Gift guide: outdoor and camping gear
Depending on one's whims, getting outside and camping might necessitate a lot of different things — lightweight sleeping pads to, organized duffels to schlep your gear, footwear to tackle the terrain with superb traction, and perhaps a wee bit of craft whiskey. What better time to make sure outdoorsy folks are well prepared for their next outdoor adventure than the holidays? We know the outdoors are more popular than ever, so here’s a curated list of outstanding items of all price ranges for camping enthusiasts everywhere.
Our favorite outdoor gear gifts
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Kit
Sized for two but light enough for one, the kit comes equipped with MSR’s pressure-regulated, fast-boiling PocketRocket® Deluxe stove that perfectly nests in the kit’s ultra-compact Trail Mini™ Duo Cook Set. Ultralight backpackers and minimalist bikepackers alike will appreciate the stove’s push-start ignition, consistently fast boil times (even when fuel and temperatures are low), and broad burner for more versatile cooking and simmering. The 1.2 L pot is the ideal capacity for boiling water for two pouch meals or cups of coffee, while the included bowl adds a second eating/drinking vessel for sharing with a trail partner.
MSRP: $139.95
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Gregory Alpaca Duffel
The Alpaca Duffel, the ultimate load hauler, combines versatility with thoughtful travel features in a durable do-it-all duffel. The water-resistant TPU coating and 40% recycled 900D polyester keeps your gear safe, in addition to the abrasion-resistant bottom with added foam. Travel-friendly design features spare no detail like the expandable zippered end pocket to keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones and a bonus packing cube that doubles as the duffel’s packing and storage. The removable shoulder straps are comfortable and easy-to-use, and interior mesh pockets keep your travel essentials organized. In addition, the oversized T-grip zipper and U-zip opening makes packing - everything and your kitchen sink - a breeze. Available in four liter sizes - 40, 60, 80 and 100 liters - you can find the perfect size for adventures big and small.
MSRP: $139.95 (40L) to $199.95 (100L)
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Backpacker's Pantry Freeze Dried Meals
Searching for the ultimate gift for that outdoor enthusiast in your life? Look no further than Backpacker's Pantry Freeze Dried Meals. Beyond just being lightweight and easy to pack, these gourmet meals bring a touch of home-cooked flavor to the wilderness. They rehydrate swiftly, ensuring your loved one can savor a delicious, nourishing meal after a day of adventures. Each pack is a delightful surprise, ready to fuel the next journey. This isn’t just a camping essential—it's a taste of luxury in the great outdoors. For birthdays, holidays, or just because, it’s an unforgettable gift for anyone with a passion for exploration.
MSRP: Starting at $9.99
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Available on Amazon? Yes
Therm-a-Rest XLite NXT
With improved warmth and comfort, the NeoAir XLite NXT solidifies the legacy of its predecessor as the finest ultralight air sleeping pad for year-round backcountry adventures. By refining the way the cutting-edge construction techniques, the Triangular Core Matrix™, integrates with the warmth radiating ThermaCapture™ technology reducing the noise by 83% from the previous model. At 3-inches thick, with a horizontal baffled structure, the XLite NXT delivers maximum comfort and support at a minimal weight and packed size. Weighing just 13 oz (370 g)—in the Regular size—and providing a 4-season ready 4.5 R-value, the XLite NXT is the most versatile ultralight sleeping pad on the market and ready to craft better nights under the stars wherever you end up.
MSRP: $199.95 - $239.95
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
The QuickDraw Microfilter System draws upon decades of expertise in filtration and hydration to provide adventurers the best user experience of any fill-and-squeeze water filter on the market. The easy-to-use system comes in two parts: the durable and taste-free 1L QuickDraw reservoir and the hollow fiber filter cartridge. Weighing just 3.3 oz (95 g) and filtering up to 3L per minute, the QuickDraw system ensures quick and easy access to clean water on any adventure. You can either shake-to-clean the hollow fiber filter or perform a tool-free backflush to ensure the fast flow rates will stick around for the duration of your trips. With its inside/outside (I/O) dual-thread design, the QuickDraw filter cartridge securely adapts to smartwater® bottles and other Platy bottles and reservoirs allowing you to develop your ideal system to confidently explore the wilderness.
MSRP: $49.95
Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask
A whiskey gets its color and character from the cask in which it ages and matures. This Double Cask whiskey goes through the process twice. The first five years of maturation in a new charred oak barrel makes it a bourbon. That bourbon then experiences secondary maturation in decades-old casks seasoned by Pedro Ximenez sherry that adds a touch of sweetness, and yields a smooth and impressively complex spirit.
MSRP: $65.99
RECCO Backpack Reflector
Safety and preparation are cornerstones of any outdoor adventure. With the RECCO Backpack Rescue Reflector, you're gifting a touch of added security. Specifically designed for backpack straps, this reflector is a subtle yet valuable too. If someone gets lost, the SAR Recco Detector Helicopter can more easily spot them. A practical gift for those who love the outdoors, the RECCO reflector offers both adventurers and their loved ones a bit more peace of mind during excursions.
SCARPA Spin Planet
Light on your feet and light on the planet, our latest addition to the Spin family is a highly cushioned trail running shoe with serious sustainability chops, with the upper, midsole and outsole all featuring significant recycled content. If you are as serious about sustainability as you are about trail running, the Spin Planet is your solution for the long haul.
MSRP: $159
Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwiches
Elevate snack time to interstellar heights with Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwiches! This freeze-dried delight offers a taste of the cosmos right from the comfort of Earth. Perfect for both young space enthusiasts and seasoned stargazers, it's a whimsical yet tasty treat that bridges the gap between our planet and the vastness of space. Whether you're camping under the stars, hosting a space-themed party, or simply curious about the astronaut diet, these ice cream sandwiches are sure to delight. Gift a bite of the universe and let the adventure begin on the taste buds!
MSRP: From $4.99
Available on Amazon? Yes
