Amber in New England | Updated: November 2025

Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoors enthusiast in your life? Whether they're a seasoned thru-hiker or a casual weekend warrior, you don't have to break the bank to find high-quality, genuinely useful gear.

We've scoured the best budget-friendly finds to bring you 30+ affordable gifts for hikers and campers, all priced under $50!

💡 Safety & Emergency: Gear for Peace of Mind

These are non-negotiable essentials that provide security and are always appreciated by cautious adventurers.

1. Rechargeable Headlamp (Nitecore NU25 / Black Diamond Astro): ~($25–$40) Say goodbye to AAA batteries! Modern rechargeable headlamps are brighter, lighter, and more eco-friendly. A headlamp keeps hands free, but you can also gift a small flashlight as a backup for extra control. The Nitecore NU25 or Black Diamond Astro models are top-rated budget picks.

2. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System: ~($25–$40) This is one of the most popular and reliable personal water filters. It’s lightweight, affordable, and an absolute essential for any hiker planning more than a day trip.

3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: ~($15–$25) A great, minimalist backup for water purification. You can put this straw directly into running water and drink from it, filtering out bacteria and parasites.

4. Compact First Aid Kit (My Medic - Solo): ~($15–$30) Injuries happen! Carrying a first aid kit is vital. Look for lightweight, compact, and water-resistant options like the My Medic - Solo kit.

5. Pyro Putty Fire Starter (Winter Blend): ~($15–$20) Perfect assistance for starting a fire almost anywhere. A little bit of putty can burn for several minutes, giving hikers time to get a proper fire going. It's cost-effective and a great tool for emergencies.

6. Storm Proof Matches: ~($5–$10) Rain, wind, and snow are no match for these specialized matches. A cheap, lightweight, and critical backup for fire starting.

7. Emergency Mylar Blanket: ~($5–$10) These waterproof, weatherproof blankets are incredibly light and reflect body heat to keep a hiker warm if temperatures suddenly drop or they get delayed on the trail.

8. SUUNTO MC-2 Compass: ~($40–$50) A high-quality compass is a foundational piece of safety gear. Don't rely solely on a phone. Learning or practicing old-school navigation is always a good idea if the battery dies.

👣 Comfort & Protection: Trail Must-Haves

Small, practical items that increase comfort and are often needed as replacements for well-loved gear.

9. Premium Hiking Socks (Smartwool): ~($15–$30) A hiker can never have enough quality socks. Brands like Smartwool are legendary for comfort, durability, and often a lifetime guarantee.

10. A Versatile BUFF® or Neck Gaiter: ~($15–$30) This simple tube of fabric is incredibly versatile: a scarf, a headband, a face covering, or a beanie. It protects from sun, dust, and cold.

11. Merino Wool Beanie or Sun Cap: ~($15–$30) Choose a warm Merino Wool Beanie for camp and cold days, or a moisture-wicking, quick-dry Sun Cap ('Dad Hat') for sun protection and managing sweat on the trail.

12. All-Natural Chapstick: ~($5) Wind, cold, and dry weather wreak havoc on lips. Brands like Burt's Bees are natural, affordable, and essential.

13. Bug Repellent & The Bug Bite Thing: ~($10–$20) Bug Repellent (like a vegan option from Meow Meow Tweet) is a must for fighting off mosquitos, gnats, and ticks. For the inevitable bite, the Bug Bite Thing painlessly removes toxins using a suction cup.

🛠️ Utility & Camp Life: Smart Upgrades

Innovative gear, ultralight necessities, and items that enhance the camp experience.

14. Anker PowerCore Mini Power Bank: ~($20–$30) Small, light, and powerful enough to fully charge a phone once. Essential for GPS/navigation on long day hikes.

15. Toaks Light Titanium Pot (550ml or 750ml): ~($30–$45) A classic ultralight upgrade. This small titanium pot is incredibly light and perfect for boiling water for coffee or dehydrated meals.

16. The TentLab The Deuce Trowel: ~($20) This tiny, ultralight titanium tool is an essential part of responsible Leave No Trace ethics for properly burying waste.

17. FlipFuel Fuel Transfer Device: ~($30) A clever device that lets hikers combine the leftover fuel from partially empty isobutane canisters into one full one, reducing waste and bulk.

18. Hydro Flask Insulated Mug or Water Bottle: ~($17–$35) A popular choice for keeping drinks hot or cold. Gifting a quality, reusable water bottle is also a great eco-conscious choice.

19. Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Patches: ~($8–$15) An incredibly practical gift for repairing rips in tents, down jackets, and sleeping bags on the fly. It saves expensive gear and extends its life.

20. Humangear GoBites Uno Spork: ~($5) A simple, high-quality titanium or durable plastic spork, an indispensable stocking stuffer!

📍 New England Exclusives: Local Focus & High-Value Brands

These are items that celebrate the hiker's favorite trails and support Northeast-based companies.

21. Darn Tough: (~$18–$30) A hiker can never have enough quality socks, and a pair of Darn Tough socks is the unofficial uniform of the New England hiker. Made in Northfield, Vermont, they are legendary for durability, comfort, and an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

22. UnTapped Maple Energy Gels & Waffles: (~$10–$20) Skip the generic chews and gift pure Vermont Maple Syrup energy! UnTapped makes all-natural energy gels and waffles right in the Northeast. This is a fun, regional, and performance-boosting stocking stuffer.

23. New England Hiking Guidebook: ($15–$30) An actual physical guidebook is a perfect gift. Choose a specific book like the AMC White Mountain Guide or a local CT/MA/VT trail compilation over a National Park book to maximize regional relevance.

24. Personalized Trail Map Art (Etsy): (~$25–$49) Look on Etsy for sellers creating personalized art, ornaments, or coasters that feature a topographic map of their favorite New England trail (e.g., the Presidential Range, Mount Katahdin, or a local segment of the AT). This is a unique, sentimental keepsake.

25. State Hiker Ornament/Coasters: (~$15–$25) A low-cost, personalized gift celebrating their home state or a favorite travel spot (NH, VT, ME, MA). Look for unique designs like raw steel state outlines with a hiker cut-out.

✨ Unique & Fun: Experience Enhancers

Gifts for enjoyment, memory-keeping, and celebrating a love for the outdoors.

26. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: ~($80) This is the one exception to the $50 rule due to its high value. It grants entry to all U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands for an entire year.

27. Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth: ~($20) A fantastic, game-changing item for female hikers. It's a self-cleaning cloth that eliminates the need for toilet paper when peeing outdoors.

28. Goodr OG Polarized Sunglasses: ~($25) Polarized, non-slip, and stylish, all for a price that won't sting if they get lost on the trail.

29. Trail Journal or Log: ~($15–$25) A small, weatherproof notebook for documenting adventures. Look on Etsy for a customized version with prompts or their personalized trail name.

30. National Park Scratch-Off Map: ~($20–$35) A fun, functional gift for friends and family attempting to visit every National Park. They can scratch off the corresponding spot after each visit!

31. Specialty Snacks or Reusable Bags: ~($5–$20) High-end energy chews, gourmet dehydrated meals, or reusable snack bags are a great way to show you care about both their fuel and the environment.

32. State Hiker Ornament: ~($15–$25) A fun, personalized gift. Look for unique designs like raw steel state outlines with a hiker cut-out, celebrating their home state or a favorite travel spot.

When it comes to outdoor gear, the most appreciated gift is almost always the one thats thoughtful and fills a need.

Whether you choose a fresh pair of Darn Tough socks, the ingenious Bug Bite Thing, or a vital safety tool like a Pyro Putty canister, you’re giving the gift of comfort, preparedness, and peace of mind on the trail. Stop overthinking the big-ticket items. These affordable essentials are what make a good trip great.

Now go forth, conquer your shopping list, and inspire someone's next great adventure!