21 Cool Gift Ideas for Outdoor Lovers
Outdoorsy Gifts You’ll Want to Put on Your List Too!
This list of gift ideas for outdoor lovers, which we originally put together in 2013, has always been one of our most popular posts. But we’ve discovered a ton of new gear and products that we love (and use) since then, so for 2019 we gave our gift guide an overhaul. From camp kitchen upgrades and portable power options to items that will keep your loved ones cozy and comfortable, these are some of the best outdoorsy gifts out there.
Gear We Love
1) MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
We can’t be the only ones who are tired of fumbling around with a book of matches in the dark trying to light our old-school Coleman propane lanterns, or getting to camp and realizing the batteries are dead on our LED lantern again. It’s time for an upgrade and MPOWERD’s Luci Solar String Lights not only help bring a festive mood to the whole campsite, but can even charge handheld devices thanks to its external USB port. Plus, they’re a game changer during power outages! ($35)
2) Goal Zero Venture 70 Power Bank
As more of us use our devices for multiple purposes (like our phone as our camera), solar chargers have become a must-bring item for full-day adventures, weekend camping trips and backcountry treks. We recently asked Kristen Bor of Bearfoot Theory to share the best portable chargers for rafting trips and multi-day adventures. Among her favorites was the Goal Zero Venture 70, which will charge a smartphone about five times. ($120)
3) Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline
Sure, a piece of rope tied in between two trees does the trick, but the Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline
4) Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Specter Packing Cubes
Whether you’re trying to squeeze everything into a backpack for a trek through the mountains or an overhead-friendly suitcase for a beach vacation, Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Specter Packing Cubes
5) Therm-a-Rest Air Head Pillow
The nifty Therm-a-Rest Air Head Pillow
For the (Outside) Kitchen
6) YETI Tundra Cooler
Since 2015 we’ve upgraded more than 150 of our coolers to YETI Tundras
7) Leatherman Wave+ Multitool
Every outdoor lover needs a good multi-tool in their kit. The Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool
8) Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The hefty Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
9) Jetboil Flash Cooking System
On the other hand, when something hot is needed stat (say, a morning cup of joe after being forced out of a cozy sleeping bag into the cool morning air), the Jetboil Flash Cooking System
10) GSI Outdoors JavaPress
Pair the Jetboil with the GSI Outdoors JavaPress
We Would Definitely Wear That…
11) Custom Chaco Sandals
Did you know that you can personalize Chaco sandals? Show somebody how well you know them and capture their unique sense of style with a pair of custom Chacos. Go for a toe strap, or don’t. Mix tie-dye straps with orange polka dots. Finish it off with a lime green buckle strap. Whatever captures their personality best. And so what if it’s the middle of winter, the “Socko” look is definitely ok with us. ($130)
12) Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
It’s warm, lightweight, wind-blocking, compressible, and although it’s water resistant, it keeps you warm even when wet. A Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is definitely a must-have for anyone who likes being active and outside year-round. You can’t go wrong with this pick. ($199)
13) ExOfficio Give-N-Go Underwear
Underwear…that one present that usually induces the cringe-face once it’s opened in front of the entire family. But we promise the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Underwear
Just For Fun Outdoorsy Gifts
14) Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
Give the gift of outdoor relaxation with Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
15) Kubb
It’s not exactly horseshoes or bocce…it’s viking chess! Better known as Kubb
16) Knot It!
Any outdoor enthusiast can have some fun with this hands-on book. Filled with more than 100 handy how-to illustrations, plus a length of paracord to practice with, Knot It! will keep you occupied in front of the fireplace for hours. ($25)
17) GoPro Hero7 Black
You’ll be somebody’s hero if you give them the GoPro Hero7 Black
For Our Fellow Water Worshippers…
18) NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP
A stand up paddle board that you can throw on your back and hike with to a remote coastal cove or sweet river spot? Yes, for the “do-it-all paddler” the Thrive SUP from NRS offers up just that. And, it’s just as good as a rigid board. Probably better since you can go just about anywhere with it. Pump included. ($1,195)
19) Pelican GO G40 Case
Ask a river guide what’s on their wish list and they’ll likely say a Pelican Case (if they don’t already have one). These durable, water-resistant cases are perfect for protecting things that matter on the river or on any rugged adventure. The GO G40 Case is a good starter option for small valuables like a smartphone. ($40)
20) Eagle Creek Quick Dry Towel
When you’re living off a boat, there’s not a whole lot of room for much of anything, so a beach towel doesn’t usually make the cut. But with the ultra-absorbent and compact Quick Dry Towel by Eagle Creek, there’s no sacrificing drying off after a refreshing “shower”or a dip in the river. Also great for backpacking. ($24.95)
21) The Emerald Mile
A true classic, we’ve raved about this book since it was released. We’ve slotted it under good gifts for water-lovers, since it’s all about a record-breaking boat ride through the Grand Canyon, but The Emerald Mile is a highly entertaining page-turner that just about anyone who reads it will love. Buy The Emerald Mile
Other than an OARS gift card (come on, we had to drop the hint), did we miss anything awesome that should be added to the list? Tell us about it below.
Photos: Mpowerd Luci String Lights on the Yampa River – Colleen Miniuk; YETI Tundra Cooler on a Grand Canyon rafting trip – YETI; Patagonia Nano Puff – Patagonia; Stand up Paddleboarding on the Lower Salmon River – James Kaiser