40 Best Gifts For Backpackers - The Wandering Queen

Backpacking is one of my favorite activities to do in the summer! There is no other better feeling in the world than waking up surrounded by beautiful tall mountains on a lovely crisp summer day. I know how expensive backpacking gear can be, though, so I usually ask for gear every Christmas from my family. Backpacking gear is a great gift for outdoorsy people, and if you get high-quality gear, they will use it for years to come. So below, I list the best gifts for backpackers! These are things I have used myself for years, and I promise you that your loved one will love them!

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Best Gifts For Backpackers

REI gift card

An REI gift card is probably the best gift you can give to an outdoorsy person. REI is known to be one of the best outdoor retailers in the United States. The reason for that is because their return policy is some of the best I have ever heard of! You can return anything for up to a year. >>>Buy Gift Card Here

Backcountry Trowel

A trowel is a great tool to have when backpacking. You can easily make a hole for waste. >>>Buy Trowel Here

Sunski Kiva Polarized Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes when you are backpacking is so essential! >>>Buy Sunglasses Here

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

It can get pretty hot and dry when backpacking, and a sunscreen chapstick is a great way to protect your lips. >>>Buy Lip Balm

Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth

Women love Kula Cloth! It is an easy way to wipe after peeing outdoors. The cloth is made with anti-microbial fabric, so you can use it multiple times while backpacking. >>>Buy Kula Cloth

Gerber Paraframe I Knife – Serrated

I always bring a knife with me when I go backpacking, just in case! >>>Buy A Knife Here

Garmin inReach Mini

One of the best backpacking gifts you can give an outdoorsy person is a Garmin Inreach. I love how safe I feel in the outdoors when I have a Garmin! If you have no signal, you can pair it with your cell phone and text your family members. You can also give them your location and send out an SOS signal to authorities. You do have to pay a monthly fee. >>>Buy A Garmin Here

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

One of the best gifts for beginner backpackers is a headlamp. They are lightweight and so handy. >>>Buy Petzl Here

Read More: The 10 Best Headlamps

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

One of the best backpacking gift ideas is a filter system. Even if you have a ton of water on you while backpacking, it is wise to bring a water filtration system just in case you run out of water. >>>Get A Filter System Here

Read More: The 10 Best Backpacking Filters

Darn Tough Socks

Darn Tough is probably one of the best socks out there. They are great for preventing blisters. I know socks seem like a lame gift, but I always get so excited when someone buys me wool socks! They are remarkable for backpacking and high quality. >>>Buy Comfy Socks Here

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket – Women’s

Patagonia has some of the best sweaters for backpacking in the market! It is so warm and comfy! >>>Buy This Warm Sweater Here

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

I have had this sleeping pad for years, and it is so lightweight and compact! Sea To Summit has some of the best sleeping pads out there. >>>Check Out This Lightweight Sleeping Pad Here

Read More: The 10 Best Sleeping Pads

REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles – Pair

When it comes to backpacking, you need trekking poles. Your backpack is hefty, and trekking poles help with balance and stability. >>>Check Out These Trekking Poles

Read More: The 10 Best Trekking Poles

Patagonia Mussels

I like eating mussels on trails because it is good protein, and I like the flavors. Patagonia also has salmon. >>>Buy Some Mussels Here

Honey Stinger Waffles – Package of 6

These waffles are one of my favorite snacks while backpacking. It is so good! >>>Buy Some Yummy Snacks Here

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Peak Refuel Backpacking Food

I love getting dehydrated food as a gift because you don’t need to eat it right away. They can be stored in your garage for years! You can buy eight at REI and get 10% off. >>>Buy Backpacking Food Here

National Parks Pass

Most backpackers are huge national park lovers, and being able to get in and out of the park with an annual pass is pretty amazing. Plus, this pass also includes national forests. >>>Buy The America The Beautiful Pass Here

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 – Women’s

The REI 650 is a great jacket to have when backpacking. It is pretty warm and inexpensive for a down jacket. >>>Buy This Cute Jacket Here

Read More: The 10 Best Down Jacket For Women

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals – Women’s

These are my go-to sandals for backpacking because they are incredibly lightweight. >>>Buy This Lightweight Shoes Here

Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Crew Top – Women’s

Smartwool has some of the best base layers in the market. The wool is so warm and also sweat-wicking. I love to use them when I sleep on chilly nights. >>>Buy This Warm Shirt Here

Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack – Women’s

Osprey is well known to be one of the best outdoor backpack manufacturers in the country. One of the best backpacking backpacks they have for women is the Aura AG 65. >>>Buy This Osprey Aura Backpack Here

MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Kit

The Pocket Rocket is known to be one of the best backpacking stoves. It is so lightweight and high quality. >>>Buy A Stove Here

Read More: The 10 Best Backpacking Stoves

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

The Aeros is my new favorite pillow! It is lightweight and so comfy! >>>Buy A Pillow Here

Read More: The 10 Best Backpacking Pillows

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair

I like to bring backpacking chairs on easy, short backpacking trips. It is nice not having to sit on rocks while hanging out with friends. >>>Buy A Lightweight Chair Here

Read More: The 10 Best Backpacking Chairs

Suunto M-3 D Leader Compass

A compass is so crucial for backpackers! >>>Buy A Compass Here

Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt – Women’s

The biggest mistake you can make while backpacking is wearing cotton. A good sweat-wicking shirt is the best way to stay dry on the trail. >>>Buy This Sweat-Wicking Shirt Here

REI Co-op Down Time 25 Down Sleeping Bag – Women’s

Having a warm, compressible, and lightweight sleeping bag is so essential for backpacking. The REI Down Time is a new sleeping bag in the market, and the cost is pretty reasonable for how light and compact it is. >>>Buy This Awesome Sleeping Bag Here

Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long

The main utensils you need when backpacking is one long spork for dehydrated food. >>>Buy Spork Here

GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug

A mug is perfect for people who are coffee lovers! I am obsessed with coffee, and I still love to drink it while backpacking. This is an excellent gift! >>>Buy A Mug Here

Fjallraven Abisko Trail Tights – Women’s

What I love about these leggings is just how durable they are. They are made specifically for backpacking. The butt and knees have extra padding, so you don’t have to worry about being too rough with these leggings. I love wearing them on my backpacking trips. >>>Buy Some Awesome Leggings Here

Read More: The 5 Best Leggings For Women

ENO SingleNest Hammock

People love to lounge when backpacking, and a hammock is an easy and comfy way to do it. >>>Buy A Hammock Here

Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots – Women’s

These are probably my new favorite hiking boots. They are incredibly waterproof, durable, and they give me great support, especially when I am backpacking. >>>Buy These Awesome Boots Here

Read More: The 10 Best Hiking Boots For Women

HART Outdoor Weekend First Aid Kit

There have been so many times I have needed bandages and medicine while backpacking. You need this. >>>Check Out This Kit Here

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion – 3 fl. oz.

Sunscreen is part of the ten essentials! I always carry some while backpacking. >>>Buy Sunscreen Here

Insect Repellent

The bugs can get pretty bad when backpacking. That is why I always have insect repellant on me. >>>Buy Some Insect Repellent Here

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution-Dyed Tent

My new favorite backpacking tent is the Big Agnes Tiger Wall. I love the color of it and how lightweight it is. It is one of the lightest backpacking tents in the market. >>>Buy This Awesome Tent Here

Read More: The 10 Best Backpacking Tent

Hydro Flask Standard-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle with Sport Cap – 21 fl. oz.

Hydro Flask is one of the best water bottles out there in the market. >>>Buy A Waterbottle Here

Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir – 2.5 Liters

A reservoir is how I usually carry my water when backpacking. It is lightweight, takes a lot of water, and has a hose to keep you nice and hydrated throughout the whole trek. >>>Buy A Reservoir Here

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes

These wipes are the bomb! I always buy at least five of these every year. They are the best for backpackers because you can clean yourself when there are no showers available. Plus, they are not scented, so you won’t get attacked by bugs if you use them. >>>Buy Some Wipes Here