Last Updated on December 20, 2025
The sheer amount of gift guides this holiday season has been abysmal. Everyone is beckoning for people to click through their links and buy what they recommend.
I didn’t want to add to all the noise and consumerism, but given that my original gift guide was published years ago and I use much of the same gear, I felt this a great opportunity to talk about all the gear I’ve used and loved over the years.
Usually when I find a product that I like, I’ll use it until it falls apart. Much like the 2000 Honda Accord I still drive that is coming up on 350,000 miles and refuses to die on me.
So most of these products have some affiliate links, while others are great products that I won’t make any income off of. My main goal is to share what I love, what we outdoor lovers love, that helps us explore safely and more comfortably.
This is my guide to the best gifts for outdoor lovers that includes my top gifts for outdoorsy women, outdoorsy men, hikers and backpackers, roadtrippers and camp chefs, thru hikers, skiers and snowboarders, photographers, and travelers, all at a variety of price ranges.
Please note that some links on my blog are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. When What Do You Sea is supported in this way, you are helping me remain an independent travel blog where I can continue to create free and detailed guides. Read my full disclosure for more information.
The proof that this outdoorsy girl knows exactly what everyone wants this year.
🎁 Best Gifts For Outdoorsy Women
An assortment of gifts that would be perfect for the woman in your life who loves getting outside, rugged or comfortably. Don’t be alarmed by the last item in this section. Trust.
Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots
These Danners are almost every outdoorsy girl’s dream hiking boot, but the price point keeps a lot of us from splurging on them. If you have the means, this is big ticket gift for the holidays. For something more affordable, these are a great, quality dupe that many of my friends love to hike in.
Fjallraven Ovik 365 Hat
Not all beanies are created equal, and it’s imperative to buy one made from natural fibers. A lot of our warmth leaves from our head, so choosing natural fibers helps keep that heat in. This is a great wool and cotton blend choice from one of my favorite outdoor brands, but you can find 100% wool beanies in many places. Just make sure it isn’t itchy!
REI Co-Op Quilted Down Vest
Vests are a great layering piece for cooler days outside, and this one from REI’s private label is functional whether you’re hiking or strolling about the city. It comes in a few pretty colors, and the collar is low enough so it won’t interfere with your movements. Cute. Practical. Perfect.
Fjallraven Ovik Knit Sweater
Another splurge, but we outdoorsy folk know that investing in our gear pays off in many different ways. This is a 100% wool sweater with reinforced elbows and a stunning traditional-looking design on the neckline. Wool is naturally antimicrobial, wicks away sweat, and keeps
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants
To this day, these are the only waterproof hiking pants I’ve only that don’t look like two trash bags strapped onto my legs. The fit is so flattering, they’re durable, and I like that the bottom of the pants have zippers so I can slip them on and off without taking off my boots. An underrated pant!
Blundstone Original Boots
Blundstone boots are the it-girl hiking shoes of this decade. I think every outdoorsy girl I know has a pair. It’s a movement at this point, but I get it. They’re built to last a lifetime if you take care of them, stupidly comfortable when broken in, and match any outfit. Many girls I know even like to hike in them.
Kula Cloth
What is this? It’s a reusable pee cloth. Using one of these got me half a million controversial views on TikTok and a “weird news” story on a UK media website. People knock it until they try it. It replaces toilet paper for females in the outdoors and is made of antimicrobial fabric that keeps bacteria out. Easy to clean. Hang to dry. I never hike without one.
Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm
I know what you’re thinking: “What on earth? How did we get here?” I know. I know. Yes, it’s branded as nipple balm, but it’s actually for nips, lips, and other bits. When I apply this stuff, it stays on for nearly 10 hours without losing its potency. I will never go back to incessantly reapplying regular lip balm after having this.
North 66 Vik Gloves
On my trip to Iceland, I forgot my gloves at home and randomly bought these at a North 66 store in Reykjavik. I should have bought two pairs. They’re so warm, comfortable, and a quality pair of gloves for the colder elements. North 66 is an Icelandic brand that was started to make items for fisherman in the North Atlantic weather. Oh yeah, these are toasty for the hands.
🎁 Best Gifts For Outdoorsy Men
The outdoorsy men in your life will be frothing over these gifts. Practical and durable, just like they need them to be. Don’t you see the antics they get themselves into?
Arctery’x Grotto Toque
This is the hiking beanie of the season this year, and everytime they re-stock, they sell out in an instant. Everyone wants these. Even the ladies! I have this beanie in the orange colorway and always get compliments on it while I’m hiking. Plus, it’s comfortable to wear all day and keeps my noggin’ warm.
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
People are buying this jacket like white on rice this year, but if it’s far out of your price range, I get it. Can I say it’s egregious if I own it? Unfortunately, it’s as good as everyone says it is. Can’t afford it? Get them a gift card to go towards them getting them one themselves.
Patagonia Black Hole 70L Duffel
For all the trips with the boys, this bag couldn’t be more accurately named and fitting for the occasion. It’s literally a black hole. I’ve taken mine on domestic and international hiking trips in Utah, Argentina, and Mexico and its durable enough to make it through TSA without a scratch. They won’t believe how much gear it fits. Even my hiking poles fit perfect along the bottom seam.
Rhino USA Tatical Hiking Stick
When I saw this tatical hiking stick, I knew I needed to include it in this gift guide. I can’t think of one man in my life that wouldn’t love to open a walking stick that has a bunch of hidden tools and survival gear inside. They’re made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. Worth every penny.
Gerber Scout Clip Folding Knife
Every man usually has his own pocket knife, but incase he doesn’t, get him this one. Women have their purses. Men have their knives. You know what I mean? It’s like an extension of themselves.
Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses
Oakleys are having a comeback moment, but these glasses have been loved since its release. They’re super light with good gripping on the sides to prevent them from falling off, and people love the coverage and quality of the polarization.
🎁 Best Gifts for Hikers and Backpackers
Ah, yes. These are the rugged sort. I know just what they need for moments on hiking trails all over the world. These items have suited me well on my adventures, and I know they’ll love them too.
Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks
To be honest with you, I don’t hike in these socks, but literally everyone else does. They’re made in the USA, durable for any length of trail, and come with a lifetime warranty. Get a hole? They will send you a new pair. I prefer my socks to be a little more sleek-looking, with a higher percentage of wool, so I’m usually hiking in these, but Darn Tough is just as solid.
REI Co-op Multi Towel
This is my all-time favorite towel that packs down flat, dries fast, and absorbs a crazy amount of water. Anyone hiking to a lake, stream, or multi-day backpacking trip should most definitely have one of these if they don’t already. Just make sure you buy the XL size because anything smaller is basically like using a tea towel to dry off after a shower.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
A headlamp so bright you could see into outer space with it. It’s compatible with alkaline or re-chargable batteries, has a light-level memory when turning it off and back on, a red light feature, and is lightweight.
NOLS Wilderness Education Class
NOLS is non-profit wilderness school that teaches people the skills, resilience, and confidence to be a leader in the outdoors. They host a bunch of different courses and expeditions, but the Wilderness First Aid is the one I’m recommending specifically. They’re hosted across the US, so it’s easy to find one in any state. You learn how to address effective first aid, treatments for common injuries and illness, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions, which is invaluable in the outdoors.
Icebreaker 260 Tech Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top
Icebreaker makes the best baselayers. All of their products are made with 100% wool, which is crucial to look for in good baselayers. These can be a bit of an investment for us, so we don’t usually splurge. That’s why they’re perfect to gift. If you have the means, get the matching bottoms.
Gossamer Gear LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles
These are the lightest, three-piece trekking poles on the market. Poles can be an annoying addition to gear. Especially to lug them around and attach them to your bag. These are top-rated and weigh less than five ounces per pole.
JetBoil Stash Mini Cooking Stove
This is JetBoil’s lightweight cook stove. They have a few variations, and all of them can boil water stupidly fast. This is a good choice for the everyday hiker and backpacker, but many people also like the Flash 1.0 L System. I use the JetBoil MiniMo, which is the heavier version of this stove. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Jacket
A big, fluffy, and warm down jacket is any hiker or backpacker’s dream gift. This one is designed specifically for colder trips into the mountains, so you can layer up underneath it. Pack it all down into the left side pocket, and it can easily come with on backpacking trips that need a little more rugged gear without taking up too much space.
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin is officially retiring the Mini 2 and has just released the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Plus this year. At the time of writing this, the Mini 2 model is nearly 50% as they try to sell through the old model, so it’s the perfect time to buy one.
Nikon Prostaff P7 8 x 42 Binoculars
Caution: this may only be for hikers and backpackers over the age of 25. The youth wouldn’t appreciate these as we do. Once the frontal lobe is developed, suddenly we’re interested in bird watching. We all want them, but no one wants to pay the price for them. Perfect gift.
REI Co-op Sahara Sun Hoodie
The sun hoodie was a movement in the outdoor community that changed the way we hike forever. It’s lightweight, comfortable to hike in, and keeps us protected from the sun. REI makes this great one linked below.
Dehydrated Backpacking Meals
This is an item that hikers and backpackers will continuously buy and need for adventures outside. Everyone has their preferences, but the Backpacker’s Pantry pad thai is a cult-favorite in the outdoor community. I eat Heather’s Choice and Nomad Nutrition as they’re a touch healthier and more macro-focused than other brands. This pad thai, though? It’ll always hit the spot.
🎁 Best Gifts For Roadtrippers and Camp Chefs
These are the type of outdoorsy people who love their creature comforts in nature. Can you blame them? Here’s what they’ll love:
Coghlan’s Camp Stove Toaster
I can’t think of anything better than freshly toasted bread slathered with butter on a brisk camp morning. This toasting device sits on top of a camp stove and toasts bread to perfection. The steel won’t warp over the heat, and you can toast four slices at a time. It’s a cheap, but impactful gift.
Kelty Low Loveseat
This gift is for the friendship duo or outdoorsy couple you know that loves to cuddle up together outside. It’s a no-brainer gift for upgrading anyone’s camp set-up, and it’s also useful for lawn concerts when you’re off the trails.
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern
We have all retired from using our headlamps and phone lights to see around camp. A high-quality lantern is what all the seasoned campers are using these days. This one supplies 600 lumens of multi-directional light and has a USB port for charging small devices.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent
I will abuse this tent outside until there’s nothing but strips of its sleek and durable fabric left. It’s nothing short of an investment, but it’s extremely lightweight and quick to put together. If you’re gifting for a couple, get the 3-person version, and if you’re gifting for a solo camper, get them the UL2.
NEMO Helio Pressure Shower
When you’re on the road, this portable shower is a holy grail. It’s quick to rinse dishes, hands, and muddy shoes with its 5-7 minutes of rinse time, and it doesn’t rely on gravity to get that pressure we like.
REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag
Out of all my camping gear, this sleeping bag is what I cherish the most. It weighs less than two pounds and is the warmest sleeping bag I have. Every night outside has been toasty warm for me since investing in this, and if every camper got one for the holidays this year, that’s its own Christmas miracle.
Helinox Chair One (re)
This chair is coveted by backpackers, but it makes for anyone who likes to take a seat outside. It’s lightweight, durable, and takes less than 60 seconds to put up and take back down. Also, it packs down super small, so you can bring it virtually anywhere.
Gerber ComplEAT 16-Piece Cookware Set
Over the past couple of years, brands have really stepped up the game when it comes to cooking meals outside. This is a complete cookset that comes with a stock pot, saute pan, lids, plates, bowls and more, that all nest together.
Ninja FrostVault Cooler
On my first camping trip in Utah, I had many items spoil because they were flooded with water. So when I saw this compartment cooler that has a lower area for fridge-temp dry storage, I told everyone I knew that they needed one. It’s a real “business in the front, party in the bottom” of coolers.
OXO Outdoor Wash, Dry & Stow Set
I don’t know a single soul who enjoys doing camp dishes. It’s one of the most dreaded chores of the outdoors, but luckily, brands like OXO are making it a little bit more tolerable for us all. Now, instead of having awkwardly setting wet dishes down on the table, we can waste even more time “letting them dry”. You know. Kinda like when the pots “need to soak”. It’s perfect.
ENO Doublenest Hammock
This hammock can fit two, but you’ll be so comfortable on your own in this thing that you’ll be hard-pressed for someone to join. For a fun alternative to a sleeping bag or leisuring in the trees, this is a stellar gift. There are also many different colorways and patterns, so you can really find the one that matches your giftee best.
Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent Camp Lights
Have you heard the nature lover in your life say the word “whimsy” in the last thirty days? They want these tent lights. Just trust me. These are string lights that come with a small bag that serves as a lantern when the string is coiled inside it. They give camp that extra special touch and last for three hours.
🎁 Best Gifts For Thru-Hikers
Appalachian Trail. Pacific Crest Trail. Continental Divide Trail. Any of these ring a bell? These are the most famous thru-hikes in the US, and here is what will make every hiker’s journey along these routes more comfortable.
Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter
A 100% wool gaiter is a must for a thru-hiker. This one wicks away sweat, is breathable, has thermoregulation, and is odor-resistant due to the natural wool used to make it. Above all, it’s reversible, which is a universal perk for just about any piece of hiking gear.
Kahtoola Microspikes Ghost Traction System
Snow pack can linger later into certain hiking seasons, and hikers need a set of these to cross snow and ice packs safely. These Kahtoola microspikes are barely noticeable on your feet, and they’re lightweight compared to other models.
Cnoc Outdoors Thru Bottle
Every thru-hiker kept reusing Smart water bottles for their thru-hikes until this thing came along. It’s a lightweight, one-liter water bottle that’s designed to be re-used over and over again. It’s as close as you can get to being a Smart water bottle without being one, and it’s heaps more durable.
FarOut Gift Card
FarOut is the most trusted navigational map app for long-distance hikes in the world. You purchase the trail guide of your choosing once, then you have access to it for life. It works offline across all your devices and comes with up-to-date trail data, detailed waypoints, and personalization for your specific hike.
Anker MagGo Power Bank
I’ve had my fair share of shitty power banks, and this one by Anker is not one of them. It can charge an iPhone almost two times over and is one of the most durable and reliable power banks that can withstand the demands of a thru hike.
REI Co-op Sahara Gaiters
These are a mid-height, waterproof, and breathable pair of gaiters that attach to hikers’ shoes to protect against snow, rain, dirt, and other debris. The material is durable enough to last a long time, and they do well in multi-season weather.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Shoes
These are some of the most coveted shoes among the thru-hiking community. This newest model has a new, more sturdier sole that lasts for hundreds of miles on the trails. Another solid option are the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Shoes.
🎁 Best Gifts For Skiers and Snowboarders
For hitting slopes with ultimate ease, and apres skis that will go down in history, these are the best gifts for powder-loving nature lovers.
Halfdays Johnson Baselayer Set
Halfdays is owned by a female ski Olympian, and all her designs are sought-after this year for their functionality and style. Anyone snow-loving girl would love to get a nice base layer set like this for the holiday: *cough* me.
Smartwool Ski Full Cushion Socks
Similar to hikers and other outdoor lovers, socks are one of the best gifts you could gift us this season. Especially if they’re 100% wool like these bad boys.
BlackStrap Hooded Balaclava Face Mask
Balaclavas are really popular right now, but they’ve always been a staple in the powder-loving community. This one is made with UPF 50 that protects from the sun, and has lens friendly fabric that can wipe the fog from your goggles without leaving scratches.
Beaver Wax Full Tune Kit
For serious snowboarders, a DIY tuning kit is a must. This one put together in Squamish, BC and comes with a case, iron, torque driver, rectangle scraper, nylon brush, edge sharpener, 8″ file, mini beaver traction pads, 155g all temp wax, and a diecut sticker.
Goodr Snow G Cold-Blooded Lodge Lizard Snow Goggles
For anyone just beginning to hit the slopes, this is a fantastic pair of beginner snow goggles. It comes with two magnetic lenses that you can swap for day and nighttime, and they have anti fog coatings for no-fuss days on the slopes.
🎁 Best Gifts For Photographers
For the person who captures their most cherished moments on film, digital, or analog, these are the best gifts for outdoor-loving photographers.
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip
This is a sturdy little thing that attaches to the strap of your backpack and gives you hands-free or quick access to your camera while hiking. It’s an invaluable piece of gear that makes getting outside with a larger camera heaps more comfortable.
Lexar 256GB Professional Memory Card
A high-quality memory card with fast writing speed is a non-negotiable for today’s cameras. I’ve used a variety of different brands, but Lexar continues to impress me and almost every other photographer for its reliability and durability.
Lexar 1TB ARMOR 700 Portable SSD
I learned my lesson one time and one time only when years worth of precious travel memories were lost on a useless Seagate hard drive. I vowed never again and picked up this one by Lexar, which can be dropped, ran over, and man handled without breaking. Memories are priceless, and you’ll never lose them with this thing.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank
This is a compact, but powerful power bank that can charge your phone, laptop and tablet of any kind all at the same time. It makes recharging batteries or your phone a breeze while on the road.
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Aluminum Tripod
For the money, this is one of the best value lightweight tripods on the market. It’s made from aluminum and weighs less than four pounds. Each leg is fully adjustable and can stand up to rugged terrains for those epic landscape photos.
PolarPro ShortStache Everyday Mist Diffusion Filter
Any photographer who uses this filter says that it never leaves their camera. This collaboration between this brand and renowned photographer Garrett King shook the world and it’s at the top of my wishlist this year.
Hyperlite Camera Pod
Absolutely genius. A camera pod that attaches to your backpack strap and protects it from dirt, debris, and the elements. We entered a new era of exploring with this one.
🎁 Best Gifts For Travelers
For the outdoor lover who spends an above-average amount of time in an airplane seat, these are the best gifts for their journeys abroad.
Grayl GeoPress Filtered Water Bottle
This is a water bottle that can purify virtually any water from viruses, protozoa, bacteria, particulates, chemicals, and heavy metals. It’s a traveler’s dream, but hikers love it, too. I put off buying it for a longtime and can’t believe I waited so long to have this.
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs
This year, everyone raved about these revolutionary ear plugs that actually work and can be worn for hours without becoming uncomfortable. This style was made for deep focus, sleep, and calmer travel. They have other models for more specific needs, but this style is best for travelers.
HEROCLIP Small Carabiner
Another tiny but mighty item I won’t ever travel without. This is a unique type of carabiner that folds out of itself and can hook to any surface. It keeps my backpack clean and off questionable floors, and it can hold up to 50 pounds or 22 kilograms.
Calpack Small Clear Cosmetics Case
I’ve been yearning for this cosmetics case and am finally getting one this year. It packs in a ton of travel and full-size toiletry items in a TSA-approved clear case and has a timeless design. It’s so good it won Reader’s Choice for Conde Nast Traveler Awards.
Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
This is a device that plugs into the TVs on airplanes and allows you to connect your bluetooth devices to it. This way you don’t have to travel with multiple sets of headphones and can enjoy noise-cancelling features while watching our favorite airplane movies, like Crazy Rich Asians and Harry Potter.
Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline
This traveling clothesline comes in handy in more ways than one. Budget backpackers rejoice for it on laundry day, and I love it for drying wet swimsuits and towels after beach days. We’ll always find a use for this no matter the circumstance.
Apple Air Tags
Once on a trip to Mexico, one of my checked bags got lost, and that was the last time I traveled without airtags in each of my bags. Tuck these away and you can see each item’s exact location from your phone. Invaluable for finding lost luggage, which is happening far too often these days.
🎁 Best Subscriptions, Gift Cards & Passes For Outdoor Lovers
For the hikers that already own all their favorite gear, or the newbie just getting started, you can’t go wrong with a gift card or a subscription that helps them get outside safely. These are your best bets.
REI Gift Card
Does the hiker in your life wear Arc’teryx? I’ve got news. Their taste is out of all our price ranges this year. Gift cards are great because if a hiker has it all, they can go towards the next larger purchase or upgrade they want to make. And trust us, anything helps.
America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass
This is an annual park pass that gives a hiker access to all the National Parks in the U.S. for a full year. If they live near a National Park or have a road trip planned to hit more than one park, this is a great gift. We usually all buy one every year, and if your giftee already has one, they can activate this one when their current card expires.
GAIA Yearly Subscription
GAIA is my favorite navigation app subscription when I’m hiking. I like that it shows your live location, even far into the backcountry, saves all the photos you take to your trails, and has an easy-to-navigate map that keeps all your past and future hikes organized.
Northwest Forest Pass
For any outdoor lover that lives in Washington or Oregon, this National Forest pass is a must-have at the start of every year. It gets you access to all the National Forests in both states and it’s good for a full year. If this location doesn’t apply, try to find other regional passes offered. Otherwise, the America the Beautiful Pass gets you into most places.
🎁 Best Gifts For Outdoor Lovers Under $25
All of the best gifts that are budget-friendly and fit snug in a stocking.
Backcountry Pillow Strap
When I was curating this list, I was shocked to find this, and was wondering how I didn’t already have one. When us outdoor lovers go camping, the pillow slippage is enough to ruin an entire nights worth of sleep. With this pillowcase that doubles as a strap, you wrap it around your sleeping pad so your pillow doesn’t move in the night. It’s a next-level gift.
Merit Instant Coffee
But not just any instant coffee. Good instant coffee. In the hiking world, it’s a hot commodity. This one is from Merit, one of my favorite coffee shops here in Dallas. They use high-quality, ethically sourced beans, and it’s perfect for any on-the-go hiking trip. Onyx is another coveted brand that finally started making their legendary beans in instant versions.
Skratch Labs Electrolytes
Everyone usually has their own preferences for electrolytes but everyone loves these packets from Skratch Labs.
GSI Outdoors Essential Travel Spoon
If I forget this spoon on a long day hike or multi-day backpacking trip, the trip is ruined. There’s nothing else like this on the market. It’s an extra long spoon with a silicone end so you can scoop out every last bit of food from your backpacking meal without getting your hands dirty. I love it so much. I gift it to everyone I know.
Monopoly Deal Card Game
All of the fun of monopoly, but condensed into this quick and easy card game that’s competitive, fun, and most importantly, not as long as the standard board game. I pack this with me on all hikes and even when I travel to connect with people anywhere I find myself.
Nikwax Hard Shell Outerwear Kit
Most hikers who have it all don’t have proper washing or waterproofing materials for their outdoor gear. These two products clean our waterproof shells and make sure they last a lifetime outside.
Mini Cross Stitch Embroidery Kit
The girls want their whimsy back, and we’re doing so by indulging in old lady hobbies, such as cross-stitching. For a longer day hike, rest at a summit, or a slow day in the mountains, these bring us all back to the present moment.
Supergoop! Unseen Unscreen SPF 50
Sun protection is a must for hikers. Especially if your skin sees higher altitude in the mountains. This clear sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant, and sits comfortably on my skin.
Noso Gear Patches
Replace those boring grey gear patches with these creative options from Noso. They make a bunch of other designs you can shop at on REI, but this bumblebee was too cute to pass up. It helps extend the life of our favorite gear and gives it a little personalized touch.
PACT Outdoors Wipes
With one squirt of water, these small tabs become a 9″ thick wet wipe for bathroom trips and staying clean on the trail. They’re made without chemicals, and best of all, they’re durable as hell.
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