Hikers are deeply practical and quietly judgmental about gear. Something that's heavy, redundant, or 'good enough' goes in the bottom of the bag and stays there. These eight picks all clear the weight-to-usefulness bar — a few of them are the kind that end up in every pack indefinitely, regardless of destination.
“The one reliable rule of gift-giving: anything that makes them look more serious at what they love will be received with disproportionate gratitude.”
Friends claim items. No duplicates. No awkward conversations.

