November 17, 2022

Gifts Under $50 For Ultralight Backpackers - 2023

Ultralight backpacking could be considered by some to be a fairly affordable hobby...

But getting the best performance gear for backcountry experiences is NOT.

So what sort of gifts can you give to an ultralight backpacker or hiker that won't cost you an arm & a leg?

Here are some great gear ideas that ultralight backpackers will love, all of which are under $50 this 2023 holiday season!

1. Altitude Sun Hoodie

Weight: 4 oz

Price: $49.97

As far as we are aware, the Altitude Hoodie is THE LIGHTEST weight sun hoodie currently available. As a fully synthetic ultralight hoodie, use it as either a sun shirt or base layer. It dries quickly, breathes well, and weighs just 4 oz! It also comes in hoodless long or short sleeve versions.

2. 1/8th inch Closed Cell Foam Pad

Weight: 1.5 oz

Price: from $19.97

These 1.5 oz foam pads are the perfect gift for ANY hiker or ultralight backpacker. Not only do they double as a sit pad during breaks along the trail, but they keep your main sleeping pad from sliding around in your tent & protect it from punctures. At such an ultralight weight, it's a no-brainer to bring along on your adventures!

3. Merino Wool Neck Gaiters

Weight: 2 oz

Price: from $9.97

Having something like a Merino Wool Neck Gaiter (or "buff" as they're sometimes called) can make your experience along the trail so much better. Whether you're covering up your face & neck in cold weather or using the mini size to help catch sweat on your forehead, you can use these gaiters for days without accumulating odor.

4. LoftTek Hybrid Booties

Weight: from 3.4 oz

Price: $44.97

Getting cold feet is probably one of the most common complaints about trying to sleep in the backcountry. Guess what? There's an ultralight solution for that! These LoftTek Hybrid Booties weigh just ounces & are water resistant, so even if you somehow submerge your pack in water along the trail, you can at least count on warm feet at night.

5. LoftTek Hybrid Balaclava

Weight: 3 oz

Price: $39.99

Speaking of LoftTek Hybrid insulation, this balaclava will keep your head comfortable & warm - & you won't have to worry about the insulation "wetting out" after breathing into it all night! The balaclava packs down easily & weighs just a couple ounces, making it simple to pack on any outdoor adventure.

6. Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow

Weight: 2.6 oz

Price: $27.97

Still wadding up a jacket to use as a pillow after getting camp set up? There's a better way, & it only weighs 2.6 oz! Plus, it can fit in your pocket without a second thought. Having an actually pillow will significantly improve both the quality of your sleep AND the quality of your trip overall.

The best part is - it won't slip off your pad!

With silicon non-slip dots and pad strap attachment points, keep your pillow right where you want it all night long.

7. Ultralight Travel Pillow

Weight: 2.1 oz

Price: $19.97

This 2 oz travel pillow can easily fit in your pocket so you can take it on any adventure. Whether you'd like a U-shaped pillow for travel or for added comfort on the trail this Ultralight Travel Pillow is easy to grab & take along. The soft fabrics feel nice against your skin, & you can easily inflate it to your desired firmness.

8. Sleeping Bag Liners

Weight: from 7.4 oz

Price: $19.97

Ultralight backpacking gear often requires special care to ensure it keeps functioning properly. For things like down filled sleeping bags or quilts, it's important to keep them clean so the down doesn't get degraded & lose loft. One way to help protect your down sleeping bag is to use a Sleeping Bag Liner! These ones come in both a mummy & rectangular shape.

9. Compression Dry Bag

Weight: 2.4 oz

Price: $24.97

This 2.4 oz Compression Dry Bag is fully seam sealed, making it great for both protection from water & compressing your gear to fit in your pack more easily! It's a great gift for anyone looking to save some space by putting their sleeping bag, clothes, or other compressible items inside. Plus, it'll give you peace of mind knowing that those water-sensitive items are protected in case circumstances take a negative turn.

10. Backpacking Meals

Weight: ~

Price: $10 - $15 (BEFORE discounts & rebates apply)

This is perhaps one of the BEST gifts you can give an ultralight backpacker. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or if you've been backpacking for years - we all need food!

This is something ANY backpacker would love to get. It always needs replenished, so you don't have to worry about whether they already have some or not!

To top it off, we offer some of the best prices on backpacking food available on the internet. We off non-OV branded items (such as backpacking food) to our Live Ultralight Members.

Members get a discount on ANY order at any time of year, PLUS they get store credit rebates back on any non-OV branded items they buy. Between the discount and rebates, you won't find a better deal on backpacking food than in our own OV Pantry for Live Ultralight Members.

11. Nitecore Headlamp

Weight: ~

Price: $20 - $36 (BEFORE discounts & rebates apply)

We offer 2 of the best ultralight headlamps by Nitecore to our Live Ultralight Members at a discount & with rebates back on their order.

Note only are these headlamps lightweight & powerful, but they are also comfortable & easy to use so you don't have to fumble around with the controls.

To top it off, we offer some of the best prices on items like these available on the internet. We off non-OV branded items (such as headlamps, cookware, filters, & other gear) to our Live Ultralight Members.

Members get a discount on ANY order at any time of year, PLUS they get store credit rebates back on any non-OV branded items they buy. Between the discount and rebates, this is one of the best deals you can get on some personally vetted gear.

12. Platypus Quickdraw Water Filter

Weight: 3.3 oz

Price: $45 (BEFORE discounts & rebates apply)

We LOVE this water filter! It's easy to use, has a great flow rate, and can be backflushed to ensure that flow rate stays amazing.

Note only are these filters lightweight & fast, but they are also easy to use with their fill-and-squeeze design.

To top it off, we offer some of the best prices on water filters available on the internet. We off non-OV branded items (such as headlamps, cookware, filters, & other gear) to our Live Ultralight Members.

Members get a discount on ANY order at any time of year, PLUS they get store credit rebates back on any non-OV branded items they buy. Between the discount and rebates, this is one of the best deals you can get on some personally vetted gear.

13. Darn Tough Socks

Weight: ~

Price: $20 (BEFORE discounts & rebates apply)

Merino Wool socks by Darn Tough are a fantastic gift for a few reasons: they are comfortable, they don't sag with use, & you'll have a sock for life.

Backed with Darn Tough's warranty, you can basically get any socks with holes replaced for free - which means you've got a pair of socks for life!

We off non-OV branded items (such as headlamps, cookware, filters, & other gear) at a pretty good price to our Live Ultralight Members.

Members get a discount on ANY order at any time of year, PLUS they get store credit rebates back on any non-OV branded items they buy. Between the discount and rebates, this is one of the best deals you can get on some personally vetted gear.

14. Toaks Titanium Pot

Weight: 2.6 oz

Price: $30 (BEFORE discounts & rebates apply)

These ultralight pots heat up quickly, cool quickly (so you can grab them), and are PERFECT for cooking in the backcountry.

We personally use Toaks pots ourselves & can vouch for how efficient & light they are.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

We hope this 2023 Gift Guide helps point you in the right direction for some meaningful gifts for those you love.

May your holidays be filled with love and adventure!