Holiday Gift Ideas for Backpackers

The holiday season is upon us, so I’ve complied a list of new and cool outdoor gear items for the lightweight backpacker on your list.

Black Rock has been making high quality down gear for a while now and has earned a solid reputation for innovation with fabric choices and design. I like these new Fold Back Fingerless Mitts that they put out. These mitts are great because the mitten top flips back for those times you need your fingers, so you can set up camp, make a phone call or simply take a picture while the rest of your hand stays warm.

Next up is the Z Packs Wind Jacket, another fine gift idea.  At just under 2 ounces, it is one of the lightest wind shirts around and so small it will fit almost anywhere. This wind jacket has a full zipper for easy temperature control AND a hood- two essential features I like in a jacket. As a piece of gear that I use everyday in the mountains, my wind shirt is a clothing item is irreplaceable. I use it as a light layer on a cold mornings, for mosquito protection during the day/night, or on a blustery ascent to an alpine pass. That special backpacker on your list will thank you for this one time and time again. The Z Packs team continues to push the envelope for innovation in ultralight backpacking, thanks guys!

My final gift idea comes from Evernew, it is a new titanium cooking pot or mug. If they need a replacement pot or mug, or if they’re still cooking from an aluminum pot, titanium is the answer. Ti pots are available in so many different sizes and styles, that it’s certain that you’ll find a good match for their needs. I like the .9 liter size that is big enough to rehydrate a freeze-dried meal, make a cup of soup or tea at night and in the morning it’s great for a hot bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee. Out on the trail, you can stash the mug and stove inside the pot to keep them organized and safe. Trail Designs carries all of Evernew’s cookware for you to check out for the best fit for anyone’s outdoor style.