25 Affordable Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers, and Outdoors Lovers
Whether you are on a budget this holiday season or you are looking for some stocking stuffers for your outdoorsy family and friends, this list of 25 affordable gifts for hikers, backpackers, and outdoors lovers is for you! As of the time this post went live, each item on this list was $50 or less.
People who enjoy spending time outside value practicality, usefulness, and I personally also love a splash of color. They are also looking for items that will inspire them to spend more time in nature for those days you can’t be outside. While putting this list together, I kept all of those points in mind. I hope this list helps you find the perfect affordable gift for the outdoorsy person in your life (or maybe even a gift to yourself, no judgement here)!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning I receive a small percentage of every purchase at no additional cost to you. Read more about my affiliate policy here.
25 Affordable Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers, and Outdoors Lovers
Darn Tough Hiking Socks
Socks are honestly one of my favorite gifts to receive as a gift and I gift socks to my family every Christmas (don’t read this Mom & Dad!). Darn Tough’s Women's Hiker Micro Crew Hiker socks (and they have a men’s version) are my absolute favorite socks for all sorts of activities, from hiking, backpacking, to just lounging around the house. They are 59% merino wool, super soft, comfortable, durable, and come in lots of fun colors. The best part about Darn Tough socks is that they are guaranteed for life, meaning if they wear, tear, or get a hole, Darn Tough will replace them no questions asked.
Smartwool Popcorn Cable Crew Socks
If you didn’t get the gist, I really like socks. Like a lot. My parents gifted me a pair of Smartwool Women's Popcorn Cable Crew Socks many years ago, and to this day, they are still one of my absolute favorite pairs of socks. These socks definitely make a great gift. The pattern is super cute and they look great with boots. They are a nice, warm pair of socks that are great for the cooler weather.
Pom Pom Beanie
This pom beanie is so cute and colorful. It just screams “cozy winter” vibes.
Lightweight Merino Wool BUFF
I always carry a BUFF or neck gaiter with me when hiking because they are super versatile. This Lightweight Merino Wool BUFF is perfect for the winter season because it is soft, dries quickly, and even stays warm if wet since it is made with 100% Merino wool. It can be worn in 10+ different ways! You can use a BUFF to cover your face from wind or for sun protection, wear it as a headband, or when camping at night for a little extra warmth. Plus, it comes in lots of colors!
Magazine Subscription
Backpacker and Outside magazines are my favorite magazines. Outside magazine is great for the outdoors traveler with its gear reviews/recommendations and adventure inspiration, while Backpacker magazine is more backpacking/hiking/camping specific with information on backpacking destinations, gear, and advice. A magazine subscription is a gift that keeps giving throughout the entire year.
Hand & Foot Warmers
My parents gave me HotHands hand and foot warmers last year and it was honestly such a great gift. I always make sure to keep some in my car and in my hiking backpack year-round. I can’t tell you how many times these have come in handy while I’m hiking or camping, especially on chilly mornings when I’m taking photos.
Water Filter
The Sawyer Products Micro Squeeze Water Filter is my go-to backpacking water filter. If you’re an avid backpacker, you know you could always use another water filter, whether you accidentally left yours out in freezing temperatures or if your old filter just slowed down over time. What I love about this water filter is how small and lightweight it is, and that it screws onto Smartwater water bottles. I can attest that anyone who backpacks or carries a water filter while hiking always appreciates a new water filter (and it never hurts to have a backup one handy just in case!).
Homesick Candle
Homesick candles are my absolute favorite candles. These candles are specialized all-natural soy wax blend candles that are meant to bring back special memories through fragrances. Whether that memory is that of your favorite Road Trip, going on a hike, or exploring Colorado, Washington, or any other state, each candle has a unique scent to take you back to that special moment. My first Homesick candle was the Maine candle, which has the scent of blueberries, cedarwood, and lavender fields. It definitely took me back to my childhood summers spent in Maine.
Adventure Medical Kit
This lightweight hiker Adventure Medical Kit is perfect for hikers and overnight trips. It contains all your first aid essentials, is packaged in a durable and water-resistant bag, and weighs less than 8 oz so it won’t weigh down your backpack. It also has clearly labeled pockets to help you find what you need easily.
YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
I always take my YETI Rambler with me on road trips. The YETI 20 oz Rambler Tumbler is made from durable stainless steel with double-wall insulation, which helps protect both your hot and cold beverages. They’re also dishwasher safe. My YETI has kept my hot coffee warm through entire hikes and nothing beats the feeling of coming back from a chilly morning hike to a warm cup of coffee in the car. The YETI Rambler Tumblers also come in the best colors.
Nitecore Headlamp
My Nitecore Headlamp goes everywhere with me, whether it’s a sunrise or sunset hike, camping, backpacking, or on my daily dog walks which are often in the dark now thanks to daylight savings. This Nitecore headlamp is super lightweight, compact, and has up to 100 hours of run time. It has a built-in USB charger, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right size battery for this headlamp.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Hydro Flask water bottles are super long-lasting and hardwearing, all while having insulation that keep your drinks cold. These are leak proof, dishwasher safe, have a lifetime warranty, and come in so many fun colors.
Kuju Pour Over Coffee
Kuju Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee would make the best stocking stuffer for coffee and camping lovers. There are so many great qualities to this coffee. It's super convenient because all you need is hot water and a mug to brew this instant coffee. Who doesn't want to enjoy a premium cup of coffee in the middle of the woods? Kuju Coffee is also a member of 1% for the Planet and they donate 1% of all sales to the National Park Foundation.
Backpacker’s Pantry Meals
Backpacker's Pantry freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are my absolute favorite backpacking meals and I think these would make a great gift for any backpacker. All you have to do is add water and you have a delicious and nutritional meal. What I love so much about Backpacker’s Pantry is that they offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. I'm vegetarian, so I always choose Backpacker's Pantry for my backpacking food. The Three Cheese Mac & Cheese and Lasagna fueled my entire 260-mile John Muir Trail thru-hike in August 2021 and I honestly would eat these meals right now if I could. They also have breakfast and dessert options!
Chris Burkard Edge of the Earth 2022 Wall Calendar
My annual calendar for the past several years has always been Chris Burkard’s calendar. His calendars feature his stunning adventure and landscape photography. I’ve been a Chris Burkard fan for many, many years, and even met him in 2017 and I can’t recommend his work enough. His images will inspire you to explore and discover all of Earth’s natural beauty.
National Park Guide Book
I carry my National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States book with me on every National Park road trip. This guidebook provides advice, maps, hiking information, and so much more for each US National Park. It also has stunning images and will for sure inspire your next National Park adventure.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Read about Cheryl Strayed’s 1100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in her book Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. By the end of the book, you’ll be inspired to go on your own thru-hike; it sure inspired me! In August 2021, I solo thru-hiked the John Muir Trail and I can promise you it won’t be my last thru-hike ;)
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
On the theme of books about thru-hikes, Bill Bryson depicts his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail in his book A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering American on the Appalachian Trail. I’ve listened to the audio version of this book at least four times now (it was one of the books I had downloaded on my phone during a long road trip where I was often without service). It’s humorous, educational, and will have you dreaming of being out there in the woods yourself.
Solar Powered Camping Lantern
This Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern is perfect for all your camping adventures. My sister has one of these lanterns and I’m always jealous of it when we go camping together. This lantern is solar powered, but can also be charged with a micro-USB cable. It’s super lightweight and can be stored easily.
Battery Pack Twinkle Lights
I always take my battery pack LED string lights with me on road trips and camping excursions. These are perfect for both car and tent campers to provide a little extra light and cozy atmosphere. When I sleep in my car, I like to line my car ceiling with these to see while hanging out so I don’t have to use my headlamp. You can also use string lights to hang in your tent to make it extra ‘aesthetic’.
My car camping setup with my twinkle lights.
Passport To Your National Parks
In the Passport to Your National Parks, you can put stamps from every one of your National Park experiences. It's color-coded by region and features an official NPS map of all the park sites. I've had mine since 2014 and carry it with me on almost every trip because you never know when you might come across a National Park site while traveling. This is the perfect gift for National Parks lovers.
Fleece Lined Leggings
These BALEAF Fleece Lined Leggings are my go-to fleece leggings for cold mornings and hikes. These leggings are super soft, and there are both pockets and no-pockets versions available. I’ve tried other brand fleece leggings, but these are my favorite, which is awesome because they are more affordable than other brands.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles have been a game-changer in my hiking ability. I used to trip all the time and get frustrated, but since I started using trekking poles, I am way more stable when hiking. These Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles would make a great gift for any hiker or anyone interested in starting to hike!
Weatherproof Notebook
For anyone who loves to take notes or journal while hiking, camping, or backpacking, the Rite in the Rain All-Weather Notebook would be a perfect gift. This notebook is made of weatherproof paper that won't be destroyed if it gets wet. I journaled in these notebooks on my two-week John Muir Trail thru-hike and I’m so happy those memories are preserved. You can write in them with any standard pencil, but if you prefer writing with a pen, you will need a special pen that is also weatherproof, such as the Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable Clicker Pen.
Camp Mug
I love taking my camp mug with me on camping trips! It’s a great camping mug because it is super durable and you don’t have to worry about it breaking. They are great multi-use campings - you can eat and drink out of these. This REI Co-op Graphic Camp Mug has so many cute patterns!
