Looking to stuff the stocking of the backpacker in your life? I’ve got a list of best stocking stuffers for backpackers!
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Table of Contents
- Stocking Stuffers under $10
- Stocking Stuffers under $20
- Stocking Stuffers under $30
One of the most frustrating things about backpacking is that some of the gear is so expensive. Even little things add up over time! But I feel guilty asking for big purchases as gifts for the holidays, even if more than one family member is willing to go in on the purchase. However, little items that are annoying to buy for myself are easy to ask for.
I’ve compiled a list of my recommended stocking stuffers for the backpacker in your life! Happy gifting!
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.
Stocking Stuffers for Backpackers under $10
When you want something meaningful for a backpacker, but don’t want to spend a lot of cash! Here are things all backpackers want that won’t break the bank.
Body Wipes
I always use body or baby wipes on trail for my feet, armpits, and anywhere else that needs freshening up. Not only will wipes help the backpacker in your life from smelling bad, they’ll also help keep their feet clean (which helps them stay injury free). I personally prefer wipes that don’t smell weird, don’t leave you feeling sticky, and are biodegradable.
Make sure the wipes you bring are appropriate for ALL body parts and remember to pack them out! The amount of used baby wipes I’ve seen on trails all around the world is very, very gross. Most of the options below are under $10, but once the backpacker in your life finds the kind they like, it’s great to buy in bulk to save money and individual packaging.
REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Target
Spice Packets or Mini Hot Sauce
Backpackers love adding a little zest to our meals. I love saving mini hot sauce packets or spice packets from takeout. (Those red pepper packets from getting pizza are perfect for backpacking!)
Favorite Snacks
There’s a reason the term “hiker hunger” is a thing – we are ALWAYS hungry. Snacks help hikers keep their energy up. Snacks are very personal to each hiker, but I’ve recommended some of my favorites below.
- Cliff Bars – REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Target
- Honey Stinger – REI | Backcountry
Looking for a more expensive gift for a backpacker? Check out my backpacking clothing guide!
Stocking Stuffers for Backpackers under $20
She’s Birdie Personal Alarm
If you’re worried for the safety of the backpacker in your life, check out the She’s Birdie personal alarm. This cute little nondescript alarm packs a punch to the eardrums. It comes on a carabiner that can be clipped to a backpack strap for easy access. When pulled, the alarm flashes a bright light and blares an alarm noise that will hopefully deter an attacker.
When shopping for a She’s Birdie Alarm, use code TORYTALKSTRAILS15 for a discount, at no additional cost to you!
Favorite Camp Meal
Dehydrated backpacking meals are great for longer trips – they’re lightweight and easy to make when you’re starving after a day of hiking. But they are not cheap! Gifting a couple of favorite backpacking meals is a great way to have the backpacker in your life think fondly of you at the end of a long hiking day.
REI | Amazon | Backcountry
Looking for my recommendations on backpacking meals? Check out my guide to best backpacking meals! [COMING SOON]
Favorite Electrolytes
Staying properly hydrated is a key piece of backpacking and hiking success. Electrolytes can be expensive and we’re constantly going through them. Check out some of my favorite electrolyte brands below!
- LMNT – Saltier than LiquidIV, LMNT is great for the hot days where you’re really sweating. Rumor has it that if you mix the chocolate salt or chocolate caramel flavor with hot chocolate, it tastes amazing. Amazon
- LiquidIV – At one point on the LHHT, this was all my stomach could handle during a 12 hour hiking day. I use LiquidIV for both backpacking and long travel days as it helps me feel more hydrated, quicker. Target | Amazon
- NUUN – These low calorie dissolvable tablets are a great way to add flavor and electrolytes to water. REI | Amazon
Permethrin
Nothing says “I love you” to the backpacker in your life than helping protect them from ticks. Permethrin, when sprayed on clothes and gear, protects against ticks and lasts for multiple washes. One bottle of it can last multiple hiking seasons, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Warm Hat for Cool Nights
Backpackers always need to keep layers with them – sometimes sleeping outside can be really cold! I love this Carhartt hat and have it two colors. I use the orange one for hiking during hunting season and then have a gray one for backpacking. It’s great to keep my head warm and also doubles as an eye mask when sunrise feels a little too early.
Long handled Spork
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been packing for a backpacking trip and spent far too long looking for one of my sporks. Even if the backpacker in your life has a spork, there’s no such thing as too many sporks. I recommend a long handled spork as it helps keep your fingers out of your backpacking meals.
REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Cabela’s
Lightweight Mug
This 3.5 oz extremely lightweight mug from GSI is an awesome addition to any backpacking kitchen. It’s perfect for your morning coffee before hitting the trail. It’s also easy to clip to the outside of your pack and is easy to clean after. At under $15 it’s a great deal for the backpacker in your life!
Looking for a comprehensive list of backpacking gear recommendations? Check out my guide to backpacking gear must-haves, a list of every single item I take backpacking and why its important!
Stocking Stuffers for Backpackers under $30
PStyle
For the women in your life, the pStyle is an absolute game changer for backpacking. This little tool made of recycled plastic allows women to stand up while peeing. It’s great for backpacking because you don’t even have to take your backpack off! While the pStyle itself is under $20, I recommend getting the carrying case as well. It clips easily to the outside of your pack for easy access.
Camp Towel or Washcloth
To help cut down on the number of wipes I use, I also bring a reusable washcloth or towel. My favorite is my washcloth from DryFoxCo (their prints are SO CUTE), but I also have a PackTowl that works well also. I will wet the washcloth, wipe my face with it, and then hang it in my tent or on the outside of my pack to dry overnight.
REI | Amazon | Backcountry
Socks
We always want more socks. I promise. Look for socks from brands like Smartwool or Darn Tough that are merino wool and moisture wicking. Smartwool socks have a more reasonable price point ($10-$16 depending on style). DarnTough are more expensive (around $25) but have a lifetime guarantee, meaning that you can send socks back to get a replacement at no cost once they wear out.
SmartWool – REI | Amazon | Backcountry (almost all of my socks are Smartwool and they work really well for me)
Darn Tough – REI | Amazon | Backcountry (Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee on socks, making them a hiker favorite)
Gift Card to Favorite Outdoor Store
Trust me, this will ALWAYS be a great present. This allows the backpacker in your life to put your gift towards something larger or stock up on their favorite smaller items. Even $10 is a great way to show some love!
REI | Backcountry | Scheels
Looking for a way to save money on gear? Check out my guide to getting outdoor gear on a budget!
Am I missing anything that you would like to see in your stocking? Let me know in the comments below!
Updated November 25 2024