So, it’s the holidays. That means for many, it’s gift-giving season. An outdoors lover seems to have a never-ending quiver of gear, so it can be intimidating to contribute meaningfully to their collection. The key is to hone in on quality, quirkiness, and applicability in one fell swoop.
Here are some of our favorite finds on Amazon — we’ve focused on items tailored for hikers, campers, and backpackers. But we’ve also provided some pro tips on how to find other choice outdoor gear through Amazon at the bottom. And, we provided options for beginners as well as people who have “all the gear” already.
The Best Backpacking Gear Available on Amazon
Tifosi Swank Sunglasses
I own two pairs of the Tifosi Swank sunglasses (30 bucks) and they float perpetually throughout my gear bags. Their quality and durability for their price are pretty stellar, although I have noticed some delam of the tortoiseshell graphic on the arms over time. Their polycarbonate lenses and Grilamid TR-90 keep the frames light, and they provide ample coverage of the eyes for spring skiing or a quick rip on a mountain bike.
Best for: The Perpetual Sunglasses-Misplacer
Patagonia Provisions Smoked Mussels
Canned seafood. Yep. These smoked mussels had a viral moment on TikTok last year, but outside of the limelight they hold their own for every foodie and camp cook out there. They swing in at a great price point. They require no hassle, no cooking.
NEMO Backpacking Pillow
Glitter Clog Crocs
Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
Leatherman Signal 19-in-1 Multitool
Bulk Miso Soup Mix
Deuter Aircontact Core 50L or 60L
NEMO Dragonfly OSMO Ultralight Backpacking Tent or Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL Ultralight Tent
How to Find Great Backpacking Gear on Amazon
Outdoor Brands You Can Find on Amazon
- ALPS Mountaineering
- BUFF
- Burton
- Carhartt
- CamelBak
- Camp Chef
- Coast
- Columbia
- Coleman
- Crocs
- Deuter
- EXPED
- Gerber Gear
- Gregory Mountain Products
- GSI Outdoors
- Helly Hansen
- KEEN Footwear
- Kelty
- Kershaw Sporting Goods
- Leatherman
- LifeStraw
- Merrell
- MSR
- Marmot
- Mountain Hardwear
- Nite Ize
- Osprey
- PackTowl
- Petzl
- Ruffwear
- Rumpl
- Salomon
- Sawyer
- Sea to Summit
- Sierra Designs
- Smartwool
- SOG Knives
- Spyder
- Spyderco
- Teva
- The North Face
- UCO Outdoor
- Victorinox