64 of the Best Gifts Under $50 for Hikers, Cyclists, Backpackers, Climbers, and General Outdoorsy People You Love

From skiers to cyclists, thru-hikers to hardcore triathletes, it’s a fact that outdoor gear can get pricey, fast. Every December, as you check names off your “nice” list, you might feel the pressure to spend big bucks to get the outdoors person in your life the gift of their dreams.

Not so, readers. Skip the stress of trying to wrap a carbon-fiber mountain bike, and free yourself from considering a Buy Now, Pay Later service for a fancy set of backcountry skis. Our editors compiled the best gifts under $50 for the outdoorsy person in your life. The misty mountaintop views and early morning sunrises can’t be put on a credit card, but your loved ones will absolutely appreciate the small-but-mighty gear that helps them get there.

Backpacking and Hiking Gifts Under $50

Rain pogies for your trekking poles. A tiny thermometer to help ultralighters balance weight and warmth. Platform tent anchors for less than a drip coffee. A water-resistant waist pack that’s perfect for thru-hike side quests. The ultimate navigation tool and co-pilot.  For the practical, a technical cleaner perfect for waterproof gear. The camping pillow that has no business being this good at this price. This do-it-all piece of fabric is a must (and you can never have too many). We’re actually shocked that this Backpacker editor-approved headlamp is only $30. A non-climbing carabiner that hides a fire-starting spark wheel and a multi-tool kit. Noise-cancelling ear plugs for thru-hikers on popular trails who want to pretend they’re actually sleeping alone in the woods. Some of the softest underwear we’ve ever worn, on the trail or off. This $22 strap pocket will quickly become indispensable on their pack.

Fitness and Wellness Gifts Under $50

A basic, functional, classic sports watch that does everything you need (and nothing you don’t). Genius—a mini-foam roller the size of a water bottle, perfect for destination races. An aesthetically pleasing handheld water bottle for sweaty training runs. An under-$50 travel wallet the prevents electronic theft. A sure crowd-pleaser for everyone from a picky tween to your mother-in-law who loves pickleball. Personalized shoe tags (pair with a sentimental message for race day). Our office is obsessed with this water enhancer and electrolyte booster. The chicest water filter we’ve ever seen. Everyone always wants more socks. A mesh hat from this streetwear-inspired running brand is sure to make them feel cool. There’s no such thing as owning too many pairs of $25 sunglasses. Surprisingly great running shorts for the price. Fancy nail strengthening cream, right this way. The fancy kind of sunscreen, in an adorable packaged gift set. This green juice for your face makes every post-run shower feel like a trip to the spa.

Food, Drink, and Consumable Gifts Under $50

An actually adorable (but not childish) lunch container. A deceptively simple brew straw for coffee and tea on the trail. A YETI food container for under $40. On-the-go, high quality coffee, with a minimum of fussy equipment. Watermelon-flavored high-performance gummies (yes, THOSE kind of gummies). For the car camping chef who refuses to settle for bland food. Trust us, everyone needs one (or more) of these. There’s no such thing as too much miniature hot sauce. Not the sexiest gift, but these humble water treatment drops have the potential to prevent your favorite backpacker’s next bout of giardia, and that’s priceless. Our cycling and running editors agree this is their high-carb fuel of choice. The weirdest twist on instant coffee we’ve ever seen (complimentary). Recovery drink mix that doesn’t taste like lemon-lime sports drink. Just a really good dehydrated backpacking meal.

Ski Gifts Under $50

The fuzzy après-ski hat you never knew you needed. Wind-blocking gloves, enough said. Our go-to cold weather headband. Jellycat mittens, for the young and the young at heart. One SPF lip balm isn’t enough, so we love that this one comes in a three-pack. A candle that just smells rich, like a luxury trip to Aspen (but plays nice with the price tag). The perfect—perfect—après sipper for those 21 and older. A plant-based cleaner and conditioner we learned about from a professional ski technician. This membership tracks snowfall at 3,300+ resorts.

Climbing Gifts Under $50

The legendary quickdraw with the perfectly sculpted ‘biners beloved by serious sport climbers. A beginner-friendly chalk bag that holds way more than chalk. The climber’s equivalent to duct tape, used for everything from first aid to gear patches to even a makeshift stick clip. A roll-on balm that saves trashed hands. Forget crystal balls—this creative deck and guidebook uses the language of climbing to unlock meaingful reflection. These insulated rubber gloves were originally designed for fishing, but savvy ice climbers have discovered them as a warmth hack (under $30). Monstrously fun chalk bags for kids (or adults, really). An under-$50 sun shelter to hang in between attempts (quick set-up, too).

Cycling Gifts Under $50

The silent savior when you need a tiny, critical part you’ll only notice when your journey depends on it. The pocket-sized powerhouse that helps road cyclists put a tube into a tubeless tire. The water bottles our cycling editors swear are noticeably better than every other water bottle out there. Custom training plans, real-time coaching, ride metrics, and route creation—and yes, it’s under $50. These insoles helped save our senior cycling editor from numbness and pain while wearing cycling shoes. Just a really nice water bottle cage. An upgrade to whatever cheap drugstore razor they’ve been using to shave their legs.