Everyone loves a good Christmas stocking stuffed with little goodies! But finding both unique and practical gifts small enough to fit in a stocking can be a challenge. This guide provides awesome stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers.
There are tons of great small gift ideas that will fit in a stocking for all outdoor lovers. From backpacking food, gift cards, safety gear, and more, these are sure to be gifts that will make a hiker and backpacker excited to open their stocking this holiday season.
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Stocking Stuffers For Hikers and Backpackers Under $5
Energy Bars
Energy bars are a great snack that is packed with protein to boost energy and are high in calories to replenish your body. Our favorite energy bars are Clif Bars because they are delicious and made with plant-based organic ingredients.
But a close second is RX Bars or Larabars because they have a short list of ingredients that are super healthy and they are also really tasty!
Trail Mix
Trail Mix is also another great snack for hikers and backpackers because it is filled with protein and healthy fats. It’s a high-caloric food to help replenish your body during a long adventure.
Tips: If hiking in warm climates, avoid chocolate candies, because they will melt.
Hygiene Wipes
It’s always nice to stay fresh after a long hike. Therefore one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers is hygiene wipes. They are a great gift idea for hikers or backpackers who go on long adventures and need an easy way to clean up.
Hand-Sanitizer
There aren’t any facilities out there where you can wash your hands when hiking out on the trail. There are opportunities to maybe rinse your hands in a lake or nearby river. But one thing I like to have when hiking or backpacking is hand sanitizer because when I have a snack where I will be touching the food, I don’t want to transfer bacteria onto the food.
Insect Repellent
An easy idea for a stocking stuffer for hikers and backpackers is insect repellent. No one likes to get bit out on the trail or while out backpacking for the night.
Another idea is an insect-repellent bracelet. You wear the bracelet on your wrist, and it gives you the option to take it off at night when you are in your tent. It’s especially nice for those people who hate to spray insect repellent all over their bodies and clothing. There are tons of great insect repellents for any outdoor adventure.
Biodegradable Shampoo & Conditioner
Just because you’re in the backcountry doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to wash up. But it’s important to watch what chemicals are left behind in nature. We suggest using this Sea to Summit Shampoo with Conditioner because it is biodegradable. Plus it comes in a travel size, so it is easy to carry along with on the next adventure!
Lip Balm
One of the easiest things to forget when going on a long adventure is protecting your lips. So it is always a good idea to have a chapstick with SPF (such as SPF RX) in your backpack. Making this one of the easiest stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers.
Emergency Blanket
An emergency blanket is so lightweight, cheap, and can easily save someone’s life in an emergency. Sometimes accidents happen out on the trail, and you may need to stay the night. An emergency blanket uses your body heat and reflective material to keep you warm in the blanket. It’s an item that should always be kept in your hiking pack.
Travel-sized Salt & Pepper Shakers
A brilliant stocking stuffer idea for hikers and backpackers is a travel-sized salt and pepper shaker. After a long hiking adventure, you want a warm cooked meal. But you want it to taste delicious, so you may need to add salt and pepper to your liking.
Travel-Size Hot Sauce
For those hikers or backpackers who like to spice things up, a travel-sized hot sauce is the perfect thing! I actually got these for Jake one Christmas and he was a huge fan! They make one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers.
Duct Tape
Duct Tape can basically fix anything, right? And instead of carrying a whole roll, which can be heavy, carry one of these small Duct Tape rolls. It can be perfect for taping up a hiking pole, re-attaching your shoe sole, really any issue where trusty duct tape can fix the issue.
Small Roll of TP
Every hikers gotta go when they gotta go. It’s a good idea to have a small roll of TP on hand when the emergency strikes.
Wag Bag
Another item that will easily fit in a stocking this holiday season is a wag bag. These are used by hikers and backpackers in fragile environments where digging a hole is prohibited. HIkers then, need to carry their waste out with them.
It’s a practical gift for any hiker or backpacker, but certainly is a funny gift idea!
Stickers
One of the easiest ideas for a stocking stuffer is a sticker. They are small, cool, and will fit into any stocking. There’s this fun Yeti or this unique Northwest Bear, the options are limitless.
Electrolytes
After a hard hike, one of the most important things is to replenish your muscles. And electrolytes can do just the trick. Nuun is a great product that easily just dissolves in water. Or Skratch can be mixed into any water in just seconds.
Mosquito Mesh Head Net
I think this might be one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers. I went years without one of these mosquito head nets because I thought they looked funny, but when bugs are flying in your face, ears, nose, and mouth, this thing will keep you at peace.
Jake and I went on a backpacking adventure up to Jade Lake in Washington, and we didn’t have these face nets yet (the bugs were absolutely relentless). They basically ruined the trip (see video here). Ever since, that trip we always have these nets in our backpacks and it’s been one of the best things I own now!
Biodegradable Soap
When washing dishes or anything outside those chemicals are going on the ground rather than to a sewer where water is treated. Therefore, it’s important to use a soap that is biodegradable and non-harmful to the outdoor elements.
Travel-Sized Games
Travel-sized games are one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers this holiday season. They can keep you entertained at camp or just added fun at your end destination of a hike.
Fire Starters
A little help to get a fire started never hurt anyone. These firestarters can get a fire started in no time!
Survival Matches
And of course, you can pair the fire starters with these survival matches. These matches are windproof and waterproof. They will even light after being submerged in water! They are cheap and just a smart thing to have in your hiking pack at all times!
Odor-Fighting Foot Spray
Let’s be honest, no hiker can successfully do a hike without getting a little sweaty feet. So Dr. Scholl’s shoe spray can be the perfect thing to fight against odor and keep your hiking shoes smelling fresh.
Gear Aid Wrap Strap
These are handy straps that can organize loose gear. Wrap it around any item you like and cinch it tight.
Stocking Stuffers For Hikers and Backpackers Under $10
Backpacking Meals
Backpacking meals are the perfect gift for backpackers. Making it also one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers. All you have to do is heat up water, add it to the package, let it sit for a few minutes and then it’s ready to eat.
And this isn’t your normal boring ramen noodles. They have everything from Chicken Pesto with cheese to Beef Stroganoff and even a wide variety of vegan meals.
Our personal favorite backpacking meals are Peak Refuel. I literally would order their chicken pesto pasta at a restaurant if I could. It’s that good! But check out our guide best backpacking meals for more info on what meals your favorite hiker might like.
We also love Wild Zora Backpacking meals, so consider trying out these healthy meals to keep you fueled our in the backcountry!
Jerky or Meat & Veggie Bars
Jerky is the perfect gift for a hiker or backpacker because it provides high protein to boost energy and the sodium helps replace what’s lost through sweat. Chef’s Cut Jerky is the best jerky in my opinion, but you really can’t go wrong with any brand! Also, try the Wild Zora Meat & Veggie Bars, they are honestly maybe better than jerky…..
Carabiners
There are just some items you don’t want to put into your backpack (like sandy chaco’s) or your backpack is stuffed a little too full. Carabiners are a great way to attach items to the outside of your backpack!
I always have a least one attached to my hiking pack and backpacking pack!
Lightweight Micro-Fiber Towel
The perfect towel for a backpacker is a lightweight microfiber towel. They can absorb like a full-size bath towel, but at the size of a hand towel. It folds down very small and weighs next to nothing!
Gift Cards
Simply giving the gift of allowing the hiker or backpacker to pick out their own stocking stuffers with a gift card is a great gift idea. I know it’s not always the most exciting gift to give, but trust me, they will appreciate it! Gift cards can be for a variety of things such as credit, gas, REI gear, Amazon, etc.
You could give them gift cards with small amounts of money to a bunch of different places or just give them a larger amount to one of their favorite places!
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
Hiking and backpacking is definitely a strenuous activity. A great snack to carry along with you is chocolate-covered espresso beans because they can give you that energy boost when you start to slow down and get tired out on the trail. And you don’t need to use any precious drinking water to get your caffeine fix.
You can usually find these in the bulk section in a grocery store or prepackaged near the trail mix or other candies.
Pocket Knife
Every hiker or backpacker should carry a pocketknife with them while out on the trail. It is multi-functional and can save you in an emergency. There are different styles of knives and they have different functions.
So if the knife is just for safety then a simple knife that folds up will do. But, for example, a Swiss army knife will have multiple functions such as scissors, tweezers, corkscrew, multiple blades, etc.
Sunscreen
It’s important to protect your skin while out on a hike. Getting a hiker or backpacker a travel-size sunscreen is the perfect gift idea. One of my favorite sunscreens is Sun Bum because it is hypoallergenic, reef friendly, and made with vegan ingredients!
Another great brand is Cotz Sunscreen, but it can be a bit more expensive. Cotz Sunscreen is made with plant-based ingredients and safe for use around marine life!
Reusable Snack Bags
One of our favorite eco-friendly products is these Reusable Snack Bags. We love using these for trail mixes or sandwiches when we go on a hike! These bags are made from 100% cotton, with a solution of beeswax, tree resin, and organic coconut oil. They are an amazing alternative to single-use plastic.
First Aid Kit
This HART Outdoor Pocket First-Aid Kit is your lightweight, pocket-sized bundle. It comes with your basic medical supplies that should help with minor accidents.
If you are looking for something a little more jam-packed with medical supplies, you might splurge for this Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight. It comes with a few more necessary items for true adventure seekers.
Paracord
Paracord is one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers. It can be used for various helpful tasks. Such as a bear hang, clothesline, or strapping something to your hiking pack.
Over the years, Jake and I have carried paracord in our packs and we have found many different helpful uses for it.
Lightweight Coffee Cup
Your favorite hiker needs a nice mug to drink their fresh cup of joe in the morning, right?! This lightweight coffee cup will do just the trick!
Camelbak Bite Valve Cover
Not sure why Camelbaks don’t come with this built-in, but it’s an added accessory. There is nothing better than taking your pack off. But sometimes when you put it on the ground, your bite valve sits in a pile of dirt. So this is the magic accessory to keep your drinking water clean and dirt-free!
Bear Bell
When hiking in bear country, it can be important to have a way to make noise. While talking sometimes can do just the job, it may be those times when you’re quiet enjoying nature that you sneak up on a bear. So having a constant noise from a bell can do just the trick.
Especially, if you are hiking along, a bear bell is an absolute must!
SheWee
If you are looking for a funny stocking stuffer idea for a hiker or backpacker, then a Shewee is just the one. It is a device designed to help women to pee standing up.
Hand & Toe Warmers
Having hand warmers and toe warmers on a winter adventure can make or break the hike. Having cold extremities is no fun and can just make for an uncomfortable hike.
Headbands
Headbands are my all-time favorite accessory when hiking. They are also practical for keeping my hair out of my face and absorbing any sweat from dripping down my face. And well, they are cute too! 🙂
Titanium Spork
A titanium spork is the perfect companion to a delicious backpacking meal. It serves as both a fork and spoon and holds up to its incredible strength and durability.
Croakies
Croakies are the perfect stocking stuffer idea for hikers and backpackers. These will help a hiker keep their sunglasses from falling off or simply misplacing them because they will stay attached to you.
Stocking Stuffers For Hikers and Backpackers under $20
Matador Pocket Blanket
Once you get up to the top of a mountain or a beautiful destination after a long hike, there sometimes isn’t a good place to plop down without getting dirty or wet. Therefore it can sometimes be helpful to have the Matador Pocket Blanket to sit and have a snack and to take in the beautiful view. (Also a great companion at parks, beaches, and concerts)
Merino Wool Socks
Merino Wool socks are almost essential when hiking or backpacking. They are odor-resistant, wick sweat, and are breathable. Merino wool socks come in all different sizes, cushion, and ankle height. Check out REI’s great selection of merino wool socks.
Neck Buff
The perfect item to either keep you cool or warm on a hike is a neck buff because it has multiple uses! You can dunk a neck buff in water to cool you down when the sun is beating on you and also to protect you from the sun.
Or if it is chilly, a midweight neck buff will act as a scarf to keep you warm! I also use them for covering my nose when I use a drop toilet or porta potty!
I highly recommend the wool ones, because they won’t get smelly even after consecutive days of use.
Lightweight Gloves
There will be days when it’s a bit chilly on a hike or the temperature will drop a few degrees at night while on a backpacking trip. And no one wants to have freezing fingers while on a grand adventure. So a good pair of lightweight gloves will be a game changer.
Lifestraw
A Lifestraw is a great stocking stuffer for hikers and backpackers because it can be a lifesaver if a hiker runs out of water on a trail. How a Lifestraw works, is it has a built-in water filtration system, that filters the water that comes from various water sources.
Therefore, if you are hiking near a river, lake, or even a puddle in the desert, you can use this straw to get clean, safe, drinking water to quench your thirst. It’s an easy item to carry around in your hiking pack that can potentially save your life.
Collapsible Water Bottle
A collapsible Water Bottle is the perfect stocking stuffer for hikers and backpackers. For one, it collapses down when not in use, but can also hold lots of water.
It’s perfect for backpackers at camp, that want to use a bottle rather than carry their water bladder everywhere they go.
A collapsible water bottle is also perfect for getting water at festivals, at the airport, and just easy to throw in your suitcase, etc.
Collapsible Wine Bottle
Additionally, you can also get a collapsible Wine Bottle Reservoir. This can hold a whole bottle of wine to indulge in up at camp or at the end destination of a hike. Just squeeze the air out of the top and it should stay fresh until you get to your final end destination!
Sea to Summit Cool Grip X-Tumbler
Of course, you will need to pair the collapsible wine bottle with the collapsible cups! This Sea to Summit Cool Grip X-Tumbler is the perfect companion. This can also double as a coffee cup as well!
Stainless Steel Flask
And if the outdoor lover you are buying prefers spirits, then a flask is the perfect stocking stuffer idea!
Travel-Sized Olive Oil
Another brilliant stocking stuffer idea for backpackers is a travel-sized olive-oil. Whether you need to cook with a little oil, season a salad, or re-coat your Cast-Iron Skillet, these can be awesome to have on hand.
Instant Coffee
Coffee is life, and what not a better way to have a cup of coffee than with a beautiful view? Therefore, Instant coffee is the perfect stocking stuffer idea for hikers and backpackers.
For backpackers, you can make a fresh cup at camp, and for hikers maybe after a tough sunrise hike, you boil up some water and enjoy a fresh brew.
Verve Coffee Roaster, Alpine Start, and Black Coffee Roasting Co are all top-rated brands for instant coffee.
Pour Over Coffee Dripper
And for the coffee connoisseurs who would rather have a traditional cup of coffee, this pour-over coffee dripper is the perfect thing to take along on your hike. Just grind up some beans before setting off on your adventure, and a fresh cup of joe is in your near future!
Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
Something commonly used by avid hikers and backpackers is the Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth. I’m personally, not the biggest fan, but if the hiker you are buying for loves all eco-friendly products, then this might be just the one!
Journal
For someone who enjoys writing, and keeping track of their journey, a journal makes the perfect gift. This waterproof journal repels water, oil, mud, grime, and other elements so it can be used in all types of inclement weather.
Backpacking Shovel
Sometimes you gotta go when you gotta go out in the backcountry. It’s important to dig a hole 6-8 inches (no shallower or deeper, so the sun can reach it). And having to use a wimpy stick just won’t get the job done fast enough. So having a backpacking shovel such as this trowel can make things fast and easy.
Cooling Bucket Hat
An addition to Jakes’s wardrobe over the past couple of summers has been a cooling bucket hat. It’s great for those brutal desert hikers, or simply on any hot summer adventure. Simply dip it or cover it in water and it will help keep you cool on any hiking adventure.
They also have unisex baseball caps if that is more your style!
Knot Tying Kit
Knowing how to tie a knot can be super helpful in the backcountry. So one gift that is both fun and beneficial to a hikers backcountry skills is a knot tying kit. It teaches you how to tie certain knots and allows you to practice along.
Koozie
Another fun gift idea is to get a koozie, so a hiker can bring a beverage to the top of the mountain before it get’s cold. Check out some of these super fun koozies.
Big Ticket Stocking Stuffers For Hikers & Backpackers ($25+)
Pocket Shower
For avid backpackers, the Sea To Summit Pocket Shower is a great addition to your set up. This is a great stocking stuffer for backpackers when camping near a water source. You just fill the bag with up to 10 liters of water and you have an easy way to freshen up.
Solar Powered Battery Bank
It’s the 21st century and we use our phones for everything. We take high quality photos, GPS trail tracking, etc, so having a way to charge your phone while on the trail is important. It’s also a great gift idea for backpacker safety, incase an emergency arises.
The Blavor Power Bank, has a compass attached and a flashlight. You can attach this device on the outside of you pack and soak of the solar as you hike along on your adventure!
Matador Lightweight Daypack
We love our Matador Lightweight Backpack, and it is super nice when on a long backpacking trip to just set down your heavy pack at camp and venture on with just the hiking essentials!
Bear Spray
We all worry about loved ones who adventure in the backcountry. And for those hiking in bear country, bear spray can be a literal life saver.
For example, most places in the Rocky Mountains or Sierras have some chance of encountering bears. But if you are hiking in the desert at low elevation, then carrying bear spray is just adding weight to your pack.
National Parks Pass
An American The Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass is just about the best stocking stuffer you can get a hiker or backpacker. These places are protected for a reason and are some of the most beautiful places on earth.
This stocking stuffer idea is on the higher end of gifts, but trust me, this will certainly make any outdoor enthusiast excited!
Headlamp
A headlamp is essential for a hiker or backpacker. Of course, a backpacker needs one to be able to see at night, but a hiker should always carry a headlamp in case of emergency. Sometimes you time the hike wrong and will be hiking back in the dark. Or for a nice sunset hike, you will need a headlamp to get back safely to your car.
BonDry
Bondry is the perfect companion to a water bladder. After any hiking or backpacking adventure, simply stick this hydration bladder dryer in your reservoir to absorb any additional standing water inside.
Multi-Tool
Every hiker and backpacker should carry a multi-tool in their backpack. It can serve many different purposes. Such as a knife, sizers, screwdriver, can opener, etc.
Pack Rain Cover
A pack rain cover is a great item in case a rain storm rolls through. The REI Co-op Duck’s Back Rain Cover comes in all different sizes and easily stretches over your pack to keep everything inside dry until you get to your end destination.
Nikwax
Nikwax is the magic laundry detergent that keeps your technical hiking gear in good condition. It helps keep your waterproof layers waterproof, and your down extra fluffy and water resistant.
Inflatable Pillow
An inflatable pillow is basically essential on any backpacking adventure. But an inflatable pillow can also double as a seat cushion for a hiker. There is nothing worse than getting to your end destination and having to plop onto a hard rock to make your butt sore. So an inflatable pillow will do just the trick for both hikers and backpackers.
(You might want two different pillows if you use it as a seat cushion and a pillow)! Here is a cheaper option that can work better as a “seat cushion”.
Sleeping Bag Liner
A sleeping bag liner is the perfect stocking stuffer idea for a backpacker. A liner helps a sleeping bag stay in mint condition and protects it from wear and tear, dirt, sweat, etc.
This Cocoon Coolmax Mummy Liner keeps your sleeping bag clean, protects it from wear & tear, and has moisture-wicking capabilities.
This Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Sleeping Bag Liner does the same as above but also can add 15 degrees of added warmth. It packs down small and is a great companion to a warm sleeping bag.
Srubba Laundry Bag
Having a way to wash your clothes in a pinch can be a luxury you didn’t know you needed. This Srubba Laundry Bag is easy to use, simply put your clothes in the bag with some water and a little biodegradable laundry detergent and voila, you have clean clothes!
Then, use a clothesline to hang your clothes to dry!
Merino Wool Underwear
Doesn’t everyone love getting gifted new underwear from someone else? All jokes aside, merino wool underwear can be a game changer for a hiker and backpacker. It has moisture-wicking capabilities, odor-resistance, temperature regulating, fast drying, this list goes on and on.
Jake’s personal favorite Merino wool underwear is Unbound Merino. We love Unbound Merino so much, that we wrote reviews about testing out their men’s line and additionally, another review about their women’s line.
Unfortunately, they don’t have women’s underwear, so another fantastic brand we love is Icebreaker.
Stuff Sacks
The easiest way to organize your belongings when backpacking or hiking is by using stuff sacks. These bags separate things into categories similar to a dresser. Trust me, it’s the worst when you have to empty your whole pack just to find one item sitting at the bottom of the bag.
Garmin In-Reach Mini
A Garmin In-Reach Mini is essentially a full-on gift, but is still small enough to stuff in a Christmas stocking. It can also save your favorite hiker’s life in a real emergency.
How this little device works, is it uses satellites to communicate. If an emergency arises, the hiker or backpacker can make a call to 911 and send a GPS signal.
Superfeet Hike Support Insoles
Shoe Insoles can make all the difference while hiking. These Superfeet Hiking Support Insoles prevent heel slip and toes from hitting the front of the footwear, stabilize the foot on rough terrain, reduce stress on feet, ankles, knees, and back, and have heel impact technology. They are also moisture-wicking to help reduce odor.
Jewelry
Jewelry can make a great stocking stuffer. Although, if you want quality materials, then you might be paying top dollar.
Here are a few jewelry brands I love:
- Moose Love Minerals (A personal friend of ours who makes incredible jewelry!) This will certainly be supporting a small business! 🙂
- Jackson Hole Jewelry (a small business out of Jackson Hole that makes beautifully designed jewelry)
- Lauren-Spencer (less expensive piece, but great reviews)
Binoculars
Binoculars are a bit on the higher end of stocking stuffer ideas, but they can make a great gift for hikers and backpackers nonetheless. They can help see wildlife from a safe distance or get a closer look at some epic nature in the distance.
Camera Strap
A camera strap is a unique stocking stuffer idea for any hiker who loves photography. This Peak Design Camera Leash is the perfect accessory for comfort and fashion.
MSR Pocket Rocket
The MSR Pocket Rocket is so small it can basically fit in your pocket. But it also serves as an important item for backpackers and even hikers. It’s paired with an 8oz MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister to boil water or any backpacking meal quickly.
Takeaway For The Best Stocking Stuffers For Hikers & Backpackers
Hikers and backpackers tend to be minimalist, so getting them a few quality items to stuff in their stockings this Christmas will make them have a great new adventure out on the trail. Of course, I believe there should also be lots of chocolate too! But, I believe these are all items that any hiker or backpacker would be thrilled to find in their stocking this Christmas!
Save These ‘Stocking Stuffers For Hikers & Backpackers’ For Later
Gift Ideas For Hiker's & Backpacker's - tworoamingsouls
Sunday 8th of December 2019
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