21 Outdoorsy Gifts You’ll Want Too

Cool Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

From gear and products we love to fun games and cool gadgets, our annual list of gifts for outdoor lovers is filled with awesome ideas for every kind of outdoorsy person you know. Besides the obvious recommendation of an OARS gift card or a California whitewater rafting trip, this expertly-curated gift guide features all 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 wishlist too.

Gear We Love

1) Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket

This is the one blanket everyone should keep in their camp tote or dry bag for anytime the weather calls for a little extra warmth. Even in damp conditions the Backcountry Puffy Blanket keeps you cozy thanks to its ultra-durable ripstop inner liner and water-resistant poly shell. We tested it out in the elements on a Tuolumne River trip and our team loved the Cape Clip feature, which makes the puffy wearable so you can keep your hands free to hold your camp beverage. (From $149)

2) Chaco Canyon Woven Clog

The Canyon Woven Clog is the perfect gift for the Chaco-lover who’s all-in on the cold-weather “socko” look, but might appreciate a warmer, everyday shoe option with the same personality of the classic Z/Sandal. The slip-on clog features colorful, hand-woven webbing made from recycled bottles, a comfortable footbed, and heel strap that offers all-day support and versatility. ($130)

3) 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. ($250)

4) YETI Soft Backpack Cooler

Icy cold beverages after hiking to a hidden gem lake or stream? Check. The Hopper M20 Soft Backpack Cooler offers reliable cold storage on the go for epic day trips. Designed with ergonomic shoulder straps for comfortable wearing and YETI’s signature durable, leakproof shell and powerful insulation, this hands-free cooler will keep ice, and up to 18 cans, cold for hours. ($325)

5) 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, these compression packing cubes are a game-changer for organization on the go. Made from tough, lightweight polyester ripstop material, this set includes three durable, water-resistant luggage organizer bags in three different sizes to help separate clothes and gear while maximizing space. ($35)

6) Peak Design’s Outdoor Sling

We love the versatility of Peak Design’s stylish Outdoor Sling, which converts from an over-the-shoulder sling to a hip pack. Ideal for day hikes, urban exploring, and travel, the 7L sling is designed to fit essentials like a camera, snacks and small gear while remaining lightweight and easy to carry. Its durable, weatherproof fabric protects against the elements, and the interior features customizable dividers to keep your items organized. ($89)

Must-Have Camping Gifts

7) Luci Solar Site Lights

No camping set-up is complete without Luci Solar Site Lights from BioLite. Hang them to illuminate a group common area, or stake them in the ground to shed light on an perilous path to your tent (or even the groover!). Our guides like to hang them in the camp kitchen to make evening and early morning chores more manageable when the days get shorter. The set of six solar lights last up to 20 hours without a recharge and store nicely in a portable case for easy packing. ($80)

8) Helinox Cot One Convertible

Lightweight, compact and easy to set up, the Helinox cot is 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 while car camping. ($350)

9) Gerber ComplEAT Cutting Board/KNife Set

This compact, multi-functional cutting board/knife set is ideal for outdoor cooking. The kit includes a durable cutting board, a sharp 3-inch knife with stainless steel blade, and a utensil set for preparing meals on the go. The lightweight components even nest together for easy transport, making it a great companion for campers and hikers. ($110)

10) OXO Outdoor Wash, Dry and Stow System

Doing the dishes while camping is everyone’s least favorite chore, but the key to making it less of a hassle and more efficient is to pack dedicated dish bins like this self-containted wash and dry system. The handy 4-piece set includes two spacious bins, a utensil case and a drying rack. With locking handles, it’s easy to pack and transport. Don’t forget your eco-friendly soap! ($60)

Gifts for Water Lovers

11) NRS Snooze Pad

The Snooze Pad is an awesome gift for rafters, but car campers will also appreciate this versatile sleeping pad from NRS. Its durable and waterproof design makes it stand out from other options on the market. Our favorite part? It even doubles as a floatie for laid-back days on the water. The Snooze Pad is available in three different sizes and thicknesses to cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. (From $299)

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 $189)

13) Chums Surfshorts Flow Wallet 

This is the perfect wallet for water lovers. Featuring a keyring attachment, two zippered pockets and an ID window, the Surfshorts Flow keeps all of your essentials secure for any beach, lake, or river adventure. With its unique mesh construction, the wallet won’t trap sand or silt, and if it does get wet, its quick-drying design prevents long-term sogginess. ($13)

14) GoPro Hero13 Black

For the first time ever, GoPro has introduced an interchangeable lens system on its latest model, including Macro, Ultra Wide, and Anamorphic lenses. Coupled with its standard 5.3K video at 60 frames per second and HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilizer, the Hero13 Black is the best waterproof action camera out there. For anyone who is eager to capture their wildest adventures, like the moment a massive wall of whitewater crashes over your boat, this is the perfect camera. ($399)

Just for Fun Outdoorsy Gift Ideas

15) Kan Jam Ultimate Disc Game 

Twenty-one points wins! This classic outdoor game is guaranteed to up the fun level at any campout, barbecue, or beach day. Kan Jam is also a great game for multi-day river trips since it’s compact and easy to pack on the rafts. It’s a fast-pace game that challenges teams to throw a frisbee toward a slot in a “kan” placed 50-feet away, earning points for direct hits or deflections by their teammate, with an instant win if the disc goes through the slot unassisted. ($39)

16) Turtlebox Gen 2  

Finally, a portable speaker that brings quality sound to any outdoor hangout. With 120 decibels of volume, the Turtlebox is loud, but its biggest draw is its rugged design. The lightweight, lunchbox-sized speaker has built-in anchors so you can strap it down to just about anything and it’s 100% waterproof, which means it can stand up to the elements wherever you are. According to the company’s site, “You can throw Turtlebox in a pool, drop it in a lake, wash it off with a jet hose, and it’ll still play loud and clear.” ($399)

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. ($129)

18) Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven  

A portable oven fueled by wood, charcoal or gas, the Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven will transform any camping trip or group gathering into the ultimate pizza party. This stainless steel and fiber ceramic-insulated unit can heat up to more than 900 degrees in 15-minutes, promising legit wood-fired pizza in just 60 seconds. ($299)

19) Terra Flame Portable S’mores Bowl

When you’re craving a s’more, you don’t need a campfire anymore! The stylish tabletop S’mores Bowl from Solo Stove is a fast, portable option for getting your favorite gooey, melty treat whenever the mood strikes. The unit is powered by clean-burning, smoke-free gel fuel, providing flickering flames that bring the ambiance of a campfire to any setting. ($69)

Stocking Stuffers

20) 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. ($15)

21) Cocktail Box

Whip up delicious camp cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Margarita wherever your adventures take you. Sized to fit easily into a pocket, backpack, or duffel, each Cocktail Box comes packed with drink-specific ingredients and includes essential tools such as a bartender’s spoon, muddler, three cocktail picks, and a hand-knit cocktail napkin. It’s the perfect gift for outdoor lovers who appreciate a well-crafted drink in the wild. ($22)

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

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