hiking and backpacking gifts for under $50: 2026 holiday gift guide
In this 2026 outdoorsy holiday gift guide, we’re sharing the best hiking and backpacking gifts for under $50! These gifts are perfect for all skill levels, and include a lot of affordable ultralight options that are great for cutting weight on the trails!
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We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
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The best hiking and backpacking gifts for under $50
The best holiday gifts for backpackers
- REI Co-op Stowlite Sleeping Pad: Great for beginners and experts alike, this REI Co-op brand closed cell foam sleeping pad is a great option for a good night’s sleep on the trail
- Osprey Ultralight Pack Liner: Having a pack liner lets you skip rain covers and gives you peace of mind for wet weather
- Snow Peak Titanium 600 Mug with HotLips: High quality camp mugs that won’t burn your lips
- TOAKS Titanium 750 ml Pot: a lightweight pot for the backcountry
- TOAKS Titanium Backpacking Stove: easy, lightweight cooking in the backcountry. Pairs well with a fuel canister and is still under $50 altogether!
- Dig tool/shovel for backpacking: great for digging cat holes to do you business, or for pounding in tent stakes
The best holiday gifts for hikers and backpackers
- A rechargeable headlamp: I like this $35 rechargeable headlamp from Coast, as well as their more feature-rich version for $50
- Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad: Light, comfortable, great for hiking and backpacking
- Kula cloth pee cloth: if you squat to pee, this is a must have. We carry them on all hikes and backpacking trips
- Wool socks: a staple in most hiker’s closet. I like these ones from Darn Tough.
- Collapsible CNOC water bottle: these bottles are great for travel, backpacking, and hiking.
- Sawyer water filters: I like the linked two pack, or you can get a 1 pack and pair it with a CNOC bottle, linked above.
- REI Flash Pack hiking backpack: Lightweight and easy to love, I got my first Flash Pack in 2013! Best for hikers, or as an extra back to use for day excursions when backpacking
- A cute bandana: Bandanas are having a moment in 2026 as a cute and practical hiking accessory. I like this one from Bandits, and this one from Arc’teryx
I hope this makes your holiday shopping a little easier! Leave a comment or send us an email if you have any questions!
