What do you get people who prefer to live out of a backpack? The question is a good one, especially in the era of ultralight gear and personal preferences. But that does not mean that thru-hikers and backpackers have to be impossible to shop for. Below are six ideas that just about any person will appreciate on the trail.
Hoodies and fleece have exploded in popularity recently. A number of small companies make their own, and different fabrics and wool have taken off in popularity. These are also hard to find, have a long lead time, and can be expensive, so if you can get your hands on a hoodie or fleece for a hiker, they will love it!
Gone are the days of gross coffee that is so acidic it feels like the enamel has melted off your teeth; the days of gourmet instant coffee have arrived. We did a full review of some of our favorite instant coffees on the market and how they compare. Check out the list and consider the gift of caffeine for your hiker this year. A couple of our favorites at Backpacking Routes are CS Coffee and Alpine Start. But Garage Grown Gear also sells a coffee sampler bundle!
Trail shoes have become a bigger ticket item, but nonetheless, they are a staple of a hiker’s kit. Trail shoes are specific to each individual, so take a look at what they are already wearing. We also offer some good tips on where to buy recycled gear—here
I never lose sunglasses, but I always manage to scratch them. On the Rim to Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon, a gust of wind blew my nice sunglasses off my hat. I was able to retrieve them, but they had a scratch down the center. This is the category of gear that seems to stretch the furthest. Sunglasses can be found for anywhere from $10 all the way up to hundreds of dollars. I prefer something that doesn’t ruin my day if I drop them. The two sunglasses that I would recommend are Goodr if you are hoping for something with just enough functionality to work for your thru-hike, or Nathan’s new sunglasses, which are a bit more quality without breaking the bank.
The greatest gift is often peace of mind. Many different trackers, locators, and two-way communicators have appeared on the market in the past few years, and we did a comparison of the three most popular. Two networks dominate the space, and from there preference and ease of use are largely the deciding factor. A number of plans exist to fit your needs or the person you would like to stay in communication with even when they are out of cell service.
Socks never led to excitement growing up, but now I truly appreciate a new pair of socks. I have often said that when I am rich and famous I will put on a new pair of socks every day. Darn Tough socks are quite popular, but I have also fallen in love with the National Parks Series that Swiftwick has put out.
