20 Gifts For Backpackers In 2021

No gifts for backpackers list would be complete without something to keep them entertained on endless train journeys, frustrating layovers, or just chilling at the hostel waiting for the party to start, but any experienced backpacker knows it’s counterproductive to lug around their entire bookshelf, which is why the Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect solution.

With a spectacular battery life that will last up to a week along with a high-resolution display and enough storage (either 8GB or 32GB) to contain everything they could ever read, an e-reader is the perfect traveling companion. They are lightweight, and new editions even boast wifi connectivity, so if they need to update their friends just how good the latest Pulitzer winner is, they can do it without even switching devices. An amazing travel gift for backpackers.

Considering we live in an age of always-needing-to-be-connected, the Anker PowerCore is the reliable friend we always dreamed of. It’s compatible with all smartphones, and with 20100mAh, it packs enough juice to charge your phone completely up to 7 times.

The PowerIQ and VoltageBoost features ensure your device charges quickly and efficiently, and the dual USB ports mean there’s the chance to be a good Samaritan and help out a traveler in need. For serious travelers hoping to leap right off the beaten path, they should not leave the hostel without this gadget.

If there’s one thing that brings people together, especially when backpacking, it’s having a good time, and the Tribit Bluetooth Speaker is the perfect way to get the party started. It boasts deep, thumping bass that may rattle the single-glazed windows of your hostel, but that won’t matter once everyone gets up on the table with a cheeky cocktail in hand as you all belt out the words to Mr. Brightside.

The 360-degree sound means no one will ask you to turn it up, while the waterproof design ensures it can survive the odd spill of toppling into the pool. This Bluetooth speaker delivers a massive 20 hours of continuous playtime, so the party will last through the night and into the morning.

Keeping your cash and valuables safe when on the move is something all backpackers worry about at some point which is why we’ve made the Alpine Rivers Money Belt our best value pick of the backing gifts. The discreet design fits snugly under your shift, while the multiple pockets provide enough storage space for your phone, RFID wallet, room key, and that cute server’s number.

Also included are 7 RFID bonus sleeves to prevent sneaky scammers scanning your details as they bustle past you in some of the world’s busiest cities, because you don’t want to get to the end of your stay and try to pay your tab only to find your account completely drained.

Problems like delayed flights, sub-par accommodation, and awful weather are unpreventable when traveling, but with the Leatherman Sidekick Pocket Size Multi-Tool you’ll at least control other aspects of the journey.

Whether you’re renting motorbikes in Vietnam or need to open a tin of beans as you survive on a shoestring, having a multi tool is essential for easing the potentially troubled waters of backpacking. This lightweight tool fits right in your pocket, while the lanyard ring gives you the option to hang it around your neck for better safety and fast access.

When you’re out in the woods with a totally drained power bank, you may wonder if you’ll ever feel that satisfying hum of your device ever again, but with the RAVPower Solar Charger, you get a convenient solution for keeping your smartphone, Kindle, and other electronics powered even without a sock in sight.

Available in either 16 or 24 watt models, this solar charger boasts 3 USB ports to share with your fellow travelers, and the compact design fits easily in your pack. The solar-powered design means you’ll always be able to get a bit of juice, which is perfect for emergency situations to prevent you from getting lost in the bush.

While backpacking is a lot of go, go, go with hardly a moment to rest, you’ll relish the chance to treat yourself to some rest in one of the comfiest ways imaginable. The Active Roots Double Camping Hammock is just that kind of treat.

This hammock comes in 4 colors and boasts a compact and lightweight design to prevent it from bulking up your already bulging pack. The durable nylon ensures longevity, while the two-person style means you’ll be the most popular guy on the trail. It comes with sturdy tree straps designed to prevent damage to the tree, and as a bonus, 5% of the sale goes to the Elephant Conservation Center in Laos.

It shouldn’t be a surprise something as comprehensive and reliable as the TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack has a place in our selection of the best gifts for backpackers because without a backpacking backpack, how are you going to carry your stuff?

At 55 liters, it’s the perfect size for quick adventures, but smart packers should be able to live out of it for months without issue. Still, it’s not too large to become a hindrance, and with useful features like multiple pockets, comfortable molded channels, compression straps, and an integrated rainfly, you will be prepared for whatever the great wide world throws at you.

Here at Gear Hungry, we’re very passionate about the importance of staying hydrated whether at your desk, waiting for your 12-hour bus journey, or trekking through the Andes hoping to find lost cities of Gold, and the Hydro Flask Water Bottle is the perfect way to ensure you keep pesky headaches and exhaustion well and truly at bay.

This stylish water bottle comes in 9 colors and 2 sizes with an anti-slip grip that’s easy to chug whenever you feel parched along the trail. It’s insulated to keep your ice-cold water just that (because warm water is, literally, the worst), while the wide mouth straw prevents spillage of the precious liquid gold that’s often hard to come by on your travels.

If you’re ever lost in the wilderness way after sunset, having the PETZL Tikka Headlamp firmly strapped around your noggin could mean the difference between safety and endless wandering into the mouth of darkness. At 200 lumens, it lights the way better than your smartphone flashlight (while also conserving its energy), while the dual lights are great for signaling for help if needed. Although we hope that never happens.

The easy on/off switch is just a click away, while the wide beam spreads out to show you the path you need to take while also warning off potential predators. For those who like to explore until they can explore no more, this headlamp an absolute must, even if you think you know what you’re doing.

Sometimes when backpacking, you just want to sit down and take in the beauty of what’s around you whether it’s a pristine golden beach, a colorful and activity-laden jungle, or a vista overlooking ancient ruins. For times like this, the Matador Pocket Blanket is the perfect way to stay comfortable and keep the dirt off you.

It’s suitable for a variety of surfaces including sand, rock, and dirt, while the water-resistant design keeps it dry on lakesides. There are built-in stakes to keep it grounded and the easy pack pattern saves you shoving it back into its pouch frustrated and defeated.

For lone wolves (or those prone to snoring) the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 Person Tent is the perfect addition for longer hikes and treks where there’s not a hostel or hotel so miles. The freestanding, two-pole design is convenient and makes for a hassle-free setup, while the water-resistant fly protects from the elements and gives you extra storage space.

As you’d expect, there are plenty of additional features inside to make your night’s sleep a comfortable one in this solo tent. The zippers are tough, and storage pockets help you keep everything close by. There’s also a gear loft to give you a little more breathing room, so kick off your shoes and take a load off, you’ve earned it.

Your towel is always the last thing you think about when packing for your next adventure, but regular bath towels are heavy and bulky, which is the last thing you want on your travels. An excellent alternative to this is the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, which is compact, quick-drying, and ultra-lightweight.

There are 7 colors to choose from with sizes ranging from extra small to extra extra large that are suitable for travelers of all types. Unlike questionable hostel towels, it’s also skin-friendly, while they carry case means it’s easy to pack away when you head off to your next destination.

Hiking and backpacking can be hungry work, which is why one of the best gifts for hikers we’ve come across is the comprehensive Bisgear 16 Piece Camping Cookware. This set contains everything you and your trekking team need to keep fueled during your adventure including cutlery, a pan and cover, and even a mini stove for morning coffees.

Everything is BPA free, and there’s a useful carry bag to keep everything together. Unlike other camping sets, it’s not too heavy, either, so there’s no need to worry about leaving it at home and instead of surviving off berries and twigs.

Ideal for a variety of situations including bird or animal spotting and gauging distant routes or dangers, the ROXANT Grip Scope Monocular is a compact and comfortable way to enhance your vision to see what’s what when out in the wilderness.

The high definition scope gives you a clear picture of what’s beyond, while the wide view gives you a better idea of your surroundings. You can hang it from your belt or wear it around your neck for fast access, and the provided cleaning cloth removes smudges. Be sure to also check out our guide to the best compact binoculars that you may find useful during your adventures.

A morning cup of Joe is the first thing most backpackers look forward to when waking up in a brand new city, and instead of sharing old and dirty hostel mugs with the other guests, you can use the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug to ensure you’ve always got a fresh cuppa.

It’s insulated to keep your drink warm, while the easy measuring reading ensures you can use it for more than just coffee if you catch our drift. It holds 17.5 fluid ounces, and the collapsible design means you can slip it into your bag when done, with others begin none the wiser. A perfect gift for coffee lovers who like backpacking.

True explorers, mountaineers, and hikers will love the SUUNTO Core All Black Military Outdoor Sports Watch which brings everything you could ever need from a watch and more. The digital display allows for fast, at-a-glance reading, but it’s the other features that really make it stand out.

This sports watch also boasts an altimeter and compass, while the sunrise and sunset readings ensure you will always know how much light you have left. Most useful though, particularly for those who love to trek through more unpredictable climates, is the storm alarm, which warns when it senses a sudden drop in pressure.

Instead of resigning yourself to drinking dirty, bacteria-laden water when trekking through jungles and rainforests, it pays to invest in the Katadyn Hiker Water Filter to ensure you don’t chug down your whole clean water supply in one day.

It’s easy to use with a simple pump function and no backflushing and employs activated carbon to filter out harmful agents to prevent you from getting sick at the very worst time. This portable water filter cleans as much as 750 liters, giving you and your group a hassle-free solution to staying hydrated.

If you need fast access to water when on the move if your hands are occupied with trekking poles or your digital camera, the Hydrosleeve Package ensures hydration is just ahead lean away. The 2 sizes are enough to fit on your arm without slipping and it can hold 7.5 ounces of water.

With it, you get two anti-slosh bladders which prevent, well, sloshing, while the FDA approved silicone and BPA free materials ensure it’s safe to use. The Therma-cool insulator keeps your drink fresh throughout your excursion, whether it’s deep into the jungle or just a morning run around a brand new city full of potential.

Much like backpacks, Kindles, and your passport, the GoPro HERO 7 is an essential travel accessory to prove to all your friends you didn’t just sit on the computer trolling people online all summer long. This is a product that needs no introduction, and if you want to ensure your memories of your trip last forever, there is nothing better.

It’s a spectacular improvement on previous models, with HyperSmooth video and predictive movement to ensure crisp footage with 4K60 video. The voice commands are intuitive, and the Super Photo features ensure you’ll capture all your experiences with total ease. Another great addition is the live streaming feature, so if you see come across something that you feel everyone else needs to see, you can set that up to show the world just how much fun you’re having.