The holidays are coming up fast, which means it’s time to start getting gifts. Whether you’re shopping for him, for her or for the person in your life who has everything, it’s time to start checking all your friends and family off your list.
If you have an adventurer with a passion for the outdoors in your life and don’t know what to get them, there’s no need to fret. We’ve combed through one of our favorite outdoor retailers — REI — and picked out the best gifts for the holiday season. We’ve spent years shopping at REI and tested a bunch of the following gifts ourselves, so whether you’re helping them beef up their camping checklist or just looking for cheap, outdoorsy stocking stuffers, here are 68 presents from REI they’re sure to love.
Waking up in the middle of the woods is great, but if you can’t have a piping hot cup of coffee, those afternoon hikes can feel a lot harder than normal. That’s why we love the AeroPress Go, which packs into a small, portable package that allows you to brew coffee wherever you are. We’ve had one for years and take it on every camping trip we go on. We especially love how easy it is to clean after making your morning cup. However, it does only make one cup of coffee, so if you’re serving multiple people or you need multiple cups, you’ll have to pack your patience or try a French press instead.
REI started selling Allbirds sneakers on its site last year, and we couldn’t be happier. Tons of styles from the popular shoe brand are up for purchase at REI, including this pair of wool runners, which has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to help keep your feet dry and warm on foul-weather runs and hikes.
We know it might not sound like the sexiest gift, but Kula’s revolutionary pee cloth is a game changer for folks who need to take care of business in the woods. With loads of fun prints to choose from and a hydrophobic outer covering, this bathroom rag is functional and anything but boring.
It’s tough to find a good car camping or backpacking tent in the 5-pound range that’s under $200, but REI has broken the mold with its new Trailmade two-person tent. Full of great features like interior gear loops, a footprint and stash pockets, this is an excellent beginner tent at a great price.
The perfect setup for newer backpackers (without breaking the bank), REI’s Trailmade Backpacking Bundle contains a two-person Trailmade tent, a 21-degree sleeping bag and an ultra-warm 5.5 R-value self-inflating sleeping pad for comfortable camping spring through fall.
Soft as a cloud and boasting features galore (like a zippered stash pocket and draft collar for neck warmth), Kelty’s Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag is a lightweight 550-fill-down bag that’s warm, comfortable and reasonably priced. Plus, the PFC-free water-repellent coating helps shed dew and moisture in wet or humid climates.
One of the most popular camp chairs on the market, the Nemo Stargaze is the ultimate in camp luxury. Its ingenious hammock-style support means you can comfortably sit up around the fire or lean back to look at the stars. It’s definitely a pricey chair, but after trying it out, we really think it’s worth the investment. It’s the most comfortable camp chair we’ve ever sat in, and its additional features like a cup holder and pocket are super helpful.
Sometimes you want to give your loved one the gift of … sitting. And Helinox makes it easy with this 1-pound chair that packs down small (like a pair of trekking poles) and is ideal for backpacking. Want something even more comfortable? Check out the brand’s high-back chair, which weighs a scant 1.5 pounds.
Whether you want to simply illuminate your campsite or turn it into a party, the BioLite AlpenGlow 500 is the perfect lantern for nearly any outing. It’s one of our favorite camp lanterns, thanks to its incredible range of lighting modes, which includes a Candlelight Flicker mode, a Fireworks mode and a seemingly endless palette of colors.
If you don’t need your campsite to be as Instagram-worthy and just want a small, simple light, opt for this lantern from Black Diamond instead. With a max brightness of 150 lumens, it won’t illuminate your whole site, but it’s plenty of light to hang over your stove while you’re cooking dinner or in your tent for some late-night reading. We’ve had a previous version of this lantern for about a year now and use it all the time. This updated lantern carries more lumens and can run off three AAA batteries or one of Black Diamond's rechargeable batteries.
Got a climber on your list who wants to train on the go? Metolius’ wooden Light Rail Training Board can be quickly clipped to a hang point for a pre-gym workout or mounted to a wall or door frame with a series of four screws. It’s also reversible to create a variety of four different fingerholds.
This popular blanket from Rumpl is made from 100% postconsumer polyester from plastic bottles. Not only does it help divert plastic from landfills, but this blanket is also super cozy both around the campfire and on the couch. We’ve had one for over a year and bring it anywhere we can, whether that’s to the campsite or to a brewery for outdoor dining.
Bold colors created with remnant fabric is the aesthetic ethos of Cotopaxi’s eco-friendly designs. At 5 ounces, this Kapai 1.5-liter hip pack is easy to toss into a larger backpack for a summit bag on multiday excursions or to use as a small day bag on mellow hikes and dog walks. It even features a top handle that you could clip a puffy or multi-tool to.
Another excellent glove pick for under $100, Outdoor Research brings the best of everything to these Revolution II gloves: waterproofing, two-layer polyester, synthetic insulation and quick-drying, grippy palms. They’re so good, in fact, they were our pick for the best budget ski glove.
Keep your loved one’s fingers extra warm on the slopes or during frigid days in town with Dakine’s ultra-durable, water-repellent Sequoia Gore-Tex Mittens. They come equipped with removable, four-way stretch fleece liners too, ideal for those moments when they’ll need a bit more dexterity in the snow.
Warm, super light and windproof, Arc’teryx’s Venta Gloves are ideal for cold weather morning trail runs, winter hikes or temperate days carving up the slopes. Made with four-way stretch and three-layer Gore-Tex Infinium fabric, these smartphone-compatible gloves are toasty yet slim enough to layer under an in-town jacket.
Whether you love going to the beach, the woods or the gym, this super-versatile towel deserves a spot in your pack. It’s ultra absorbent, it's quick-drying and it packs down much smaller than your typical towel. We took it on a trip to Moab, Utah, and used it for everything from wiping down kayaks to drying dishes. It’s also got a nifty loop, so it’s easy to hang-dry, not to mention it’s made from recycled plastic bottles.
This simple camp chair is perfect for the backyard, the tailgate or the middle of the woods. It's got a cup holder and a carry strap to make for easy transport.
Our pick for the best rain jacket, the Patagonia Torrentshell is a completely bombproof rain jacket that’s sure to keep you dry even in the worst downpours. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than many of its competitors and comes with Patagonia’s Iron Clad Guarantee. Read our full guide on rain jackets to learn more about why we love the Torrentshell.
Boasting “a blend for every day of the week,” Verve’s instant craft coffee sampler ensures that your bean juice-loving friend doesn’t have to endure bad coffee on the trail or while traveling to far-flung hotels this season.
I often joke that my Hydro Flask mug is “too good” at doing its job, because it keeps my coffee piping hot for so long that I eventually just give in and sip the scalding liquid. If that’s my biggest qualm with the item, I’d say it’s a pretty stellar gift for those chilly car camping mornings. Be sure to get the 12- or 24-ounce version — the 6-ounce is painfully small.
A tasty stocking stuffer for the eternally bar-chomping friend on your list, Bobo’s Oat Bars are vegan and gluten-free, and they come in a wide variety of flavors. The brand also releases a bevy of seasonal treats around the holidays.
Incredibly durable, lightweight and boasting an impressive volume of 60 liters, this duffel is as at home stuffed into a trunk on a rugged car camping trip as it is on a long-haul flight to your favorite international trekking destination. We also love Gregory’s thoughtful bag design, which includes backpack straps and a stuff sack. Grab the 40-liter size if you’re aiming to gift a carry-on.
These belts from Arcade are soft, stretchy and durable enough for any adventure. We got one to try out and love how they offer a fantastic balance of support and comfort. Perfect for any sort of activity where you’re moving around, these belts can keep your pants tight without pinching your waistband or digging into your sides.
Another fantastic midweight jacket, the Arc’teryx Atom has an amazing weight-to-warmth ratio while maintaining breathability. At just 13.2 ounces, it’s light enough to earn a spot on your backcountry camping list, but it’s versatile enough to add to your daily uniform as well.
Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss day pack or a durable commuter bag, this 25-liter trail pack is a great, expert-picked hiking backpack. The three zippered pockets prevent your valuables from ending up deep at the bottom of your bag, and the super-stretchy side pockets are roomy enough to store full water bottles, umbrellas or any trail snacks you want on hand. Wrapped in recycled ripstop nylon, this bag also has plush shoulder straps and back padding to help make bearing your load as comfortable as possible. With more support than a regular backpack but no overly technical features, this pack is perfect for aspiring outdoor adventurers and trail pros alike.
Another rad stocking stuffer for the hiker who has everything (but still needs to eat on those overnight treks), Good To-Go has released a super-tasty weekender kit, stocked with Pad Thai, Granola and Indian Korma. The brand also has a vegan option for your health-conscious buddy.
If you’re the type who doesn’t want to worry about cooking when camping and you just want the simplest, fastest option, you’ve probably eaten your fair share of dehydrated meals. The worst thing about eating these meals is trying to scoop the food out of the bag without getting your whole hand dirty, which is why this long spoon from GSI Outdoors is so brilliant. A perfect stocking stuffer for the dirtbag on your list, this spoon makes eating dehydrated meals infinitely easier.
Mushrooms and national parks are both having a moment. Why not combine the two and get your loved one a cozy, vintage-inspired sweatshirt that also gives back to conservation efforts? Bonus points to Parks Project for its fun unisex designs.
A percentage of every Landmark Project purchase goes back to supporting nonprofits (like the National Forest Foundation and the National Wildlife Federation), so you can feel good about helping public lands while you do your holiday shopping. This national parks map shirt is one of my favorite designs by the brand, and it looks great on every gender.
A good pair of gloves is essential as the weather drops, but if you still want to be able to use your phone with gloves on, check out this pair from The North Face. We tried a handful of touchscreen gloves last year, and one of our editors loved the Etip’s slim fit, which made using a touchscreen easier than with some bulkier gloves.
Make your campground feel extra cozy with this 30-foot set of string lights. They’re made to withstand rain and dust, they can shine up to 350 lumens and they plug into any USB outlet, so lighting up your campsite has never been easier — or cuter.
I love that Flylow describes other joggers as “mostly useless,” so it set out on a mission to create a lounge-around-the-cabin pant that can double as an insulated base layer under your snow pants when you’re out skiing or snowboarding. The Juniper Jogger is the new definition of cozy.
Need a windbreaker that’s also water-resistant for the runner or trekker on your list? This 3.7-ounce Houdini Jacket from Patagonia is just what it sounds like — a garment that magically withstands the elements while remaining feather light and that's extremely packable.
Finding the perfect hiking boot can be difficult, but if you have a narrow foot, you should seriously consider these boots from La Sportiva. Equipped with Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry and super-sticky rubber to help you keep your grip on the trail, they’re a great pair of boots for any sort of hike.
The Altra Lone Peak series has a cult following, and for good reason. They’re super comfortable, they're lightweight and they have an ultrawide toe box so you can splay out your toes while hiking to help your balance. We’ve used Altra Lone Peak boots in the past, and while we love how comfortable they are, the shoes aren’t known for their durability. If you want a boot to last you for years, skip this one. But if you want an ultra-light, ultra-comfortable hiking experience and don’t mind buying a new pair every year, you’ll love the Lone Peaks.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve leaned in fully to needing more foot support as I continue my wilderness explorations. Thankfully, Superfeet has a huge variety of foot- and activity-specific insoles that, while spendy, help tremendously with knee and joint pain for hikers, runners and walkers.
The Yeti Rambler is our pick for the best water bottle because it not only keeps drinks hot or cold all day, but it’s also got the best lid on the market. It’s super easy to drink quickly out of its chug cap, and the whole thing comes off to reveal an ultrawide mouth, which makes adding ice and water a breeze. Read more about why we love this bottle so much.
The Hydro Flask is another fantastic vacuum-insulated water bottle, and while we don’t think it’s as good as the Yeti, we can definitely appreciate its aesthetic appeal. This bottle comes with an included straw lid to make drinking easy, and it's available in a ton of fun colors.
If you’re looking for an ultra-light tent for backpacking, check out this tent from Big Agnes. It’s one of the most popular tents in the backpacking community, thanks to its minimum trail weight of just 2 pounds, 3 ounces. Plus, it’s easy to set up, and it will keep you protected from the elements.
When people ask me what my favorite backpacking purchase of under $100 is, I always say, “Nemo’s Fillo Elite Pillow.” At just 3 ounces (it packs down to the size of a lemon too), it’s a no-brainer to toss into my backpack, ensuring a good night’s sleep in my tiny tent.
Who says base layers have to be boring, scratchy wool? Ortovox has perfected the art of ultra-fine merino fabrics that are stylishly tailored, well dyed and soft against the skin. This 185 blend is considered a mid-weight layer, ideal for colder days in the snow or on the trail.
Styled to wear on the ski slopes or around your favorite mountain town for après, this go-anywhere waterproof jacket is stuffed with 150 grams of Thermore Classic synthetic insulation, which retains warmth, even when wet. Plus, it boasts loads of thoughtfully placed pockets for your bits and bobs.
I’m amazed at how supremely warm all of my Artilect base layers are, especially considering how fine the material is. Constructed with Nuyarn, which is 50% more durable and 35% lighter than regular merino, this top is a definite upgrade for the winter shredder on your list who likes to go big in the mountains.
A heavyweight base layer that’s buttery soft and built for movement, Arc’teryx’s Rho Zip-Neck Top fits close to the skin and features interior brushed fleece that expertly traps in heat. A zippered chest pocket keeps valuables close at hand for quick outings too.
You never want to be caught unprepared in the backcountry, which is why a satellite messenger like the Garmin InReach Mini 2 is critical to have on any camping checklist. This little gadget makes it easy to stay in touch with the civilized world even when there’s no service, and in case of emergency, it has an interactive SOS function that contacts a 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center so you can get help fast.
If you want to drink clean water in the woods, check out this nifty water bottle from LifeStraw. It’s collapsible and it packs down small, but it includes an integrated water filter so you can drink water from any river or lake you come across. It's so good, we named it one of the best filtering water bottles we've ever tried.
Possibly the simplest way to cook in the backcountry, this Jetboil system can boil 1 liter of water in an average time of just three minutes and 20 seconds. Whether you’re heating up water to rehydrate dinner or to brew coffee in the morning, you won’t have to wait as long with this super-fast stove system.
If you’re looking for a more traditional camp stove that you can make burgers, chili and any other camp favorites on, you can’t go wrong with the classic Coleman stove. It’s easy to use, it works great and it's super portable.
I’m officially declaring that socks can be a cool gift this holiday season. These Snowpocalypse over-the-calf socks by Smartwool are made with insulating merino wool and offer the perfect amount of cushioning for those otherwise uncomfortable ski boots.
Listen, active dudes need active undies, and (after asking loads of my male friends) I’m convinced that Saxx is the best in the business. These DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Briefs are equipped with lightweight, quick-drying polyester to keep your loved one’s nether regions comfy during their most grueling workouts.
If you’re looking for a sweet, stylish gift that’s under $50 this holiday season, look no further than Smartwool’s Reversible Cuffed Beanie. I personally own two of these in different colors, and they’re always the first hat I toss into my pack for a chilly outing.
Got a handy dad or bud (or badass girlfriend) that you need to shop for? Leatherman makes a wide variety of multi-tools for the outdoorsy human who loves to have a set of tinkering toys in their pocket when camping or hiking. We like the Wave Plus for its light 8.5-ounce weight and its 18 single-hand tools.
Perfect as a last-minute stocking stuffer for that one national park-obsessed friend (or pet), Bark’s series of nature-centric dog toys are as durable as they are adorable. Pro tip: Get Bonnie Bison for extra-hard chewers.
Whether you’re trying to keep track of your pup while the sun is setting at the campground or you want to take them on nightly runs and walks, this collar light helps your four-legged friend stay visible to you and cars.