Gift Ideas for Outdoorsmen
There are so many gifts on the market that target people who love the outdoors that it can get pretty overwhelming as to where to start. My family and I all love to get outside as often as we can, enjoy the fresh air and explore our environment. Each of us though has our particular favorite activities.
When it comes to special occasions I always found it easier to write out a list of those activities or outdoor passions and then search for gift ideas to match the activity. I could then pick the best ones from a few groups of gift ideas. This gave me the idea to do the same thing here and provide you with an easy-to-search list of categories of gifts for outdoorsmen.
My partner loves to read, she’s a trip planner and is brilliant at it. Her organizational skills are way better than mine. So let’s kick this list off with our pick of the research and planning tools for any adventure – great books!
Outdoor Gifts – TOP RATED
Touch Screen Gloves
It’s cold outside, but you still want to use your phone.
We all know that it’s hard to keep your hands warm while using a touchscreen device.
Touch Screen Gloves are the solution! Now you can text, email, and play games on your smartphone without taking off these gloves! They have special touch-sensitive fingertips so you can easily type or click on buttons with no problem whatsoever. These gloves are made out of high-quality materials which make them very comfortable and soft against the skin. There is also a water-resistant layer between the outer and warm inner layers.
Vifuur Water Shoes
Wearing water shoes when you’re in and out of the water is a great way to protect your feet from rocks, sand, and other beach hazards.
But if you want something that’s going to be comfortable enough for walking around on dry land, too, it can be hard to find a good option.
Vifuur water shoes are perfect for this situation because they combine the best features of both kinds of shoes into one pair. The rubber sole gives them extra protection against sharp objects like shells or coral while still letting you walk easily on any surface. And thanks to their quick-dry design, these water shoes will also dry quickly so you don’t have to wait long before wearing them again! Available in lots of styles and colors so there’s sure to be a style that fits your personality perfectly!
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
These wondrous straws could literally save your life! As it safely removes 99.9999 % of bacteria from water without the use of chemicals. This includes nasties such as E-Coli and Salmonella. These can be used indefinitely as they have no limit on their shelf life, even after their initial use.
The ideal personal water filtration kit for use outdoors, is small and lightweight.
Hand Warmers – Long Lasting Safe & Natural, Air Activated
Cold hands and feet make it hard to enjoy the activities you love.
Hand warmers are a great way to beat the chill and keep your hands and body warm in cold weather conditions. They’re portable, disposable, easy to use, and odorless.
Use at events like concerts, spectating at outdoor sporting events, or slow activities like fishing, camping & hiking. Working in the yard (gardening) jogging or taking your pet for a walk; they’re convenient, compact, and odorless too! TSA-approved so they can go anywhere you do. Disposable single-use item.
Stanley Camp Pour Over Coffee Set
You’re a coffee aficionado, but you can’t take your expensive, fancy coffee maker outdoors or on your trips
The Stanley Pour Over Coffee Set is your solution. It’s a simple and easy way to enjoy freshly brewed coffee at home, in the office, or on your travels.
This pour-over coffee maker makes amazing home-brewed coffee without breaking the bank or the need for electricity. It’s easy to use and environmentally friendly by using a reusable stainless steel filter instead of paper filters that are wasteful and not environmentally friendly. The metal mesh filter helps extract your coffee’s aromatic oils and subtle flavor notes for a much better-tasting cup of joe!
Fuinloth Balaclava Face Mask
It can be hard to stay warm when you’re outside. You need a balaclava that will keep your head, face, and neck warm while also staying breathable so you don’t overheat.
With the Fuinloth Balaclava, you’ll never have to worry about being cold again because it’s made from high-quality breathable material that is both comfortable and effective at keeping your head warm no matter what activity you’re doing.
The Fuinloth Balaclava is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, fishing, motorcycling, running, or any other outdoor activities where warmth is important but overheating isn’t an option either.
Outdoor Gifts – Books
Journeys of a Lifetime – National Geographic
When it comes to travel, it doesn’t get much better than National Geographic. This best-selling book is a fully updated, 10th-anniversary edition and a compilation of 500 favorite journeys made by Geographics’ famous travel writers.
As you might expect, the outdoor photography is world-class. At first, you may think that this book is more of a token of aspiration, but this is actually a practical guide with information on how to get to these places and make the most out of the trip. Highlights include mountain biking in Transylvania to hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
50 States 5000 Ideas
Another classic from the team at National Geo. Although this book predominantly targets the United States, there is also information on the Canadian territories. if you’re staying homeland, this may be full of relevant ideas for you to have a fun-filled staycation.
This book not only covers the well-documented areas but also more unusual, off-the-wall ideas such as tours of swampland in Louisiana to Dinosaur trails in Colorado.
The Bucket List – 1000 Adventures Big & Small
A terrific gift for the avid traveler. Full of inspirational and fun ideas for both young and old, covering every continent on the planet. This guide offers a wealth of insight into activities, destinations, and must-dos that span the unique and the popular.
With helpful advice on achieving your goals, this book is hard to put down and gets you motivated into taking action.
Great Hiking Trails of the World
If you have a friend or partner who has a passion for hiking, they’ll love you for this book. Considered to contain the “bucket list” of trails for hiking lovers, it not only covers the familiar trails of America but also the more exotic of such places as Scandinavia and the Himalayas.
Bush Craft 101
A very handy book from a survival expert that’s gone on to be a New York Times best seller. The first of a series of books by Dave Canterbury, Bush Craft 101 arms you with all the info you’ll need to feed and protect yourself when out in the wilds for any length of time. If you like your outdoor adventures to get right back to the basics and rely on your wits and skills, this is a great asset. Even if you’re not a survivalist there are some great nuggets of information here that can pre-arm you and give you confidence when faced with challenging situations outdoors.
Edible Wild Plants
As an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love receiving this gift. Most outdoorsmen like to be well informed on their environment with all the do’s and don’ts. Making use of natural resources, especially when it comes to meal times is close to the hearts of most campers, hikers, survivalists, and the like. We’ve all wondered at some point, which of our local wild plants are edible and which ones we must avoid.
Gifts for Outdoorsmen – Cool Gadgets
PRICARE Mini First Aid Kit
Ok, so a first aid kit is not a cool gadget! We feel that it should be top of this list for essential buys though 🙂 The hard shell is made from durable EVA material and is a very handy size at 6.2″ x 4.4″ x 2.1″. Packed full of essential hospital-grade first aid supplies such as bandages, burns gel, iodine pads, and more. Pricare has ensured that this kit has all the correct international certifications to comply with global standards wherever you may wander. At just 0.53lbs there is no excuse for leaving this behind.
EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit
Slightly larger at 8’’ x 6.5’’ x 5’’ and 1.9 lbs, this first aid kit is a bit bulkier than the Pricare. It is however a best seller and contains over 240 pieces of first aid/emergency/survival items. It has all the necessary first aid items you’d expect plus extra tools such as a knife, torch, paracord, flint, and more.
Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet – 2 Pack
This funky 5-in-1 tactical bracelet is perfect for those who love their outdoor gadgets to be practical and multi-purpose. This compact little gem consists of an accurate compass, an emergency blade, a powerful whistle, and a fire starter (blade and flint).
The Paracord bracelet itself is military grade and a very handy 12 feet long.
Gerber Gear Truss Multi-tool
Full serrated blade, flat head screwdriver, a saw, pliers, wire stripper, and many more. This useful tool set packs so many items into one item it’s off the scale with its versatility. Click on the link below to get the full list of tools. Grey and stainless steel, this has over 1600 reviews!
AOTU Portable Camping Stove with Piezo Ignition
If you’re like me, you like to travel light and compact. The AOTU epitomizes this philosophy with a camping stove that fits into the palm of your hand. Aluminum is lightweight and very strong. AOTU is committed to customer service with its 100% money-back guarantee.
Solar Shower Bag
The PGYFIS solar shower bag will hold 5 gallons / 20L of water and has an adjustable shower head for increasing or decreasing the flow of water. This same mechanism also switches the flow off and on. The bag (being a dark color) is naturally warmed by the sun and in turn, warms the contained water. I’ve used one of these hung up at the back of a catamaran boat whilst sailing around Spanish islands and it was simple yet effective. This shower bag has a temperature gauge, but I’d still test the water first before getting under the shower.
Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents
Permethrin is great for applying to clothes and gear to repel mites, chiggers, and ticks and will actually kill mosquitos. Your skin breaks down Permethrin within 15 mins of contact which renders it ineffective as a personal insect repellent. It’s perfect for tents and clothing etc as it lasts for 6 weeks or 6 washes of the item, whichever comes first. If you’re like me (a mosquito magnet) any help is welcome!
20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
This product used on your skin in conjunction with the Permethrin above for your clothing and gear is a great barrier to nasties. Be aware that the lotion version of this product will last a little longer than the spray at 14 hours. Click the link below to learn more.
Outdoor Trail Maps The Colorado Wilderness
If, like me, you like to hike “old school” you’ll love these topographic maps of the Colorado Wilderness. There’s something very satisfying about orienteering with a paper map, it gives me a sense of authenticity. There is, however, some footage of me on youtube somewhere with one of these wrapped around my mush after a 60mph gust snatched it from my hands. We’ll ignore that though:)
Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation
If you’re going off the beaten track, this little wizard will give your loved ones some piece of mind. The Garmin inReach Explorer+ provides 100% global satellite coverage and works where there’s no cellular. An SOS button sends an instant distress signal to search and rescue.
MalloMe Camping Cookware
This image doesn’t do this number 1 best seller justice! Click on the link to see the kit inside this little box of tricks. Made from very durable, non-toxic anodized aluminum, this little mess kit is very neatly designed. Inside you’ll find a non-stick pan + 2 x bowls, a spork, a wooden spatula, a natural sponge for cleaning, and a travel bag. Packs down very tidily.
Kootek Camping Hammock
Can be used as a double or single, this parachute hammock is just screaming at me to get lazy and just swing the afternoon away. Packs down very small into its own little travel bag, yet can hold up to 226kg. The nylon fabric has extremely high anti-fraying/tearing qualities with straps that are ‘tree-friendly’.
18-in-1 Snowflake Multi-Tool
If you’re looking for a gift for Christmas this is a cool and cute little tool set that looks like a snowflake. Various tool heads such as a screwdriver, allen key, and even a bottle opener. Hard-wearing stainless steel plus a carabiner that will hold 50kg and a travel pouch.
Electric Arc Lighter
Very handy little gadget for lighting candles, camping stoves, etc if you’re out in the wilderness. Very small portable device. I like my gadgets as much as the next person but if I’m traveling around a lot they need to be compact and lightweight. This fits the bill perfectly. A rain and splash-proof method of igniting. USB rechargeable.
Emergency Solar + Hand Crank Portable Radio
Rugged, rain-resistant NOAA weather radio powered by solar / hand crank or AAA backup batteries ensures power to your iPhone or tablet in emergency situations and also powers the LED reading light and a 1W flashlight. Great device if you’re ever stranded as this has an emergency SOS signal.
Roxant High Definition Wide View Monocular/Scope
High-quality optics and molded comfort grip make this the go-to scope for every outdoorsman. Its FMC Superior BAK4 Green Film Prism ensures excellent clarity and its 6 x 30 viewing gives a decent wide field of view.
LED Camping Lantern
Weather-proof, collapsible and adjustable brightness, this lantern is brilliant for camping and general outdoors and is quite rightly a number 1 best seller. Fully collapsed, this light is about the size of your phone! Made from aircraft grade materials it is said that you can drop this from a height of 10ft without damage. The light increases or decreases as you expand or contract the outer case. Offering 360 degrees of light it can easily light a room or tent.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Okay, sticking with number 1 best sellers for a moment, let’s turn to this beauty from Earth Pak. If you don’t own a dry bag it’s safe to say that you’re not an outdoorsman! Ok maybe that’s a bit strong but anyone who loves the outdoors knows the importance of keeping certain essentials dry. Available from 10 to 55L and in a multitude of colors. I bagsied mine a long time ago 😉
28pc BBQ Gift Set with Thermometer
Is this technically a gift for an outdoorsman? Well I guess it’s eating outdoors and it’s a pretty snazzy gift so let’s just enjoy the quality of the set with its 95% stainless steel tools and utensils. Includes that important thermometer for those large cuts!
Bushcraft Gear
The ultimate multi-functional shovel! Concealed inside the handle are a knife, fire starter, bottle opener, and emergency whistle. The angle of the shovel head is adjustable and also has a saw tooth edge. Compact and lightweight it quickly and neatly comes apart and fits into its own attractive carry satchel.
12 Piece Camping Tool Set
Handy tool set for the authentic outdoorsman or survivalist. Consisting of: 10in machete, hatchet, knife, sharpening stone/firestarter, torch, and more.
RAK Hammer Multi Tool
Multi-tools never used to include hammers, this new breed of slightly larger tools are starting to incorporate this, combining the head as part of the pliers’ tool. This 12 in 1 multi-tool includes a hammer, pliers, nail claw, wire cutter, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, straight and serrated blades, and more. This is a great addition to your outdoor tool kit.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
High-performance insulation to the interior, is leakproof, easily cleaned, and keeps your food and drinks cool. The exterior material is durable, being abrasion and puncture resistant. This cooler comes in 16 / 30 / and 48 cans sizes.
YETI Hopper Backflip 24 – Cooler / Backpack
The Hopper is a combination of backpack and cooler, it has a dry hide shell that’s resistant to water, UV rays, and mildew. It also boasts the toughest, leak-proof zipper in the world! Available in a number of funky colors too.
Isosteel Duo VA-9562DQ Vacuum-Insulated Thermos Flask
At last, someone has thought to include a second cup with a thermos flask! You no longer have to risk cooties with a single drinking vessel, the bright sparks at Isosteel have saved us. Not only is the flask efficient and practical but we think it looks pretty cool too. Make mine a long black, oh you want tea? Dang!
TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack
With over 1000 verified, 5-star reviews, this Amazon best-seller assures you of satisfaction. A comfortable, lightweight pack that’ll keep your thirst quenched with a 2L hydration bladder. Available in a variety of colors.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Men’s Backpack
if you’re going to travel any distance with a decent-sized backpack, it needs to fit very comfortably and be designed to distribute the load appropriately. The AG 65 certainly does this and incorporates an “anti-gravity suspension” that is said to make you feel like you’re carrying less weight. There are plenty of zippered pockets for easy accessibility, a sleeping bag compartment, and an internal sleeve that can accommodate a 3L hydration reservoir.
Osprey Aura AG 65 Women’s Backpack
The women’s AG 65 incorporates the same “anti-gravity suspension” system as the men’s version providing the wearer with a feeling of carrying less weight. With fully adjustable strapping and fit-on-the-fly hip straps, this backpack is designed for maximum comfort carrying a heavy load. There are more than adequate pockets which are well thought out in their placement and design. The essential sleeping bag compartment is included, and a 3L hydration reservoir sleeve. The hydration pack is sold separately. A first-class backpack by all accounts.
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
A number 1 best seller and for good reason, this inflatable sleeping pad comes with a LIFETIME GUARANTEE! If like me, you do a fair bit of traveling and backpacking, you’ll know that space and weight in your pack is at the top of your list. Weighing in at just 14.5oz and packing down to the size of a thin water bottle, this pad is a beauty. The Sleepingo is 2.2in thick and 75 x 23in when fully inflated. Made from heavy-duty, 20-denier, waterproof, and tear-resistant nylon, this pad is built to last.
3 in 1 Cooler, Backpack & Chair
Strong tubular steel frame, perfect to take your weight as a stool or footrest. Ideal for camping or fishing etc, the foil lining will keep food cool or warm for many hours. Shoulder straps allow it to be carried like a backpack when folded flat. Also available in camo. Weighing just 3.3 pounds the seat can support up to 330 pounds!
Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
Shatterproof silicon body, this bottle is not only tough, but it’s also nice to drink from with its comfortable mouthpiece. It’s made from 100% food-grade materials and of course BPA-free. When space in your luggage is at a premium this is a great space saver.
Portable Elastic Travel Clothesline
Stainless steel for rust resistance, this clever piece of kit is a godsend for getting clothes and gear dry, as any traveler will testify there is nothing worse than having to put on damp clothing. Clips adjacent to the clothes grips prevent the grips from sliding to the center when hung.
World’s Toughest Ultralight Survival Tent
Billed as the ‘Toughest Emergency Mylar Emergency Tent On Earth’. Even though this tent will provide shelter for 2 adults it packs down into the smallest of carry bags. Mylar (a NASA invention) reflects up to 90% of heat and is the perfect reflective surface for a survival tent. Made by “Don’t Die In The Woods”, they back their product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Meat Claws
Yes we know this looks like a Wolverine fancy dress item but trust us, this is a must-have meat-cutting utensil! Ever wondered how to quickly make pulled pork? Step up outdoorsy Scissorhands! Yes, you too can look like some crazed Sweeney Todd-type character, hacking at his/her prized meaty thing! Dishwasher-safe and actually work extremely well. Check out the video in the link below.
Gifts for Outdoorsmen – Water Sports
Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Everything you need to get started with paddle boarding is available in the best-selling package, including an adjustable paddle, pump, backpack, and more. A very durable iSup and one of the lightest on the market.
Gifts for Outdoorsmen – Clothing
Mens Performance Base Layer
Available from small to 3XL, this long sleeve under-layer has a 100% polyester outer layer and 70/30 polyester/Merino wool inside, providing durable, moisture-wicking performance. Machine washable.
Womens’ Performance Base Layer
Machine washable, athletic fit performance base layer, available from small to 2XL. 85/15% microfibre polyester and spandex with moisture-wicking performance. Tagless, flat-seam design for extra comfort.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
This durable, lightweight, waterproof boot from Columbia is a winner with excellent support and grip for hiking on rough terrain. Available in a good range of sizes including wide fit, and a broad selection of colors to choose from.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot
The excellent cushioning and high energy return from the durable midsole provide the wearer of the Ridge Plus II with comfort over all types of terrain. Its hi-grip rubber sole also offers assurance on slippery surfaces.
Outdoor Gifts – For Winter
Traction Cleats by Unigear
18 spikes providing excellent grip, perfect for walking, jogging, and running on snow or ice. Heavy-duty cleats and spikes made from anti-corrosive, heat-treated, stainless steel. easy to put on and remove.
Giro Range MIPS Snow Helmet
Small to large sizing with multi-directional impact protection. The 2-piece shell fits comfortably to the wearer’s head with the turn of a dial. A low-profile button on the outside of the helmet allows you to fine-tune ventilation and the flow of air for maximum comfort. There is also a vent at the front of the helmet which helps to keep your goggles free from fogging.
Ski & Snowboard Tuning Kit by Demon
Comes with wax, iron, and an edge tuner with diamond files. Adjustable edging tool accepts both steel and diamond files. The iron measures 6 x 3 inches and heats up to 356F. The 133g of wax is a proprietary blend of modified hydro-carbon.
Bertoni Glacier Polarized Sunglasses
Anyone who’s spent a long time hiking through snow in the sunshine knows that this type of eye protection is a godsend. Glare can be a real problem in these conditions and can issues. Available in a variety of lens colors – move over Ray Ban!
Storage Rack for skis, snowboards & more
Perfect storage solution for the outdoor family that loves snow sports. Made from sustainably sourced Birch for the eco-conscious among us. Super easy setup with no tools required for assembly.
Ski and Pole Carry Strap, Plus Bonus Boot Carry Strap
Give yourself a break from looking like the village idiot when your skis come apart when you’re carrying them, and you start to look like a windmill! This simple carry strap makes the task so effortless. The same goes for your boots when carried with this bonus carry strap.
Unigear 50L Ski Bag for Boots, Helmet, Goggles & more
Backpack-style ski/snowboard boot bag, perfect for travel and transporting your snow gear. With a 50L capacity, this bag can carry a lot of your snow sport essentials. Soft back panel and straps for comfortable carrying but waterproof and tear-resistant outer material for a durable exterior that should last.
Ski / Snowboard Goggle Case
A lot of snow goggles are purchased with a soft case which offers your new purchase very little protection when being transported. The unique curve design from Zionor offers protection via its curved shape and strong EVA material.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found some good outdoor gift ideas from the list above or at least got some inspiration to think of something different. At the end of the day, any gift is good if it encourages you and your loved ones to spend more time outdoors.
