Still looking for the perfect gift for the dirtbag in your life? I’ve collected 25 must-have items for every backpacker! This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase anything using my links.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1
The Copper Spur UL1 is a 1-person, 3-season tent that weighs approximately 2 lbs. and has been my go-to home away from home for the past several years.
BearVault Canisters
Carrying a bear canister is the most effective way to store food and scented items in the backcountry. It is required for overnight camping in the Sierra.
Topo Athletic Terraventure
Trail runners have become a popular option for backpacking mostly because of their lightweight and breathability, which significantly reduces fatigue over long distances and helps feet dry quickly to prevent blisters.
Black Diamond headlamp
A headlamp is an absolutely essential piece of backpacking gear primarily because it offers hands-free illumination, allowing you to safely set up camp, cook, or perform essential tasks in the dark while keeping both hands available.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
The Garmin inReach device allows backpackers to send pre-set messages and share their GPS location with family and friends, SOS in case of an emergency, track your hike, and obtain weather information. An active subscription is required.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Food cozy
A food cozy is a lightweight, insulated pouch that retains heat to rehydrate food. It helps to speed up the process of rehydrating backpacking meals.
Kula Cloth
Not a pot holder, an antimicrobial pee cloth. Available in a variety of prints and patterns.
Katadyn BeFree Water filter
A water filter is essential for staying hydrated as it helps remove harmful bacteria found in rivers, creeks, and lakes. Safely turn nearly any available water source into potable drinking water.
Black Diamond Trekking Poles
Trekking poles help reduce impact and strain on lower body joints, like knees, hips, and ankles especially during steep descent when carrying a backpack.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2
The smallest backpacking stove- essential for boiling water in the backcountry.
Swiss Army Classic Knife
A multi-functional mini tool designed with knife, filing, scissors, and pick.
The DirtSaw Trowel
A trowel is essential for backpacking because it is the specialized tool required to strictly follow the Leave No Trace principle of properly disposing of human waste. Allows you to easily dig a 6 to 8-inch deep cathole, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails—which ensures that waste decomposes quickly without contaminating water or attracting wildlife.
Tahoe Sun hoodie
My favorite sun hoodie! Lightweight, breathable, thumbholes, and comes in a variety of colors!
Sea To Summit Drybag
A dry bag helps to keep gear and clothing dry especially during wet or rainy adventures. I particularly enjoy using a dry bag to help compress the clothing items I pack.
Spark 15 degree sleeping bag
A sleeping bag or quilt is essential for backpacking because it helps keep you warm throughout the night. Rating depended on season.
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad
The most underrated piece of gear. Seat comfortably on the floor at any given moment.
Nemo Tensor Sleeping pad
Sleep comfortable and cozy with an inflatable sleeping pad with an R-value of 2.8
Toaks Titanium pot
Toaks titanium is durable and lightweight. An essential item for cooking in the backcountry.
Darn Tough Socks
The toughest of them all- Darn Tough is the ultimate go-to hiking socks for very trail adventure. Socks are guaranteed for life!
Outdoor Research Sun Gloves
Sun gloves help protect your hands from all day sun exposure. Essential for long-distance adventures.
Rush Deodorant
Smaller than Chapstick, Rush Deodorant is my favorite way to staying fresh in the backcountry. Available in two different scents.
Anker portable charger
Portable chargers help keep backpackers connected and charged while on the trail. Makes a perfect stocking stuffer 🙂
Smartwool baselayer bottoms
Baselayers are essential for winter camping. Merino wool helps keep you warm when cool, and cool when warm. It’s a win-win layer!
Decathlon 50L overnight backpack
An overnight backpack is essential for carrying all of your gear. It is important that you find the right size and get fitted properly.
Farout Gift Card
FarOut is a navigational guide application for long-distance backpacking and thru-hiking around the world. Offers offline GPS maps for the major long-distance trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Continental Divide (CDT), and Appalachian Trail (AT).
