#1: Lip Balm
No matter what time of year someone is traveling, having a nice supply of lip balm within arms reach is very important. This gift can be helpful whether you are skiing, hiking, camping, or just general exploring. Having the right type of lip balm, typically one with an SPF rating, can make it doubly helpful whether the day is sunny or overcast. . Aquaphor and Elta MD are great brands to buy! Cost: $4-$12
#2: Rei Hiking Backpack
I asked for this hiking backpack for Christmas last year and I now use it as both an outdoor companion and as a daily driver! This particular backpack helps me with my teaching to carry items to and from school, plus I can utilize it on the weekends whether the excursion is hiking or just walking my dog. This particular iteration is lightweight, has a back sleeve perfect for a laptop or papers, contains a great side pocket for a water-bottle and also includes straps to make your hiking journey a little more secure. Cost: $45.39 (rei member)
#3: Water Filter
Many times when you are outdoors, your access to fresh water sources can be limited or scarce. Having a portable water filter allows you to create fresh water and avoid this conundrum! It is recommended you have at least two empty water bottles when you utilize these so you can gather water in one and then filter the clean water to another bottle. Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system is a great option and so is Platypus quick draw filter. Cost: $30-$40
#4: Hiking Socks
Having a great pair of hiking socks can make or break an experience outdoors, particularly if the weather is less than ideal. You don’t need to be fancy with hiking socks by any stretch, but they do need to be appropriate for the weather! In the summertime I opt for light-weight options, but in the winter wool is the best material to keep your feet warm. Cost: $11-$13
#5: Long Spoon
Many outdoor lovers enjoy eating in outdoor spaces as well! Bringing easy backpacking food is what many opt into for the ease of it by boiling water. The key to a successful meal and backpacking food is a long spoon! It allows you to stir the hot water in the bag and get to the bottom of the bag more easily during those long awaited meals. These spoons are lightweight and something many don’t realize they need until they don’t have one nearby at their disposal. Cost: $5.50
#6: 3 and 1 Jacket Columbia
3 years ago, I knew I was going on a ski trip out west and wanted to invest in a new ski jacket. I also knew I wanted to be able to utilize this jacket for more than just skiing as well. The above is a3 in 1 jacket that I regularly use year round. I utilize the fleece while walking my dog on a chilly day, but I also utilize the outer-shell on warm rainy days in the summer since it is lightweight and efficiently deflects water. This jacket is an investment piece given the price tag, but it is of great quality and worth the money in my opinion. Cost: $180
#7: Garmin in Reach
If your outdoors lover likes to go on solo trips a lot, this gift allows you to make sure you know that they are always safe! The Garmin in Reach allows you to send texts, emergency signals and weather updates around the world irrespective of access to sell service. Thus, it is most ideal as a gift for solo hikers or international travels. The cost is high, but this device is what cellphones were before we had the internet! Cost: $350
#8: First Aid Kit
This may seem like a simple gift but it could save your outdoor lover’s life! Many seasoned hikers already have a simple first aid kit on hand, but making sure they have a backup is always a good idea! You can also keep it affordable and create your own first aid kit to make it extra special! Make sure in the kit that there are band aids, duct tape, Neosporin, Benadryl, and Advil. Cost: $10
#9: Electrolytes
Water is always the top priority when you are exploring new locations, but if you get in a situation where you don’t have food, electrolytes are a great alternative to bridge the gap. Giving electrolytes is an easy gift for outdoor lovers and would be the perfect stocking stuffer. These come in power or tablet form. Vitalyte and Skratch Labs are great brands and taste fantastic as well, so you don’t need to compromise when replacing food in a pinch. Cost: $20
#10: Screen Tent
Last summer I spent a significant amount of time camping in Tennessee and in North Georgia. While on one of my trips, I saw a family utilizing this fantastic screen tent to keep out the bugs and the rain! There are multiple types and sizes available which warrants the need for scrutinizing the best choice, but if your outdoors lover lives in the south this is a very practical gift choice! Cost: $85-$100
#11: State Parks Pass
Most outdoors lovers enjoy spending time at their local state parks! Thus, there is no better or easier gift than giving them a state parks pass! Many states provide an annual pass, which is a better deal than having to pay each time you go to a state park. Fun fact – Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, Missouri, Iowa, and Oklahoma don’t have any fees at all! If you search “annual state parks pass [Insert State]” you can find their direct website and get more readily available information. Cost: $50-80 (*Alabama, California and Kansas will be more expensive)
#12: America the Beautiful Pass
Instead of a state park pass, why not give them access to ALL national parks around the country? This amazing pass gives your outdoor lover access to the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers. This means they can have full access to national parks and many national lands for camping, hiking, and exploring. Individual national parks cost between $20-$35 to visit, so if they are visiting at least 3 national parks then the cost of the pass has already been recouped. Cost: $80
#13: Camping Cook-Set
The best investment I made for myself this summer was the purchase of my portable camping cook-set. This set has allowed me to cook my meals easily after a long day of hiking, which is what you need after tiring out. It also made me less reliant on building a campfire, which proved difficult at times after rainfall. This cook set was a cheaper option, but it was just as reliable as more expensive sets also available online and all you need to do for power is buy relatively cheap gas. I loved that this cooking set came with two different sizes for the pots, all of which are lightweight and easy to carry. Cost: $45
#14: Accessories for Camping Cooking
If your outdoor lover already has a camping cook set, you alternatively can get them some great accessories to make the experience even better.
First, a fuel can stabilizer allows said person to keep their stove put even on unique surfaces. Cost: $6
Second, buying them some spare fuel doesn’t hurt at all! Jetboil fuel is a great and reliable choice. One thing to note is you do have to buy these in stores as they don’t ship, so plan accordingly before Christmas! Cost: $5
#15: Waterproof Bag
Having a waterproof bag is crucial when you are traveling! You never know when rain will hit or if you might be exploring near creeks, rivers or lakes. Having different sizes allows you to keep all of your critical items nice and dry, which is a vital aspect of survival. I love this pack from Columbia, which provides multiple options for your outdoor lover to have at the ready! Cost: $20
#16: Hydration Reservoirs
I mentioned my favorite hiking backpack that would be a fantastic gift earlier in this post, but it doesn’t include a very critical hydration reservoir. Having a hydration reservoir in your pack is fantastic for easy access and comfort while being outdoors. Gregory makes 2-3 liter options that can fit in the majority of packs from any brand! Cost: $40
