Take a look at these can’t miss outdoorsy gifts for anyone who enjoys backpacking, hiking, or camping. We have stocking stuffers, mid-range gifts, and big-ticket items for a range of budgets. So, give the outdoor adventurer in your life something they’ll treasure for years to come!
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Gifts Under $25
Tenacious Tape
Tenacious Tape is fantastic for repairing rips and holes in most outdoor gear. It’s a really great all-purpose solution for outdoor lovers because eventually everybody will need to repair burns, holes, and cuts in their well-worn gear.
Instant Coffee Packets
When you need your coffee fast, the convenience of Alpine Start & Starbucks Via can’t be beat. Instant coffee is our go-to for backpacking since it’s ultralight, compact, and incredibly easy to make. Get all of the pros and cons of instant coffee on our list of the Best Camping Coffee Makers.
Nalgene Travel Kit
This might not be the sexiest gift on the list, but little plastic containers (and Ziploc bags) are a huge part of any backpacker’s game plan. The Nalgene Travel Kit helps save space and cuts down on unnecessary weight for toiletries, bio soap, and cooking accessories like olive oil and hot sauce.
Rite in the Rain Notepads
These Rite in the Rain All-Weather Notepads are great pocket paper to take into the field or use around town. They are waterproof (yep, waterproof paper), so your doodles and notes can stay smudge-free. Bonus points: add a snazzy Fisher Space Pen.
TOAKS Long Spoon
The TOAKS Long Spoon is one of our favorite gear items in our pack. It’s long enough to allow you to scrape the bottom of freeze-dried dinner bags without getting saucy knuckles, and it’s stronger and lighter than any plastic utensil we’ve found. We recommend the polished version since it’s easier to clean and has a better mouthfeel.
Platypus SoftBottle
We generally focus on keeping our gear lightweight when backpacking, but we make some exceptions for luxuries, like an adult beverage to celebrate a day on the trail. The Platypus SoftBottle will hold 3/4 of a bottle of wine or a pint of whiskey. The best part is, this flask is ultralight and folds totally flat when empty.
FlowFold Minimalist Wallet
The FlowFold Minimalist Wallet is the perfect gift for the hiker in your life who’s still carrying their cards and ID around in a Ziploc bag. It’s made with recycled carbon fiber sailcloth, so it’s super lightweight, durable, and slim enough to fit in your front or back pocket. This is a great simple wallet for everyday use, but it’s also ultralight so you can use it for backpacking.
Freeze Dried Backpacking Food
Freeze dried backpacking meals make excellent gifts for outdoor lovers. They’re light, easy to prepare, and tasty – especially after a long day on the trail. For our favorites, check out our Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals post.
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
We prefer low-cut running socks for our hiking trips (we wear trail running shoes, not boots) and these Balega socks are the best we’ve found. They breathe well, last a long time, and have a good amount of padding. They also have a thick lip on the heel of the sock so they won’t slip down into your shoe. The Balegas are some of our favorites from our Best Socks list.
HANDKER BANDANA
From a stylish scarf, to a pot grip, to a sunglasses rag, a bandana is the epitome of multi-functional gear. These hand-drawn designs by Handker are beautiful, affordable, and sure to be a hit with your loved one.
BRS Ultralight Stove
The BRS Ultralight Stove is so cheap and light (1 oz.) that it’s almost certainly within every backpacker’s budget. It’s not the highest quality stove on the market and has downsides (no simmer control, not terribly fuel efficient), but if you’re looking for a budget ultralight option, this is our top pick from Best Backpacking Stoves list.
TOAKS Titanium Cup
Having a separate cup to sip a hot beverage from while you cook a backpacking meal is so luxurious on backcountry trips. The TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup is ultralight, durable, and at less than $20, it’s an incredible value!
Energy Bars
Fuel their adventures with some delicious, nutritious, and convenient energy bars. Check out our list of the Best Energy Bars to see some of our tried-and-true favorites.
Maps and Guidebooks
Every hiker loves books and maps that describe great hikes in an area. For example, we find that the Backpacking Washington & Backpacking Oregon books are very useful for planning backcountry trips in the PNW. Those types of books and maps can make excellent gifts.
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Book
The 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles books series is a great hiking resource and has many versions for cities scattered across the US. We love how it’s organized based on the type of hike you’re looking for (i.e. distances, seasons, etc.) Check to see if they have your city and you won’t be disappointed.
DIRTY GIRL GAITERS
Dirty Girl Gait–ers make a perfect gift for hikers and trail runners. They’re stretchy, breathable, and effective at keeping debris out of low-cut shoes so you can go farther and faster without a hitch in your giddy-up. Best of all, Dirty Girl Gaiters come in a ton of fun colors and patterns.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag
Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks have been an industry standard in pack organization for as long as we can remember due to their reliability, low weight, and approachable price. Several little features make these our top choice when we need a waterproof sack – color options for coordinated organization, buckle clasps for easy hanging, and reinforced taped seams that keep contents dry. See how these compare on our list of the Best Stuff Sacks.
Nikwax Rain Jacket Cleaner & Waterproofer
Cleaning and waterproofing your quality rain shells will help you get the most out of them in the long run. That’s why this Nikwax Hardshell Kit makes an excellent small gift for adventurers. Also, Nikwax Down Wash is a great product for revitalizing stinky down jackets and sleeping bags. Get the soft fluff back!
Darn Tough Socks
If you give the gift of Darn Tough Socks, you’re giving someone a pair for life, which is rad. Darn Tough has an unconditional lifetime guarantee on their socks, no strings attached. So if you wear them out, you get a new pair. Also, it doesn’t hurt that they’re super comfortable and highly functional. Check out our list of the Best Hiking Socks to see our favorite Darn Tough picks.
Swiss Army Classic Mini Multitool
The Swiss Army Classic is a handy and affordable multitool that we consider a must-have for everyone, especially those who want to keep “stuff” to a minimum. It has everything you need for simple, light-duty tasks like opening packaging and personal grooming, yet it’s so small and lightweight that it’s barely noticeable on a keyring. The Classic is our favorite compact multitool on our list of the Best Multitools.
BUFF COOLNET UV NECKWEAR
The highly versatile and functional Buff headwear can be used as a hat, scarf, headband, sun protection, bandana, and more. We consider this a must-have item for anyone with an active lifestyle. Buffs come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
GOODR POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
Sun protection is so cool! Pick up a pair of new, snazzy sunglasses for summer adventures. These Goodr Sunnies are our go-tos because they’re polarized, stylish, and affordable. Throw in a floating sunglasses strap to give your pal pro status.
Yellowbird Hot Sauce Kit
If there’s someone on your list who really likes to spice it up, the Yellowbird Hot Sauce Kit will really make their day. The small containers are perfect for backpacking, travel and commuting, and we can personally vouch for the tastiness of every flavor.
Dirty Gourmet Cookbook
Time to elevate your outdoor adventure grub! Brought to you by three badass woman who biked across Canada together, this outdoor-focused cookbook features over 120 delicious and easy-to-follow recipes for camping and backcountry adventures. If you’re handy in the kitchen, you could also make and gift some homemade backpacking meals from our recipes page.
Qalo Silicone Band
Those with an active lifestyle, a job that won’t allow a traditional metal ring, or anyone who travels frequently, may find the Qalo Silicone Band to be a good substitute. We like the simplicity and comfort of the Qalo Band and it’s available in both men’s and women’s style.
Luci Solar Lantern
The Luci 2.0 is a lightweight, solar-powered, waterproof lantern that makes an excellent gift for nature lovers of all kinds. It’s functional enough to use while car camping and light enough to take on the trail.
Puffin Drinkwear
You love your puffy coat, right? Well shouldn’t your favorite beverage get the same treatment? These unique Puffin koozies are hilarious, and we think they make great gifts for the outdoorsy type. They’re the perfect partner for a beverage, a campfire, and some close friends.
Travel Cribbage Board
Ramp up your backcountry leisure game. Weighing in just over 7 ounces, this travel cribbage board is light enough to bring on any backpacking or camping trip. It’s well-constructed, compact, and just plain fun.
Gifts Under $50
Stanley Classic Flask
A nip of good whiskey out in the wild is one of life’s great pleasures. That’s why flasks can make great gifts for outdoor adventurers. The Stanley Classic Flask is a rugged and stylish favorite for outdoor use.
FOTOPRO LIGHTWEIGHT PHONE TRIPOD
Encourage your friends and family to take more pictures on their adventures! The Fotopro Lightweight Phone Tripod is one of the few tripods we’ve found that weighs less than a pound and has extendable, 40-inch legs. The Fotopro is affordable and super compact, so it’s the perfect gift for anyone who hikes and travels! If you’ve got a few more bucks to spend, include a packable lens cloth.
REI Fleece Gloves
We wear REI’s Fleece Gloves (men’s / women’s) pretty much every day in the fall and winter. They make our list of the Best Winter Gloves because they’re super light, soft, and they have tech-compatible fingers so you can use your phone while wearing them. These super versatile gloves work great for any activity from town to trail.
OUTSIDE INSIDE BACKPACK WATERCOLOR KIT
This travel painting kit is compact, all-inclusive, and weighs less than eight ounces. Whether the recipient is an experienced artist or has never picked up a brush before, this gift is sure to provide some fun and peaceful moments in the great outdoors.
State Parks & Forest Passes
A recreational pass is the gift that keeps on giving. These annual passes will save the hiker in your life some dollars every time they visit their favorite park!
ExOfficio Give-N-Go Underwear
Because every stocking needs some underwear. ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Men’s Sport Mesh Boxer Briefs and Women’s Sport Mesh Bikini Briefs are great for day-to-day use, but they’re also amazing on the trail. They’re moisture-wicking, made from quick-dry material, and they’re the most comfortable underwear we’ve ever worn.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
Although the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a bit heavy to pack for lightweight backpacking trips, it’s one of the most comfortable camping pillows we’ve used. It feels almost like the pillows we use at home, but it’s more compact, and it doesn’t matter if it gets dropped in the dirt. Learn more about this pillow and other lightweight pillows on our Best Backpacking Pillows list.
Travel Backgammon Set
Roll it up, stash it in your backpack, and get ready for some backcountry fun! Weighing just over eight ounces, this beautifully designed and compact travel backgammon set is built to accompany any adventure.
Ultralight First Aid Kit
Stay prepared with the Ultralight/Watertight .7 Adventure Medical Kit. We never head into the backcountry without one. See our Best First Aid Kits list for an in-depth look.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
We love this convenient and stylish Fanny Pack from Patagonia. Whether we’re bumming around town or going on a day hike, the multiple storage areas provide enough space for what you need without feeling bulky. Take a look at our Best Fanny Packs for Hiking list to see more of our favorites.
YETI Rambler Tumbler
We’re convinced that this is the best tumbler on the market. The YETI Rambler will keep your beverages hot or cold for a shockingly long time, beating out competitors by a landslide. This is an absolute no-brainer for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle.
Six Moon Designs Hiking Umbrella
The Silver Shadow Umbrella from Six Moon Designs is the perfect gift for a thru-hiker or any hiker in your life. It’s quick and easy to deploy and pack away while on the move and provides convenient rain protection without causing you to overheat like a rain jacket does. Pro Tip: Snag the Hands-Free Umbrella Kit to attach to your backpack for easy carrying.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
The AeroPress Go is one of our all-time favorite coffee makers. This thing is awesome for those who want to enjoy great coffee or espresso on the go. It’s an excellent value since everything you need is included, and it’s our top gourmet coffee maker on our list of the Best Camping Coffee Makers.
Nomadix Original Towel
Microsuede towels are super absorbent, crazy light, and dry very quickly so they’re great for an on-the-go outdoor lifestyle. A full-size Nomadix Towel is awesome for camping and trips to the river, while the Bandana Towel is great for drying off after washing up on backcountry trips. We like the Nomadix brand because they have stylish patterns and they’re made with recycled materials.
GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set
All outdoor chefs need a handy knife set to keep the cocktails, meals, and good times rolling. This set has everything a camper could need including three knives, a cutting board, scrubber, tiny soap bottle, and a case to keep it all together.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The Sawyer Squeeze is one of the most compact, lightest (two ounces), and affordable water filtration systems on the market. Highly versatile, you can either attach the filter directly to a bottle or hydration pack, or squeeze water into a bottle for later. If you’re a lightweight backpacker, this is a must in your gear rotation. Get more info about this filter on our list of the Best Water Filters.
Inui 20,000 Battery Bank
When we’re heading out on an adventure, we always pack our Inui Battery Bank. It has a great balance of low weight, compact size, and charging capacity. It can charge a smartphone up to four times on a single charge. For an even smaller and lighter package that will provide a couple of charges, go with the Inui Megapower 10000. Check out our Best Power Banks for Hiking list for more options.
Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Black Diamond’s Moji Lanterns are a great way to spice up the ambience of a campsite or backyard gathering. With adjustable brightness and the ability to hang almost anywhere, this lantern makes a versatile gift for any outdoors person. We like the Moji R+ because it’s rechargeable, but the regular Moji is also great if you want to save a little money and don’t mind using AAA batteries.
REI Gift Card
Can’t decide what to get for the outdoors person in your life? Let them make the call! An REI Gift Card is sure to please any adventurer.
$50-$100 Gifts
Hydro Flask Bottles
Hydro Flask vacuum bottles are great for keeping cold beverages cold (24 hours) and hot drinks hot (12 hours). They come in a range of sizes and colors and are great for packing beer, coffee, tea, and soup. They’re tops on our list of the Best Water Bottles and are sure to make excellent gifts for anyone with an active lifestyle.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a dependable, durable, and effective backcountry stove. It has simmer control to make backcountry cooking easier and it pairs well with any lightweight cook pot. This backcountry classic is our favorite stove from our Best Backpacking Stoves list and it makes an excellent gift.
Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife
Whether you’re a knife enthusiast or a novice, the Kershaw Leek has an excellent chance of becoming your favorite blade: it’s tough to beat when it comes to an ultra-portable, high-quality knife at an outstanding price point. That’s why it’s #1 on our list of the Best Pocket Knives.
HOKA ORA RECOVERY 3 SLIDES
Whether your giftee is a hiker, runner, or spends a lot of time slicing and dicing in the kitchen, they’re probably on their feet a lot. These squishy slip-ons might look a tad spacey, but they’re a huge relief for tired feet and joints. We love them as camp shoes, but these far-out kicks are equally great at a standing desk or as pool slide-ons.
Kijaro Dual Lock Camp Chair
The Kijaro Dual Lock Chair is a comfortable and affordable folding chair that’s great for sitting around a campfire, at the beach, or just about anywhere. The Dual Lock is our top pick overall on our Best Camping Chairs list.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Stuff Sack Pillow is one of our favorite backpacking sleep system picks of the year. This stuff sack pillow weighs almost nothing (1.4 ounces), feels soft against the skin, and has a rectangular shape like the pillow you use at home. We like it so much that we gave it a spot on our Best Camp Pillows list.
Gaia GPS Subscription
Gaia GPS gives you access to an impressive catalog of over 50 downloadable and printable base maps. You’ll find maps such as National Geographic Trails Illustrated, NeoTracks US Topo, and ESRI World Imagery. This is the navigation app we use for most of our backcountry adventures.
REI Flash Pack 22
This minimal, versatile, and stowable daypack is great for nearly any excursion and makes an excellent gift. It’s good for carrying light loads and can easily be stuffed into a larger bag on longer trips. We prefer the Flash 22 over the Flash 18 because of the lid pocket and water bottle holsters, but both sizes work well.
Hilltop Packs Custom Food Bag
These food sacks from Hilltop Packs have wide openings so you can easily see what’s inside, but the best thing about them is that you can get them custom printed with whatever image/color scheme you like. Get a pet portrait, a summit photo, or a family memory printed on one so your favorite hiker can bring a piece of home with them on every trip! Get more ideas on our list of the Best Stuff Sacks.
Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp
The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is an incredible value – it costs less, weighs less, and has a longer runtime than a lot of the leading rechargeable headlamp competition. It’s number one on our list of the Best Headlamps.
Suunto M-3 NH Leader Compass
The Suunto M-3 NH Leader is our top pick compass for reliable navigation in the field. One handy feature of this compass is adjustable declination correction, which is a calculation that trips up many backpackers in the field. The luminous markings are a nice touch as well for nighttime use.
Hummingbird Single Hammock
The Hummingbird Single is incredibly light (5.2 ounces) and small, making it an excellent choice for anyone with an active lifestyle. Hummingbird Hammocks utilize the lightest materials and designs to keep their hammocks as portable, packable, and comfortable as possible. For this reason, we named it best ultralight hammock on our Best Hammocks list. Hummingbird Ultralight Tree Straps (2.1 ounces) are also the lightest straps we’ve found and they work great.
MONTEM ULTRA STRONG TREKKING POLES
The Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are durable, compact, easy to use, and affordable. Trekking poles will add a ton of stability and comfort when hiking on uneven terrain, and they give the arms a great workout! The Ultra Strongs are our best budget pick on our list of the Best Trekking Poles.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
Give your loved one the gift of safety in the sunshine. They can get that vitamin D fix and the perfect tan without over-exposing their skin on adventures. The Echo Hoodie is super light and breathable so it’s the top pick on our list of the Best Sun Shirts.
ENO DoubleNest Hammock
From backyard chillin’ to campsite loungin’ the ENO DoubleNest Hammock is a comfy option for those looking for something simple. This hammock is spacious for one, strong enough to hold two, and easy to set up, so it’s great for beginners. Don’t forget to grab a set of ENO Atlas Straps to complete the package. Learn more on our Best Hammocks guide.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
MICROspikes add traction to any type of hiking footwear to help you avoid slips and falls on icy winter trails. The Micros are our faves for backcountry terrain, but you’ll also find shoe studs for slick parking lots and other types of terrain on our list of the Best Traction Devices.
Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip
This third-generation camera clip from Peak Design allows you to carry your camera in a comfortable, secure, and easy-to-access manner for any outdoor adventure. It attaches to your backpack strap and is compatible with any camera. This is a great gift for the hiker in your life who is always on the move!
JBL Clip 4 Eco Speaker
Wirelessly stream music from your phone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device for up to 10 hours on one charge. We’ve been using the Clip 4 Eco to quietly rock out on paddle boarding and camping trips for years and it’s still going strong.
HOKA Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoes
You won’t find a more comfortable and supportive trail runner than the HOKA Speedgoat 5 (men’s / women’s). The cushy midsole absorbs impact and will keep your feet and joints feeling fresh no matter how far you run, especially on hard-packed trails. We like them so much, they hold a top spot on our lists of the Best Hiking Shoes for Men & Women and Best Trail Running Shoes for Men & Women.
Teva ReEmber Slip-ons
This comfy slip-on shoe is like wearing a sleeping bag around your feet, but with a sole that has the durability of a running shoe. Stylish and comfortable, these mocs are great for around camp or around town. Visit our Best Camp Shoes list to see more of our favorite comfy lounging shoes.
Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Set
The Mini Solo Set is a durable titanium cook set that’s ideal for lightweight backpacking trips. It’s been our go-to for years, so it was a no-brainer to add it to the top of our list of the Best Backpacking Cookware. The pot, lid, cup, stove, and fuel all fit into one small and convenient package. Pair it with a small canister stove to complete your cooking system.
Coleman Classic Camp Stove
The Coleman Classic Camping Stove has been a favorite among campers for generations. The Classic was built to suit the average camper’s needs, so instead of being super powerful, it balances moderate heat output with smart fuel efficiency. We named the Coleman Classic the best budget stove on our Best Camping Stoves list.
REI Flexlite Air Chair
The REI Flexlite family of chairs come in a bunch of fun variations, but our favorite is the Flexlite Air for its near-perfect blend of affordability, comfort, and portability. It only weighs a pound, so it’s great for backpacking, but it also works well for camping, concerts, and everything in between. Learn more about the Flexlite Air chair on our list of the Best Backpacking Chairs.
NESCO Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
The Snackmaster is a great gift for anyone who loves backpacking and home cooking. They’ll be able to preserve food and make their own backcountry meals for years to come. Add a set of fruit roll sheets to make it easy to dehydrate soups, sauces, and purees.
NOCS PROVISIONS BINOCULARS
Have a hoot nerding out on birds and watching wildlife with a pair of Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars. These babies are light, compact, and super durable, so you can take them anywhere, anytime!
$100+ Gifts
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
We’ve been wearing the Patagonia Houdini (men’s / women’s) for years. We love the newest version because of its low weight, excellent packability, and stylish design. This jacket has a great balance of breathability and protection, so it’s comfy to wear whether you’re taking a trail break or charging uphill. The Houdini is our top pick for ultralight backpacking on our list of the Best Windbreakers.
Ursack Major Bear Bag
We crowned the Ursack the best food bag on our list of the Best Stuff Sacks. It’s much easier to pack in a backpack than a bear canister and it’s a heck of a lot lighter too. The bulletproof fabric will keep your food away from bears as well as small critters.
LEATHERMAN WAVE+
The Leatherman Wave+ has the tools people need most often – like a knife, pliers, scissors, and a screwdriver – all in a streamlined package that fits in your pocket. The Wave+ is a worldwide bestselling multitool and our top pick on our list of the Best Multitools because of its excellent balance of quality and cost.
C.A.M.P. USA Corsa Ice Axe
At only 7.1 ounces, the C.A.M.P. Corsa is one of the lightest ice axes on the market. It’s great for early-season snow field crossings on backpacking trips and it’s light and effective. It’s our go-to ice axe when there’s snow on the trail.
RUMPL ORIGINAL PUFFY BLANKET
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is like a cozy comforter that’s made for the outdoors. It’s highly water resistant and easily sheds dirt, debris, and pet hair with a quick shake. Your loved one will love wrapping up in this blanket in camp on chilly mornings. They can also use it on top of a summer sleeping bag for extra warmth when temperatures dip. See why the OG Puffy is tops on our list of the Best Camping Blankets.
REI 650 DOWN JACKET
If your giftee doesn’t have a down jacket yet, they definitely need one! The REI 650 Down Jacket (men’s / women’s) is lightweight, compressible, and incredibly versatile for layering. It’s also an exceptional value for the price, which has helped it hold its spot on our list of the Best Down Jackets for a long time.
Jetboil Flash
The Jetboil Flash is an ideal cooking system for any outdoor adventure. It’s sturdy, light, compact, and highly efficient. The Flash boils water very quickly, which makes cooking in the backcountry much easier and it earns a spot on our Best Backpacking Stoves list. The Jetboil Coffee Press makes an excellent addition to this gift.
Shokz OpenRun Headphones
These headphones from Shokz OpenRun are a truly cool piece of technology. They use bone conduction to deliver sound through your cheekbones. What does that mean? Your ears remain open so you can still hear traffic and conversations around you. These headphones are the perfect gift for runners, cyclists, and backpackers who like to jam, but need to stay aware of their surroundings.
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter
No more squeezing, pumping, or ingesting funky-tasting chemicals. You can kick back and relax for a few minutes at watering holes while the Platypus GravityWorks does the hard work of filtering for you. The 4-liter version is featured on our Best Water Filters list as a great option for pairs or groups, but there’s also a 2-liter for those that prefer a slightly more compact system.
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
If you’ve got someone on your list who hunts, fishes, or makes their own backcountry meals, a FoodSaver is a practical gift that will get a ton of use. A vacuum sealer drastically lengthens the shelf-life of dried food and it comes in handy for many other things in the kitchen.
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
We absolutely love our Kindle Paperwhite for downtimes on a camping or backpacking trip. It’s gentle on the eyes, has a backlight for nighttime reading, and makes finding great books simple. We take ours out on most trips, especially solo jaunts in the backcountry. It’s now available in a waterproof version with more storage!
Osprey Talon 22 & Tempest 20
The Osprey Talon 22 for men and Tempest 20 for women are great daypacks and are at the top of our Best Daypacks list. They have a simple design, but still get the details right. Hipbelt pockets, water bottle holsters, a hydration pouch sleeve, back mesh pocket, trekking pole attachment loops, and a comfortable back pad make this pack a winner for day hikes and around town.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
The Patagonia Black Hole 55 has been our go-to duffel bag for a long time because it’s durable, comfortable to carry, and amazingly versatile. We use it for camping, air travel, weekend getaways – even the gym. The Black Hole is an excellent value and we highly recommend it for anyone who needs a stylish and long-lasting duffel with excellent weather resistance. Check it out on our lists of the Best Duffel Bags & Best Travel Backpacks.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
The Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket (men’s / women’s) is a tried-and-true favorite in the hiking community for its solid durability and excellent weather protection. Its stylish design and high-quality materials give it the appeal of a premium jacket at a more accessible price point. This jacket is our top pick on our list of the Best Rain Jackets.
REI Flash 55 Backpack
The REI Flash 55 (men’s / women’s) costs significantly less than comparable backpacking packs, but it doesn’t skimp on quality or features. This pack is light, versatile, and comfortable, so it’s a great option for lightweight backpackers on a budget. It’s one of our favorites from our list of the Best Backpacking Packs.
Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa has everything we look for in a travel pack – streamlined organization, easy-access pockets, a comfortable carry, and unique style. The Allpa is number one on our list of the Best Travel Backpacks and will make a great gift for the traveler in your life.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pads
NeoAir sleeping pads have the best balance of comfort and weight out of all the inflatables on the market. The UberLite is the ultimate pad for ultralight backpackers who do most of their trips in the summertime. The XLite NXT is a bit tougher and warmer if you need more versatility for multi-season adventures. And the XTherm NXT is our top pick for cold sleepers and four-season trips. Get more details on these gems by visiting our Best Sleeping Pads list.
SOLO STOVE BONFIRE
The Solo Stove Bonfire provides a nearly smokeless campfire that’s safe, portable, and easy to clean up. The gasified flames this fire pit creates are mesmerizing to watch, and will quickly become the star attraction in camp. Give the gift of warmth, relaxation, and many great conversations with friends and family. Check out our review of Solo Stoves.
Exped MegaMat Duo
If you’re looking for a super comfortable, cushy camping mattress for two that’s durable and easy to use, you can’t beat the Exped MegaMat Duo. It’s a generous four inches thick, so you won’t feel pressure points or bottom out if you toss and turn throughout the night. For solo campers or for those needing something a little less bulky, go with the MegaMat 10. Learn more about the mattresses on our Best Camping Mattresses list.
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
The YETI Tundra 45 is one of the most durable and highest-quality coolers on the market, which earns it a spot on our Best Coolers list. YETI Coolers are nearly indestructible, keep items cold for a preposterously long time, and come in a range of sizes. That quality does come at a cost, but if you’re looking for the best cooler out there, this is it.
YETI Hopper M20 2.0 Backpack Cooler
There’s nothing like a picnic or an ice-cold bevy outdoors, and the YETI Hopper M20 2.0 Backpack Cooler is the best of the best for those who agree. This stylish soft cooler brings excellent ice-retention and rugged durability to all your activities from the campsite to road trips. Learn more about why we love the Hopper on our list of the Best Coolers.
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie (men’s / women’s) is a warm, well-rounded jacket that’s stylish and practical to wear on a daily basis. It’s offered at an affordable price point for the quality too. We named it the best down jacket overall on our list of the Best Down Jackets.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
The Revelation Quilt is one of our favorite lightweight quilts. We hate feeling constricted by tight fitting bags and the Revelation gives us the flexibility to spread out and sleep comfortably in the backcountry. It can be cinched up tight on chilly nights or used as a blanket in more temperate weather. The Revelation is our favorite from our Best Backpacking Quilts lists.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 / 55 strike an exceptional balance between weight, weather resistance, and durability. These burly ultralight backpacks have a minimalist design, but their frames are supportive and feel sturdier than most lightweight packs. The Unbound is our top ultralight pick on our list of the Best Backpacking Packs on the market.
REI Skyward Tent
Looking for a baller car camping tent? The REI Skyward Tent is a palace for your family. It’s affordable, easy-to-pitch, and tall enough for most people to stand in. For more car camping tent recommendations, check out our Best Camping Tents post.
REI Magma Sleeping Bag
REI’s Magma 15 and Magma 30 sleeping bags have a combination of weight and warmth at a price that is hard to beat. We also love the Magma Trail Quilt for those looking for more versatility. These bags and quilts can be found near the top of our Best Sleeping Bags and Best Backpacking Quilts lists.
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
The MSR Lightning Ascents (men’s / women’s) are best-in-class snowshoes that will make any winter trekker swoon. Along with solid overall construction, they have excellent traction, which is critical on icy surfaces. They also come with televators, which are advantageous on hilly terrain. Check out our list of the Best Snowshoes to see why the Lightning Ascents are our top pick.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar delivers amazing battery life and exceptional functionality for mountain adventurers. With its innovative solar charging capabilities, the Instinct can go the distance for multi-day races and extended backcountry trips. Get the deets and see why this watch takes the cake on our list of the Best GPS Watches.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a small and lightweight two-way communicator, GPS device, and emergency locator beacon all in one. We like carrying one for peace of mind on extended trips in the backcountry. If you prefer a full-size unit, the inReach Explorer is also a great option.
GoPro HERO12 Action Camera
The GoPro camera series is well-known for its ability to capture photo and video in rugged and harsh conditions. The updated HERO12 still has all the much-loved features of past versions with increased stabilization and battery life performance.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The Copper Spur HV UL2 is an excellent lightweight tent with great features for backpackers of all levels. It has all the features for maximizing comfort – freestanding design, double-wall, near-vertical sidewalls, two large doors and vestibules, and interior pockets – at right around three pounds. The Copper Spur HV UL2 is at the top of our Best Backpacking Tents list.
ZPacks Duplex Ultralight Tent
The ZPacks Duplex and Triplex are an ultralight backpackers dream come true. They’re our top choice for long-distance backpacking and thru-hiking on our Best Backpacking Tents and Best Ultralight Tents lists. The Duplex and Triplex are built out of unbelievably light Dyneema Composite Fabric, which is a completely waterproof material that won’t sag in the rain like silnylon.
POPULAR CONTENT: Looking for something that’s not on this list? Check out our guides to the best backpacking tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and pads. Or you can find all of our favorites in the CleverHiker Gear Guide.
