Outdoor Lovers Holiday Gift Guide (2025)
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Struggling to find the perfect gift for the outdoorsy person who already seems to have everything? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place!
After working at REI for over six years, I’ve helped hundreds of people find gifts that actually get used: not just tossed in the gear closet. I’ve also received plenty of hiking and camping gifts myself (some hits, some.. didn’t work out), and I’m sharing only the ideas that truly deliver. Some of these I’ve gifted and gotten great feedback on, others are tried-and-true favorites from the trail, and yes, a few are topping my own wish list this year.
Inside, you’ll find over 75 curated gift ideas for backpackers, National Park junkies, road trip lovers, outdoor photographers, and adventure seekers of all stripes. From clever stocking stuffers to big-ticket gear upgrades, I’ve got you covered.
Gifts for Outdoorsy Women
Patagonia Diamond Quilted Bomber Hoody
I’m obsessed with this jacket. I’ve had mine for over a year now and it’s the one I grab when I’m just going out and about – running errands, appointments, and the one I bring on camping trips. It’s so cute, the pockets actually work, and I feel a little more elevated and stylish than just wearing a fleece or NanoPuff.
Vuori Performance Jogger Pants – Women’s
These are my favorite lounge pants in the world. I held off on buying these for so long until I caved and now own three pairs! This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to be cozy.
Bedrock Mountain Clogs
Ok – I just got these after having my eye on them for about a year – and I’ve been wearing them basically every single day! I’m a big fan of Bedrock sandals and these clogs are the high quality I expect from Bedrock. I have Birkenstock clogs, but I really wanted something a little less warm and something with a strap – so my foot wouldn’t fall out the back. These are PERFECT for that. I find them comfortable for short, cooler hikes and walks too. I normally wear a women’s 8.5 and I sized up to 9 – the 8s were too small. These are unisex and would be a great gift for an outdoorsy dude in your life too.
Youer Treasure Dress
For women, by women! This would be the perfect gift for the lady in your life who loves fun colors and patterns and supporting small, women-owned, USA-made businesses!
REI Stormhenge 850 Down Hybrid Parka
I am obsessed with this parka. I bought it to just throw on over whatever my outfit for the day was since it’s super warm and waterproof. I wore it to the farmers market most mornings last winter, and it was great to wear after skiing. It is incredibly warm – like any temperature over 50°F and it would be too hot! But it’s an amazing parka and I’m so happy to have mine!
Sweet Turns Early Rise Beanie – Women’s
I love my Sweet Turns beanie. It’s super soft and I love the crochet look. There’s fleece lining inside which keeps it nice and soft against your forehead.
Blundstone Original High Top Boots
I love my Blundstone boots. I’ll be honest though: my feet are too wide to squeeze into these high tops, so I opt for the “unisex” ones I’ve linked under the men’s gifts. BUT, these are so stinking cute – I love the punch out design on these boots!
Skida Viska Pant
Ok, I love these pants. They are super thin, breathable, and stretchy – the perfect pant for lounging around at home, doing yoga in, or wearing down to the beach. I’m obsessed and wish I could have these in every pattern!
Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
This is something every outdoor woman needs in her toolkit: a reusable pee cloth! Gone are the days of littering toilet paper or packing out wet TP. The Kula Cloth is infused with silver to keep it antimicrobial, and the printed side is waterproof, so no leaking! I bring mine backpacking and it usually keeps good for a few days before I treat it to a backcountry hand wash.
Gifts for Outdoorsy Men
Costa King Tide 6 Sunglasses
Ok story time. I bought these sunglasses for myself based on a male coworker’s recommendation for the best polarized sunglasses. Greg was right. Because they do rock and when my own dad saw me with them, he was jealous and went and bought his own pair!! And loves them! The lenses are so crisp and they come with removable side shields to prevent side glare and a super adjustable nose grip. Just trust the three of us and get them for the outdoorsy dude in your life!
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket – Men’s
This is one of the most popular jackets for a reason! It’s super warm and cozy, perfect for winter adventures!
Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger Pants – Men’s
Similar to the women’s Vuori pant above, but it’s a little thicker and has more of a smooth texture vs. soft. I got these for my dad for Christmas last year and they are his #1 lounge at home pant.
Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool
A multitool is such a thoughtful gift to give to an outdoorsy man! It’s always great to be prepared – out camping and around town!
Arc’teryx Gamma MX Hoodie – Men’s
I own the women’s version of this hoodie and it is LUXE. A very fine fleece lining, taped seams for weatherproofing, and the exterior shell is tough but stretchy. It’s the perfect layer for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
Blundstone Original Chelsea Boots
The best multi-functional boot. Wear them on short hikes and for date night in the city! They’re not officially waterproof, but from personal experience, they nearly are!
Royal Robbins Arch Rock 1/4 Zip Sweater
I actually want this sweater for myself – it’s so cute with a cute little outdoorsy pattern. Perfect for any climber guy or Yosemite lover in your life since it’s Royal Robbins brand!
Gifts for Backpackers & Thru-hikers
Garmin inReach Mini 2
This is the best tool for any backpacker to have. Being able to call for help if something goes wrong and you become incapacitated is priceless. And sending unlimited, free check-in messages during your trip is very helpful – my parents love getting my nightly “I’m at camp” message when I’m out backpacking because they know I’m alive, and get to click on the link to the map and see exactly where I am!
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
The Sawyer Squeeze is the perfect personal water filtration device. This filter lasted me my entire Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike and I recommend it for every thru-hiker! Their new partnership with CNOC is great – their filter bag is so much better than the old Sawyer one!
Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles
These are the trekking poles I use for all of my backpacking trips. They are so light, it literally doesn’t feel like you’re holding anything, but they’re strong enough to hold up my non-freestanding trekking pole tent. I love using poles while hiking to save my knees on the downhills and to prevent my fingers from swelling!
REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie
This down hoodie is one of the warmest down jackets for it’s weight and price, coming in at only ~10.5 oz and $259. For lighter jackets with the same warmth, you’ll need to pay at least $100 more. Every ounce matters while backpacking because it all adds up so quickly! So having such a warm & light & packable jacket like this one really makes a difference.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
There’s a reason that Darn Tough socks are the most popular amongst thru-hikers: the lifetime warranty is pretty amazing, and honestly, the socks are so well made that you probably won’t even need to use the warranty! Otherwise, the stitching is perfect at the toes, and the padding is so great for boots and trail running shoes. Best socks!!
BOT 700 by Vargo Outdoors
The ultimate pot for a thru-hiker: it’s a normal pot for boiling water, but because it has a threaded lid, you could also cold soak meals without worrying about leakage!
FarOut Hiking Guides Gift Card
The best gift for the thru-hiker in your life! FarOut is the ultimate trail companion guide that the majority of thru-hikers use to navigate on long trails. They’ve got most major trails in the USA and have been expanding internationally as well!
NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair
Ok if you know me, you know I’m not a fan of bringing a chair backpacking. But I bought this little guy and while I don’t bring it backpacking, I have brought it on road trips and camping and it is SO comfy. It’s amazingly stable and strong, and the slight flexibility in the side really does give a reclining feel. This is so worth it for your bougie backpackers!
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent
This is one of the most popular backpacking tents of all-time, and one of the most used tent for thru-hiking long trails because it’s light, easy to set-up, and spacious. Any backpacker would be thrilled to get this tent as an upgrade!
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
This is my hands-down favorite sleeping pad. There is no other inflatable pad that has the same warmth/weight ratio at the Therm-a-rest. This is the lightest, warmest pad out there! I’ve been using this style for over 7 years and it has never failed me.
I use it on my summer backpacking trips and my winter ones, adding a closed-cell foam pad underneath it. Therm-a-rest has an excellent warranty too: I have had an internal baffle pop (pad still stays inflated) and Therm-a-rest replaced the pad after filling out the warranty form. An awesome company with the best product! I recommend it for every backpacker.
BioLite HeadLamp 300
I love how comfy the strap is on this headlamp and that you can recharge it! Plus, it’s under 2 oz!
Read next: My Ultimate Lightweight Backpacking Gear List. I’ve backpacked thousands of miles across the USA and the world, and these pieces of gear are the ones that have always done the job to keep me safe & happy on trail.
Gifts for Hikers
AllTrails Plus or Peak Subscription
AllTrails is one of the best tools for searching for hikes – wherever you’re located. I’ve used it in National Parks, close to home, and while hiking internationally. I love downloading offline maps too – great when you don’t have cell service!
Gossamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack
This day pack has everything. A stretchy mesh pocket for your rain jacket. Built-in shoulder strap pockets for stowing your phone and keeping snacks close. A zippered collar to open your pack up a little wider when you’re searching for something that slipped to the bottom. Easy to access side pockets, an internal pouch for your water bladder, AND it comes with a removable sit pad. A jack of all trades.
Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket
Hiker friend already has a pack that they love? Get them a shoulder strap pocket! These are SO clutch. It’s great to have a way to carry your phone or other small items like sunscreen and lipbalm in a super easy to access spot! This pocket can attach to any backpack shoulder strap!
PACT Outdoors Outdoor Bathroom Kit
I get it. Bathroom talk is not everyone’s jam, and some people are a little more high maintenance with their bathroom duties than others. And if you have one of those people in your life, this is the PERFECT gift. It comes with a trowel, hand sanitizer, expandable wet wipes, and comes in a nice, covert roll pouch – the perfect outdoor bathroom carry-it-all kit!
Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad
This is the BEST invention. Hiking somewhere wet or snowy but want to sit down? Pull out this tiny butt pad. Even on dry ground, this gives you a little more padding on your butt vs sitting on a hard rock!
Gifts for Campers
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
There’s a reason why you see this cooler everywhere: it’s simply the best. I own the Tundra 65 and it’s amazing. The only reason I didn’t link it? It’s pretty heavy and big. The 45 is smaller, perfect for 1-3 night camping trips or for someone who lives in a smaller home with less storage. It’ll also take less wrapping paper for you to wrap it 😉
HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad
This is my all-time favorite camping mattress. I found this in REI Re/Supply looking brand new and I knew I needed it for my Subaru. I’ve slept on it for at least 30 nights this year and it’s so comfortable. I get the best sleep on it! My parents even bought 2 to upgrade their campervan mattress! For sizing: I bought the regular wide for the back of a Subaru Outback 2020 and it works for 1 person sleeping with room for gear!
Trail Hound 30 ft. Camping Light
These are my favorite twinkle lights! So light & really easy to drape and attach to trees, tables, and stuff around your camping area. You do need to plug these into a power source to use them, but it’s super easy to do with a portable charger or a Goal Zero power bank, which I usually have camping anyways.
Goal Zero Yeti 500
This is what every camper who’s really going off grid for a while needs. The 500 size is a really good amount for keeping small electronics charged for a week+. I always bring mine on longer road trips and camping trips!
Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit with Stand 2.0
This was a family present a few years ago and it has been a hit! We love bringing this pit with us on all of our van trips because the smokeless factor really does make a huge difference! So much better than the fire rings at campgrounds. I also have a few friends who use this in their backyard. It’s perfect for outdoor get-togethers!
ENO DoubleNest Hammock
A hammock needs to be in every camper’s gear box. There’s nothing better than taking a nap in one of these back at camp after a long day hiking or playing in the river.
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven – 8 qt.
Dutch oven cooking is so much more fun to me than using the camp stove, and I think it’s the best way to make meals for a larger group. Your foodie camper friend will love it.
High Camp Flasks Parkside Flask 750
This is the ultimate gift for your wine and spirits loving friends! This is a magnetic flask that holds a full 750 ml bottle of wine and has 2 connected tumblers! My parents got this as a gift last Christmas and love it – so great for camping vs. bringing a glass bottle of wine!
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
The next best gift for your coffee snob friend? The Aeropress. If they love espresso but also love camping, this is the toy for them. And if they’re backpackers, they’ll probably be calling this their luxury item in their pack.
Rolla Roaster Marshmallow and Hot Dog Roasting Forks – Pair
If my BFF got me these as a gift, the next thing I’d be asking is when we’re going camping together. What says “I love you” more than the most luxury stick to roast marshmallows on?!
Teva ReEmber Camp Slip-Ons
I love these slippers. I have the original version without the adjuster strap and I’ve had them for about 5 years now and they are still nice and warm and in great shape! I bring them on all of my road trips and camping overnights – I love sliding into these at night! They’re the perfect shoe for wearing around the campfire.
Gifts for National Park Lovers
America the Beautiful Pass – 2025/2026
The best and most cost effective way to travel to our great National Parks! For only $80 you can enter any National Park, Monument, Forest, or BLM land – for an ENTIRE year! It’s one of the best deals in the world considering it can cost $35/park to visit! This pass lasts one full year, so if you buy it in November 2025, it will be good until November 30, 2026!
National Park Posters
I love these posters made in the retro format from the 1950s era! Get your friend’s favorite park for them! They have large prints, framed ones, calendars, and even smaller postcards!
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket
There’s nothing better than getting cozy in a Rumpl blanket with your favorite National Park featured on it!
National Parks Postcard Coloring Book
Crafts are making a comeback – probably because we’re so stressed out! This would be a thoughtful gift for any National Parks lover who wants to be reminded of their childhood coloring days.
National Parks Paint by Number Kit
This is such a cute present for a crafty National Parks lover or wannabe painter!
The Landmark Project 2026 National Parks Calendar
One of the best ways to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all in one for a National Parks lover!
Gifts for Road Trippers
Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45
I’m fully obsessed with this gear box. So much so that I bought two! I love that you can take the lid fully off or open it from one side like a treasure chest. It’s weather-sealed, and holds so much stuff! Perfect for staying organized on road trips with gear!
National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition
I personally love gifts that inspire, so getting an adventure-themed road atlas would probably be my favorite gift of the year!
Stanley IceFlow Straw Tumbler – 30 fl. oz.
Having an ice cold drink that fits in my cup holder is an essential part of my road tripping. I love the pail handle on this tumbler vs. the side handles on the larger ones!
Luno Seatback Organizer
I know when I’m sleeping in my car on road trips, having an organization method is soooo nice. It’s great to not have to fumble for your keys or water bottle in the middle of the night. With this, everything is where it’s supposed to be!
Gifts for Snow Bunnies
Feathered Friends Down Booties
These are the BEST cold weather companions! I bring mine on every single snow camping trip I take to keep my feet toasty. They’ve got a down inner boot and the outer layer is waterproof and has a padded and reinforced sole with adjustment bungees to keep them snug on your feet. A great investment!
Ignik Hand Warmers – Multipack
One of the best things to always have in your ski bag! You can never have too many. I always have a pair in my hiking backpack during the winter and fall as well – it’s a great emergency kit item!
Oboz Bridger 7″ Insulated Waterproof Boots – Women’s
No one likes cold feet! These high top waterproof, insulated boots will keep those toes nice and warm. Plus, they’re super cute.
Skida Fleece Bandana
I love these bandanas because they’re super easy to put on and take off, and they feel less restrictive than a neck gaiter. All while keeping your neck and chest protected from the elements and looking super cute!
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
All winter and spring hikers need these spikes if they’re hiking on icy trails. They’re crucial for safety!
Black Diamond Evac 7 Snow Shovel
It would really suck to get stuck snowed in at the ski resort or campsite. Having a snow shovel makes that worry completely disappear!
DAKINE Boot Locker – 69 L
I’ve been using this exact bag for 4 ski seasons now and it is AMAZING. It holds my boots at the bottom, and the top compartment fits my helmet, goggles, ski jacket, bibs, a fleece layer, 2 sets of gloves and a pair of socks. Basically, this baby carries everything I need for skiing at the resort except for the skis and poles themselves!
MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes
These are really tough snowshoes. I’ve had an older pair for over 7 years and they are still champs. The heel lift makes climbing hills so much easier, and the toe cup is designed to reduce pressure points on the tops of your feet vs. the strap style snowshoes. These would be an amazing upgrade for someone whose been renting or borrowing snowshoes!
North Mass Transit Ski and Snowboard Tuning Kit
Tuning and waxing your own skis and boards saves a lot of money over time! This kit is perfect for those people who love to DIY.
Gifts for Adventure Travelers
Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack
I love this travel pack. It holds SO much. I’ve used it while traveling for weddings, going camping, and just weekend road trips. The backpack straps and hip belt tuck away for when you want to use it as a duffel, and the padded laptop sleeve is perfect for when I bring my computer along.
REI Co-op Big Haul 30″ Rolling Duffel
This is my do-it-all adventure suitcase. It was my main bag in Patagonia for 3 weeks and Europe for 2 months. It has held up so well and has definitely taken a beating! The fact that it can hold most of my backpacking gear AND extra clothes is amazing. I love that I can compress the bag to stabilize the weight. Can’t recommend another duffel suitcase more!
Peak Design Small Tech Pouch
This is the PERFECT travel case for the techie in your life. I was able to fit 2 europe travel adapters, 2 wall plugs, 2 external batteries, all of my cords (~5), 2 SSDs, card reader, microfiber cloth, SD cards, and an apple pencil. And this is just the small size! It fits so well in a carry on or commuter backpack, and the internal organization is amazing. I’m obsessed!
HEST Pro Travel Pillow
This pillow has 3 different modes and packs down small enough to easily fit in your carry-on!
Cotopaxi Coso 2 L Hip Pack – Cada Dia
This is my daily bag! It holds everything I need with plenty of room to spare. I love the multiple hidden zippered pockets for keeping my wallet safe and some tiny items separated from the rest. I also feel like I can fit so much in here – a small water pouch, a stowable grocery bag, small lotion, chapstick, my phone, keys, AirPods, and more!
REI Co-op Shower Roll – Small
My favorite thing about this toiletry bag is that you can hang it on almost anything. If theres a clip or handle, you can hang it, but if a hotel room only has a bar, you can still hang it by using the closure loop. Versatility is key! I used this for my entire 2 month trip to Europe and never had an issue! It cleans up and dries quickly as well!
HydraPak 500 ml Stow Bottle
This is the ultimate travel water bottle. You can stow this ANYWHERE in your bag when you don’t have it filled with water – it’s so small, it easily fits in a purse or fanny pack too. I brought this everywhere on my recent trip to Europe, and it was nice to have something so small and flexible that got smaller as I drank water.
Gifts for Outdoor Photographers
Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip
One of the best ways for photographers to carry their cameras for quick-access. You can also use your phone with it when you have Peak Design’s phone accessories!
Peak Design Carbon Travel Tripod
One of the most expensive tripods on the market, but I love mine so much. It’s so light, and packs down so much more compact that most tripods.
Nikon Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
I love that this microfiber cloth comes with a little storage bag and clip – keeps it quick access and protected!
Hyperlite Camera Pod
My second favorite camera carrying system after the capture clip, and my #1 option for bad weather photography! I have the large size which fits a full frame Sony a7Riii camera with a 24-105 f4 lens with the lens hood on – so a pretty large set up!
Read next: I’ve backpacked thousands of miles with camera gear. Read about my current favorite outdoor camera gear.
Stocking Stuffers – Gifts Under $40
All of these gifts make excellent little stocking stuffers. Perfect for the outdoorsy acquaintance, co-worker, or Secret Santa exchanges!
Verve Instant Craft Coffee Sampler – Package of 7
Outdoor Knots – Waterproof Plastic Fan Pack
Honestly, so helpful to have a quick knot guide in your camping bin!
Sierra Stick Skincare
This is the best lip balm! Only 2 ingredients and I’ve never gotten sunburned lips when using it – pretty incredible! And a super small business based in California – completely organic and compostable!
REI Lifetime Membership
Every outdoorsy person needs an REI membership. You’re practically throwing money away if you don’t have one! You get 10% back on all of your full-priced purchases, access to used gear discounts, multiple member-only coupons throughout the gear, and discounts at the bike & ski shop – and more!
Heat It Tool – Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Healer
Plug this into your phone, and with the Heat-It app, you can zap away itchy mosquito bites! And yes, it really works!
I hope this guide helps you get the perfect gift for your outdoorsy loved one! If you have any favorites on this list, let me know in the comments below!
Read next: Check out all of my gear guides and reviews here!
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