Wondering what gifts to buy the outdoor lovers and travelers in your life this year? I get it. It can be so hard to choose the right gift or gear.
But, that’s where I come in. I know these are the best gifts for outdoor lovers and travelers because I use and love all of them! Plus, all but one doesn’t require you to choose a size, making gift giving even easier.
Here are the absolute best gifts for outdoors lovers & adventure travelers (for any budget!)
NOTE: I update this post regularly, especially for Black Friday deals!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, visit this page.
1 | Personal Safety Gear for Hikers
Help ensure the ones you love stay safe and confident on the trail with some essential personal safety gear they can carry when hiking. A few of my favorites are a personal alarm, pepper gel (or pepper spray), and GPS device with satellite messaging.
For more info and ideas, read my full list with tips for how women can stay safe while hiking alone.
Pro Tip: Before purchasing, make sure that pepper spray products are legal to carry where the person will likely be hiking. Here’s a guide that explains which pepper spray products are legal in each of the US states. Also, 4oz containers of pepper spray are allowed through TSA but must be in checked baggage with a safety lock to prevent accidental discharge.
2 | Travel Blanket
A Rumpl blanket is the gift that the outdoor lover and traveler in your life doesn’t even know they need. My cousin gave me one as a gift and it’s now my favorite piece of gear. I use it in place of a sleeping bag, to cozy up around a campfire, for late night star gazing, for picnics and more.
Read more about why Rumpl’s Backcountry blanket is an awesome sleeping bag alternative!
Their blankets are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and are moisture resistant. Plus, they are super packable! The Backcountry blanket compresses down smaller than a sleeping bag. They also offer a travel blanket which, get this, compresses down to the size of a Nalgene bottle! It literally fits in the water bottle pocket on a backpack, making it the perfect travel blanket for plane rides or road trips.
Get up to 25% off everything at the Rumpl Black Friday Sale!
3 | Handmade Wool Beanie
A cute and warm wool beanie hat is a must for cold weather adventures. Bonus if it’s handmade by a woman-owned small business in Minnesota! I have the light gray Peruvian wool hat with warm gray pom pom and love it. It’s super soft and warm!
Get 20% off Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday!
4 | Camera Backpack
If the adventurer in your life loves carrying a camera with them, they’ll appreciate a Brevite Jumper camera backpack. It’s incredible how much can actually fit in this backpack! For 12 days in Antarctica, I fit my camera, lens, portable wifi device, laptop, cables, chargers, camera filters, toiletries, snacks and more. Plus, unlike many camera backpacks it doesn’t LOOK like camera backpack, which means it makes you less of a target when traveling with expensive equipment.
Also, this is the backpack I was wearing when I was hit by a car while walking across the street in Puerto Rico. It was a serious accident and, yes, I had my expensive camera gear in it when I was hit by a car going 30-40mph. Can you believe my camera was not damaged at all inside the backpack?! I’ll be a fan of this product for life!
Pro Tip: Add on the Brevite rain cover to keep the bag dry!
5 | Outdoors or Travel-inspired Jewelry
Gift a piece of jewelry that captures their sense of adventure! These earrings have a pine cone and branch in several different colors and lengths. Choose from one of these mountain-themed pendants!
6 | Lightweight Water Filter
Any outdoor lover or adventure traveler can use a lightweight water filtration system. Does it sound sexy? No. Is it useful and life saving? Yes.
Water filtration and purification are among the day hiking essentials, so it’s a basic piece of gear that any outdoor lover can use. But, this isn’t just for outdoorsy people! Both of these water filtration systems can be used when traveling anywhere that the water may not be entirely safe to drink.
My go-to water filter bottle for travel is the Lifestraw. Wherever you are in the world, it ensures contaminants are filtered out of your water. For avid hikers and backpackers, the Sawyer Squeeze is an awesome product. It’s what I use when backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail.
7 | Portable Wifi Device
Adventure travelers and outdoor lovers often find themselves off the grid and without a cell phone signal. In some ways, that can be liberating, but in others that can be a bit challenging. A portable wifi device allows someone to connect to wifi via a cell phone signal available in the area.
My favorite portable wifi device is Solis (previously Skyroam). I love that they have global unlimited daily, monthly, and per gigabyte plans to choose from – and they now have 5G devices! For my trips to Alaska, Finland, and Argentina, I used a Solis device and paid $9 per day for unlimited global wifi on up to ten devices. This allowed me to easily navigate to trailheads and between remote cities using the local cell phone networks without costing a fortune.
Pro Tip: The data daypasses can be purchased anytime and activated later!
Use code THISBIGWILDWORLD for 10% off your Solis purchase in addition to the Black Friday deals!
8 | Camping Coffee Supplies
A hot cup of coffee is everything when you’re camping and backpacking! If you have a coffee lover in your life, give them something to make their morning brew extra special on their next adventure.
For backpacking, I love the simplicity of the Brew Spoon! It’s lightweight and easy to make coffee with fresh grounds. But, some folks don’t even like to mess with carrying coffee ground when backpacking. In that case, great tasting instant coffee is an awesome option.
For camping or traveling, the Aeropress is a great option! It’s fully self-contained in its own mug and weighs just 11 ounces. It’s a little bulky and heavy for backpacking in my opinion though.
9 | Comfy Camp Slippers
A pair of comfy slippers to wear around camp are the perfect gift for someone who loves camping or other outdoor activities. I personally prefer slippers that are easy to slip on, comfy and rugged enough to handle muddy and uneven terrain. Teva has several options, including this pair of slippers that come with more rugged soles.
For travel to cold destinations, such as Norway or Antarctica, I was so thankful that I packed warm slippers! Here are my favorite slippers for winter travel.
10 | Lightweight Travel Tripod
Photo or it didn’t happen, right? Travelers and adventurers want to capture the moment and a lightweight portable tripod can be a gamechanger! To take it to the next level, try a collapsible phone tripod with bluetooth remote (this is the one I use and love). There are also magsafe versions like this one. This is an essential piece of gear I bring on every adventure.
11 | Sustainable Travel Towel
Whether for travel or the outdoors, every adventurer needs a lightweight, quick drying towel. Why not gift them a towel that’s also good for the planet and supports a small woman-owned business?
Unfortunately, Lava Linens (the brand I love) has had to pause their operations due to tariffs, however should they reopen they offer sustainably made alternatives to micro-fiber towels. Their towels are made of fiber from the flax plant grown with zero pesticides and no irrigation or GMO’s. Lava towels absorb up to 50% more water than comparable micro-fiber towels and are naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial! Use code THISBIGWILDWORLD for 20% off your Lava Linens purchase when they’re back up and running.
In the meantime, Nomadix has hand towels that are ultra lightweight and perfect for camping or backpacking.
12 | Dry bag
A dry bag keeps electronics and other essentials dry when you’re out on adventures. I use my 3L ultralight dry bag when backpacking, hiking, kayaking and traveling – so it basically goes with me everywhere.
Pro Tip: Get a dry bag in a bright color to make it more visible in the outdoors.
13 | Adventure-inspired Subscription Box
Give the gift that keeps on giving with a subscription box! These make such great gifts for outdoor lovers and travelers because they offer a selection of products they may not have purchased otherwise. It’s a fun surprise to see what arrives each month!
Some of my favorites include this zero waste travel toiletry kit, organic self-care spa kit, global blends spice kit, and treats from around the world.
14 | Comfy Pillow
Every outdoor lover and adventure traveler needs a comfortable pillow. For outdoor adventurers, try this pillow made from recycled materials with super fun designs. For airplane travel, my favorite is this pillow with awesome neck support.
As someone who has chronic neck pain, finding a comfortable travel pillow was nearly impossible until I tried the Trtl neck pillow. It’s soft fabric wraps around your neck like a scarf and inside is a frame that supports your head and neck comfortably. The fabric cover is machine washable.
15 | Scratch Map
Make their adventures artwork with a scratch off map! Options include states, countries or even national parks visited. This is a fun way to decorate a space and keep their love for travel center stage in their home.
I have a world scratch off map similar to the one linked above and love getting to scratch off a new country after each trip!
An alternative to scratch off maps is a park passport. The US National Parks have one where you can collect stamps and stickers at each park. Many state parks also have a similar program. Here’s more about the Minnesota State Park Passport Club!
16 | Hiking Socks
I haven’t met a hiker that doesn’t love getting good socks as a gift. My favorite brands of hiking socks are SmartWool and Darn Tough. Both are made of wool, which is excellent for wicking away sweat to help prevent blisters.
If you are shopping for someone who is prone to blisters when hiking, consider gifting a pair of Injinji toe socks. (Specifically the liners. I’ve found the thicker ones that look cuter are uncomfortable on my toes.) They’ve worked wonders for me when I am backpacking. For more info and ideas, read more about blister prevention.
17 | AllTrails Plus Subscription
Keep the adventurer in your life safe on the trail with an AllTrails Plus subscription. AllTrails Plus subscribers can download offline hiking trail maps to navigate without cell phone service plus keep friends and loved ones informed with the Lifeline feature.
I always carry a paper map for added confidence but knowing I have the offline AllTrails map eases my mind when I’m hiking solo. I can track my exact location on the map, which takes all of the guesswork away.
A 1-year subscription is just $35.99, which is well worth it for anyone who loves hiking or the outdoors!
18 | National Parks Pass
Did you know that REI sells the American the Beautiful Pass? REI members earn points when they purchase one plus they donate 10% of pass proceeds to organizations committed to the outdoors! This pass gets you access to tons of federal recreation sites, including all of the US national parks for an entire year.
Another option is to gift someone a state parks pass (or whatever is comparable where you live) so they can access parks closer to their home throughout the year!
Pro Tip: Want something to store your National Park pamphlets in? Here you go!
19 | Inspiring Coffee Table Book
We all need inspiration for our next adventure, right? Get the adventurer in your life a coffee table book filled with inspiring images and stories! Inspire their bucket list with books like Journey of a Lifetime, a National Geographic publication, or 100 Hikes of a Lifetime.
I’m ecstatic to share that I am one of the authors published in this coffee table book about 118 capital cities around the world! Why capital cities? Well, because they are rich with history and culture but also often overlooked as more than just a brief stop on our journeys! The book contains over 450 color photos and short stories by myself and 60 other travel bloggers and photographers.
Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers & Adventure Travelers
The hardest part about this list is trying not to buy all of these for yourself. Happy gift giving, adventurer! Still looking for more gifts ideas for the adventurer in your life? Try these posts for inspiration!
Related content to read next:
Day Hike Packing List: A Prepared Girl’s Guide
Minnesota Hiking Guides: 15 Books About Hiking in Minnesota
What to Wear for Winter Hiking: A Prepared Girl’s Guide
What to Wear for Hiking in Summer: A Prepared Girl’s Guide
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As an outdoor lover myself I would say these are great items! I have a Lifestraw and an All Trails membership is a great idea!
Ha ha lucky you! I still use mine in the summer for picnics and at the beach. It’s water resistant so works well for that kinds of thing!
Right? I’m so over cooking – so it’s nice to have a break with some quick healthy options!
Isn’t AllTrails great?! It’s so handy, definitely a gift that any hiker would love and use often!
My husband and I love the AllTrails App. This would be awesome to give or receive as we plan on renewing the App.
These are great ideas! I would totally appreciate healthy food deliveries.
That travel blanket seems like a great idea. At the moment, I just travel in the summer, or to places that are warm all year round so I don’t need blankets, haha.
This is such a great list! I think I would really enjoy the subscription boxes. So unique and personalized!
I completely agree, Hazel. The Lifestraw is great for any kind of travel or outdoor adventure activity. It’s lightweight, compact and affordable!
You’re welcome, Nancy! Agreed – I never mind getting comfy socks as a gift!
Thanks, Krista! Everyone needs comfy and cozy socks, right?
I’ve researched the lifestraw for water purification as I saw another blogger recommend it. It sounds useful for any type of travel. Thanks for the recommendations here.
So many fun and creative ideas! Thanks for sharing them. Comfy socks are a great stocking stuffer.
These are all fantastic gift ideas for people who like to get outdoors – especially the super warm socks!
Isn’t Hydroflask the best?! Love the lifetime warranty! I’m literally cuddled up with my Rumpl blanket right now 🙂
Ooh yes, Krista! Treat yo self to some portable wifi this year (if you can)! It’s a game-changer.
Perfect! Holiday shopping, done 🙂
Thanks, Ashlee! My iphone tripod is so helpful, especially as a solo hiker and traveler. ‘Tis the season, indeed 🙂
Hey Savannah! Really glad to hear the list resonated with you – so sorry that the Journee Box isn’t available in your area. I hope there’s an awesome alternative!
Thanks, Kate! Both are must-have for any traveler or adventurer – so handy in so many ways 🙂
Awesome – glad I was able to introduce you to the idea of SkyRoam! Super helpful when navigating a new city!
Yay! These are all really great picks! I love my Hydroflask + I still need to get a water filtration device! I want that travel blanket too! 😛
Love this gift guide. I think I need to invest in some portable wifi for myself to be honest!
This list is so helpful! I’ve never been good with gift ideas, but these are suitable for people I need to get gifts for!
Hi there! Awesome ideas. I love that iphone tripod! Have been looking at them. Thanks for dreaming up gift ideas. ‘Tis the season 🙂
This is such a great list! I’ve actually been looking for a travel subscription box and the Journee Box looks amazing! Unfortunately I live in Italy right now and can’t have it shipped to me, definitely pinning this for later!
Great ideas! I especially love the small water purifier and the wifi hotspot – such great gifts!
I have never heard of SkyRoam, but that seems genius! That would be so handy because we constantly use our phone to map out where we are going while we are in a new city!
I’m similar to you, Karen. I like to sleep outside or at least have one leg out of my sleeping bag so this was an ideal solution for me. It’s very similar to a Patagonia Nano Puff. The Everywhere blanket is a little “fluffier” than a Nano Puff when you take it out of the stuff sack and it may be a little warmer but it’s a comparable feel to a Nano Puff. Lightweight, packable, and warm. They offer free shipping and returns for orders over $49, so if it’s not ultralight enough you could easily return it!
Awesome! Glad you appreciate this list of practical gifts, Kristen 🙂 The blanket is perfect for any trip!
Yes, indeed it’s tough not to buy it all. I’m intrigued by the Rumpl blanket for ultralight packing. I like sleep outside my sleeping bag often so this would be perfect. I sewed a Ray Way quilt for my pilgrimage on the Camino but even that was a bit too much weight. Is it the same insulation as the Patagonia Nano Puff for example?
That blanket is so cool! I think I’ll have to get one before my next trip. So many of these products are super practical, which I appreciate!
Yes on the socks – you really can’t go wrong with good socks as a gift!
That’s a great idea to keep a travel size blanket in your car! My dad always told me to do that in case I get stuck in a snow storm. If you sign up for Rumpl’s newsletter you get a 10% off code and then early access to any other deals they may have this season.
I don’t rave about many product, Josy, but I really do love my Rumpl blanket. The designs are great AND their warm, cozy and packable. I’ll be treating myself to the travel size one this holiday season 🙂 Can you ever have too many blankets when you live in a cold climate? 😉
Glad to see socks was first on a list. Good socks are expensive and I love them as gifts.
Such great ideas. I’ve been eyeing a new travel blanket to keep in my car now that winter is here. I’m waiting for all the deals!
I love that you included the travel blanket! I am really tempted by that…but I recently bought a heated blanket for working from home (so i don’t have to keep cranking the heat up in our apartment… I am not sure if Marc will want me to spend even more on another blanket this winter!)
I did click through to the link via your site a while ago though, I love their designs!