The 10 Best Stocking Stuffers for Backpackers in 2024

This article originally appeared on Backpacker

You don't have to go big to impress the hiker in your life. Sure, a new tent or sleeping bag is hard to beat. But a clutch accessory--like a near-weightless mosquito bite neutralizer--can leave an even bigger impression. These ten small gifts range in price from $5 to $50 and will upgrade your friends’ and loved ones’ experience on the trail.

Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes ($10)

Washable and waste-reducing (because they eliminate the need to buy disposable, single-use product containers) this pair of refillable tubes lets hikers carry only the quantities of toiletries that they expect to use while backpacking--which also means a lighter overall load. The smaller container weighs just .28 ounces; testers liked the larger, 35 millimeter option for sunscreen.

Heat It ($40)

This .14-ounce, thumbnail-sized device plugs into a smartphone's charging port and delivers a calculated pulse of heat that stops bug bites from itching--sometimes for good. It's controlled by a free downloadable app that lets users adjust the heat's intensity and duration, and testers agree: It actually works.

Kula Cloth ($20)

A cult favorite among female raft guides and other outdoor pros who stray far beyond the range of flush toilets, this reusable half-ounce cloth eliminates the need to use messier, single-use toilet paper after backcountry pee breaks. Waterproof fabric on one side keeps hands clean, an antimicrobial coating on the absorbent side keeps the fabric fresh, and the washable fabric (blending bamboo viscose, cotton, organic cotton and polyester) dries fast when hung in the sun.

Body Glide Foot Glide ($5.49)

Small, light (.35 ounces), and portable, this rub-on emollient prevents blisters from forming, even in wet conditions that keep blister pads and tape from adhering to skin.

Petzl Bindi ($45)

Most ultralight headlamps fall in the "emergency use" category, but this 200-lumen option impressed testers with its brightness and stability: Though not comfortable enough for distance running, the elastic straps effectively hold the lamp in place for in-camp cooking, tent assembly and day-extending stints of night hiking. The rechargeable battery (with a micro USB port) trims weight to just 1.2 ounces.

Sponsored

Makalu Jacket ($400)

A versatile and waterproof mountain-worthy shell, the Makalu Jacket is made with a breathable three-layer GORE-TEX 75D fabric and FC free DWR--a combination that ensures reliable performance in wet conditions while minimizing environmental impact. The laminated interior pocket gives you a safe, dry place to store valuables while the adjustable cuffs, hood, vents, and hem provide personalized comfort on the trail. It has everything you want in a year-round jacket, including waterproof protection, durability, and a lightweight design. Buy Now

ENO Twilights Camp Lights ($25)

Weighing just 3 ounces (sans AAA batteries), this ten-foot string of 20 LED lights offers homey ambience in utilitarian camp settings. Multiple modes include multi-colored, single-hued and white (with options for 50 percent and 25 percent brightness) that adapt from party to sleepytime settings.

VerMontana Brim Hat ($48)

A collaboration between Vermont accessories-maker Skida and Bozeman-based footwear brand Oboz, this short-brim sun hat dries fast, thanks to moisture-shedding polytwill fabric (94 percent polyester with 6 percent spandex). And we love the colorful, allover print combining Montana's state flower (bitterroot) with Vermont trillium, violet, and aster.

Flents Protechs Super Sleep Ear Plugs ($5)

Not all ear plugs are created equal: The Super Sleeps are shorter than those made for workplace use, so they feel less obtrusive in the ear canal while snoozing. They also use unusually soft, conformable foam for all-night comfort. Testers deemed these the best on the market.

Orion SkyLine Deluxe ($50)

Give the stargazer on your list this green-beamed laser pointer, which appears to reach the stars themselves. That bright, long-reaching beam makes it easy to identify and discuss celestial features and constellations with camping companions.

Vedavoo Fly Wallet ($30)

Here's a light (2 ounce) and compact way for the angler on your list to tote flies and tackle into backcountry streams and lakes. This pocket-size, six-inch wallet holds an assortment of nymphs (but may crush fluffy dry flies, which are more safely stored on the angler's hat brim) and stores leaders and other tools in an interior pouch.

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