Outdoor gifts quick picks
For compact campfire cooking: Opinel Nomad Cooking Kit
A pack made to fit all types of bodies: Gregory Nano 24 Plus-Size Backpack
For cold climate explorers: Royal Robbins Billy Goat BC-Lined Pants
An outer layer to keep them dry: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
For fusing two of their favorite things: Uncommon Goods Campfire Beer Caramelizer
When you know someone has a hobby they love, it makes sense to give them a gift that will make their extracurricular activities easier, more enjoyable or more stylish. But for the outdoor- and nature-loving folks in your life, it can be hard to sort through the sea of gear and apparel that can improve life in the wilderness if you’re not familiar with it. Luckily, here at Underscored, we have our fair share of adventuring writers and editors who love to give their insight on outdoor accessories that are worth your money.
We’ve compiled some of our favorite products that are sure to make any hiker, camper, climber, kayaker or any other kind of outdoor lover happy this holiday season. We’ve included products we’ve tested, use daily or just can’t seem to stop talking about.
And if you have more people on your list to find the perfect gifts for, check out our gift ideas for Mom, for Dad or our favorite gifts under $25.
Best outdoor gear gifts
On deep backcountry camping trips, it can be hard to stay fresh and clean when doing your business. The Kula Cloth is designed to help anyone who squats when they pee feel hygienic, despite what life on the trails may bring them. We know it's not the most typical gift, but they'll be sure to get a lot of use out of it.
Sleeping under the stars is great until your camping pad deflates in the middle of the night or you can't get comfortable after a long day of trekking. Unlike other sleeping pads, this Therm-a-Rest pad has thick, reinforced side seams that make this pad plusher than others while still folding down small enough to tote in a pack.
And to further upgrade their sleeping setup, grab this REI Co-op Campwell pillow, which is our best-tested pick. Its large size will keep their head supported, and the two-sided design makes it great for hot and cold sleepers alike.
For folks who don't let fresh powder keep them from getting outside and exploring, these best-tested snowshoes will help them get to where they're going more easily.
Having access to clean, potable water in the outdoors is crucial. This Platypus filter screws onto the cap of their favorite wide-mouth water bottle. To use it, they'll just need to find a nearby lake or stream and fill up their bottle, and the in-cap filter will turn dirty muck into a crisp sip.
Currently an REI exclusive, this Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag features an extra-toasty WarmZip feature that pulls the fill around your body and can give campers an extra 10 degrees of added warmth. It also comes with zippered armholes that are perfect for hot sleepers, late-night readers or campers who dislike having their torso confined in a camping bag.
Trekking poles can be a real lifesaver on steep or unsteady terrain. Any serious hiker or adventurer will want to have a pair of these in their gear kit. They also make a great gift for aging hikers who still like to stay active.
AllTrails is the go-to source for outdoor folks to find hikes and trails in their area. The AllTrails app is free, but this AllTrails+ subscription will give them exclusive guides for US national parks, trail navigation, wrong-turn alerts and the ability to download maps offline so they won't have to worry about getting lost in areas without good cell service.
We love Nomadix's original blankets for staying dry after workouts, on the trail or by the pool. This new bigger blanket towel fits two to three people, which makes it great for the beach, the lake, the park or enjoying a scenic camping view.
This handy kit is all they'll need for preparing campfire meals or enjoying a nice picnic in the outdoors. It comes with a vegetable peeler, folding serrated knife, folding knife with a wine corkscrew and a small cutting board. Plus, the kit can be stowed in the microfiber cleaning cloth to keep the cooking tools clean and organized.
For longer treks into the wilderness where campers won't have access to reliable power, this solar panel charger can harness the sun's energy to help keep their phones and other devices charged. It also has a handy carrying case to keep charging cords and devices tidy throughout their trip.
This versatile PackTowl body towel is perfect for traveling, camping, the gym and basically any other outdoor activity. It’s super packable, ultra absorbent, fast drying and soft too. They'll find all sorts of uses for it, and it will definitely earn a spot on their camping checklist.
Having a designated gear box will help keep all their outdoor essentials in one place. It's also ideal for storing dirty, muddy or wet gear so they can keep their car or camper clean. We love this durable Gregory bin, which is dustproof and waterproof, and we especially like that the clear, flip-top lid let's you easily peek at the gear inside with just a quick glance.
If you know someone who is willing to travel long distances to see amazing views of the outdoors, this Mystery Ranch pack is the perfect thing for them to throw in their carry-on bag or duffel. This 22-liter bag folds down into a convenient pouch that won't crowd their luggage but is big enough for them to bust out for day hikes or for holding vacation items like cameras and layers while they explore more urban environments.
Everybody should feel welcome in the outdoors, which is why Gregory has teamed up with Unlikely Hikers to make this vibrant line of backpacks designed to fit plus-size bodies. With extendable shoulder and hip straps, plus all the handy pockets and compartments you'll find on all Gregory's packs, any size hiker will be able to carry their gear without painful pinching or pulling.
Easier to crank than your average AeroPress and boasting a reusable mesh filter for grounds, the Nest pour-over coffee set is poised to become a true game changer for those who love to sip a fancy cup of joe on chilly mornings around camp. Plus, this editor-favorite coffee maker packs down into one easy-to-carry cylindrical tube.
Mushrooms are all the rage these days, touted for their brain- and immunity-boosting properties. Four Sigmatic is one of the OG companies selling all kinds of fungi-improved supplements, and these instant coffees from the brand are not only tasty but perfect for hiking, camping, travel and backpacking. Even coffee snobs will find themselves enjoying every sip.
The mosquitoes aren’t out now, but you can bet they’ll be back and biting next summer. Get prepared with this rechargeable mosquito repeller, which we tested and absolutely loved.
This nifty little lantern by BioLite packs a hefty punch for its small size. Not only does it boast 250 lumens of brightness for cooking at camp or lounging outside your tent but it’s got a bevy of snazzy color combinations to add pizzazz to your camp area. They'll even find use for it at music festivals or just for creating some ambience in their backyard.
If they love to adventure with their pets, don't forget about Fido this gifting season either. Every adventure pup needs a packable, lightweight dog bed to snuggle on around the campfire or to help protect the precious floor of your tent at night. The Trixie Dog Pack Bed is lined with polar fleece and boasts a water-resistant ripstop backing for long-lasting protection from the elements.
This enormous tent transforms into a freestanding shelter in just minutes. We tested one earlier this year and absolutely loved its versatility. If your giftee values durability and wants their campsite to feel more luxe than rough, this is a great tent upgrade to give them.
Melamine is a fantastic pottery substance that’s more eco-friendly than traditional plastic dishes. Made by fusing tiny wood particles, the result is virtually shatterproof bowls and plates that are ideal for van life, car camping and outdoor entertaining.
Snow Peak makes some of the best and most durable camping gear in the game. This portable fire pit comes with a grill grate so you can make delicious meals wherever you are. Plus, it folds down so you can bring it from the backyard to the campsite and everywhere in between. It's guaranteed to last a lifetime, and if it doesn't, Snow Peak has you covered with a lifetime warranty too.
REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Pack
A bag to hold multiple days of gear
Daypacks are a versatile gift for pretty much everyone, but serious hikers and backpackers looking to really get into the wilderness will need a larger pack for toting all their gear. This 60-liter pack is equipped to hold a tent, sleeping bag, water and food, plus extra layers. It's a great gift for beginner backpackers who can use some help updating their gear.
Available in both a women's and a men's version, this pack has an adjustable torso so they can find the most comfortable fit. It's designed with organization in mind, which makes it great for hikers who like for everything to have a home.
Best outdoor apparel gifts
Royal Robbins Billy Goat BC-Lined Pants
For cold climate explorers
We love durable outdoor gear that's still casual enough for daily wear, and these Billy Goat pants from Royal Robbins fit the bill perfectly. They're casual enough for everyday wear even in cold, windy temps, since the fleece lining will help keep their legs warm without additional base layers that add bulk.
Made of a durable and stretchy canvas outer, you'd never know these stylish pants have an added layer of inner fleece. They can be worn for casual hikes and casual dinners alike, making them a great option that they can wear anywhere.
Similar in silhouette to a Birkenstock clog but with features suited for tougher terrain, these Bedrock clogs are the trendiest outdoor gift you can give this season. From the trails to the rock-climbing gym to just comfortably running errands, these suede clogs also make great camp-side shoes to add into their rotation. They also come in seven muted earth tones that will easily match the rest of their outdoor wear.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
An outer layer to keep them dry
Every outdoorsy person knows that getting soaked to the bone is one of the quickest ways to turn an adventure from fab to drab. This Patagonia jacket has been our best-tested rain jacket for years. It's durable and breathable, and though it's a bit pricey, we believe it's well worth the investment.
If you really want to know if this jacket makes a great gift, just ask our associate editor Jillian Tracy who has declared her love for this rain jacket repeatedly. From Icelandic adventures to rainy hikes in Washington State, this Patagonia jacket has withstood the elements, resulting in dry base layers and full range of motion to keep her moving easily mile after mile.
Teva ReEmber slippers have been one of our favorite gifts for years, but recently, Teva released a new version, the Teva ReEmber Terrain. These shoes have thicker, more supportive soles and a lot more traction on the bottoms so you can feel more secure walking around camp. We’ve been trying out a pair for ourselves and love the updated soles. However, these new slip-ons don’t have heels, so they slip off easily. We also found that the Terrain slippers run big, so you might want to order one size down.
This button-up shirt from Teren is perfect for people who love a minimal and multifunctional wardrobe. It's made with four-way-stretch bamboo fabric that’s wrinkle-resistant and antimicrobial. Plus, it looks just as fresh and polished in the workplace as it does on the trail, with lots of included outdoorsy touches like carabiner prints and collar stays that double as a fire starter.
Altra Olympus 6 Trail-Running Shoes
For runners who do their miles on the trails
These days, everyone is talking about zero-drop shoes, but some of us simply need more cushioning as our feet age. Altra’s Olympus 6 is the brand’s most supportive trail-oriented model, making it perfect for long hikes and runs alike.
With the roomiest fit of all Altra's shoes, the Olympus 6 features improved lugs on the soles for better traction and sticky rubber grips for stability on wet and dry surfaces.
Shackets are a great layering option for seasons of transitional weather, and the Normal Brand has created a look (in a wide variety of colors) that can be confidently worn to the office, as well as around the campfire. With a soft quilted inner lining and a water-repellent heavyweight wool shell, this jacket blends form and function perfectly.
Who doesn’t like doing a little good while they shop for the holidays? When you buy from Parks Project, a portion of every sale goes back to trail and public lands conservation efforts. This fluffy unisex fleece will help keep your bestie cozy while protecting the places they love.
Listen, we love a hooded sun shirt as much as the next person, but ones made with synthetic fabrics can start to stink after only one use, which isn’t great if you love multiday camping and backpacking excursions. Outdoor Vitals’ Tern hoodie is made with super-fine merino wool, which is naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking for those longer trips and treks.
Help them stay cozy wherever they are with Therm-a-Rest’s Honcho Poncho, whether that's around the campfire or in a cold office. Its insulation helps keep you warm and a giant front pocket doubles as a stuff sack for easy portability.
Xero Shoes Sunrise Super-Light Camp Shoes
A pair of ultra-light campsite shoes
With a “barely there” weight of 4.6 ounces per shoe, the Sunrise design from Xero Shoes is a truly stellar camp slip-on. Ideal for backpackers and frequent travelers when space and weight are a high priority, these shoes have surprisingly grippy lugs for such a small package.
With a wider toe box, these Xero shoes are designed to let your toes spread and relax for better recovery between lacing up your hiking boots. We also like that the loafer design makes these shoes nice enough to wear for casual dinners, errands and daily wear as well.
Blend style with superior weather protection this winter and splurge on this insulated trench coat from Helly Hansen. Constructed with a waterproof and breathable outer and lined with a recycled synthetic blend of insulation, this coat will keep that hard-to-shop-for outdoor lover on your list comfy in even the worst conditions.
Stretchy enough to endure a several-mile hike, yet stylish enough to wear to your favorite bar afterward for drinks — that’s the beauty of the Kultivator pants from Kühl. Not only do they come in four colors and four fits but they boast UPF 50+ sun protection and a softer fabric than any jeans you've ever owned. And if you're shopping for the men in your life, Kühl's closest men's version of these pants are its stretchy Renegade pants.
When your loved one's feet needs some TLC, they’ll likely want something like these cloudlike slip-ons from Hoka. Made with sugarcane-based EVA foam in the midsoles, these cushy slip-on sandals will treat their feet just right.
Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket
A jacket to keep them warm on and off the trails
Down jackets are a great gift since they’re so versatile. Pair them with a few layers and you can wear them all the way from fall through the spring. This one from Patagonia is especially good because it’s got 800-fill-power goose down and its exterior is made from 30-denier recycled ripstop nylon for extra durability.
While it's not waterproof, this down jacket can be easily layered underneath a rain jacket or ski shell for more warmth. It's got plenty of pockets, including interior ones for valuables, and it packs down into a compact bundle that makes it a great traveling jacket as well.
There are thousands of slipper brands out there, but our editors love Glerups for its unmatched warmth and comfort, both in the house and around the campsite. Made of 100% wool, these slippers absorb moisture and resist odor, plus the rubber soles gives you extra traction to move from your neighborhood trail to your porch with maximum comfort.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
A fleece to rival their favorite sweater
We love Patagonia sweaters, and this fleece is no exception. With a timeless style and material crafted with recycled polyester, the Better Sweater will look good on the trail and off.
Another thing we love about Patagonia gear? The brand's Ironclad Guarantee. If the fleece rips, a zipper breaks or the fabric gets torn up by the elements, you can take it to a Patagonia store or mail it back for a repair job, replacement or refund (depending on the circumstances) to help extend the life cycle of your most beloved gear.
As purveyors of fabulous prints to keep winter recreationists looking fly all season, Skida has a huge selection of super-soft balaclavas in high-visibility and natural prints alike. This Loppet design sits perfectly between the two, boasting loads of rich blue and a geometric design that will look great on any any skier, snowboarder or snow-trekker.
Journalist and Underscored contributor Emily Pennington loves sporting this colorful trucker cap from Sunday Afternoons. Pennington loves these hats for their ventilating mesh backing, plus the fact that the brand supports outdoorsy artists by circulating high-quality, mountain-themed designs on the front panels. Don’t think your gift recipient will love these dreamy blues? Check out the dozens of other available colors.
Best outdoor home gifts
We know that Instagram and social media is kind of a digital journal of its own these days, but for adventurers who prefer having a physical journal to jot down their daily travels in, look no further than this Papier one. With this, they can create a dream trip wish list, make travel plans, recap their favorite memories and even play some boredom-fighting travel games.
If camping and beer are two of their favorite things, this beer caramelizer is just what they need to take their favorite brews to the next level. Not only does this give them an opportunity to put on a real show for friends and family around the fire but this caramelizer will add a smoky sweetness to their pint that they'll be yearning for again and again.
There are plenty of water bottles to choose from these days, but for the outdoors, we like Yeti’s Yonder bottle, which is a lightweight, BPA-free plastic water bottle that’s still tremendously durable.
When they can’t actually be out on the trail this winter, cozy up to the next best thing. This long-burning soy-blend candle by Homesick evokes scents of pine, jasmine and cedarwood, creating a fresh yet earthy scent designed to transport them back to the comforts of the forest.
When the weather gets cold and you can’t go camping, one of the things you might miss most is sitting around a fire making s’mores. While it isn’t as good as the real thing, this mini fireplace from Solo Stove is a great way to bring a little taste of the outdoors inside.
If you know someone who always forgets about their drink, get them this can insulator from Yeti. It uses the brand’s double-walled vacuum insulation technology to keep your beverage nice and cold for hours.
We absolutely love the Solo Stove, thanks to its sleek design and low-smoke fires. It makes a great big-ticket gift for those who can’t always make it out to the woods.
Even though Apple has released the Apple Watch Ultra 2, we still think the original is a great pick. With increased battery life, more precise GPS and enhanced compass capabilities over the basic Apple Watch, it could be an adventurer’s new best friend. We tried it out, and while there’s no question it’s expensive, we think it’s worth it.
For bad-weather days when they can't get outside or for when they just need a cozy night in, this gorgeous 1,000-piece national parks puzzle will give them an activity to do that still pays homage to their favorite outdoor adventures.
This backpacker guitar packs a surprising amount of sound into such a small body, which is why it’s been a fan favorite for wandering bards for decades. Weighing less than 3 pounds, it can easily strap onto the side of a backpack for easy campfire crooning with your mates.
Not every outdoorsy gift has to scream “I hike 20 miles every weekend,” and these fabulous national park map towels by Xplorer Maps are a great way to commemorate a trip or show your public lands pride while putzing around the kitchen.
Oftentimes, adventurers want something to sip at home or around the campfire, but that traditional flask full of whiskey can leave you feeling groggy with a headache the following morning, hardly the proper state for a day of going hard in the mountains. Ghia has quickly become a popular nonalcoholic aperitif, with its blend of Mediterranean-inspired bitters that will remind you of a real Negroni.