The 40+ Best Gifts for Campers, Hikers, and All the Outdoorsy, Type 2-Fun Friends in Your Life

Jeff Powell, a national park travel planner and CEO of Smokey Mountain Ventures, received an Opinel No. 08 pocket knife from his son last year. Now, he takes it everywhere he goes. “It’s a simple design—a very sharp stainless steel blade with an olive wood handle,” says Powell. “I use it for a variety of outdoor tasks—cutting cords, whittling wood shavings to start a fire, food preparation, teasing out splinters and thorns—and it’s an incredibly useful outdoor tool.”

Stuck in the woods with no TP? The anti-microbial Kula cloth was designed to replace toilet paper (for peeing). You can snap it to your pack without weighing it down at all. Then, wash it out and use it again. Simple as that. 

If your favorite outdoor lover is also a fan of foraging, Wildcrafted Vinegars by Pascal Baudar will be their new obsession. This isn’t your typical foraging book—it’s a deep dive into the art of fermenting wild flavors straight from the forest. With over 60 recipes, the book guides readers through creating vinegars flavored with wild ingredients like spruce tips, dandelion, and elderflower.

The Lifestraw Sip is a game-changer for the friend who’s always off on some remote adventure. This compact, easy-to-carry water filter is designed for on-the-go hydration in nature. With its built-in straw, they can sip directly from any freshwater source—rivers, streams, or lakes—knowing it’s safe thanks to its 99.99% bacteria and parasite removal. Weighing just 2 ounces and able to filter up to 1,000 liters of water, it’s light enough to carry everywhere, from deep backcountry treks to day hikes. It’s the gift that adds a layer of safety and convenience to their wildest adventures.

This clever little gadget is a total game-changer for campers. It’s a Bluetooth speaker, flashlight, and lantern all rolled into one rugged, rechargeable design. Whether you’re playing your favorite playlist by the fire or need a bright light to find your way to the tent, this multitasker has you covered. Bonus: the lantern also works as an emergency light, so it’s practical and safe

Every hiker, camper, or birdwatcher has those moments of inspiration when they need to jot something down. The Rite in The Rain Notebook is built for exactly that. Its weatherproof pages are designed to resist smudging, soaking, and tearing, so they can write in any condition—rain or shine. Ideal for sketching, journaling, or jotting down a quick note while on the trail, the notebook is bound to withstand outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s available in various sizes, from pocket-sized notebooks to full-size journals, making it easy for your friend to carry it anywhere their outdoor journey takes them.

The Women of Mountaineering Calendar features stunning photographs of legendary female climbers, along with inspiring stories and quotes that capture the power of women in extreme outdoor sports. From the early pioneers to today’s leading alpinists, each month highlights a different trailblazer with a mix of historical and modern-day icons. It’s a daily reminder of what’s possible when you push yourself to new heights—both literally and figuratively.

Sunny Stroeer is a record-breaking trail runner and founder of AWExpeditions, a mountaineering expedition company for women and by women. Her favorite accessory? The hip pack from Fjällräven. “I never used the wear fanny packs but started seeing them (and how practical they are!) amongst so many of my backpacking clients at AWExpeditions and Dreamland Safari Tours that I decided to give them a try; now I’m a convert – for outdoor adventure as much as for days in town,” says Strooer. “I am a particular fan of the Ulvö Hip Pack because of its well-designed shape and spaciousness if you go with the large version.”

Portable seating big enough for the whole family—that’s the Kelty Lowdown Couch. It’s three camp chairs in one, packable design, complete with slightly-reclined backs, quilted seats, and cupholders. It doubles as an excellent dog bed for furry friends, too.

Or, if sharing seats isn’t their thing, they’ll love this individual camp chair from Helinox. It’s light as a feather and packs down to virtually nothing, so they won’t mind packing it in and out of camp. The adjustable headrest is perfect for napping and stargazing, while the ample pockets ensure snacks are never too far out of reach. Trust—these chairs are so fabulous, you’ll want to gift one to yourself.

For the hiking girly who just wants to pee in the woods without having to strip down to nothing, there’s Gnara’s brilliant Go There pants. These trendy, technical pants have everything you want in a quality hiking pant plus a zipper fly the makes going to the bathroom so easy. Plus there are five large pockets, perfect for toting your TP when nature calls. What more could they want?!

“The Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack is a great pack for daytrippers on a beach picnic mission, urban adventurers packed for a BBQ in the park, and outdoorsy folks who want to enjoy cool, refreshing snacks wherever they go,” says Diana Lee, Canadian waterwoman and outdoor enthusiast based in Toronto, CA. “I’ve personally hiked to some lovely spots with it, as the backpack straps and padded backing make it pretty comfortable to carry. I love that the top flips wide open, allowing easy access to contents inside, and because of its height, I can carry large bottles upright.”

For someone who likes to venture off the grid, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the ultimate safety companion. This compact device ensures they stay connected in remote areas with two-way text messaging and GPS navigation. The SOS feature offers peace of mind for those exploring off-the-beaten-path locations (and for you). It can pair with a smartphone for easy use. Whether they’re climbing a mountain or trekking through remote terrain, this thoughtful gift will keep them safe and able to reach help if needed.

For that friend who’s king of the campfire, the Solo Stove smokeless pit is a gift they’ll cherish forever. It’s made for backyard marshmallow roasting sessions and car camping expeditions alike. The portable, stainless steel fire pit is designed to maximize airflow, resulting in a cleaner burn with significantly less smoke.

Not everyone’s idea of camping involves minimalist gear—sometimes, it’s about bringing a little extra comfort along. The DOD Good Luck Table is great for the camper who loves to set up a well-appointed campsite. Its sturdy wooden top and folding legs offer a great surface for cooking, dining, or playing games. This practical, portable table is a fantastic gift for someone who enjoys extra space and style in their setup without sacrificing the ability to pack it up when needed. It also doubles as a car shelf!

Kari Traa’s pretty base layers are so charming, they’re almost hard to hide underneath jackets and snow pants. This merino/cashmere half-zip isn’t just easy on the eyes, but roasty toasty, too, bound to keep you warm for hours on the slopes. Gift it with the matching Voss Cashmere Mix Pants ($140) and make the skier in your life the chicest snow bunny out there.

If you’re shopping for someone who thrives on versatility—skiing one weekend, hiking the next—the Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie checks all the boxes. Made with a blend of merino wool, a natural, renewable fiber known for its lightweight feel, this hoodie offers all-day comfort without the bulk of traditional wool. It’s naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, so they can go from a chilly morning run to a warm afternoon hike without missing a beat.

The North Face Summit Series Pumori Parka is one of those investment pieces that you keep for the rest of your life—it’s even kept me warm in the freezing temps of Everest Base Camp (along with my Hoka Speedgoat 6 Trail Runners). This lightweight jacket is created for mountain conditions and provides exceptional warmth with goose-down insulation. The 800-fill of the parka stays warm even in wet weather and stuffs down into a small sack. If you want to go all out for the snow-lover in your life, this is the jacket to do so. 

There’s nothing worse than cold fingers on the slopes, which is why these mittens should be top of your shopping list. They combine premium down insulation with a weatherproof shell, keeping hands warm and dry in freezing temps—whether they’re pitching a tent in the snow or hitting the slopes. Lightweight and packable, they’re easy to stash in a jacket pocket or backpack.

Snow, slush, the inevitable hidden ice path—they’re no match for Loon’r boots. At just 3-pounds per pair, they’re lightweight but seriously insulated and rated for below-freezing temps. They’re waterproof design and tall build ensure your feet stay dry after a day on the hill, while the grippy rubber sole ensures you stay upright. Bonus: The bright colors stand out in a sea of black and white snow boots.

For that skier who always wants to share their runs on IG, this is the camera for them. New this year, it’s GoPro’s lightest camera yet (we can confirm: it’s wildly tiny and light) but still gets all your shots in crystal clear 4K. It has three easy modes, built-in mounting legs, and makes it easy to send your favorite pics and videos right to your phone. For just $180, you’ll want to buy two—one for them, one for yourself.

Shopping for a king or queen of parking lot après? The Jetboil Flash system is the gift that keeps on giving, making it perfect for whipping up hot toddies after a cold day on the slopes. Just add water and loads of fun.

Need some ski-themed stocking stuffers? Stio’s buttery soft neck gaiter is a perfect fit. Made from recycled fleece and polyester, they can pull it up over their face on deep powder days or in windy conditions when they need some extra protection. Choose from the prettiest colors, like lilac “berry smoke”, bluebird “night heather”, and earthy “pine forest”.

Fun fact: Being on or around the water affects eye health. Whether they’re a beach bum, avid angler, or passionate paddler, a pair of polarized sunglasses will protect their eyes while giving them better vision in sunny situations. Costa sunglasses are synonymous with the life aquatic, as it only sells polarized sunglasses that absorb 100 percent of UV light. These extra-large frames and side shields go the extra mile to protect eyes, while the brand’s lens technology goes the extra mile to keep lenses safe from scratches, grease, and salt.

UPF clothing that doesn’t scream “UPF clothing”? Yes, please. Cotopaxis’s sun-protective clothing makes a delightful gift for everyone on your list, whether they’re on the water or not. The Sombra hoodie is airy, breathable, and irresistibly comfortable. Bonus points for being UV-resistant and quick-drying.

Kit them out with these lightweight pants, which offer the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Quick-drying and breezy, they’re designed for long days on the water, whether it’s casting a line or paddling through calm bays. With an adjustable waistband and water-resistant fabric, they’re built to move with ease while keeping you dry and comfortable—who wouldn’t want a pair under their Christmas tree?!

Have they been talking about starting a new hobby? Introduce them to fly fishing, which is a great way to get outside, unwind, and connect with nature. The Orvis Clearwater Combo is the perfect beginner kit for wading into the sport (pun intended). This all-in-one setup includes a versatile fly rod, reel, and line—everything they need to get on the water. Throw in a couple of flies and they’re ready to fish. Tight lines!

If you really want to surprise your water-loving special someone, do it with a Bote board. These inflatable boards are like the Bentleys of SUPs (and made our list of best inflatable paddleboards for beginners), thoughtfully designed to make paddling nothing but topnotch.

For starters, they’re easy to inflate even easier to deflate, making them extremely packable. But they’re also customizable with Bote’s line of matching SUP accessories. For example, if they like to alternate between SUP-ing and kayaking, they can add an Inflatable Kayak Seat ($115.) If they’re going to be fishing from their board, they can tack on a rod rack. Coolers, buckets, paddle racks, even cup holders—there’s a plethora of accessories that connect to the board to make it their ultimate floating paradise.

This rugged, waterproof bag keeps gear dry no matter how wet the adventure gets—perfect for fishing trips, kayaking, or beach outings. With a spacious 35L capacity, it’s big enough to hold all the essentials, while the roll-top closure and welded seams ensure a completely watertight seal. Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s a must-have for anyone who spends their days on or near the water.

Bring the essence of the outdoors into their home with the Winter Fire Candle by Carrière Frères. Inspired by cozy nights around the campfire, this luxurious candle blends smoky and woody notes for a scent that feels warm, grounding, and oh-so-inviting. Handcrafted in France with sustainable ingredients, it’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves winter nights and the comforting crackle of a fire—even when they’re not outside.

Get them a gift that’ll help them tick off every park on their bucket list. Wondery’s best-selling water bottle doubles as a memento that keeps track of the National Parks they’ve visited over time. It comes with stickers for every park in the country that, as they visit, they can peel off and add to their bottle. It’s pretty much the most fun way to stay hydrated.

Here’s a gift for the friend who’s constantly fueling. Riley Amos, Olympian, and cross-country mountain biker, says, “Kenetik provides that clean boost of energy to power through. For me as an athlete, I am always looking for that extra edge in performance, but Kenetik brings a boost to everyone’s health and well-being without a caffeine crash, artificial ingredients, or sugar.” Yes, please. 

After a day on the slopes or in the woods, this cream from Ursa Major will leave their skin rejuvenated (until the next adventure!). Packed with natural ingredients like calendula, sea buckthorn, and black currant, this soothing cream deeply hydrates and rejuvenates, leaving skin soft and refreshed. It’s a luxurious way to unwind and give their skin some much-needed TLC.

This vibrant 1,000-piece puzzle showcases the beauty of America’s national parks with colorful, detailed illustrations. Whether it’s a cozy winter activity or a reminder of adventures to come, this puzzle celebrates the wonder of the great outdoors—no boots required.

I mean… this is just precious. It’ll “spruce” up the Christmas tree with a reminder of their favorite ski hill, city, or national park. We’ll take the lot!