30 Gift Ideas for Outdoorsmen
Whether they like to camp alone in our beautiful and expansive National Parks, go kayaking down rivers and across lakes, hunt for their food, or live a little more glamorously by the light of a firepit with some tasty pre-packed meals, outdoorsmen can be tricky to buy really great gifts for.
Thankfully, that doesn’t have to be the case! We’ve compiled this gift guide to equip you with 30 unique gift ideas, so that you can give the outdoors person in your life the best stocking stuffer, Christmas gift or outdoor gift imaginable. With ideas to suit every budget, we are proud to present our 2023 gift guide for the 30 best gifts for outdoorsmen!
By Cal Bannerman • Published Jan 2 2023
1. Kammok Roo Single Hammock
High-quality aerial sleeping for the adventurous outdoorsman.
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If you've never slept in a hammock before, then you've never known the comfort of sleep swinging peacefully beneath the trees! Hammock sleeping is a true staple of the outdoors life, and single-person hammocks don't get as good as the Kammok Roo from Rei. Built to comfortably support up to 500lbs, this non-tear fabric can be quickly strung between trees with the included two 13kN carabiners and Dyneema® Racer Slings. Light and portable, it comes in a water-resistant roll-top stuff bag, and a lifetime warranty from Kammok. Just be aware that tree straps are sold separately.
2. Array 2S Headlamp
Rechargeable headlamp with 10 light settings ideal for camping.
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One of the most fundamental pieces of kit for any type of outdoor adventure is a good quality headlamp. Headlamps are torches attached to headbands allowing adventurers and campers to light their way hands-free. The Array 2S goes one step further. Equipped with a spotlight, floodlight, red light and even an SOS flashing light setting, it is activated with motion-control sensors, allowing you to turn it on and off with a simple wave of the hand. There goes all that awkward fumbling in the dark on the way to the toilet! This headlamp may be a little on the expensive end, but with 30 hours of use on a full charge and up to 140 meters illumination with a 1000-lumen beam of LED light, it is justifiably so.
3. Victorinox Spartan Multi-Tool
The all-time classic multi-tool useful in any situation.
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Victorinox have been producing the world's most favorite multi-tools for decades now. Their famous "Swiss Army Knife" (which is what this was known as for a long time) is a pocket-sized and inexpensive, yet crucially important piece of kit for any and all bushcraft. It's twelve tools include: a large serrated blade, small blade, corkscrew, can opener, small screwdriver, bottle opener, large screwdriver, wire stripper, reamer, key ring, tweezers, and toothpick. Equipped with one of these, the outdoorsman of the modern USA will be ready for any eventuality. A Victorinox Spartan Multi-Tool is one of the best gifts for outdoorsmen money can buy.
4. Eco Trail Sleeping Bag
Sustainable sleeping bag for comfort and warmth overnight.
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Outdoorsmen and women tend to be naturally concerned with the environment and their impact upon it. They spend a lot of their time in nature, meaning that they out of all of us are likely the most worried about the climate crisis. This sleeping bag from The North Face is made from 100% recycled materials, whilst still being designed to the highest-quality. As a gift, this would make a fabulous addition to any hiker's outdoor gear, and the perfect gift to anyone with a passion for camping in the backcountry. Everyone should have a good sleeping bag, and this is one of the best.
5. "Into The Wild" Book
Inspiring and heart-breaking tale of one man's solo adventures.
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Having graduated college, Christopher McCandless burned his ID, donated his life savings to charity, hitchhiked out of town, and set off on the road with only the dream of adventure to keep him warm. "Into The Wild" by John Krakauer is a book composed of insightful journalism and using McCandless' journal, which was recovered after his death in the Alaskan wilds. Whilst a sad book, it is also inspiring and motivational. It stokes in us an outdoorsy love for the wild places of the world, and will absolutely prepare your outdoorsman or woman for their future adventures; simultaneously inspiring them and ensuring that they do not make the same mistakes McCandless did.
6. National Parks Scratch Map
Record-keeping map of their hikes through America's National Parks.
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The USA is home to some of the world's most incredibly beautiful, wild and untamed national parks, largely thanks to the fact that it is a huge country, and did not become industrialised until it was colonised by the Europeans back in the 16th and 17th centuries. From Yosemite and Yellow Stone to the Everglades and Canyonlands, outdoorsy folks will undoubtedly be wanting to tick as many of our National Parks off their list as possible. This gorgeous scratch-to-reveal map lists all 62 (or 63!) parks with vibrant illustrations, for them to mark as they explore further across the country!
7. Portable Bamboo Watercolor Box
Watercolors, brushes, palette and paper for capturing stunning outdoors landscapes.
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Some of the most accomplished and beloved painters of history have also, by nature and necessity, been outdoorsmen and women. After all, the most beautiful vistas tend to be viewed from the least accessible spots. Hiking and camping far into the backcountry is often necessary in order to find beautiful painting spots. Whether they're an avid painter already, or may not seem artistic on the outside, this bamboo Winsor & Newton watercolor kit contains everything they could ever possibly need to unleash their inner Van Gogh.
8. Collapsible Silicone Container & Lid
Portable container for food, water, and collecting resources.
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Okay, it may not be the most glamorous or indulgent of presents, but you've got to remember that outdoorspeople are, first and foremost, lovers of functionality over aesthetics. In other words, it's not about being flashy or fashionable, it's about being equipped to survive and thrive in the great outdoors. This collapsible silicone container and lid from Alpine Mountain's camping gear range is the perfect gift for an outdoorsy person. Whether they use it to eat their rations from, carry their water, or collect edible fungi and berries they find along the hike, it's an indispensable piece of kit.
9. Peak Refuel Dehydrated Meal
Bag of biscuits and sausage gravy for the hungry hiker!
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It may not look like much from the outside, but dehydrated and freeze-dried food packets are an outdoorsman and woman's primary source of energy. Carrying everything on your back for a long hiking and camping trip is exhausting, even more so when you have to carry heavy food rations. On the other hand, with a few days worth of Peak Refuel freeze-dried meals instead, their diet can weigh almost nothing in their backpacks! Give them the gift of a light, tasty, re-energizing meal after a long day's journeying.
10. YETO Camping Wood Stove
Natural fuel camping stove for cooking and heat.
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A camping stove is yet another practical piece of camping gear that no camping trip should be without. Whereas some camping stove's require the use of gas (which can be exceptionally heavy to bring along with you), this stainless steel stove from YETO requires only natural fuel found around the campsite. Essentially what it does is facilitate the effective and wind-protected means to cooking with wood, leaves, and bracken. Light a fire from kindling in the base of the stove, and pop a pot on top with water for boiling, or dehydrated food (see above) for heating.
11. überleben Zünden Fire Starter
Steel and ferrocerium, wood-handled fire starter tool for campfires.
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And speaking of cooking with fire (see above), the ultimate outdoorsman is going to need a fast, reliable, and stress-free means of starting their fire, even in the depths of winter, or in the deluge of a downpour. This Zünden fire starter sold on Amazon has a handcrafted wooden handle, and a rod of steel and ferrocerium which, when struck with the accompanying flint, creates reliably hot sparks every single time. This is a heavy-duty fire starter tool which will never fail them, allowing them to keep warm and well-fed no matter which outdoor activities their participating in. It's also sold for a super affordable price from the Amazon seller.
12. Titanium Camping Spork
Spoon, knife and fork combo utensil for eating on the go.
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Sticking with the whole theme of eating outdoors for a minute - one of the most understated and underrated tools in a camper's camping gear is without a doubt the trusty spork. A spoon on one end, and a combined knife and fork on the other, it packs away easily since it's so small, and is ideal for any meal. This one from Sierra Trading is especially worthy of your attention, since it's made of titanium, meaning its serrated edge will always get the job done, and it will never snap or break. A quick wash and it can be used endlessly for meals from the camping stove, or grilled over the fire.
13. KingCamp Pop-Up Tent
Easy-to-build and affordable camping tent for all occasions.
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Tents can get ridiculously expensive, and whilst some top-of-the-line models warrant their extortionate price tag, for the everyday outdoorsy-type, there's really no need to go overboard. Instead, a simple pop-up professional-grade waterproof tent should do the job in most situations. If the person you've got in mind enjoys the odd weekend away camping by themselves or with a friend or partner, then this is the perfect tent for them. With a very reasonable price tag, too, it would make the perfect gift for them.
14. Jack Wolfskin Hiking Boots
Solid pair of hiking boots from a reputable shoemaker.
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If there's one thing literally every outdoorsman needs, it's a pair of good, solid, high-quality, lightweight yet waterproof hiking boots. And, well, we think we might just have found the very best pair available on the market. In terms of price, customer feedback, durability and functionality, these Jack Wolfskin Vojo 3 Texapore Mid-ankle walking boots are some of the best boots money can buy. Just make sure you get their shoe size right!
15. Eddyline Sky 10 Kayak
Top of the range kayak for water-based exploration.
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This is without a doubt one of the most high-end gift ideas on this 2023 gift guide, and yet for the right someone it could just be the present you've been looking for. Kayakers love the water more than anyone, and understand the fun of river and lake exploration as much as they do the risks. A high-quality kayak is fundamental to their safety and the overall joy of their experience. This Eddyline Sky 10 Kayak available from Rei is one of the top-rated kayaks in the world, perfect for rafting through any rapids. Be aware that it does not, however, come with paddles.
16. "Wander More" Unisex T-Shirt
Minimalist camping print t-shirt for the outdoorsman with insatiable wanderlust.
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This Etsy seller has really nailed the outdoorsman vibe with this handmade, screen-printed tee. On the front of this white t-shirt is the print of a tent by some pine trees beneath the stars. Below the image run the words "Wander More", invoking the spirit of wanderlust in all those who wear it, and all those who see it! Affordable and unique, this is an outdoors gift they truly won't be expecting you to buy them, and they're gonna love it!
17. Duro Screw Lock Carabiner
Carabiner useful for hiking, climbing, camping and everything in between.
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If you're looking for the ultimate outdoorsy stocking stuffer, or just want to surprise a pal with a nice new piece of kit, then you really can't go far wrong with a carabiner. This 180 SOUTH duro screw lock carabiner from Sierra Trading is a high-quality carabiner perfect to use when climbing and absailing, but just as useful for clipping camping gear to one's bag or person when hiking through the woods. It's also less than $5! Ideal!
18. Rei Co-Op Gift Card
Voucher to one of the world's best outdoor stores.
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As you might have noticed from some of the more exotic additions to this list, outdoor gifts can quickly get expensive, especially if you're looking to buy them something big like a tent, backpack, hiking boots or kayak. But just because you're on a tight budget doesn't mean that you can't still give them the gift they want! We think that the very next best thing is to give them a gift card worth whatever you can spare, and let them go and pick out exactly what they want from their favorite outdoors store. Rei have everything an outdoorsman could need, and it means you don't have to worry about whether they've already got a specific piece of kit of not!
19. Solar Charger Power Bank
Heavy-duty solar-charged power bank for handheld devices.
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The outdoorsman of yesteryear would never have had to worry about such a thing as charging a smartphone, but understandably this is a concern the modern hiker, camper, and adventurer carries with them wherever they go. Whether they use their phones to take pictures, keep in touch with loved ones, or for that all-important (sometimes life-saving) GPS, keeping their phones charged is a must. This wireless charging (and USB port compatible) power bank from Amazon uses a built-in solar panel to turn the light from the sun into electricity to charge phones and other small devices. It has plenty of positive Amazon user reviews, and even comes with a built-in torch for exploring in the dark!
20. Solar Powered Camping Lantern
Bright and portable camping lantern with solar panel charging.
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Solar power is becoming more and more popular, but it is arguably most effective and revolutionary in the camping industry. The ability to access free and renewable electricity wherever you go, and no matter how long you're away for, means that outdoorsmen and women can now travel further and more efficiently than ever before. This solar powered camping lantern can be recharged simply by sunlight hitting the solar panel built into its ceiling, meaning that night after night, their campsite can be kept well lit and thus safe.
21. JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth Speaker
Portable, powerful Bluetooth speaker with waterproof carry-case.
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JBL have been leading the charge on portable speaker technology for many years now. Their JBL Charge 2 was a huge hit back in the day, with many users (including myself) still using (and in love with) theirs after all this time. When outdoors in the backcountry with friends or by yourself, a little music goes a long way. The JBL Charge 4 is one of their most dynamic sounding products to date, and what's even better is that this particular edition comes with a waterproof portable carry case - simply ideal for the outdoorsperson.
22. FirePit Cooking Kit
State-of-the-art cooker-grill from outdoors experts BioLite.
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Not every outdoorsman is the sort to want to hike on their own many hours, days, and weeks into the outback. Plenty of outdoorspeople much prefer to visit the great outdoors from the comfort of a car, or even in their own backyard. For such a person, a phenomenal gift would be the FirePit Cooking Kit from the famous manufacturers BioLite. Here, BioLite have designed a robust grill and cooker for use outdoors, combining a wood burning stove with griddle and lid for barbequing. It even comes with a knife, tongs, spatula & storage mat to complete the kit! A special gift for that special someone.
23. RollUp Waterproof Climbing Backpack
Versatile and durable waterproof backpack for all outdoors adventures.
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Let's not forget that all of this incredible and portable equipment we've included on our gift guide so far is going to have to be stored somewhere. When outdoorspeople set off into the woods, mountains, for the dunes or sea, they don't just balance everything they take in their hands or on their head, they need a superior-quality backpack! What's more, they need a bag that won't ruin its contents the second it gets wet. This RollUp Climbin Backpack from LACD is waterproof and watertight, and affordable to boot. An ideal gift for any outdoorsperson living in a wet climate!
24. Outdoors First Aid Kit
57-piece First Aid kit for outdoors survival and emergencies.
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The outdoors is no place to be trifled with. Those who fail to prepare, or who don't take the outdoors seriously, have tended not to fair too well under harsh conditions. A simple fall, bite, sting or scrape can be deadly serious when alone in the wilds. That's why it's paramount an outdoorsman has an up-to-date and comprehensive First Aid kit. This particular kit from Sierra Trading comes with 57 pieces of bandages, gauze pads, sterilisation materials, plasters, sting kits, antibiotic cream and much much more, all stored in a handy and unmistakable red with white cross bag.
25. Garmin fēnix® Adventure Watch
GPS, music, solar charging, pulsometer - this is the ultimate watch!
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One of the most important things for outdoorsmen is to keep tabs on their whereabouts, which means having a reliable GPS at all times. The fēnix® 6 Adventure Watch from outdoors watch manufacturer Garmin has this and more! With GPS, a pulsometer and fitness tracker, step counter, solar charger, music player and (of course) clock, this is a watch unlike any other, and one that will keep your outdoorsperson on track, fit, healthy, safe, happy and on time for decades to come!
26. Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Electronic hand warmer with adjustable heat settings for winter trips.
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Time was you could buy handwarmers as little single-use, disposable sachets which, to no one's great surprise, are very environmentally un-friendly. This, then, is a revolutionary gadget. Zippo - known around the world for their lighters - have created an electric hand warmer with a range of different heat settings and an LED display to allow the outdoorsman to keep their hands cosy in even the chilliest of settings. The hand warmer is rechargeable, with a runtime of up to 9 hours. It even has a built-in torch, and can double as a portable power bank for smartphones!
27. Water Filter Survival Kit
Two canteens and reusable water filtering straw for safe drinking.
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Outdoorsy types know just how important it is to have consistent access to clean drinking water, and whilst they may take plenty with them when they set off, chances are they're going to run out sooner or later. A water filter allows the outdoorsman or woman to safely drink fresh water from any source. It works by filtering the water in three separate stages, removing 99.999% of small particulates, and cleaning the water to a higher degree than even most home filtration systems. This survival kit from Survivor Filter™ comes with two portable, collapsible canteens to which their straw can be attached. It's worth the cash, too, since the straw is good for 100,000 liters of water!
28. "The Wayland" Folding Knife
Hunting knife, cooking knife, a knife for all things outdoorsy!
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The person you have in mind may or may not intend to hunt for their food when out camping and hiking. Regardless, a good folding pocket knife goes a heck of a long way when it comes to outdoor activities. Cutting rope, preparing food, trimming wood for the fire, freeing yourself from a tangle - it's not just a cool piece of camping gear to have, it's pretty much an essential gadget. "The Wayland" from The James Brand is a beautiful stainless steel knife blade in a black Micarta handle, perfectly weighted and small enough to make a great gift addition to any outdoorsman's EDC (everyday carries).
29. 16oz Coffee Flask
Reliable portable coffee flask for hot coffee at the campsite.
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Does life get much better than sitting down outside your tent after a long day's hike, looking out over a stunning natural vista, and taking a sip of hot coffee? Problem is, usually you'd have to build a fire, collect water, filter it, and boil it before you could enjoy a sip. With the 16oz coffee flask from Hydro Flask, however, this never need be the case! Its revolutionary technology keeps coffee hot all day long. The flask is watertight, so no leaks or spills, and has a flexi-handle to make it easy to clip to bags and transport. What's more, its Flex Sip™ Lid guarantees a smooth mouthful of coffee every single time. The perfect gift for any outdoorsman who likes a tasty brew.
30. All-Trail Hiking Socks
Thermal-regulated reinforced hiking socks for logging long miles!
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It's important not to underestimate the importance of a quality pair of socks for the man or woman who loves to hike! Regular old socks just don't cut it, and can lead to blistering feet, sore ankles, and cold toes. These "All-Trail" hike socks from Stio are made with a merino wool/nylon blend for thermal regulation and deep comfort, as well as having seamless toe construction and a footbed that's cushioned to offer compression and reduce fatigue. And ideal gift for any outdoorsperson, especially if you're on a tight budget!