Unique Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers

When mulling over gifts for the hikers in your life, consider a lightweight and portable hammock or Tree Tent. Day hikes and short backpacking trips never fail to benefit from a great lunch spot with a view. But what about setting up the lunch spot wherever you find a few trees—whether at the final destination or somewhere along the way? 

Quick Shopping List

Lightweight Tents & Hammocks – The perfect rest options

Don’t settle for any ordinary solo hammock tent. Check out Tentsile's range that stretch out with a 3-point anchor system to become multi-person flat, incredibly comfortable, and spacious solutions.

Gifts for hikers and backpackers are best when lightweight or ultralight, and the Tentsile UNA, the  and the T-Mini weigh in under 5 pounds. They can be stuffed into a pack, then quickly unpacked and set up in a few minutes. Let’s get to the specs...

The UNA – 1 Person- hammock & tent

This model is a 1-person Tree Tent or hammock tent - both a hammock and a tent. The UNA creates its own shade, keeps bugs away and makes an excellent alternative to a traditional ground tent. Will your hike take you through or near a forest? You’ll have no trouble setting the UNA up using adjustable straps and a ratchet system.

The UNA (like all but one Tentsile hammock) provides a taut floor for lounging or sleeping. This hammock holds up to 165 lbs, and includes a no-see-um mesh so you can enjoy the views without the bugs getting to you. The UNA weighs 4.4 lbs including all necessary ratchet straps, aluminum poles and bungee cords.

This 4-season lightweight packs down to 13.8 x 5.9 x 6.3 inches (or 35 x 15 x 16cm) and provides a head height of 1.7 feet (or half a meter) and floor area of 24 sq. feet. It also has a covered porch area of 30 sq feet to store gear and footwear. Mesh pockets on either side and a fold-away door round out the package for ease of use and convenience. 

The Solo – a lightweight hammock

The Solo 1-person hammock is the only model from Tentsile that has a traditional 2-point anchor system, and a traditional crescent profile. An affordable and lightweight alternative and fantastic gift for the hiker or backpacker in your life, the Solo uses durable and breathable mesh material. This hammock is 9 feet long and fits even the tallest campers or day hikers.

Key specs on the Solo: holds one adult up to 240 lbs, and packs down to 20 x 20 x 20 cm (or 7.8 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches). The heavy-duty nylon polyester mesh weighs only 2 lbs, and that includes 2 ratchet buckles and 2 straps! 

The T-Mini – The perfect gift for adventurous couples

The T-Mini model makes a great gift for hikers or day trekkers because it is lightweight (5.3 lbs), holds 2 adults with 2 completely separate sleeping (or lounging) spaces, and has virtually zero sag. For bikepackers (or any outdoor adventurer), this lightweight and compact 3-point hammock is perfect for throwing in a frame bag.

The T-Mini is 45D nylon polyester composite with 12m webbing, and four ratchets and straps. Due to the potential weight on this hammock, the kit includes 3 tree protector wraps. The T-Mini folds down into 15.7 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches. The floor area is 43 sq. feet. The T-Mini holds 485 pounds but is made for just two, with side-by-side sleeping bays.

As the holidays approach, there’s no better time to get this terrific gift for the hikers in your life. All three models can be adapted for winter camping, but we recommend them for day trips since the lightweight profile of all three makes them ideal to add to a day pack.

Our top picks for hikers & backpackers

We understand that finding the perfect gift for your adventurous friends or loved ones can be daunting. That's why we've compiled a list of smaller gift ideas that will impress any avid hiker or backpacker. Whether it's a practical item that enhances their outdoor journeys or a unique accessory that shows off their adventurous spirit, these gifts are guaranteed to bring a smile to their faces.

America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series

(Credit National Park Service)

Enhance the impact of your gift by offering more than just products. Instead, provide lasting and cherished experiences. Treat your loved ones to a full year of thrilling adventures with the America the Beautiful (National Parks) Pass—an unforgettable journey they will treasure for a lifetime. With a single pass, they gain access to all National Parks & Monuments, as well as National Forests, Grasslands, and numerous recreation sites scattered throughout the country. Make their memories rich and meaningful with this remarkable gift.

A Comfy Hiking Backpack

From a leisurely stroll to an epic adventure, every hiker needs a reliable daypack by their side. Equip yourself with the Tentsile Backpack, a perfect companion to store essential items such as snacks, water, headlamps, phones, and extra layers. And why settle for just one? Consider having two distinct sizes of daypacks—a compact one for shorter and warmer excursions, and a larger one for lengthier and colder journeys. With the right daypacks at your disposal, you'll be fully prepared to embrace any hiking expedition that comes your way.

Keep safe with a hikers first aid kit

When it comes to selecting a thoughtful gift for hikers, consider the invaluable addition of a comprehensive first aid kit. Hikers often find themselves carrying redundant items out of habit rather than necessity, and a well-curated first aid kit can help streamline their gear. Furthermore, it's essential to emphasize that prevention is paramount in backcountry first aid. Encourage them to make informed choices based on common sense and thorough research. Prioritizing education and preparedness should always be their first line of defence when venturing into the wilderness.

A hiking headlamp

One of the most crucial pieces of hiking gear recommended by experts is a reliable light source. It becomes especially critical if you find yourself lost or injured and daylight begins to fade. Having adequate lighting can truly be a lifesaver. This particular unit is not only sturdy but also remarkably affordable. Powered by AA, AAA, or rechargeable batteries, headlamps offer convenience and reliability. It's an exceptional gift choice for casual hikers who may not typically hike at night but may encounter a situation where having a reliable light source becomes essential.

Safety first – Satellite Phones such as the Garmin InReach Mini2

Embarking on travels or hiking adventures entails countless reasons why carrying a two-way satellite messenger device, such as a Satellite Phone, is necessary. In numerous remote areas across the globe, cell signals and Wi-Fi are non-existent, and in rare circumstances, the ability to call for help can make a vital difference between life and death. The Garmin InReach Mini is compact and unparalleled solution to address all your concerns about off-grid communication. This remarkable device is meticulously designed to provide you with the smallest possible package imaginable while ensuring you stay connected in even the most remote locations.

Tentsile Range
Ryan W