The 10 Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Backpackers of 2021
What do outdoorsy moms want? The same thing all hikers want: Quality gear that will make their next hike more comfortable and fun. From neat camp lighting to an ultra-flexible boot, here are our favorite gifts of the year.
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Rockay Women’s Long Sleeve Glacier Blue
This long-sleeve layer combines sustainability and performance. It’s partially made from recycled coffee grounds, and is also fast-drying and durable. Breathable mesh on the back and sides dumps heat, and a single pocket fits a phone or an energy bar. $85; Buy Now
Beyond Women’s Sojourn Ultralight K4 Jogger
It’s easy to heap compliments on these nylon/spandex soft-shell pants: The cut is flattering yet allows easy movement, they’re lightweight yet durable, and their muted color options will look great on the trail or in town. They also come in three lengths—short, regular, or long—and have five pockets for carrying whatever mom might need on her next outing. The outer shell coating may be soft to the touch, but has a DWR finish for wind and water resistance. $90; Buy Now
GSI Guidecast 10 Inch Frying Pan
There’s a reason people like cooking with cast iron, but its weight prohibits its use in the backcountry. At 3 pounds, this inexpensive 10-inch pan is 35 percent lighter than traditional cast ironware thanks to its aluminum material blend. Yet it boasts the same benefits as cast iron, like a corrosion-resistant finish and a non-stick, polished cooking surface that’s easy to clean. $25; Buy Now
Keen Tempo Flex Waterproof Boot
Want to make mom’s miles easier? This midcut boot’s unique design puts more flex in spots where other boots crack and weaken over time, lessening foot fatigue and improving durability. A waterproof/breathable membrane, a padded collar and tongue, and 4-millimeter-deep lugs round out the the Flex’s features. $160; Buy Now
Six Moon Designs Rainwalker SUL Umbrella
Most hikers still don’t give umbrellas their due, but this this 5.2-ounce, full-size model deserves praise for its ultralight, ultrabreathable weather protection in warm, rainy conditions. A carbon fiber frame, EVA foam handle, and 10-denier silicone-coated nylon canopy keep the design light, yet durable. $60; Buy Now
Matador Camera Base Layer
Mom should be able to capture her favorite outdoor memories without worrying about her camera. This pouch attaches to a backpack or slings across the body with an existing camera strap; its DWR-treated nylon exterior and integrated dry bag keeps equipment safe from precip, while padding maintains protects from bumps along the trail. The secure magnetic latch allows one-handed access, and the zippered accessory pocket fits extra batteries or a lens cap. $70; Buy Now
Maho Charleston 2 Whiskey Shades
These sunglasses are sleek and stylish, but still have tech suitable for tramping through the forest or paddling on the water. This sport version combines ultralight polarized lenses within the stainless-steel frames, as well as nose and ear pads that are secure and comfortable. $150; Buy Now
Nite Ize Radiant Rechargeable ShineLine
The ambiance from colored lighting at a campsite will bring a smile to mom’s face. This 10-foot-long string of LED and fiber optics operates in glow or flash mode and comes in three color choices—green, blue, or white. It’s water-resistant, and four gear ties make it easy for attach, hang, and secure. $30; Buy Now
Stasher Reusable Silicone Go Bag 18 oz.
What better mom to honor than Mother Earth? This silicone pouch does not degrade over time, making it a better alternative to plastic. Use it to keep outdoor essentials—such as a phone, hand warmers, or first aid supplies—dry, protected, and visible while hanging from a backpack with the included carabiner clip. $20; Buy Now
Nathan QuickSqueeze Lite 12 oz. Insulated Handheld
This lightweight, handheld, flexible vessel can stand upright on its own, but is easy to squeeze and shape for fitting any hand, delighting trail runners and dayhikers alike. The adjustable polyester/spandex hand strap has a chafe-free thumb hole, plus reflectivity and stash pockets for keys or a drivers license. The double-wall construction will keep 12 ounces of liquid cool for the duration of the adventure, and the valve cap delivers hydration smoothly. $25; Buy Now