REI Gift Guide 2026: Best Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers

Our team has handpicked these gifts for hikers, backpackers, and campers based on years of hands-on testing and closely comparing outdoor gear. We’ve mixed tested favorites with a few thoughtful finds from REI’s gifting lineup, from reliable rainwear to camp comforts.

We also love the REI Outlet for huge end-of-season deals – up to 40% off on some of our favorites!

Quick Picks – Our Favorite Gear

Thanks to our partners at REI for sponsoring this guide. As always, our recommendations are based on independent research and rigorous trail testing. Learn more about how we are able to offer the best gear reviews, trip guides, and skill tutorials out there at no cost to our readers.

Rain Jackets & Wind Layers

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket (men’s / women’s) – $189

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket (men’s / women’s) is a dependable choice for hikers who like to get outside no matter the forecast. Its 3-layer construction provides sturdy waterproof protection, while pit zips help release heat when you’re working hard. It’s versatile enough for backpacking trips, wet-weather walks, and rainy commutes. It’s our top-ranked rain jacket because it’s durable, trustworthy, and ready for seriously wet weather. It’s not the lightest shell, and the fabric can feel a little stiff compared with more expensive jackets. Still, it strikes a compelling balance for hikers who care more about reliability than keeping weight to an absolute minimum.

REI Rainier Rain Jacket (men’s / women’s) – $100

The REI Rainier Rain Jacket (men’s / women’s) is a great gift for new and seasoned hikers alike. It delivers waterproof protection in a practical, packable, and surprisingly affordable package. Pit zips provide welcome ventilation, while an adjustable hem and cuffs help dial in fit. Like many budget-friendly rain shells, it can feel clammy in humid conditions and isn’t as comfortable against bare skin as a premium 3-layer jacket. Still, we appreciate the Rainier’s well-sorted feature set, dependable coverage, and wallet-friendly price — enough so to earn our vote as the Best Budget pick in our rain jacket lineup.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket (men’s / women’s) – $119

For such a lightweight piece, the Patagonia Houdini Jacket (men’s / women’s) packs a serious punch. This ultralight wind shell packs down to almost nothing, making it easy to justify on nearly every outing. It’s not waterproof, but it cuts wind very effectively and is trim enough to slide underneath a shell if the skies open up. We recommend it as a supplementary layer rather than a standalone piece, but its scant weight and compact form factor make it endlessly appealing for ridgeline scrambles, fastpacking, and other weight-conscious adventures.

Hiking Pants

REI Trailmade Pants (men’s / women’s) – $80

The REI Trailmade Pants (men’s / women’s) are an approachable, comfortable upgrade from everyday pants for hikers building out their trail wardrobe. The stretchy fabric allows for natural movement on climbs, descents, and scrambles. It’s lightweight and relatively quick-drying, too – great for activities from day hikes and camping to travel. Practical pockets and a UPF 50+ rating round out the versatile design. The pants are uninsulated and only water-resistant, so they’re not the best match for winter or sustained storms. For 3-season use, however, the Trailmade Pants offer an enticing balance of comfort and versatility for the price, earning them a spot on our lists of the best men’s hiking pants and best women’s hiking pants.

Insulation & Base Layers

Patagonia Down Sweater (men’s / women’s) – $289

The Patagonia Down Sweater (men’s / women’s) is a tried-and-true favorite for chilly mornings and cool evenings around camp. Quality down insulation delivers generous warmth without excessive bulk, and the jacket compresses neatly for stashing in a backpack or overnight bag. We love how easily it transitions from trail to town. The hooded version has been a staple in our down jackets lineup for years, but many will prefer the hoodless version listed here for layering underneath a shell. Down loses its insulating abilities when it gets wet, so this isn’t a great standalone piece for prolonged wet weather. It is also a sizable investment – but one that should last through many years of outdoor adventures.

Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoody (men’s / women’s) – $300

The Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoody (men’s / women’s) is a versatile insulated layer for active outdoor days. Its premium price and trim fit put it squarely in the performance category, but for the right user, there’s a whole lot to like. Its synthetic insulation offers solid warmth with better wet-weather assurance than down fill, and the streamlined profile layers comfortably under a rain shell. Compared with a thick down jacket, it is more breathable and easier to move in, though it won’t provide the same level of warmth when standing still in frigid conditions. It’s our favorite lightweight active insulator on our list of the best women’s winter jackets.

REI 650 Down Jacket (men’s / women’s) – $129

The REI 650 Down Jacket (men’s / women’s) provides packable warmth at a truly hard-to-beat price. The 650-fill-power down is a great match for crisp hikes, cool camping trips, and everyday winter errands, and the jacket doesn’t take up much room when packed away. It’s one of the most affordable choices in our best down jackets guide, and we think it’s especially appealing for first-time puffy buyers and casual winter users. It’s not as light or compressible as more premium, higher-fill-power down jackets, and it will require a rain layer when conditions turn. But for dependable everyday insulation at a bargain, the 650 Down Jacket is essentially unmatched.

Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket (men’s / women’s) – $239

The Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket (men’s / women’s) is a popular synthetic piece that does a great job mimicking down’s lofty warmth and compressibility. The synthetic fill provides a nice dose of insulation and won’t clump up in damp conditions. We like that the jacket packs away nicely, slides easily underneath a shell, and looks equally at home on the trail and around town. It’s especially practical for shoulder-season hikes, travel, and other activities where temperatures shift throughout the day. It’s not as lofty or warm as a dedicated cold-weather puffy, and the fit is a little trim for layering heavily underneath. For someone who values low-bulk warmth and versatility, though, the Nano Puff has a broad range of applications.

Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover (men’s / women’s) – $149

The Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover (men’s / women’s) is practically synonymous with cozy warmth. The soft fleece is comfortable on cool mornings, while the signature snap pocket adds a nice dose of flair. We like it for casual campsite hangs, travel, and everyday wear – activities where comfort and durability matter more than keeping weight to a minimum. The trade-offs are predictable for a fleece: The jacket is relatively bulky and does not block strong wind or sustained rain. Among our favorite fleece jackets, the Synchilla stands out for its cozy comfort, relaxed styling, and long-lasting durability.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer (men’s / women’s) – $125

A good base layer can make all the difference on frigid winter outings, and the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer (men’s / women’s) is one of our favorite cold-weather designs of all time. Merino wool offers excellent next-to-skin softness and warmth, and it’s great at wicking moisture when you’re working up a sweat. It’s naturally odor-resistant, too, which is particularly appealing on longer trips when laundry opportunities are limited. This thermal-weight option may be too warm for high-output summer adventures, and wool requires careful treatment to maximize its lifespan. If you don’t mind those downsides, the Classic Thermal is a truly remarkable winter companion — and the warmest design to make our best base layers list this season.

Footwear

Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Hiking Boots (men’s / women’s) – $250

The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots (men’s / women’s) are a thoughtful gift for hikers who prefer sturdy, supportive footwear on rugged trails. The Gore-Tex liner provides top-notch assurance for soggy conditions and water crossings – the boots are trustworthy enough to earn the “most waterproof” title in our women’s hiking boot lineup. The full-grain leather upper is both durable and classy, lending a more stylish look than many utilitarian hikers. As with most waterproof designs, the Mountain 600 boots run warm, especially during summer hikes. We consider them a good match for hikers who prioritize protection and coverage over weight and breathability.

The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules V (men’s / women’s) – $70

After miles of hiking in boots, slipping into a comfy pair of camp shoes feels terrific. The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules V (men’s / women’s) are insulated slip-ons great for car camping, cabin getaways, and après ski. They are easy to put on and have more capable soles than ordinary slippers. They earned our Best Camp Slipper pick among our favorite camp shoes for their warmth and easy wearability. The Traction Mules aren’t designed to replace proper hiking footwear, but they get the job done on casual walks and quick jaunts from camp.

Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-Ons – $100

The Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-Ons are a comfortable option for downtime between adventures. Like the Traction Mules above, the ReEmbers are easy to step into and offer a more substantial sole than traditional slippers. We love them for mornings at camp, road trips, and casual walks after a long day outdoors. They look relatively at home away from the tent, too. They are underbuilt for technical hiking or hauling a pack, but that’s true of most slippers. For cushy comfort post-adventure, the ReEmber is a real standout in our camp shoe roundup.

Trail Running

Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set Hydration Vest – $145

The Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set Hydration Vest is a stellar gift for trail runners who like to keep water and essentials close at hand. Its vest-style fit is designed to minimize bounce, and the accessible front storage makes it easy to stay hydrated and fed while moving. The five-liter capacity is well suited for shorter runs and races, though cold-weather or gear-intensive outings may require a bit more space. For the price, however, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better balance of security and storage, earning the Adv Skin 5 our vote as the Best Budget Running Vest.

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp – $60

A reliable headlamp is one of the most useful gifts for hikers, backpackers, and campers of any experience level. The Black Diamond Spot provides quality, hands-free illumination whether you’re setting up a tent, cooking after dark, or finishing a hike later than expected. The Spot lineup includes several models – two of which made our best headlamps guide this year – but the standard version listed here is a solid all-rounder that will get the job done for most. It offers a respectable 450 lumens at max brightness and can run off of three AAAs or Black Diamond’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery (sold separately).

In-Camp Comfort

Crazy Creek Smokey Bear Original Chair – $75

For low-maintenance campers, the Crazy Creek Smokey Bear Original Chair provides back support in a highly portable, quick-to-deploy package. It sits directly on the ground, with a cushioned seat and adjustable side straps that make it far more comfortable than plopping down on bare dirt or a blanket. The fold-flat design disappears in a full vehicle or gear closet, and the chair is light enough that it’s not out of the question for backpacking. Those who need a lot of support or struggle to get up from a low seat will want to steer clear, but we like it as a practical alternative to a full-size folding chair for casual trips.

YETI Rambler French Press – 34 fl. oz. – $110

The YETI Rambler French Press is a boon for campers who like to enjoy quality coffee outdoors. The 34-ounce stainless steel carafe can brew two to four cups at a time and will keep your coffee warm while you pack up camp. It’s equally useful at home, which only adds to all-around appeal. Keep in mind there is some cleanup required, and backpackers will prefer something lighter and more compact. But for casual outdoor adventures and use at home, the YETI Rambler is a thoughtful splurge that will quickly become part of the morning routine.

Rumpl Wrap Sack 20 Sleeping Bag – $250

The Rumpl Wrap Sack 20 offers a more relaxed alternative to a traditional mummy sleeping bag. Its wrap-inspired design makes it easy to regulate temperature by adjusting the amount of coverage – cozy up in both layers when the mercury drops, or ditch the top layer on balmy nights. The smaller details are equally well sorted, including a hood that nicely cradles a pillow, a zipper at the bottom for freeing your feet, and Rumpl’s signature Cape Clip snap closures to go hands-free. The 5-pound Wrap Sack is better suited for camping than lightweight backpacking, but it’s nevertheless a fun and innovative take on the standard sleeping bag.

REI Big Haul 90L Duffel – $169

A big duffel bag can be worth its weight in gold for frequent travelers, road trippers, and campers who are constantly on the go. The REI Big Haul 90L Duffel has ample space for bulky clothing, multiple pairs of shoes, and unwieldy outdoor equipment. The smaller 60-liter version earned a top spot in our best duffel bags guide for its smart organization, and the larger 90-liter model makes an even stronger case for extended trips. Fully loaded, it can be a bit of a bear to carry over long distances, but the well-executed storage layout and external compression straps help keep clutter to a minimum.

More of Our Favorite Deals

Here are some more standout pieces of gear worth having on your radar. For more background info on certain brands or products, our backpacking, hiking, and camping gear reviews cover many of the options below. Happy shopping!

• Beanie: Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque ($60)
• Camera: Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera 2.0 ($75)
• Camp Coffee: Alpine Start Instant Matcha Latte – 5-Pack ($15)
• Camp Coffee Mug: MiiR Camp Cup ($30)
• Coffee Maker: MiiR Pourigami Pour-Over Dripper ($35)
• Cooler: YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler ($200)
• Gear Tote: YETI Camino 35 Carryall ($160)
• Gloves: Smartwool Active Fleece Gloves ($48)
• Insulated Chair: Kuma Lazy Bear Heated Chair ($230)
• Snacks: Honey Stinger Waffle ($2)
• Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion ($26)
• Socks: Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew ($25)
• Travel Mug: YETI Rambler Stackable Cup with MagSlider Lid – 16 fl. Oz. ($33)
• Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Micro Hydro – 10 fl. Oz. ($28)