When a family member has said they are hitting the road for a while in 2025 you may be thinking to yourself, "thats great I can get them something for Christmas that will be useful for backpacking ... but what?" Good news today we are going to help you with your search of items that I have found incredibly useful on the road. If its your first time here then welcome, I am backpacking architect Jack and you are most welcome to my little Backpacking website and I am thrilled you are here.
Truthfully backpacking is unbelievably exciting but there are some more, shall we say, boring, but essential items that your backpacking family/ friend will need as well as some more exciting ones.
Whether your backpacker is an outdoor newbie or a seasoned adventurer, the right gift can make their journey smoother, safer, and even more exciting. This holiday season, here are 14 thoughtful, practical, and fun gifts that any backpacker will love to unwrap for a range of budgets.
Starting with ... a plane ticket .... thats a joke lets get into the serious stuff.
Gift ideas for backpackers for Christmas 2024
No.1 A High-Quality Headlamp
Price: $50 - $65
My first pick may seem like a boring one, but its an unbelievably useful one that anyone will be grateful for.
Why? A headlamp is a backpacker’s best friend when it comes to early starts in dorm, excursions in the jungle, volcano hikes, or less exciting ... finding your way to the loo in the dead of night. A head lamp just has so many uses its a backpacking essential that seems like a luxury expense, hence making it a perfect gift.
My Top Pick: Black Diamond Spot 400-R - This model offers long battery life, water resistance, and adjustable brightness, making it a versatile and dependable tool for any trip. It comes in a variety of colours. It may seem a bit boring but whomever you are gifting this too will be thankful its in the bag ... trust me!
No.2 Portable Power Bank
Price: $60 - $70
Why? Portable solar chargers keep essential devices like phones, headphones, and headlamps powered without relying on outlets. They’re eco-friendly, lightweight, and offer peace of mind. I had one gifted to me before heading to central america and it was a god send, especially on 20 hour plus bus journeys.
My Top Pick: Anker - Portable Charger, 325 Power Bank (PowerCore Essential 20K), 20,000mAh Battery Pack with PowerIQ Technology - Known for efficiency and durability, the Anker power bank is a great choice, the 325 has a whopping 3.6 charges for your I phone (up to 15) and up to 2.9 for other phones. On a 3 day 4 night trip around the Derian gap, I used my power bank to ensure my phone could keep taking photos of paradise for the entire trip. You find they are there for you when you don't even know you need them. Because of the cost some people can overlook them (not the cheapest of items) but for a family member this can up there safety when they need it most. Its a great gift for a modern backpackers and you get an 18 month guarantee with a reputable brand like Anker. If you can try your best to stick with a reputable brand for this item.
No.3 High-Quality, Contoured Sleep Mask
Price: $16 - $20
Why? This one for me is straight up an essential, and the best part, its not an overly expensive gift but will make a world of difference. If you can treat your backpacking friend to something like this, they are going to appreciate it. A contoured sleep mask blocks out light while staying comfortable for long periods, which is essential for backpackers staying in hostels, taking red-eye flights, or resting on public transport. Look for masks with moulded eye cups so they don’t press directly on the eyes and provide total darkness without discomfort.
Top Pick: MZOO Sleep Mask - Made from soft, memory foam, this mask is contoured to block light fully while keeping pressure off the eyes. It has an adjustable strap, is lightweight, and packs down small, making it perfect for travel. The breathable fabric also prevents overheating, ensuring comfort in any environment. It also comes with earplugs which are another absolute essential for dorm life. I will go into earplugs more below because I have an expensive option for you!
No.4 Moulded earplugs
Price: $125
Why? OK so this is an expense, but I have custom earplugs ... not for sleep. I got them because I play the drums. They are custom moulded and reduce noise by 27db. I use them for sleep but also every time I go to a noisy event. They are fantastic, they remove almost all noise from a dorm but not enough so you cant hear something important! They are clear which means they are discreet and most custom options come with a little carry case and moisturising tube. I love them, I would be lost without them, they keep me well rested and look after my hearing! Its something I would seriously consider making a purchase of. If you look after them these will last years. You can clean them which means they are more hygienic than foam rolls. You just have to look after them!
Top Pick: Sensaphonics - Made from soft silicone, the sleep series from Sensaphonics will reduce sound across all frequencies to 26db. They only come in clear for the sleep range. Have a look across the options though as the musician custom plugs are also fantastic and will do the same thing and come in a variety of colours.
No.5 Water of life ... Water Filter/ Bottles
Why? Clean water is crucial for backpackers, especially in remote areas and big cities where you want to avoid plastic. A personal water filter is a compact and life-saving piece of gear. Even if you are in a more built up area you will find that you may still use your filter. This has happened to me on several occasion. I have several picks here and have multiple myself. The one I carry usually is the Grayl 24oz however its bulky. Although I literally became a water filter for fellow hostel mates in Nicaragua. We had filtered water in the hostel we were in but it came out an odd cream colour so my friends and I all passed our daily water through my filter. I have used the Grayl a lot in many different countries and have never been sick from water (touch wood). I am going to take it to the middle east and asia with me in early 2025 where I will put it to the test again. I feel better knowing I have it, but its not cheap ... Life straw also have a pretty awesome looking product that I would be tempted by, lets have a look below at your options.
Budget option - $15 - $25
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - This straw-style filter allows users to drink directly from streams and lakes. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and removes 99.999% of bacteria and parasites. Its big an blue, I carry one, but have never used it. I always look at it as a total last resort ... and thankfully this scenario has not presented itself.
Mid budget option - $50 - $60
Life Straw Sip - This I do not have but I would like it, a great piece of design and nice and small, the negatives are that you are holding potentually contaminated water in your bottle instead of filtering it there and then, and for some reason that does not sit well with me! The though of being on a but and popping a straw into a bottle to drink ... I don't know!
Bigger Budget - $90 - $100
Grayl Geopress - OK welcome to Grayl territory and I am about to make to say "HOW MUCH" ... But first, the bottle I have is a 24oz Grayl which as I mentioned has been great, you get the bottle and a filter for $100 (yes £100) additional filters are around 30 dollars but one filter will last you 250 litres of water ... thats a lot of water! Mine has been great it really has but ... its big and bulky and sometimes it frustrates me so whats the solutions .... WELLLLLLL
Biggest Budget - $200
The GRAYL UltraPress Titanium 16.9 oz Water Purifier & Filter Bottle is the solution but and here we go ... its a whopping $200 dollars. If 200 dollars is not an issue to you, then for me its the winner, but that is probably out of the budget of most backpackers.
No.6 A first Aid Kit
Price - $10-20
Why? Safety should always come first. A compact, well-equipped first aid kit ensures that backpackers are prepared for minor injuries. I always have one in the bag and fortunately have never used it but I have been able to help other backpackers with their woes, be it little cuts or blisters from hikes. Don't go too extravagant here keep it small and simple and lightweight.
Top Pick: Mini First Aid Kit - 150 Piece Small Waterproof Hard Shell Medical Kit - It is lightweight, compact, and water-resistant, this kit has all the essentials and fits easily in any pack but you can also simply clip it onto the outside of your bag if your backpacking subject is tight on space.
No.7 Carabiners
Why? Small carabiners are must-haves for backpackers. They’re perfect for attaching water bottles, shoes, or other gear to a backpack. Look for sturdy carabiners that are lightweight yet durable and easy to clip and unclip. I have two types on my back, 2 medium sized carabiners for my water bottle or slightly heavier items and some really small carabiners for things like towels or even hair bands!
Top Pick Medium Size: L-Rover
Price - $6-10
Features: Made of aircraft grade aluminium, these carabiner clips are extremely durable, compact and lightweight, with palm sized design. Each carabiner weighs only 20 grams and they will manage everything a backpacker needs.
Top Pick Small Size: Zalava
Price - $6
Features: The small option is for a variety of uses, they do not necessary last as long as the bigger carabiners however there are super light and really useful. If your backpacking friend has a travel towel for example instead of having to put a damp travel towel in the bag ... it gets clipped to the outside.
No.8 Travel Towel
Price - $20
Why?: Hostel travellers need a quick-drying, compact towel that won’t take up much space in their bag. That said, make sure to get the biggest travel towel you can, a large or extra large. It is much easier to maintain your modesty with a large towel, especially if you are in a dorm with multiple people or if the shower block. It can also double up as a beach towel. Generally unlike the carabiners, bigger is better here!
Top Pick: Rainleaf Microfiber Towel - Lightweight, highly absorbent, and antimicrobial to reduce odor. It comes with a convenient carrying case and packs down to the size of a smartphone, get the 70x40 inch version in your backpackers favourite colour.
No.10 Padlocks
Price - $8 - $25
Why? Many hostels have lockers, but guests need to bring their own padlocks to keep their belongings secure. A compact, TSA-approved padlock is ideal for hostel lockers, get at least 3 but there are often sets of 4 so plug for these if you budget allows. Never keys alway combination so you cannot lose the key!
Top Pick: Master Lock TSA Luggage Lock - A sturdy, lightweight lock with a combination feature that removes the need for keys and is strong to keep your items safe and secure.
No.11 Packing Cubes
Price - $35 - $50
Why? Packing cubes help travellers stay organised and make it easy to find items without unpacking their whole bag. They’re essential for efficient packing and saving space and keep things all together. If you want to take the cubes out of your bag and leave them in a locker in a dorm, it can free up your bag for other uses, like hiking or a beach day etc.
Top Pick: Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes - These cubes allow for extra compression, maximising space in backpacks, and come in different sizes for versatile packing.
No.12 Cutlery
Price - $15
Why? There is nothing worse than getting to a hostel and finding there are not enough forks to go around and those that are there are not looking to hot! A nice simple solution is to make sure you have your own
Top Pick: TOAKS Titanium Cutlery Set - Made of lightweight titanium, this durable set includes a carrying case and is perfect for travel use carabiner them into place and away you go. No more fork sharing.
No.13 Action Cameras
As a heads up on this one, if you are looking to go big and get a camera then an action camera is the way to go, however often if a backpacker is thinking about one of these, they probably have a brand/ camera in mind. For me there are three choices the Go Pro Hero, the Osmo Action 04 or the Osmo pocket 3. None are cheap but they are incredible bits of kit than can really capture a journey at home or abroad.
Lets look at the pros and cons of each
No.13.1 Osmo Action 04
Camera Price - $230
Adventure Bundle - $369.99
Why? I have recently purchased a Osmo action 4 and have been really enjoying using it. You can find some of the footage on the home page (Check out the video on Ely Cathedral to see picture quality actually, I will put it at the bottom of this post) ... You can also find out who I am if you take a look 👀 👋🏻 😎.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is an excellent action camera for travellers, offering a compact design and impressive low-light capabilities. The low light capabilities are what sold the camera to me.
Stats - The camera features a 1/1.3-inch sensor, larger than many competitors, delivering brighter footage and improved low-light performance. It records up to 4K at 120fps, with 10-bit D-Log M for wider dynamic range and richer colour grading options. Osmo Action 4 is waterproof up to 18 meters without a case.
A convenient magnetic quick-release system makes it easy to swap mounts, perfect for active travellers needing flexibility.
The camera has Includes front and rear touchscreens.
It provides up to 160 minutes of use at 1080p/24fps and features fast-charging capabilities to reach 80% in 18 minutes
No.13.2 Go Pro Hero 13
Camera Price - $339.99
Creator Pack - $499
Why? Its compact size and rugged design make it perfect for everything from urban sightseeing to capturing underwater snorkeling adventures. Paired with its cloud integration, uploading and editing on the go is seamless.
Stats - It weighs just 159g and is waterproof up to 33ft without a case. Records in 5.3K at 60fps and supports high-quality HDR (Hybrid Log Gamma) for vibrant colours and dynamic range. It has slow-motion capabilities with 120fps at 5.3K and 400fps at 720p.
The 13 has new lens modifications including Ultra Wide Lens Mod: Captures a 177° field of view with 360° horizon lock for extreme stabilisation.
Macro Lens Mod: Allows close-up shots with manual focus adjustments, perfect for capturing intricate details during your travels. But the lenses are at extra cost.
Equipped with a larger 1,900mAh Enduro battery, providing longer runtimes.
No.13.3 DJI Pocket 3
Camera Price: Starting at $519
Why? Its compact but less rugged, one more for the casual vlogger/ blogger than those who want to throw a camera about a bit. The camera is small and has great picture but does not have the water safe properties of the action cameras so try not to get it wet! The camera is also very much person focused whereas the actions keep the background in focus.
Stats - A compact, gimbal-stabilised camera weighing just 179g. It has a 2-inch rotatable touchscreen, perfect for seamless switching between horizontal and vertical shooting.
1-inch sensor records 4K video at 120fps and supports 10-bit D-Log for advanced colour grading.
ActiveTrack 6.0 offers smooth subject tracking with precise facial detection and dynamic framing
Records for up to 166 minutes at 1080p; fast-charging to 80% in 16 minutes.
No.14 A Buff
Price: $16-25
A buff is an incredibly versatile and practical gift for backpackers. It’s lightweight, packable, and serves multiple purposes, from protecting against sun and cold to functioning as a mask or sweatband. Its a great addition to the backpackers bag.
Why? The Original Buff is a seamless, moisture-wicking tube of fabric that can be worn in over a dozen ways: as a headband, neck gaiter, face mask, beanie, wristband, and more. Made from recycled polyester, it’s breathable and quick-drying, making it ideal for active travellers and unpredictable weather.
Top Pick: Original Buff - Made from recycled polyester microfiber, this iconic buff is moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying, provides UPF 50 sun protection and can be worn in over 12 configurations. Available in a variety of designs, from classic patterns to unique prints inspired by travel and nature.
Footage from my Osmo Action 04
I hope that helps you with ideas, you may have noticed I did not include backpackers here, that is because, backpacks are quite a personal choice! There are so many on the market that are tailored to so many different things, its a bit of a risky gift. Much like the cameras, I would only get one at specific request.
If this has been helpful then please point your family/ friend to the website here, Backpacker's Blueprint, were we do all things backpacking, architecture, history and travel. Posts like a beginners guide to backpacking will really help first timers out with all the things you need to consider before heading on adventures.
Have a fantastic holiday season and cheers to all the adventures coming in 2025.
Jack
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