It’s that time of year again—we’re in a buying frenzy, trying to find the perfect gifts for the holiday season. If you have a hiker in your life, you know how technical gear can be. With so many brands offering similar products and each claiming to be the best, it can be hard to know what to choose.
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite products that I’ve used on multiple thru-hikes and while working as a backpacking guide. I kept affordability in mind, so most of these items are under $50. I hope this guide helps you pick out the perfect gift—or at least gives you a place to start. Happy holidays!
~ Magic
Injinji Liner + Hiker Crew Socks (Men’s | Women’s)
MSRP: $29 | Weight: 2.2 oz
Two socks in one bundle! Many hikers rely on toe socks to help prevent blisters, and Injinji’s liners are a popular choice because they’re ultra-thin and moisture-wicking. Toe socks reduce skin-on-skin friction, which can cause hot spots and blisters. The Hiker sock is designed to layer over the liner for extra cushioning and protection. Together, they’re the perfect duo for long miles on trail.
Maine Train Gear Zipper Wallet
MSRP: $10.99 | Weight: 0.18 oz
This small, water-resistant wallet is perfect for keeping cards and cash dry—whether you’re backpacking or just running errands. Made from durable Dyneema fabric, each wallet is individually sewn with reinforced and taped seams to keep your valuables safe. Gray is the default color, but custom colors are available.
Maine Train Gear Zippered Food Bag
(Regular size, fits 5–7 days of food)
MSRP: $59.99 (a little over $50, but worth the splurge!) | Weight: 1.48 oz
This is the food bag I carried on the PCT, and it held up beautifully over 2,650 miles. The zippers stayed intact, and the Dyneema fabric showed minimal wear. Unlike most food bags that only use a roll-top closure, this one features both a zipper and roll-top design, offering more packing space and versatility, as well as making bear hangs easier. Additionally, the boxed bottom allows it to stand up on its own, even when empty.
Sawyer Squeeze
MSRP: $45.99 | Weight: 8.19 oz
There are plenty of water filters on the market, but the Sawyer Squeeze remains a classic. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and highly dependable. My favorite thing about Sawyer, though, is the company’s philanthropy. Since 2008, they’ve partnered with over 140 charities worldwide to provide clean drinking water to communities in need.
Their impact hit close to home in 2024 after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. Sawyer donated more than 24,000 water filters to affected communities. When you buy a Sawyer filter, you’re helping support clean water access around the world.
CNOC Outdoors 3L VectoX Water Container
MSRP: $26.99 | Weight: 3.7 oz
Collecting water has never been easier. The wide mouth on the CNOC VectoX makes scooping from nearly any source simple. The VectoX is more durable than the standard Vecto and can safely hold boiling water. It’s compatible with most major water filters (ie: Sawyer filters use 28mm threading).
I used a 2L CNOC on the PCT but wished I’d gone with the 3L version for long water carries. CNOC also sells a Cleaning Coupling ($3.89), which allows you to hang your setup as a gravity filter—one of my favorite hacks!
Gossamer Gear Bottle Rocket
MSRP: $23 | Weight: 1.7 oz
I ditched water bladders years ago in favor of bottles, but I missed the convenience of a straw. The Bottle Rocket solves that problem—it’s a water bottle holder that attaches to your shoulder strap, keeping hydration within easy reach. It also increases your water-carrying capacity, which is especially helpful during long, dry stretches.
The Trek PCT Map BUFF
MSRP: $25 | Weight: 1 oz
A BUFF is one of the most versatile pieces of gear out there—it can be used as a headband, eye mask, neck warmer, sweat rag, and more. The PCT map version features landmarks and mile markers, making it both practical and sentimental. On the PCT, I looked at my BUFF every night before falling asleep and loved keeping track of our progress on the map. There’s an AT version, too!
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Rain Suit
MSRP: $32.99 | Weight: 12.8 oz
Rain and mud are part of the adventure. Frogg Toggs are an affordable alternative to high-end rain gear and make a great backup or insulating layer. They’re lightweight, packable, and easy to replace once they wear out—making them a practical gift for any hiker.
Remind Destin Impact 5.5mm Low-All Arch Insoles
MSRP: $45 | Weight: 8 oz
I discovered Remind Insoles after my PCT thru-hike, and they’ve been great for recovery at home. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and supportive. The Destin model is ideal for low arches, but Remind offers several styles for different foot types. They’re antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, too. There is a variety of prints to pick from, I went with the “Open Hearts” graphic.
UltraGam Gaiters
MSRP: $19 | Weight: 1.1 oz
A functional piece of gear that adds a little razzle-dazzle to your hiking ensemble? Yes, please. Gaiters attach to the top of your hiking shoes and fit snugly around your ankles, preventing rocks and debris from getting inside your shoes. UltraGam makes high-quality gaiters in hundreds of fun patterns and designs, and you can even order a custom pair. Strut down the trail in your new gaiters, no more stopping to dump pebbles from your shoes.
CuloClean Ultralight Portable Bidet
MSRP: $9.99 | Weight: 0.42 oz
Bidets are trending in the backpacking world, and for good reason. They reduce toilet paper waste and align with Leave No Trace ethics. The CuloClean ultralight bidet screws directly onto a Smartwater bottle and weighs less than half an ounce. It might feel intimidating at first, but like any backcountry skill, practice makes perfect!
Kula Cloth
MSRP: $22.95 | Weight: 0.63 oz
The Kula Cloth is an antimicrobial pee cloth designed to replace toilet paper for urination. It folds, snaps closed, and dries quickly in the sun. I’ve had a Kula Cloth since my first thru-hike in 2021, and it’s still going strong. Plus, the prints are adorable—ranging from beautiful artwork to funny puns.
Glacial Gear Trail Rag Classic
MSRP: $19.99 | Weight: 0.6 oz (small)
This small Merino wool towel is perfect as a sweat rag, hanky, or camp towel. Merino is naturally odor- and bacteria-resistant, and a reinforced loop makes it easy to clip to your pack for quick access.
Rawlogy Mini Cork Massage Ball
MSRP: $14 | Weight: 0.7 oz
Rolling out your feet after a long day feels amazing. I used my Rawlogy ball nightly on trail—sometimes even while waiting for dinner to rehydrate. It’s lightweight, natural, and perfect for trail-side self-care.
Luci Original Color
MSRP: $29.95 | Weight: 4.4 oz
My favorite luxury item on the PCT was my Luci Light! I’d hang it in my tent at night or use it for late-night hangouts with my tramily. It’s waterproof, solar-powered, and adds a little magic to night hikes or nighttime dips in hot springs. At just 4.4 oz, it was an easy item for me to justify carrying all the way to Canada.
NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow
MSRP: $44.95 | Weight: 0.09 oz
A pillow may be considered a luxury item, but I’d argue that this pillow is worth its weight in gold. This inflatable pillow is lightweight, durable, and oh so comfortable. My favorite feature is the fact that the cover is removable and machine washable. Give the gift of a good night’s sleep.
Alpenglow Gear AlpenFlow Fuel Transfer Valve
MSRP: $11.95 | Weight: 0.09 oz
This clever little tool lets you transfer fuel from one canister to another—perfect for consolidating half-empty cans from hiker boxes. Just warm one canister in the sun, chill the other (either in the fridge or a creek), connect them with the valve, and let physics do the rest. The pressure difference in the cans allows fuel to move from the top can to the bottom can. This easy process can be done in town or on trail and will ultimately save you money!
Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Bear Can Key
MSRP: $10 | Weight: 0.14 oz
Let’s face it: opening a bear can is a pain. In cold weather, it can feel nearly impossible to align the tabs and twist the lid. Enter CTUG’s Bear Can Key—an Onyx® carbon-fiber nylon tool that fits over the grommet, allowing you to open your BearVault with ease, even with gloves on. This little gadget was a game changer for me in the Sierra.
Nitecore NU25 UL 400-Lumen Ultralight Headlamp
MSRP: $36.95 | Weight: 1.66 oz
A reliable headlamp is essential. The Nitecore NU25 is lightweight, rechargeable, and outputs 400 lumens with multiple brightness settings, including a red-light mode for around camp. The glow-in-the-dark headband makes it easy to find in the dark—no more fumbling for your light at 2 a.m.
Gift Cards
Not sure what to get the hiker in your life? Gift cards are always a safe (and appreciated) choice:
- Garage Grown Gear: For cottage brands and ultralight gear
- Audible: For hikers who love audiobooks on trail
- FarOut: For anyone planning a thru-hike or backcountry trip
Some of the links listed are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through my link. You don’t have to, but I sincerely appreciate it if you do! Any revenue I earn goes toward funding my next adventure. Thanks for being here and supporting Magic in the Mountains!
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