The Ultimate Outdoor Gift Guide
Buying gifts can be hard. There’s always that one person who you just can’t seem to find something for. Instead of an Amazon gift card this year, check out these suggestions for the outdoorsy person in your life.
Don’t worry- this outdoor gift guide has a budget in mind. Very few options are over $100 and most are below $50!
Gifts for Hikers
Hikers are fun to buy for. When in doubt, opt for Marino wool socks (yes, socks).
Hydraulics Sternum Strap and Tube Magnet Kit ($7)
This small-but-mighty contraption keeps your water bladder hose secured in place while you hike. It’s a great add to a hiker’s backpack if they use a water bladder. The magnets are strong and it’s nice to not have the hose flopping around.
Backcountry Fuel Box ($19.97-$34.97/month)
A gift that gives all year long! This box has been great and I've yet to get a snack that I haven't liked. Keep in mind there isn’t an official gifting option so you will have to remember to cancel (or just make it their annual gift).
Sunglasses (price varies)
Sunglasses are always needed for hikers. We tend to lose them. Goodr and Knockaround are great inexpensive brands that don't sacrifice quality.
Sun Hat (price varies)
If your hiker thinks they're too cool for sunhats, they're wrong. They keep you in the shade and come in all colors and materials!
Trekking Poles ($99.95)
I've linked a top-rated pair of Leki poles (my personal favorite brand). You'll want to look for something telescoping to keep it easy. Don’t worry about the accessories for the point of the pole. The little rubber feet tend to not last very long so just the trekking pole as it comes is a solid gift.
StickPic ($15.99)
This handy dandy thing slides onto the end of your trekking pole and holds your phone so you can get pictures of yourself in epic places. This is great for that person who is always taking a selfie on their adventures.
Microspikes ($74.95)
Great for the hiker who lives in areas with winter weather. Microspikes add a lot of traction and make hiking on icy areas easy. If you don’t love the ones I linked there are some microspike considerations. Coils break super easily and I would avoid those. Diamond-shaped spikes are great for cities and walking the dog. The ones I linked are the best for hiking.
Gifts for Backpackers
Backpackers can be notoriously picky with gear. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to what they are willing to carry with them. These backpacking gifts had that in mind.
Garmin InReach Mini 2 ($400)
I know this one is expensive but, it’s an essential safety item that is a great addition to your backpacker’s gear. There is a subscription cost associated with using it so keep that in mind when gifting (they will pay the subscription costs. I spend about $100/year on mine).
Featherstone Outdoor Obsidian UL 1 ($93.49 when you use code ROAMS)
This tent is fantastic for the adventurer in your circle who wants to start backpacking. This is a one person tent but Featherstone Outdoor also makes 2 person tents. The tents are durable, lightweight, and an excellent choice for seasonal backpackers.
REpack Freezer Bag ($44.99)
If your backpacker likes to repackage their meals or even make their own, this bag has taken the DIY reheating pouch to a new level. It’s insulated and helps reheat dehydrated food!
Helonix Chair Zero ($129.95)
If your backpacker is one who prioritizes comfort, get them this chair. I used to be anti-chair until a long mileage day when my dad had one and I did not. He let me use his chair when we were cooking dinner and I didn’t want to give it back. Needless to say, a chair was quickly added to my gear once I experienced just how great it was to have one.
Titanium Spork ($10.95)
A long spork is so nice come dinner time. You don’t have to reach into the food container and get your hand messy because the handle on this spork is long enough to get to the bottom of the pouch!
Nylofume Pack Liner ($2.50)
This plastic bag is used as a waterproof pack liner and fits in any pack. A lot of backpackers use contractor garbage bags to keep their gear dry in their packs. These are a solid contender to solving that problem. I love that they’re clear so you can use multiple for different gear segments (I have one just for my sleeping quilt).
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes ($3.95 each)
One of the quickest, cheapest, and easiest ways to lighten your base weight is by changing out the tent stakes you use. These tent stakes are very light but strong. I have yet to bend one of these bad boys. If you know what kind of tent your backpacker uses, you can look up how many you will need online. If you don’t, 10-12 is a sweet spot.
Gifts for Campers
The world is your oyster when it comes to gift buying for campers. So long as it’s useful, it will be loved. These gift suggestions have campers in mind!
UST Filmatic Sleeping Pad ($109.99)
This is hands down the most comfortable sleeping pad I’ve ever used. It’s wide, it’s long enough, it’s thick, and it’s self-inflating. You don’t feel the ground at all on this pad and it doesn’t take much effort to set up.
Biodegradable Soap ($6.95)
Biodegradable soap is essential for outdoor hygiene. When you’re camping you’re likely making food and need to wash some dishes. This is a great soap for all your sudsy camping needs.
Rumpl Blanket ($99)
Having a blanket for by the fire and for in the morning when the coffee is brewing is a luxury that I’ll never turn away from. The Rumpl blanket is warm, eye-catching, and comes in handy more often than you think.
Benchmark Atlas ($26.95)
Benchmark (or any recreation) Atlases are fantastic for exploring your state. They show boundaries for the various land uses, call out things like campgrounds and natural attractions, and show which roads require high clearance and 4 -wheel-drive.
Solo stove Roasting Sticks ($64.99)
If your camper is bougie, these are the roasting sticks for them. They look good, feel great, and have a handy storage bag that’s included.
Fire Starters ($11.99)
The Solo Stove fire starters are the only fire starter I’ll use now. I’ve been burned (or not) by fire starters that straight up don’t work. These won’t leave you in the dark or in the cold.
Solar Camp Lights ($49.95)
Speaking of dark….these lights will give you enough light to see your campsite in the dark. Camp lights seem unnecessary but after you’ve used them you’ll probably love them. They’re especially nice in areas where you can’t have campfires. You can still play games and hang out once the sun goes down.
Outdoorsy gifts for your adventure pup
What would an ultimate outdoor gift guide be if I forgot about the four-legged adventurer? I know I’m not alone when it comes to getting gifts for my dog. The little dude has his own stocking and everything.
Portable Water/Food Bowl ($19.95)
A collapsable dog bowl is a solid thing to keep in your pack or your car. I personally don't like silicone ones because their folds tend to crack (we go through about one a year. It's dumb)
Collar Light ($20)
We use a light on our dog at camp to help spot him as he wanders (even on the long leash I get paranoid). I've used a different brand in the past but once it died, that was that. This one is rechargeable!
Waterproof Blanket ($39.99)
We don’t take the dog camping without this blanket. It’s warm but it’s made with the outdoors in mind. Charlie (my dog) loves to use this as his bed by the campfire or as a cozy spot to sunbathe. I throw it in the back of my car as well to make the back seat more comfortable for him.
Dog First Aid Kit ($26.99)
Dogs can need first aid, too!
Poo Vault ($24.99)
This quickly became my favorite piece of gear for hiking with my dog. The Poo Vault (or similar, like the one linked) is an odor-proof little box that you can clip to your backpack. You put the used dog poo bags inside so you can hike on without the smell.
Sweaters (price varies)
There are many options when it comes to dog sweaters. There are different options for size of dog, sweater warmth, and usage.
Food Bag ($24.99)
We used to measure out the dog food we would need for each camping trip and put them in food storage containers
Adventure-inspired stocking stuffers
Stockings are hands down my favorite Christmas tradition. Finding a thoughtful gift that’s small enough to fit in a stocking is a challenge I love. When you think of outdoor gear you probably aren’t thinking about things small enough to fit in a stocking. That’s why I wanted to include stocking stuffers on this outdoor gift guide. Stocking stuffer ideas are also great for secret Santa!
Smartwool Socks ($24.95)
Your hiker definitely wants socks- so do your camper and your backpacker. Marino wool socks are amazing for keeping your feet warm at camp and keeping them dry (and blister-free) for backpacking and hiking
Stasher Bags (price varies)
Stasher bags are fantastic for your eco-conscious outdoorsperson. Whether they need bags for their hiking snacks, for food in the cooler, or for reheating dehydrated meals.
Bug Repellant Lotion ($9.50)
This is probably the only deet-free bug-repellant that works for me. It's a lotion which is also a lot easier to apply (and not inhale) than traditional bug sprays.
Beanie (price varies)
Much like socks, beanies are versatile. They’re a go-to for secret Santa, an easy stocking stuffer, or when you just started dating someone two days ago and you feel obligated to get them something.
Maps (price varies)
Maps are great gifts for people who like to explore. Opt for waterproof ones so they don’t get ruined in the rain.
Parks Pass (price varies)
Parks passes are fantastic for people who like to explore state and federal lands. You can look for your state parks pass on the state park website. National Parks passes can be found on this website and they’re valid for one year.
Hand Warmers
Hand warmers can be found anywhere from the grocery store to outdoor stores to your hardware store. They’re a good stocking stuffer for someone who spends time outside in the winter.
Nalgene Water Bottle (price varies)
There is a reason Nalgene water bottles are carried by almost everyone. They're lightweight, have measurement marks, and are indestructible.
First Aid Kit (price varies)
Medical kits come in all shapes, sizes, and functions. While any store-bought one isn't perfect, they're solid starting points. Your adventurer can add to their kit with the items they need for their specific training and preferences.
Kula Cloth ($19.99+)
Great for anyone who has to squat to pee, the Kula cloth is an essential item. There are all sorts of designs too!
Whew! That was a lot! I hope this outdoor gift guide is helpful on your quest to find something for your loved one
