Best Camping Gifts: 28 Ideas for Outdoors-Lovers

The nights are much shorter, there’s a nip in the air, and holiday string lights are being hung on trees. December is not only the time for merriment, but it’s a shift in the seasons. Gear is exchanged in the closet: hiking shoes for boots, climbing gear for skis, bivy bags for thick sleeping bags.

With the holiday season right around the corner, you might be making your wishlist, but what about those unique gifts for the outdoor lovers in your life?

Don’t worry – our list has you covered! Whether it’s replacing a duct-taped down jacket, introducing someone to the wonders of technology, or stuffing a stocking with everyday camping essentials, you’ll find something to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces the next time they’re off on an amazing outdoor adventure.

1. Jackery 240 Explorer Power Station

This is an absolute beast of a battery charger and a game changer if you’re living in your van, setting up camp for multiple days, or looking to work outside instead of in the office. This 240-watt-hour battery pack can charge cell phones, your laptop, lights, fans, a mini cooler – anything that can be plugged in! 

It features multiple charging outputs: 1 AC outlet, 2 USB ports, and 2 DC carports. 

To charge the battery pack, you can either plug it in or do so with a solar panel that is sold separately!

2. Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 Portable Charger

This small, lightweight, and portable battery charger is one of the most important tools to bring on a backpacking trip. 

Depending on the type of phone being charged, it has the capacity to provide energy for 4-5 full charges, as well as one full charge for a 13” Macbook. 

A bonus to this portable charger is that it can charge three devices at once! It has a 60W USB-C port and two 18W USB ports. 

3. Patagonia Better Sweater

This versatile, soft, and full-zipped fleece is as comfortable and stylish as it gets. It’s the perfect gift for someone whose knits are full of holes, is constantly freezing, or is in need of a new mid layer.

The Patagonia Better Sweater is sold in a variety of colors for both men and women. Its sleeves are anatomically shaped for maximum comfort during activity. Its high collar provides neck warmth and the pockets are big enough to ensure your hands are toasty on those cold days! 

4. Black Diamond Apollo Camping Lantern

It’s no surprise that this is one of the best-rated portable camping lanterns. Due to its tripod-style legs and metal hooks, it can be placed on top of or hung from almost any surface, providing the necessary light to cook, light up the inside of a tent, and pitch your tent!

The soft glow this lantern emits is one of our favorite features. At 250 lumens and surrounded by plastic, the light isn’t blinding, but it provides enough light for almost anything. The lamp can even charge your phone!

So, whether you’re looking to light up the tent for your large family, or you’re looking for a gift for someone embarking on a long winter camping trip, this is a great gift.

5. Hydro Flask Insulated Bowls

Happy campers are never hungry campers! If you know someone who likes a warm meal in the great outdoors, then Hydro Flask’s insulated bowls are the perfect camping gift. 

The bowls come in a variety of different colors and sizes. They are made from 18/8 stainless steel, which does not impart or retain flavors. And the best part? They are easy to clean! 

A great addition to these bowls is their press-in lid. If you’re car camping, these allow you to prepare meals ahead of time and keep them temperate. If you’re campfire cooking and the food’s piping hot when it goes into the bowl, this will prevent your hands from burning! 

6. Smartwool Merino Sport 150 T-Shirt

When people think of the fundamentals of outdoor gear, they often think of a sleeping pad, tents, or sleeping bags. However, what will keep you warm and dry is what’s on your body – and Smartwool has been leading that game for years. 

Smartwool’s Merino Sport 150 T-Shirt, for men or women, is designed to manage sweat and moisture, regulate body temperature, all while resisting odor. How do they do this? The magic of merino wool. 

This shirt is constructed from 56% merino wool and 44% polyester and is designed to minimize chafing. Not only will this perform great on any camping trip, but it is also a great-looking shirt. 

7. Hoka One One Ora Recovery Slides

As the name suggests, these sandals have one priority in mind: recovery. Although these aren’t the most stylish, this is one of the best gifts to give a blazing trail runner or hiker who is always out on the trail cranking miles. 

Designed to increase blood circulation in the body and to target stressed areas, the Hoka One One Ora Recovery Slides (men’s and women’s) help with injury recovery and prevention. Its arch support and overall cushioning take slight pressure off the legs to promote a better, more efficient walking stride. 

These sandals are very durable, so are one of those camping gifts that are bound to last a while! 

8. Eno DoubleNest Hammock

Do you need a holiday gift to double as a gift for a recently married couple? Or, perhaps you want to give your significant other something that enhances both of your camping experiences, too? Some of the coolest camping gifts are designed to provide proximity on your next adventure, and this one will most certainly bring two people closer together!

At 9.5’ and capable of holding 400 lbs, there’s plenty of room for two in the ENO Doublenest Hammock. It is constructed from a fast-drying fabric, not only making it extremely comfortable, but also lightweight, durable, and breathable.

The hammock comes in an integrated and compressible stuff-sack, so you can stuff it in their stocking! Or, even better, why not set it up in the house and have all of their gifts in there? 

The best gift ideas are those that provide shared and memorable experiences, and this is one of them! 

9. Canyon Cooler Outfitter 55qt

Whether it’s for car campers or because you’re tired of the stinky and leaky blue cooler always being carried around for your family’s camping trips, this workhorse of a cooler is one of the greatest gifts you can buy for any car camper. 

Built from rotomolded kayak plastic, weighing 26 lbs., and measuring 21 x 10.5 x 12.75 inches, this hard-sided cooler is made to last and for multi-day adventures. It is perfect for 2 people to keep their food and drinks cold for 4 days. It’s also great when hosting porch parties in your own backyard – the cooler can hold between 48-72 12-ounce cans. 

10. Kelty Low Foldable Loveseat Camp Chair

This is another classic camping gift. If you want to guarantee a spot next to your best pal, or you’re looking for ways to stay warm with your significant other on your next camping trip, this padded camp chair is a must for your shopping list.

Although this chair weighs 15.5 lbs, it is very easy to set up. It folds up like a standard chair and comes with a packing bag, equipped with a big shoulder strap. Transportable? You bet. 

To add to the Loveseat’s comfort, there are two adjustable drink holders on either side!

11. Black Diamond Guide Glove

Tired of hearing complaints about cold fingers? The Black Diamond Guide ski gloves are one of the warmest gloves out there. If you know a keen backcountry skier, mountaineer, or someone who suffers from cold fingers, then this is going to be one of the best gifts they receive. 

The gloves have two layers. The inside consists of a removable PrimaLoft® One and boiled wool liner, while the outside is Gore-Tex, which provides full breathability and waterproofness. 

The gloves are expensive, but they are designed to last many seasons. They have goat leather palm patches, as well as extra foam padding on the knuckles for added abrasion protection.

They’re suited to keep hands roasty toasty between -12 to -29C! 

12. GSI Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker

This is the perfect camping gift for the coffee lovers in your life! A mug of the good stuff is good at home, but when it’s a cool morning on your camping trip . . . sitting by the lake, mountains behind . . . the delights of a steaming cup of hot coffee are tenfold. 

The bonus of this coffee maker? It’s ultralight, so it won’t add any weight to their camping gear (well, 0.4 oz). 

Once water is boiled, simply attach the coffee maker’s steady legs to the rim of almost any camping cup, and pour. It couldn’t be easier!

13. REI Co-op 650 Vest

This vest is great for everyday use. But, made with 650-fill-power down, it is also warm enough to keep your core toasty on those long road trips and hikes. 

The vest comes in three different colors and in men’s and women’s versions. The shell is a recycled nylon fabric with a water-resistant coating to shed light rain and snow and block wind. It’s got a full zipper to control airflow, but, if you get too hot, it’s easy to pack away. The vest compresses and packs down into its own left pocket.

14. The North Face ThermoBall Eco Traction Mules V

Whether it’s for cold feet around the house, between climbs while belaying at the climbing gym, for those living in their vans, or while up high in an alpine hut, these slippers are designed to keep your toes warm. 

These slippers use ThermoBall™ Eco insulation, a synthetic material designed to keep you warm even when damp. The outside layer is made from rip-stop nylon and has a DWR coating to bead off water and snow. For added comfort and ease of use, the slippers have a fleece collar and a collapsible heel. 

We can assure you that the camping-loving man or woman in your life won’t get cold feet with these on!

15. Jetboil MiniMo

Jetboil revolutionized the camping cooking game. But now, with the MiniMo, they’ve elevated the bar even higher. You’re guaranteed to make a happy camper with this gift!

Weighing in at 0.9 lbs, the MiniMo is both a stove and eating vessel. It reaches a boil within two minutes and uses less fuel than the average portable stove. If you know someone who always needs a quick coffee in the morning, a hot cocoa in the afternoon, or salivate for one of their dehydrated meals, this is perfect. 

Contrary to popular belief, the MiniMo isn’t just for getting hot water. Think about it as the tiniest, most portable camp kitchen you can find. With adjustable heat, you can sauté greens, simmer sauces, and even fry chopped-up hot dogs! 

Once everything’s cooked, eat straight out of the pot. Easy cleanup? Absolutely!

16. National Park Pass

Stocking stuffers at their finest! 

If you know someone planning a country-wide road trip, or someone who dreams of visiting many national parks but can’t afford to access them all, then this gift will earn you the epithet of best dad/mom/uncle/sister/cousin/girlfriend/boyfriend ever!

There are 37 national parks in Canada and 63 in the United States, and these include some of the most varied, scenic, and wild landscapes in the world. 

Passes are either sold individually or for multiple parks in a certain area. So, listen closely to your friends, see where they’re going, and choose accordingly!

17. Stanley Happy Hour Set

Whether on the summit of your local hill, by the lakeside, or at home, we all have that one friend who loves to make cocktails. If you know who I’m talking about, then you already know that this is one of the best gifts to get them!

Weighing 1.6 lbs, BPA-free, and built from 18/8 stainless steel, this 6-piece happy hour set is perfect for backcountry tipples. It contains one 20 oz shaker, strainer lid, jigger cap, citrus reamer, and 2 double-wall steel rocks glasses. 

The unique top is lockable, preventing any leaks or messes. The all-in-one shaker will also retain the cool temperature of cold liquids for one hour, and iced ones for 4 hours. So, if they’re heading up for a short hike, they can pre-make the drinks, then shake and strain at the top! 

18. REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve Shirt

Lightweight, quick-drying, and nicely ventilated, this long-sleeve shirt will become the go-to garment your companion reaches for when heading out on their next trip in the wilds. 

The Sahara Long-Sleeve Shirt is designed for day hikes and thru-hikes alike. For hot days, the shirt has UPF 30 sun protection, and the sleeves can be rolled up and held there by a button. The back is vented, too.

Although simple, a few features make this an all-around great shirt for men or women. The shoulders have thicker seams to prevent wear and tear from backpack abrasion. There are also two buttoned chest pockets with a sunglass loop. 

19. Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew

Stylish, durable, breathable, fast-drying and, most of all, warm. These are the workhorse of hiking socks for both men and women. 

If you know a minimalist thru-hiker or someone with very stinky feet, these are the socks for them. They’re seamlessly constructed with a fine-gauge knit, resulting in a performance fit that means no slipping, bunching, or blisters. 

They are made from 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% lycra. Merino wool naturally repels bacteria and does not smell, so they can be worn for a few days. 

These Darn Tough socks will keep feet cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. Kind of hard to beat that, isn’t it? 

20. Helinox One Rocking Chair Feet

These portable chair feet are designed to turn a Helinox Camping Chair One into a rocking chair. Super lightweight, packable, and compact, these are as simple as it gets. Attach both feet on either side of the chair between the front and back legs, snap them in, sit, then rock on!

21. Klean Kanteen 16oz TKWide Flask/Water Bottle

These vacuum-insulated mugs are designed to retain the temperature of your outdoor-lover’s favorite drinks for an extended period of time – whether hot or cold! 

The Climate Lock™ technology will keep their liquids hot up to 14 hours, and iced-cold drinks cold for up to 47 hours! The water bottle is BPA-free, constructed with a chip-resistant coating, and is dishwasher safe. 

The water bottle only weighs 395 grams and has a liquid capacity of 16 ounces.

Bonus? These come in 7 different colors! 

22. Camp Chef Everest 2X High-Pressure Stove

A powerful, easy-to-use, and reliable camp stove. This gift is for the camp chef in your life who likes to set up a camp kitchen whenever they have the opportunity. 

This car camping stove has a three-sided windscreen and 20,000 BTUs, so its flame is nearly impossible to extinguish, even in the windiest conditions. Boasting an average boiling time of 3.5 minutes, it’s perfect for boiling big pots of water, cooking foods on a frying pan, and gently simmering a sauce, curry, or chili, too. If you know someone who is often cooking good food for their whole family, this is one of the best gifts you can buy. 

23. Ultralight Backpack Cooler Chair

Chair, backpack, cooler – all in one. Whether your companion is hiking, fishing, lounging by the beach, or climbing at the local crag, this versatile piece of camping gear allows them to carry everything at once, while also providing a seat! 

Similar to a backpack with an external frame, it is robust and strong. On one side are the padded shoulder straps and a thin waist belt. On the other side, there is an external pocket and a water bottle pocket, too. 

When not in use, it folds away easily (like a beach chair), and can easily fit into the trunk of their car, closet, etc. 

24. Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket

These blankets are ideal for those chilly nights. Whether sitting around the campfire, or bundled up inside a sleeping bag, these blankets provide the perfect extra layer of warmth. 

Pendleton’s Yakima Camp blankets come in a variety of different colors. They are made of soft and durable merino wool, and the designs are inspired by the blankets of traveling cowboys. They are rustic, aesthetic, and comfortable. 

25. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite

This lightweight sleeping pad has long been a staple for campers. From the front country to the most remote parts of the backcountry, this inflatable mattress will keep you warm and comfortable. 

Sleeping pads are designed to provide comfort from the ground, as well as help retain more warmth. If your sleeping bag is directly on the soil, you lose warmth – very quickly.

The NeoAir XLite is constructed from 100% durable nylon. With an R-value of 4.2, it is designed to keep you warm when the weather is consistently below-freezing temperatures. It also comes in a variety of sizes and in male and female versions.

It comes with a stuff sack and compresses down to the size of a 1-liter water bottle (again, think Nalgene). It also comes with a small repair kit, which is crucial when you’re on a multi-day trek. 

26. AeroPress coffee maker

We won’t say this is a camping gift for the coffee snobs out there, but it’s designed to make good coffee… not just liquid to wake you up!

The coffee maker is composed of four parts. 

Similar to a french press, a chamber holds your ground coffee. At the bottom, there’s a filter to ensure no grains get into your cup – the smoothest brew of them all. Beneath that, there’s a cap to hold the coffee to ensure it doesn’t spill everywhere. 

Last but not least, brewing it. With the hot water in the chamber, the plunger compresses the air and water down the chamber, through the filter, and into your cup. 

Last step? Enjoy the delicious cup of coffee. 

27. Black Diamond Spot 350

For such a small battery-powered headlamp, Black Diamond’s Spot 350 can be used in all sorts of situations. From an emergency big-wall retreat or dark alpine start to general camping, this head lamp’s 350 lumens can lighten up anything. 

The Spot 350 features the PowerTap™ Technology on the side of the headlamp that provides maximum brightness in an instant, while the brightness memory retains the previous light setting when turned on again. 

There are 6 light settings, which include distance, proximity, dim, strobe, digital clock, and red night-vision.

28. Therm-A-Rest Air Head Pillow

Say goodbye to the old stuff sack of clothes, and hello to this lightweight pillow. With modern life comes great new gear, but it’s always the simplest ideas that perform the best.

This yellow inflatable pillow comes in two different sizes. It is designed to fit inside a sleeping bag, and for a person’s neck to comfortably sit in its curve. 

Know someone who doesn’t like sleeping on cold material? Fear not! The Head Pillow is covered in a soft-brushed polyester. Additionally, there is a bit of synthetic insulation to keep them warm (even if they drool!). The polyester cover is machine washable. 

The Head Pillow weighs 5.6 or 7.1 oz (depending on the size), and packs into a stuff sack to less than half a liter!

Happy Shopping for the best camping gifts!

There are so many different types of gifts you can get for the keen outdoor lovers in your life, and sometimes, the decisions are utterly daunting. ‘Will they like this?’ ‘Do they have something similar?’ 

Whether it’s clothing, camping gear, cookware, or the newest technologies, we hope our list of the 28 best camping gifts helps you narrow down the options and find the ideal gift. 

If you enjoyed this post and know anyone looking for gift ideas to give outdoor-loving folk, feel free to share this post! If you have any questions or comments, drop them in the box below.