Backpacking & Camping Gifts Under $50

It’s that time of year again. I often struggle to find just the right gift for friends and family, especially stocking stuffers. Here’s a list of things that I use and can recommend.

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BoglerCo Ultralight Backpacking Trowel — at under 0.50 ounces you won’t notice the weight at all. You’ll also appreciate the compact size, wide bottom, the serrated teeth for cutting small roots, and especially the protective top cap to protect the palm of your hand.

Timex Unisex Weekender 38mm Watch — For decades I’ve been using Timex watches. Inexpensive and durable. Typically I mine last 10+ years before I somehow break one. One of my Favorites is the Expedition series I wrote about. I recently replaced my last Timex Expedition with this clean and easy to read Weekender watch. The INDIGLO Backlight is a must have for me.

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife — small, light, sturdy and sharp, this Victorinox knife has gone on every one of my backpacking trips for decades.

EXY DOSE Pill Pouches — Under $10 for 100 of these convenient pouches. Here’s my review with examples of their many uses.

ALPS Mountaineering Classic Hiking Staff — Here’s my recent review.

BIC Mini Lighters — 10 years ago I wrote that the BIC lighter is The Best Piece of Backpacking Gear. Ever. I keep several at home “just in case” I need another. A pack of 8 is under $10.

**BIC Mini Lighters, Assorted Colors, 8-Pack of Pocket Lighters**

SUUNTO A-10 Basic Compass — Made in Finland. Ideal for navigating with a map and compass, the A 10 is compact and features a high grade steel needle with jewel bearing and a liquid filled capsule for stable operation.

Darn Tough Socks —

Day in and day out wool socks work best. And the Darn Tough brand lasts the longest, plus they have a lifetime guarantee. On almost every trip I have been wearing this sock for years and years.

Men’s Baggies™ Shorts – 5″ — Hurry they are on sale for 42% off!! My review Patagonia Baggies Shorts: 35 Year Review, written in 2020.

REI Flash 18 Backpack — I keep one in our camper and one at home for short day hikes.

Exped Air Versa Pillow — My review: Exped Air Pillow (10 Year Review)

GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug — This has been one of my go to backpacking gear items for the past 5 years. After decades of wanting a better mug, I finally found one that was perfect me. Read my review here.

REI Active Pursuits Cap — Woven nylon shell fabric offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun. Perforated side panels increase breathability. Polyester sweatband and knit lining wick moisture. Adjustable webbing with low-profile back closure allows you to customize the fit. Reflective logos and detailing—including reflective dots at the back and a full reflective edge on the brim—help you stay visible when training in low-light conditions. Structured brim is designed to stay put in windy conditions.

Smartwool Merino Beanie — Made from their lightest-weight, wool-blend jersey, the Smartwool Merino beanie is a snug and comfortable year-round essential for running, skating, skiing or chilly morning bike commuting.

Smartwool Liner Glove —

Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals — I like Mountain House freeze-dried meals. I bet there are few people who have eaten as many of them as me, since they have been one of my backpacking staples for over 40 years. Several years ago I wrote this about Mountain House Meals.

Description — Sturdy slim and portable with its classic shape while holding 32oz. Semi translucent allows easy estimation of water level. Loop top cap allows easy carrying. Made from tough & durable Tritan – impact resistant and shatterproof BPA/BPS free. Dishwasher safe. Five years ago I shared my thoughts on the Nalgene Oasis Water Bottle.

Platypus SoftBottle Water Bottle — Under $20. Here’s my 10 year review, written in 2018.

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon with Polished Bowl — Lightweight and durable. I like a long spoon because it is easier to eat out of food pouches and freezer bagged cooked meals while out on the trail. The polish bowl makes a huge difference when cleaning — so much that I wrote an article on How to Polish a Titanium Backpacking Spoon several years ago. Now you can get a polished bowl for the same price and unpolished versions!

PETZL E+LITE Headlamp – Ultra-Compact 50 Lumen Headlamp — Incredibly light, weighs under an ounce (26 grams). It’s a great headlamp for doing chores around camp, but not really for hiking in the dark. Read about in PopUpBackpacker’s Headlamp Buyer’s Guide.

Description — Another headlamp I’ve been using for nearly 20 years. I also wrote about it in PopUpBackpacker’s Headlamp Buyer’s Guide. A necessity for night hiking, camping or simply reading in your tent, this Petzl headlamp is an easy-to-use option. It’s compact enough to fit in your jacket pocket or backpack.

Camco 40310, Magnetic RV Bumper Cap — Easily Remove Your RV Sewer Hose: Allows you to grab your sewer hose by the cap and pull from your RV’s bumper. Compatibility: Fits on the end of most metal 4-inch square bumpers; Lugs are compatible with any Camco bayonet-style sewer hose fitting. My initial first impressions.

Description — Allows Fresh Air Ventilation and Light: Allows you to leave the vent open rain or shine. Easy to Clean: Features removable louvers for easy cleaning; Includes built-in insect screen. In this article I explain why I bought it and how to install it.

Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 14″ Camping Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Genuine Leather Grip — Comes with a rugged ballistic nylon sheath that not only protects the hand-sharpened 4-in. cutting edge but also offers a convenient belt loop. This makes it easy to carry your camping hatchet with sheath, keeping your axe close at hand for quick access during projects. I keep it in our travel trailer for chopping wood for the occasional campfire.

Original Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker —

Perfect Popcorn in 3 Minutes – The Original Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker takes the guesswork out of creating perfect popcorn. Spin the handle to make up to 6 quarts of flawless popcorn in just 3 minutes. This is my new favorite camp kitchen item.I got Joyce this super cool 6 quart camping appliance for her birthday, and it’s become her absolute favorite! We’ve already used it a whopping 20 times, and it’s not just for camping — it’s perfect for home use too. It’s a game-changer! Here’s my write up.

GRIFITI H Band Joes Colorful Cross Bands

Six Moon Designs Polycro Groundsheet for 1 Person Shelter — I’ve been using polycro groundsheets for almost 20 years. Light and tough they last me for at least a year of frequent backpacking.

Water Bandit — In my article about Solving RV Slow Fresh Water Tank Fill, I recommended the Water Bandit as part of the solution.

Gilmour Pro Brass Double Female Hose Connector — In my article about Solving RV Slow Fresh Water Tank Fill, I recommended this Female Hose Connector as part of the solution.