Find out their bag size
If they already have a big pack, smaller add-ons like dry bags and towels are a better fit than another backpack.
Gifts for adventure travellers on the move
Adventure travellers live out of one bag, so every item has to pull its weight. These are the practical gifts we'd pack for hostels, treks and long bus rides.
Gift ideas for the road
Packable, practical gear for travellers who carry everything themselves.
THE BIG GIFT
Backpacks for trekking, travel and everything between.
What to prioritise
Pack once
Hiking & Trekking Backpacks
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KEEP IT DRY
Dry bags that keep gear safe from rain and spray.
What to prioritise
Stays dry
Waterproof Bags
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QUICK DRY
Light, quick-drying towels that pack down small.
What to prioritise
Packs small
Microfibre Towels
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HOSTEL HERO
Liners for a clean layer in hostels and huts.
What to prioritise
Sleep easy
Sleeping Bag Liners
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TROPICS READY
Mosquito nets and repellent for tropical trips.
What to prioritise
Bite defence
Travel Health & Hygiene
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EASY WIN
Bum bags, pouches and wallets for passports and cash.
What to prioritise
Keep close
Small Bags
Shop the RangeWhat makes a good adventure travel gift
Earns its space
Travellers with one bag weigh up every item. Gifts that are light, pack small or do more than one job are the ones that make the cut.
Copes with the elements
Monsoon rain, boat rides and river crossings are all part of the fun. Waterproof and quick-drying gear keeps their trip on track.
Keeps valuables close
Passports, cards and phones need a safe home on busy streets and night buses. A slim bum bag or travel wallet gives real peace of mind.
Suits where they're going
A tropical island trip and an alpine trek call for different kit. Ask about their next destination before you pick.
Gift-giving tips
Gift before they book
Gear given ahead of a trip gets packed straight away, so it pays to know their travel plans.
Go for repeat-use items
Towels, liners and dry bags come along on every trip, so they keep giving long after the first adventure.
Gift ideas at a glance
| Gift | Why they'll love it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking & Trekking Backpacks | One bag that carries the whole trip | Fit matters, so check their torso length |
| Waterproof Bags | Keeps clothes and tech dry in any weather | A few small ones help organise a pack |
| Microfibre Towels | Dries fast and packs into a pocket | Large sizes suit beaches and hostels |
| Sleeping Bag Liners | A clean, cosy layer anywhere they sleep | Silk is lightest, cotton feels softest |
| Travel Health & Hygiene | Fewer bites on tropical trips | Check health advice for their destination |
| Small Bags | Passports and cash stay close and secure | Slim styles sit flat under clothing |
Help it last
- Air out backpacks and liners after each trip before storing them.
- Wash microfibre towels without fabric softener so they stay absorbent.
- Rinse dry bags after salt water and dry them open before rolling up.
- Store mosquito nets loosely folded in their pouch, away from sharp items.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good gift for a backpacker?
Think about the things that make life on the road easier. A quick-drying microfibre towel, a set of dry bags and a sleeping bag liner all pack small and get used almost daily. If they don't yet own a proper travel pack, a trekking backpack is the bigger gift that underpins every trip.
Should I buy a travel backpack as a surprise?
It can work, but fit matters with bigger packs. Backpacks carry best when they suit the wearer's back length, and larger trekking packs often come in different fits. If you're unsure, a smaller add-on like a dry bag or travel bum bag is a safer surprise.
What do adventure travellers need for tropical trips?
Mosquito nets and repellent are worth packing for many tropical destinations. Lightweight dry bags help in sudden downpours, and quick-dry towels cope with humid weather. It's always wise to check official health advice for their destination before they go.
What are small gifts for travellers?
Microfibre towels, sleeping bag liners, small dry bags and travel wallets all make easy small gifts. They're light, simple to wrap and useful on trips of any length. Many travellers happily carry a few of each to stay organised.
How do I keep a traveller's valuables safe?
A slim bum bag, neck pouch or travel wallet keeps passports and cards close to the body. Styles that sit flat under clothing are less obvious in crowded places. Pairing one with a small dry bag also protects documents from rain.
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Set them up for the next adventure
Wherever they're heading, practical gear that packs small will be with them the whole way.
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