15 Awesome Outdoor Gifts That Give Back

*Last updated 11/25/2020

If you’re looking for gift ideas for the outdoorsy person in your life, look no further. This year, we compiled a fun list of outdoor gear and products from companies that only make cool stuff, but also give back. When you choose to support these brands, you’re also supporting a number of important environmental and social causes around the world. Here’s to holiday shopping that you can feel good about…

Outdoorsy Gifts That Give Back

1) BioLite FirePit

All of the ambiance and warmth of sitting around a campfire minus the annoying smoke? Yes, please! Perfect for backyard gatherings, tailgating or any adventure on the go, this portable fire pit burns wood or charcoal, provides a 360-degree view of the flames, and even doubles as a hibachi grill. Plus, every purchase from BioLite helps bring clean energy and cooking to off-grid communities around the world. ($250)

2) Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Ask some of our crew and they’ll tell you that Patagonia’s super tough Black Hole Duffel is the ultimate adventure bag. This water-resistant duffel perfectly fits everything you need for a multi-day adventure, converts to a backpack for easy hauling and can be conveniently stashed into an overhead compartment on an airplane. In addition to Patagonia’s commitment to corporate responsibility, the company donates 1% of its sales to hundreds of environmental organizations and causes annually. ($139)

3) LifeStraw Universal Water Filter

Perfect for a backcountry hiker or a jet-setter who frequently travels to destinations where clean water can be questionable, the LifeStraw Universal Water Filter converts reusable water bottles into a portable purification system. The easy and convenient bottle adapter kit is designed to fit a number of go-to bottle brands, including Klean Kanteen, Camelbak, and Hydroflask. But the best part? For every LifeStraw sold, the company makes sure a child in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. ($30)

4) Bogs Winter Boots

For big kids and little kids alike, these heavy-duty boots inspire you to get outside no matter what the snow or mud situation may be. Waterproof, insulated and built for the elements, Bogs Winter Boots will keep you warm and comfortable all day. And we like that they’re inspiring kids to get outside, especially kids in low-income and underserved communities. Two percent of every purchase goes to their outdoor education grant program. ($80-$150)

5) Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants

Western Rise is making its mark in the outdoor apparel industry for designing clothing that can seamlessly take active men from the office to the outdoors, and their AT Slim Rivet Pants have guys raving.  This go-anywhere, do anything pair of pants boasts a super-comfortable and durable nylon fabric that wicks water, dries quick and repels stains. Another reason these “perfect everyday pants” are worth the investment? The company donates 1% of its annual sales to Western River Conservancy to help maintain access to our nation’s waterways. ($129)

6) United by Blue Enamel Steel Mugs + Hario French Press

The awesome thing about United By Blue is that for every product sold the company removes one pound of trash from our waterways. Not to mention, the gift possibilities from this site are endless. For a no brainer, pair their nostalgic handmade Enamel Steel Mugs with a Kinto Pour Over Brewer and whoever gets this lovely combo will be ready to cozy up next to the campfire on their next adventure. ($10 – $30 mugs; $25 Kinto Pour Over Brewer)

7) Luci Pro Series: Outdoor 2.0 + Mobile Charging

Everyone should have at least one (or several) of Mpowerd’s inflatable solar lights. Perfect for lighting up your tent or car, taking along on an evening stroll, or using at home for emergencies, there is no shortage of uses for these handy little lights. They’re also a fun flashlight or night light alternative for kids. Now, with the Luci Pro Series: Outdoor 2.0 + Mobile Charging, you can opt for a light that’s just as durable and waterproof as ever, but with a built-in USB for charging your phone in a pinch. Buy a light and if you’ve got $10 to spare, you can sponsor an additional light for humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts through Mpowerd’s Give Luci program. ($35)

8) SOLO Eyewear Sunglasses

When you gift a pair of stylish and eco-friendly sunglasses from SOLO Eyewear, you’re also helping fund eye care for people in need. The company is committed to restoring people’s vision around the world, and has improved the lives of more than 13,000 people in 32 different countries to date. ($89)

9) Cotopaxi Teca Unisex Windbreaker

Cotopaxi’s Teca Unisex Windbreaker is the perfect “just-in-case layer” that can easily stuff into a suitcase or backpack for lightweight travels, or be kept in the back of a car for unexpectedly breezy adventures. Available in a variety of vibrant colors, with a half-zip or full zip option, this essential windbreaker is fashionable and functional. The company also gives 2% of its annual revenue to organizations working to eradicate poverty. ($80)

10) GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set 24

Any camper who knows how tough it is to keep gear organized will love the GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set 24. This conveniently-organized, zippered nylon pouch includes everything you need to make camping meals a success, including four sets of silverware, folding spatula and spoon, a cutting board, utility knife, spice shakers and more. The outdoor chef in your life will be thrilled. And you’ll be thrilled to know that GSI is a member of the Conservation Alliance, which helps preserve our public lands and wild places. ($55)

11) S’well Teakwood Cocktail Kit

Just because you’re sleeping under the stars, doesn’t mean you can’t get fancy with your happy hour. This beautiful Teakwood Cocktail Kit from S’well includes a stainless steel shaker, jigger, and two 10-ounce insulated tumblers for keeping your beverages icy cold (or warm!). S’well is also dedicated to providing safe water for drinking and bathing for the world’s most vulnerable communities, and in the past three years alone has donated more than $800,000 to UNICEF to support these efforts.  ($60)

12) ENO Giving Back Hammocks

Eagle Nest Outfitters’ DoubleNest Hammocks are always a great gift option, but when you buy one of the company’s special edition Giving Back Hammocks a portion of the proceeds go to support the efforts of organizations like the National Park Foundation, Waterkeeper Alliance and Leave No Trace. On top of that, for every hammock sold, this 1% for the Planet member plants two trees in a place of need. ($70)

13) Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

Getting cozy with Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket is like curling up with a giant puffy coat that fits your whole body. Who wouldn’t love that? This ultra-warm outdoor blanket comes in various sizes and prints and also packs into its own compression sack, which is perfect for stashing in your car for spontaneous sunset cuddles or stargazing. As a 1% for the Planet member, Rumpl is committed to investing in initiatives and causes that help protect our wild places. ($89 – $200)

14) Bombas Hiking Socks

People can always use socks, which is why they’re the outdoorsy gift you can’t go wrong with.  Plus, when you buy a pair of thermoregulating, moisture-wicking hiking socks from Bombas, the company will donate a pair to someone in need. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving. ($18)

15) Wild + Wolf Campfire Game Set

This fun, just-because gift will make anyone a happy camper. When you buy the Wild + Wolf Campfire Game Set through REI, or any outdoor gift for that matter, you’re supporting the company’s mission to give back nearly 70% of its profits to organizations and projects around the country that are aimed at connecting people with the outdoors. ($24)

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Photos: BioLite, BOGS, Mpowerd, GSI Outdoors, Rumpl/Kathleen Peachey, Josh Miller

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*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.