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Outdoor-loving moms deserve all the appreciation in the world, and they also deserve the best hiking gear. Here are 10 tokens of gratitude for this Mother’s Day handpicked by Backpacker, from comfy hiking pants to tasty mushroom coffee.
Tifosi Svago Sunglasses, $25
The Svagos are both the most affordable and, at .9 ounces, the lightest pair of shades we’ve tested this past year. Polycarbonate lenses are scratch- and shatter-resistant, and hydrophilic rubber on the nose piece keeps them from sliding down if you’re moving fast on the trail. Rounded frames are just as stylish in town, and you can pay $25 more for photochromic lenses. Buy Now
Ibex Women’s Sun Hoodie, $140
Mom will love this all-season top that works as a baselayer in the cooler months and sun protection when the weather heats up. The Sun Hoodie is made of 83 percent merino and 17 percent elastane, and testers appreciated that the natural antimicrobial properties kept them feeling fresh and that the material didn’t bag out over long days. Comfy thumb holes keep the sleeves from riding up. Buy Now
Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Vest, $135
Keep mom warm around camp or on frigid hikes with this heated synthetic puffy vest. It’s filled with PrimaLoft insulation, but the secret sauce is a 7.4-volt rechargeable battery that’s Bluetooth- and app-compatible. The battery plugs into an integrated cord in the righthand pocket to warm a wearer’s core, and you can choose between four heat settings that range from 90°F to 135°F. Buy Now
Mountainsmith Halite 7075 Trekking Poles, $80
Because space and weight is usually at a premium on backpacking trips, we prefer collapsible poles. These sticks from Mountainsmith are some of the best, with lock levers that fold them down into four 16-inch sections. Snow and hiking baskets are included, and the rubber tips are sturdy enough on their own on gravel, dirt, and rocky terrain. Buy Now
The North Face Women’s Bridgeway Ankle Pants, $90
With their relaxed fit, stretchy recycled-polyester material, and adjustable ankles and belt, the Bridgeways are the epitome of comfortable-yet-functional hiking pants. A PFC-free DWR finish kept us dry in light snow and drizzles, while huge zippered hip and thigh pockets stored things like our phone, keys, wrappers, and even dog booties. Fit note: Mom might want to size up because they run a little big. Buy Now
Keen Women’s NXIS EVO Waterproof Shoe, $180
Keen’s NXIS EVO has the silhouette of a lightweight trail running shoe but the sturdy structure of a boot, making it superb for scrambling up rocks or walking in the woods. The mesh upper allows air to circulate and prevents feet from overheating, and a water-repellent membrane sheds light rain and allows water to quickly drain when they’re completely submerged in a river crossing. Buy Now
Osprey Aurora AG 50L, $280
Upgrade mom’s pack to one that’s probably lighter, bigger, and more comfortable than whatever she’s carrying now. The Aurora AG’s torso, harness, and hip belt are made specifically for the female form, and as the wearer hikes, the suspension keeps the upper frame of the pack close to the body and stable while still allowing airflow. Plus, this pack is made from 100 percent recycled materials. Buy Now
Matador Camera Base Layer, $75
For the mom who’s always shooting photos of delicate flowers, crisp landscapes, or her kiddos adventuring, protect her tech with this padded, waterproof bag. A drybag lines the interior, and a roll-top closure seals out water. The bag’s accessory pocket is big enough to hold extra batteries, lens caps, and cleaning cloths. Buy Now
Wunderground Mushroom Coffee Bundle, $40
Restock mom’s specialty coffee stash with this bundle that boosts the brain and body. The Brainchild flavor mushroom coffee features Lion’s Mane, said to stimulate the brain, and cordyceps for extra energy. The Hocus Pocus variety includes chaga and reishi, which some early research suggests may have immunity-boosting and calmness-increasing effects. Buy Now
Knog Quokka Run 100 Headlamp, $30
For the mom who’s out on the trails before everyone else starts their day, this affordable and rechargeable 100-lumen headlamp offers four light modes—including wide and flash—and four brightness settings. At 1.7 ounces, its slim profile barely bounces. A red halo light effect on the transparent silicone band helps increase side visibility. Buy Now