25 Best Backpacker Gifts They’ll ACTUALLY Use!
Let’s face it, we all love receiving gifts, but gift-giving is hard. And looking for the best backpacker gifts can be difficult if you are not a backpacker yourself. The best person to ask what are perfect gifts for a backpacker is – A backpacker.
WWB Writer, Rebecca shares an ultimate guide on all the best gifts for a backpacker.
I am an avid backpacker. And before you wonder “Would they use it?” I know the answer to that!
Over the years, I’ve received many backpacker gifts that became must-haves items in my bag.
So how do you buy good gifts for backpackers?
It’s simple.
Best gifts for a backpacker are practical, compact, durable and reusable. All adventure seekers will appreciate practical gifts over novelty backpacker gifts.
Here’s a totally useful Backpacker Gift Guide.
These gift ideas for backpackers are sorted into four categories;
- Great gifts for backpackers: This is a list of gifts for someone going backpacking. No matter who you’re shopping for, they’ll love these gifts.
- Backpacking gifts for her: Whether you are surprising your girlfriend, sister, female buddy, or daughter, these unique backpacker gifts are selected for her.
- Gifts for backpackers under $25: These budget-conscious gift ideas won’t break the bank.
- Backpacking stocking stuffers: Small stocking stuffers Christmas gifts for a backpacker that won’t be forgotten by New Years.
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- 37 Best Gifts For Someone Going Abroad
Great Gifts for Backpackers
Carry-On Travel Backpack
There’s something so freeing about travelling with only one backpack. All of your stuff is in that one bag and without over-explaining; it is pretty obviously having a good pack is extremely important.
My travel backpack was a gift from my best friend, and it is hands down the best backpacker gift I’ve ever received.
Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack
Osprey Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack
Why is this a good gift?
- Osprey All Mighty Guarantee: Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason lifetime free of charge.
- Bag meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines.
- Lockable U-zip duffle-style bag giving full access to the main compartment. (40L total volume). No more digging deep into the backpack to find anything.
- LightWire frame suspension transfers the load from the harness to hip belt. You can wear the bag up high, and this is the optimal position to carry your bag.
Perfect for: Backpackers who like to travel light
Bad for: Digital nomad who carries a ton of gear
Stainless Steel Bag Protector
This is a stainless-steel net that is an excellent addition to a backpack. If I want to leave my bag on my bike overnight or I simply want to wander around, leaving my bag at the stay, this net prevents opportunistic thieves.
Some stays, especially guesthouses, don’t have safes and relatively little security from the outside, so this gives me a higher peace of mind wherever I am.
Pacsafe Backpack Protector
Why is this a good gift?
- Locking system secures contents and locks to any fixture.
- Lightweight: Weighs 1 lbs. / approximately 0.5kg
Perfect for: Safety conscious backpackers
Bad for: Backpackers travelling extremely light.
Traveller’s Wallet
The best way to keep track of your passport, plane tickets, credit cards and foreign cash is a traveller’s wallet.
This wallet stores important documents securely and to be honest shouldn’t be flashy or expensive looking. A simple plain wallet will deter pickpockets from targeting you.
Fjallraven Passport Wallet
Why is this a good gift?
- Durable travel wallet. (Made out of Fjallraven’s own G-1000 Heavy Duty fabric)
- Quick-drying, water-resistant and windproof. A soaked passport is a destroyed passport.
Perfect for: Almost all backpackers.
Bad for: Backpackers avoiding animal products. (Contains elements of animal origin)
Security Hidden Money Wallet
Travel Tip: Backpackers shouldn’t be carrying all their money in one wallet.
You can add this note as a personal card message in your gifts.
| Backpacker Advice |
|---|
| It is best to have a minimum of three places to carry money when travelling. 1. Traveller’s Wallet Leave your passport, all the cards and cash you won’t need immediately in a secure location. 2. Security Hidden Wallet: When you’re out and about, keep some of your money attached to you. This is your emergency money. 3. A Small Handy Wallet: This is the wallet that is safe to be seen by people around you. Keep small bills handy, and you should not be pulling out big notes. If your small wallet is getting low on cash, get more money from an under-clothing money pouch. Never do it on the streets. Pick places like toilet cubicles and changing rooms. |
Alpine Rivers Money Belt
Why is this a good gift?
- 100% RFID blocking material & water-resistant nylon.
- Ultra-lightweight and slim sleek design (Great to hide under clothes)
Perfect for: Everybody
Bad for: Nobody. Money is serious business!
Portable Battery Charger
High capacity portable chargers are must-haves to provide the longevity of power that backpackers are looking for when electricity isn’t available. No matter where you are, whether it is facing electricity cut-offs, phone dying before you reach your destination, or worst of all, no music on a long bus ride.
Anker’s PowerCore+ 26800
Why is this a good gift?
- Ultra-high capacity (26,800mAh of battery capacity)
- Last for days or even weeks on.
- Type-C wall charger capable of recharging it as fast as possible (about 4 hours)
- Suitable for USB-C port smart devices
The Anker’s PowerCore+ 26800, however, is not suitable to be carried around in the pocket. It’s too bulky and heavy. Instead, opt for a pocket-friendly power bank.
Anker PowerCore+ Mini 3350
Why is this a good gift?
- Compact size makes it super comfortable and convenient to carry in almost any size pocket.
- Suitable to bring along on a late night out.
Perfect for: Digital Nomads backpackers
Bad for: Backpackers travelling without gadgets
Travel Pillow
I’ve slept in many overnight trains, buses, and planes, and I don’t know where I would be without a supportive travel pillow.
trtl Pillow
Why is this a good gift?
- Seriously the best pillow for sleeping upright
Perfect for: All backpackers
Bad for: Nobody. We all need our sleep.
Backpacking gifts for her
Foldable Travel Jewellery Organizer
I love fashion. I always have, and going on a backpacking trip does not mean I’m walking around in sweats.
Whenever I travel, I pack versatile and minimalistic clothes and style them with accessories. Stylish accessories can transform any outfit. I used to stash whatever jewellery in a ziplock bag, but now I stored them in a proper jewellery organizer.
Bagsmart Travel Foldable Jewellery Roll
Why is this a good gift?
- Stylish and compact size
- External material is made of water-resistant polyester fabric; the inside primary material is transparent TPU plastic (Protects jewellery better and makes it easy to clean)
Perfect for: Fashionable backpackers
Bad for: Girls that don’t wear accessories
Travel-Friendly Cosmetics
A clean, almost makeup-free looking skin is seriously the best travel makeup look. You don’t need an arsenal of makeup to look put together.
In every travel backpack, there should be some portable essentials to keep anyone feeling confident.
Here is a list of best beauty backpacker gifts to spoil any girl with– regardless of skin types or skin colour.
Solid Perfume
Pop a solid perfume on whenever you need a fragrant pick-me-up.
Jo Malone Solid Perfume
Solid Face Serum
Freshly moisturized skin has a healthy sheen. Bring a multi-purpose serum concentrate that can be doubled as a cleansing balm to melt off light makeup.
Acure Seriously Soothing Solid Serum
Loose Setting Powder
An oily T- zone is never cute. A translucent loose setting powder with SPF will reduce shine and protect your skin from the sun. It’s a bonus if the powder is sweat-resistant too.
Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible SPF 45 Setting Powder
Liquid Tint
A buildable tint is just what you need for a flush of lovely colour on the cheeks, lips and eyelids. Simply dab the colour with your fingertips on your face.
Glossier Cloud Paint
Solid Highlighter – USD 48
A light reflector glow to your skin is what makes skin beautiful. A high-versatile luminizer can be worn alone to highlight areas such as cheekbones, cleavages, cupid-bow, inner corners of the eyes and brow-bones as they play off the light.
RMS Beauty Luminizer X Quad
Multi-purpose Balm
A balm can be used to revive chapped lips, sunburn, cuts and insect bites. It has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to heal the skin.
Lucas Papaw Ointment
Clear Brow Gel
A colourless brow gel can groom brow hairs and keep your eyebrows on fleek.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Why are these good gifts?
- Travel-friendly multi-purpose products that do not break when travelling.
- Women know that men have absolutely no clue about makeup. ( exactly why it makes such a great gifts when you get it right )
Perfect for: Any girl who loves makeup
Bad for: Makeup-free beauties
Shower Caddy
Staying mostly in hostels when I’m backpacking means dorm rooms with communal bathrooms. A shower caddy is an efficient way to keep everything in easy reach when showering in any bathroom.
Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy
Why is this a good gift?
- Holey mesh material drains water
- Eight outer compartments and a large one in the center for towels and clothes
Perfect for: Beauty junkies
Bad for: Extreme minimalist
Gifts for backpackers under $25
Carry-On Quart Toiletry Bag
Not every toiletry bag is the same! You’ll speed through security if you carry a toiletry bag that is clear, see-through and 7” x 8” in size.
Lermende TSA Approved Toiletry Bag
Why is this a good gift?
- Made of transparent PVC material makes it easy to clean.
- Reusable and durable
- Make passing through security a pleasure
Washable Waterproof Wet Bag
This is an alternative to single-use plastic bags. A reusable wet bag can be used to store wet swimsuits, dirty clothes and wet toiletries.
Bumkins Waterproof Zippered Wet Bag
Why is this a good gift?
- Snap handle to hang it anywhere
- Machine Washable (Turn the bag inside out and toss it into the washing machine)
You might like our article Travel Gifts For Teenagers [61 Gifts Options]
Microfibre Quick Drying Towel
A high-quality quick-dry microfiber towel should be in every backpacker’s bag.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel
Why is this a good gift?
- Towels come with stuff sack (easily take it anywhere)
- Very lightweight
Sleeping Bag Liner
I always get a good night’s sleep anywhere by using a sleeping bag liner. You can switch your bed in a hostel but not on overnight trains and buses. This sleep sack creates a barrier for times when I just didn’t trust the cleanliness of the bedding.
Tough Outfitters Cotton Sleeping Bag Liner
Why is this a good gift?
- XL sleeping bag liner
- Unmatched comfort and cleanliness
Waterproof Bag Cover – USD 18
I can’t be reasonably confident of what the weather will be every day. We all know the weather can be so unpredictable. It is best to line my backpack with a cover when unexpected weather conditions occur. It prevents moisture from leaking through the pack seams.
Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
Why is this a good gift?
- Suitable for 15-90L backpacks
- External fabric is rip-resistant that protects the backpack from scratch, dirt, sand.
- Internal is double waterproof coated layers that keep off water, rain, fog and snow.
Backpacking Gifts: Stocking Stuffers
Travel Plug Adapter
Travel adapters simply allow the devices from my home country to be plugged into the wall outlet of another country. A small adapter is recommended because some wall sockets can be slightly loose or placed in odd places.
Micro Universal Travel Adapter
Why is this a good gift?
- Does all that a large travel adapter would do but compacted into a small body.
Thank You Cards
I always write personal thank you cards to new friends or great hostels. Most hostels have a wall of notes for guests to leave their thanks.
Travel Map Themed Thank You Cards
Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
Sustainable and long-lasting soap bars for hair is a great way to prevent leakage of bottles in travel bags.
Love Beauty And Planet Volume and Bounty 2 in 1 Shampoo
and Conditioner Bar
This is a list of actually practical backpacker gifts that you can shop for any time you need to buy presents for backpackers. I actually use or want all of these things. I hate crappy gifts just as much as the next person.
Before you go crazy shopping, remember this: The joy of backpacking is freedom—the idea of reaching the world’s most remote places with a backpack.
The struggle backpackers have is we are carrying all our belongings with us, and it gets heavy.
We want to feel like birds and not like pack-mules. We are likely to pack only the must-haves, not the nice-to-haves.
Happy gifting!
