We’re not alone in thinking that some of the best gifts we’ve ever received have been under 50 bucks. And no matter the price tag, usually, their value is much greater — maybe in sentimental value, artistic craft, thoughtfulness, or the best kind of gift, the one you’d never think to gift to yourself.
We can’t possibly recommend every piece of gear under the sun that’s $50, but hopefully, this list will give you some great starting ideas. Maybe a quirky, limited-edition item from the recipient’s favorite brand, maybe something small and packable that they can take with them on all their upcoming adventures.
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite gift ideas for items under $50. And, a few other goldmine gear gift ideas for the camping expert, the hiking aficionado, the EDC obsessive, and more.
Outdoor Gifts Under $50
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack: $40
A favorite of day hikers and spontaneous adventurers, the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack is designed to carry the essentials without weighing you down. But this lightweight, affordable pack doesn’t skimp on functional features.
The hydration-compatible design includes an internal sleeve with a hang loop to secure a reservoir and a hose exit port for easy on-the-go water access. Meanwhile, two additional interior pockets and a zippered side pouch help keep everything else organized.
Customize the pack based on each use case with a removable waist belt and a sternum strap that can reduce the overall weight from 9.5 ounces to 7.7 ounces for an ultralight carry. Plus, the padded back panel slides out and doubles as a sit pad to save even more weight.
Unexpected weather is never a problem for the Flash 18 Pack, thanks to recycled ripstop nylon fabric with a non-fluorinated DWR and weather flap under the single-handed, quick-pull drawcord closure that keeps everything inside safe and dry. If you need to carry a few extras, exterior loops make it easy to lash on extra gear. Or, when a bigger adventure warrants a larger pack, the Flash 18 converts to a stuff sack when you turn it inside out.
Shop NowBioLite HeadLamp 325: $50
This lightweight (50g) headlamp made our best headlamps list because of its comfort. That comes from the slim, no-bounce fit and lack of battery, as it recharges via micro-USB. It’s great for car camping, day hikes, and even running.
As you might guess, it produces 325 lumens with runtimes of 3 hours on high and 40 hours on low. Its four lighting modes include red and white options.
Shop NowNomadix Original Towel: $40
We stash a Nomadix Towel in our car for unplanned stops on adventurous weekends. Roll it out on the sand or grass to create a temporary spot in nature to lounge, picnic, or work out.
Made from post-consumer recycled plastics, these towels are durable, don’t hold sand, and retain their shape after multiple washes. The towel fabric dries fast, resists slipping, and is extra-absorbent. An antimicrobial treatment helps it ward off odor-causing bacteria.
We stash a Nomadix Towel in our car for unplanned stops on adventurous weekends.
Shop NowBlackStrap Hood Balaclava: $38
Made with performance in mind, the BlackStrap Hood Balaclava balances warmth and breathability for the ultimate protection from the elements. The design has moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and freeze-resistant fabric that minimizes chafing and delivers a comfortable next-to-skin feel, even with all-day wear.
Whatever the weather, the Hooded Balaclava has you covered with a wind-rated PERFA lining to minimize windburn and a UPF 50+ rating to protect against the sun. The one-size-fits-most design works for most adults, thanks to the four-way stretch material. Choose from more than 20 colors to match every style.
Shop NowSmartwool Ski Compression Print Over the Calf Socks: $45
Known for durable designs and precision fit, Smartwool consistently produces top-quality socks for skiers of all levels. The brand is taking performance to the next level with the Smartwool Ski Compression Print Over the Calf Socks. This new-to-market, innovative design builds on the classic Smartwool ski sock but introduces 20-30mm Hg of graduated compression for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit.
Body-mapped mesh zones balance warmth with breathability, while targeted cushioning adds extra comfort in high-impact areas. The result: comfortable, all-day wear whether you’re cruising groomers or exploring off-piste. Made with Indestructa Wool Technology, these durable socks stand up to long seasons of back-to-back days on the snow.
Shop NowHydro Flask Mug — 12 oz.: $28
At this point, we all know about vacuum-sealed, double-walled drinkware: Cold stays cold, and hot stays hot longer. The easy-slide cap is neither leakproof nor spillproof, yet it adds to the mug’s insulation and keeps out dust and bugs.
When the dust settles, this 12-ounce mug stands out for its comfortable handle and modest size that doesn’t take up too much room on your kitchen table or work desk.
And while we normally don’t weigh in on color choices, whoever receives it will be looking at it for years (stainless steel lasts a long time). Luckily, Hydro Flask has a nice array of color choices and some new patterns this year.
Shop REI Shop BackcountryPAKA Underwear — Men’s & Women’s: $38 & $26
Unlike a tie, nobody will be upset to receive premium underwear. The mix of Tencel and royal alpaca wool delivers thermoregulation and naturally wards off odor-causing bacteria, making these great for backpacking and travel. The alpaca wool is extra soft and cozy against the skin, too.
Shop Men’s Shop Women’sOZERO Welding Mitts: $21
Not shopping for a welder? Keep reading.
Managing the fire pit at your favorite campsite or backyard gathering is never out of reach with these welding mitts. Have no fear; we’ve tested and stand by these exact gloves, and you are safe to reach in and handle embers or burning wood.
Everyone loves a roaring fire, but there’s a dedicated few that oversee the dying fire and make sure the last logs burn down before drowning it out. These welding mitts are far less clunky than even fireplace tools and usually end up as a conversation piece, too.
Shop NowYETI Flask: $50
Add a little extra fun to every adventure with the YETI Flask. Constructed from single-wall, 18/8 stainless steel, this overengineered flask is puncture-proof, rust-resistant, and ready to tag along on any rugged outdoor activity. At 5.3 inches by 3.4 inches, the flask can hold up to 7 fluid ounces and comes with a funnel for mess-free pouring.
The leakproof design lets you confidently stow the flask in a backpack or coat pocket without worry. Choose classic stainless steel or one of five fun DuraCoat colors that won’t peel or crack. Then, customize the design for a personal touch. Like all YETI products, the flask comes with a 5-year warranty.
Shop NowIbex Shak Beanie: $50
Look, I love hats. And when it’s winter, I especially love beanies. But is it hard to justify dropping 50 bucks on one? Sure. So it’s a gift most people would never give themselves but would love to receive. The Ibex Shak is made with quality merino wool, super-soft and super-stretchy knit, and is worthy of boxing up.
We’re plugging the Ibex Shak Beanie specifically since it’s so versatile: anyone who likes skiing, mountain hiking, cool-weather hiking, running, fishing, and more will like this hat. There is one downside, though: limited colors.
Shop NowFlipFuel Backpacking Fuel Transfer Device: $30
Quit carrying and storing all of those partially full fuel canisters you’ve collected. Our review highlighted how FlipFuel makes it possible to easily (and safely) transfer isobutane or N-butane fuel from one partially used canister into another with just a twist of a knob.
The FlipFuel is small, which makes it easy to pack and relatively cheap at just $30. If a backpacker has one of these nifty gadgets, it will get used. It consolidates fuel weight between canisters — solving a universal problem among people who use camp stoves.
Shop NowAeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press: $50
Get everything you need to make coffeehouse-quality coffee (except for the beans) on the go or in the backcountry with this AeroPress coffee set ($50). AeroPress coffee is deceptively simple, produces exceptional flavor, and it’s fun to do!
This is a fun gift for coffee lovers — yes, even coffee lovers with their preferred method dialed down. Several editors swear by this setup, from the office to the hotel to the campsite, for good reason.
The mini coffee press can make hot coffee in just 1 minute. It comes with 350 paper microfilters, and everything packs into the cup for easy portability. Bonus: if you’ve got wiggle room in the budget, toss in a half-pound bag of fresh whole bean or ground coffee to go the extra mile.
Shop NowTriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller: $35
The TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller is one of the more popular ones out there, and for good reason: It’s reasonable, comes in an array of sizes, and has a varying multidensity foam surface to help you work out any post-activity kinks.
The TriggerPoint GRID ($35) is a hollow core roller whose surface offers varying compression levels. It’s made to help release muscle pain and tightness, improve mobility, increase circulation, and more. Plus, it’s a great gift for nearly anyone with an active lifestyle.
Check Price at REICliffset Starter Pack: $22
Camp with a little extra peace of mind. Cliffset makes stainless steel cutlery with a bespoke cleaning solution. Don’t just wet it and wipe it; use Cliffset’s mixture of food-grade alcohol, water, and lemon oil to remove food matter. The set also has a special cleaning tool for scraping stubborn bits off your utensils.
Shop NowWhy Trust Us
As gear nerds, we get excited about ultralight and miniature products (things like camp lights and this mini Benchmade). But few on our holiday shopping lists are as gear-obsessed, and this list is written with that in mind. For the most part, the list is full of outdoor gear that gets a lot of use around the home and on casual outings, not just car camping.
Beyond regularly testing and reviewing gear for the site, our editors and contributors monitor how our friends and family use gear. From time-tested essentials like a headlamp to the admittedly quirky welding mitts, this list includes gear we regularly use and appreciate (but don’t all warrant a full review).
These gear picks prove that shopping on a budget, as most of us do, doesn’t mean skimping on quality or usefulness. If nothing in this guide jumps out at you, check out our other holiday gift guides for more inspiration.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our other gift guides.
