Checklist · 10 picks · 5 categories
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Backpackers care about every ounce, so the best gifts are small, light upgrades they'll carry on every trip.
A tiny stove like the BRS-3000T or Soto Amicus means hot trail meals, and a squeeze filter lets them refill from streams instead of carrying it all. Good socks, a headlamp and trekking poles earn their spot on every hike, overnight or not. A sleeping pad is the comfort upgrade, and the Nemo Tensor is OutdoorGearLab's best overall pad. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is the splurge, a featherweight tent for longer trips. Skip packs and boots unless they've picked them out, since fit matters. Every pick is already on my backpacking or day hiking list, almost all are OutdoorGearLab test winners, and the headlamp is a Wirecutter pick.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they only car camp; the gifts for campers list fits campsite trips better.
Best backpacking stovebudget pick · Tiny
Best for a tiny stove for boiling water on a budget
OutdoorGearLab's best on a tight budget: a shockingly small, ultralight and straightforward backpacking stove at an impressively low price.
Heads up. Less stable pot supports, and it's affected by wind
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best on a tight budget (backpacking stove).
$15-25
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mid pick · Compact
Best for cooking real meals, not just boiling water
OutdoorGearLab's excellent affordability pick: a lightweight stove with excellent simmering in an impressively low-priced package.
Heads up. Pot supports aren't ideal for large pots, and the pot and lid aren't included
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab excellent affordability (backpacking stove).
$50-100
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Best water filterbudget pick · Compact
Best for filtering for themselves or a small crew
OutdoorGearLab's best value for small groups: simple filtration that's lightweight and reliable for one person or a party of 2 or 3.
Heads up. You have to keep track of parts, and it often needs backflushing to keep the flow up
2 outlets agree. OutdoorGearLab best value for small groups (water filter). CleverHiker best overall.
$25-50
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mid pick · Compact
Best for solo backpackers who want light and tough
OutdoorGearLab's best overall filter for personal use: a lightweight, durable design that's perfect for one person.
Heads up. The microfilter needs extra maintenance
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best overall filter for personal use.
$25-50
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp | budget | $25-50 | camp chores and night trips to the tent | 1 outlet |
| Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion | mid | $25-50 | cushioned socks for long miles | 1 outlet |
| Black Diamond Trail Back | mid | $50-100 | poles that last for years | 1 outlet |
Top pickbudget pick · Compact
Best for camp chores and night trips to the tent
Hikes run longer than planned. A headlamp gets you back to the car hands-free if the sun sets first.
Heads up. Less comfortable than pricier headlamps
1 outlet. Wirecutter budget pick.
$25-50
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mid pick · Full cushion
Best for cushioned socks for long miles
OutdoorGearLab's best overall hiking socks: well fitted and sleek, with excellent wicking, thicker padding and a lifetime warranty.
Heads up. Not ideal in hot weather
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best overall hiking socks.
$25-50
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mid pick · Telescoping
Best for poles that last for years
OutdoorGearLab's best bang-for-the-buck trekking poles: rugged, durable for years and easy to share.
Heads up. Heavier and bulky when collapsed, and adjusting needs a tool
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best bang for the buck trekking poles.
$50-100
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Best sleeping padsplurge pick · Inflatable
Best for actually sleeping well on the trail
OutdoorGearLab's best overall sleeping pad: it balances comfort and weight better than the competition, and it's warm enough for most backpacking trips.
Heads up. Pricey, and hard to pack into its stuff sack
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best overall sleeping pad.
$200-300
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budget pick · Foam
Best for a pad that can never leak
OutdoorGearLab's best value for a non-inflatable pad: durable and lightweight, it won't break the bank for first-timers.
Heads up. Bulky, and becomes less supple over time
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best value for a non-inflatable pad.
$50-100
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Best backpacking tentsplurge pick · 2 person
Best for shaving weight for longer trips
OutdoorGearLab's best lightweight tent for two: for extended trips, look no further than this comfortable, lightweight tent.
Heads up. Expensive for a 2-person tent, and needs a bit of extra care
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best lightweight tent for two.
$500+
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Small, light gear they use every trip: a backpacking stove, a squeeze water filter, a headlamp or good hiking socks. A sleeping pad or a lightweight tent is the bigger gift.
Usually not unless they've chosen it, since fit matters so much with a pack. Stoves, filters and sleeping pads are safer.
USPS's recommended last send dates for December 25 in the contiguous US are December 17 for Ground Advantage, December 18 for Priority Mail and December 19 for Priority Mail Express. Retailers set their own order-by dates, so check at checkout.