The holidays are approaching, and it’s time to narrow down your gift ideas. Thinking of the perfect gift can be stressful, so I’ve compiled a perfect list of gifts for men who love the outdoors. Below are 25 camping and hiking gift ideas for your outdoorsy boyfriend or husband. These gifts are thoughtful, yet useful and practical. Perfect for any time of year, ranging from stocking stuffers to high-end gifts.
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Stocking Stuffers
- Spork!
A spork is an inexpensive yet useful gift that anyone will appreciate. Sporks are a hiking and camping essential due to its versatility and simplicity. My favorite UCO sporks are lightweight, compact, and easy to clean. Accommodating a spoon, fork, and knife all in one makes for a perfect stocking stuffer for your outdoorsy significant other.
2. Headlamp
A headlamp is a flashlight that shines wherever your head turns, so this gift is perfect for camping, hiking, or any other activity that requires both hands. This headlamp has 7 different modes and an adjustable pivot light. The headband is adjustable, and the entire item is water resistant, for any type of weather at any time of year. At under $20, this is a great stocking stuffer for the holidays.
3. Water Filter
A water filter is essential for camping and hiking specifically. My favorite water filter is the LifeStraw filter. Unfiltered water passes through microscopic tubes in the straw that trap bacteria and parasites. Filtered water that is safe to drink is available almost instantly. At under $20, this is a must-have for any camper or hiker. This gift is useful and lasts for up to 1,000 gallons of water.
4. Hand Warmers
The holiday season takes place during some of the coldest months of the year. A perfect functional gift for the season is hand warmers! Disposable hand warmers provide up to 10 hours of warmth, while rechargeable hand warmers can be reused on numerous occasions. These stocking stuffers are great for hiking and camping in colder temperatures, and can also be placed inside of your shoes to keep your toes warm.
5. Portable Charger
A portable charger is a battery pack that can be recharged and used to power your devices when no electricity is available. This is a great stocking stuffer for someone who travels, hikes, or camps often. This Anker portable charger recharges an iPhone almost 1.5 times, a Google Pixel more than twice, and a Samsung S20 1.7 times.
6. Gaiters
Neck gaiters are versatile and perfect for cold or windy weather. The merino neck gaiter is a lightweight but warm material that can be worn over 12 different ways. It can be used to cover the nose, ears, head, and more from debris and wind. Ankle gaiters are another hiking essential. When placed over hiking shoes, the ankle gaiter provides a barrier to keep dust and debris out. These are great functional gifts for hikers during the holidays.
7. Underwear and Socks
Underwear and socks are always the go to gift from your grandma each year, and they can be boring. However, I have found the best underwear and socks for hiking and camping that will make the trip much more comfortable for men. Smartwool socks and underwear are worth the price tag as they are built to control moisture and odor, while remaining soft and comfortable. In the long run, these items will be appreciated and are great as a supplemental stocking stuffer.
8. Quick Dry Towel
Whether you’re hiking or camping, the worst feeling is when you have to drip-dry because you forgot a towel or it was too big to pack. Of course, there is a solution to this problem. A compact, quick drying towel is perfect for packing light on an adventure. This towel is machine washable, super absorbent, and shrinks to the size of a small paperback book. This is a must have hiking gift idea for anyone who spends time in the wilderness hiking and camping.
9. Freeze-Dried Meals
Guys, these are my favorite! They are the perfect way to make a quick, delicious meal in the wilderness. Most freeze-dried varieties only require boiling water, and literally cook in the bag they are purchased in. I would eat these for dinner at home, that’s how good they are. Freeze dried meals have a shelf life up to 25 years, and usually contain a great deal of protein. My favorite brand, Peak Refuel, will change camping and hiking for the better.
Mid-Range Gifts
10. Camelbak Eddy
If your boyfriend or husband is an avid outdoorsman, it is important for them to stay hydrated. Daily hydration is proven to improve stamina and performance in sports. Water is so important for the human body and is recommended by health experts to consume a half gallon each day. The Camelbak Eddy is convenient and only needs one refill to provide a half gallon of hydration. The straw makes it much easier to drink throughout the day, and will provide an active outdoorsman the hydration they need for every trail.
11. Hammock
When tied between two trees with a beautiful view of nature, a hammock is a hiking and camping must-have. A hammock is lightweight and compact, which doesn’t overfill your pack if you’re trekking a long distance or packing for a lengthy trip. Hammocks help your body rest better by putting it in an ideal sleeping position, relieving all pressure points, and providing better sleep. This is ideal for the hiker looking to rest their body to the fullest before getting back on the trail.
12. Multi Tool
There are many times when you forget to pack something important, and only realize after hiking miles away from civilization. There are various situations I can think of where it would’ve been nice to have a camping tool that we never thought of packing. A multi-tool has become an essential when we hike or camp because it provides multiple tools that we wouldn’t think of bringing otherwise. This is a great useful gift for anyone who spends time outside.
13. Camp Chair
Especially when hiking long distances, packing light is paramount. Most luxuries are sacrificed due to size or weight on the trail. The perfect compact, lightweight luxury gift for hiking is a camp chair. These chairs are made specifically for hiking and can minimize to the size of a water bottle. This will allow any hiker to comfortably sit and relax along the journey without sacrificing precious pack space.
14. Water Shoes
Hiking presents various altitudes that are likely to contain bodies of water. The changes in altitude cause the water from lakes and ponds to form into streams and brooks that run along the trails of the mountain. Hiking is a workout, and during the warmer months sweating is inevitable. Discovering water along the trail is great to fill up your hydration source, and take a swim to cool and clean off. However, walking barefoot in the water can result in painful cuts and discomfort when hiking. Water shoes are perfect to protect your feet while you navigate the rocky streams.
15. Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare, dust, and UV ray damage when spending time outside. Hiking naturally puts you at a higher elevation, which risks stronger UV rays on the eyes and skin. At a higher price tag, these Oakley Sunglasses are durable, and fit to wear daily. The extended value of these glasses justify the price tag in my opinion. Polarized glasses will protect a hiker against glare from water or snow. A good pair of sunglasses is a great gift idea for a hiker, camper, or outdoorsman.
16. Camp Shoes
After a long day of hiking, one of the best feelings at camp is taking your shoes off. The only shortfall of taking your shoes off at camp is dirty socks. Camp shoes are a great option that act as comfortable slippers that keep your socks clean around camp. Camp slip-on shoes are also easy to pack, and provide an option to rest your feet on a hiking trip. This is a great gift for someone who hikes and camps often.
17. Sleeping Mat
A sleeping mat is another lightweight luxury for a camper or hiker. This sleeping pad is insulated and foldable to make for easy transport. This gift is perfect for a multi-day hiker, and will provide them a better nights sleep in the wilderness. Sleeping mats provide comfort, insulation, and protection from moisture when camping.
18. Sleeping Bag
There are many different types of sleeping bags you can give as a gift. However, there are specific types of sleeping bags that work better for camping on a hike. Hiking requires you to carry mostly everything on your back, including sleeping items if adventuring on a multi-day hike. A mummy sleeping bag is a perfect gift for the hiker that loves to camp, and it is easy to carry along the way.
High End Gifts
19. Hydration Pack/Fanny Pack
A hydration pack is a perfect gift for the avid outdoorsman. A hydration pack contains a bladder which holds larger amounts of water than the typical bottle and utilizes a hose with a bite valve. The bite valve ensures you don’t waste any water on the trail, while providing instant access to drink. This pack is compact and holds your essentials, while also providing easy access to 1.5 liters of water. If a hydration pack is too large for their liking, a similar gift would be a fanny pack for your favorite adventurer. This pack easily converts from a cross body to a waist bag providing instant access to essentials. This is a great gift for anyone who engages in outdoor sports such as hiking or biking.
20. Rain Jacket
A rain jacket is an outdoor essential. At higher elevations, the weather is subject to rapid change. Especially on the summit, rain can be expected at any moment. A perfect gift for a hiking enthusiast is a packable rain jacket. This packable Eddie Bauer rain jacket can compress down to a minimal size to keep your pack light and roomy. Your adventure partner will love this gift for hiking.
21. Snowshoes
Snowshoes are excellent for winter hiking. Snowshoes increase the surface area of your soles to prevent your feet from sinking in the snow. I have tried multiple different brands of snowshoes and my personal choice is Yukon Charlie. These are the best quality shoes that I have found, and they are also reasonably priced for a snowshoe. This is a great camping and hiking gift idea for someone who lives in a cold climate or loves to hike in the snow.
22. JetBoil
Another personal favorite camping and hiking item of mine, the JetBoil. A JetBoil is a lightweight, compact camp stove that makes cooking in the wilderness quick and easy. My favorite model is the JetBoil Zip. This is a great gift to pair with freeze dried meals, as this tool makes boiling water incredibly easy. The JetBoil brings water to a rolling boil in under 2 minutes!
23. Tent
Tents are essential for camping. The perfect gift for an avid camper is a shelter that is easy to transport. A 2 person tent is a perfect size for you and your significant other to spend time in nature together. Pair this gift with a sleeping bag and mat for a bundled gift idea.
24. SmartWatch
If you’re looking for a more high-end hiking and camping gift idea, a smart watch will really captivate your boyfriend or husband. The Garmin Instinct Solar watch can be charged in the sun, contains a heart rate monitor, accommodates GPS, and more. A smartwatch is perfect for any outdoorsman this holiday season.
25. Camera
If your husband or boyfriend likes photography, a camera is a perfect high end gift for the holidays. The Olympus Tough TG-6 is waterproof, and built to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also shock proof and freeze proof among other features, making it a fantastic durable option for someone shooting photos in the wilderness.
These are the best hiking and camping gift ideas for the holidays. Ranging from stocking stuffers to high-end gifts, there is something for every price and activity range of the outdoors.
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