Hikers are a rare breed of human. And our nuanced tastes can make it really tough for people to shop for us. Throw in external factors like varied hiking locations, and it gets even trickier! Luckily, there are a number of different stocking stuffers that hikers always need.
Ultralight Hiker Wallet
An efficient, lightweight, durable way to carry cash, cards and ID is an essential piece of long-distance hiking gear that often gets overlooked. GGG carries several ultralight wallet options made by cottage brands. Customer favorites include the Chicken Tramper UL Wallet, the WEBO Hiker Wallet, and the bi-fold Hawbuck Lean Topo Wallet, made out of DCF.
Darn Tough Socks
Happy feet means a happy hiker. Comfortable, moisture-wicking socks are instrumental to protecting your feet. There are tons of different hiking socks out there. But a super popular option is the Darn Tough ATC Hiking Sock, retailing for $23.99. This particular sock is a midweight merino, nylon, spandex sock.
I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail almost exclusively with Darn Tough socks. And they truly earned their name. One pair of Darn Toughs lasted 800-miles before it even began showing signs of wear. A lot of hikers love this company because it offers a lifetime guarantee. So, theoretically, you’d only ever need a few pairs of Darn Toughs to get you through a lifetime of hiking.
Tenacious Tape and Patches
Every hiker pokes a hole in their sleeping bag, pad, or tent at some point. When this happens, Tenacious Tape and Patches save the day, making it really easy to repair malfunctioning gear even while you’re in the woods. The tape cost between $6 and $9 and the patches run between $4 and $10.
Katabatic Gear Windom Hood
Most quilt sleepers carry a beanie with them to keep their ears warm when temperatures drop. But a great alternative to this system is the Katabatic Gear Windom Hood. This hood comes in a regular and large size. It’s extremely lightweight, and it’s made by using responsibly sourced down. Costing just $54.99, this is a great way to level up the warmth of any quilt system.
Pika Outdoors Summit Suds Powdered Soap
The Pika Outdoors Summit Suds make it a lot easier to stay clean, and keep dishes clean, while you’re on the move. This powdered soap comes in a 3-ounce packet, and costs just $7.99. It’s an all-purpose soap that is also biodegradable and pH neutral. It doesn’t freeze, which makes it a great year-round option. And, it is one of the lightest soap options out there.
Spices and Condiments
Spices and condiments are like a form of currency when you’re in the backcountry. With a splash of chili dust, you can turn your Ramen dish into a delectable luxury. Lucky for you, it’s possible to buy Sriracha in powdered form. Farm to Summit sells 0.5 ounces of chili dust for just $5.49. Additionally, GGG sells condiments by the packet for anywhere from $0.18 to $0.88 per product. Get ready to load up on mayo, hot sauce, brown mustard, barbecue sauce, honey, sriracha, olive oil and soy sauce … without raiding the local fast food joint!
The Atom Packs Roo Fanny Pack
There’s nothing worse than getting to town and having to lug your backpack around to complete your chores. Your pack is usually smelly, and inconvenient. Enter the Atom Packs Roo Fanny Pack. This iconic piece of gear allows you to store essential items on your person both in town and while you’re on the trail. It costs $52.99 to $59.99 and weighs 3.35-3.75 ounces, depending on the size — providing hikers with ample storage space for snacks, money, phones and more!
Fozzils Snap and Fold Bowls
The origami-like bowls made by Fozzils are another perfect stocking stuffer for the hiker in your life. When not in use the bowl flattens — doubling as a cutting board, or maybe even a modest pack frame? When hunger strikes, all you have to do is fold and snap, transforming the BPA-free material into a bowl capable of handling temperatures up to 212° F. Costing a modest $11.95, Fozzils are light on the pocketbook, and super light in your pack too. Fozzils also makes a cup and plate.
Cloud Gear Bear Bag
Every hiker needs a reliable food bag, and the Cloud Gear Bear Bag is a great option. This bag comes in a large (11 x 17) size, and a huge (12.5 x 19 inches) size. The large costs $49, and the huge is $55. Featuring a flat bottom bag, it’s fairly easy to keep your food organized to support convenient snacking. And this bag comes in fun color schemes. Pick the rainbow option for some colorful flair or the sunset option for a more suave look. Featuring waterproof fabric and seams, and reinforced at stress points, this bag is built to withstand long-term use. There’s also a reflective strip on this bag to make it easy to spot your food bag in the dark.
Huppy Toothpaste Tablets
Nobody wants to carry deadweight while they’re on long journeys. One thing you can do to lighten your load is invest in some toothpaste tablets like the Huppy tablets. Instead of carrying a heavy plastic tube around, you can simply grab a 1.5-ounce packet of 62 tablets for $8.49. Bonus, they’re super easy to ration too. However, keep in mind that the pouch the tablets come in is not re-sealable, so you’ll need to transfer them to a Ziploc bag or other reusable container. And Huppy toothpaste tabs are fluoride-free. If you’d prefer an alternative option, Unpaste Tablets are also terrific.
