Gifts for Campers and Hikers

Hikers count ounces and campers count on gear that works at 2 a.m. in the rain. Good gifts here are small, durable and proven on the trail; the expensive kit they will usually choose themselves, so aim for the upgrades and consumables they keep putting off.

Under $25 7 ideas

  1. Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System

    A tiny, light filter that screws onto a bottle or pouch. Many hikers carry one as a backup even if they own a bigger system.

    SawyerStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. Light My Fire Spork Original

    Spoon, fork and a serrated edge in one piece that weighs almost nothing. The classic stocking stuffer for anyone with a backpack.

    Light My FireStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. Nalgene Sustain 32oz Wide Mouth Bottle

    Nearly indestructible, takes boiling water, and fits most filters. Hikers lose and dent these, so a fresh one is always welcome.

    Nalgene

    See it on Amazon

  4. Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape

    Patches torn tents, puffy jackets and sleeping pads in the field. The kind of thing nobody buys until they need it.

    Gear AidStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  5. Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set

    A stainless pot with two nesting cups that fits a small stove inside. Simple and tough enough for car camping or short trips.

    Stanley

    See it on Amazon

  6. Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles

    The freeze-dried trail dinner people actually look forward to. Add hot water, wait, eat from the pouch. A good stocking stuffer for backpackers.

    Mountain HouseGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  7. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

    Bryson's very funny story of trying to hike the Appalachian Trail. Hikers will know every blister and bad decision in it.

    Bill BrysonBook

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 7 ideas

  1. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

    Merino socks from Vermont with a lifetime guarantee. Hikers who own one pair always want more.

    Darn ToughStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. Petzl Tikkina Headlamp

    A simple, reliable headlamp from a climbing brand. Better than a phone flashlight for setting up camp after dark.

    Petzl

    See it on Amazon

  3. Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow

    Packs to the size of a fist and stops them sleeping on a balled-up jacket. A small comfort upgrade most people skip.

    Sea to Summit

    See it on Amazon

  4. Black Diamond Moji Lantern

    A palm-sized lantern that hangs from the tent ceiling and lights the whole space softly. Runs on AAA batteries.

    Black Diamond

    See it on Amazon

  5. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

    Light carbon poles with cork grips that save knees on descents. A solid first pair for someone hiking without poles.

    Cascade Mountain Tech

    See it on Amazon

  6. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight / Watertight .5

    A compact first-aid kit in a waterproof pouch, sized for a day hike or a weekend. Replaces the random bandages in the lid pocket.

    Adventure Medical Kits

    See it on Amazon

  7. Snow Peak Titanium Single Wall Mug 450

    A feather-light titanium mug that doubles as a pot on a small stove. The kind of nice gear people admire but do not buy themselves.

    Snow Peak

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 3 ideas

  1. MSR PocketRocket 2 Backpacking Stove

    A tiny canister stove that boils water fast and folds into its own case. The default choice for backpackers moving off campfire cooking.

    MSR

    See it on Amazon

  2. ENO DoubleNest Hammock

    The hammock you see strung between trees at every campsite. Roomy, quick to hang, and packs into its own pouch.

    ENOAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  3. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

    A foam pad that cannot pop. Backpackers use it alone or under an inflatable pad for extra warmth on cold ground.

    Therm-a-Rest

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Helinox Chair One Camp Chair

    A packable chair that sets up in a minute and weighs about two pounds. Far more comfortable than sitting on a log.

    Helinox

    See it on Amazon

  2. Jetboil Flash Cooking System

    An all-in-one stove and pot that boils water in about two minutes. Coffee and trail dinners get much easier.

    Jetboil

    See it on Amazon

  3. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

    Two-way texting and SOS where there is no cell signal. For the solo or backcountry hiker whose family worries. Needs a Garmin subscription.

    Garmin

    See it on Amazon