Today's gift guide is focused on the backpacker, the encumbered nomad, the freedom-seeker.


Sometimes you don't want to touch the sheets and sometimes the sheets just aren't enough. For those times, the backpacker in your life could use a good sleep sheet.

Backpackers and hostels go together like peanut butter and jelly. But sleeping in hostels isn't always the easiest or quietest task. Help your backpacker sleep soundly with an awesome little set of ear plugs.

Lunchboxes aren't just for children. Give a Light My Fire Lunch Box and be sure your traveler always has a place to eat.

What gift could help keep your favorite traveler entertained and help them make friends on the road? A good deck of playing cards can be worth it's weight in gold.

Why pack a pillow when you could only pack a pillowcase? Save your special someone some space and gift them a trekker pillow. This lets you create a pillow from your clothes in no time.

Flip Flops. Don't get in a strange shower without them. Friends don't let friends leave home without them.

Want to give some clothing that does a little extra? Give passport socks and help keep your backpacker's feet warm and documents safe.

Give a supergift. Dr. Bronners is toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, and hand soap, all in one. Plus, it comes in backpack-friendly sizes.

The one. The best. I know that finding the perfect backpack is a very personal choice, but consider giving a well-reviewed one to a traveler in need. We are in with love our 3-Day Assault packs. Affordable, rugged and can carry much more than you ever imagined.

A good towel is crucial for life on the road, but who has room for a big terrycloth towel? We love Kara Weaves Towels and think they'd be perfect for the backpacker on your list.
What one piece of gear do you think every backpacker should have?



















Great list--I've got a slew of those items. But how can a backpack not be the number one gift idea for a backpacker?
Zach, I guess I should have mentioned above, but this list isn't ranked. Absolutely, the backpack is the most essential part, got any recommendations? Thanks for commenting! :)
Absolutely! I'd include
-packing cubes--makes it easy to sort clothes and keep the thrice-worn underwear away from the twice-worn pair
-a gift certificate for a book--they'll need at least a travel guide, a blank notebook for a journal, and some reading material
-a corkscrew--good bottles of wine can be purchased on the cheap in lots of places
I personally think that you can't beat the cheap Old Navy rubber flip-flops. I've worn one pair for at least two years (and on my feet almost every day) and on two overseas trips.
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