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The Best Outdoor Gifts You Can Give (or Get!) Under $100 This Holiday

Our roundup of great outdoor gifts that are sure to put a smile on someone's face — without breaking the bank.

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The bad news is that with each passing year, your dollar buys a little less. The good news, however, is that the team at GearJunkie makes their living researching, testing, and talking with manufacturers about the latest and greatest in outdoor gear. And we have never lost sight of the value our readers place on scoring a really great deal.

So every year, when gift-giving season is upon us, we reserve a few guides to help thrifty adventurers find gear within their budget. If you haven’t already, be sure to also check out GearJunkie’s Under $25 and Under $50 gift guides.

Here, we’ve pulled together some great outdoor products that cost $100 or less. And while gear can easily run north of $300, $400, or even $500, there is actually a trove of top-notch items that will serve you (or the lucky person on your list) for years of adventure.

So pour yourself some nog and scroll through some of the best gear you can snag for under $100.

How to Use This Guide

Obviously, for every product in this guide, there are dozens of others that nearly made the list. The guide below has been influenced heavily by our in-house testing. Every item here has either been personally vetted for performance, or is a bona fide value we ourselves would gift someone for the holiday — guaranteed.

But we also wanted to provide a variety of items — after all, not everyone wants a pair of awesome, affordable sunglasses or an outstanding headlamp. So you’ll find a little bit of everything here. And if it’s not exactly the one item you want, consider clicking to the brand’s site and shopping around for something within your price range.

And finally, not everything on this list is brand-spanking new. Some gear has been on the market for years and it still stands the test of the time. In some cases, it’s even improved with trickle-down tech and minor improvements, without jumping in price. We strove to assemble a solid mix of tried and true products, as well as the latest gear we’ve tested.

And now, the list!

Top Outdoor Gear Under $100

Fenix CL28R Rechargeable Lantern

(Photo/Fenix)

High powered and versatile, the Fenix CL28R Rechargeable Lantern is a great option for keeping your camp or worksite lit up well past dusk. A powerful 2,000 max lumen output allows you to illuminate an area up to 190 feet away, so the Fenix can operate as a standalone over a wide area. A handy USB-C recharge feature keeps the Fenix shining and allows it to run for a maximum of 360 hours independent of a power source (50,000-hour total lifespan).

Perhaps the most fun: The Fenix features a color dial that allows you to change the color temperature of its discharged light — perfect for night photo sessions and changing the mood of camp.

Check Price at Fenix

Mountain Gazette Annual Subscription — $70

mountain gazette magazine
(Photo/Sean McCoy)

There are a million-and-one gadgets and doodads you can gift (keep reading for some great recommendations), but to really enjoy the culture and stories of the great outdoors, consider gifting a subscription to the new-look Mountain Gazette magazine. A staple of the outdoors over the years, the Gazette has changed hands — through good times and hard — and now has new life.

Published twice annually in spring and fall, the Mountain Gazette provides stunning photography, old-school reporting, captivating stories, all packaged in a big, satisfying magazine — which, let’s be honest, is more of a coffee table book. Packed with 160 tabloid-size pages, the gazette is a unique gift idea that will add stoke and sophistication in equal measure.

Check Price at Mountain Gazette

Nomadix National Park Puffer Blanket — $100

nomadix national parks puffer blanket
(Photo/NOMADIX)

Looking for a gift that’s both stylish and functional? Puffy blankets are all the rage because of their versatility and comfort, but the Nomadix National Parks and Monuments Puffer Blanket could also act as tasteful decor.

This 74×55-inch blanket has all the aspects of a great cool-weather camp companion — synthetic insulation, recycled materials, snaps and anchor points, and durable construction. But it also carries a distinctive artistic flare, showcasing U.S. national parks and monuments, each highlighted with a distinctive icon, representative of the site’s character. Plus, this Nomadix Puffer Blanket is one of the few you can snag for under $100.

Check Price at REI

Solo Stove Mesa XL Fire Pit

(Photo/Solo Stove)

A tabletop fire pit puts an emphasis on portability. It still delivers the vibes of a campfire with a heat radius of a few feet and room to roast marshmallows.

The Solo Stove Mesa XL Fire Pit is made with 304 stainless steel ceramic materials and comes with a nylon carry bag for moving from the backyard to the tailgate to the campsite. It can burn firewood up to 7 inches long or up to 1,000 g of pellets with a burn time of 45-60 minutes.

The Mesa Stand keeps the heat off of tabletops and helps the pit get the airflow needed for a smokeless fire.

Check Price at Public Lands

The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules V — $59

The North Face ThermoMule V slippers

If anyone on your list doesn’t have a pair of puffy slippers, believe me, they want a pair. Camp slippers offer everything you love about slippers — cozy, warm, simple — and add a couple outdoor-specific feature upgrades. Synthetic fill provides all-weather warmth, DWR protection, and a grippy outsole tread.

And The North Face ThermoMules V mark the latest iteration of one the most popular and highly rated options in the category. And the price is definitely right — you could even get a second pair for yourself and still spend just a bit over $100.

Check Price at The North Face Check Price at REI

Opinel Cooking Kit — $89

picnic cutting board with opinel knives
(Photo/Opinel)

In truth, any Opinel knife makes a great gift. But if your budget is $100, you could gift an entire Opinel Cooking Kit! The 5-piece makes for a terrific camp kitchen companion, and includes a cutting board, No. 6 peeler, No. 10 corkscrew and bottle opener, and No. 12 serrated knife. Use the implements together, or just bring what you need. Opinel cutlery is a welcome gift for any outdoorsy friend.

Check Price at Opinel Check Price at Amazon

America the Beautiful Pass — $80

america the beautiful pass

Maybe the most value you can get for $100, the America the Beautiful Pass is as close to priceless as you’ll get. With this pass, that lucky someone on your list is only limited by their sense of adventure (and vacation days). This pass offers full access for the cardholder and anyone lucky enough to ride in their car — and is accepted at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Plus, when you buy at REI, the co-op will donate 10% of proceeds to organizations devoted to the outdoors.

Check Price at REI

Pit Viper Sunglasses: The Spine Tingler Slammer

Pit Viper Slammer sunglesses
(Photo/Pit Viper)

As the name implies, The Slammer sunglasses are made to withstand some of your failed attempts while pushing your limits. That durability comes in a smaller frame than the brand’s others, with compact lenses that sit back closer to your eyes to keep out wind and debris. The 1.8mm polycarbonate lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection with an anti-fog treatment. Though smaller, the nose and ear pieces still get rubberized grips.

Check Price at Pit Viper (U.S.)Check Price at Pit Viper (Canada)

Club Ride Spoke Denim — $70-88

person standing over bike in autumn
(Photo/Kendra Smith)

Denim jeans have been a performance pant since they were first invented. But the hard-wearing rigors of 19th-century frontier life have evolved to include the quick-drying, stretchy comfort of modern performance apparel. And Club Ride Spoke Denim offers all of that, plus some clever design hits just for cyclists.

Ankle cuffs reveal a reflective stripe, paneled knees, and all-way stretch combine for smooth movement; the double-layered seat adds durability; and a secret zippered pocket accompanies the standard five-pocket setup to provide secure, on-the-go storage. Plus, the total package is both rugged and stylish enough to work just about anywhere you get off the saddle.

Check Price at Club Ride

Leatherman FREE K2X — $90

leatherman free k2x knife

You may have thought the only Leatherman you could gift under $100 would be entry level or small in size. But you can actually get Leatherman’s latest technology (the magnetic FREE platform) with a respectable 3.3-inch, combo serrated blade — plus seven other tools!

The K series is the perhaps the truest pocket-knife offering from among Leatherman’s multitool offerings. Almost every member of the GearJunkie team has tried (and loved) the brand’s FREE platform, which allows for true, easy one-handed operation. For anyone who wants a high-quality, trusty multitool — or a dependable pocket knife — the FREE K2X is a surefire winner!

Check Price at Blade HQ Check Price at Leatherman

TravelNest + Straps Combo — $55

woman reading in a hammock between two trees
(Photo/ENO)

Anyone who doesn’t have their own camp hammock would love one as a gift. But even folks who do have a hammock already might appreciate the simplicity and packability of the ENO TravelNest. Not to mention, their old, musty hammock may be ready for retirement.

The TravelNest comes with two simple straps — wrap ’em around some trees, clip the attached carabiner on either end to a loop, and you’re good to go! The TravelNest has all the breathable, quick-drying fabric, packable fabric, and tough, 400-pound load capacity of modern camp hammocks. But it also comes with a pair of simple-adjustment, tree-friendly straps and carabiners — making it one of the most portable and easy-to-use hammocks we’ve tried.

Check Price at REI Check Price at ENO

High Camp Firelight — $89

If the special person on your list would appreciate something that’s as dignified as it is outdoorsy, spend some time looking at High Camp. Flasks have long been a camping staple, but High Camp added a dash of fancy and a double dash of convenience. Its hallmark product, the Firelight Flask, is sharp-looking, easy to use, and a fun bring.

Entirely plastic-free stainless steel, the Firelight comes in four attractive color options and provides funnel-free filling. And a clever magnetic tumbler completes the package. At 375 mL, the Firelight can hold half of a bottle of wine or liquor. (But if you can spend a little extra, check out the $125 Parkside Flask for a full-bottle option.)

Check Price at High Camp

Chirp Wheel+ 3-Pack

Perfect for rolling out those sore muscles and problem areas, the Chirp Wheel+ 3-Pack is designed to bring wellness to your living space. The three-pack includes 4-inch, 6-inch, and 10-inch models that isolate key trigger points, fascia, and knotted muscle groups for at-home relief. Thick cushioning prevents undue pain, and the Chirp Wheel’s Spinal Canal keeps acute pressure off of your spinal column.

Check Price at Chirp

The Landmark Project Gear — $10-68

man laughing at campsite with smokey bear shirt
(Photo/Adam Ruggiero)

While truly technical apparel may be tough to find for under $100, The Landmark Project has a ton of cozy and stylish staples you can wear anywhere — and it benefits some great causes. In addition to being a 1% for the Planet company, The Landmark Project donates 10% of all proceeds from sales of the Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, and Ranger Rick conservation organizations. And the brand helps support Leave No Trace and National Forest Foundation efforts.

And if that’s not enough, the designs are a hoot! Shop a collection of fun, stylish, and retro designs on socks, sweatshirts, ball caps, posters, and more. Plus, more than 95% of The Landmark Project apparel supports the Better Cotton Initiative, and uses recycled polyester and organic cotton. Check out all the gear to find the perfect fit!

Check Price at The Landmark Project

Tifosi Rail Sunglasses — $80

man in bike helmet wearing sunglasses
(Photo/Tifosi)

Hands down the best cycling and running sunglasses for the money, Tifosi sure doesn’t look like a value brand. That’s because the $80 Rail sunglasses, available in photochromic, tint-adaptive lenses, and solid-tint options, offer up virtually frameless construction and performance equal to competitors more than twice the price.

Despite the price, the Rail has lightweight Grilamid nylon frames, nonslip, adjustable rubber pads on the arms and nose, and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses.

Check Price at Tifosi

COAST FL85R Headlamp — $70

Coast FL85R
(Photo/Coast Portland)

For the money, COAST packs a lot of utility and convenience into its FL85R headlamp. Sure, headlamps are a dime a dozen, and there’s not shortage of options — super-high lumens, low-profile fit, a variety of colors — the list goes on.

But COAST is perhaps the easiest to use — one button red, one button white — it’s user-friendly even with thick gloves. And while rechargeable, it’s also compatible with alkaline batteries if you find yourself in a pinch for power. The FL85R has a multifocus beam with low, medium, and high modes — topping out at 1,250 lumens.

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at COAST

Matador Laptop Base Layer — $60

person typing on laptop outside on grey day with Matador laptop base layer in foreground
(Photo/Matador)

Like a pair of great socks, you might not wow somebody when they first tear away all the wrapping paper on the Matador Laptop Base Layer. But be patient, this $60 padded, waterproof laptop sleeve will become a daily lifesaver over time. It’s simple and wonderfully designed for the on-the-go and travel-happy professional.

The Laptop Base Layer fits in any pack a laptop would fit. Its stretchy mesh pocket will accommodate more cords and other peripherals than you might think. And the roll-top and Velcro closure is both secure and will protect your investment from water, dust, and the jostling and jouncing of regular travel. Whether you’re gifting to a daily bike commuter or weekly airline traveler, the Laptop Base Layer will become an invaluable part of their kit.

Check Price at Matador

REI Big Haul 28 Duffel — $90

REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Duffel
(Photo/REI)

There’s a good chance that as long as REI continues to make the Long Haul Duffel, we’ll keep adding it to our gift guides. This tough-as-nails, 28L duffel makes for the perfect-size “go bag.” Toss in your key camp staples — some dehydrated meals, dinnerware, lanterns, knives and saws, headlamp, dry bags, first-aid kit, virtually all the basics — shove it in your car, and go!

The Long Haul Duffel stands up to the elements, has burly zippers, handles on all sides for carry and transport, and a removable shoulder sleeve. The ballistic nylon bottom is tough enough for tosses and tumbles outdoors, and a host of daisy chain lash points allow to strap this down — or add a few accessories to the exterior. Quite simply, it’s an awesome, rugged outdoor carryall.

Check Price at REI

Nite Ize Cam Jam XT Aluminum Rope Tightener — $11-20

nite-ize-camjam-fixed-rope
(Photo/Nite Ize)

Maybe you’re wondering why an $11 tie-down is in a guide for gifts up to $100. Quite simply, you can’t have too many CamJams. Nite Ize makes a wide array of these nifty cord and strap tie-downs.

They take many different forms, each with its own ingenious engineering, but the CamJam XT is a particular favorite, as it can secure loads in your car, and then be a line for hanging lights or drying clothes, or even serve as a guyline tensioner for your tent. And trust me, if you can use one, you can find a use for several!

The CamJam XT has a carabiner hook you secure to a fixed loop — daisy chain webbing, rainfly, or the end of the line itself — with a slip-action cam at the bottom. Feed the standing end of your line through the slot and pull to lock it in. Securing and tightening a line has never been easier. For a simple gift with a million-and-one uses, the CamJam XT is it!

Check Price at REI Check Price at Nite Ize

Why You Should Trust Us

Ultimately, gift-giving should be personal and thoughtful — that’s up to you. But if you know the person on your list needs something outdoorsy and just need some inspiration and ideas, that’s where we come in!

GearJunkie alone has a staff of more than a half-dozen daily editors, and another team of Best Of testers and editors. Combined, we test hundreds of products over thousands of hours each year. Not everything we test makes it to print, either. We filter out only the best, top-performing gear for any given activity or user. From knives and watches, to bikes and helmets, tents and sleeping bags, rifles and bows, and even big, fancy pickup trucks.

Our team has first-hand experience with all the products we recommend. Take this guide at face value, or use it to brainstorm something that’s truly the perfect fit. After all, anything that gets folks outdoors and enjoying adventure is a great gift!


Looking for more great gift ideas? Check these out!

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