Whether it’s for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, the outdoor enthusiasts in your life will always appreciate a thoughtful gift.
There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a gift once in a while either. For the person who lives to wander and explore, there are tons of ways to say “I appreciate you” or “congratulations”.
Gift Guide Sections
*Each product description contains at least one link to a resource for making a purchase of the particular product. Almost all of the products are linked to Amazon.com. In addition you can also make a purchase on the particular manufacturer website or use this guide only for gift ideas.
Budget Gifts
Small gifts or stocking stuffers can be just as meaningful as big gifts. Let someone know you’re wishing them happy and safe travels on their next journey with a small token.
Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle
Everyone who is going to be outdoors for an extended period of time is going to need water. These Nalgene bottles are durable, wide mouthed, and easy to store. They even come in a wide range of colors, so you and pick out the recipients’ favorite shade.
Rockbirds LED Flashlight
These small flashlights are super bright and great for emergencies. They’re easy for hikers and campers to carry around when they leave the campsite at night. They even come with a convenient little belt clip, and a zoom focus feature that allows users to illuminate smaller or larger areas.
Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener
An adventurer is only as good as their tools. This portable pocket-sized knife sharpener will allow backpackers and hikers to keep their tools sharp.
Being stuck on a long trip with a dull knife is no fun, and this sharpener is an affordable, high-quality solution to that problem.
Merino Wool Hiking & Trekking Socks
Socks are one of those things that nobody likes to spend their own money on, but they’re always happy to receive. These hiking socks are ventilated, and they make walking long distances comfortable. They’re unisex, and they’re designed to work with any kind of hiking footwear.
GWHOLE Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
This nifty little waterproof hiking compass makes it easy for thru-hikers to adhere to their paths. You don’t always get phone reception out in nature, and this compass is a great way to keep hikers and backpackers safe as they explore.
Compasses make it easy to stick to written instructions or even map back to your own campsite.
Pearl Izumi Unisex Thermal Lite Glove
These are great gloves for outdoor activities in cold weather. They’re even helpful in areas where it only gets cold at night, helping backpackers and hikers retain body heat as they sleep. These gloves are unisex and come in a large variety of sizes, so there’s something perfect for everyone.
Trekology Ultralight Inflating Travel Pillows
This inflatable camping pillow is designed to pack down light, and inflate to be comfortable. It offers better support than most lumpy or perfectly rounded camping pillows that aren’t designed to cradle the neck or back. This pillow makes camping a little cozier, no matter what environment you’re camping in.
Tapirus 5 Spork Of Steel Utensils Set
Even when you’re exploring the forest, you still have to eat. This 5 piece utensil set is almost like the perfect housewarming gift for a campsite. They’re easy to carry, easy to wash, and they keep supply weight low. It’s a spoon on one end and a fork with a cutting edge on the other end. The set comes with a carrying pouch and even a portable can opener.
Etekcity Portable Outdoor LED Lantern
These portable, high powered camping lanterns make it a little safer to travel at night. Carrying them will make you more visible to other members of your travel group, or light you up when you’re backpacking a trail along the road. They’re also convenient for illuminating a campsite when you’re trying to prepare meals at night.
Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
There are nearly a million reasons why a traveler, hiker, or backpacker might need a fire starter. If it gets cold at night, if there’s food to be cooked, or even if there’s an emergency, a fire starter becomes a necessary tool. This one by Gerber is reliable and lasts a long time.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
LifeStraw makes products that save the world, and they’re also great for emergency preparedness. Long journey hikers or backpackers who have run out of water can use the LifeStraw water filter to make it safe to drink from streams or lakes. It filters out almost all waterborne bacteria, and the filtration system is completely chemical-free.
Mountain House Breakfast Skillet
Freeze-dried outdoor foods have come a long way from where they used to be – some of them are actually delicious. Show support for your favorite backpacker by buying them breakfast in advance. These meals are easy to prepare and protein-packed for the traveler who loves to keep ongoing.
Reinforced Heavy Duty Boot Laces
Nothing is worse than breaking a shoelace and not having a replacement on hand. These shoelaces are reinforced with Kevlar to keep them durable on long journeys. If your hiking friend ever needs to replace some laces on the go, they’ll be glad you thought ahead by purchasing them an emergency stash
Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit
When a hiker or a backpacker sets up camp near a lake, the idea of being able to enjoy fresh fish for dinner is very tempting. Since fishing gear is so heavy to carry, most backpackers go without. This compact survival fishing kit is more than just a novelty – it makes it easy to catch something to eat without adding a ton of weight to the gear load.
First Aid Only All-purpose First Aid Kit
This compact, lightweight, easy to carry first aid kit contains everything a traveler would need to patch up minor injuries. It’s easy to get bumped or scraped when you’re scaling hills or traversing through the woods, and this kit has you covered. It’s easy to restock the kit when you run out of supplies.
Natural Hand and Foot Balm for Athletes
Harsh weather and rigorous athletic activity make hands and heels dry and cracked. This portable tin of balm takes the edge off a little bit. It’s more comfortable to hike or trek long distances when you have a balm to keep your skin from getting chapped. This formula even includes tea tree oil, which has the added benefit of antibacterial properties.
Tseoa Manicure, Pedicure Kit, Nail Clippers
Travelers don’t often have access to the grooming implements they have at home. What happens when its time for them to clip their nails, remove a callus, get the dirt out from beneath their fingernails, or even pull a splinter? This 12 piece compact grooming kit can be a lifesaver on long term trips.
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
Backpackers need their coffee too –, especially on cold mornings. This insulated mug is highly portable and designed to be rugged. Backpackers can take their coffee with them while they’re exploring, and they don’t have to worry about breaking a ceramic mug in their gear pack.
GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker
This portable drip coffee maker won’t make espresso, but it’s perfect to brew a strong cup of coffee when you’re spending a crisp morning on a mountaintop. It can also be used to brew things like herbal teas. Travelers can get their pick me up and stay warm.
Sierra Dawn Campsuds All Purpose Cleaner
This is a must have for any backpacker or traveler. This concentrated soap can be used to wash everything from tools to cookware to even bodies. Just mix it with a little bit of water, and you can clean whatever you need to clean. It’s even environmentally friendly, so you won’t need to worry about polluting the ground with soap residue.
Mid-Level Gifts
If you’ve got a little more cash to work with and you want to go the extra mile for your nature buddy, some of these gifts will really hit the spot.
Of course, it’s always the thought that counts, but it’s possible to find the right mixture of thought and budget.
Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier
This is an outstanding outdoor tool for the budding outdoorsman. When it’s folded, it works and functions as a regular set of pliers. Open it up, and you’ll find all kinds of gadgets inside. There’s scissors, straight blades, saw blades, and even can openers inside the handles.
Terra Hiker Adjustable Trekking Pole
Collapsible trekking poles are easy to carry, and they’re perfect for hikers on rugged terrain who plan to take long trips. Poles like these reduce the amount of stress on the knees, so they’re also great for hikers who require a little extra support. You can get them as singles or as a pair.
Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney II Sun Hats
This adjustable sports hat makes it easy for travelers to see when they’re walking in the bright sunlight. It also provides a little protection from the sun’s harsh rays. The drawstring cord and chin strap make this hat adaptable for anyone of any age or any size.
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
This is a whole kitchen in a drawstring bag. You’re getting a pot with a lid, a skillet, and even the utensils you need to cook with. It comes with serving bowls and a sponge you can use to clean your dishes when you’re done with them. You can set it up directly on a gas canister or use it to cook over an open fire.
OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack 50L
Any backpacker or traveler would be glad to have this backpack. It’s a medium-sized rainproof pack, perfect for a short trip through the trails. It’s also loaded with attachment points that make it easy to clip external gear sacks to the front.
Intex Inflatable Fabric Camping Mattress
This portable sleeping pad lets travelers sleep any way they want. They can put it in a tent, in a hammock, or even directly onto the ground. The exterior coating is weatherproofed, and it even comes with a built-in pillow. It’s easy to fold up – just stow and go.
If you are a natural side sleeper, I recommend taking a look at the best camping pads for side sleepers, which are built to give you more comfort.
Coleman Trinidad Warm-Weather Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is perfect for warmer climates. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and you won’t wake up all sweaty. The no-snag zipper keeps this sleeping bag in great shape for a long time. It’s even machine washable, and you can’t beat that convenience.
Velosock Indoor Bike Cover
A lot of travelers and backpackers like to take their mountain bikes out to the trail. Bikes often come back all dirty, so explorers usually need to keep them outside. This Velosock bike cover allows you to safely store your trail bike inside without making a huge mess. It comes in a bunch of different designs, too.
Coleman Sundome 2 Person Tent
For backpackers camping in environments that are rainy or cold, this two person tent will work out great. It’s light enough to carry, and strong enough to keep you safe. This tent really does comfortably sleep two people, or one person with all of their gear. Solo travelers can use it to keep their bags dry for the night.
If you think that a tent is a way to go, you might also want to take a look at the best camping tent brands 2021.
Coleman Dunnock Big and Tall Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
A regular sleeping bag won’t hold up so well in very cold weather, but this one will. This sleeping bag is designed to fit taller campers who need some extra space, but it’s also great for the average-sized camper who likes to snuggle in. Stay warm outdoors any time of year.
Coleman Bottle Top Propane Stove
This single burner propane stove makes it easy to cook outdoors without lighting a fire. Set your cookware up on the top and let the tank do the work. This tank is designed to efficiently distribute heat and cook without using too much fuel. It will work well, and it will last a long time.
Victorinox Swiss Army Work Champ Pocket Knife
This Swiss army knife has every tool a traveler, hiker, or backpacker would ever need. You can use it to set up a campsite, make a meal, or even fix a broken piece of equipment. This is essential for anyone who likes to be handy when they’re out on an adventure.
ALPS Adult All Terrain Snowshoes
Snow never stops a true adventurer. These snowshoes are perfect for cold weather exploration. Hiking in the tundra is even more challenging than hiking in the desert. If your outdoor buddy is a thrill-seeker, these shoes are a great choice.
Nevados Men’s Talus Hiking Boot
A hiker is nothing without a great pair of boots. If you know the recipient’s shoe size, these are the perfect gift to surprise them with. The Nevados hiking boot is comfortable, stylish, and built to last. They’re the perfect companion for a trip.
Bushnell Falcon 10×50 Wide Angle Binoculars
These binoculars are perfect for sightseeing and scouting. They’re also great to have around for safety. Travelers will be able to see if there are any predatory animals in the areas where they’re planning to camp without having to approach them. They’ll also get stunning views of mountaintops and be able to birdwatch over their morning coffee.
Read more: best binoculars for hiking of 2021.
ChillaX Inflatable Lounger with Carry Bag
Take a nap out in the woods. Read your book, or simply enjoy your surroundings. This inflatable lounger is a comfy couch that you can put up anywhere – whether it’s your back yard, or your campsite. It even comes in camo to help you maintain a low profile if you’re looking to hunt while you’re out exploring.
Condor Walnut Handle Bushlore Knife
You can do almost anything with a bushcraft knife like this one. The Condor Bushlore knife comes with a solid walnut handle and a leather sheath. Use it to build a campsite, or even dress an animal you’ve hunted right there in the field. You’ll be glad you have it in the event of an emergency.
ATGOIN Bluetooth Headphones
These sweatproof Bluetooth headphones make it easy to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks while you’re traveling. Even if it gets hot outside, you won’t have to worry about damaging these earbuds. They offer up to 8 hours of use on a single charge.
Solar charger Ruipu 24000mah Portable Solar Power Bank
You don’t have to worry about your devices dying when you’re in the middle of the woods. As long as there’s sunlight, this solar power bank has you covered. You can charge up to three USB enabled devices at once with this portable panel. When it’s full, it can charge your phone up to 7 times.
This is without a doubt one of the best solar power banks there is.
Wantdo Men’s Hooded Breathable Hiking Windbreaker
This waterproof hiking jacket is perfect for climbing or trekking in rainy or snowy environments. The interior lining will keep you warm while the outside repels water. It even goes all the way up to extended sizes, so it will be able to fit almost every traveler.
LifeTek Automatic Travel Umbrella Teflon Canopy
In an area where the weather can change at any moment, it’s always good to have a lightweight emergency umbrella on hand until you can make it to dry ground. This wind-resistant umbrella will get the job done. Clip it right on your hiking backpack for easy access when you need it.
Rose Kuli Compact Folding Shovel
This is more than just a spade. You can use it to dig or even cut. The attachable heads allow you to turn the handle into a variety of tools, serving a total of 15 functions. This kit can build an entire campsite, and it’s relatively lightweight to carry.
Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
This is one of the few legitimate fishing poles that you can take traveling with you. It collapses down into a small, soft carrying case that can be clipped to your bag or even put inside of it if you’re a minimalist traveler. If you’re trying to feed yourself from the land and sea while you travel, this is a perfect way.
Estwing E24A 14-Inch Sportsman’s Axe
Every backpacker needs a hatchet, and there’s no hatchet better than this one. The Estwing hatchet is full tang, elegantly designed, and comes with a blade cover for safety. It can be used to split logs with ease, and because of its ergonomic shape, you can also clear brush with it.
Snugpak Jungle Blanket
The jungle blanket is designed specifically with backpackers in mind. It’s light to carry, soft to sleep with, and it will keep you warm. The exterior coating is even antibacterial, preventing the blanket from getting germy on lengthy voyages.
Suncloud Mayor Polarized Sunglasses
Anyone who is going to be outside a lot needs a solid pair of sunglasses. These sunglasses are durable and they offer the highest grade of sun protection possible. These are polarized and comfortable to wear, and they’re a lot less expensive than some of the top brand name sunglasses that come in the same style.
Under Armour Tech Polo
These moisture-wicking polo shirts are stylish and comfortable. They’re equipped with anti-odor technology, so you won’t smell after a long day of hiking. The sizes go from small to 3-XL, so you’ll be able to get a proper fit for any outdoorsman. They even come in over a dozen colors.
High Sierra Express Lumbar Pack
This is a great small pack for a day hike. It can carry two bottles of water, and it even comes with them. The gear space is minimal, but your favorite hiking friend won’t need to carry much just to spend a few hours out on the trails.
Expensive Gifts
If you have a bigger budget to work with or you’re seeking to grab the ultimate gift for someone who is very important to you, all of these gifts are worth the splurge.
Many of them are great for more than just outdoor trips – the receiver will be able to use them all year long.
Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker
FitBits are for more than health conscious dieters. They’re great tools for backpackers and hikers. Since they’re expending so much energy, they need to keep track of how many calories they’ve burned. They’ll be able to use that figure to determine how much they should eat to stay strong and energized.
GoPro HERO Session
A GoPro is a great way to turn an expedition into a memory. These portable waterproof cameras are great for point of view footage. You can wear it when you climb a mountain or swim across a river. It’s like creating a virtual scrapbook for someone who lives outdoors.
Garmin GPSMAP with High-Sensitivity GPS
Even the best navigators get lost sometimes. This visual GPS is sensitive enough to lead travelers along even the longest trails. You’ll be able to find campgrounds, stores, and rest stops along the way. If you’re backpacking for the long haul, you’ll need one of these.
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader
One of the best parts of hiking and backpacking are the stops you take to rest, relax, and meditate. With a Kindle, that downtime is even better. This e-Reader is perfect for the outdoorsy types who want to catch up on a little bit of reading while they’re out and about.
Geigerrig RIG 1600 TACTICAL Hydration Pack
This is the mother of all backpacking bags, and it’s even equipped with a large hydration reservoir. Compression straps allow you to carry more without taking up too much space. This is a pricier pack, but it’s worth it for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series
This hammock is kind of a big deal. It’s designed to outreach all of its competitors with its comfortable asymmetrical shape that allows backpackers to sleep flat. It also comes with a full enclosure bug net and a rain fly to protect against almost everything.
KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal
These are some very sturdy, reliable hiking sandals. It’s hard to find a decent pair of hiking sandals, but they’re much more comfortable than boots when you’re hiking in a warm environment. These feature several support straps, great arch support, and a corded system to help them fit snugly on the foot.
RinseKit Pressurized Portable Shower
This pressurized portable shower allows you to get truly clean, no matter where you are. Backpackers on long trips who don’t have time to stop at a hostel will appreciate having access to one. The shower head is designed like a garden hose, allowing you to really blast away dirt and debris.
CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
Who’s ready for a group trip? This 9 person tent is the perfect thing your hiking buddy needs to take all of his best friends out for a weekend in the wild. It’s also great for small groups who want to stay long term at a fixed campsite. It’s comfortable, fully lined, and fully ventilated.
Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch
This is the ultimate outdoor hatchet. The solid wood handle and the Swedish steel head are built to last for an eternity. This is the best scouting axe that money can buy, and anyone who travels, camps, or homesteads would love to have one.
Work Sharp WSKTS-KO Knife and Tool Sharpener
Hikers, backpackers, and travelers use a lot of tools. Over time, they get dull. It takes a long time and a lot of labor to fix hatchets, axes, machetes, and even pocket blades that have lost their edge. This electric tool sharpener makes it ridiculously easy to sharpen these tools quickly and efficiently.
Eton Scorpion II Portable Emergency Hiking Radio and Flashlight
This is more than just a light. It’s a completely waterproof solar powered charging device. This replaces so many smaller pieces of equipment rolled into one, and it’s almost indestructible. It’s a vast improvement over the first model, and it’s a must have for any trip.
Petzl – NAO+ Headlamp 750 Lumens, Bluetooth Enabled
Every traveler needs a decent headlamp for nighttime. It’s hard to try to carry a flashlight along with all of the other gear. This is a smart headlamp. It’s Bluetooth and fully adjustable. It’s easy to customize your lighting to the conditions you’re traveling in, and it can be controlled via a smartphone app.
BioLite CampStove 2
This turns your camp stove into a whole kitchen. It’s easy to carry, battery powered, and it even comes with grill and kettle attachments. You can make coffee for everyone, or even grill up to four burgers at once. It even comes with a heat charging battery pack that you can use to re-juice your phone.
Panasonic DMC-TS30A LUMIX Active Lifestyle Tough Camera
This freeze proof and shock proof camera allows you to take daring still images or HD videos of your travels. If you’re the kind of backpacker or hiker who really appreciates nature photography, you’re going to want to have this with you to artistically document your journey.
Leatherman – Signal Multitool, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
This is perhaps the best tool that Leatherman has to offer. It features 19 tools, all of which lock for safety during travel. Some of them are outside accessible, so you don’t need to open up the frame of the pliers to get to them. Best of all, it’s one hand operable, so it’s easy to use in all sorts of situations.
Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS Unit
This watch is basically the Rolex for the outdoor explorer. It’s equipped with GPS, an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass. It’s even water resistant for up to 100 meters. It connects to your smartphone to deliver you notifications, making it easy to stay in touch while you trek.
Mr. Heater Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater
This portable heater is a must have for trips in cold climates. You won’t be able to sleep outdoors if you’re freezing all night. This heater is safe to use inside of a tent or around a campsite. It works in spaces up to 225 square feet. It’s equipped with a safety feature that causes an auto-shutoff if the unit is tipped over.
Handpresso Wild Hybrid
When regular campsite coffee isn’t enough, the Handpresso delivers. This is a portable espresso maker you can use to make fresh espresso wherever you are – whether it’s sitting down for a coffee break on a backpacking trail or even in your own home. Coffee connoisseurs rejoice.
Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Geodesic 2-Person 3-Season Tent
The Hemiplanet Geodesic tents are perfect lightweight companions for a backpacking trip. They’re inflatable, and the setup is the easiest thing in the world. Pop it up, and go to sleep. You can travel longer when it takes less time to set up camp.
Tentsile Flite + Tree Tent
The tensile tree tent is both the best parts of a tent and a hammock. It’s tent quality sleeping, but you get to relax above the ground. It comes with doors, a full mesh net to protect against insects, and a complete coverage rainfly.
Picking a Gift
Depending on your budget, you can get a whole lot of gifts for a relatively small amount of money.
Some of the more expensive items may be worth the splurge, and you certainly shouldn’t feel guilty if you decide to pick up a few things for yourself.