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Everyone’s got that one friend who is seemingly impossible to shop for. What kind of present do you get for the outdoor enthusiast who considers each minute spent inside to be wasted? The answer, of course, is camping gear.
Camping gifts are more than buying a tent or a basic flashlight. In recent years, the outdoor industry has exploded with a range of innovative and highly personal gifts. Whether your friend would go crazy over a fuel-efficient cookstove, attractive down jacket, or packable kayak, this list is bound to give you inspiration for getting started.
These camping gifts range in price and commitment to the great outdoors, ensuring that you will have plenty of flexibility to pick out the perfect option for your friend. So start perusing, and you may found you need to buy double of everything so that you aren’t left out of the fun.
1. Kindle Paperwhite
One of the joys of getting away for a few days is connecting with a favorite book. When you pack a Kindle, you don’t have to commit to just one. Kindles can hold thousands of books, magazines, and PDFs, and many books are only $2 or less in the Kindle store. With a battery that lasts for weeks on a single charge, Kindles are a lightweight addition to any camping trip and are a great way to unwind in a hammock after a day of hiking. The Kindle Paperwhite makes for a great camping gift because you don’t get any glare while reading in sunlight and the screen can light up for night reading, letting you save the battery on your flashlight for midnight bathroom breaks instead.
2. MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
For the winter enthusiast, these snowshoes are the perfect camping gift. They come in both men’s and women’s sizes and are designed to attach to winter boots with a three-strap binding system securely. For hilly terrain, they also come with televators for better grip and mobility, even in deep powder. Even snowshoe novices will quickly understand the appeal of these versatile shoes.
3. Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Solar Charger
No one wants to run out of power in the backcountry for their emergency cell phone, but these solar charges make those concerns a thing of the past. The Goal Zero 10 Plus Solar Charger is a convenient, reliable and lightweight way to charge your devices with the power of the sun. The tool lets you recharge your cell phone 1-3 times per charge, and it works for Ipads, Kindles, and tablets too.
4. Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
Chilly temperatures can ruin any outdoor adventure, but there’s no reason to pack a bulky winter jacket in preparation. Instead, this down sweater is lightweight and versatile, but surprisingly warm as well. Fashionable enough for a trip around town, this coat is an excellent gift for your trend that wants to look trendy no matter what. Best of all, each jacket is also designed to be stuffed into its own pocket, making it easy to stow away in a backpack for any camping trip.
5. Poler Napsack
Are you looking for a fun and functional gift for the outdoor lover in your life? This innovative sleeping sack might do the trick. It comes with openings for your arms and feet, meaning that you can comfortably sit in chairs and even walk around while wearing it. The bodysuit is made with a soft microfiber body with leather tabs at the hood and zippered shoulders to ensure its comfortable at every angle. Not only is it a guaranteed talking point, but it’s an incredibly cozy accessory to snuggle up in around the campfire.
6. JetBoil MiniMo
Cooking while camping can be a challenge, so why not equip the outdoor enthusiast in your life with one of the best camp stoves on the market? The JetBoil MiniMo is an ideal single serving camp stove that’s renowned for being compact and efficient. This miniature stove gives you complete control over the cooking process and even has a simmer setting so that you don’t waste fuel after your water reaches a boil. For a significant benefit for coffee addicts, you can also gift it with a complementary JetBoil Coffee Press to make that first cup of caffeine even easier to enjoy in the morning.
7. Kathoola Microspikes Traction System
Keep your sweetheart safer in icy weather by equipping them with MICROspikes to add grips to their feet. Sturdy enough to withstand years of use, these this one of those camping gifts that keeps on giving. The shoe accessories can fit over any footwear, even running shoes. Just choose the model that matches their shoe size, and they should be able to stay upright in even the slipperiest ice patches. Best of all, the MICROspikes are effortless to take off and store at the end of the icy sections, ensuring that they aren’t a nuisance for daily life.
8. Hydro Flask Bottles
What if you gave friends camping gifts that could be used in their daily life, too? Keeping beverage hot or cold for hours on end is the holy grail for many outdoor enthusiasts, and the Hydro Flask accomplishes this task with ease. These insulated beverage containers are equipped to keep your drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12, and they come in a range of sizes and colors that make them a classy addition to any outdoor adventure. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about the bottle’s impacts on your health. Each flask is made from non-toxic BPA-free plastics and food-grade stainless steel, and the powder coat ensures each bottle is easy to grasp and won’t cause you to spill all over yourself.
9. Swiss Army Huntsman Knife
Ensure your friend is prepared for every adventure by equipping them with this classic swiss army knife. Light and compact enough to take anywhere, this knife has over thirteen tools for aiding any situation, including a corkscrew, bottle opener, screwdriver, wood saw, scissors and more. Thanks to its stainless steel construction and lifetime warranty, the knife is designed to last for years to come and will withstand whatever use you put it to.
10. Porlex Mini Coffee Grinder
Don’t give up on good coffee just because you’re camping! This Japanese-made coffee grinder is the perfect camping gift. It’s an exhibition of fine craftsmanship, and it provides a portable, effective way to grind coffee beans on the go. With a 20 gram capacity, the grinder is perfect when paired with an AeroPress coffee maker and will make every morning easier to wake up to.
11. The Deuce of Spades
Make your camping gifts memorable this year! There’s no getting around going to the bathroom in the backcountry, but this aptly named trowel is designed to make the job easy and sanitary. Not only is the design classier than the competition, but this spade is also ideal for minimalist backpackers. Made from just 17 grams of ultra-durable aluminum, the trowel is effortless to add to your pack and ensures you always follow the rule of leaving no trace on your trips.
12. Sea to Summit Dry Sacks
Wet gear can ruin any trip, but these dry sacks are designed to keep things dry. Each dry sack is lighter, less expensive and less bulky than comparable sacks, but you won’t compromise any durability in the process. Sea to Summit packs come in multiple sizes to make it simple to squeeze them into the corner of kayaks and backpacks alike, ensuring that your dinner and down jacket never get tainted with water.
13. Diva Cup
Does your friend complain about dragging too many tampons into the backcountry? Gift her with a Diva Cup, and she’ll thank you forever. As a reusable menstrual cup, Diva Cups are a zero-waste way to deal with your period, meaning you can reclaim the space in your pack that once went to pads. If a menstrual cup isn’t what you want to give when you consider different camping gifts, there are plenty of other sustainable period solutions to make your period more manageable.
14. Stanley Stainless Steel Flask
A little whiskey never goes amiss on a backcountry adventure, and the Stanley flask will deliver what you need. This all-steel flask was designed in 1913 and is made of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel that is BPA-free, rustproof and tough enough to take a beating. Each flask comes with a built-for-life warranty, ensuring that it’s the camping gift that keeps on giving for your favorite outdoorsman.
15. Joby Gorillapod Camera Tripod
Sick of missing your shot because you can’t set your camera up correctly? The Joby Tripod is designed to make setting up small camera easy, even on uneven terrain. Light and compact enough to come on any trip with you, the tripod is entirely bendable and comes with magnetic feet that can securely connect to each other or any other surface.
16. Ultralight First Aid Kit
Don’t let an injury become a disaster by always being prepared for the worst. This ultralight first-aid kit is one of those camping gifts that show you care. It comes with everything you need to stay safe in the backcountry, including band-aids, anti-bacterial ointment, blister and wound care, and more. It’s the perfect size for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to be weighed down with heavy gear but still want to be prepared for wherever their adventures take them.
17. Luci Solar Lantern
Lightweight, battery-free light sound too good to be true? Clearly you haven’t tried the Luci solar lantern. This pocket-sized solar LED light needs no other batteries, and it’s inflatable and collapsible to make storage simple. Lasting up to seven hours on a single charge, the lantern doubles as a flashlight and emergency light when necessary, making it an excellent gift for the person who already has everything.
18. All Weather Notepads
Don’t let a good thought get lost by gifting these Rite in the Rain notebooks to all your outdoorsy friends. Each journal is made of 100 pages of waterproof paper that won’t turn to mush in mud and can repel all forms of water- even the washing machine! Best of all, the notebooks are small enough to pack into any pocket, and they are entirely recyclable.
19. Packtowel UltraLite Towel
Packing the absolute minimum is a point of pride for many backpackers, and this pack towel easily qualifies. Shockingly absorbent for its weight, each full-sized towel dries out quickly and is perfect for washing up. For secure storage, they come with a hang loop and zippered pouch.
20. A Walk in the Woods
If getting into the wilderness intimidates your friend, this laugh-out-loud memoir by Bill Bryson might give them the encouragement they need. Now a major motion picture, the book chronicles Bill and his friend’s time spent hiking the Appalachian trail. Woefully unprepared and out of shape, their journey could go smoother, but it could hardly be funnier. This adventure comedy is the perfect campfire read.
21. Camp Chef Everest High Output 2 Burner Stove
Don’t sacrifice great food just because you can’t take your home grill with you. The Camp Chef Everest High Output stove is designed to fold up like a suitcase, making it easy to pack for convenient cooking. It comes with two burners that run off 16-ounce propane canisters and a side shield to block wind, ensuring you won’t have to wait long to get at your camp hamburgers, making it one of the best camping gifts to get your friend who is always manning the grill.
22. Hybrid Solar Powered Flashlight with Emergency Battery Backup
Keep your friend prepared for any emergency with this ultra-efficient set of solar powered flashlights. These lights will last for the long haul, as they are designed to last for 11 continuous years of burn time. Each light is 100% waterproof and designed to hold a single charge for up to three years, ensuring that you’ll never be trapped without a light source when you need it.
23. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
Filtering water while on the trail can be cumbersome, but the LifeStraw makes it simple. This award-winning personal filtration system can filter up to 1000 liters of water without the use of chemicals, batteries, or even moving parts. The system can remove 99% of waterborne bacteria and weighs just 2oz, making it ultraportable for every situation.
24. Titanium 3-In-1 Camping Utensil
A set of these handy tools makes for ideal camping gifts for the friends who are always prepared. The fork comes with a built-in blade for working as a knife, and the well-designed spoon on the end adds to the functionality. Light and eco-friendly, it’s the accessory you’ll always remember to use.
25. Yes4All Multi-Functional Camping Axe H307 with Saw + Fire Starter
Your most rugged friend will adore this gift, an all-in-one combo ax that’s specifically designed to make outdoor activities easier. The razor sharp stainless steel blade is designed to last for decades, and the black paint coating gives it a rust-free edge. The molded plastic case also doubles as a fire starter, ensuring you can be equipped for any survival situation. Best of all, you get a one year warranty and 60-day return, ensuring your giftee can return it to to get the camping gifts they prefer if it’s not quite right.
26. Gorilla Glue Tape
Everyone knows that duct tape holds the world together, but gorilla glue tape takes sticky power to a whole new level. This heavy-duty, double thick tape is designed for indoor and outdoor use alike, and it will stick to almost any surface. Its innovative weave stays tough on your surface, but you can still tear it by hand, making this a must-have accessory for any outdoorsy handyman.
27. Scout Complete Kelly Kettle Kit
Fuel efficiency is the main priority of Kelly kettle, and this cooking kit will let you get water to boil minutes faster than other kits. The entire kit boasts stainless steel construction, and it reduces heat and moisture loss, making it one of the best camping gifts that are ideal for outdoor cooking. Ideal for the minimalist cook, the kit runs entirely on naturally occurring fuels like dry grass and twigs, meaning that bulky fuel canisters won’t be necessary. For secure storage, the entire kit fits into a convenient sack.
28. Packable Kayak
Does your friend crave kayaking but not have the capacity to cart one around on their car? The packable kayak might be the answer they never knew they needed. This kayak completely folds up into an easy to carry package, meaning you can transport it in your trunk, on the bus, or even on your bike. Constructed from high-quality materials, the kayak can be set up in mere minutes after practice, and it is completely seaworthy. Two different models, Beach LT and Bay St, means that you can choose the style that makes the most sense for your friend and quickly become the best gift giver ever. Better yet, buy a pair and get on the water together!
29. ENO Hammock
Hanging from the trees is perhaps the most relaxing way to spend your time, and the ENO hammock might just be the best way to do so. This hammock is big enough for two and provides a durable, yet compact place to relax in the middle of a camping trip. The hammock weighs just 19 ounces and is supported with aluminum wire grate carabiners that let you secure the hammock to almost any vertical surface, especially with ENO straps (sold separately). An excellent resource for college campuses, ENO hammocks make one of best camping gifts for recent graduates.
