25+ of the Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers
Finding the perfect gift is hard – but luckily, stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers actually make the perfect gifts!
Think about it this way – if your loved one is a frequent hiker or backpacker, they likely already have all the essentials (like a backpack, warm jackets, hiking boots…), and when it comes to hitting the trails, keeping your bag lightweight is essential! They likely won’t need, or want, anything huge, so small stocking stuffers are often the best gifts for people who like to hike.
This guide will give you 25 of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers – broken down into gifts under $50, gifts under $25, and even gifts under $10!
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The Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers
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- Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers Under $50
- Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers Under $25
- Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers Under $10
Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers Under $50
The Dyrt Pro
I’m all about giving (and getting) gifts that are experiences rather than things – because these don’t take up any room in my backpack! One of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers is a subscription to The Dyrt – an app that allows you to find campsites, plan road trips, and more!
Multi Tool
When it comes to hiking and backpacking, keeping the pack light is everything – so an all-in-one tool is the perfect stocking stuffer! With a pocket knife, bottle opener, and a few other tools that can come in handy on the trail, a multi tool is a great gift. The Leatherman Rev Multitool has everything they’ll need, and the Leatherman Skeletool (honorable mention because this one if pricier) is a more lightweight option great for backpacking!
Headlamp
A headlamp is essential for hiking, even if they aren’t planning on walking in the dark. It’s a must have for emergencies and unexpected delays, and if your hiker friend is anything like me, a headlamp is often something that people don’t buy for themselves until after they get caught in a situation where they needed one – so this is one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers!
The Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp is a powerful one good for technical hikes, while a Petzl Tikka Headlamp is good for more casual outdoor adventures.
Coffee Press
There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee on top of a mountain – and this AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press is actually small enough to fit in a stocking! This means it’s the perfect gift for hikers and backpackers, because it’s lightweight, and allows them to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee on the trail.
For a budget option, the MSR Coffee Press Kit is another lightweight one!
Monocular
A unique gift that makes one of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers is a monocular! This is definitely something they probably don’t have – when you’re on the trail, there’s often wildlife to see, but binoculars can be really heavy. So a monocular is the perfect, lightweight, small solution!
The Vortex Solo Monocular magnifies up to 8x, perfect for wildlife viewing. The Celestron Nature Monocular is a little heavier, but magnifies up to 10x!
The Scrubba
The Scrubba is honestly a game changer – it’s a portable wash bag that makes doing laundry on the go easy! With a washboard inside, it’s the perfect way to avoid stinky clothes on the trail. There are different options available, from the Original Scrubba to a mini version, and more! The mini is amazing for backpacking trips. You can buy it on Amazon, or directly from the Scrubba website.
Hammock
My hammock is my absolute favorite thing to bring hiking and backpacking – and the Eno Hammocks pack up so small that they’ll fit in a stocking. A hammock is perfect for hanging up and relaxing, and really lightweight and easy to pack!
Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers Under $25
Hiking Socks
Socks may not seem like an exciting gift, but trust me, every hiker loves a good pair of hiking socks! Socks designed for hiking are usually padded, which helps keep feet comfortable and blister-free on long treks. They’re also made of wool, which stays warm even when it gets wet.
Some cute socks, like these bear socks or these mountain ones are some of the best stocking stuffers for hikers and backpackers.
Mini Hot Sauce
When packing for the trail, meals need to be lightweight and easy to pack – but sometimes this means they can be lacking in flavor. A really unique, fun stocking stuffer for hikers and backpackers is this pack of mini hot sauces!
Yellowbird Organic Hot Sauce Set ($24.95)
Cocktail Box
This one is a really unique stocking stuffer – a mini Cocktail Box small enough to fit in their back pocket. This little box includes ingredients for three different drinks, along with the (tiny) tools to make them!
Cocktail Box Co. Cocktail Box ($22)
Mini Lantern
A mini lantern is one of the best stocking stuffers for backpackers. Having a small light is great for cooking, reading, or just getting the tent ready in the dark! The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is cute and small, and the Lander Cairn Mini Lantern is convenient for camping because it can hang from the tent.
Rechargeable Handwarmer
When you’re hiking or backpacking, it can get chilly! Hand warmers are essential, but the disposable ones aren’t great for the environment. Rechargeable hand warmers are a better, reusable option, and they make a great stocking stuffer!
The Zippo Heatbank is small and compact, and this one lasts up to 12 hours!
Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers Under $10
Handwarmers
Though the rechargeable hand warmers are a great stocking stuffer, you can also get single use ones under $10.
Ignik Hand Warmers Multipack ($5.95)
Anti-Chafing Skin Protectant
Blisters are just about the worst thing ever – but an anti-chafing skin protectant can help! This is a really great stocking stuffer for hikers and backpackers.
This Bodyglide Skin Protectant is small and lightweight, and the Squirrels Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Stick offers all natural blister protection!
Hydration Tablets
When hiking, staying hydrated is essential! But it can be hard to drink enough water – so hydration tablets provide extra hydration and electrolytes. They make a good stuffing stuffer, and hikers and backpackers can just mix them in their water bottles!
The Nuun Hydration tablets come in different flavors, and these tablets come with caffeine too for an extra boost.
Reusable Snack Bag
A reusable snack bag is a much more environmentally friendly way to pack snacks for hiking and backpacking! The Stasher Reusable Snack Bags make a great stocking stuffer.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Stasher Bag ($9.95)
Have Ideas for Stocking Stuffers?
Leave me a comment below with your suggestions, gifts you’ve loved, or let me know if you try out any of these stocking stuffers!
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