Being outside, surrounded by nature, is our happy place. Most of our travels center around overlanding - in our Land Cruiser Troopy, on motorcyles, or by bike - which for us means camping most nights and playing outside during the day - hiking, trail running, kayaking, skiing....you get the idea. We live to be outside.
Since this has been our life for many years, we've tried and tested all manner of gear. We hope that you will benefit from our experience to choose the best gift for the outdoor lover in your life. We've curated a list, from budget to splurge, for the hiking, cycling, and camping outdoor lover. The following gift ideas are perfect for any occasion - Christmas, birthday, Mother's/Father's Day, Valentines' Day and more.
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Camp Kitchen
Jetboil Flash Camping Stove
The Jetboil Flash stove makes meal preparations quick and efficient, boiling water in just under 100 seconds. It's perfect if your friend / loved one doesn't have ambitious cooking plans and just wants to make a simple meal or boil water for coffee/tea. The integrated stove system, including fuel canister, nests together, making packing efficient as well. Looking for something that can handle bigger meals? Check out our next option.
Trangia 25 Series UL Cookset
If a one-pot stove doesn't suit the needs of your outdoorsy friend, he/she will love the Trangia cookset. The 25 Series set is lightweight and includes an alcohol stove, 2 pots, and one fry pan that nest neatly together. The alcohol stove is small, dirt simple (no moving parts to break) and alcohol is easy to source - unlike fuel canisters which are bulky and, depending where your travels take you, potentially unavailable. Click the link below to learn more
Platypus Collapsible Soft Bottle
The Platypus bottle is highly packable and collapsible, packing down small enough to fit in a small pocket when empty. With the attached clip it can hang on the outside of the hiking pack. Weighing just 1.6 oz. for a 1 liter bottle, they are a great gift those that are conscious about gear weight.
Hydroflask Water Bottle
The insulated Hydroflask has quickly become our favorite water bottle when weight isn't an issue. With the lid on, it keeps hot liquids hot for up to 12 hours and cold liquids cold for up to 24 hours.
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
The Aeropress is the perfect coffee maker for camping. It makes a great cup of coffee AND it cleans easily and quickly - just press the grinds out of the bottom and rinse - no messy clean up involved. The brewing process takes about 30 seconds and the microfilter means no grit in coffee. Read more about it and check out the price with the link below.
Starbucks Via Instant Coffee
For those that don't want to pack a coffee maker but want a nice cuppa joe in the morning, Starbucks Via instant coffee is a great alternative.
Stanley Insulated Travel Mug
With all of that coffee, your friend will need a good insulated mug to keep it hot. The double-wall vacuum design keeps hot drinks hot up to four hours and cold drinks cold for up to six hours. For those road-trippers, the lid keeps the contents inside the cup when driving.
Snow Peak Titanium Bowl
Titanium cookware makes a great gift for the outdoor lover who needs to shave weight and be as light as possible. Perfect for the backpacker, mountaineer, or bikepacker - to name a few. A few ounces may not seem like much, but it quickly adds up.
Snow Peak Titanium Spork
A spork is a great weight-saving and space-saving piece of gear. The spork combines a spoon and fork into one and titanium ensures it's as light as possible.
Camping
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL MtnGlo Tent
An excellent ultralight 3-season tent, the Big Agnes Copper spur is ideal for backpacking, bike touring, car camping and more. We used this tent every night for a four-month bikepacking trip through Europe and were impressed with how light it is, small it packs, and easy/quick to set up. The built-in LED lights add coziness to the interior and the large ceiling pocket and side pockets ensure plenty of storage.
Eno Singlenest Hammock
The Eno Singlenest hammock is perfect for lazing away an afternoon at camp. Weighing in at only 2 lbs for the hammock and straps, the whole package packs small for easy storage and deploys quickly.
Cycling / Bike Touring
Ottolock Cinch Lock
The Ottolock Cinch Lock is lightweight and compact while offering good security. Made with multi-layer steel and kevlar bands (with a 3-dial combination lock), it's stronger than a cable lock, and "perfect for short-stay security". We suggest the 60" lock as it provides more flexibility in how/where the bike is secured.
Lezine Micro Drive Pump
This is a great, quality travel pump that pumps air into the tire easily and efficiently. The barrel, shaft, and T-handle are made of CNC machined aluminum while the fold-away footpeg is made of stainless steel.
Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool
The cyclist's version of a swiss army knife, the Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool has the tools needed to make repairs or adjustments on the trail. Included are a serrated knife, flat head screwdrivers, Presta Valva core tool, Torx keys (T25, T30), 8mm Hex, disk break pad spreader, chain assembly hook, chain assembly tool, hex keys (2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5mm). Weighs only 250 grams.
Cygolite Hotshot Pro 200 Tail Light
The Cygolite Hotshot Pro tail light, with 200 lumens, is extremely bright. 6 different modes allow the user to choose the best mode to increase motorist awareness. For example, the steady pulse mode helps motorists gauge their distance with a steady beam while the overlapping pulses keep them alert.
Knog Oi Bike Bell
The Knog Oi bike bell is one of the best bike bells on the market. We love the design because it doesn't actually look like a bell and its sleek design blends into the handlebars. More importantly, the loud, crisp ring is easily heard by others.
Hiking / Backpacking
Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Pole
If you're looking for a splurge-worthy gift for the hiker, check out the Leki Micro Vario Carbon trekking pole. They are relatively light, collapse to only 15.5 inches, and are made with the strongest external locking system available. The Aergon Thermo foam grip offers excellent comfort on steep descents or climbs. Great for short hikes to longer treks.
Black Diamond Revolt Headlamp
Not all headlamps are created equal. One of the greatest benefits of the Black Diamond Revolt is that it can be used with either rechargable USB batteries (you simply plug the USB cable into the headlamp to charge) or conventional batteries. Better for the wallet and better for the evironment. Other features: extremely bright, thanks to 300 lumens, waterproof, and programmable brightness memory.
Adventure Medical Kits - Ultralight and Watertight
It's reassuring to know that your friend/loved one is prepared if injured while out exploring. This small, waterproof kit weighs only 3.7oz. and includes the essentials for non-lifethreatening injuries - medications to treat pain, inflammation, and allergies; wraps and bandages to immobilize fractures and provide support; antiseptic wipes and butterfly bandages to clean and close small wounds. Smaller or larger kits are available. Click the link below to learn more.
MSR Trailshot Water Filter
Light (5 oz.) and compact (6x2.4 oz), the MSRP Trailshot water filter is small enough to fit in a stash pocket for hikes, trail runs, etc. Filter 1 liter in 60 seconds and either drink it directly from the Trailshot or fill a water bottle. Filters protozoa, bacteria, and particulates. If you're looking for a filter that filters viruses as well, check out the Grayl Water Filter in the travel section.
Clothing
Women's Patagonia Better Sweater
The Patagonia Better Sweater is the perfect combination of warmth, functionality, and style. Arguably one of my favorite pieces of outdoor wear, I have owned mine for ten years and it still looks new. It's available as a 1/4 zip or full-zippered jacket. I've provided a link to both women's and men's versions below.
For Women: Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
For Men: Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Arc'teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket
Arc'teryx, one of the best outdoor brands, has a wide range of excellent rain jackets. One of our favorites is the Beta SL Hybrid for its combination of lightweight material, packability, durability, and waterproof rating. Made with Gore-Tex fabric and reinforced in high wear areas, its a great option for most outdoor activities. The pit zips offer ventilation, allowing hot air to escape during activity
For Women: Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
For Men: Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
S.L. Revival Trucker Hat
Because who doesn't love a good Trucker hat? S.L. Revival offers some of the coolest trucker hats on the market. Their unique Salt-Wash process creates a weathered, heavily sun-bleached look. The hat fits perfectly on day one - no need to break it in. Choose from one of 20 vintage state flags or outdoor / surf-inspired options.
Buff Multi-functional Headware
With 12 different ways to wear the Buff, it's a great versatile addition to the outdoorsy person's packing list. Use it for wind protection, as a cap, balaclava, hair tie, neck protection, and more. Available in a multitude of colors and patterns.
Travel
Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Bottle
The Grayl Ultralight Purifier all-in-one bottle is capable of purifying 16 oz of water in 15 seconds. It's easy to refill on the go and reduces environmental plastic waste. As it removes protozoa, bacteria, and viruses as well as chemicals, heavy metal, and pesticides, it's well-suited for international travel where water drawn from hotels, spigots, rives, lakes, wells, and other sources can be unsafe.
Matador Freerain 24 2.0 Packable Backpack
This waterproof, packable, ultralight backpack is great for the outdoorsy traveler and adventurer. With 24 liters of capacity and features such as 2 water bottle holders, external pocket, and roll top closure, it weighs only 6.6 oz. and packs down to 5" x 3".
Anker Powercore 10000 External Battery
This compact (smaller than a deck of cards) and lightweight external battery is an ideal gift for the outdoorsy traveler. Your friend will feel confident knowing he/she will always have battery power to charge their phone or other USB powered electronics. We take ours on hikes, bike rides, etc to keep our phone battery topped up since it doubles as our GPS and our bike tail lights powered.
Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool
A strong, versatile, durable solution for everything from making gear repairs to unclogging your Airbnb drain (ugh!). Includes a variety of pliers, saw, scissors, ruler, bottle opener, files, screwdrivers, and wire cutters. The outside-accessible blades can be deployed with just one hand - great for those situations when you only have one hand to spare.
Universal International Travel Power Adapter
Gone are the days that your friend will have to fight for outlet space to charge his/her electronics. Since this adapter offers 4 USB ports and one universal AC socket, up to 5 items can be charged at once. A gamechanger on those days when there is little time and a lot of charging ahead.