Top 25 Gifts for Backpackers
We put a list together of our favorite clothing, gear, electronics and food to buy for the backpacker in your family.
GEAR
BioLite – HeadLamp 330
Photo: Dirt & Sol
When it comes to headlamps, we have our favorites over here at Dirt & Sol. BioLite’s HeadLamp 330 is an ultralight headlamp that is worthy of any trip. The best feature of the headlamp is the separation between the light and the battery. The rechargable battery is fastened to the back of the strap leaving just the light up front for a system that is virtually bounce free. Check out our review on the headlamp in a past article on National Preparedness Month.
CRKT – Pilar Knife
Photo: Dirt & Sol
The CRKT Pilar has a 2.4″ flat grind blade which makes it compact enough to stash just about anywhere. The knife is opened by a thumb flip and secured open with a frame lock design. This knife comes really sharp out of the box, no need to put it to stone before you use it.
MSR – WhisperLite Universal Stove
Photo: Dirt & Sol
The MSR WhisperLite Universal is a backpacker’s dream stove. It is the lightest stove in its class and also the most versatile. This fancy little stove can use liquid fuel or canister fuel depending on when and where your next fuel source will be available. With the ability to use liquid fuel, this stove really shines in cold weather environments. Never used a liquid fuel stove? Check out the how-to guide here.
Therm-a-Rest – NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad
Photo: Therm-a-Rest
Do you want ultra lightweight sleeping pad performance from a brand that has been doing it since the 70s? The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad is just over a half pound in weight and boasts 2.5″ of squish. If you are looking for a way to save some weight before heading into the backcountry, this is it.
MSR – Trail Base Water Filter Kit
Photo: Dirt & Sol
We’ve never used a water filtration system with such free flow and speed. When very tired and parched, filtering water can be one of the worst options to rehydrate. Enter the fastest and most versatile water filtration system by MSR. Over the summer a Dirt & Sol crew member was on a mountain bike ride far into the backcountry and ran out of water. He took the TrailShot water filter from the kit, stuck it in a creek and filled both of his bottles numerous times with the simple squeeze of the bladder.
REI Co-Op – Half Dome 2 Plus Tent
Photo: REI Co-Op
When it comes to backpacking tents, there is a big brother to all others, the REI Half Dome 2 Tent. To call this tent tried and true is a joke, this tent basically defined a category and continues to do so year after year. Maybe you need a little extra leg room or space to throw your bag in if it rains? The REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent offers 4 more square feet of floor space and breathing room. An absolute go-to at 5.5lbs packed weight.
Adventure Medical Kits – Ultralight/Watertight .7 Medical Kit
Photo: Adventure Medical Kits
Weighing in at just 8oz, this basic first aid kit is perfect for any backpacking trip. With a watertight design, you can throw it in the bottom of your pack and not worry about it until things get hairy.
Feathered Friends – Hummingbird UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag
Photo: Feathered Friends
Handmade in Seattle since 1972. Doesn’t that say enough about the quality of Feathered Friends products? The Hummingbird UL 20/30 is the slimmest cut of all 3 season bags from Feathered Friends, which makes it a great lightweight option for getting into the backcountry. FF used the Pertex Endurance with 950+ fill power down making it the lightest of their mummy bags ever. 720oz – 606oz depending on temperature and length.
G3 – Tension Strap
Photo: Dirt & Sol
Versatility. When in the backcountry you need tools and gear that can do more than one thing. In the end, it saves you weight and allows you to be more versatile as an outdoors person. The G3 Tension Strap is traditionally used to fasten skis together but you can really use it for anything. This is truly one of our favorites on the list!
Mountain Hardwear – South Col 70 OutDry
Photo: Mountain Hardwear
This is one of those packs that does everything. The South Col 70 OutDry was placed in a rain room for 24hrs and the contents still proved dry. This great looking pack has ample lash points and load adjustability for any rowdy adventure.
Black Diamond Equipment – Distance Carbon AR Trekking Poles
Photo: Black Diamond Equipment
Designed for the lightweight lovers, the Carbon AR Trekking Poles weigh in at 13.69oz for the pair. They are equipped with the reliable FlickLock system for easy use with gloves or in a situation where your poles need to be deployed quickly. Want to get ultra-ultra lightweight? These poles can be used as the structure poles for the Distance Tent with Z Poles. Mind, blown.
FOOD
MTN OPS – BCAA Trail Packs
Photo: MTN OPS
It’s time to start taking care of yourself on your multi night backpacking trips. It isn’t enough just to get in camp, eat some salty food and drink some water. MTN OPS has a great portable branch chain amino acid formula to take with you in the pack. Use them before, during or after a hike for lean muscle growth and recovery.
Mountain House – Biscuits and Gravy
Photo: Mountain House
Just the name “Mountain House” is synonymous with backcountry eating. Due to their light weight and balance of nutrition and taste, they are a must on any trip. Our favorite is waking up after a long day, adding some hot water and eating a full serving of the best biscuits and gravy you will get out of a bag. Mountain House’s magic keeps the biscuits tasting and feeling like real biscuits through every bite.
ELECTRONICS
Garmin – GPSMAP 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator
Photo: Garmin
With too many functions to list, this GPS and satellite communicator is the cream of the crop for any backcountry pursuit. In addition to their already outstanding GPS interface, this unit can trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 search and rescue center and exchange 2-way messages via the 100% global Iridium satellite network.
Suunto – 9 Baro
Photo: Suunto
Intelligent battery modes, GPS navigation, barometer, 100m water resistant, estimated wrist HR, FusedTrack, weather functions… need we say more? Yes, yes we should. This watch looks just as good in the field as it does in the office!
CLOTHING
Bight Gear – Neoshell Nuker Softshell Jacket
Photo: Bight Gear
Bight Gear is operated by Peter Whittaker of the famous mountaineering family. This gear has been rigorously tested by RMI Guides on mountains all over the world. At Dirt & Sol we are a huge proponent of wearing a softshell jacket in nearly any situation. The Bight Gear NeoShell Nuker Jacket uses Polartec’s NeoShell fabric that provides great abrasion resistance and fantastic waterproof breathable comfort.
Patagonia – Cloud Ridge Rain Jacket
Photo: Patagonia
You have worn Patagonia, you love Patagonia, now try this Patagonia. The Cloud Ridge Rain Jacket is a 3 layer, helmet compatible, DWR coated rain jacket worthy of all adventures. Patagonia is synonymous with quality and this jacket is no exception.
La Sportiva – Eclipse GTX Hiking Boot
Photo: La Sportiva
The Eclipse GTX Hiking Boot has the tango family protective cuff, Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining, 3D flex system and unparalleled traction from a boot in this class. Truly a bombproof hiking and backpacking boot.
Buff Original Headwear – Multifunctional Headwear
Photo: Buff Original Headwear
If you are like us, we have upwards of 20 Buffs in our arsenal. They are the do all clothing accessory for the outdoor adventurer. Wear the loop on your head, keep your neck warm or try our favorite move; wrap it around your water bottle and hand during a trail run.
Black Diamond Equipment – Arc Gloves
Photo: Black Diamond Equipment
This motocross inspired glove is perfect for backpacking in colder weather. The 100% BD.dry waterproof breathable design is fully seam taped and light enough to stash in the pack when the weather gets warmer.
Darn Tough – Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion
Photo: Darn Tough
The name says it all. These sock are performance cut, meaning no slipping, bunching or blisters. The merino wool keeps your feet warm in the winter and cold in the summer. These aren’t your grandpa’s old wool socks, these are engineered for comfort.
Arc’teryx – Cerium SL Hoody
Photo: Arc’ teryx
The SL stands for superlight. The 850 fill down and the wind resistant Arato™ 7 nylon shell make this a go-to piece when the weather gets bad or the beers start to flow around the campfire. At just 215g, the Cerium SL is extremely light and packable.
Arc’teryx – Creston AR Pants
Photo: Arc’ teryx
Arc’teryx making the list again! If you know their products you know we could fill a whole holiday wish list with their goodies. The new Creston AR pants are an all-around, brushed lining hiking pant that performs in any situation. The material, cut, gussets and profile provide the best freedom of movement in the backcountry.
BONUS +
Patagonia – Capilene Midweight Baselayer
Photo: Patagonia
This 100% recycled polyester has seen the summits of nearly every notable mountain on earth. Is that not deserving enough to be worn on a multi-day backpacking trip? The smooth texture and the HeiQ® Fresh odor control fabric make wearing these baselayers easy and comfortable.
SAXX – Kinetic Long
Photo: SAXX
We have sung their praises in the past, we will do it again. SAXX provides the best comfort and stability in any undergarment we have ever worn. The Ball Park Pouch keeps everything sorted and allows for bigger days at higher output in the backcountry.
Comments or questions about the Top 25 Gifts for Backpackers? Please drop us a line below, we would love to hear from you.
