Our team of gear experts scoured REI for (affordable) product picks and gift ideas. Each item here costs $40 or less and should bring a smile to any gear junkie on your list.
From organic power-snacks to packable camp lighting, you’re sure to find something for the camper, hiker, traveler, or adventurer here. Gear up and get ready for a jolly holiday season ahead.
Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves: $40
Give the gift of warmth. These gloves are a fan-favorite, and the wool-polyester blend manages to keep hands toasty without overheating. Silicone prints on the fingertips provide extra grip and touch screen compatibility.
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack: $40
Like two gifts in one, this backpack converts into a stuff sack when turned inside-out. Lightweight, yet strong, it’s a great choice for day hikes, commuting across town, or quick jaunts from basecamp. You can never have too many backpacks, especially when they’re as packable as this one.
Shop NowHoney Stinger Organic Energy Chews: $2.30
Mega-runner Courtney Dauwalter favored these pink lemonade chews while crushing the competition in the Moab 240 ultra race. They’re tasty, organic, and provide 100% of your daily vitamin C. The perfect outdoorsy snack and holiday stocking stuffer.
Shop NowSealLine Discovery Dry Bag: $30
There’s nothing worse than soaking-wet clothes, except perhaps the annoyance of being unable to find gear in the abyss of a dry bag. The SealLine Discovery bag solves both of these problems. Welded seams provide strength and waterproofing, while the translucent materials and color-coded bottoms allow you stay organized.
Shop NowBlackburn Bike Lite Set: $35
Keep your loved ones safe with this bike light set. They easily attach with silicone mounts and can be recharged again and again via a micro-USB cable. And with 60 lumens in the front and 20 lumens in the rear, they provide plenty of light for those after-hours, pedal-powered adventures.
Shop NowNite Ize FreeMount Vent Kit: $40
A great option for anyone who travels regularly, this phone kit easily attaches to your car vent. Compatible with just about any phone on the market, the FreeMount Vent Kit keeps drivers organized.
Shop NowprAna Tote Mat Holder: $20
Keep the yogi in your life feeling zen with this mat holder from prAna. The padded shoulder strap makes for comfortable carrying and can even double as a yoga strap during vinyasa. Useful, pretty, and one-size-fits-all, it’s a great gift if we ever saw one.
Shop NowRuffwear Quencher Dog Bowl: $15
Your furry friend needs to stay hydrated on the trail, and this bowl is a space-saving wonder. It easily folds up to fit in a pocket or bag and then unfolds to hold plenty of food or water. Keep your pooch happy and fill his stocking with useful Ruffwear gear.
Shop NowPetzl Tikka Headlamp: $30
An extra headlamp is always handy. Especially when it’s as awesome and affordable as the Tikka. Offering up 200 lumens, this LED headlamp is comfortable, has a red light setting, and can even withstand use in the rain. We especially like how simple the buttons are to use.
Shop NowSea to Summit Wilderness Wipes: $5
Whether camping, traveling, or living the van life, sometimes you need to freshen up between showers. And that’s where these wipes come in handy. The thick, viscose fiber stands up to hardy use, and they manage to clean without leaving behind a soapy film or scent. Stay fresh no matter the situation.
Shop NowTrigger Point Foam Roller: $40
There’s nothing like a good foam roller to ease tension and soothe tired muscles. A great choice for both serious athletes and casual weekend warriors, this roller provides just the right amount of pressure and support.
Shop NowMetolius Refillable Super Chalk Sock: $4.50 and
Black Diamond White Gold Chalk: $11
Seasoned and beginning climbers will appreciate the gift of quality chalk and the oh-so-useful Chalk Sock. The Sock is reusable and cuts down on clouds of chalk dust. The White Gold chalk is a climber favorite and keeps hands dry during long climbs and grippy during critical moves.
Sunday Afternoons Stellar Beanie: $34
Skip the trouble of needing to know a size and grab one of these useful, snug-fitting beanies. This reversible merino-wool-blend hat offers plenty of warmth, comfort, and style. Best of all, the stars glow in the dark!
Shop NowPackTowl Personal Towel: $40
The ultimate camp towel, these pack up small, dry fast, and absorb more than four times their weight in water. And between the fast-drying materials and special antimicrobial treatment, you can use it over and over without any funky, musty, unpleasant odors. A must-have for campers, backpackers, beach-goers, and travelers.
Shop NowGranger’s Clothing Care Kit: $20
Keep your performance gear working hard with this cleaning kit from Granger’s. The Performance Wash eliminates odors and build-up, and the Active Wash does an impressively great job removing stuck-in sweat smells from workout gear. And to bring new life to waterproof gear, there’s the Performance Repel. A great choice for winter clothing, technical gear (including Gore-Tex), and outerwear.
Shop NowAmphipod Xinglet Running Reflector: $30
Help nighttime runners, cyclists, and walkers stay visible with the low-profile Xinglet. The straps are adjustable for ultimate comfort, and it provides 360-degree reflective coverage.
Shop NowBioLite SiteLight Mini LED String Lights: $20
These ultra-portable string lights are perfect for camping, backpacking, and van living. At just 2.8 ounces they won’t weigh you down, and the 150 lumens from each light will prove plenty bright. And you can string up to eight SiteLight products together for the ultimate camp lighting.
Shop NowLooking for more gift ideas? Check this out: