You might think your backcountry-loving friend has everything they need for their adventures—but even experienced campers and hikers can appreciate new additions to their gear stash. Here are 20 gift ideas for people who love the wilderness (or even just the idea of wilderness):
1. National Parks Pass
An annual pass to the national parks is a gift that keeps on giving! This pass not only provides access to all 61 national parks, but to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Perfect for any wilderness-lover looking to choose-their-own adventure.
2. Filter Water Bottle
In the backcountry and on the trail, clean drinking water isn’t a guarantee. This BPA-free bottle from LifeStraw is a water-filtration system and on-the-go water bottle in one. Its 2-stage filtration system removes harmful bacteria and protozoa and also reduces any unpleasant taste or odor. Available in 15 colors.
3. Hiking Socks
Next to boots, few things are more important to a hiker than durable, comfortable socks. Darn Tough socks live up to their name—and are still made in the USA. Try this style for men and this style for women.
4. Backpacking Stove Kit
This stove kit from MSR includes almost everything two hikers will need to cook on the trail. (Fuel canister and food sold separately.) The kit includes: MSR’s PocketRocket Stove, 2-liter aluminum pot, 2 bowls, 2 double-walled insulated mugs, strainer lid, and two folding sporks. All the kit components fit neatly in the cooking pot for easy packing.
5. Pourover Coffee Maker
The GSI Outdoors JavaDrip—available in our Camperville store—is an ideal coffee maker for backpackers. It not only makes a great cup of coffee, it folds flat and weighs just 4.8 ounces.
6. Nalgene Travel Bottles
This 8-piece bottle set from Nalgene has a variety of uses. The bottles’ compact sizes are great for bringing cooking oils and other ingredients on backpacking trips. They can also be used for personal products like shampoo or lotions.
7. Phone & Camera Tripod
For some people, documenting adventures has now become a part of having them. This use-practically-anywhere tripod will help them do just that. It works with smart phones and some cameras including GoPros. Because of its flexible legs, the tripod can be used as a standard tripod or be attached to the nearest tree branch, pole, or other stationary object.
8. Portable Charger
A small, lightweight phone charger is great to have on hand for short backpacking or camping trips. The Anker PowerCore will provide 2-3 full charges depending on the phone. Comes with charger, micro USB cord, and travel pouch.
9. Wilderness Essays by John Muir
This modern edition of Wilderness Essays is a good introduction to the writings of famed naturalist John Muir and covers the time he spent in Alaska, Oregon, Yellowstone, and the High Sierra. His wilderness observations and calls for preservation are as relevant today as when the essays were first written.
10. Braving It by James Campbell
Part wilderness adventure, part memoir, this book chronicles a father and daughter’s experiences in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. On their first visit, James and Aidan Campbell help an off-the-grid relative build a new homestead. Later, they return for one last trip before Aidan leaves home for college—and face their share of wilderness adventure along the way.
11. Women Who Hike: Walking with America’s Most Inspiring Adventurers by Heather Balogh Rochfort
This book helps readers follow in the footsteps (literally!) of twenty women adventurers. Each profile describes the subject’s favorite hike, personal challenges, and accomplishments. The book also includes basic tips for hitting the trail—especially helpful for beginner hikers.
12. The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs by Tristan Gooley
Author Tristan Gooley is a pioneer in natural navigation—using elements of the natural world to navigate rather than relying on GPS. In this book, he provides more than 850 tips for using stars, clouds, plants, and more to predict weather, track wildlife, and navigate.
13. Weatherproof Journal
Rite in the Rain’s product line is meant to stand up to the wet and dirt of the wilderness. Its softcover notebook is perfect for throwing in a backpack and its specially-designed paper will repel water, grease, dirt—and pretty much anything else.
14. Weatherproof Pen
What do you use to write in a weatherproof journal? A weatherproof pen. The Stowaway writes at any angle, at nearly any temperature, and underwater! In other words, it can handle the elements.
15. Backpacking Chair
Extreme backpackers often don’t bother with chairs but most campers will appreciate a place to sit after a day on their feet. This packable chair is fairly lightweight (under 2 pounds) and comes with a handy carrying case.
16. Lightweight Hammock
A hammock is a guarantee there will always be a place to sit—or lay down—at camp. There are many similar hammocks on the market but this double-sized model from Kammok Roo is especially lightweight (just 23 ounces) and folds down to a small size.
17. Rain Jacket
Few things make a wilderness adventure more comfortable than dependable rain gear. Staying dry can also go a long way in preventing hypothermia. A packable, hooded rain jacket is a backpacking must-have. Try these options from Columbia for both men and women.
18. Sun Tripper Hat
An all-purpose hat is an important accessory on the trail. This style from Sun Tripper offers SPF 50+ protection, is water-repellent, and has a clamshell-style brim so it can be folded up for easy packing. It also has side vents and a drawstring for a perfect fit. Available in two sizes and ten colors.
19. Hiker Patches
Help the adventurer in your life show their love for the trail with decorative iron-on patches. Take your pick: The Mountains Are Calling, Leave the Road Take the Trail, or My Gym Is Nature.
20. Safety Gadget
Today there are plenty of options for staying safe outdoors including high-tech and low-tech gadgets. This Six-Function Whistle from Coghlan might seem old-school but it includes six helpful features: safety whistle, LED light, magnifier, compass, two-scale thermometer, and signal mirror. Plus, it comes with a clip that you can easily attach to a backpack, jacket, or keychain.
