect gift in your price range. Guaranteed to be a hit!

You may have seen those fancy USB headlamps on the market these days, but that’s not the ideal gift for the hardcore backpacker. Here’s why…

The battery-operated version doesn’t require your loved one to have to carry along the extra weight of a power bank and cords to ensure safety at night. 

This awesome headlamp made by Petzel is a tried-and-true favorite of mine. I consider this a perfect gift for any backpacker.

If you are one of those spouses who worries about your partner’s safety, this could be a great gift for both them and yourself.

Nothing beats knowing your loved one is safe and happy on the trail, and great for Emergencies.

I don’t personally have this model; I have an older bulkier one with less features, but when it’s time to upgrade, this will be my first choice.

What’s not to love with this model? It’s small, relatively light and offers a text messaging feature.

Here’s one of those things many backpackers don’t think of but certainly come to appreciate while out on the trail. Nothing is more comforting than a super-soft towel to dry off with.

It’s best to have a few of these because each size can be used for different things depending on the trip.

Larger sized towels can be used for campground showers, the middle size one for swimming, and the small one for things like drying off after washing or getting out of hot springs.

Another nice thing about these towels is that they are very light, meaning even the most ultralight backpacker wouldn’t be able to resist this luxury.

The towels come in sizes xs-xxl.

The majority of backpackers like to celebrate their accomplishments with a freeze-dried meal and sip of scotch–or whatever their favorite spirit is.

These reusable flasks are great because not only do they protect the very environment we are exploring, but they are also very lightweight.

In a pinch, these magic pouches can also be used to store water if you will be needing to go long distances without a reliable water source.

This piece of gear is a must-have for most (if not all) backpackers. This little gem of a find was a gamechanger for me when it came to mealtime.

Most backpackers rely on freeze dried meals like Peak Refuel for nutrition and fuel while out on the trail. Part of the preparation process requires giving it a good stir.

Back in the olden days before the long spork, my hand would get dirty as I dipped my regular size spoon in the bag to stir it up from the bottom. This product solves that problem.

The same situation occurs when you get to the last few bites at the bottom of your bag; a regular sized spoon is not long enough to reach the bottom so your stuck putting your hand in there.

Any backpacker would appreciate this inventive gift.

It may seem silly or unnecessary, but this piece of gear was a game changer for me, I rarely go on a trip without it.

Yes, every backpacker needs to pack raingear every time they go out (even if the weather does not call for rain) but an umbrella gives you a lot more flexibility.

It’s easier to cook a meal in the rain if you have an umbrella, and it makes hiking easier if you want to keep your pack dry.

I use it a lot to protect me from the sun when out on the trail or camped at a lake or river.

You can count on this lightweight umbrella from Six Moons Designs because it is built to be durable even in windy situations.

This is one of my favorite gift ideas for backpackers, they won’t want to leave this behind on their next trip.

If your favorite backpacker is on the techy side, this solar charger power bank combo will make a great gift.

Back in the day, solar chargers for backpackers were bulky and did not work very well. Things have changd with new technology.

This waterproof and durable charger/power bank should be able to generate enough juice to keep cell phones, GPS trackers and other electronic charged if sunny days are forecast.

What I like about this particular one is the solar and power bank combination, this way, if the weather isn’t working in your favor, at least you have a backup plan.

This makes a great gift for backpackers because this brand is relatively new, and the food is delicious. In the past, I would stick to a few meals within a limited number of brands, now I only eat this brand.

Peak Refuel has the best tasting backpacking meals out there, I know this because I have tried them all and love them all. I only buy this brand now.

Getting to camp and settling in for dinner is one of the most savored moments for backpackers so complimenting things with a delicious meal means all that much more.

This is one of the best gift ideas for backpackers because who doesn’t love food!

One thing that is difficult to live without is this little pillow, it has given me many comfortable nights on the trail.

It’s a backpacking custom to just bunch up extra clothes, throw them in a stuff sack and call it a pillow, not anymore.

I was given this pillow as a gift a couple of years back and I love how comfortable and lightweight it is.

Like a baby with their blanket, I take it with me when I go on road trips or travel by plane as well.

Do your friend a favor and give them this pillow! Many backpackers (like me) think they don’t need a pillow, but once you’ve tried it you can never go back.