2023 Gift Guide: 54 Gift Ideas For Backpackers
Gift Ideas for People Who Love Backpacking
Published November 21, 2023
Backpacking, once synonymous with rugged adventurers seeking the road less traveled, has evolved into a mainstream pursuit, capturing the imagination of a diverse and growing community of outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the popularity of backpacking as individuals increasingly seek immersive and authentic outdoor experiences. This surge is not just a trend but a reflection of a cultural shift towards reconnecting with nature, promoting wellness, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle.
As backpacking continues to weave its way into the fabric of modern leisure, the quest for the perfect gear becomes paramount. Backpackers, whether novices or seasoned trekkers, rely on a curated collection of equipment to navigate the great outdoors comfortably and safely. In this context, the significance of thoughtful gifts for backpackers becomes evident. These gifts go beyond mere material offerings; they symbolize an understanding of the recipient's passion for exploration, a recognition of their unique needs, and a commitment to enhancing their outdoor pursuits.
The purpose of this gift guide is to serve as a compass for those navigating the realm of backpacker-friendly gifts. Whether you're shopping for a friend, a family member, or even treating yourself, this guide is crafted to inspire selections that not only meet the practical demands of backpacking but also resonate with the spirit of adventure. From essential gear to personalized touches, each recommendation is carefully curated to contribute to the joy and fulfillment of the backpacking experience. Join us in discovering the perfect gifts that will accompany backpackers on their journeys, turning each adventure into an unforgettable odyssey.
Looking for more gift ideas? See our Best Gifts for Hikers guide.
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CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BUYING A GIFT
Before buying gifts for backpackers, consider the following factors to ensure your gift aligns with their needs and preferences:
Type of backpacking: Determine the type of backpacking your recipient enjoys (e.g., hiking, camping, ultralight backpacking). Tailor your gift to their specific activities and the environments they explore.
Experience level: Consider the recipient's level of experience. Beginners may appreciate versatile, user-friendly gear, while seasoned backpackers might prefer advanced or specialized equipment.
Gear compatibility: Ensure that the gift complements their existing gear. For example, check the compatibility of accessories with their backpack or the season-appropriateness of clothing.
Size and weight: Backpackers prioritize lightweight and compact gear. Choose items that are portable and won't add unnecessary bulk to their pack.
Quality and durability: Opt for high-quality, durable items that can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Well-made gear is not only appreciated but also contributes to safety on the trail.
Personal preferences: Consider the individual preferences of the backpacker. This could include favorite brands, colors, or specific features they may prioritize in their gear.
Where they hike—what’s the climate and weather? Keep in mind the climates the backpacker frequents. Gifts like insulated gear may be more suitable for cold environments, while breathable and moisture-wicking items are essential in warmer climates.
Multi-functionality: Backpackers value gear that serves multiple purposes. Look for items that have versatile applications, such as multi-tools or clothing suitable for various weather conditions.
Packability: Gifts that are easy to pack and don't take up much space are appreciated. Look for items that can be compressed or folded to fit into a backpack without sacrificing functionality.
Environmental impact: Consider the eco-friendliness of the gift. Sustainable, recyclable, or environmentally conscious products may align well with a backpacker's values.
Safety and emergency preparedness: Items related to safety, such as first aid kits or emergency tools, are thoughtful gifts. Ensure they have the necessary safety gear for their adventures.
Where they stand on technology: If considering tech gadgets, be mindful of the recipient's preferences and comfort level with technology. Some backpackers prefer simple, analog solutions, while others embrace modern, electronic devices.
Gift cards: If uncertain about specific preferences, consider gift cards to outdoor or adventure stores, allowing the recipient to choose gear that suits their needs.
Big GEAR Items
HELINOX CHAIR ZERO CAMP CHAIR
The Helinox Chair Zero is the best chair for car campers and backpackers. Called ‘the best extra pound of gear I’ve ever carried,’ the Zero is also one of the best outdoor purchases you can make. The Zero Chair is comfortable, sturdy, and easy to set up. It turns even a rustic camp into a backcountry living room.
The Zero is so comfortable that many people prefer this for car camping instead of a bulkier traditional camp chair. Why? Because the Zero packs to the size of a 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle, so you can pack chairs for the whole family in the same space a traditional camp chair would take up in your car’s trunk.
The Chair Zero is one of the few products we’ve reviewed all year that has near-perfect reviews from a 100+ sample size of reviewers. To learn more, read our detailed review of the Helinox Chair Zero in our guide on The Best Camping Chairs.
-Treeline Review Team
Made of rugged but lightweight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), HMG Shoulder Strap Pocket protects phones, cameras, wallets, and sunscreen better than others available. Our favorite phone shoulder straps work with any backpack with daisy chains and are called out in our Best Backpacking Backpacks story. These shoulder pockets are the only ones we’ve found that zip and are waterproof (we think legally, they have to call them “water-resistant,” but we’ve had no issues even in the pouring rain).
Whether your loved one uses their phone to take photos, navigate the trail by app, or look up a plant species, shoulder strap pockets make it easy to access your phone while backpacking. Carrying your phone on your shoulder feels less clunky when you move compared to a hip belt pocket or pants pocket. Best yet, the HMG shoulder strap pockets attach to any backpack that has daisy chains on its shoulder strap pads.
-Treeline Review Team
BACKPACKING CLOTHES AND FOOTWEAR
Katabatic Tarn Ultralight Down Jacket
I was thrilled when my favorite quilt manufacturer, Katabatic Gear, decided to start making down jackets. I knew they would bring the same thoughtfulness and quality to their jackets — and they did not disappoint.
A true 3-season jacket, backpackers will love the warmth-to-weight ratio — the best of any down jacket we’ve tested. It also has that Goldilocks balance of weight and features. With zippered hand pockets, hood, and hydrophobic down, it’s as close to perfection as you can get.
PATAGONIA HOUDINI JACKET
My Patagonia Houdini Jacket is my favorite piece of gear. I’ve carried this wind shirt on every backpacking and bikepacking trip I’ve taken over the last 15 years. The Houdini wind jacket only weighs 3.5 ounces and can easily be carried in your shorts or pants pocket. It’s perfect for day hikes or bike rides, but it’s also small and lightweight enough to be versatile for various outdoor activities.
Everyone needs a wind shirt. It is the perfect way to stay warm on cool mornings or during a break, provides excellent bug protection, and is an essential piece of my wet and cold-weather layering system. Some folks argue that a wind shirt is unnecessary because a lightweight rain jacket serves the same purpose. I strongly disagree. A rain jacket is not as breathable and cannot be easily carried in a pocket. Plus, overuse of rain jackets can cause their waterproof membrane to clog, thus reducing their effective life.
The Houdini is my favorite wind shirt because it has a hood (extremely important for bug protection and added warmth) and has proved to be very durable. I’m on my third Houdini over the last 15 years, over 25,000 long trail miles, plus thousands of cycling miles. The recycled nylon shell only becomes softer and more comfortable with age.
MEN'S PATAGONIA HOUDINI JACKET
WOMEN'S PATAGONIA HOUDINI JACKET
Gifting socks for Christmas may seem like something only your beloved Granny does every year—you know she means well, but it feels impersonal. But gift an outdoorsy person with Darn Tough socks, and they’ll be over the moon.
First, they feel amazing. No other wool sock I’ve found comes close to Darn Tough's plush, luxurious fit. I own both the Vertex No-show for running and the Hiker 1/4 Sock Cushion for long treks, and they’re my favorites for both activities! Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice fun in the name of comfort and function: Darn Tough carries a range of colors and patterns in their Lifestyle department.
Second, Darn Tough socks carry a lifetime guarantee. Yep, you read that right! If you don’t love them or they get damaged while you wear them, the people at Darn Tough will send you new ones—no strings attached. My backpacker husband just sent them four pairs of socks that he somehow managed to poke holes in. Within a week or so, he received store credit reflecting the original cost of the socks—no questions asked—even though he’d purchased them years ago.
Lastly, they’re made in the USA (shoutout to Vermont!) and last year began using only 100% Responsible Wool Standard merino wool. It’s a gift that you and your environmentalist daughter-in-law can feel good about. That, if nothing else, is their best selling point. It’s clear why they’re the Overall Winner in our guide to The Best Hiking Socks.
So if you want a no-brainer gift for the outdoors person in your life, grab them a pair of Darn Tough socks. You’ll be surprised at just how thrilled they might be with those holiday socks.
I’ve spent the last decade as a thru-hiker and ultralight backpacker thinking that camp sandals were a luxury to bring on trips. But this year, I tried the new Mayfly Ultralight Camp Sandals on my ~500-mile backpacking trip of the PCT, the Southern Sierra High Route, and several other off-trail backpacking trips this summer. The Mayfly sandals were the dark horse star of my pack. At 2 oz (or the weight of 21 gummy bears, as their website puts it), it’s earned a forever place in my summer ultralight backpack.
Ultimately, the Mayfly turned what I had always considered a piece of luxury camp gear into reach for me, even as an ultralight backpacker.
I was so relieved to find the Branwyn Essential Bralette! Its seamless, single-layer fabric design is super comfortable but supportive enough for low-impact activities (I'm a 34B).
I was skeptical that a merino bra would retain its shape and support for more than a few hours, but I've been pleasantly surprised that the fit is quite consistent for days on end.
It also breathes incredibly well, something I didn't even realize was a fault of my previous bras until I started wearing the Branwyn. At the end of a long, hot climb, only the back of the bra (sandwiched beneath my pack) is sweaty.
I have pretty sensitive skin and was concerned about the comfort of the wool fabric. I did find the bra to be slightly scratchy when I first put it on, but after an hour or two of wear, I no longer noticed any irritation. I find the Essential Bralette to be reasonably priced, especially for merino wool.
If you're unsure about a bra as a gift idea, Branwyn also has an amazing "first pair guarantee." It allows you (or whoever is receiving your gift) to try out sizes and styles on your first order with the ability to return after wearing them. That's pretty rare in the outdoor industry, so it makes the Branwyn a practical gift for the hiker, backpacker, or outdoorsy person in your life.
Are you looking for a practical gift that is a stocking stuffer with some personality? We’re fans of Buff Neck Gaiters, which makes its way into our Gear Lists for trips from the PCT Gear List and Strategy to Bikepacking trips of the White Rim Trail and rafting trips in Alaska.
Buff neck gaiters double as beanies for cooler nights in the sleeping bag, and ski masks protect your face from cold air. We’ve even seen some people use them as tube tops or skirts in a pinch (not recommended)!
There’s a Buff fabric and design for everyone. Whether your loved one is:
a hiker who wants a Buff with the Appalachian Trail on it
a hunter in need of everything bright orange with UPF sun protection
a winter enthusiast who wants something extra warm for snowy adventures.
Best yet, it’s also in our 25 Gifts Under $25 guide, so you don’t have to spend a lot.
-Treeline Review Team
A good pair of mittens makes a wonderful gift—most people already have a sub-par pair of mittens that they’ve been making do with. Our favorite mittens for backpacking are the Montbell Climaplus 200. They’re 1.7 ounces and are designed for minimalists who appreciate having finger freedom to do detailed tasks (like tie a knot or use a Smartphone screen) but want extra warmth.
While technical mittens can often cost as much as a pair of pants, these Montbell Mittens are affordable, lightweight, and a joy to carry on hikes, in camp, and on backpacking trips.
-Treeline Review Team
I don’t work for Montbell—but if I did, the first thing I would do would be to give their Tachyon Parka the tagline: “comfort for the weight of a Snickers bar.” For only 2.5 oz, the Tachyon Parka is one of the most functional outerwear pieces one could have.
A wind shell is a surprisingly warm and versatile layer that can replace other light-to-mid-weight insulating layers for a fraction of the weight. A wind-blocking layer prevents convective and evaporative cooling (from the wind on your skin drying your sweat) and also holds a layer of warm air around your body to provide insulation. (If you’re in the Tachyon climbing a hill or hiking with an insulating layer underneath, you might even get too warm.) But I’ll take 2.5 ounces with a zipper for venting over sweating through a 16 oz down jacket.
The best part about a wind shell like the Tachyon Parka is that it’s practical for everything from a thru-hike to walking the dog and chilly bike rides in between. It’s in our Gear Guides to the Arizona Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
There are plenty of wind layers on the market. I’m a big fan of the Katabatic Crest Jacket, Patagonia Houdini and the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket for an even more waterproof but less breathable option. For more options, check out our men’s and women’s windbreakers guides.
If you are considering your Christmas gift’s cost per ounce this year, Montbell’s Tachyon Parka is worth its weight in gold.
MEN'S MONTBELL TACHYON HOODED JACKET
WOMEN'S MONTBELL TACHYON HOODED JACKET
After some time backpacking, it’s easy to lose weight. Even a day of walking can stretch out a pair of pants. A quality belt can keep pants from falling down. Our tester reports that it finally solved her most frustrating problem on the trail—it keeps her pants from falling down after bending over to pick something up (usually a hiking pole) and then getting bunched up under her backpack’s hip belt.
The Arcade Ranger Belt is washable, so you don’t need to remove it before washing your pants. The Ranger is one size fits most thanks to its ingenious micro-adjust belt buckle. It has no metal, so you don’t have to take it off before going through airport security. It also comes in fun colors.
-Treeline Review Team
LIGHTWEIGHT GAITERS
Gaiters are part of the backpacker uniform, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring. They keep grit like small rocks and pine needles out of shoes. That means fewer materials rubbing against moist feet that can contribute to blisters.
Our two favorite lightweight gaiters are the Altra Gaiters and Dirty Girl Gaiters. Both come in dozens of different colors and fun patterns. You’ll have fun picking out the pattern that best describes your loved one’s personality.
The Altra Gaiters have four points of connections (and work with any hiking shoes—not just Altras). The Dirty Girl gaiters come with the materials to add Velcro to the back of any shoe to create a two-point gaiter, but come in more color options.
-Treeline Review Team
ALTRA GAITERS
DIRTY GIRL GAITERS
If your friend or family member spends time outdoors during the late fall, winter, or early spring, a Goosefeet down balaclava or Goosefeet down socks will be the envy of their friends. The 1.3-ounce balaclava is a versatile hood that works with your sleeping quilt in camp and on chilly days. It’s a favorite in our Fall Hiking Gear story about small items that can help stretch your summer gear into colder seasons.
Several of our staff say they prefer using a balaclava with a sleeping quilt rather than a mummy bag because the hood will move as we toss and turn. The down socks (also available with ultralight waterproof over-booties) warm the part of the body most likely to suffer on cold nights or in camp: your feet. Plus, unlike the balaclava, they can wear the down socks around the house, too.
The Goosefeet Gear company was founded in 2010 by Ben Smith, then a third-year college student at Georgia Institute of Technology. Ten years later, they’re known for making quality ultralight down in the USA out of Milledgeville, Georgia. We find that ordering through Garage Grown Gear has the shortest lead times, as orders can get busy around the holidays.
BALAKLAVA
DOWN BOOTIES
MSR LIGHTNING ASCENT SNOWSHOES
The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are single handedly one of the best-selling items at outdoor stores in November and December. Why? Snowshoes can make the difference between getting outside during the winter and not moving from the couch for 4 months. Snowshoes make a great present because it’s giving the gift of being outdoors, even in the winter.
The Lightning Ascent is considered the gold standard of snowshoes: technical enough to take them on long trips but not too heavy to be annoying on short jaunts. They’re easy to put on and durable enough to sustain many years of tough use. If you’ve heard someone say, “I wish I got out more in the winter,” snowshoes may be just what they need to bridge that seasonal gap on their adventures. To learn more, see our detailed review of the Lightning Ascent.
-Treeline Review Team
MEN'S MSR LIGHTNING ASCENT SNOWSHOES
WOMEN'S MSR LIGHTNING ASCENT SNOWSHOES
LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT SLEEPING GEAR
SEA TO SUMMIT AEROS INFLATABLE PILLOW
For years, I used a stuff-sack packed with clothes for a nightly head cushion during backcountry ramblings. Sometimes, if I was feeling especially tired or hardcore, I skipped the stuff sack.
All that changed when I was given a Sea to Summit Aeros inflatable pillow as a birthday present during a backpacking trip in Utah’s canyonlands. The next morning I awoke a changed man, shocked at how comfortable the pillow had been and how rested I felt. Why had I suffered all those years?!
Some of the best gifts I’ve received have been things I would have never bought for myself, like the pillow. I needed a pillow. I just didn’t know I needed a pillow. Now I wouldn’t go backpacking or overnight boating without one.
I now own five inflatable pillows: the Aeros and the Ultralight Aeros, Thermarest Air Head, Klymit X, and Outdoor Vitals. There’s not much difference between inflatable pillows. You fill a bag with air. How hard can it be? Each pillow will vary in size, shape, and inflation valve, but all inflate easily, retain air, are easy to deflate, and are easy to adjust for differing levels of comfort. Pillows like the Aeros and the Air Head are available with down or fiber-filled tops for additional comfort.
All inflatable pillows pack down to a size that fits easily in the palm of your hand. These are the perfect stocking stuffers for even the most ounce-conscious backpacker on your gift list. And believe me, they’ll thank you.
While writing our Best Sleeping Pads guide, I learned up to 55% of your warmth on a night under the stars comes from your sleeping pad. After years of spending the first 30+ minutes of any night camping just lying awake and fighting to warm my feet, legs, and hands, I knew it was time for a change. While it’s pricey, the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT changed my outdoorsy life.
In my opinion, the biggest drawback to the XTherm NXT is its weight. At 16 oz for a regular length and width, it’s nearly double the weight of my previous pad, and as a long-distance backpacker, I know that weight matters.
That said, with an R-value of 7.3, the XTherm’s warmth-to-weight ratio is the best on the market, and with a switch from a sleeping bag to a quilt, I can save an ounce or two on my current backpacking base weight. If someone in your life wants to sleep outside year-round or they’re tired of being cold when they camp, the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is a great investment in a good night’s sleep.
-Amanda Jameson, Developmental Editor
Find out more about our favorite sleeping pads in our Best Camping Mattresses guide.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TOOLS (SWISS ARMY KNIVES, COOKWARE, CAMPING UTENSILS)
TOAKS TITANIUM 450ML POT
The Toaks 450mL pot, which doubles as a mug, is a gift with a bang for your buck. You can use this mug on a camping stove or directly over a fire. It nestles with a 27-oz Klean Kanteen or the Toaks 750 pot we recommend in our guide to the Best Backpacking Cooking Pot. It’s the same pot we recommend, just a bit smaller. (The 750 mL pot we recommend is just out of the $25 limit, but if you’re able to spend more, we recommend that, too!)
-Treeline Review Team
Do you have someone in your life looking to reduce the amount of trash they create? Recently, I gifted Stasher reusable silicone zip bags to my friend and fellow Treeline writer, Kate Hoch.
As a Portland-based thru-hiker dedicated to reducing her eco-footprint, Kate was intrigued by the Stashers. They can withstand boiling water, so you can store and rehydrate home-dehydrated camping food.
The thing I like about the Stashers is that, unlike many other reusable zip bags I’ve seen, the Stashers are all one piece. Not having a plastic slider means one less part to get lost or break-and also less plastic! They come in all sizes and colors.
I’m particularly fond of the stand-up versions, which are convenient for backpackers and have the same stand-up functionality as the single-use mylar bags found on dehydrated backpacking meals.
As great as Stashers are for outdoor use, they make a great stocking stuffer for anyone looking to introduce more reusables into their life.
This 0.8-ounce knife has all the significance of gifting a pocket knife with all the thoughtfulness of weight consciousness for outdoor use.
With seven tools, this Swiss-made tool has everything most backpackers want and nothing extra. We use the knife to cut open resupply packages on multi-month treks or slice the cheese or apples on day hikes. The scissors make it easier to repair gear, open food packaging, and trim our fingernails.
One customer even reported replacing its toothpick with a Firefly Ferro rod, which creates a spark when rubbed against the file to use as a fire starter. It’s the classic Swiss Army knife with just the essentials. Best yet, it’s less than $20.
To show off your ultralight cred, grab a Gossamer Gear logo-ed one.
-Treeline Review Team
For the outdoorsy coffee connoisseur in your life, why not give them something that levels up their morning ritual both at camp and at home? Brew some of the best coffee you’ve ever tasted with the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker. This durable, long-lasting machine is just 16.5 ounces and packs just smaller than a pint glass. So while it may not make the cut for ultralight backpackers, for casual campers and backpackers willing to sacrifice a bit of pack space for some quality coffee, there’s no better option for backcountry brewing.
The beauty of the AeroPress is its versatility; you can use this coffee maker at home or camp to make great coffee. It also brews espresso-like shots for lattes and cappuccinos. The secret to this Swiss army knife of coffee makers is the extraction method: the AeroPress brews with forced extraction via a small plunger that pushes water through fine-ground coffee and a paper filter. The result is an espresso-strength brew with a consistently balanced, clean taste.
You (probably) can’t bring the barista from your favorite coffee shop into the backcountry with you, but you can always bring the AeroPress. And what’s better than perfect coffee enjoyed in the open air?
-Stasia Stockwell, Contributing Writer
The Aeropress is our Overall winner in our Best Camp Coffee Maker guide and gets praise in our Best Instant Coffee for Camping guide.
The uber light and durable Titanium 450 Cup from Snow Peak is a must-have for adventurers and perhaps the most practical small gift I’ve received.
I carry mine on bicycle tours, thru-hikes, and to potlucks and dinner parties. It holds a proper cup of coffee, makes a pleasant clinking sound with a Moscow mule inside, and (in my opinion) makes a budget Malbec extra nice on the palate.
When you add the Ti-450 to your backcountry kitchen kit, this vessel is an excellent measuring cup and the best way to enjoy a hot drink while dinner rehydrates in a larger pot. The cup fits into a neoprene can koozie for cool weather trips. The handles are removable so that you can slide on the insulator. Four little snips with some scissors and four quick stitches with needle and thread, and bam! An insulated titanium mug!
Are you or your loved one passionate stoveless backpackers? Then add this 2-oz cup to your kit! You can’t heat water in your Talenti jar cold-soaking jar, so this cup is perfect for heating water in the campfire during those near-hypothermic shoulder season wet storms!
LONG-HANDLED SPOON AND FREEZE-DRIED DINNERS
For many years, backpacking spoons were only sold in lengths comparable to home silverware. But backpacking dinners were sold in tall mylar pouches. When an outdoors person ate their dinner every night, they’d have to dig deep in the pouch to get out the last of the food. Inevitably, their hands touched the inside of the pouch in this endeavor. That is until the long-handled spoon was born.
We praise the Toaks Long Handled spoon in multiple Treeline Review stories from the Bicycle Touring Packing List to our Pacific Crest Trail Southbound Gear List & Strategy guide.
Turn your spoon into a complete gift pack by boxing it up with a few freeze-dried dinners. Our favorites are the Pad Thai by Backpacker’s Pantry and Herbed Mushroom Risotto or Indian Vegetable Curry by Good to Go. You could even make it a full day’s worth of meals by putting in a Breakfast Skillet. And if you’re able and willing to spend more, our Best Backpacking Stoves guide can help you choose a stove to beef up the gift!
-Treeline Review Team
Owning a lightweight stove is a big milestone in becoming an outdoors person. The MSR PocketRocket 2 stove is a long-time #1 bestseller at REI and is considered the Gold Standard among stoves. Easy to use with few failure points, we’ve clocked in thousands of miles on this durable, ultralight stove.
What we like about the Pocket Rocket 2 is that it’s lightweight, quick to boil water, and the set-up is intuitive. It’s the Overall Best Stove in our Best Stoves for Backpacking story, but it’s so fast and quick that we also use it for car camping.
The Pocket Rocket folds down to fit inside a 750 mL pot, but it is so durable we don’t “baby” it or protect it. We suggest pairing this gift with a pot like the Toaks 750 Titanium, the Best Cooking Pot in our Best Cook Pots for Backpacking.
-Treeline Review Team
As someone who has thru-hiked over 10,000 miles, I can confidently say I am sick of eating bars. But 2023 brought me a new bar I am not yet sick of: the Better Bar! I sampled the Better Bar at PCT Days this summer and bought a few of both the original and chocolate covered versions to take on trips. I quickly found myself digging into my hiking snack box to eat them at home until my supply was depleted. The texture is an appreciated change from all the other bars out there: chewy but with a nice crisp from the popped quinoa. The goji berries, blueberries and cranberries lend a gentle sweetness. The Better Bar is also allergy friendly, containing no nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy, while still providing a good nutritional profile.
For the tea people in your life, Cusa tea packets give you instant organic tea at less than the cost of a Starbucks Via packet. Without the acidity or jitters of coffee, this instant tea also gives you a caffeine rush.
They come in 6 flavors, including Chai, Green Tea, and caffeine-free herbal options. Plus, the tea quality is excellent: they’ve won four Global Tea Championship Medals.
You can prepare Cusa instantly into hot or cold (iced) tea. We sometimes toss a packet into a 20-ounce Gatorade bottle while on the trail. Unlike a Starbucks Via, it makes a 16-ounce drink (Starbucks is supposed to make one 8-ounce cup), so you can stretch it a little farther. Plus, like the Via, we find that the Cusa is a nice item not only for the trail and camping but also while traveling. Heck, sometimes I’m in such a rush in the morning that I’ll make a Cusa instead of using a tea bag.
-Treeline Review Team
BOX OF ASSORTED ENERGY BARS AND GELS
Almost every backpacker goes ga-ga to try new flavors of bars, gels, and performance drinks. Everyone is always trying to find the best-tasting new bar or next interesting flavor.
Here are 12 of the most popular energy foods this season:
ProBar Meal Bars, including Superberry & Greens or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder (one of our most popular items at Treeline!)
Honey Stinger Energy Waffles (also available in Gluten-Free)
Kate’s Real Food Bivy Bar, including Lemon Coconut Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
Tip: If you’re giving Performance Food Gift Sets to several people as a stocking stuffer or office/hiking group presents, you can get items like Nuun tubes or GU 24-Pack in bulk to save even more. Plus, REI runs a deal where you save 10% if you purchase 10 or more performance foods.
If you want to learn more about choosing the best electrolyte powders–for yourself or whomever you’re buying a gift–check out our guide on The Best Electrolyte Powders.
- Treeline Review Team
TECH GADGETS (SOLAR CHARGERS)
SHOKZ OPEN RUN HEADPHONES
Nothing motivates a backpacker, runner, walker, skier, or cyclist like moving to a beat. But after years of hiking and running with wired earbuds, we’ve had enough of them getting twisted in knots as we move.
We researched and tested 16 wireless earbuds and think the Shokz OpenAir Run is the best for hikers, backpackers, and runners. We like these headphones because they don’t go in your ears at all. So, you can hear oncoming traffic as you run on the road or bears and rattlesnakes when you’re hiking on the trail. Plus, there’s no uncomfortable feeling of having something in your ear.
The OpenAir Run also has an impressive battery life of 8 hours—and we’ve found that they can last longer than that.. While they’re on the pricier end, they make an excellent gift because they’re something nice that your friend or loved one will use daily. For more about our favorite outdoor-friendly earbuds, check out our guide on Best Wireless Earbuds for Outdoor Exercise.
-Treeline Review Team
GPS AND NAVIGATION TOOLS
GARMIN INREACH MINI 2
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 may be the best present you can get for an outdoors person because it’s also a present for yourself! On an almost weekly basis, a safety-minded parent or spouse emails me about what to do about a loved one who loves to adventure solo. Since the invention of the inReach Mini, my answer has become simple: get that person this single gear item.
This two-way satellite transmitter turns a smartphone into a use-anywhere two-way texting machine. Plus, it has an SOS button to alert Search & Rescue in the case of an emergency. At only 3.5 ounces, even the most minimalist biker or backpacker won’t grumble at the weight. Nowadays, almost every backpacker wears a Mini on their pack strap as part of their uniform. We carry it on solo day hikes, on long bike rides, and bring it along on road trips where cell service isn’t certain.
While the SOS button on the Mini Inreach is a safety device, we use it most often to coordinate pick-ups from trailheads or to let people know a more accurate time for when we'll be back home. The Mini can also GPS track movement, which you can share publicly or on a password-protected online map.
To learn more details about the Garmin inReach Mini, see our detailed review here.
ACTION CAMERAS
OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-6 WATERPROOF CAMERA
Outdoorspeople are tougher than most people on their electronics. I’ve personally destroyed three cameras and several phones. The result is that I don’t have photos of thousands of miles of adventuring, a loss I lament on a near-daily basis.
When I bought the Olympus Tough Camera, not only was I unable to destroy it (I dropped it more times than I can count), but it captured some of the most important moments in my hiking career.
Usually, rain, snow, and cold weather are times to put away your electronics. With the waterproof TG-6, I’ve been able to take photos at some of the most miserable times of my hikes (aka, “Type 2 Fun” or parts that are miserable at the time but make great stories later).
The Olympus Tough Camera is how I finally learned the truth behind what a professional photographer once told me: the most difficult parts of a hike make the best photos. The TG-6 is so waterproof because it was designed for snorkeling. It’s widely considered by camera nerds to take the finest quality photos of any waterproof consumer camera.
The TG-6 was released a few months ago, updating the much-beloved TG-5 with minor tweaks that make it even more functional. This camera is so bomb-proof, it will likely outlast all other technology. See what our camera nerd has to say about the Olympus Tough Cameras in our Best Waterproof Camera guide.
- Liz Thomas
COMFORT AND HYGIENE
HEX DETERGENT
Sometimes the best gift is the one that also benefits the gift-giver. If you live, work, or spend your holidays with a workout fiend or outdoors person, chances are you know the smell of clothes or gear that never seem to get clean—no matter how many times they’re washed.
Although sports detergent is a relatively inexpensive gift, it’s one of those things we bought in 2022 that significantly improved our daily existence. (It turns out restoring gym clothes from perpetually smelly to only stinky after use is a real mood booster.) While we identified several effective odor-removing sports detergents in our Best Sports Detergent story, the Rockin’ Green Sport Detergent stood out for its eco-friendly outdoor-user focus. It’s biodegradable and climate pledge friendly. If their odor is extreme, though, give them the Hex Detergent.
While it may seem like a backhanded gift to give someone sports detergent, trust us—they’ll be stoked. Finding a good sports detergent that works takes trial and error. They’ll be overjoyed to receive one that actually works.
—Treeline Review Team
Send a subtle message: time to wash your gear! Bonus if you live with the person–you won’t have to smell their gear anymore. We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash, which also comes with a DWR coating.
Unlike harsh detergents or everyday Tide, you can use tech wash and down washes on performance fabrics. Technical apparel is made with materials that have membranes that “breathe” water vapor, which makes washing them in water different from ordinary clothing. You can learn more about tech detergents in our Best Sport Detergent piece.
-Treeline Review Team
RAWLOGY CORK MASSAGE BALL: BACKPACK-FRIENDLY MASSAGE
The Rawlogy ball is our favorite ultralight massage tool to throw into a backpack for hikes or climbs.
On the trail, one of my rituals every night in the tent is to massage my feet. It makes a huge difference, even if it’s only for 30 seconds. I was positively DE-lighted when I found this massage ball light enough to carry on a hiking trip.
Rawlogy Cork balls were designed by hikers for self-massage. It only weighs 1.4 ounces (and the mini version only weighs 0.7 ounces!). Plus, they’re made from recycled wine corks (yay for the environment). Being made of cork also means it is grippy even when wet.
The Laser Series has designs of a camp, mountains, and a bear engraved on the cork. Plus, you can get it all in a Dyneema stuff sack for the very weight conscious.
One of the most popular gear items we saw on the PCT this year, this massage ball makes it easy to roll out IT bands, plantar fasciitis, or other foot issues while on the trail (or on the go). It has a similar density to traditional massage balls made of rubber but is made of material up to 1/5th the weight. The Rawlogy Ball is a winner in our Essential Backpacking Accessories story about overlooked small items that can make a hike much better.
PORTABLE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS
SAWYER MINI WATER FILTER
A water filter is a handy gift for anyone who spends time outdoors. A water filter is nice to have in a day pack, emergency bag, or to keep in the car during road trips. It’s also an excellent gift for the day hiker, backpacker, camper, or distance cyclist who usually has all the water they need but will want a way to treat water in case of an emergency.
A few years ago, back in my corporate job, I was assigned a Secret Santa. I didn’t know the guy, but I knew he was into the outdoors. The Sawyer Mini Water Filter was a great gift because I knew it was a piece of gear he’d use, and it fits perfectly within the Secret Santa price limit.
The Mini is a smaller, lightweight, and less expensive version of the Sawyer Squeeze, which won our Overall Best Water Filter award in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. Unlike the Squeeze, the Mini comes in multiple colors and even a bulk variety pack—so you can gift a Mini to everyone in the family!
CNOC Vecto water containers are our favorite collapsible water container in our Arizona Trail Gear List. These durable water containers make filtering water easy because they thread with both Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree water filters, two top picks in our Best Water Filters story.
The CNOCs are stronger and more reliable than other water bags we’ve carried. They’re made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which isn’t as easily delaminated or punctured as most plastics.
When you don’t need full water capacity, the CNOCs compress down to a little more than the size of an unfilled Ziplock bag. The wide mouth makes it easy to fill from natural water sources, even when creeks trickle at low angles or flow.
-Treeline Review Team
LIGHTWEIGHT TOWELS AND TOILETRIES
KULA CLOTH
Whether you’re worried about hygiene, Leave No Trace, or simply want to save money on toilet paper, the Kula Cloth is the answer to all your pee prayers. It’s an antimicrobial, discrete, quick-drying cloth that reduces mess and waste while improving your quality of life. My Kula replaces handkerchiefs, leaves, and drip-drying (which never really worked anyway).
A Kula Cloth features silver-infused, highly-absorbent black fabric with a waterproof backing—meaning the cloth is completely odor-proof, and my hands never touch residual liquid. Manufactured and milled in the USA, the Kula Cloth is hypoallergenic, mostly organic, and the best new gear I’ve found in years. Starting at $20, you can’t go wrong with a Kula Cloth. It will change how you (or your loved ones who also squat to pee) experience the outdoors.
Maybe you know someone who just got into hiking and is building up their hiking “kit” and geeking out over gear and just how “light” their load can be. If so, TentLab’s The Deuce Ultra Light Trowel would make a great stocking stuffer while encouraging them to make the right environmental decision. Digging catholes to dispose of waste is a Leave No Trace principle and the outdoor ethical thing to do.
The Deuce is an ultralight trowel used to dig holes for going #2 in the woods. Yep—it’s a poop trowel. I know what you’re thinking—that’s gross. But The Deuce is a sophisticated piece of backpacking gear. It weighs in at just 0.6 ounces, and it’s made from the same aluminum alloy created by DAC (the company that provides many tent companies with tent poles and stakes). Pull out The Deuce amongst a group of backpackers, and they’ll be impressed.
There are three different models to choose from, ranging from super light and small to more heavy-duty—all of which deliver the same efficiency at digging holes no matter where you are outside. We guarantee the backpacker in your life will be very pleased to find The Deuce in their stocking. (Apologies in advance for any poop jokes sure to ensue.)
HEALTH AND SAFETY
BEAR SPRAY
Worried about a loved one hiking or camping in a national park? Get them some Bear Spray! Bear spray is like pepper spray for bears and is a good idea for folks who enjoy spending time outdoors in bear country.
Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park highly recommend that users who hike into the backcountry have bear spray on hand. Most thru-hikers on the Continental Divide Trail will carry bear spray for 1000 miles while in grizzly country.
If you’re thinking about gifting bear spray, it may also be worth getting that person an inert bear spray to practice using the live canister. The inert bear spray is the same shape and size, but instead of having pepper spray inside, it has a harmless substance. It’s much less expensive than the real thing, so it’s perfect for training.
Not all national parks allow bear spray—notably, Yosemite and Kings Canyon ban them, so check to see what parks your friends or loved ones are visiting before getting this gift. Also, be aware that they can’t be brought on planes (they are an aerosol, after all).
-Treeline Review Team
Leukotape for the feet and KT tape to support pained muscles may not be the hippest thing to gift an outdoors person. But for runners, trail runners, hikers, and backpackers, it’s an essential item.
Too often, I run into an outdoor enthusiast who knows they should use tape but can’t seem to get themselves to purchase it. They'll bum off friends and swear that the pain will disappear soon.
Giving them sports tape means they’ll always have it on hand and will have no excuses not to practice the self-care they need.
-Treeline Review Team
An umbrella may not seem like an essential gear item, but once you’ve hiked with one, it’s hard to go back. In the rain, it keeps water off your rain jacket, which keeps you feeling warmer. In the sun, it can be used for shade. A high-quality pocket umbrella doesn’t weigh much or take up much room in a backpack but can give a lot of peace of mind should a storm come.
While I own a pocket umbrella for hiking, more often than not, I use that same umbrella for going around town. Outdoor pocket umbrellas are designed to be sturdier in the wind than everyday umbrellas. They also weigh less and are more compact. That makes them convenient for use in town, for travel and commuting, and of course, for the outdoors.
An outdoors person will be thrilled to receive a lightweight umbrella—even if they use it more around town than in the backcountry!
-Liz Thomas
Do you know someone who hates bugs? Or spends a lot of time outdoors in tick country? Whether they do yard work in the spring or backpack in the summer, this themed gift pack will gear them up to stay bug-free.
We’re fans of the Tick Remover Tool from our Essential Backpacking Accessories story. This lightweight tool is easier to use than tweezers when removing a tick embedded in the skin. The advantage of the card is that it fits in a wallet like a credit card, so you’ll always have it on hand when you need it.
Hopefully, the other two parts of your present can prevent tick bites in the first place. Permethrin is a spray-on application to put on clothing a day or two before use. Spray it on, let it dry, and it repels mosquitos and ticks for up to 25 washes. DEET applied to clothing also repels bugs (but it’s only good for one wash). Paired together, your gift recipient will have ultimate bug-repelling power.
-Treeline Review Team
TICK REMOVAL TOOL
DEET BUG SPRAY
PERMETHRIN BUG TREATMENT
An essential for every outdoors person, Tenacious Tape is the easiest way to gear repair for everything from tents, to down jackets, to sleeping pads. They don’t require cutting, sewing, heat, or glue to stop leaking down or fix ripped or punctured nylon. We recommend Tenacious Tape in our Best Backpacking Backpacks story, The Best Down Jackets story, The Best Sleeping Pads story, and Essential Backpacking Accessories. Every one of our staff carries Tenacious Tape in their First Aid kit (we consider it a medical essential for gear).
Tenacious Tape comes in fun colors and shapes (and also black and clear rectangles and circles if you’re more into that color wheel). It’s washable, and our down jacket writer even has a Tenacious Tape-repaired puffy that has lasted ten years and counting. Tenacious Tape is such an improvement on messy duct tape for repairs. We hope they won’t have to repair gear in the field, but Tenacious Tape makes the experience pleasant when they do.
-Treeline Review Team
HIGH-VISIBILITY GEAR
BIOLITE HEADLAMP 425
After three years of testing and almost 5,000 backpacking miles of data, we think the Biolite Headlamp 425 is a no-brainer gift to get for the headlamp-needing hiker or backpacker.
It seems like every outdoorsy friend has a story of a headlamp that has failed them in some way: batteries run out too quickly, bounced uncomfortably during runs, gave them a headache, light modes became uncontrollable, and more.
That’s not the case with the Biolite. The 425 is a trusty, reliable headlamp that is easy to use with little fuss. It’s our overall winner above 27 other headlamps in our Best (and Brightest) Headlamps guide. This year, it jumped ahead of the trusty Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp to snag our Overall winner award.
Whether you need a gift for a backpacker that wants a bounce-free headlamp, a hiker who wants something that rides comfortably, or a camper that needs a headlamp that angles well, the Biolite 425 hasn’t failed us in almost 500 nights of daily use.
-Treeline Review Team
Solar lanterns light up your camp, backpacking trip, or home emergency kit without requiring batteries or remembering to charge the night before. We’re fond of the LuminAID PackLite Nova, a solar lantern that packs flat and is waterproof (it even floats!).
We’ve used its predecessor, the LuminAID inflatable light, as a campfire alternative on backpacking trips where fires aren’t allowed. The warm glow of the light turned into a gathering place on backcountry trips in the alpine zones of Washington to tree-less parts of Utah. This waterproof lantern can light up tents or campsites and even floats (so you can take it for late-night lake swimming).
Designed by women engineers for relief work in Haiti and for Doctors Without Borders, Luminaid has won multiple Social Venture and Clean Energy design prizes. It’s also a Shark Tank winner.
The Luminaid Nova lasts up to 48 hours on one charge and is designed to survive multiple years of daily use. But if you’re ok giving up a few hours of battery life, the similarly priced Lumaid Spectra can change into 10 different colors for your personal disco party.
-Treeline Review Team
GIFT CARDS AND STOCKING STUFFERS
THIRST BY HEATHER ANDERSON
The magic of a book is to bring us to new worlds, to understand new ways of living, and to see life through new eyes. Not everyone wants to read a how-to book, especially people who cannot adventure outdoors. But we see the broad appeal in the narrative experience of a thru-hike, as told in the memoir Wild by Cheryl Strayed and now Thirst by National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Heather “Anish” Anderson.
While Heather is the first and only person to hold Fastest Known Times on three National Scenic Trails (the Pacific Crest, Appalachian, and Arizona Trails), the memoir of her speed record on the PCT is relatable, fragile, and heartbreaking. Part adventure storytelling, she also flashbacks to show her transformation from a sedentary life to becoming one of the world's greatest athletes.
This quick read is for anyone who enjoys curling up with a book during the winter. And for anyone interested in learning more about planning a long thru-hike, check out our Pacific Crest Trail Gear List & Strategy guide.
-Treeline Review Team
Not sure what to get someone who’s picky about gear? A National Parks Pass is essential if someone spends (or wants to spend!) time on federally-managed public lands.
Technically called the “America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass,” the pass will get you free admission to National Parks and National Monuments. Plus, you’ll get recreation fees waived at US Fish & Wildlife Refuges, Forest Service-managed forests and grasslands, and Bureau of Land Management sites.
For example, Treeline Review Editor-in-Chief Liz Thomas uses it as a parking pass at Southern California’s trailheads instead of the Adventure Pass (which costs $5 per hike at trailheads). Contributing writers Matt McDonald and Josette Deschambeault used them for rafting parking all summer. They even had fees waived for their upcoming Grand Canyon rafting trip, thanks to their Parks pass!
When you get the National Parks Pass online at REI, it’s the same price (actually, a penny less) than if you were to purchase it directly at a National Park entrance station—and with this pass in hand, they often let you skip the line to enter a park. Plus, REI donates 10% of sale proceeds to the National Parks Foundation, which helps to take care of the backlog of work that needs doing in our National Parks.
Since the Interagency Pass only lasts a year—and is a near-essential item for every outdoors person—it’s the perfect gift for the person who has everything.
AN ADVENTURE PLAN FOR A 2024 TRIP TOGETHER
A heartfelt promise note describing an upcoming trip for the two of you. Detailed plans for a dream trip can be just the hope a friend needs. Best yet—plans are free.
Write a plan for a trip you’d like to take with this person. Be as detailed as possible. What’s on your packing list? How will you get to your destination? Where will you camp? What will you eat each night? What’s the weather like for the dream trip dates you have set?
We have several guides to help you plan a trip. You can check them out here.
Imagining adventures and planning trips give us all something to look forward to. Plus—this trip planning can be super fun for you!
-Treeline Review Team
APPALACHIAN TRAIL OR PACIFIC CREST TRAIL OR CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL WALL MAPS
Got a backpacker in your life? Know someone headed on the trail this year? There’s nothing backpackers love more than maps, and a wall map of their dream trail is the perfect inspiration to get them prepped for their next adventure.
The National Geographic wall maps of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail are hanging on my walls. While dreaming of my next trail during a busy workday, these maps take me to a different place. Just looking at the map of a trail that I’ve hiked before brings me calm. Trail maps aren’t a spendy gift, but they will be much appreciated by anyone who has hiked the trails or someday hopes to take a backpacking trip on these iconic trails.
Know a family member of someone headed on the trail? They’ll appreciate having a wall-sized overview map of the trail, too. That way, when their loved one is hiking, they can better understand where their loved one is relative to the whole trail and a bunch of other place-based hiker terms that get thrown around.
For more on PCT and AT gear and strategies, check out our PCT Gear List & Strategy and Appalachian Trail Gear List & Strategy guides.
-Liz Thomas
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL
Treeline co-founder Naomi Hudetz was honored to be interviewed for Susan Alcorn’s latest book: Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails. There’s a joke in the long-distance hiking community: thru-hiking is the fountain of youth. And while this is obviously not true, there is a kernel of truth to it. We believe that people don’t have to “age out” of long-distance hiking, and our repeated experiences of meeting long-distance hikers in their mid-80s still going strong provides all the evidence we need.
We also believe there’s always more to learn, so even experienced hikers will find inspiration in Susan’s book. Other reviewers agree: Susan’s book will inspire both novice and experienced hikers.
-Treeline Review Team
How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild is the newest book by the master hiker, guide, and explorer Paul “Mags” Magnanti.
It seems fitting that famed budget hiker Paul “Mags” Magnanti would write a book with a price tag that won’t break the bank.
Created by the outdoor explorer behind the popular blog Pmags.com, How to Survive uses easy-to-understand language to inspire people to get outdoors without fear. Although written for a beginner audience, Mags is one of the most respected outdoors people out there today, and even advanced backpackers will get a kick out of his fun writing and outdoor wisdom. Our editors enjoyed this book for its witty explanations, fun illustrations, and succinct thoroughness.
If they’re already a Pmags fan, top the book with one of his signature hats, stickers, magnets, drinkware, and more.
-Treeline Review Team
The Rite in the Rain waterproof, lightweight notebooks are a place to journal, draw, and otherwise document your outdoor trip. They’re significantly more durable than a standard paper journal (which tend to disintegrate with any water exposure or over a long carry).
The Rite in the Rain Mini notebooks weigh less than an ounce and come with 24 pages. I usually fill one in about a month, but luckily, they come in packs of three. They work with pencils or Sharpies in wet and dry conditions.
What I like best is that the paper won’t tear or turn to mush like other notebooks. I have a dozen journals documenting many trails’ worth of memories. I look forward to reading them in old age. Unlike my paper journals, they’ll still be around.
- Naomi Hudetz
Have a friend or colleague who dreams of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, or John Muir Trail? No matter the length of the trip, Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike by Treeline Review’s own Liz “Snorkel” Thomas, is the step-by-step how-to book to take a backpacking trip from dream to reality.
The winner of the National Outdoor Book Award for Best Instructional Book, judges said it was “destined to become the bible of the sport.” By getting Long Trails for a friend, it shows that you’ve heard their interest in distance hiking and want to maximize their fun (and safety) out there.
-Treeline Review Team
Want to give an experience rather than a thing? REI has classes and events across the country covering various activities and interests. Bonus—they’re reasonably priced. Here’s a (tiny) sampling:
-Treeline Review Team
A GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIP
If the backpackers in your life have always dreamed about backpacking in another country or a scenic destination but would feel comfortable going with someone who speaks the language and who is a certified guide, 57Hours makes it easy to find a guide for any destination and any sport.
You can search Backpacking by destinations for trips in locations worldwide.
Some of the trips we're drooling over include:
There are also domestic hiking trips in destination areas like national parks. In the U.S:
For everything else, there is always the super popular adventure gift card, which includes guided rock climbing, mountain biking, and classes like avalanche classes.
-Treeline Review Team
57 HOURS GIFT CARD
