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These gifts are not for your Top Ramen friends who would rather down a protein bar than spend 45 minutes on a backcountry meal. Buying for a foodie means they’re snobs (in a good way!) for high-end conveniences, like upscale dehydrated pouches and hot sauces, or culinary maestros themselves, whipping up feasts in the wild. Whether you’re shopping for an ultralight minimalist or the cook who has (almost) everything, here are our top picks for elevating anyone’s mealtime.
Stowaway Gourmet
When it comes to eating on the trail, it’s easy to fall into a rut. We’ve all had our fair share of instant noodles, minute rice, or something that was, at one point, a potato. So this year, give the gift of worldly culinary influence with some Miso Salmon Okayu for breakfast, or a spicy, funky Kimchi Jjigae for dinner. Less adventurous eaters will take comfort with familiar stroganoff and chili options, but take our word for it—you’ll be rewarded for letting your taste buds off their leash.
GSI Santoku Knife Set
Whether it’s dicing fresh ingredients or fileting a fresh-caught trout, having proper cutlery is safer, easier, and keeps your pocket knife from getting coated in food scents. Three stainless steel knives (a 4-inch paring knife, 6-inch chef’s knife, and 6-inch serrated knife) easily tackle most cooking tasks and pack away neatly (sheaths are included). This well thought-out set also includes a foldable cutting board, dish towel, and soap bottle. Gifting this to the right person is nearly a guarantee that you’ll be treated to a gourmet backcountry meal or a sunny afternoon picnic.
Patagonia Provisions Tinned Seafood Sampler Box
Some hikers will look at you like you just microwaved tuna in the office break room. Others know tinned seafood is (arguably) the best trail snack. Fish and shellfish such as mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and mussels are loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while also being low in mercury and sustainably harvested. This pack is for the bonafide seafood fanatic, but for those just dipping their toes into the water, tins are sold a-la-carte as well.
Kuju Coffee
This is not your average instant coffee; in fact, it’s not “instant” coffee at all, it’s actual coffee. Utilizing a unique paper pour-over packet, no other special equipment is needed for a brew that doesn’t taste like burnt gas station leftovers. Kuju offers light, medium, and dark roasts, as well as a line of single origin blends that’ll warm even the pickiest coffee snob’s icy heart.
Yellowbird Classic Variety Hot Sauce Set
$25 for a 5-pack at Yellowbird Foods
Few hot sauce companies packs as much heat and flavor into such a tiny package as Yellowbird. These tiny 2.2 oz. bottles are delightfully packable, and range in heat from a mellow burn (jalapeño) to a five-alarm fire (ghost pepper). In-between is the Blue Agave Sriracha, a crowd-favorite with a sweet heat that can wake up even the most boring dehydrated slop on your plate.
Stanley Adventure Pre-Party Shot Glass + Flask Set
We all give gifts that we hope to somehow benefit from, and there’s no shame in that. Case in point: this stainless steel set, which includes a 7-ounce flask and four, two-ounce nesting shot glasses. Lightweight, packable, and dishwasher-safe, raise a toast with your three favorite camping partners.
Lodge 3.5 in. Cast Iron Skillet
It’s hard to tell if Lodge intended for this pocket-sized skillet to be anything more than a gag gift. Regardless, it’s built to the same legendary standard as their other cast iron cookware, suggesting that this is a deeply serious piece for deeply unserious cooks. Don’t be surprised when the lucky recipient takes this tiny challenge seriously and insists on cooking quail eggs for every camping trip.
UCO Titanium Utility Spork
For the ultra-minimalist, ultralight backpacker, give the gift of a three-in-one utensil that’s so light they’ll forget they’re even carrying it. It’s easy to pack, virtually indestructible, and has a double-ended design with a spoon on one side and a serrated fork on the other. Oh, and it weighs just over a half-ounce. For reference, that’s the same amount of weight as a sheet of printer paper or a single slice of salami.
TOAKS Light Titanium 450ml Cup with Lid
Weighing in at just 2.2 oz., this ultralight pot is perfect for solo adventurers who want to consolidate their cookware into one piece that can be used for cooking, eating, and drinking. The collapsable handles and snug-fitting lid add some creature comforts to this minimalist mug, and its titanium construction ensures your gift will be remembered for many, many years to come.