November 13, 2024
15 Gifts Under $50 For Ultralight Backpackers - 2024
Shopping for ultralight backpackers doesn't always have to mean dropping $300+ on some jacket, tent, or backpack.
In fact, there are plenty of gift ideas under $50 that are perfect for lower budgets or stocking stuffers.
All of these gifts are both useful & exciting for backpackers & outdoor enthusiasts. Our team at Outdoor Vitals has personally tested each one of them & we feel totally confident recommending them to you.
**Note: some of these suggestions are Outdoor Vitals gear items. But a lot of them are items from other brands that we use & like. To access those items & get lowest prices possible, we recommend joining the Live Ultralight Membership.
1. Outdoor Vitals Gift Card
This is by far the easiest option, especially if you don't want to choose specific gear items for a gift. What's more, you can choose the amount you want to put onto this digital gift card - anywhere from $10 to $500!
2. Nitecore LED Headlamp
This is a great & easy gift because you don't have to worry about any sizing (one size fits all) and its the type of item that backpackers are always excited to try out, even if they already have a different brand. Nitecore offers ultralight headlamps that are both bright and highly reliable. The NU25 UL is a great one!
3. LoftTek Hybrid Booties
These booties are ultralight, warm, & pack down incredibly small. They are the type of item that backpackers don't usually buy for themselves, but once they've been given the booties, they'll wonder why they didn't get them sooner. The hybrid insulation blend ensure the booties won't collapse or lose their loft even if you've got wet feet! You're almost guaranteed warm feet at night.
4. Cnoc Collapsible Bottle
This lightweight bottle is reusable, collapsible, & easy to use. The 28mm thread can attach directly to many popular water filters such as the Sawyer Squeeze, they HydroBlue Versa Flow, & others. It's a great option for backpackers planning on some extra water carries throughout their hikes, & won't take up very much space.
5. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System
Speaking of water & filters, the Sawyer Squeeze is another great gift for backpackers! Even if you already have a water filter, you'll eventually need to replace it. What's nice about the Sawyer Squeeze is that you can clean it to prolong its usable life.
6. Toaks Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove
This alcohol stove is a great gift for those backpackers looking to get away from the noisy canister stoves that can interrupt the peace & quiet at camp. This alcohol stove is efficient, quiet, & only weighs 0.7 oz. (Note: make sure you also get a pot stand to be able to cook above this stove.)
7. Altitude Sun Hoodie
This very well may be the LIGHTEST synthetic sun hoodie available at just 4 oz! The Altitude is incredibly breathable & does a phenomenal job at wicking moisture & drying quickly. Additionally, the Altitude uses FUZE™ Antimicrobial Treatment to increase bacteria & odor resistance - much like merino wool! This treatment is permanent and will not wash out over time. Once you've tried this out, you'll probably be coming back to get one in each of the other available colors.
8. Women's Altitude Sun Hoodie
This has all the same technologies & benefits and the men's version. But with a women's specific cut, this Altitude Hoodie is a great year-round base layer for any female backpacker.
9. Flextail Gear Tiny Pump 2x
This pump is definitely a luxury item, but it only weighs 3.4 oz! For most backpackers, that's definitely worth saving your lungs after a long day of hiking. It's about as small as your AirPods pro, and can help you inflate AND deflate your sleeping pad.
10. Adventure Ready Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit
Any backpacker should ALWAYS have a first aid kit. These medical kits by Adventure ready come packed with all the basics, and they only weigh 3.6 oz! 2 layers of waterproofing on the pouch keep the medical supplies safe & dry even in adverse conditions.
11. Closed Cell Foam Pad
Whether you're looking to keep your inflatable sleeping pad from sliding around your tent or to protect it from punctures, the 1/8 inch Closed Cell Foam Pad weighs just 2 oz and will do the job! You can also use this foam pad to kneel or sit on while taking breaks or setting up camp.
12. Nitecore NTK05 Scalpel Knife
Sometimes you just need to cut something in the backcountry - medical supplies, paracord, or other straps. This 0.17 oz knife can fit on your keyring or in your first aid kit & you won't notice the tenth of an ounce weight difference. It takes a standard no. 11 scalpel replacement blade, so you don't need to worry about it getting dull.
13. Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow
The best way to make sure you keep enjoying your outdoor adventures for years to come is to ensure a good night's sleep on the trail. These little pillows fit in the palm of your hand when compressed, & only way 2.6 oz. They have silicone grips that prevent it from sliding around your tent, and a soft top fabric that feels like your sheets at home!
14. Altitude Performance Tee
At 3.6 oz, you'll be hard pressed to find a shirt lighter than this - especially a shirt built for performance. This tee (which comes in both long and short sleeve options) breathes, wicks moistures, dries quickly, & resists bacteria and odor. It's a great base layer any time of year.
15. Peak Refuel Premium Freeze Dried Cobbler
We all need food when we hit the trail. But this is taking it to the next level! Peak Refuel Cobbler is quite delicious & quite a bit different than more traditional backpacking meals commonly available. This is a great gift that any backpacker would be excited to try.
Happy Holidays
All of these items are under $50 full price. But you can actually save quite a bit more money by joining our Live Ultralight Membership & shopping our holiday sales!
We stock all of these items for our Members, and Members get extra discounts automatically during checkout when they add these things to their carts.
Don't miss out on extra savings, and enjoy the Holidays!
