Gift Ideas that Any Adventurer Will Love

Finding the perfect gift for the backcountry camper on your list can be a daunting task. We’ve made the process simple with a comprehensive look at this year’s best gifts for backpackers and backcountry campers. These gifts offer the best in durability, packability, and weight for the ultimate backpacking gear arsenal.

Drink Well with the GRAYL

The Grayl Geopress is the best water purifier on the market. If you’re looking for quick-and-easy water purification on the fly, then you’ll love the Grayl Geopress. In just 8 seconds it will instantly purify 24 ounces of water. Unlike a traditional water filter, the Geopress eliminates everything from heavy metals to viruses. If the adventurer on your list likes to take their adventures overseas, then this is the ideal gift for them. It’s a little heavier than a traditional water filter, but it’s worth the weight with how easy it is to use and the fact that it gets rid of far more harmful impurities than any other purifier on the market.

The MSR Cooking Accessories for the Camp Chef

Got a camp chef on your list? Then look no further than the ultra-lightweight MSR cooking system. Pair the MSR PocketRocket Delux with one of MSR ultra-lightweight, durable ceramic pots like the 1.3L Solo Pot or the Quick 2 System. 

If your camp chef simply uses hot water for their meals, then you’ve got to check out the 1L Pika Teapot. This ultra-lightweight tea kettle holds one liter of water and fits in the palm of your hand. You can store the stove in any of these camp systems for the ultimate in lightweight, backcountry cooking.

Light as a Feather with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlight

If you’re hauling your house on your back mile after mile, you’ll want an ultralight backpacking set up to ease the burden. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlight is the lightest insulated backpacking mattress on the market. At just 8.8oz and a 2.0 R-value, it’s the ultimate combination of lightweight and warm. This mattress would be a great addition to any adventurer’s sleep system, from thru-hikers to alpine climbers. 

Stay Warm with the Outdoor Research Vigor Hybrid Hooded Jacket

When you’re backpacking, you want versatile layers that keep your body temperature regulated while you walk. The Outdoor Research Vigor Hybrid Hooded Jacket brings the best of both a puffy layer and a fleece layer. The grided fleece allows sweat to quickly wick away, while the ActiveTemp™ insulation adjusts to your body temperature, keeping you warm while you rest, but expelling heat as you work that uphill grind. It’s the ideal layer for backpackers in cooler weather climates who are looking for a do-all layer that packs down efficiently and works with your body to keep you cozy.

Pack it in with Osprey

When it comes to backpacking bags Osprey brings the ultimate in comfort and features. Their entire lineup of backpacking packs brings an excellent design together with comfort, making Osprey the premier back designer on the market. There’s a wide range of options when it comes to backpacking bags, but we love the Osprey Renn/Rook (comes in 50 and 65L) that combines comfort, weight, and price. This simple backpacking pack distributes weight laterally across your hips, making it an ideal choice for shorter backpackers or people who don’t like to bump their heads on the top of the pack. It’s a trimmed down, budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice weight or comfort.

The Osprey Aura and Atmos (available in 50 or 65L versions) are the Cadillac of backpacking bags. Every bell and whistle went into the design of this pack, making it the ideal choice for big trips or those who like a little extra creature comforts. While the Kestral/Kyte (45L) are great options for the weekend warrior or desert backpacking enthusiast. You can’t go wrong with the gift of Osprey this season.

Layer Up with Icebreaker

For the sustainable-minded backpacker, high-quality merino wool base layers work extra hard to keep you feeling great no matter what the weather. Icebreaker’s 100% Merino collection delivers the ultimate in base layers, mid-layers, and even lifestyle clothing. We love the Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe for women and men for a quick, insulating backpacking layer.

Unlike it’s plastic-based, synthetic counterparts, merino wool is an all-natural, sustainable product. Icebreaker sources their wool from the best sheep in New Zealand, where a simple buzz cut brings you the best in warmth and cooling technologies. Merino does double-duty in that it’s just as suitable in hot environments as it is in colder ones. Not to mention, wool doesn’t trap unwanted smells from stinky hikers. 

BeFree with Katadyn’s Lightest Water Filter

For the ultra-lightweight backpacker, thru-hiker, or trail runner, the Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System is the lightest filter on the market. The BeFree easily screws on to most water bottles, so you can adjust it to any system you currently use. Or you can utilize the 1 L flexible bottle that comes with the unit. All parts are replaceable so you’ll never have to worry about buying a completely new filter. Since this filter doesn’t protect against viruses (typical for most water filters), the BeFree is best suited for backpackers who don’t travel outside of the US, where virus-borne illnesses are more common. Purchase a water purifier for international use.

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These amazing gifts for backpackers will boost the comfort and weight of any backpacking set up. From awesome accessories to ultra-lightweight basics, these backpacking gift ideas will keep the adventure coming season after season.