Best Gift Ideas for Hikers, Backpackers & Campers

If you’re looking for a gift for that adventurous person in your life, we’ve gathered our top, tried and tested picks for stocking stuffers, mid-range, big ticket hiking gifts for him, hiking gifts for her and gifts for them, as well as unisex picks. Buying for the hiker your love shouldn’t be difficult, and we’ve spent years testing these products outdoors to give you the best suggestions for backpackers, hikers, and campers. So, you can choose with ease in the knowledge you’ll be buying them a gift they love (or perhaps it’s a gift for yourself, because we all need a treat every now and then). We’ve been sure to select gifts that will work all year round and will add some serious kudos to their gear.

The retailers we recommend buying from below all have quick delivery, usually have offers at peak buying times (so be sure to click on the buying links for their best prices and deals) and have no fuss returns policies.

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Table of Contents

Stocking Stuffers for Hikers, Backpackers and Campers

Stocking stuffers for hikers can make a great outdoorsy gift, and there are a lot of options out there that are available at a more modest price point. What do we class as a stocking stuffer? Anything under $100/£100. In fact, many of the gift suggestions that we’ve outlined below come in well under that so there are options for every budget and you can always look to combine various gifts for something bigger. We’ve covered gifts for men, women, they and unisex so you’ve got the best suggestions for the backpackers, hikers and campers in your life. Of course, a stocking stuffer has a connotation of Christmas, but these gifts will work for any occasion of the year. 

Nemo Fillo Backpacking and Camping Pillow

Nemo Fillo Backpacking Pillow

If you want to make a backpacker happy, this camping pillow from NEMO will achieve that. It’ll bring an air of luxury to any hiker’s backpacking trips and aid for a better night’s sleep. We’ve been testing out the NEMO Fillo pillow for quite some time and have been extremely impressed. It is significantly more comfortable than other alternatives we’ve tried thanks to its 3″ I-Beam baffled air cell which creates a natural pillow like shape and is soft and squidgy just like the pillow you’re used to at home. It’s sold at a great price point considering its spec and what’s more, it weighs in at 0 lb, 9.2 oz / 260 g. It’s quick and easy inflation, along with its size makes it a great companion to anyone’s hiking gear, and doubles as a great travel pillow.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle 32oz

hydro flask wide mouth 32oz bottle

Hydro Flask are well known on the hiking scene, but their reach stretches further than that, and they have quite a cult following all around the world. Not only do their products look great (with a great range of regularly updated colorways on offer) but their performance is second to none. The 32oz (which holds just around a liter of water) is a great option for a stocking stuffer for hikers, backpackers, and campers. Hydro Flask’s are built to keep liquids cold for up to 24 hours and warm for up to 12 – and they actually do! Having access to cold water on a hot day makes a big difference, as does not having your bottle freeze up on a cold one!

Sealskinz Weather Mid Length Socks

Sealskinz Weather Socks

Yeah, we know that socks may be seen as ‘that’ gift when it comes to giving presents, but when it comes to hikers and backpackers, the socks you wear make all the difference. So, what about the idea of a waterproof sock that is comfortable, warm and actually waterproof? Enter Sealskinz Weather socks. We’ve tested these in the boggiest of bogs, the coldest of temperatures and the wettest of days and our feet have stayed consistently dry. These socks use a three-layer construction which create a very robust barrier against water and also make use of ‘Hydrostop’ technology which creates a barrier between the sock and leg. This keeps the sock cuff closer to the skin to reduce water run down.

At the same time, the Sealskinz Weather socks are breathable and have moisture wicking to prevent your feet from becoming sweaty whilst wearing. These socks really do allow you to take up your stocking stuffer game for the hikers you’re buying gifts for – they won’t disappoint.

Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press Kit

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press Kit - 3 in 1 brew method combines French Press, Pourover, Espresso - Full bodied coffee without grit or bitterness - Small portable coffee maker for camping & travel

If you’re like us and love coffee, you don’t want your hiking, backpacking and camping trips to be without that great tasting cup first thing in the morning. Bad coffee does not put you in a good mood, but for a long time, a solution that actually allowed you great tasting coffee without the bulk and weight didn’t seem to exist. Aereopress have put that right with their Go Travel Coffee Press Kit. It’s kind of a hybrid French press come pour over that gives you great tasting espresso every time. You may be familiar with the larger Aeropress, which has become extremely popular in recent years for the level of espresso like coffee it produces. However, the travel version takes all of the great elements of the larger Aeropress coffee maker and turns it into a travel and backpacking suitable alternative at 11.2 ounces/317grams.

Darn Tough Socks

Darn Tough socks for hikers

Spend any amount of time in the outdoors and you’ll likely have heard of Darn Tough’s socks – they’re pretty iconic. Darn Tough’s merino wool socks keep your feet cool on hot days and warm on cold days – basically at the right temperature, which actually helps with preventing things like blisters. What’s more, because they’re merino wool you can wear Darn Tough’s socks for longer. Some hikers suggest you can even wear them for up to 30 days straight without any real odour. Whilst this is pretty amazing, we probably wouldn’t go that far, but having to bring less socks on a backpacking trip could make all the difference to weight and the amount of stuff you need. What’s more, they’re lightweight and comfortable thanks to their cushioning and Darn Tough have a lifetime guarantee – meaning if they get holes or wear through, you can return them for a new pair. They also have some pretty awesome designs, because life’s too short for boring socks.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System

Sawyer Sqeeuze Water Filtration System

The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System is the holy grail for many backpackers and can form a really essential piece of kit for time on the trail – the hiker or backpacker you’re buying a stocking stuffer for will be delighted with this addition to their kit. Being able to filter clean drinking water can make a huge difference to planning for hiking and backpacking trips. The Sawyer Squeeze allows you to remove 99.9% of all bacteria and a confident 100% of microplastics. What’s also great about this relatively inexpensive gift for hikers, backpackers and campers is its price point, it’s also backed for life so a little investment can see a lifetime of use.

Sawyer are also a great brand, who, with the same systems that you’ll use as a hiker, have created the opportunity for clean water in over 80 countries where this privilege isn’t a given. Who doesn’t want to know they’re doing good with their purchase?

Petzl Actic Core Headlamp

Petzl Actic Core Headlamp

A headlamp can make the world of difference when it comes to hiking and backpacking, and this is an impressive stocking stuffer for the hiker you love from well-known outdoor brand Petzl. The Actic Core Headlamp provides an impressive 600 lumen light offering wide beam and mixed beam patterns to make hiking in the dark, setting up camp and everything in-between much easier. The Actic Core is very adjustable, meaning it’ll stay put without falling down or feeling too tight. It’s also rechargeable and does so extremely quickly and has been proven to last longer than a lot of other brands and models on the market. The Actic Core is an essential piece of kit for every outdoor enthusiast and a gift that won’t disappoint.

America the Beautiful Pass

America the Beautiful Pass gift idea for hikers and backpackers

If the hiker you’re buying for is more a lover of experiences than things, then what better gift to give them than the America the Beautiful Pass, which offers annual access (valid for 1 year) to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States and includes every single National Park. If you know someone who’s looking to tick off a few bucket list hikes in incredible National Parks, or someone you want to give an excuse to spend more time on them outdoors, this is a fantastic gift. What’s better, when you buy an America the Beautiful Pass from REI, they donate 10% of the pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation amongst others and including the Trust for Public Lands.

Suuntu A-10 Compass

Suunto A-10 CM Recreational Compass

Of course, a lot of us mostly use our mobile devices for mapping whilst outdoors now, but we still feel like we should always have a backup in the form of a hiking compass, and know how to use it, in case of emergency. A compass should be the essential part of every hiker’s backpack and makes a great gift. The Suunto A-10 Compass is a simple, easy to use and understandable compass that is robust and rigid, which is sure to last the hiker you’re buying for a long time. It’s lightweight, compact and ideal for those who are at the beginner end of things when it comes to a compass, and comes in at a great stocking filler price point. You can read our full review of the Suunto A-10 Compass here. Be sure to also check out our full guide to the 8 Best Hiking Compasses on the market.

Peak Design Capture Clip

We’ve been extremely impressed with the Peak Design Capture Clip over recent months, and any photography loving hikers you know who you’re buying a gift for will love this addition to their kit. The Peak Design Capture Clip is essentially a base plate for your camera that allows you to fasten this securely to the strap on your backpack. It has a quick release meaning it’s quicker and easier to use your camera for those shots that you need to get there and then. It also distributes the weight really evenly, so you’re not left with any sagging on your backpack, and negates having traditional camera straps tangling up around you (and is especially helpful on descents where you might be using trekking poles). For the price point, the Peak Design clip is a great bit of kit that will really impress. For more on camera accessories and tripods check out our guide best lightweight tripods for travel, hiking and backpacking.

Mid-Range Gifts

If you’re looking to spend more, look no further than the backpacking, hiking and camping gifts we’ve outlined below with options for men, women and unisex. What do we class as mid-range? Anything up to $350/£350. Many of the items we’ve recommended below work well for all genders, but our personal favorite hiking gift for women is the Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair. Whereas our favorite hiking gift for men are the Danner Panorama Mid hiking boots. Our all-round favorite unisex hiking gift, without a doubt has to be the Julbo Explorer 2.0 Glacier glasses.

Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair

Using a bear can to store scented items on the Lassen Backcountry Discovery Trail

Being able to relax whilst backpacking and camping is a luxury that all hikers and backpackers want, but it’s hard to come by. The Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair puts an end to having to hover over a bear can or sit on the floor. We’ve been testing out this impressive camp chair for a while now and have been won over by it’s features. Nemo is well known for making ultralight, high spec backpacking gear and coming in at 1lb 14oz/850g, this chair is no different. It also packs up extremely small at 10x35cm. What’s more, this chair is actually comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time and it’s recline makes it the perfect chair to relax for the evening after a demanding hike. It’s also easy to put together with Its intuitive ball and ‘knuckle’ design. This a real treat of a mid-range gift for the hiker, backpacker, or camper you love!

Peak Design Travel Tripod – Aluminum

Peak Design Travel Tripod (5 Section Aluminum Camera Tripod)

If you’re looking to help someone up their game in photography, or you know a hiker who is taking their photography whilst out on the trail more seriously, the Peak Design Travel Tripod will be right up their street and a great investment piece. The Peak Design Travel Tripod is optimised for the outdoors and is made of weather and impact resistant materials. It’ll withstand a fair number of knocks and bumps, so perfect for hikers! What’s more, this tripod is guaranteed for life and the parts are serviceable and replaceable. It has a load capacity of 20lb making it the perfect companion for DSLR’s even with telephoto lenses. It’s also really compact – fitting in the side of a backpack easily and is ARCA compatible. It has a built in phone mount too – making the transition between different equipment that much easier. For more on tripods, including buying advice, check out our guide best lightweight tripods for travel, hiking and backpacking.

Grivel G12 Crampons

Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic EVO

Known as the ‘king of crampons’ the Grivel G12 Crampon is about as good as it gets and is suitable for all types of mountaineering. The 12 point spikes allow for excellent traction on snow and ice and great distribution from the 8 front and 4 back points. The great thing about the Grivel G12 Crampons is that they’re designed with ‘Cramp-o-matic’, ‘New Matic’, ‘New Classic’, ‘Multimatic systems’ which are suitable, adjustable and adaptable for any type of hiking boot. The striking yellow and black colorway just helps make them look more stylish and noticeable in foggy conditions. Help the hiker you’re buying a gift for take their winter mountaineering to the next level with this solid investment in their kit.

Excalibur 2400 Dehydrator

excalibur 2400 dehydrator for backpacking meals

If you’re buying for a hiker of backpacker, having access to healthy meals that comfort and nourish whilst out on the trail makes all the difference to keeping spirits lifted. A dehydrator allows you to dehydrate your favorite meals into backpacking dishes, whilst knowing exactly what you’re putting into your body. We’ve been using the Excalibur 2400 Dehydrator at This Expansive Adventure for years and think it’s the best there is out there for value and the quality of the dehydration you get from it. What’s more, backpacking food can become expensive, but once you’ve purchased this and made the investment, backpacking meals become the cost of the ingredients it takes – which can work out more economical than some freeze-dried meals out there.

It’s also a great option for those with different dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free where other options can be limited. For more inspiration on dehydrated meals and recipe suggestions, check out our lightweight backpacking food guide. With 4 sheets, you can dehydrate an entire backpacking meal for two people, reducing the weight significantly within a day.

Danner Panorama Mid Hiking Boots

danner panorama mid hiking shoes

Hiking boots are of course a special purchase, and many hikers will spend a long time choosing a pair – so getting it right is important. You’ll do that with the Danner Panorama Mid hiking boots. Well-known brand Danner have been making comfortable hiking boots for a long time, and the Panorama are an iconic boot for mixed purposes. Whilst they may not be the most robust boot for mountaineering, they’ll suit more general hiking, are waterproof and wear well very soon into owning them. They seem to get better over time and have an adequate amount of ankle support for most hikers. What’s more, they also handle well in hotter temperatures with excellent ventilation for the whole foot and helping to prevent blisters.

They’re also offered in two width options – standard and wide and are also available in sizes US 7/UK6.5/EU 40 to US15/UK14.5/EU50.6, so offer an option for those with larger feet too. Be sure to read our full review of the Danner Panorama Mid hiking boots, that won out in our overall guide to the best waterproof hiking shoes and received our top pick.

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots

20 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes in 2023 - Salomon Quest Gore Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX promises excellent comfort whilst providing a sturdy and rigid hiking boot that is suitable for most hiking and some mountaineering. We’ve been extremely impressed with these hiking boots – and we’ve tested them out in the muddiest of muddy through to the wettest and slipperiest of rocky trails. They do not disappoint. These boots are great for those with a regular to slightly wider foot and wear in for full use within a couple of shorter hikes. Salomon are a brand you can really trust, and the Quest is up there with some of the best. What makes them even better is their weight – coming in at 1070g/2lb 6oz and feeling light as a feather (considering what they are) out on the trail. Be sure to read our full review of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking boots which is part of our guide to the best waterproof hiking shoes on the market.

Biolite Campstove Complete Cook Kit

BioLite CampStove 2+ Wood Burning, Electricity Generating & USB Charging Camp Stove, Complete Kit

If you’re looking for a mid-range priced gift for the hiker, backpacker or camper you’re buying for, the Biolite Campstove Complete Cook Kit is sure to impress them. It’s one of the best backpacking grills out there and is suitable for multiple uses, from boiling liquids through to grilling your favorite foods on the trail. It’s a neat system that packs a lot more features than some of the other backpacking grills out there and means you can cut down on extra, unneeded accessories. The flexlight is what makes this cook kit really stand out – actually being able to see the food you’re cooking is a bonus and ensures a perfectly cooked meal every time, even in the darker hours. What’s more, you can press coffee and charge your phone at the same time, all within a 4.4lb / 2.3kg package that runs on sticks, wood and pellets. For more on camp cooking, check out our guide to the best backpacking grills.

Julbo Explorer 2.0 Glacier glasses

Julbo Explorer 2.0 Glacier Glasses

Not all sunglasses are created equal, and a pair that are virtually indestructible, that stay in place and protect you from glare, even at the sides and are also comfortable are going to win out. We think the Julbo Explorer 2.0 Glacier glasses are up there with some of the best. At This Expansive Adventure, they’ve been a firm favorite for years at this point. What we love is the neckband, almost like a necklace, that lets them sit around your neck when you’re not wearing them, preventing them from getting lost. The detachable side panels are a great edition for harsh and glaring conditions and are replaceable if broken. All in all, this is a no-nonsense pair of sunglasses, with a warm tint that is going to fit snugly and comfortably around most hikers faces. If you want to impress with a gift for a hiker, backpacker and camper, you can’t go wrong with the Julbo Explorer 2.0 Glacier glasses.

Petzl Vertex Mountaineering Helmet

PETZL, Vertex Helmet, Yellow

Whether the hiker or backpacker you’re buying a gift for is already into mountaineering, scrambling or via ferrata or not, a mountaineering helmet can make a great addition to their kit and help them take their adventures to the next level. The Petzl Vertex Mountaineering Helmet is one of the most sturdy, reliable helmets out there from a brand that you can trust for their exceptional commitment to safety gear. The Vertex helmet is extremely comfortable for longer wear and doesn’t make the head too sweaty. It also has the option for integrating the Petzl headlamp we previously recommended higher up in our stocking stuffers section, so this can make a fantastic dual present.

Apple Watch SE

apple watch se

At this point in time, it’s unlikely you’ve gone through life without hearing about the Apple Watch, so it doesn’t need much introduction. However, the Apple Watch SE is a great smart watch at a competitive price point which makes a great gift for hikers, backpackers and campers. It’s a great way to track your fitness, steps, route and even has an emergency SOS feature. It’s also swim proof, so you don’t need to worry about taking it off for different activities. The Apple Watch is a classic gift which is bound to make any hiker happy. For more on watches, check out our guide ‘watches for hiking, backpacking and the outdoors’.

Big Gifts for the Hiker you Love

If you’re looking to splash out on the hiker you love, you want something that is really going to wow them. So, the gifts we’ve selected below are all high-end outdoors products for hikers, backpackers and campers that are sure to create a serious investment and upgrade in their kit and get them outside more. We’ve divided this category into gifts for her, hiking gifts for him and unisex hiking gift options, so there’s something for all genders.

Hiking & Backpacking Gifts for Her

Of course, there are so many hiking gifts for her out there that are sure to excite, but personally, we prefer products that aren’t just doused with pink for the sake of it (times really do need to move on!). When considering hiking gifts for women, it’s worth thinking about fits and shapes that may suit her better – such as the Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS hiking poles, with a slightly shorter length. Or the Arc’teryx Beta LT GTX jacket, for example.

Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Hiking Poles

Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Pole Review - Folded Pole Leki Cressida

Hiking poles are a valuable piece of equipment, especially for hikers who spend a lot of time tackling steep uphill and downhill trails and can be a lifesaver, reducing recovery time significantly. We’ve been testing out the Leki Cresida FX Carbon AS hiking poles for quite some time, and they have impressed us time and time again. They make an excellent hiking and backpacking gift for her. Why? They fold up exceptionally small, fitting into the side pouch of most hiking day packs. This is great for taking transport to the trail, but they also make a big difference if you need to duck under low hanging obstructions on the trail. They’re extremely quick and intuitive to extend and have a number of options for length. They’re also very comfortable to hold and absorb shock really well, whilst preventing unnecessary sweaty palms. Be sure to read our full review of the Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS hiking poles and for more options, our overall guide to the best trekking poles.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

apple watch ultra 2

As above, an Apple Watch needs little introduction, but if you’re really looking to impress, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will do that for you and is a great gift for the hiker, backpacker and camper you love. The Ultra offers a ruggedized version of the regular Apple Watch and offers all of the integration you’d expect from an Apple product, including their emergency communication service. It certainly isn’t a cheap gift, but if you’re looking for something stylish that will also fit the bill for the adventurer in your life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has it all and more. For more information and to help you choose the best options available for hiking watches, check out our guide.

Nemo Dagger OSMO Ultralight Tent

Nemo Dagger OSMO Ultralight Backpacking Tent, Birch Bud/Goodnight Gray, 3 Person

The Nemo Dagger OSMO Ultralight is a serious piece of backpacking kit to up the hiker you love’s game substantially. It is at the pricey end of the scale, but that said, you are getting one of the best small 2 person backpacking tents money can buy. It’s an exceptionally easy to use tent, which is not to be dismissed when putting together at the end of a long day hiking, or at altitude. It boasts exceptional weatherproofing, and the durability of their OSMO fabric makes all the difference here. With a weight of 1.52kg/3 lb 6oz it hits a great balance between features and carry-ability. Read our full review of the Nemo Dagger OSMO Ultralight tent here.

Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket

Arc'teryx Beta LT rain jacket

The Arc’teryx Beta LT jacket comes out at the top of many reviews for rain jackets and even rain layers. Arc’teryx are known for their cutting-edge design which takes stylish looks and combines them with the best technology out there. This LT jacket is no exception and takes the existing Beta jacket and cuts down weight – perfect for creating a layering system that doesn’t weigh your backpack down. The Beta LT jacket also comes in a range of sizes (and if you’re looking for a larger size, does offer up to an XL in ‘women’s’ and XXL in ‘men’s’ – worth noting that there is really no difference in shape between them). This stylish Gore-Tex jacket is sure to impress any hiker, backpacker or camper and makes for a showstopping gift that will show your generous side. For more on rain jackets read our overall review to 10 of the best here

Nemo Forte Sleeping Bag

NEMO Forte Womens 20 Long (Tide Pool/Shaded Thistle)

As with all Nemo equipment, you’re looking at high end gear for the backpacker you’re prepared to spend money on, and the Forte sleeping bag is a sound investment which is likely to last a lifetime. It’s a great lightweight option which prioritises warmth and durability, whilst also keeping you from getting over hot too. What’s more, the Forte has an integrated pillow pocket for the Fillo backpacking pillow which we outlined earlier, so if you wanted to make this an even better gift, you could look to add that too (and we’re sure the hiker you’re buying for won’t mind that either). The Forte is roomy, and gets the balance right between compression, weight and warmth making for one of the best sleeping bags on the market today.

Hiking & Backpacking Gifts for Him

Our hiking gifts for men below outline some of the best outdoors gear on the market right now that is sure to make him happy and up his game in terms of kit. We’ve covered various tried and tested products, some at the high price point scale, and some at a slightly more modest end to give you a range of options when buying a gift for the hiker you love. Looking for the ultimate gift? Go for the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent, he won’t be disappointed!

Leki Sherpa Strong FX Carbon Hiking Poles

view from Mt Lassen in Lassen Volcanic National Park California

We’ve been testing the Leki Sherpa Strong FX Carbon hiking poles for some time now and they are an exceptional piece of kit. This would be a great pair of hiking poles if you’re buying a gift for a hiker or backpacker who is likely to be carrying a heavy pack or trekking and extreme altitude – the Sherpa Strong FX can handle it all. Even if a big backpacking trip isn’t on the horizon, these hiking poles would be an excellent addition to anybody’s day to day hiking gear. The striking colorway leaves them looking stylish, and the flip technology allows them to pack soundly into a day pack or backpacking pack when not in use and doesn’t get in the way when crouching under low lying obstacles on the trail.

Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Smartwatch

Garmin fenix 7 Solar, adventure smartwatch, with Solar Charging Capabilities, rugged outdoor watch with GPS, touchscreen, health and wellness features, slate gray with black band

For many hikers, the Garmin Fenix 7 will be the best choice full stop as it offers a wide range of great features for outdoorsy adventures. The GNSS mapping and navigation will be a welcome feature in this gift for the hiker you love, and the 16GB storage allows you to store maps, music and many other items you may need. It’s also available in a number of size variants for numerous wrist sizes and has an average run time of between 26 and 63 hours, depending on usage, which is fantastic and also offers some solar charging capabilities. It has a striking design and is sure to make an impact when bought as a gift – be sure to check out our overall guide to hiking and backpacking watches.

Osprey Stratos 34 Backpack

Hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park

The Osprey Stratos 34 backpack gets the balance right between space and how it feels on the back. It is quite a large pack at 34L, but if you’re looking for a gift for a hiker who needs to carry quite a lot of gear (for example, if they carry climbing equipment, or a lot of camera equipment) then this bag could very well be the one for them. For many backpackers, it could actually be the only bag they need- though this would likely be for someone who has already invested in a lot of lightweight, space saving gear. This pack works well if you’re at that point and want to keep things as light and swift as possible. This is an exceptionally well fitted pack and keeps you feeling comfortable, even with heavy loads hour after hour. It also includes a rain cover and for the price point, is exceptionally well positioned. Osprey are known for making exceptional packs and the Stratos is no exception.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent, 2 Person (Orange)

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL comes out pretty much at the top of most backpacking tent reviews, and for good reason – it’s been around a long time and has built up a lot of credibility from a well-known brand whose products you can trust. If the hiker you’re buying a gift for is into lightweight backpacking, you cannot go wrong with this special tent from Big Agnes, and you’re sure to win some brownie points. The Copper Spur is exceptionally lightweight at 1.43kg/3 lb16oz with a packed size of 49.53 x 15.24cm/19.5 x 6in. Read our full review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL here.

Rab Downpour 2.0 Jacket

Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 best wateproof rain jacket

The Rab Downpour 2.0 Jacket is a firm favorite of many hikers, and it’s not hard to see why. Rab has a reputation of creating ultra-wearable, breathable and insulating clothing that will stand the test of time. The Downpour jacket is a great gift option and comes in sizes up to XXL. It also makes use of recycled fabrics and has a highly customisable fit to keep the hiker you love snuggly warm against the elements. We’ve been particularly impressed by the Rab Downpour and have tested this jacket in pretty much any scenario of weather you could imagine. Read our full review of waterproof rain jackets here

Hiking & Backpacking Gifts for Them (Unisex)

A lot of the hiking and backpacking gifts we’ve recommended so far are suitable for people of any gender or are offered as a unisex version. However, to make things easier, we’ve outlined a number of no-nonsense gifts for the hiker you love of any gender that is sure to impress and keep them happy. For a gift that’s sure to impress and take their adventures further, we’d recommend the Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pag. Or want to make a big impression? Go for the DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Drone Kit.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

GoPro HERO12 (Hero 12) Waterproof 27MP Action Camera with 50 in 1 Action Camera Accessory Kit, 128GB Micro SD Card and Rechargeable Battery Bundle (Black)

For the adventurer who wants to document everything, the GoPro is an essential piece of kit, and the Hero 12 will make an excellent gift for the hiker and backpacker you love. The waterproof 27MP action camera will withstand pretty much anything – and can be taken on pretty much any adventure you can think of. Memories can last a lifetime with this gift and it’s sure to put you in their good books. The GoPro Hero 12 comes with several accessories to get them started, from bendy tripods, to body harnesses and helmet mounts and also includes a 128GB memory card.

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad

If you want to make someone really happy when it comes to gifts for hikers, backpackers and campers, get them something that is going to give them a good night’s sleep whilst out on the trail. A sleeping pad works just like your mattress at home, which you would very likely never consider sleeping without, yet many hikers cut corners when it comes to their sleeping surfaces, thinking that a sleeping bag alone will do. Of course, it’s possible to get a much more budget sleeping pad, but if you want to splash out on them, get them the Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad.

We’ve been extremely impressed with its performance on virtually any camping surface you can imagine and has guaranteed a good night’s sleep every time. Nemo are well known for their lightweight camping and backpacking gear that packs down small and the tensor is no different – coming in at 500g and a very small stuff sack to fit in a backpack. What’s more, it’s insulated, meaning they’ll sleep that little bit warmer. It’s also easy to inflate, so no hassle to contend with.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Drone Kit

DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone Fly More Combo, Bundle with Claw Lanyard Mounting System, Landing Pad and Strobe Light

If you want to help them push their adventure videos and photographs to the next level with a piece of kit that doesn’t compromise on quality and packs down small, get them the DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More drone. It shoots in 4k, giving exceptional quality and weighs under 250g! Given this drones weight, there is no need for training or registration (though it’s good practise to learn to use drones safely and without causing obstructions). This kit contains everything to get the photography enthusiast you’re buying for started. It will easily fit in a day pack without much hassle at all and give them a great option to create lots of lasting memories of their adventures.

Garmin inReach Mini

Wearable4U - Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator (Flame Red) with Power Pack Bundle

A Garmin inReach is an essential piece of equipment for any hiker or backpacker who is going to be going off grid for any amount of time and allows an extra layer of safety that can really put minds at rest. So, whether they’re going off road on a 4×4 adventure or backpacking a long-distance trail, this piece of kit is really worth its weight in gold. This great piece of kit allows you to send and receive messages and even trigger an SOS (subscription required) and has an exceptional battery life of up to 14 days.

MSR Hubba Hubba Backpacking Tent

25 Best Small 2 Person Backpacking Tents of 2023 - Msr Hubba Hubba Ultralight Backpacking Tent Review

The MSR Hubba Hubba is probably one of the best backpacking tents out there – it gets the combination of excellent durability and weight down to a tee coming in at 1.72kg/3lb 13 oz. The DuraShield rainfly keeps the tent dry, whilst the wicking properties of the mesh layer keeps condensation out for an exceptional sleep every time. What makes the MSR Hubba Hubba so special is the amount of room – it’s actually extremely spacious for a 2-person tent and that can make all the difference if you’re buying a gift for a hiker who goes on longer backpacking trips – or just wants to have that bit more luxury. It’s a robust, and superb tent that will stand the test of time and makes an excellent gift for the hiker you love! Read our full review of the MSR Hubba Hubba here.

Conclusion

There are so many great gift options out there for hikers, backpackers, and campers and whilst hiking gear may outwardly seem costly, there are plenty of options for gifts for all budgets. If you want to have a bigger impact with your gift, you could always look at putting together a collection of smaller stocking stuffers or combining various gifts such as the Nemo Forte Sleeping Bag with the Nemo Fillo Backpacking Pillow. Or perhaps the Sawyer Squeeze would pair well with the Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth. Many of the hiking gift options we’ve provided will work for all genders too, and most of them are offered as a unisex version.

Every single product we’ve recommended in this guide has been tried, tested, and loved by us out on the trail, so you know that what you gift the hiker in your life is going to be something they want. We hope this guide has given you some much needed inspiration to keep their time on the trail happier and more enjoyable.  

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