The thru-hiker or backpacker in your life is probably busy saving for their next hiking adventure, and we can pretty much guarantee they have a long list of items on their wish list. This collection of thru-hiker and backpacking gift ideas under $200 is a good place to start. We’ve listed a variety of gift ideas, from technical backpacking gear to treat-yourself dehydrated meals, to unique gifts that will help commemorate their adventures.
1. Black Diamond SPOT-R Headlamp
The Black Diamond SPOT-R is a USB rechargeable 400-lumen LED headlamp good for hiking, trail running, and camping. Its settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night vision, and digital lock mode. The SPOT-R provides up to 400 lumens on its max setting, 200 lumens on medium, and 6 lumens on low with a 1500 mAh battery that provides the light with an average run time on high at 4 hours; medium: 8 hours, and low: 225 hours. It has an integrated battery meter and digital lockout to prevent accidental power drain. But what sets the SPOT-R apart from other headlamps is its IPX8 waterproof rating, making it fully submersible so you use it or rain or drop it in a creek. A dual-power model (the SPOT) is also available that includes three AAA batteries and is compatible with a rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery and charger (purchased separately) for maximum flexibility.
2. MSR PocketRocket 2
This reliable, lightweight backpacking stove is a classic for a reason. Weighing just a few ounces, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 folds down to fit in the palm of your hand and can boil a liter of water in 3.5 minutes. It threads easily onto an isobutane fuel canister and is durable enough to last a 2,000-mile hike and beyond. We don’t recommend buying the fuel canister as a gift, however, because you can’t bring them onto planes, plus the canisters are easily available at most outfitters.
3. Darn Tough Micro Crew Merino Wool Socks
Darn Tough’s Micro-Crew Wool Socks are hands-down the most popular hiking socks used by hard-core hikers because they’re both comfortable and indestructible. Made with Merino Wool, they resist body odors and naturally move foot perspiration away from the feet to prevent blisters. They even come with a guarantee, that if you can wear them out, Darn Tough will replace them for free!
4. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Shoulder Pocket
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Shoulder Pocket is by far the most popular shoulder pocket used by backpackers today. Compatible with backpacks from other manufacturers (not just Hyperlite’s) it’s ideal for protecting your camera, Smartphone, satellite communicator, or wallet from the rain while keeping it easily accessible. Two universal clips are included that attach to daisy chains or hydration loops on backpack shoulder straps.
5. Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
The Sea-to-Summit Aeros UL Inflatable Pillow is a luxury item that weighs just a few ounces but has the potential to make nights at camp far more enjoyable. This pillow inflates in just a few breaths, will last an entire thru-hike, and has a two-way valve so you can adjust the inflation to your ideal level. If they need a pillow at home to sleep, they’ll also need one on the trail!
6. Cocoon Merino Wool Liner
The Cocoon Merino Wool Liner adds up to 10 degrees of warmth to a sleep system, a good answer for hikers on a multi-season thru-hike who don’t want to buy two sleeping bags or quilts. This liner can also be used on its own for the warmest nights, and the merino material wicks sweat and is highly breathable.
7. Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella
The Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella is a full-size umbrella with a reflective silver surface that will protect your favorite hiker from the sun and the rain. A sleek carbon fiber shaft, spreader, and ribs drop the weight of this umbrella to a mere 6.8 oz while maintaining full coverage. Its rigid shaft ensures it won’t unexpectedly collapse, and its simple construction ensures years of trouble-free use. The Silver Shadow Carbon is the Rolls Royce of Trekking Umbrellas.
8. Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket
The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket is a purpose-built synthetic jacket made for hiking and backpacking. It is insulated with Climashield Apex, which is also used by Enlightened Equipment to insulate its synthetic quilts. The Torrid has two zippered handwarmer pockets, elastic wrist cuffs, and an adjustable hood opening to block side drafts. The construction is not sewn-thru to eliminate drafts through needle holes, which is a significant enhancement and departure from the norm for jackets in this class. Its raglan sleeves are designed to be used with a backpack and its ultralight nylon exterior fabric has a durable water-repellent finish to repel mist and light precipitation. A women’s model is also available.
9. Zpacks Bear Bagging Kit
The Zpacks Bear Bagging Kit is by far the most popular bear bag with backpackers. Weighing just 3.4 oz, the kit includes everything you need to hang a bear bag, including a waterproof roll-top dry bag, 50 ft of bear bag line, and a rock sack to throw over a tree branch. The bear bag is large enough to hold up to 5-6 days worth of food but is easily compressed for shorter trips.
10. UltraliteSacks UL Compression Sack
The problem with most of the nylon compression sacks you can buy is that they can be really heavy, weighing 4-6 ounces, each. But the Dyneema UL Compression Sacks from UltraliteSacks are a real breakthrough in terms of weight reduction, weighing less than one-fourth of that. That’s an instant weight saving at a surprisingly affordable price. A size medium (6.8L) is the best size for ultralight backpacking quilts or warm-weather sleeping bags.
11. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The Sawyer Squeeze is the most popular water filter used by long-distance hikers, and the thru-hiker in your life could always use another one. It’s lightweight, has a fast flow rate, and is guaranteed for thousands of liters. Hikers also love that it can thread onto many standard water bottles, so you can drink straight from the filter. While there are several Sawyer options on the market, we recommend the original. It has a faster flow rate and a longer lifespan than the smaller models.
12. Hyperlight Mountain Gear Packing Pods
Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Packing Pods (HMG) are ultralight kidney-shaped stuff sacks designed to use all of the space in a backpack and eliminate the voids that are leftover if you pack with conventional cylindrical-shaped stuff sacks. They’re made with an ultralight waterproof fabric called Dyneema DCF and have an attached top flap that lets you view their contents but zipper them closed for moisture protection.
13. TentLab Dirtsaw Deuce of Spades #2 Trowel
Proper Leave No Trace practice means digging a cathole at least six inches deep when doing your business in the woods. This task is less tiresome with the classic Dirtsaw Deuce of Spades #2 Backpacker’s Trowel. Serrated “teeth” and a tough, aluminum build can dig into some seriously solid ground and through small roots. It also weighs just 0.6 ounces and tucks into an outside pocket on your pack.
14. Good To-Go Backpacking Meals
Healthy, dehydrated meals are a luxury many thru-hikers can’t afford for the duration of their hike. After the initial budget wears off, it’s back to ramen and Pasta Sides. Good To-Go was started by a Michelin-starred chef, and includes a wide variety of meals packed with pronounceable (!) ingredients. A few favorites include bibimbap, pad thai, and mushroom risotto. If you have the option, buy the two-serving packets. Thru-hikers have a big appetite. Good To-Go has a number of variety packs available which I can recommend if you’re not sure what foods your hiker friend likes.
15. Chicken Tramper Gear Water Bottle Sleeve
Can’t reach your water bottles when you get thirsty? That’s not a problem if you attach your water bottle to your backpack shoulder strap. The Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG) Water Bottle Sleeve can attach to backpack shoulder straps that have a daisy chain in front or a hydration hose keeper loop making them compatible with just about every backpack in existence. The sleeve is available in two sizes and compatible with 0.7L and 1L Smart Water Bottles (a hiker favorite). Durably made with X-Pac, these sleeves are attached at the top and bottom so your bottles won’t fall into the dirt when you bend over to tie your shoe.
16. Dirty Girl Gaiters
Dirty Girl Gaiters are low gaiters designed to keep sticks, pebbles, sand, and other ground litter that you kick up when hiking from getting into your trail shoes or boots, where they can irritate your feet. They’re primarily used with trail running shoes and low to mid-ankle hiking shoes. They are ultralight, weighing less than 2 ounces per pair, and are popular with hikers because they’re inexpensive and they come in all kinds of wild colors and printed patterns that let you express yourself on the trail. They don’t have a strap that runs under your hiking shoes but attach to your laces with a hook and a velcro patch that you stick to the heel of your footwear. They’re not intended for winter use and dry quickly when they get wet.
17. BearVault BV500 Bear Canister
The BearVault BV500 is the bear canister most thru-hikers carry when hiking in bear country. Most of the scenic trails in the United States that are popular with thru-hikers require a canister at some or all points along their route, as well as in most National Parks and National Forests. The BearVault BV500 will hold over a week’s worth of food and is approved by the IGBC and SIBBG for use in Grizzley, Brown and Black bear country. It doesn’t require any special tools to open (except if you’re a bear of course) and makes a pretty good camp chair too.
18. Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool
Realistically, most thru-hikers don’t need anything more than simple folding pocket scissors during their hike. When it comes to opening packages of food, prepackaged water purification tablets, or bandaging blisters, scissors are much more useful than a knife. Weighing just 1.7 oz, the keychain-sized Leatherman Micra multi-tool includes scissors, a knife, tweezers, a nail file, and multiple-sized screwdrivers, basically everything you need for self-care and simple repairs while backpacking on a long trail.
19. Counter Assault Cross Draw Bear Spray Holster
A must-have in bear country, the Counter Assault Cross Draw Bear Spray Holster provides multiple ways to carry a bear spray canister. You can attach it to your pants belt or your backpack’s hipbelt and wear it like a holster or attach it to your backpack’s shoulder strap with MOLLE tactical straps and carabiner so it doesn’t bounce and it’s at the ready when you need it. The holster fits 10.2 oz and 8.1 oz canisters so you can ward off an encounter with Yogi or Boo Boo.
20. Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Ultralight and easily adjustable with a twist lock, Gossamer Gear’s LT5 carbon fiber trekking poles have a three-piece carbon construction that can be adjusted from 23.5” when collapsed to 51” fully extended. The foam handle absorbs sweat, and the strap is padded and adjustable. The set weighs under 10 ounces, which is feathery light, making them a joy to use.
About the author
Kate “Sprouts” Washington has thru-hiked long distance trails in New Zealand, Canada, the Eastern United States and the Pacific Northwest. A midwife, she lives in the Seattle Area and enjoys backpacking with her “tramily” and dogs on weekends.
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