2024 Gift Guide: 60 Gift Ideas For Backpackers
Gift Ideas: what to give people who like backpacking
November 10th, 2024
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Backpacking has captured 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 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, more folks are interested in backpacking gear.. Backpackers, whether novices or seasoned trekkers, rely on a curated collection of equipment to have more fun outdoors, be more comfortable, and ensure their own safety.
When you give a backpacker a gift, it goes beyond being just a thing; they symbolize an understanding of the recipient's passion for exploration, a recognition of their unique and sometimes quirky needs as a backpacker, and a commitment to supporting their outdoor pursuits (even if you don't totally understand them!).
The purpose of this gift guide is to serve as a compass for those navigating the realm of backpacker-friendly gifts–even if you aren't a backpacker yourself.
Whether you're shopping for a friend, a family member, or even treating yourself, this guide is crafted to inspire gear selections that not only meet the practical demands of backpacking but also resonate with the spirit of lightweight and ultralight adventures.
From essential gear to personalized touches, each recommendation is carefully curated to contribute to the joy and fulfillment of backpacking.
Looking for more gift ideas? See our Best Gifts for Hikers guide.
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Backpacker Gift Guide Summary
What to consider before buying a gift
Here's some tips to consider before buying gifts for backpackers to ensure your gift aligns with their needs and preferences:
Type of backpacking: Determine the type of backpacking your recipient enjoys (e.g., basecamping, ultralight backpacking, thru-hiking). Tailor your gift to their specific activities and the environments they explore–whether that is desert or rainforest, glacier or local urban trail.
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.
Experience level: Consider the recipient's level of experience. Beginners may appreciate versatile, user-friendly gear, while seasoned backpackers might prefer advanced or specialized ultralight equipment.
Gear compatibility: Ensure that the gift complements their existing gear. For example, will the sleeping bag you got them fit inside the backpack they already have?
Size and weight: Backpackers prioritize lightweight and compact gear. Choose items that are portable and won't add unnecessary bulk to their pack. Not all gear advertised as "lightweight" or "ultralight" is actually light enough for a backpacker.
Quality and durability: Opt for high-quality, durable gear items made by reputable outdoor brands. Every item we recommend is from a trusted company and has survived months or years of our testing. Well-made gear is not only appreciated but also contributes to their safety on the trail.
Personal preferences: As with any gift giving, consider the individual preferences of the backpacker. This could include favorite brands, colors, or specific features they may prioritize in their gear.
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. Our guide is full of multi-functional items that we personally like as backpackers.
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.
Safety and emergency preparedness: Items related to safety, such as first aid kits or emergency tools, are thoughtful gifts. Safety gear can sometimes be expensive, so gifting is a great way to make sure they have the necessary items they need, even when they don't want to spend money on themselves.
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.
Environmental impact: Consider the eco-friendliness of the gift. Sustainable, recyclable, or environmentally conscious products may align well with a backpacker's values. If they have a strong preference for environmental impact, consider getting them a pre-owned gear item. Here are tips on giving used outdoor gear as a gift.
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
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas carried the Helinox Chair Zero on a backpacking trip saying, “This is so much better than sitting on a rock! What have I been doing my whole backpacking life?”
The Helinox Chair Zero is the best camp chair for backpackers–or anyone who has to carry their chair more than just a few feet from the car.
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.
Osprey Exos and Eja Backpacking Backpacks
Treeline Review co-founder Liz Thomas used the Osprey Eja Pro backpack on the Trans Catalina Trail. Photo by Kate Hoch.
If they're newer to backpacking and are looking to go lightweight, they'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Osprey Exos (men's) or Osprey Eja (women's) pack. A favorite of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers for years, the Exos/Eja line has gained a huge following among backpackers looking to lighten their load.
Unlike many of the lightweight backpacking backpacks we recommend, the Osprey Exos and Eja line don't have a steep learning curve to use. There aren't a lot of specialized skills or tricks to lightweight backpacking with this pack. Backpackers can treat it more-or-less like a traditional backpacking pack and it will perform well.
Why it's great for backpackers:
Unrivaled ventilation and airflow on the back that keeps you cooler and less sweaty
It has comfortable suspension
Generous and secure pockets for organization
We reviewed the slighter lighter version of the Exos, the Osprey Exos Pro and Osprey Eja Pro packs and they are an award winner in our Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpacks guide. But for purposes of gifting, we think most folks will be thrilled with the less specialized (and more affordable) standard Exos and Eja.
"Backed with Osprey's impressive lifetime warranty, this is a lightweight pack with comfort, ventilation, more airflow and less sweating." -Mike Unger, Treeline Review writer
Treeline Review writer Nicole Snell backpacking with the Hoka Anacapa 2 hiking boots.
Hoka Anacapa 2 Hiking Boots
Giving hiking boots is a classic tradition. But these days, most backpackers prefer a lightweight option.
The Hoka Anacapa 2 hiking boots were winners in our Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guide for their durable materials and excellent traction from a Vibram sole. This is essential to provide support and stability for hikers who are carrying loads that include tents, multiple days of food, and sleeping bags.
Read our in-depth review of the Hoka Anacapa 2 hiking boots.
Why it's great for backpackers:
It's a lightweight yet cushioned hiking boot that has earned it The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
A plush cushion, like the Kaha, has a higher bed of cushion to support longer hikes and offer a softer impact with each step.
Waterproofing stays dry on stream crossings and in snow
"I love how comfortable these boots were right out of the box! I was so confident in their comfort that I first wore them for an overnight backpacking trip without hesitation. I didn’t feel any rocks or other parts of the trail poking into my feet nor did I have any foot fatigue when I reached my campsite." -Nicole Snell, Treeline Review writer
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes
Treeline Review writer Mike Unger found the Danner Trail 2650 hiking shoes to be rugged enough to use on a backpacking trip from Arizona to New Mexico.
Many backpackers these days don't like hiking in boots at all, instead opting for a low-top hiking shoe. Our favorite new hiking shoe we tested this year was the Danner Trail 2650. It excels in rocky, wet, or rough conditions with a backpack.
Why it's great for backpackers:
The Trail 2650 feels low to the ground and responsive to rocky and challenging terrain
Excellent durability with a toe cap that protects toes in rocky terrain
Excellent breathability and water drainage while also staying cool in hot conditions
Comfortable right out of the box without a break in period
You can read our in-depth review of the Danner Trail 2650 hiking shoes for more information.
"The Danner 2650 hiking shoes breathed well and remained comfortable in hot conditions after a 600-mile thru-hike in Arizona and New Mexico. I did not have any blisters and toe cap protected my toes and never delaminated." -Mike Unger, Treeline Review writer
Treeline Review co-founder Naomi Hudetz on a trip in the Columbia River Gorge using the Black Diamond Pursuit trekking poles.
A good pair of trekking poles is important for backpacking, but is often an overlooked piece of gear. Unlike a backpack or tent, which are essential for backpacking, many hikers may think poles are optional. But once backpackers start using poles, they rarely go back. Poles protect knees and joints and help with stability. You can read 14 reasons why we love trekking poles.
Of the poles we tested on the market, the Black Diamond Pursuit is our overall winner for Best Trekking Poles. They offer the best combo of durability, adjustability, comfort, and ease of use at a reasonable price.
Why it's great for backpackers:
Easy to adjust in the field because they have a built-in hex tool
They are lightweight and collapse to a small length, so you can put them away from sections of trail where you don't want poles
Ergonomic grip and wrist straps make them comfortable to use
"I've used these telescoping poles on hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails as well as rugged off-trail pursuits. They're tough and dependable, even on uneven terrain and with people who lean into their poles. "-Naomi Hudetz, co-founder Treeline Review
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 is the overall winner in our Best Backpacking Tents guide and an excellent gift that really says, "I know what you want as a backpacker." This easy-to-set-up, easy-to-use freestanding tent works even on rocky ground where you can't get stakes in. It's lightweight for the space it offers–plenty of room for two people and their gear.
Why it's great for backpackers:
Spacious, especially for its light weight with plenty of storage area for gear
Freestanding tent is easy to set up in all conditions
Lasts thousands of miles on thru-hikes
"Treeline Review writers and staff have tested the Copper Spur for thousands of miles on thru-hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and bikepacking trips. Over years of testing it, the Copper Spur still holds up as the best overall two-person backpacking tent." -Amanda Jameson, Treeline Review writer
NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag
The Nemo Disco Endless Promise sleeping bag has become Treeline Review writer Gabi Reyes-Acosta’s go-to sleeping bag.
New for 2024, we've been thoroughly impressed by the Nemo Disco Endless Promise sleeping bag. We've been testing for more than a year on everything from warm summer nights and during the cold shoulder season in Southern Idaho.
Not only is it warm, but it is the roomiest sleeping bag we’ve used for backpacking, with a spoon shape made for side sleepers and some plus size backpackers. It's a winner in our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide, Best Plus Size Outdoor Gear guide.
We also have an in-depth review on the Nemo Disco Endless Promise bag.
Men's
Women's
Why it's great for backpackers:
Comfortable for side sleepers, plus size backpackers, and anyone who gets claustrophobic in mummy bags
Waterproof footbox and water-resistance offers peace of mind for backpackers
Thoughtful features like zip pockets and ways to vent for when you're using on warmer nights,
It is engineered to be fully recyclable at the end of its life. The end goal is to keep gear out of landfills by designing for circularity, an idea that captures repairable, resellable, and recyclable.
"As an outdoors person who prizes versatility in my gear, comfort both in fit and temperature, and price, I find the Nemo Disco 15 Endless Promise to be a great bag that I see myself using for years to come. And when the Endless Promise sleeping bag is worn out, it will be able to be recycled again." - Gabi Reyes-Acosta, Treeline Review writer
Backpacking Clothes And Footwear
Katabatic Tarn Ultralight Down Jacket
Treeline Review co-founder Naomi Hudetz in the Katabatic Tarn jacket.
I was thrilled when my favorite backpacking 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
Treeline writer Mike Unger on the PCT in the Sierra wearing his Patagonia Houdini windshirt.
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.
The Darn Tough Micro Crew socks are a classic backpacker gift.
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.
The Mayfly camp shoes are the lightest sandals you can get making them a good gift for the most ultralight of backpackers. Treeline Review co-founder Liz Thomas brought them to this remote lake deep in the Sierra more than half a day from the nearest trail.
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.
Treeline Review writer Kate Hoch swears by the Branwyn Essential Bralette for all backpacking trips.
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.
-Kate Hoch, Contributing Writer
The Branwyn Essential Bralette Sports Bra is a winner in our Best Hiking Sports Bra guide.
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)!
-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
Montbell tachyon hooded jacket
Treeline Review writer Trey French wearing the Montbell Tachyon in the eastern Sierra. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
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 and the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket for an even more waterproof but less breathable option. For more options, check out our men’s windbreakers 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.
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
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.
The winner for best winter camp shoes in our Best Camp Shoes guide, the Feathered Friends Down Booties have quickly become a favorite for Treeline writers who get cold feet. There are certainly other down booties out there that will keep your feet toasty, but we love Feathered Friends because they’re a smaller brand with very high quality products made in the USA and with sustainable materials, like ethically sourced down.
Why they're good for backpackers:
Extremely warm, especially for their lightweight
Durable and water-resistant for use around camp, a cabin, or ski hut and the company goal is to produce gear that lasts decades if not a lifetime
Easy to slip on and off
"These booties are down sleeping bags for your feet. " Stasia Stockwell, Treeline Review writer
Treeline Review co-founder Liz Thomas wearing the Paradis Seamless underwear on a hike (admittedly, she’s wearing them over tights…she’s also wearing them under the tights…)
Paradis Underwear
Ask a backpacker, and they'll tell you the best hiking underwear is the pair that feels like you're wearing nothing at all while also feeling secure and like things aren't going to move. The Paradis Natural Fiber Bikini is remarkable in its forgettable-ness. The soft-but-thick waistband doesn't roll. It doesn't rub or chafe. We also chose them as best overall because they are a great option for a versatile hiking underwear that transitions from trail-to-town and everything in between. It's the overall winner in our Best Women's Hiking Underwear guide.
Why it's great for backpackers:
the only pair we tested that come with a No Wedgie guarantee
made in the USA by a woman-owned brand
a wide waistband that prevents rolling
The cut, coverage, and ride on the Paradis Sport is ideal for movement
"I couldn’t believe the Paradis actually doing as advertised: staying in place as I contorted my body and breathing enough to keep the sweat from soaking through. The super soft natural fiber version is the first pair I reach for after laundry day, and I find myself carefully planning out my week to make sure I have a clean pair of Paradis available for weekend hikes." –Treeline Review writer Kate Hoch
The Ibex Natural Boxer Briefs are comfortable, soft, breathable, and have impressive odor control.
As a backpacker, and underwear can be a real issue for chafing and holding moisture. Not the case with the Ibex Natural Boxer Brief. The fit is excellent, and the fabric stretches to conform to your body’s shape without being too tight or loose. Ibex Natural Boxer Brief is the overall winner in our Best Men’s Hiking Underwear and is so popular, it even made our Top 10 List of Products Popular with Treeline Review readers.
Why it's great for backpackers:
Just the right amount of stretch to conform to the body's shape without being too tight or loose
merino wool is naturally anti-bacterial so keeps odors away
lots of airflow and doesn’t feel heavy when wet with sweat
dries very quickly, so if a backpacker swims in an alpine lake or they just get sweaty, they’ll dry quickly
"These are a joy to wear, and it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them at all. I do everything in these boxer briefs, from long runs to biking around Denver, traveling, and more. I wear them as often as they come out of the laundry." -Sam Schild, Treeline Review writer
MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes
The MSR Lightning will last a lifetime of challenging and casual snowshoeing trips, including mutli-day trips like this circumnavigation of Crater Lake.
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
Treeline Review writer Shawnté Salabert with the Aeros Ultralight 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.
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.
-Dean Krakel, Contributing Writer
The Aeros Inflatable Pillow is featured in our Best Backpacking Pillows guide.
Treeline Review writer Duncan Cheung uses the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad on a winter camping trip.
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.
This is Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas’ backpacking set up on the Collegiate Loop thru-hike, including the Nemo Tensor sleeping pad.
The best gift you can give a backpacker is a good night's rest. And you'd be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable lightweight backpacking sleeping bag than the Nemo Tensor All-Season pad. It's the winner of most comfortable sleeping pad in our best sleeping pads guide and also
You can read more about the Nemo Tensor Insulated Pad in our long-term review.
Why it's great for backpackers:
Quality of comfort due to its proprietary baffle design that supports a person as they sleep
Excellent Insulation, especially for a pad of its weight class
3.5" of height keeps a sleeper cushioned from rocks underneath
Varieties of widths and lengths available
"The 2024 version of the NEMO Tensor has become my go-to backpacking sleeping pad for its superior comfort and the insulation it offers at a nearly unbeatable weight. The Tensor is the rare piece of gear that is a crowd-pleaser—an insulated backpacking sleeping pad that pleases gram- counting ultralighters and comfort-seeking backpackers alike." –Liz Thomas, Treeline Review co-founder
Multi-functional tools (swiss army knives, cookware, camping utensils)
Stasher reusable zip bags
Treeline Review co-founder Liz Thomas using the Stasher on a backpacking trip.
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.
-Treeline Review Team
A PCT thru-hiker making the best cup of coffee ever in the more travel friendly Aero Press Go.
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.
Treeline editor Brandon Lampley holding up his Snow Peak Titanium mug (with a Katabatic Gear coozie on it).
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!
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 documented in our Best Freeze-dried Backpacking Meals guide.
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 co-founder Liz Thomas cooking on the Pocket Rocket 2 stove while backpacking the Pacific Northwest Trail.
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 a former winner in our Best Stoves for Backpacking story (losing only to the fancier version, the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe). 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
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 6 of the most popular energy foods this season:
1) Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder (our one of most popular items at Treeline!)
3) ProBar Meal Bars, including Superberry & Greens or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
6) Honey Stinger Energy Waffles (also available in Gluten-Free)
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.
For more suggestions for stocking stuffers for outdoors people, see our entire gift guide dedicated to small and affordable gifts for hikers, campers, runners, skiers, and bikers.
- Treeline Review Team
TECH GADGETS
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
Backpackers these days often use electronics like their phone, Smartwatches, and rechargeable headlamps. Yet the great outdoors has no electrical outlets. Enter the portable solar charger. We like the Big Blue portable solar charger, which is the overall winner in our guide to Best Portable Solar Chargers.
Why it's great for backpackers:
It's simple and lightweight so can fit easily in a backpack
It will also provide enough power in direct sunlight to charge multiple small devices for one or two people
The solar cells in these foldable units are encased in PET polymer and surrounded by polyester canvas, so each offers moderate IPX4 water resistance
It has metal grommets in the casing, which allows you to attach them to a rock, backpack, tent, or camp chair.
"The Big Blue offered the highest power output among the solar panels we tested, and its cost is essentially the same. It’s easy to use, well-priced, and offers enough portable power to charge a backup battery. Best yet, it is rugged enough to last for years." –Chris Meehan, Treeline Review writer
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.
See our guide to personal locator beacons or read more in our in-depth review of the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
Nothing could be more classic than giving a watch as a holiday gift. The most desired GPS Sport watch among outdoors people is the newly released Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED watch.
This full-color touchscreen watch is built to survive adventure with a scratch- and water-resistant face, long battery life, and highly accurate GPS and mapping capabilities.
Whether you’re running, cycling, kayaking, or backpacking, the Fenix can help with intelligent pace planning, preloaded topo maps, and ski maps for 2,000 resorts worldwide.
In addition to streaming and storing music, taking phone calls, and email, it also measures heart rate, oxygen levels, altitude, and barometric pressure – and tracks that data in a handy app.
While the fenix 8 is just released so we don't have a review out yet, we've been testing and you can see our detailed review of the fenix 7 Pro and our Best Hiking and Backpacking Watches guide for more inspiration. However, we think the new fenix 8 is the best watch you can give a hiker this year.
Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED Sapphire Multisport GPS Watch
ACTION CAMERAS
OM SYSTEMS TG-7 WATERPROOF CAMERA: A CAMERA THAT NATURE CAN'T DESTROY
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
You can read our full-review of the OM Systems TG-7 for details of its capacities and examples of photography with the newest version of this camera.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black mounts to a backpacking backpack strap so it can put viewers right in the action. Photo by Sam Schild
Transform your backpacking trip or thru-hike into cinematic masterpieces (or at least something you’ll be proud of showing your friends) with the GoPro Hero 12 Black. This latest iteration of GoPro's flagship camera brings pro-level features that make it perfect for capturing everything from snow and river crossings to exposed knife edges or 360-degree views from mountain summits. This is true even in poor weather. We have video proof of the GoPro Hero 12's excellent stabilization in our GoPro Hero 12 Black Action Camera review.
Why It's Great for Backpackers:
• New HyperView mode captures ultra-wide POV footage that puts viewers right in the action
• Best-in-class stabilization ensures buttery-smooth footage, even on choppy runs
• Dual LCD screens make framing shots easy while wearing gloves
• Enhanced battery life performs reliably in cold conditions
• Waterproof design handles snow and moisture without extra housing
• Voice controls let you start/stop recording without removing gloves
Is It Worth the Price?
At $399, it's a significant investment, but the Hero 12 Black's durability, cold-weather performance, and professional-grade features make it worth the splurge for backpackers serious about documenting their mountain adventures.
"This camera is ideal for anyone who wants to capture videos during outdoor adventures, especially activities where you’re moving quickly. " -Sam Schild, contributing writer
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.
Finding a good sport detergent that actually works takes trial and error. They’ll be overjoyed to receive one that actually works.
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.
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.
-Dani Reyes-Acosta, Contributing Writer
Kula Cloth is a women-owned outdoor brand and is featured in our Maternity Outdoor Gear guide and our Eco-friendly Gear Swaps guide.
The Deuce #3 Ul Trowel: Make The Worst Part Of The Day Better
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 that are sure to ensue.) — Gianna Starble, Contributing Writer
Health and safety
Counter Assault 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
Trekking umbrella: A way to always stay dry (or out of the sun)
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
Tick Kit: Tick Removal Tool, Deet Bug Spray, Permethrin Bug Treatment
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
Noso patches: A fun way to repair gear
Every hiker gets holes and rips in their favorite gear items, but Noso Patches can save the day. These fun designs bring color and life to the repair process. We like the Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair kit that comes with stencils to make patches into fun designs.
Noso Patches come in fun colors and shapes like bears, mountains, and even a National Park-themed patches (very useful if your hiker walks into a cactus). We love the Joshua Tree National Park and Zion patches in particular.
High-visibility gear
Black Diamond Spot 400
After four years of testing and almost 5,000 backpacking miles of data, we think the Black Diamond Spot 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 Black Diamond Spot. The 400 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.
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 Spot 400 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.
-Treeline Review Team
It's a winner in our Best Camping Lanterns and Camping Lights guide for its light weight and sleek design.
Gift cards and stocking stuffers
NATIONAL PARKS ANNUAL PASS
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.
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, AT, and CDT gear and strategies, check out our PCT Gear List & Strategy and Appalachian Trail Gear List & Strategy, and Continental Divide Trail Gear List & Strategy guides.
-Liz Thomas
Appalachian trail
Pacific crest trail
Continental divide trail
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.
The North Island of New Zealand (it's summer in the southern hemisphere when it's winter in the northern hemisphere!)
Classic Trails of Patagonia (also summer in the southern hemisphere when it's winter in the northern hemisphere!)
-Treeline Review Team
57 HOURS GIFT CARD
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
