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  • Gift Guides

Gifts For Backpackers In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated November 8, 2019
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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For those of you friends with someone who has a wild, insatiable hunger for adventure, finding the best gifts for backpackers is the perfect way to treat them before they head off into the sunset on their next destination. They know more than anybody else the travel itch is never truly scratched, and so instead of trying to convince them to hang around just a little longer this time, you can instead, at the very least, give them something that makes this trip the best one yet (and also give them something to remember you by).

Previously, we’ve listed the best travel adapters, quality notebooks for explorers them record their experience, and provided top tips for safety and prevent getting scammed, but instead of asking you to jump around, here are the best gifts ideas all in one place that doesn’t require you to remember your passport.

Gift For Backpackers

1
Kindle Paperwhite

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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.

Key Features:

Wifi enabled

6” screen

High resolution display

Long battery life

Adjustable light

Thousands of available titles

8 GB or 32 GB

Specification:
  • BrandAmazon
  • ModelB00OQVZDJM
  • Weight7.2 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

2
Anker PowerCore

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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.

Key Features:

4.8A output

20100mAh

PowerIQ

Compatible with iPhone, Samsung, and more

MultiProtect safety system

VoltageBoost

10 hour recharge

Holds up to 7 charges

2 USB ports

Specification:
  • BrandAnker
  • ModelAK-A1271011
  • Weight12.5 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMARTBUY ON ANKER

3
Tribit Bluetooth Speaker

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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.

Key Features:

360-degree immersive sound

XBass technology

Waterproof

20 hour playtime

2600mAh battery

Compact and portable

Specification:
  • BrandTribit
  • ModelBTS30
  • Weight1.2 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

4
Alpine Rivers Money Belt

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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.

Key Features:

RFID blocking

Water-resistant

Ultra-lightweight

Multiple pockets

7 bonus sleeves

Fits most smartphones

FeelSoft mesh

Specification:
  • BrandAlpine Rivers
  • ModelAR-RFIDB0CB
  • Weight4 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

5
Leatherman Sidekick Pocket Size Multi-Tool

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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.

Key Features:

14 tools

Knives, pliers, bolt cutters, can opener

One-handed use

Lanyard ring

25 year limited warranty

Nylon sheath

Specification:
  • BrandLeatherman
  • Model831429
  • Weight6.9 ounces
BUY ON LEATHERMAN
BUY ON WALMARTBUY ON REI

6
Active Roots Double Camping Hammock

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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.

Key Features:

4 colors

Tree straps

Compact and lightweight

Durable nylon

Carabiners

5% of sale donated to charity

Specification:
  • BrandActive Roots
  • ModelB072PVRCMS
  • Weight2.3 pounds
BUY ON WALMART

7
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack

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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.

Key Features:

3400 cubic inches / 55 liter capacity

Multi-position torso strap

Open-cell foam lumbar pad

Molded channels

3 colors

Sleeping bag compartment

Multi-directional compressions straps

Bungee storage

Multiple pockets

Integrated rainfly

Specification:
  • BrandTETON Sports
  • Model121T
  • Weight4.5 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

8
Hydro Flask Water Bottle

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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.

Key Features:

9 colors

2 sizes

Slip-free grip

Insulated

Wide mouth straw

BPA-free

Keeps hot drinks for 6 hours

Keeps cold drink for 24 hours

Durable powder coat

Specification:
  • BrandHydro Flask
  • ModelB01GW2GH4M
  • Weight2.2 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

9
PETZL Tikka Headlamp

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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.

Key Features:

200 lumens

Comfortable strap

4 colors

Single on/off button

Reflective design

Wide beam

Red or white light

Specification:
  • BrandPETZL
  • ModelE93AAB
  • Weight2.88 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

10
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 Person Tent

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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.

Key Features:

Freestanding

Two pole design

Water resistant polyester tent fly

Extra storage space

#8 zippers

Storage pockets

Gear loft

Guy ropes

Specification:
  • BrandALPS Mountaineering
  • Model5024617
  • Weight4.2 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

11
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

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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.

Key Features:

7 colors

X-small to XX-large

Fast drying

Ultra compact and lightweight

Skin-friendly

Hand snap loop

Carry case

Specification:
  • BrandRainleaf
  • ModelB07NDHJ6L6
  • Weight13.8 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

12
Bisgear 16 Piece Camping Cookware

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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.

Key Features:

Easy to clean

Folding cutlery

Non-stick pot

Pan and cover

Carry bag

BPA free bowls

Mini stove with piezo ignition

Lightweight and durable

Specification:
  • BrandBisgear
  • ModelB01KUFNXZ8
  • Weight1.63 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

13
ROXANT Grip Scope Monocular

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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.

Key Features:

Non-slip grip

Easy to hold

Minimized shake

High definition scope

Wide view

Compact and durable

Cleaning cloth

Belt loop

Neck strap

Specification:
  • BrandROXANT
  • ModelROX-GS
  • Weight7.8 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

14
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug

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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.

Key Features:

Insulated

Environmentally friendly

4 colors

17.5 fluid ounce capacity

Lifetime promise

Sip it lid

Collapsible

Easy measuring

Specification:
  • BrandGSI Outdoors
  • Model75253
  • Weight4 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

15
SUUNTO Core All Black Military Outdoor Sports Watch

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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.

Key Features:

Digital display

Weather tracking

Altimeter, barometer, compass, and sunrise/sunset

Current elevation

Storm alarm

Stylish design

Specification:
  • BrandSUUNTO
  • ModelSS014279010
  • Weight1.44 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

16
Katadyn Hiker Water Filter

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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.

Key Features:

One size

Easy to use

0.2 micron glass fiber filter

Activated carbon

No need for constant backflushing

Carry bag

Cleans up to 200 gallons / 750 liters

Ultralight

Compatible with hydration bladders

Specification:
  • BrandKatadyn
  • Model8018270
  • Weight1.2 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

17
Hydrosleeve Package

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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.

Key Features:

2 colors

Small and Medium sizes

Therma-cool insulator

2 anti-slosh bladders

7.5 ounce capacity

FDA approved silicone

BPA free

Hands-free hydration

Specification:
  • BrandHydrosleeve
  • ModelB07BQHHQ56
  • Weight8 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON

18
GoPro HERO 7

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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.

Key Features:

HyperSmooth video

Predictive movement

Super Photo

Voice commands

Rugged and waterproof

Live streaming

4K60 footage and 12MP photos

Time warp

8x slow motion

Specification:
  • BrandGoPro
  • ModelCHDHX-701
  • Weight4.2 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

Sources:

  1. 6 Reasons Backpacking Is Good For You - Nomads World
  2. What To Do When You Have A Travel Itch You Can’t Scratch - Lifehacker
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