Gifts for outdoorsy people
Gifts for people who hike, camp and stay outside
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Smartwool Hike Classic Edition full cushion crew socks
Merino hiking socks stay comfortable on long walks and resist odor.
Check price on AmazonWhat to look for: A cushioned sole and a size that matches the shoe.
The best outdoor gifts are small, durable and used every trip: merino socks, a headlamp, a good water bottle, hand warmers, a hammock or a first-aid kit. Avoid clothing sizes and big gear unless you know exactly what they own.
At a glance
Outdoor people are fussy about gear for good reasons: the wrong sock gives you a blister and a bad headlamp ends a night hike. The safest gifts are the small, high-use items that wear out.
Think about what is in their pack, and what is missing from it.
How to choose
- Consumables and wear items. Socks, hand warmers and first-aid supplies run out.
- Small and light. Anything for a pack should weigh little and pack small.
- For the campsite. A hammock, a mug and a blanket make camp better.
- Safety. A headlamp, a compass and a first-aid kit are never wasted.
Avoid anything that needs a specific size or fit, such as boots and packs, unless you can ask.
All the picks
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Smartwool Hike Classic Edition full cushion crew socksOur pick
Merino hiking socks stay comfortable on long walks and resist odor.
- Look for:
- A cushioned sole and a size that matches the shoe.
- Best for:
- Hikers and walkers.
-
Black Diamond Spot 400-R rechargeable headlamp
A rechargeable headlamp frees both hands at camp and on a dark trail.
- Look for:
- A USB recharge and a dimmable beam.
- Best for:
- Campers and runners.
-
HotHands hand warmers, 40 pairs
Air-activated hand warmers go in pockets and gloves for skiing, dog-walking and tailgates.
- Look for:
- A box with a clear date and a size for gloves.
- Best for:
- Skiers and commuters.
-
Nalgene 32 oz wide mouth water bottle
The Nalgene is the durable water bottle that hikers carry for years.
- Look for:
- A wide mouth and a leak-proof lid.
- Best for:
- Hikers and students.
- Skip:
- for those who want an insulated bottle.
-
Hydro Flask Flex Sip coffee tumbler
A leak-resistant insulated tumbler keeps coffee hot on the trail.
- Look for:
- A flip lid and a size for a cup holder.
- Best for:
- Commuters and hikers.
-
Snow Peak titanium double-wall insulated mug
A titanium mug is light, tough and perfect for a trail coffee.
- Best for:
- Backpackers.
-
ENO DoubleNest lightweight camping hammock
A packable hammock is an easy gift for camping, beach days and the backyard.
- Look for:
- Straps sold separately or included; check the listing.
-
Nikon ACULON A30 10x25 compact binoculars
Compact binoculars suit birdwatching, hikes and games.
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Black Diamond Trail trekking poles
Trekking poles save the knees on long descents.
- Look for:
- Adjustable length and a comfortable grip.
-
Adventure Medical Kits ultralight watertight .5 first aid kit
A small first aid kit is a smart gift for hikers and campers.
- Look for:
- A watertight case and basic supplies.
-
Gerber Suspension NXT multitool
A multitool with pliers and a knife is handy at camp and at home.
- Best for:
- Campers and DIYers.
-
Suunto A-10 compass
A simple compass is a good backup to a phone on the trail.
- Look for:
- A clear baseplate and a global needle.
-
Rumpl Original Puffy blanket
A puffy blanket works at the campsite, the stadium and the couch.
- Look for:
- A water-resistant shell and a carry sack.
- Best for:
- Campers and tailgaters.
-
goodr OG polarized sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a gift runners and hikers wear all year.
- Look for:
- A fit for a range of face shapes.
- Best for:
- Runners and drivers.
What to skip
- Cheap gear that breaks on first use. Outdoor people notice.
- Trendy camp decor.
- Anything heavy.
- Hunting and fishing gear unless you know the details. A state license and a line cutter, not a surprise rod, are on gifts for anglers. A rider's lights are on gifts for cyclists, not this hiking list. Ski and snowboard boots are a shop fit: goggles and hand warmers.
For dads, see gifts for dad; for tools, gifts for travelers. For the stocking, check stocking stuffers for men.
For one sport in particular, see gifts for runners (lights and ice cleats for winter miles) and gifts for golfers (cart mitts and an indoor putting green). The compact binoculars on this page are a hiking backup. Someone who watches birds wants a full-size pair: gifts for birdwatchers.
For a climber, a rope or harness is life-safety gear with a maker's lifetime; gifts for rock climbers explains why and suggests chalk instead.
Questions people ask
What is a good gift for a hiker?
Merino socks, a headlamp, a good water bottle or a first-aid kit are used every trip. Choose small items that are light and do not need sizing.
Are hammocks a good gift?
Yes for campers and backpackers who already have straps or trees. A lightweight two-person hammock suits most, but check the weight limit and whether straps are included.
What should I avoid when buying outdoor gear?
Avoid items that depend on fit, such as boots and packs, and anything much heavier than it needs to be. If unsure, a small consumable is safer.
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