Gift ideas for backpackers

Backpacker is a relatively undemanding type of tourist, who loves outdoors and can sleep in the nature, but unlike the bushcrafters, can also stay in camps or hostels. It is a low-cost traveler who likes some sort of comfort. There are many backpackers and you also might have one at home. Following article will give you few gift ideas that make backpackers happy.

Comfortable sleep in the nature 

Sleeping in the nature does not have to be uncomfortable at all if you have the right equipment which does not have to be expensive. The most important thing is a proper insulation. Nobody wants to get cold. The right sleeping mat comes in hand, for example self- inflating. Self-inflating mats also come in kids sizes. 

Inglating mat from Klymit

However, sleeping mat is not the only thing what you need for sleeping outdoors. The high-quality sleeping bag is no less important. Backpackers might not appreciate professional sleeping bags enough, but the good news is, that 3 - season sleeeping bag does not have to be expensive. Backpackers appreciate other qualities of the sleeping bag - light weight and compactness as they count every kilogram. One of them can be for example Snugpak Travelpak Traveller, for children then this model.

Another gear is material for emergency shelter. Backpackers like sleeping under the stars, however, it can start to rain anytime and it is better to be ready. As soon as there is no romantic view on the stars, sleeping under the stars starting to be pointless and here comes the plan B – building an emergency shelter by using a tarpaulin.

Tarpaulins (tarps) are pieces of waterproof fabric with military background which became popular by outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to tarp, you will need some pieces of wood or branches that can be found easily in the forest, but even paracord will come in hand, which will help you to secure the tarp and strengthen your shelter. Especially during windy conditions you will appreciate tent pegs, for example these from titanium that serve as an extra attachment points. And if the weather is nice, you can use your tarpaulin as an underlay which provides extra layer of water resistant insulation. 

Food is the foundation 

Another basic need is food and drink. And to satisfy these needs, we will also need the right gear. Here applies the same - it does not have to be expensive at all. However, it should be practical and yet again, lightweight and compact. Cookware and drinkware should be from the right materials and free from harmful stuff such as Bisfenol A or PVC.

If your backpacker is not properly equipped, we have a lot to offer in this category. To maintain the proper temperature of your drink - whether hot or cold - you will need durable and reliable vacuum insulated bottle. If you still own decades old bottle, it better be replaced, especially if it is made of plastic.

Classic Legendary Vacuum Insulated Bottle Stanley®

We all agree with sustainability, however, if the material is older than yourself (especially plastic) we can not be sure of its origin. But don´t worry, high-quality vacuum insulated bottle does not have to be expensive. For your tee or coffee you should be fine with the 0.5 l volume bottle and such model offers for example Esbit.

If you like something bit more "spicy", you can opt for example for a flask. Good price/performance ratio offers for example this stainless steel flask from MFH. A sip of some good liguor will warm you up during your travels. 

And last, but not least, backpackers need something practical to enjoy their food. We recommend spork, which is combination of spoon and fork. This universal tool can be made from stainless steel or plastic, either way, it will take only little space in your backpack.

Spork 3 in 1 JTG®

Survival accessories 

There is never enough survival accessories that, once again, shouldn´t take much space in your backpack. These include for example things for starting a fire, which is still bit related to cooking topic. Fire, however, have more functions - for example signaling, but also as a source of heat. The basic items include fire starter, but also waterproof matches or pocket lighter.

For outdoor (even one day) trips we should not forget to pack a first-aid kit. First-aid kits that we offer on Rigad are equipped with all you need in emergency situations. An example can be this small first-aid kit, which is lightweight and compact so you won´t notice it in your backpack when you don´t need it. First-aid kit is one of those gifts that can even save a life.

The chapter itself are survival knives. They are essential gear for your one-day or multi-day trips. Survival knives should have combo blade, that is multi-purpose. For example this knife from Walther can be used for wood chopping and another work as well as it helps you to spread a butter over your toast. Pistol handle provides perfect grip and this folding survival knife also features a glass breaker and liner-lock. 

All packed in the right backpack 

The word backpacker comes from the word ",backpack“, so we obviously need to look at this category too as these two naturally belong together - the right backpacker is not the right backpacker without the right backpack. These backpacks should be water resistant in case the rain hits you. For one-day trips, you don´t need expensive pieces. Even in the price range 1 000 - 2000 Czech Crowns you can find quality products, that are equipped with MOLLE system which makes them even more versatile with use of compatible equipment.

One of the examples can be backpack Raccoon Mk2 from Polish brand Helikon-Tex, that is even hydration bag compatible. This backpack also features hook and loop field for attaching of different tags for example.

Something extra 

Speaking of hydration bags, they can definitely make a backpacker happy. 2 - 3 liters hydration bags will provide enough of liquids for the entire day and they don´t have to be expensive. We are talking for example about Torrent Condor bag, which is made of thermoplastic polyurethan and does not contain bisfenol A or PVC. It is also low-profile, which makes it compatible with many types of backpacks. 

In the very end one more thing that can be used just as well in winter as in summer. We are talking about sunglasses, that are great accessory even for snow conditions. Excessive reflection of the sun's rays from the snow is the reason why for example skiers wear sunglasses. Such sunglasses makes also US brand Bollé, that are affordable and we can offer for example these.