Dylan wearing his 40L backpack in the Bahamas

55 Travel Backpackers Gift Guide For Him in 2024

The Lifestyle Travelers contains affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost. Please read our disclaimer for more information.


LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT TRAVEL BACKPACKERS GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM!?

Buying gifts for a male travel backpacker is hard, and trust me, I know because I’m dating one! This travel backpackers gift guide for him covers fifty-five fantastic gift ideas that will make his backpacking journey easier! This gift guide covers gifts under $10, $25, $50, $100, and $150+ price ranges, yet each item on the list can benefit his trip!

Travel Backpackers Gift Guide For Him: An Overview

It can be hard to gather ideas on what to get a backpacker trying to live minimally and as lightweight as possible. This gift guide is a list of curated items designed for backpackers that will enhance their trip! Most of these items are what Dylan already uses and loves. Other items are gifts he thinks would benefit him (and other backpackers) well. Here’s what we’ll cover in this gift guide:

In this gift guide, I go over fifty five travel backpackers present ideas for him!

Travel Backpackers Gift Guide For Him: 55 Gift Ideas

Before we get into each item, I want to point out that meaningful gifts don’t have to take up a lot of room! Knowing that you’re thinking about what will be most helpful to them and their lifestyle is what matters the most! A handful of stocking stuffers or one to two high-quality backpacking items go a long way. Let’s get into it!

Gifts Under $10

First, let’s start with gifts under $10. These make great stocking stuffers or gift bag items and are very affordable! You can’t go wrong with a few essential travel items & necessary toiletries!

Travel size baby powder

 Johnsons Travel Size Baby Powder

Baby powder comes in handy more often than you think. Traveling with a backpack requires a LOT of walking, and bad chaffing can ruin a good day. It can also double as dry shampoo if he ever needs it.

Buy Baby Powder on Amazon Here

Hair Comb

A comb is a small yet practical gift for a traveling backpacker. It’s lightweight and works great for detangling his hair. It works well as a stocking stuffer or small gift before his travels!

Buy A Hair Comb on Amazon Here

Travel sized hand sanitizer from Pexels

Travel Size Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is essential when traveling. Travel days involve public transportation and restaurant meals, all great times to have hand sanitizer handy. Give him the gift of health and hygiene for his trip!

Buy Travel Size Hand Sanitizer Here

Travel-Sized Bug Spray Wipes

Bug spray wipes are a great alternative to travel-sized bug spray because they take up less space in a bag and don’t risk spilling. These wipes are a perfect gift if the traveling backpacker goes somewhere buggy, humid, or rainy. They can start with the wipes and buy more bug spray en route when needed!

Buy Bug Spray Wipes on Amazon Here

Carabiner

Lightweight Heavy Duty Carabiners

Carabiners are great gift items for any travel backpacker. They allow you to strap items to the outside of the backpack, making room on the inside! We’ve velcroed our sandals, shoes, and hats to a carabiner, saving us a ton of space!

Buy a 4-pack of Carabiners on Amazon Here

Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Travel Size

Travel-size sunscreen is always great to have in stock on trips to stay protected from the sun! Sunscreen is a good gift year-round but can be especially helpful to male travel backpackers going somewhere sunny! Sport sunscreen is exceptional for travelers for extra protection when sweating.

Buy Coopertone Sport Sunscreen on Amazon Here

Dylan holding a leather cover journal

Men’s Journal

If the male travel backpacker in your life likes to journal, draw, take notes, or is traveling on business, this men’s journal is a perfect addition to his pack. Dylan owns a similar one and enjoys the durability of the leather cover. It’s a great gift to encourage creativity on his trip!

Buy A Leather Journal on Amazon Here

Face, Hands & Body Lotion

Dylan loves this travel-size Dove lotion I bought him for his birthday! It comes in a small tin that is portable and lightweight. It smells fantastic, is light and non-greasy, and works on hands, face, and body.

Buy Dove’s Men Travel Size Lotion on Amazon Here

Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray

Clothes will inevitably get wrinkly and stinky when traveling out of a backpack. Dylan and I enjoy using this Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray in between washes to get rid of tough wrinkles and freshen up the scent of our clothes. It works great on different fabrics and can last a long time.

Buy a 2-pack of Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray Here

Tide To Go Stick

Spills can ruin a mood when you have limited clothing and must plan your laundry days as a travel backpacker. Tide-to-go sticks have been our saving grace when fixing stains quickly. They work on most fabrics and do not contain bleach.

Buy A 3-Pack of Tide To Go Sticks Here

Aquafor chapstick

Aquafor Lip Repair Ointment

A good chapstick always comes in handy on the road. Dry, chapped lips can result from higher elevation, colder temperatures, sunburn, or dehydration. We prefer Aquafor because it’s a soft, healing formula that is smooth and works well.

Buy Aquafor Lip Repair Ointment off Amazon Here

Mosquito Head Net Mesh

For male travel backpackers who are going on a trip where there will be bugs, this mosquito head net is a practical, lightweight, and compact gift item! It packs away neatly into a small bag for the times you don’t need it! A mosquito head net mesh is also great for hiking backpackers!

Buy A 2-pack Mosquito Head Net Mesh on Amazon Here

Dylan with his 40L REI Ruckpack in the Grand Bahamas

Gifts Under $25

Next up, we have gifts under $25! If you’re looking for present ideas for someone going traveling, this list contains affordable yet handy travel items for him. This price range for a gift offers many options, from travel gear to high-quality clothing items!

SmartWool Hiking Socks

Quality socks make or break a backpacking trip. Wool is the best material for travel socks. They are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-repelling. Most importantly, they also prevent blisters!

Buy Smartwool Hiking Socks on Amazon Here

Portable charger

Portable Charger

You never know when you will run out of charge without access to any outlets when traveling. A portable charger is essential to have on hand for long bus rides, on the airplane, or in any situation without power. You never know when you’ll run out of battery!

Buy A Portable Charger on Amazon Here

Travel Clothesline

A travel-size clothesline is a lightweight and functional gift for any backpacker who plans to dry their laundry. It works fantastic for after-beach trips or washing quality clothing by hand. We saw two other male backpackers use one and thought it was an impressive addition!

Buy The Sea To Summit Travel Clothesline Here

Universal travel adapter

Universal Travel Adapter

If the male travel backpacker you’re shopping for is going overseas, he may need a universal travel adapter. This adapter allows users to plug into US, Australian, European, and UK outlets. It also comes with USB and USB-C ports, allowing you to charge three devices simultaneously.

Buy a Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon Here

Harry’s Razors for Men

Harry’s is a quality yet affordable shaving brand for men. Dylan enjoys using their razors, shaving cream, and post-shaving balm on the go. This set has three razors and a shaver, so he’ll be set for his trip!

Buy Harry’s Razor Set on Amazon Here

One of the items I included in this travel backpackers gift guide for him is this Duke Cannon Shampoo Puck

Duke Cannon Mens Shampoo Puck

When traveling, a shampoo puck is a phenomenal alternative to liquid shampoo. They usually last a lot longer and are ideally packaged for a backpacker. Dylan was gifted this Duke Cannon puck. He loves it!

Buy a Duke Cannon Shampoo Puck on Amazon Here

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

If he doesn’t already have a toiletries bag to keep all his personal care items, it’s a great present to help him stay organized on the go. We love BAGSMART for its quality luggage organization. The amount of compartments this bag has is impressive!

Buy The BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Here

Travel size Harry's Shave Cream

Harry’s Travel Size Shave Cream

A travel-size shaving cream is a thoughtful gift for any male traveling backpacker. This Harry’s shaving cream works wonders because you only need a drop for a shave! It goes a long way when you put it on dry and then add water.

Buy Harry’s Travel Size Shave Cream Here

BAGSMART Laptop Case

For digital nomads or entrepreneurs who plan on working while they travel, this laptop case is a helpful gift to keep their computers protected. Once again, we love BAGSMART for their innovative luggage designs, and this laptop case is no different. Different laptop sizes are available on Amazon.

Buy The BAGSMART Laptop Case Here

One of the safety items I included in this travel backpackers gift guide for him is TSA-Approved Luggage Locks! We love the flexible cable cords that they have.

TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

As a travel backpacker who stays in hostels often, luggage locks are non-negotiable. They can lock up your belongings in storage lockers, or you can lock up your bag when you’re traveling. We bought a four-pack and recommend them because the cable cord is flexible for difficult locking positions.

Buy a 4-pack of TSA-Approved Luggage Locks Here.

Travel Cable Organizer

Keeping all your charging cords organized when traveling can be tricky. This travel tech cable organizer is great for keeping all chargers, SD cards, headphones, and other small electronics in one place. It’s a small enough design to where it doesn’t take up too much room, either.

Buy The Travel Cable Organizer Off Amazon Here

Fix Your Lid Forming Cream

Fix Your Lid Styling Cream

For all the male traveling backpackers who style their hair each morning, this Fix Your Lid styling cream is travel-size and works wonders. You only need a little bit to get the form you’re looking for to look fresh all day. It also smells great!

Buy Fix Your Lid Styling Cream on Amazon Here

Odor Eliminating Packs

I’ll admit that this item isn’t essential, but it can be helpful. These odor-eliminating packs are a great way to keep bags, socks, and gear smelling fresh on the road. After backpacking for a while, they’ll thank you for this gift!

Buy Odor Eliminating Packs Here

Sleeping bag liner

Sleeping Bag Liner

An innovative way to stay warm when traveling is to bring an ultralight sleeping bag liner! Travelers can use them on cold flights or buses, underneath bedding, or as a lightweight blanket alternative! The uses for this item are endless!

Buy a Sleeping Bag Liner on Amazon Here

Airalo eSIM

A unique gift for a travel backpacker is an international eSIM! We use Airalo because there are daily, weekly, and monthly packages in hundreds of countries, and you can download them straight to your phone! Before gifting this, make sure their phone is eSIM compatible!

Buy Them International Phone Data at Airalo Here

LED Headlamp

LED Headlamp

A headlamp might feel like a hiking and camping item, but trust me when I say it’s come in handy when traveling many times. We’ve used it in hotel rooms when other travelers are sleeping, on evening walks, and during power cuts in Ecuador.

Buy A Headlamp on Amazon Here

New Balance Lightweight Gloves

Gloves can be bulky, but these lightweight New Balance ones are perfect for backpacking. They’re wool liner gloves that are great for chilly nights, in between seasons, and underneath warmer gloves. These are great for travelers going somewhere chilly!

Buy New Balance Lightweight Gloves Here

Cell Phone Tripod

This present will speak to the male backpacker’s interests and hobbies. This iPhone tripod is a great gift option if he likes to take high-quality photos. It’s also great for solo travelers who won’t have anyone to take their picture!

Buy The Cell Phone Tripod on Amazon Here

Dylan hiking with his 40L REI Rucksack

Gifts Under $50

 This travel backpacker gift guide for him features high-quality clothing options on Amazon. They feature the brands we use, love, and trust. After backpacking for over two months, we can assure you that high-quality travel clothing makes a trip 100 times better!

SmartWool Neck Gaiter

A neck gaiter, sometimes known as a buff, is a remarkable addition to any travel wardrobe. It has many uses, including a face mask, scarf, or hat during colder temperatures. We own this Smartwool buff and love that it’s breathable and warm.

Buy The Smartwool Neck Gaiter on Amazon Here

One of the most important things to remember when packing for a trip is packing layers. In this travel backpackers gift guide for him I include the softest base layer shirts!

32-Degrees 4-Pack Quick Dry Under Shirts

One of the biggest packing tips I can give for a traveling backpacker is to pack layers! Dylan packed THREE of these 32-degree quick dry shirts to wear to sleep, on their own, or under sweaters. They are comfortable, breathable, and light.

Buy 32-Degrees Under Shirts on Amazon Here

Tripped Compression Packing Cubes

If the male you’re shopping for is looking to do some ultralight backpacking, compression packing cubes are one of the gifts that will help him succeed in that mission! These packing cubes not only keep clothing organized, but they also have a double zip to compress them after everything is inside! Dylan can attest to how durable the stitching and zippers are.

Buy Tripped Compression Packing Cubes Here

A travel towel is a must bring! I cover why in this travel backpackers gift guide for him

Sea To Summit Drylite Travel Towel

Dylan and I both own this Sea to Summit Drylite Travel Towel. It’s a great way to save money on the road because many hostels require you to pay for towels. They compact down very small, are microfiber, and are quick-drying.

Buy The Sea to Summit Drylite Travel Towel on Amazon Here

Avalanche Lightweight Fleece Hoodie

Speaking of layers, finding warmer ones that don’t take up space in a pack can feel challenging. This Avalanche fleece hoodie has been a staple in Dylan’s bag because it is lightweight yet warm and comfortable. The neutral colors available online also match everything!

Buy This Avalanche Lightweight Fleece Hoodie Here

Dylan wearing this 20L Sea to Summit Daypack that I included in this travel backpackers gift guide for him

Sea to Summit Ultralight 20L Daypack

One of the best travel purchases Dylan ever made was this ultralight packable daypack. It packs down smaller than the palm of your hand, can be clipped to a bag from its carabiner, and is extremely useful. It’s perfect for day trips, grocery store runs, or an afternoon out on the town.

Buy The Sea to Summit Ultralight 20L Daypack Here

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs

Uncomfortable underwear while traveling can lead to a terrible trip. Comfortable and breathable travel underwear is a must, especially when sitting and walking for long periods. These ExOfficio briefs are some of Dylan’s absolute favorites.

Buy ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief Here

STNKY Travel Laundry Bag

If you’d like advice on what to gift your backpacking boyfriend, consider getting a travel laundry bag! It’s a great way to separate clean and dirty clothing. You can even throw the entire bag in the washing machine! It’s a travel item that we won’t go anywhere without!

Buy The Travel Laundry Bag on Amazon Here

Dylan wearing his 40L backpack in the Bahamas

Gifts Under $100

If $100 is your gift budget, this category is for you! The gifts listed are high-quality items that keep the traveling backpacker warm, comfortable, dry, and safe. Let’s dive into a few of these higher-ticket price quality items.

Eddie Bauer Down Hooded Jacket

This Eddie Bauer down jacket on Amazon is a steal for a down jacket. We went into an outdoor store in Ecuador and saw the same one marked up for three times the price!! It’s super warm, comfortable, and, most importantly, packs down extremely small.

Buy The Eddie Bauer Down Hoodie Jacket on Amazon Here

Dylan posing with a monkey with his prAna shorts

prAna Brion Shorts II

For pants and shorts, Dylan is obsessed with the brand prAna. These shorts are quick-drying, lightweight, and breathable. They also look like khakis, perfect for looking presentable while traveling.

Buy The prAna Brion Shorts on Amazon Here

RFID Blocking Travel Size Wallet

Dylan was gifted this RFID-blocking carbon fiber wallet a few years back, and it’s still going strong! It’s lightweight, provides financial protection, and has a lifetime warranty. It’s perfect for carrying only essential cards, cash, and identification on the road.

Buy The RFID Blocking Travel Size Wallet Here

A GRAYL water filter waterbottle is a must and I say why in this travel backpackers gift guide for him

GRAYL GeoPress Water Filter

If the male backpacker in your life is traveling somewhere where potable water is limited and unfiltered, this filtered water bottle is a high-quality gift he will use. We brought this same water bottle to South America! It’s one of the best water bottle filtration options we’ve found on the market.

Buy The GRAYL GeoPress Water Filter Here

Sunski Polarized Sunglasses

Dylan once bought Sunski polarized sunglasses and won’t stop talking about them! These are high-quality sunglasses for a great price. You can purchase interchangeable lenses, and the glasses have peripheral sun blockers that are great for outdoor activities!

Buy Sunski Polarized Sunglasses Here

Dylan wearing his prAna stretch pants! A great present I talk about in this travel backpackers gift guide for him.

prAna Stretch Zion Slim Pants II

When you pack a few quality pants, you’re good to go for a backpacking trip. These prAna stretch pants are comfortable, stretchy, quick-drying, and odor-repelling. They have a built-in belt and button cuffs. Dylan can easily wear these for a week straight!

Buy The prAna Stretch Zion Pants on Amazon Here

Sea to Summit Dry Bags 3-Pack

For extra luggage storage that will keep travelers’ belongings dry, we recommend this Sea to Summit Dry Bag 3-Pack. These are perfect for canoeing or kayaking, trips to the beach or a waterfall, or any snowy destination! They have removable straps; you can also wear them like a crossbody bag.

Buy Sea to Summit Dry Bag’s Here

Dylan and I wearing our rain coats on a Arizona trail

Columbia Men’s Rainjacket

No matter where the male backpacker travels, they should always pack a rain jacket! Columbia is known for their quality outdoor clothing; my Columbia rain jacket lasted me years. This one is available on Amazon for a reasonable price.

Buy A Columbia Rainjacket Here

Sea-to-Summit Inflatable Travel Pillow

Let’s make a pact to ditch the original neck pillows for these inflatable travel pillows in 2025! An inflatable travel pillow packs down small, can be inflated to the traveler’s comfort level, and is washable! They’re perfect for planes, buses, or extra comfort at hostels.

Buy The Sea-to-Summit Inflatable Travel Pillow Here

SafetyWing Insurance

Is the travel backpacker going to be gone for a long time? If so, consider gifting him with SafetyWing travel insurance! We purchase medical insurance and electronics theft every month for an affordable price. Using our link, you can get $20 OFF the first month!

Get $20 OFF Safety Wing Travel Insurance Here

Dylan wearing his backpack in Venice

Gifts $150+

We’re now entering the luxury travel backpackers gift guide for him! These gifts cost over $100 and include ways to enrich his trip through travel entertainment. Make sure you ask about his travel needs, interests, and preferences before committing to one of these items!

Brooks Men’s Divide 4 Trail Runner Shoes

An all-terrain everyday shoe that he can wear out on the town or the trail is a fantastic gift idea because shoes can take up a lot of room in a bag. Dylan bought these Brooks Divide 4s after we left for our trip because he realized that running shoes weren’t up for the cut. These are lightweight, comfortable, and have great tread.

Buy Brooks Divide 4 Trail Runners Here

Amazon kindle

Amazon Kindle

If he enjoys reading, an Amazon Kindle is a lightweight device that allows him to read books on the Kindle store. It has a glare-free design and 16GB of storage. When traveling, packing physical books is bulky and heavy, so a Kindle is a practical alternative.

Buy The Amazon Kindle Here

GoPro Hero 12 Black

If he loves to capture his adventures when traveling, this GoPro Hero 12 is a lightweight, high-quality action camera that’s up for the challenge. With a wide-angle fisheye lens, these cameras capture all the action! It’s also durable and waterproof, so he never has to worry about it getting wet.

Buy A GoPro Hero 12 Black Here

Dylan showing his Garmin watch on a hike

Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch

A smartwatch is a practical yet meaningful gift for any male travel backpacker. Dylan loves his Garmin Vivoactive 4 because it tracks his workouts, sleep schedule, and overall health. It also has a GPS signal that allows you to record your location during different activities!

Buy The Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch Here

Apple AirPods Max

Good quality headphones are must-haves for long travel days. These are Apple noise-canceling AirPods perfect for airplanes, working, or getting a good night’s sleep. They’re also wireless, reducing the amount of cords!

Buy Apple AirPods Max on Amazon Here

Photo from the drone

DJI SE Mini 2 Drone

Once again, if they’re into photography and videography, you may consider gifting a drone! The SE Mini 2 is a quality beginner drone that does not require registration. It captures all the panoramic shots we’re looking for when we travel!

Buy The DJI SE Mini 2 Drone Here

GetYourGuide Gift card

If you’re unsure what to gift the travel backpacker, you can play it safe and buy them a gift card! We recommend gifting a GetYourGuide gift card for travelers who love to do activities and tours on trips. It’s a safe bet that gifts them travel experiences!

Buy A GetYourGuide Gift card Here

Dylan posing with his REI rucksack

Wrapping Up: Travel Backpackers Gift Guide For Him

Well, there you have it! Fifty-five gift ideas for the traveling backpacker in this guide for him. We hope you found some present inspiration that aligns with your budget and his interests. Happy shopping!