Ultimate Guide to Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer

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Are you looking for gifts for your favorite outdoor adventurer? I’ve got you covered in deciding a gift. After working in the outdoor adventure industry for almost 50 years, I’ve messed with my fair share of outdoor gear. I know outdoor enthusiasts want gifts that are useful, unique, and fun. They want something that will make the outdoors more enjoyable and safe. Gifts that outdoors people brag about to their family and friends are what you are looking for.

Why is this the Perfect Guide to Gifts for Outdoor Adventurers?

If you are anything like me, gift selection can be stressful. Are they going to like the gift? Do they already have it? Will it fit?

First off, for all the gifts listed in the guide, it not necessary to know the recipient’s exact size. Most are one size, and the rest are an easy guess.

Second, I’ve selected items in varied price ranges so you can get the perfect outdoor gift for your budget.

How did I select this list? Simple. I went into my gear room and looked around for the most cherished pieces of outdoor equipment I own. Proven, reliable, must-have gifts jumped out to me. As a lifetime outdoor adventurer, these are gifts I’ve loved to give or receive. So if they already have it, they will love having another one.

Any selection from my gear gift guide will be a memorable winner.

Useful Outdoor Gifts for All Outdoor Adventurers

Day Pack

A quality day pack for hiking is always a welcome gift. Osprey makes exceptionally nice day packs with great ventilation. Pack size is measured in liters, so a 20L day pack will hold 20 liters of gear. For lightweight day hiking a 20-25 liter pack will hold lunch, water, and extra clothing. For a full day hike in the mountains or in the winter, I prefer something larger–up to 35 liters.

I’ve used a variety of Osprey packs over the years for different adventures. All are very well made with nifty useful features. The Talon or Tempest packs are very popular for day hikers. Check out the best Osprey packs here.

Multi-tool

Every outdoor lover needs a gadget for doing MacGyver type things. The Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool is my absolute favorite tool to carry in the frontcountry and the backcountry. I love it so much I always have it with me on my keychain. I call it my “LeatherMom”.

It is tiny but mighty with knife, scissors, screwdrivers, tweezers, and bottle opener. I can’t tell you how often I pull it out of my pocket to solve a problem. Just remember to take it off your keychain before you get on an airplane.

I won’t tell if you get one for yourself too.

Headlamp

A headlamp is one of the Ten Essentials every outdoor adventurer should always carry. You might laugh, but I usually carry two when I’m camping. One in my tent, and one in my pack. In sum, an outdoors person can never have too many headlamps.

The cream of the crop headlamps are made by Petzl. The Petzl Tikka is the one I carry, but the rest of the Petzl collection is great too. If you want to give a rechargeable headlamp, go with the Petzl Swift.

Solar Lantern

Luci lights are collapsible solar lanterns that are as fun as they are useful. Leave a Luci light out in the sun for the day and it will light up your tent in the evening. Yet it folds down to near nothing to transport. Additionally, get the combo light and charger model and your outdoor friend can top off their phone on the trail too. Any Luci light is a really thoughtful gift.

First Aid Kit

Safety in the outdoors is critical to every outdoor adventurer. However, if something goes wrong, you need a first aid kit. I can’t tell you how thankful I’ve been to have a well-stocked first aid kit (and proper training) for everything from a blister to a full-scale evacuation. Adventure Medical is the top wilderness med kit company, bar none. You can choose the size medkit for your adventure. I have a one-person kit for solo adventures and day hikes. For longer trips, the 2.0 kit is perfect. For international travel, go with the World Travel kit.

Water Purification

Trust me, giardia is no fun. Therefore, everyone outdoors needs to purify their drinking water. Gone are the days of scooping a cup full of drinking water from a rushing stream.

I’ve been through a number of water purifiers until I found my current favorite, the MSR Trailshot Microfilter. It’s lightweight but beefy enough to filter out all the nasties. It’s fast too–it only takes a minute to filter a liter of drinking water. Plus you can drink filtered water right from the stream.

Camp Chair

There is no sense sitting on the cold, wet ground when there are so many excellent camp chair options these days. One choice is the super packable Helinox Camp One camp chair. This lightweight Cadilac of camping comfort will be a much-appreciated gift for backpacking, paddling, or car camping trips.

Another option is the tried and true Crazy Creek chair. I’ve lost count of the campfires I’ve enjoyed sitting in my Crazy Creek chair. Whether on the beach or in the heart of the wilderness, the Crazy Creek chair is the perfectly packable solution to sitting outdoors.

Darn Tough Socks

Socks might not be the most unique gift. But Darn Tough socks have a way of working their way into the hearts of outdoors people. They are indestructible, toasty warm, and come in really fun patterns. Plus they are made in Vermont–what more is there to say? With an iron-clad lifetime warranty, you’ll never need another pair. But you’ll probably want more of the colorful, comfortable styles, so go crazy.

Buff

A buff is another indispensable piece of outdoor gear. You can use this tubular lycra bandana for an incredible 13 functions in the outdoors. Neck scarf, face mask, hat, headband, and sun guard are my favorite uses for a buff. Get a styling color for a welcome present for any outdoors person.

Outdoor Adventurer Gifts for the Outdoor Kitchen

Camp Stove

Outdoor adventurers love a good camp stove. Understandable because a reliable stove is the difference between a yummy meal and a cranky outdoorsperson.

Stove systems depend on how many people are on the trip.  If I’m by myself a Jetboil MicroMo does the trick.  Tiny, efficient, and with integrated pot and eating systems, the Jetboil is the standard for ultralight. 

For a person who goes out in a small group, choose the MSR PocketRocket 2 stove.  It’s still tiny but has more capacity for a larger pot needed to feed more hungry campers.  Both these stoves run on a propane/isobutane mixture in a canister.  Canisters are notoriously tippy so throw an MSR Universal Canister Stand in your cart for peace of mind.  I wish I’d had one when I burned the whole top of my foot when I tipped over a pot of hot soup on a camping trip.

Kitchenware

Here are all the essential tools to create hearty, yummy camping meals. I recommend a 2 pot nesting system with all your eating utensils packed inside. If I’m camping with my family or a few friends I bring the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper cookset. The nifty triangle-shaped cups cleverly fit into the sturdy pot set.

A simpler sturdy pot for 1-2 people is the MSR Alpine Stowaway pot. The locking handle secures everything inside, making it a great place to stow your kitchenware. You can nest a couple for a complete pot set.

Spice Container

Do you have that outdoor friend who fancies themselves as Julia Child of the camp culinary world? Then they will love this lightweight spice container. This cute gem can be filled with your favorite spices for custom flavors in outdoor meals.

Outdoor Adventurer Gifts for Winter Hiking

Hiking Poles

Hiking poles (AKA trekking poles) are a welcome gift for both casual and experienced hikers. My tried and true poles are Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock trekking poles.

Outdoor Pro Tip: Not only do hiking poles reduce stress on knees and hips, but they also help with balance. For icy conditions, stream crossings, and rock-strewn trails, trekking poles are essential. They also help going uphill as you can develop a rhythm with the poles that allows a micro rest on each step. However, hiking poles are not necessary for every hike. Leave them home for easy hikes. Attach them to your backpack and use your natural balance when scrambling on boulders or cliffs. If you want to invest in trekking poles, look for adjustability, lightweight, and foam grips. I’ve used my Black Diamond trekking poles on climbs ranging from Kilimanjaro to the Italian Alps to winter ascents in North America.

Microspikes

These chain-link traction beauties make a winter hiker feel like Spiderman on an icy slope. I’ve used Kahtoola MICROspikes for many years and constantly rave about them. If you want to hear me wax poetic about them anymore, click over to my post on winter hiking tips.

Hand Warmers

Talk about a handy gift. I keep these babies tucked in my pack or ski bag to use when my fingers need a little warmth boast. A favorite of all outdoor adventurers.

Other Great Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer

Fire Starter

Here’s one of my favorite gifts. I love these little magnesium fire starters. (Yes, I have 5 of them). They are wonderful for starting a camp stove. But for even more fun, use them to start a fire with some dry tinder. Kids of all ages love the challenge of using the striker to throw a spark into a tinder bundle to ignite a campfire.

Outdoor Journal

Outdoor experiences make lasting memories, especially if you jot them down. This all-weather outdoor journal is perfect for the reflective outdoor adventurer. The Rite in the Rain journals from REI will keep precious thoughts safe even if dropped in the water.

Binoculars

To really enjoy the beauty of birds and other wildlife, get yourself a good pair of binoculars and a trusty bird book. You don’t have to spend a fortune when starting out. I recommend Celestron binoculars. They have incredible optics at a reasonable price.

For hiking, a pair of Celestron Outland 10×25 binocs will be a welcome gift. They are lightweight with excellent optics to see birds or a moose at a distance.

My recommended bird book is the Peterson Guide to Birds of North America. This classic guidebook, continually updated, has accompanied me for 50 plus years.

Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer

I know there are some wonderful trail apps out there. I do use then. However, there is nothing quite like dreaming of new outdoor trips on paper topographic maps spread out in front of you. Therefore, my long-time favorite Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer is the way to go. You’ll find trails, boat launches, scenic stops, campsites, and everything an outdoor adventurer wants to know.

Delorme makes these booklets of topographical maps that cover an entire state. Pick out your favorite state and start dreaming.

Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer Dog

Dog Pack

If your favorite outdoor adventure friend happens to be a canine, this dog pack will help him/her join the hiking fun. There is plenty of room for dog food, a sleeping pad, and dog dishes for an overnight. For a day trip, our lab Bodhi loves to shoulder a little of the load. What a sport he is! The comfortable straps are solid enough to stay put when the pooch squeezes between rocks and under trees.

Dog Trail Bowl

Next to being outdoors, our dog’s favorite thing is to eat. This lightweight dog bowl folds down into its own palm-sized pocket. Perfect for hydrating or feeding your pet, this trail bowl is super durable and easy to take anywhere.

Need other gift ideas for outdoor dogs? Visit my dog pro friend’s post here.

Wrap Up of Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer

I hope you enjoy these special gifts carefully chosen by an outdoor professional. I have included trusted brands that stand behind their products. You can select high-quality gifts from this list that will delight the avid outdoor adventurers in your life. They will love them–guaranteed!

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