10 Essential Gifts Under $50 For Ultralight Backpackers - 2022

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 2022 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!

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 Stretch Pillow

Weight: 2.6 oz

Price: $19.97

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. 

7. Noso Custom Repair Patch

Weight: ~

Price: $9.99

When you're in the backcountry or out on a hiking trip, the last thing you want is for your gear to fail. These custom Noso Repair Patches are waterproof & weather resistant, flexible, & provide a tough permanent adhesive to repair any damage to your tent, jacket, sleeping bag, or other critical items.  Having one of these handy could quite possible save you out on a trip!

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. Live Ultralight Membership Subscription

Weight: ~

Price: $10 per month (given back as store credit)

This is perhaps one of the BEST gifts you can give an ultralight backpacker.  For just $10 per month, members get 10% every order year round, free upgraded shipping, limited edition gear, & access to a closed community of like minded people. The best part is, it's essentially free! Each month members get their $10 subscription fee right back as store credit that never expires. 

Even if you already have all the gear you need, the Live Ultralight Membership also gives you access to the best prices on backpacker meals & other trail essentials that you can never get enough of!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

We hope this 2022 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!