You may have planned ahead, but if you’re like me, you frantically google something like “outdoor adventure gift buying guide” a week before a birthday or holiday. You’ve already bought dad a Yeti cooler and your boyfriend a Patagonia fleece (when you had a little more cash flow). You don’t want to repeat any of these tried and true gifts…something original is needed. But what? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered with this Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide.
Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide
Gadgets
The gadgets that made it onto our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide are incredibly useful and would be perfect for any adventurer in your life.
LifeStraw ($20)
A must-have for every backpacker. Rather than carry heavy water bottles or a camelback, you can use this lightweight, portable, and easy-to-use device wherever there’s running water. The LifeStraw filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water without the use of chemicals.
Compare Prices: Amazon Ι REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink ($20-$30)
Perfect for dish washing at the campsite, this portable sink is easy to use and lightweight. It makes a previously tedious activity (dish washing outdoors) simple and environment-friendly. The Sea to Summit sink is also great for carrying water, cooking, and bathing, plus comes in various sizes (5L, 10L, and 20L) to meet everyone’s needs.
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Sequoia Cup ($13)
Finally, an unbreakable, flexible, stemless cup–perfect for campfire cocktails or long road trips. These collapsible cups are BPA-free, eco-friendly, and food-grade safe. Plus they’re easy to wash and there’s a lifetime warranty. Did I mention they’re collapsable and squishy?
Check Price: Amazon
RELATED: Best Camping Mugs for Every Adventure
Lulabop Hero Clip ($20)
For the gearhead in your life. If they don’t have this yet, they’re going to be obsessed once you gift it to them. This multifunctional tool is the swiss army knife of carabiners– it’s made up of a clip with rotating, folding hook. It holds up to 50 lbs and allows you to “gather, fasten and hang your stuff where you need it.” A clear choice for our outdoor adventure gift buying guide.
Check Price: Amazon
Qalo Silicone Ring ($25)
The Qalo Silicone ring is made for the outdoor adventurer who doesn’t want to lose or scuff their expensive band, yet signal their undying devotion in the wild. Made of 100% medical grade silicone, it’s strong, non-conductive, and non-porous. The minimalist color and design is sleek, stylish and timeless, it comes in various colors and designs, and it’s so comfy you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
Check Price: Amazon
Great books
The books that made it onto our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide cover a wide variety of topics. You can find something for anyone!
Road Soda: Recipes and techniques for making great cocktails, anywhere ($16)
For the cocktail lover in your life. This is the best guide for on-the-go drinks written by a cocktail expert, with tips and tricks from bartenders around the world included. Learn to become the resident roadie mixologist using flasks, cans, water bottles, or whatever else you can drum up.
Check Price: Amazon
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Backpacker’s Field Manual by Rick Curtis ($13)
When it was first published, The Backpacker’s Field Manual set the standard for backpacking books. This revised version includes the latest information about gear, first aid, and Leave No Trace Camping. Both new and experienced hikers will find this book a valuable tool for trip planning strategies, backcountry skills, and tricks of the trail. Every backcountry adventurer should have this book and it was an obvious choice for our outdoor adventure gift buying guide.
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Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey ($8)
“A passionately felt, deeply poetic book. It has philosophy. It has humor. It has its share of nerve-tingling adventures…set down in a lean, racing prose, in a close-knit style of power and beauty.” This book is a personal account of Edward Abbey that chronicles his time spent as a park ranger in Moab, Utah. His insights cover the beauty of the land and world around him, as well as a the challenges to preserve these sacred places in the face of growing exploitation. Though written in 1968, the opinions, questions, and struggles he presents are ever-relevant.
Check Price: Amazon
Read more: 6 Books every adventurer should have on their shelf
Organization
Every adventurer needs more ways to organize their gear. That’s why this stuff made our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide.
Gobi Gear SegSac ($20-$40)
For the planner in the group. This will forever solve the problem of wanting to find something easily in your pack and realizing it’s all the way at the bottom. The SegSac makes organization simple. It’s compact, light and very durable, so it’s not an extra “thing” in your pack. It comes in various sizes–the one featured here includes 4 inner compartments.
Check Price: Amazon
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Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Daypack ($40)
These packs are made from repurposed materials and come in many vibrant and fun colors; no two are alike, which makes them a one-of-a-kind gift. They have a large main compartment with an internal hydration sleeve, top drawstring closure, and mesh shoulder straps for comfort, plus a front zipper pocket for smaller or easy accessed things.
Compare Prices: Cotopaxi Ι Moosejaw
Upcycled Tent Dopp Kit ($28)
You’ll be mad you didn’t think of this idea–a dopp kit made out of recycled tents. Genius! An essential for every outdoorsy person, the dopp kit carries toiletries or first aid gear. It’s heavy-duty, lightweight and waterproof. Three separate compartments allow for easy organization of all your toiletries.
Check Price: Uncommon Goods
Check out: How to pack a backpack properly
Field Notes Notebooks ($10)
Pack of 3 notebooks for the adventure writer and dreamer. This pack includes a plain, ruled and graph notebooks, each with a minimalist design. Field Notes fit perfectly in your back pocket or pack so they’re never far when that brilliant idea strikes. Known for their durability, they can handle any wild travels you embark on.
Check Price: Amazon
Clothing and Warmth
Clothing is usually difficult to buy for people, but the items we chose for our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide could work for anyone and will look good on everyone.
Buff ($20)
This tried and true classic is an essential for every adventurer. Buffs come in various colors and patterns and can be worn in a multitude of ways–from keeping your neck warm to protecting it from the sun. They’re soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable, and belong in every adventurer’s wardrobe. A great choice for our outdoor adventure gift buying guide.
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Read more: How to choose a sleeping bag
Darn Tough Socks ($18-$24)
The only socks you need to buy this year. Known for their comfort, warmth, and durability, these made-in-Vermont socks are perfect for all-weather performance. They come in various fits, colors, and cushioning, and an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
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Pendleton National Park Blanket ($250)
A fancier alternative to the Pendleton roll-up blanket (below), these blankets will be a hit. They’re 100% wool and come in several different national park themed colors such as Yellowstone, Badlands, and the Grand Canyon.
Check Price: REI
Pendleton Roll Up Blanket ($140)
Perfect for picnics or getting cozy by the campfire, this blanket packs down easy, is sturdy and really warm. It’s 60” x 70” and 100% wool with nylon back. The nylon back is easy to clean and comes in several solid colors while the wool side comes in different plaids.
Compare Prices: Amazon Ι Backcountry
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Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket ($99-$199)
It’s like a blanket in sleeping bag material–it can be used anywhere. Rumpl blankets come in various sizes (twin, queen, throw) and colors. They’re lightweight, tough, waterproof, machine-washable, plus odor- and stain-resistant. And obviously, they’re super warm and pack down easily into a stuff sack. Bring it on your next camping trip or just use it at home while snuggling on the couch.
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Check out: How to choose a tent
Foodstuffs
Whether its staying hydrated, brewing coffee, drinking beer, or cooking delicious meals, our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide Foodstuffs section has it all.
Scratch Labs Exercise Hydration Mix ($20)
Best gift for the adventurer who does high-intensity workouts. Whether you’re running a marathon or hiking a multi-day backpacking trip, this all-natural sport drink is made of a the perfect mix of electrolytes to replace what you lose in sweat. The mixes come in various flavors like apples + cinnamon, lemon lime, and matcha + lemons, and they’re gluten free, dairy free, and delicious.
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Fireside Waffle Iron ($42)
Make the perfect campside waffle with this inventive cooking tool–perfect for car camping. The Fireside waffle iron is made of a cast iron press, a chrome-plated steel rod, and a wooden handle. Because it’s cast iron, it’ll season over time–exactly what you want when it comes to campside cookin’.
Check Price: Amazon
Mini Beer Pong Travel Set ($35)
For the person who likes to take the party on the road. Players use catapults to shoot balls into mini cups from one side. This mini beer pong set is portable, compact, and includes 1 game board, 2 launchers, 2 balls, 8 rubber feet, 1 box, 50 reusable cups, and instructions. A fun game even with non-alcoholic beverages.
Check Price: Amazon
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Aeropress Coffee Maker ($34)
For the coffee lover. The Aeropress is light, portable, and makes a delicious cup of coffee in under a minute. It’s easy to use and clean. It brews 1 to 3 cups per pressing and the result is a full-flavored, clean cup of coffee with no grit left in your cup!
Check Price: Amazon
Seattle Sports FireWater Multi-Bottle ($15)
For the outdoor renaissance man. This is a water bottle, lantern and waterproof holder all in one. It collapses for easy traveling and can be filled with water and used as a water bottle. When not filled with water it’s a perfect storage container for things like keys, phone, or food. It can also be used as a lantern with 3 light settings, charging by USB or solar and lasting up to 12 hours.
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Tents and Sleeping Bags
Sleeping outside is half the reason many people go on adventures. This section of our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide might be the most expensive, but can a price be put on a good night’s sleep?
Skysurf Triangle Hanging Tree Tent ($249)
It’s like a hammock and a tent had a baby. And the baby is a hanging tent that’s basically a tree house that fits 2 people comfortably. It’s light, easy to pack, and comes with a waterproof covering and durable straps.
Compare Prices: Amazon
Big Agnes Cabin Creek Double Sleeping Bag ($250)
Perfect gift for the couple who just gotta snuggle. This sleeping bag made for two is super comfy and lightweight, and has a temperature rating of 15 degrees (with synthetic fill). Plus, there’s a built-in pillow pocket for each person, which lets you store stuff inside, and it comes complete with a stuff sack and nylon mesh storage bag.
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Read More: 10 Tips for Sleeping Warm Outside
Tepui Kukenam Sky Tent ($1425)
Car camping just got an upgrade. The Tepui straps to the top of your car so you can camp above ground. This version fits 3 people and is built for all seasons (rain, snow, sun). It’s 50 inches high, made of cotton/canvas with a waterproof coating, and has a comfy cushy foam base. Setup and installation is simple and universal mounting brackets that attach to most roof racks are included.
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For the lady in your life
Lady adventurers just wanna have fun. These items made our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide because they allow them to do just that.
GoGirl ($13)
Ladies, no more peeing all over your feet! This device allows you to pee standing up, making urination quick and effortless. It easily packs down, is hygienic, and can be used anywhere. Plus it’s made with medical grade silicone, so it’s easy to clean and reuse.
Compare Prices: Amazon
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Cotopaxi Teca Windbreaker ($80)
For the girl who has too much Patagonia–this jacket will be her new favorite windbreaker. The bright colors give it a real throwback 80’s feel. It’s lightweight, packable, and weather resistant. It even comes with a lifetime warranty!
Baffin Cush Booty Slippers ($47)
Sleeping bags for your feet. These slippers are warm, comfy, and perfect for the person who wants to stay ultra warm. Wear them in or outside of your sleeping bag for added warmth. They are lightweight and come in lots of fun colors.
Compare Prices: Amazon Ι Backcountry
Read more: How to choose a backpack
Pink Yeti Tumbler ($45)
A pink traveling mug. Need we say more? This double-wall insulated mug holds 20 oz of cold or hot liquid and keeps it at temperature for hours.
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Diva Cup ($40)
The Diva Cup is the ultimate in menstrual products–every outdoors-woman needs this. The Diva Cup collects rather than absorbs menstrual fluid in a 100% silicone, hypoallergenic, and reusable cup that’s available in 2 sizes. It can be used during all activities for up to 12 hours without leaks, and and is easy to use and care for.
The gifts that keep on giving
Want a gift that will continually remind someone how much you care? Give an item from our Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide section “gifts that keep on giving.”
Cairn Box ($30-$360)
“Outdoor inspiration delivered monthly”. The Cairn box includes 3 to 6 outdoor goodies all totalling up to $50 in every collection. Or, for the VIP in your life, you can give the Obsidian box, which contains $300 of outdoor goods. From snacks to clothing to gear to emergency supplies, the boxes feature tried-and-true outdoor brands, plus up-and-coming ones. Choose to gift the box for anywhere from 1 to 12 months.
Check it Out: Cairn
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Interagency Annual National Park Pass ($80)
For the national park junkie in your life–or for encouraging your loved one to opt outside! This park pass is good for one year and allows entry into any federally operated recreation sites across the USA. It’s a great value, even if you only plan on visiting a national park for a few days, as the day passes often carry a hefty price tag.
Check it Out: National Park Service
Anywhere Travel Guide ($13)
This game makes for an unforgettable and spontaneous road trip. The deck includes 75 cards to “inspire exploration.” The prompts include actions from “ask the next person you meet where his/her favorite street is. Go there” to “write down what you like about this city on a small piece of paper. Leave it where someone else will find it later.” These cards are great for getting you outside your comfort zone and encouraging new and unique experiences in the towns you visit.
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