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What Makes A Good Gift For A Backpacker?

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The following question was asked in our travel forums yesterday:

My sister and her fiance are travelling South America for 6 months, I’d like to get them something for christmas that they’ll use out there that isn’t a guidebook. Either individual or for the both of them.

Anyone any ideas? Anything you took that was invaluable or needed and couldn’t find? Any help at all would be appreciated, thanks. (link)

It got me to thinking – what does make a good gift to give a backpacker? Christmas is coming, after all – and if you’re going travelling, putting together a wishlist (for generous relatives and friends) isn’t too bad an idea.

Well, backpackers are generally planning to travel for extended periods so you’re going to want things that are:

• portable – unless you plan on hiring a donkey for several months you’re going have to be able to carry everything yourself.
• durable – backpackers are generally travelling on a very tight budget, so gear that lasts is very important.
• useful – no point carrying something that you don’t and won’t need.

So, with those three main factors in mind, here’s what I would suggest as possible gifts for backpackers:

• Backpack
  

A good backpack ($99 – $265) is essential for long-distance budget travel. Something that is durable, but light, is ideal. (Tips for selection here and here). BackpackEurope has quite a useful list of popular backpacks here.

If they already have a backpack, you could always get a Pacsafe backpack protector ($64.95) to protect the pack from theft.

• Money Belt
  

A safe place to stash your cash and passport, out of sight (and reach) of pickpockets. You can get a fairly simple one, like the Rick Steves Moneybelt ($12.95) or something more robust, like the Pacsafe Coversafe ($17.95 – incl anti-theft protection).

• Travel Towel
  

Travel towels are specially designed to be super-absorbent, ultra-light and to dry very quickly. Far better than a normal towel if you’re on the move.

There’s a wide range available on Amazon.com ($7-$30, depending on make and size).

• Swiss Army Knife
  

On the road there’s always something that needs cutting, or bottles and cans that need opening.

There’s a mind-boggling selection of Swiss Army Knives to choose from but something like this one ($21.00) should do the trick.

• Torch
  

Also a must-have. Not a very exciting gift, though, unless you go for something like the Flaresafe: torch, smoke detector and SOS emitter all-in-one ($96.00).

You could also choose one of these high quality Swiss Army torches ($24-$46).

• Additional (Useful) Accessories
  

If you’re looking for smaller items to fill a Christmas stocking, try Pacsafe’s TSA combination padlocks ($9.95), secure mini combination lock ($8.95) or the secure address cable lock ($8.95).

‘Stuff Sacks’ can also come in very handy (prices range from $6 to $14.50)

So, there we are. I hope that covers most of the essentials. If anyone has any further suggestions, or comments, hit the ‘comments’ link below this post and let rip!

Some useful related resources for backpackers:
Eagle Creek backpacks – backpacks from Eagle Creek
REI.com Travel Packs – travel packs from REI.com
Travel Gear Tips – tips on travel gear selection
Places to buy backpacks – an online selection of backpack retailers.

Please note: All prices quoted are in US $. Some are approximations, based on currency conversions done at the time of publication. All may be subject to change. This article has not been commissioned by any of the retailers mentioned.

(Photo up top: ‘piermario’/Flickr)

Posted in General Travel, Travel Gear, Travel Tips & Planning