15 awesome holiday stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers

15 outdoorsy stocking stuffers

2. REI Co-op Duck’s Back Rain Cover ($27-40)

Rain covers are the perfect gift for avid hikers and backpackers, ensuring their gear stays dry when adventuring in rain and snow. We’ve used them for years for everything from wet commutes to long days on the trail. The rain covers come in a range of sizes, from extra small rain covers for small day packs and small for medium size day packs to medium and large raincovers for backpacking packs.

3. A Black Diamond headlamp for hiking and backpacking ($65)

Headlamps are essential for both backpacking and long hikes that might keep you out after the sun sets.  We recommend the Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp ($65). This amazing backpacking headlamp is both USB rechargeable and waterproof, making it a great option! This may be the priciest item on our list, but we think the cost is worth it for the amazing headlamp functionality and reliability.

4. Kula cloth (aka an Antimicrobial Pee Cloth) ($20)

Yes, I did actually give one of these to my best friend last year for Christmas… and she loves it! It may seem goofy but Kula Cloths honestly make great gifts for people that squat when they pee. We bring ours on every hike! They’re washable and have lasted us years – we’ve saved a lot of TP!

5. REI Co-op Wallace Lake Wool Pom Beanie ($33)

What’s not to love about a cute beanie that also keeps your head warm? If you’re looking for something under $20 (and without the pom pom!) the $18 REI Co-op Ribbed Watch Cap is also a great choice!

6. Katadyn BeFree 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle ($45)

Having access to fresh drinking water is essential on the trail! We’ve used a lot of water filters over the years and so far the Katadyn BeFree is our favorite. It’s lightweight and super easy to use (and clean!). If you’re giving this as a gift don’t forget to get one for yourself, too!

7. REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens 2.0 ($50)

Whether the person you’re gifting these to likes epic runs on the mountain, casual evening snowshoeing sessions, or chilly walks around their neighborhood, these unisex mittens are the perfect option. The GORE-TEX® shells ensure your hands stay both warm and dry.

8. Tasty Dehydrated backpacking and camping meals ($13.50)

I love giving the gift of food, and dehydrated meals are a great option for backpackers and people that do long hikes (what’s better than a hot meal on a cold day when you’re taking in a summit view?!). Nomad nutrition makes some great vegetarian hiking and backpacking meal options, including Irish Shepherd’s Pie, Caribbean Curry, and Indian Red Lentil Stew. These make great stocking stuffers! Bon appétit!

9.  Sea to Summit AlphaLight Spoon, Fork and Knife Set ($6.95)

Let’s be honest… eating is one of the best parts about camping! Many people don’t want to splurge on a nice set of camp utensils for themselves, which is why these are fantastic (and practical) stocking stuffers. This camp utensil set is durable, super lightweight, long-lasting, and a perfect compliment to those dehydrated camp meals. 

10. REI Co-op Solid Graphic Camp Mug – 12 fl. Oz. ($19.95)

Starting a day at camp with a hot cup of coffee and ending it with hot tea is the epitome of comfort on those chilly camping adventures. This camp mug from REI is double-wall vacuum insulated to keep drinks hot or cold for hours. It’s not great for ultralight backpacking and hiking fans, but it’s a perfect gift for more casual campers.

11. REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights for women and men ($39.95)

Give the gift of warmth! I get cold when hiking and backpacking, especially on those chilly mornings and sitting around at camp. Over the years, I’ve learned that base layers are KEY for maintaining your warmth. We love the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights (for women and men). I wear these base layer tights all throughout fall and winter, and they fit perfectly under my normal hiking pants (and even my jeans!).

12. Nikwax waterproofing gear wash ($22.95)

This might not seem like the coolest gift on the planet, but hear me out… properly cleaning and re-waterproofing adventure gear helps gear function properly on the trail and makes it last longer, and this gear maintenance task is often overlooked! The Nikwax Hard-Shell Outerwear Care Kit both cleans and re-waterproofs rain and snow clothes, which means this is a great eco-friendly gift. And this Nikwax Tent and Gear Solarwash and SolarProof Waterproofing Spray are perfect for cleaning and waterproofing your tent and rain covers. 

13. Ignik hand warmers ($1.95)

Nothing is more uncomfortable while hiking or sitting at camp than having freezing cold hands,. These hand warmers are fantastic little gifts that heat up fast and last for hours. I usually stash these in my backpack and inevitably end up using a few of these every year. Toe warmers are a great gift, too!

14. Nalgene water bottle ($15.95)

This gift is a timeless classic for outdoorsy adventures! Nalgene water bottles last forever and are a staple for every adventure year-round! Plus, who doesn’t love a new water bottle for displaying all of their adventure stickers?!

15. Carabiners for backpacking and hiking gear ($6.95)

Carabiners are the duct tape of the camping and backpacking world, and that why these make a great gift for hikers and backpackers alike! They are great for easily lashing items to backpacks like a camp mug, wet sandals, and hats.

There you have it — the perfect outdoorsy stocking stuffers for all of the hikers, campers, and backpackers on your holiday list!

Looking for more? Check out our other gear recommendations here!