21 Cool Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

The Top Outdoorsy Gifts of 2025

From gear and gadgets we love to clever camp essentials, our annual gift guide is packed with ideas for every kind of outdoorsy person you know. Of course, nothing beats a gift card for a river trip or a cozy hoodie from the OARS Merch Shack, but if you’re looking for more inspiration, this expertly curated list highlights some of our favorite brands. You’ll find outdoorsy gift ideas for hikers, paddlers, campers, and probably a little something you’ll want to add to your own wishlist too.

Gear We Love

1) YETI LoadOut GoBox 30

This isn’t your average gearbox. YETI’s LoadOut GoBox 30 is built for braving the elements, from 100-degree days and Classs IV whitewater to sub-zero temps on a hunting expedition. These ultra-durable, waterproof storage containers also help keep you organized with included accessories like the Pack Attic, perfect for holding those notoriously hard-to-find small items. ($250)

2) BioLite Range 500 Headlamp

Tested by an OARS guide on a Grand Canyon rafting trip, the BioLite Range 500 offers maximum comfort. They reported that the soft headband eliminates forehead pressure, while intuitive one-button controls with memory and lock features make it simple to use. Dimmable modes—including red light—are perfect for low-light tasks, and the rechargeable battery lasted 16 nights of use. ($70)

3) Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Packing Cubes

Whether you’re trying to squeeze everything into a drybag for a multi-day river trip or an overhead-friendly suitcase for a beach vacation, Eagle Creek’s compression cubes make packing effortless. Made from tough, lightweight polyester ripstop material, this set includes six durable, water-resistant luggage organizer bags in multiple sizes to help separate clothes and gear while maximizing space. ($150)

4) Peak Design Wash Pack

Pair Eagle Creek’s packing cubes with the Peak Design Wash Pouch for peak travel organization. Its upright design and stowable hook offer versatile hanging options, while the #8 UltraZip provides easy access. Inside, a magnetic toothbrush pocket, mesh compartments, and a zippered pouch keep essentials secure, all crafted from weatherproof materials for lasting use. ($60)

5) Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon

This is a must-have for camping, festivals, or beach outings. Built to carry heavy loads across rugged terrain, the Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon effortlessly hauls gear, coolers, and camp essentials, all while maintaining stability. Constructed from durable, water-resistant fabric and featuring an ergonomic, adjustable handle, it’s easy to pull and folds down compactly for storage. ($300)

Must-Have Camping Gifts

6) Rumpl Wrap Sack Sleeping Bag

Meet your new go-to camp cocoon. The Rumpl Wrap Sack Sleeping Bag is a convertible sleep system built for versatility and adapts to whatever the night brings—warm early evenings or chilly mountain mornings. Our staff tested it on a Tuolumne River rafting trip and loved how easy it was to layer up when temps dropped. Cozy, compact, and sustainably made, it’s camping comfort done right. ($250)

7) Chaco Ramble Rugged Canvas Clog

Speaking of camp comfort, Chaco’s canvas clogs are a must-pack shoe for camping trips or even backpacking as a comfortable, fairly lightweight option to put on at the end of a long day on the trail. Easy to slip on, hard-soled, and fleece-lined, the shoes come in a clog or over-the-ankle style with cinch down straps for a snug fit. (From $80)

8) Helinox Cot One Convertible

Compact and easy to set up, the Helinox cot is the perfect gift for the outdoorsy person who values comfort in the wild. With its durable frame, and supportive, elevated design, it keeps campers off uneven or cold ground for a better night’s sleep in tents small and large. At 5 pounds it might not be ideal for backpackers, but it’s definitely a game changer for sleeping under the stars on the river or car camping. ($350)

9) FLEXTAIL Max Pump 3

Say goodbye to huffing and puffing—this little pump gets your inflatable sleeping pad ready in no time. Designed for comfort-seekers who want quick, reliable inflation, the FLEXTAIL Max Pump 3 is lightweight, portable, and built to last. Bonus: it also inflates tubes and other small inflatables, making it a versatile camp companion. ($53)

10) Luci Multi-Color Solar String Lights

BioLite’s solar string lights are a river guide favorite and a game changer for any adventure under the stars. You can easily hang them to help illuminate a group common area like the camp kitchen or wrap them around your tent for a little bit of camp luxury. They also wrap up into a portable case for easy packing. Splurge for the 44-foot multi-color set to bring a festive flair to any site. ($99)

Gifts for Water Lovers

11) Chums Rolltop Sling

This rugged 23-liter pack is built with stormproof material and welded seams that will stand up to the elements while exploring streams and lakes. The rolltop closure seals out moisture, while a touchscreen-compatible pocket and exterior bungee system keep essentials organized and within reach. Comfortable and durable, the Rolltop Sling is an adventure staple you’ll reach for again and again. ($100)

12) Echo Lift Fly Rod Base Kit

The Echo Lift base kit has been called one of the best overall beginner fly fishing rod and reel combos. For those looking to get into the sport, this set-up includes an Echo Lift rod which has a beautiful cork grip, reel, line, leader, backing, and a case. It’s a versatile rig that boasts being easy to set-up, enough sensitivity to learn the concept of loading line, and accurate casting. (From $199)

13) NRS Zephyr Inflatable PFD

The Zephyr Inflatable Life Jacket will give any paddleboarder or open-water swimmer peace of mind. Coast Guard-approved when worn around the waist, it’s a comfortable alternative to wearing a more traditional bulky life jacket. If needed, pull a quick cord and the life jacket inflates using a CO2 cartridge. The best part is the small zip pocket, which is just the right size for a few small essentials like your keys and phone. ($150)

---

The Best Outdoor Gifts for Rafters, Kayakers & Paddleboarders

And don’t miss our bonus gift guide filled with splash-ready gift ideas, perfect for anyone who loves soaking up time on the water.

---

Just for Fun Outdoorsy Gift Ideas

14) Insta360 X5

Capture every angle of your adventures with the Insta360 X5. Its dual lenses capture full 360-degree video, letting you relive epic ski runs, bike rides, or the thrill of whitewater from every perspective. Bonus: the camera automatically removes the selfie stick, so your shots look polished without any extra editing. ($550)

15) Helinox StringTrees Game

This will be one of your crew’s new favorite camp games. A backcountry twist on shuffleboard, StringTrees has teams fling metal rings down a taut rope into color-coded zones. The first team to 21 points wins, making strategy, finesse, and a little friendly sabotage key. Lightweight, packable, and easy to rig, it delivers big fun anywhere you hang it. ($60)

16) Cosmic Kick the Can  

Bring back childhood magic with a glow-in-the-dark twist on kick the can (minus the old beer can pulled out of the recyling bin). In Cosmic Kick the Can, players defend or kick the light-up “spaceship” to score points, combining nostalgia with next-level outdoor fun. Kids and adults alike will love this “Toy of the Year” finalist. ($35)

17) Hypervolt Go 2 Massager

Get a post-adventure massage anywhere, anytime. This handheld vibrating massage gun features a quiet, ergonomic design, plus three adjustable speeds, providing up to 3,200 percussions per minute for deep tissue relief. With a battery life of up to 3 hours and included attachments for targeted treatment, it’s a must-have tool for easing muscle tension after a big day outdoors. ($139)

Stocking Stuffers

18) Koala 2.0

Ever watch your phone disappear into the murky depths of the Colorado River, or ricochet off the side of a cliff to an untimely demise? We have, which is why we’re totally here for the Koala 2.0 which tethers your phone to your gear so if you accidentally let go, it’s not actually going anywhere. Made of 100% recycled materials, the simple design of this “smartphone leash” fits the latest models and won’t get in the way of your camera. ($29)

20) CoolNet UV Multifunctional Neckwear 

A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast, the Buff CoolNet UV is as versatile as it is functional. Wear it as a neck gaiter, headband, face shield, or hat liner—and dip it in water for instant cooling on a hot day. Lightweight, breathable, and made from recycled materials with UPF 50+ sun protection and odor control, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, or camping, but especially for staying cool and protected from the sun on a rafting trip. ($25)

19) Thermacell EX90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

One of our staff members swears by the Thermacell EX90 to keep mosquitoes at bay during early summer nights outside when the pests are out in full force. This compact, rechargeable device creates a 20-foot zone of scent-free protection without spray, smoke, flames, citronella, or DEET. The portable unit runs up to 9 hours on a single charge and up to 40 hours on a single cartridge of repellent. ($50)

21) Outdoor Element Firebiner

This innovative and functional carabiner combines a screwdriver, bottle opener, firestarter, and a small utility blade, providing outdoor enthusiasts essential tools at their fingertips. Weighing just 1.5 ounces, the Firebiner clips easily to your gear for quick access. It’s a worthy addition to any outdoor toolkit. ($17)

For branded OARS hats, t-shirts, and more, visit the Merch Shack.

---

*PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE LINKS ABOVE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS, AND OARS WILL EARN A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE AFTER CLICKING THROUGH THE LINK.