Best gifts for backpackers

photo Michael and Lindsay Resler
If there's one thing Michael and Lindsay Resler learned via their thru-hike of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, it's this: Two heads are better than one, even if your husband likes to "Hustle" along the trail and you prefer to go with the "Flow," as their trail names suggest. So we asked the husband-wife duo to put their minds together to compile a list of top-notch gear any backpacker would enjoy, regardless of their speed.
photo North Face Blue Kazoo Sleeping Bag
North Face Blue Kazoo Sleeping Bag

At the end of a long day, your sleeping bag is your best friend, the thru-hiking couple says, and in the fall and spring, there's no better friend than the Blue Kazoo. The water-resistant mummy bag promises a warm night's sleep even in wet conditions down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and its anti-compression pads keep heat evenly distributed to prevent cold spots.

$279-$309

photo MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0
MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0

Give the gift of functionality with this compact light that's able to handle any situation. The Luci is solar powered and enclosed in an inflatable casing that collapses down to just 1 inch, making the light both easily packable and waterproof. It also has an adjustable strap for easy hanging, adding some convenience to early mornings and late evenings in the tent.

$19.95

photo Adidas Terrex Swift R GTX
Adidas Terrex Swift R GTX

Shoes from Adidas' Terrex line are reportedly built for fast hiking on rugged terrain, and Michael's hustle has proven that claim many times over. His breathable, lightweight shoes lasted him 1,300 miles on the AT - blowing past the 500- to 1,000-mile average for hiking boots - and their high-traction rubber outsole made him unstoppable on wet and slippery surfaces, he says.

$135

photo Jetboil MicroMo Cooking System
Jetboil MicroMo Cooking System

For the hiker hoping to eat well but travel light, this 12-ounce stove is a must-have. Despite its compact design, the MicroMo does not sacrifice cooking ability, and its bottom cover even doubles as a measuring cup and bowl. Pair the system with a Jetboil pot or frying pan, the Reslers add, and you'll be providing your gift's recipient with great meals for shorter trips where pack weight isn't an issue.

$129.95

photo Smartwool Midweight Long Underwear
Smartwool Midweight Long Underwear

If your hiker is gearing up for a long trip, send him or her off with a pair of this delicate yet surprisingly durable undergarment, which Hustle and Flow guarantee will stay amazingly clean even after trekking through the woods for a week without a shower.

$95

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