Shopping for an outdoor lover can be a bit complicated. Many outdoor enthusiasts prefer things that make their time outside more comfortable and enjoyable rather than random items for the home. While everyone is different, most of us in the outdoor community would love a gift that supports our adventures. If you are not a Hiker or Camper yourself then you are in the right spot if you’re looking for gifts for hikers and campers!
The Struggles of Buying Gifts for Hikers and Campers
Some of the main challenges in finding the perfect gifts for your outdoor lover include:
- Outdoor gear can be expensive. So unless the gift is for a partner or close family member, you might be looking at items with a lower price point.
- Knowing what they actually need. Without a list, it’s hard to know what they already have or could use.
- Choosing items where multiples are welcome. If you’re unsure what they need, it’s helpful to have ideas for items that are fine to have more than one of.
This guide is here to solve these challenges and offer a range of ideas for all budgets. I’ll break down gifts by price range and highlight which items are best as “main gifts” and which ones can be “multiples.”
$20 – $50 Price Range
Main Items of Need:
- First Aid Kit
- Multi-tool
- Small Cooler (perfect for a day or weekend camping trip)
- Car/SUV Camping Essentials (window shades, mosquito nets, seat organizers)
- Collapsible Dishes (backpacking or thru-hiking)
- Camping Utensils and Knives (for car camping)
- Inflatable Pillow
- Hiking Gaiters
- Emergency Bivvy
- Fire Starter Kit
- Camping Axe/Hatchet
Multiples Welcome:
- Books and Guides (e.g., Backcountry MapBooks, plant identification books, or outdoor novels)
- Water Bottles and Thermoses
- Outdoor Lighting (headlamps, lanterns, or camping twinkle lights)
- Warm Layers (toque, gloves, and merino wool hiking socks)
- Hand and Toe Warmers
- Compression Bags & Dry Bags
- Dehydrated Backpacking Meals
- Portable Battery Pack
- Gift Cards to Outdoor Stores
Pictured here is a Backroad MapBook, an Igloo cooler, dehydrated backpacking meal and a Jetboil
- Many of the items in this price range are a part of the 10 Essentials of hiking, I recommend making sure your outdoor lover is equipped with all of the safety essentials!
Check out these links below to shop for some of these items from Amazon:
*Backpacking/Thru-Hiking Essentials
*Disclaimer these are affiliate links and if you purchase from these links I make a small commission at no extra charge to you. It helps to support this blog and I appreciate it very much*
$50 – $100 Price Range
Main Items of Need:
- Medium-sized Cooler (good for 3-4 day camping trips)
- Bear Spray
- Microspikes (for icy trails and compact snow)
- Hiking Poles
- Compact Water Filter (my favorite is Katadyn BeFree)
- Foldable Camping Chair
- Outdoor Subscription Box (like CrateJoy and search “Camping” or “Outdoors”)
Pictured here are hiking poles, inflatable pillow and a water filter
PSST… you can find a lot of the items I mention through my Amazon Storefront.
$100 – $200 Price Range
Main Items of Need:
- Backpacking Sleeping Mat
- Jetboil or Compact Camping Stove
- Coleman Propane Stove (for car camping)
- Snowshoes (entry-level for easy adventures)
- Waterproof Shell Jacket (Columbia offers quality, budget-friendly options)
- Down Puffer Jacket
- Mattress Foam Topper or SUV Air Mattress
- Electric Cooler (for long road trips)
- Tent (front-country camping)
- Hammock
- Hiking Boots
- Waterproof Shoes (like Vessi shoes for everyday wear)
- Mid-size Day Pack (25L – 40L)
- Electric Heated Blanket (great for winter camping)
- Foldable Camping Table
Multiples Welcome:
- Merino Wool Base Layers
- Waterproof Outer Layers
Pictured here is a Coleman Propane Stove and Vessi Waterproof Shoes
$200+ Products
Main Items of Need:
- Portable Power Station
- Lightweight Backpacking Tent
- Overnight Backpack (50L – 70L)
- Satellite SOS Communicator (like Zoleo or Garmin InReach)
- Higher-quality Snowshoes
- Outdoor Survival Courses (Avalanche Safety, Wilderness Safety, etc.)
- Lightweight Down Sleeping Bag (for backpacking)
- Roof Rack or Cargo Carrier
This photo displays the following mentioned gear: a toque, down puffer coat, gloves, merino wool base layer pants, gaiters, hiking boots and snowshoes
This is the MSR Elixir 2 person tent, a great quality tent for the price point and only around 6 pounds in weight. For a lighter weight version you can opt for the MSR Hubba Hubba tents.
Where to Buy Gifts for Hikers and Campers
- Amazon – Many outdoor brands are available here, and Prime makes shipping convenient.
- Local Outdoor Stores – MEC, Valhalla Pure, and Atmosphere in Canada offer high-quality gear. REI is a popular store in USA.
- Walmart and Canadian Tire – Great for camping basics like foldable chairs, propane stoves, and larger tents.
- Costco – You can find a ton of great gifts for hikers and campers at Costco even including hiking poles, clothing layers, camping chairs and snowshoes.
Check out these links below to shop for some of these items from Amazon:
*Backpacking/Thru-Hiking Essentials
Conclusion
In summary, buying gifts for hikers and campers can be tricky but rewarding when you find what they are looking for. For the more flexible items, you can add an element of surprise by choosing items where having multiples is okay. However, if you’re opting for more specialized gear, it’s wise to get a list or check with them to make sure it’s something they need. And when in doubt, gift cards to outdoor stores are always appreciated—those stores are like candy stores for us outdoor lovers!
Happy gifting, and may this guide make finding the perfect gift much easier! Leave a comment if there’s anything I am missing for a good gift idea!
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