Holiday Gift Guide for Backpackers
It’s that time of year my friends. The holidays (and winter) have arrived. I've compiled a list of (mostly) sub-$100 (USD), and even some sub-$50 pieces of gear that I think will make fun gifts for the hikers and campers in your friend/family circle.
Gift Idea #1: Arcade Hiking Belt
My first stocking-stuffer suggestion may seem a bit odd, but it has actually become one of my favorite finds over the past few years. Arcade belts are tailor-made for backpackers and athletic folks of all sorts. The soft, stretchy design not only keeps your pants up (check!), but it is dead comfortable. When pressed and grinded on by a heavy backpack, standard belts can cause bruising and chaffing. Arcade belts are the perfect antidote – and they come in way cooler designs (most in that $30 - $40 range).
Gift Idea #2: FlipFuel Fuel Management Tool
This next little gadget won’t take up much space in a stocking (or a backpack), but it will make a big difference for your recipient's adventures. Flipfuel is a relatively new company that operates out of my home state of Arizona. Their fuel transfer tool allows you to consolidate those half-empty fuel canisters into one. I used to have so many partial canisters lying around my batcave, never really sure if I should pack multiples, or just buy a brand new one to eventually add to the pile. Well, problem solved! And for just $35.
Gift Idea #3: Grayl Titanium Camp Stove
Yet another item that fits neatly into the palm of your hand is the Grayl Titanium Camp Stove. This thing weighs just one ounce (28 grams), collapses down into essentially nothing, and yet is as durable and effective as can be. I took this little guy on the Colorado Trail and the Tour du Mont Blanc, and was thoroughly satisfied. It retails for just $28, and as of the writing of this article, you can save an extra four bucks on Grayl's website.
Gift Idea #4: Camp Cups
Serve up some nog in one (or both) of these camp cups. The UCO Eco Collapsible Cup goes for just $10 and is the ideal space-saving option for those who won't go without their favorite hot drinks, even in the wild. The only downside is that it doesn't conserve the heat as well as some bulkier cups can. If the priority is to casually sip while welcoming the morning, then I recommend the Zenbivy Titanium Bivy Mug instead. It's on the pricier side ($59), though it is currently 25% on Zenbivy.com. The double-walled design keeps your drink piping hot, without burning your hands. Though less packable than UCO, there's actually almost no weight difference (4.4 oz).
Gift Idea #5: Grand Trunk Swivel Stool
Don't underestimate the power of a good sit after a long hike. I didn't used to bother packing chairs of any kind, but the Grand Trunk Swivel Stool made this conversion a no-brainer. It weighs but a single pound, packs down nicely, and it has 360-degrees of swivel action, which is not only amusing, but practical when trying to manage dinner and hold a conversation with fellow campers at the same time. This guy will set you back just $60.
Gift Idea #6: Helinox Chair Zero
Let's keep the chair theme going for a second. If the ever-present trade-offs dictate comfort over packability, then try the Helinox Chair Zero. Believe it or not, this fully-supportive chair weighs the same as the stool, but it is quite a bit larger (hence the trade off). Being able to lean back and take the weight off your aching body is such a treat after slogging big miles. Now, this is one of the most expensive items on my list ($150), but it is also something that can be used in the backyard, at the beach, or during a picnic in the park.
Gift Idea #7: Booties!
A pair of insulating booties is often overlooked by my backpacking brethren. But as the temperatures drop, they will offer a huge boost in comfort and morale. The Loftek Hybrid Booties by Outdoor Vitals are the most packable version that I've ever used. Space is usually the deciding factor for whether or not to include bonus items, but these bunch up to about the size of a pair of thick socks. And for $50, who could resist?
Gift Idea #8: BioLite HeadLamp 325
Let your loved one know what a beacon of light they are in your life by giving a slick, bright, and rechargeable headlamp. The BioLite HeadLamp 325 packs as many lumens as the name suggests, plus it is super lightweight (< 2 oz/50 grams) and can be charged with a USB cable. The runtime is limited to 4 hours, but of course, that is a metric of its max capacity. When used on lower settings, it will luminate the trail for much longer. This headlamp retails for $50, but is currently on sale for $37.46 (which is super random, but totally awesome).
Gift Idea #9: All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
The sole piece of apparel that I am recommending for this holiday season is my favorite mid-layer of all time. The All-Paca Fleece Hoodie by Appalachian Gear Company is made out of 100% alpaca wool, making this piece naturally odor-resistant. I can count on my fingers how many times I've washed this hoodie in the two years since I bought it – and I've been using it extensively. Alpaca wool is also effective in a wide range of temperatures, as it is naturally thermoregulating. So don't overthink all that techy, artificial apparel. We had this outdoor gear business dialed in centuries ago. Yes, the $165 price tag is daunting, but the quality, versatility, and lifespan of this hoodie is worth every penny. Plus, you'll be supporting a small American company, which always feels nice. Just note, I suggest sizing down. I normally wear medium, but in this case, a small was the way to go.
Gift Idea #10: A Good Camping Pillow
If you've been following my channel(s) over the years then you know that I'm a big believer in getting quality sleep in the wild. The power of a good pillow is honestly remarkable. I used to just ball up some clothes in a stuff sack, but never again. For $50 and an extra 2.8 ounces, the inflatable Aeros Premium Pillow from Sea to Summit allows me to sleep soundly, and awake free of neck kinks for another solid day of backpacking.
Gift Idea #11: Socks!
I know, I know. Socks might sound lame, but what was once bemoaned as a child is now a beloved gift for us adventurous adults. Some gear is redundant/excessive and will simply sit in a closet or garage. But socks are always needed. And a quality pair of wool socks will be extra appreciated. I'm happy to point you in two directions for this purchase: Grip6 (based out of Utah) and Darn Tough (based out of Vermont).
Gift Idea #12: Vargo Dig Dig Tool
If the person in question has been a bit naughty this year, or you've garnered the reputation of being everyone's favorite gag gift giver, then why not go with a trowel? The Vargo Dig Dig Tool will be the best crappy present imaginable. Everybody poops, but not everybody does a good job at upholding the Leave No Trace principle. This titanium trowel is only $25 and will leave the backpacker in question with no excuse not to dig a proper primitive toilet. This one is sure to get a chuckle, but also a lot of legitimate use.
I hope this gift guide has inspired your upcoming shopping mission. For even more gear ideas, as well as other day-to-day backpacking/camping resources, check out my Eric Hanson YouTube channel.
Happy Holidays!
