Backpacking gear is the perfect gift for an adventure mom who loves the outdoors.
For adventurous moms who love the outdoors, get them something they really want this year. Rather than the traditional flowers, perfume, or home goods route, why not show the intrepid mothers in your life how much you really see them and care about their interests and passions?
Whether heading to the local trail for a day hike, public lands for an overnight adventure, or the backcountry for a longer multi-day hiking trip, trail mavens will appreciate anything on the below list, curated specifically for backpackers who are interested in lightweight and hard-wearing gear.
Gnara: Go There Pants
Gnara Go There Pants
Possibly the best outdoor pants on the market, the Gnara Go There Pants have the most useful functionality for women adventurers. Yes, there are deep pockets. Yes, the fabric is stretchy and water-repellent. Yes, the legs are adjustable and cinchable for desired length. It’s the patented GoFly Pee Zipper, however, that sets these pants apart from all others. Finally, women can safely do their business on the trail while maintaining privacy and convenience. These will most certainly be the adventure-mom’s go-to hiking garment.
Available at www.gnara.com.
SITKA: Women’s Dew Point Jacket
Anyone who has been backpacking for a while knows that it’s important to always bring along rain gear, even if you don’t think a downpour is in the cards. The Women’s Dew Point Jacket from SITKA, which is waterproof and lightweight, has an adjustable hood, deep front pockets, and an cinchable waist. Pair the jacket with the matching Women’s Dew Point Pant, which is also packable, durable, and waterproof, and your mom will be good to go.
Available at www.sitkagear.com.
Exped: Lightning 45
Exped’s Lightning 45
As the weather warms up and your mom starts planning her next big trek, make sure she’s ready with one of the best lightweight packs for backpacking. Exped’s Lightning 45 is only 39.9 ounces yet it’s big enough to carry everything she’ll need while on an overnight adventure. This bag is water-repellent with a roll top closure. Plenty of pockets, including useful ones on the hip belt, are standouts and it comes in two different colors—black or forest. Bonus: the women’s version of this pack has shorter shoulder straps and hip belt for a better fit. If she’s trying to shed some weight, but needs a sturdy bag, this is it!
Available at www.expedusa.com.
Nomadix: The Ultralight Towel
Just because your mom is camping, it doesn’t mean she’ll have to be filthy the whole time. It’s easy enough to bring along a lightweight towel and small bar of eco-soap so that she can clean up on-the-go. Or, if she’d rather eschew bathing while on the trail, she can always use this towel as a picnic blanket or place to spread out her gear. The Ultralight Towel from Nomadix is everything she’ll need in an absorbent cloth: it’s packable, odor-resistant, quick-drying, soft, and it comes in over a dozen different fun colors.
Available at www.nomadix.co.
LEKI: Sherpa FX Carbon Poles
The Sherpa FX Carbon hiking poles
The new Sherpa Collection from LEKI offers a lightweight pole that is good for year-round adventures—yes, you read that right! Whether your mom loves to tackle the slopes in the wintertime or hike to the top of mountains in warmer weather when the wildflowers bloom, these poles are sturdy and up to the task.
The Sherpa FX Carbon sticks are lightweight, foldable into three sections, and incredibly durable—even on those long multi-day backpacking trips where poles are needed to safely make accents, descents, and water crossings.
Available at www.lekiusa.com.
Copper Compression: Powerknit Knee High Socks
The Copper Compression collection is a game changer for those who suffer from achy feet and legs while hiking for long hours on the trail. Whether your mom will need arch support, foot recovery, or even bunion relief, help is on the way. You may even want to purchase calf or knee sleeves for her to make sure that her feet and gams are protected for any activity she wants to participate in. These copper-infused products provide needed respite and support for joints, tendons, and muscles.
The Powerknit Knee High Socks are an affordable way to make it through challenging training sessions, day hikes, or overnight adventures. Inflammation will stay in check and the blood will keep flowing, keeping legs and feet strong and healthy.
Available at www.coppercompression.com.
Ultimate Direction: Fastpackher 30 2.0
Flashpackher 30 2.0
For a long day hike, look no further than the Fastpackher 30 2.0 from Ultimate Direction. This lightweight pack has a great zipper in the front for important need-to-grab items. There’s a huge stash pocket that is ideal for packing out trash or stuffing a warm outer layer like a puffer or rain jacket. Two pockets in the front can carry extra water, gels, and snacks. The women’s design is made to fit shorter and smaller frames. Amazingly, the bag fits like a running vest yet the weight of extra items is secured in the back properly for comfort on the trail. Plus, the color—a powder blue—is a cool option.
Available at www.ultimatedirection.com.
MSR: PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
If your mom is on an overnight adventure, and she’ll be cooking plenty of dehydrated meals from Backpacker’s Pantry, she’ll need a stove that is lightweight and easy to pack in her bag. The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove has a handy push-start igniter, and a pressure regulator means that her food will heat up fast. It’s details like the wind-blocking burner lip that really set this stove apart from others on the market.
Available at www.mrsgear.com.
Exped: FlexMat
FlexMat
A lightweight mat for under your sleeping bag is not only useful for comfort, but also, for warmth. The Exped FlexMat is a foam mat that is perfect for three seasons of outdoor fun. It can also be combined with an air mattress, like the Ultra 3R, as well as an air pillow, like the Ultra Pillow, should your mom need more cushion and insulation for a good night’s sleep. Additionally, the mat can be used to sit on while at camp or during hiking breaks. Every little bit counts—this well-designed product is versatile and hardwearing.
Available at www.expedusa.com.
