Give gifts that enhance the outdoors experience and relish the fact that your loved one will carry your gift along on great adventures.
All items listed here are things we’ve personally tested or brands that we love. From buckskin-lined gloves to camp lighting, we’ve got you covered.
Black Diamond Solution Harness — Men’s & Women’s: $70
Slender, lightweight, and super inexpensive: Black Diamond’s Solution harness offers a whole lot of bang for not a lot of buck. We tested this harness and were impressed with its comfort, construction, and value. It’s a great choice for logging hours at the gym this winter or as an all-around go-to harness.
Rumpl x Helinox Chair One: $100
What happens when two rad brands team up? A beautiful and functional chair. We’ve tested this thing camping, porch lounging, and snuggled up by the fireplace. It offers maximum comfort and visual appeal in a small package.
Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket — Women’s & Men’s: $575
There’s a reason the do-all Beta AR jacket has built a cult following. Lightweight and packable, it easily fits in a daypack. And it somehow manages to be both waterproof and breathable. Whether hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, or running errands around town, this jacket will keep you warm, dry, and happy.
Lander Cairn XL Smart Lantern + Powerbank: $100
Whether camping, paddling, or late-night barbecuing, this lantern will keep the adventure lit. With 350 lumens and an array of color-changing options, there’s a setting to suit your every need. And as a bonus, it can also be used to charge your other devices.
Hydro Flask Coffee Mug: $30
Keep that java steamy with an insulated mug. The lid keeps spills to a minimum, and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for six hours and cold for 24 hours.
Kammok Roo Hammock: $69
Kammok’s Roo Hammock ran a highly successful Kickstarter, amassing a whopping $200,000 back in 2011. We’ve relaxed in one ourselves and can vouch for its lightweight yet sturdy construction.
YETI Hopper BackFlip 24: $300
The YETI BackFlip pairs high-quality cooler tech with the hands-free convenience of a backpack. It ranked as one of our favorite coolers in testing. As our editor explained, “It excels at delivering a compact package and proved one of the comfier models we tested. The shoulder straps are wide, and it comes with an optional hip belt.”
Fiskars 14″ Hatchet: $21
At less than $30, the Fiskars Hatchet is a reliable tool for the outdoors. As our tester noted, “The Fiskars 14 proved immediately and eminently capable, splitting medium-sized chunks of wood with ease. The blade bit deep and hard, and the handle did an excellent job of absorbing any recoil.”
Cotopaxi Teca Windbreaker: $80
This unisex jacket is a packable must-have. It won’t take up much room in your pack while offering full hooded protection when you need it. Great for hiking, biking, and all manner of adventure travel.
KEEN Targhee III Mid Hiking Boot — Men’s & Women’s: $145
An update of the iconic hiking boot, the Targhee III is built for adventure. KEEN’s “metatomical” footbed design provided top-notch arch support and foot-cradling comfort. Our tester noted, “The number one thing I can say about these boots is they’re darn comfortable for being sturdy, pack-supporting, mid-calf hiking boots.”
Bern Allston Bike Helmet: $80
A good helmet is a must-have for anyone who spends time atop a two-wheeled steed. Bern’s Allston offers burly protection, cool styling, and plenty of ventilation.
Kaenon Clarke Sunglasses: $179
We test a lot of sunglasses, and these are among the best. The high-quality polarized lenses are a dream, and the stylish frames easily transition from mountain missions to big city adventures.
Big Agnes Manzanares HV Sl 2 mtnGLO Tent: $350
This tent packs light, pitches quickly, and withstands heavy use and variable weather. And with the integrated string lights, you don’t have to worry about fumbling to find a headlamp. We’ve tested this tent for more than 250 nights and found it durable, comfortable, and easy to use.
Helle Wabakimi Knife: $199
Everyone needs a good knife. Choose one from Helle, and you’ll have a gift that lasts a lifetime and can be passed on for generations to come. It fits nicely in the hand, maintains a sharp edge, and comes with a well-made leather sheath.
Mountainsmith Frostbite Cooler Backpack: $56
Known for its iconic waist packs, Mountainsmith is mixing it up with this new release. One part cooler and one part backpack, we like using it at the beach, packing snacks into the campsite, or for a day on the river. Pack dry goods into the top and zip whatever you please into the insulated cooler bottom.
Hyperice Vyper Vibrating Roller: $199
Roll out sore muscles and get ready for the next adventure with this super-charged roller. Choose from one of the three intensity levels and start rolling. It’s a great way to end a strenuous day in the mountains.
Fugoo Tough Speaker: $95
Add more tunes to your life. We tested this beast of a speaker and were majorly impressed with its rugged durability and high-quality sound. With a playtime of 40 hours and waterproof construction, you can keep the party rocking all weekend long.
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Backcountry Matilda (W) & Spruces Long Underwear (M): $100
Whether snowshoeing in the backcountry or relaxing around the campfire, these make great base layers. Made from a wool-nylon blend, these bottoms are soft, naturally odor resistant, and comfortable. We particularly like that the flat waistband doesn’t dig into your sides.
Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream: $48
Just because you spend all day outside doesn’t mean you need to look like it. Give your skin a break with this moisturizing cream. Free from harsh chemicals, the special guy or gal in your life can happily slather it on worry-free.
Velomacchi Waterproof Hybrid Duffle Bag: $195
Known for making high-quality motorcycle gear, Velomacchi is an excellent choice for any adventure. This well-made 50L bag can be carried as a backpack or duffle, is watertight, and is hydration sleeve compatible. We’ve used it for months and are impressed with its burly construction and classic good looks.
Direct Alpine Alpha (M) & Bora (W) Jackets: $220
Built for mountain adventures, these high-tech jackets pack down small while delivering plenty of warmth and wind resistance. With breathable side panels and reduced insulation, they’re excellent for cold-weather running, hiking, or biking.
Petzl Bindi: $60
The Petzl Bindi is an ultralight companion for urban adventures, use in moderate terrain, and as a just-in-case EDC headlamp. As our tester concluded, “It’s perfect for EDC use, and the tiny size and minimal weight make the Bindi an excellent headlamp for kids!”
Want more gift ideas? Check out our roundup of 20 under $20:
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