gift guide: outdoor lovers
MY HUSBAND and I have been adventuring together since we met, before our kids were even a thought. When our boys were born, we just kept on going and dragged our sweet li’l babes along [our youngest was 8 weeks old on his first camping trip]. There’s nothing like the perfect combo of fresh air, epic views, dirt, wildlife spotting, quiet, family + friends to make for truly lasting childhood memories; the kind that nestle into your soul and help shape your outlook on the world. We ski, raft, hike, camp, bike and generally tromp into the woods whenever we can, most often with dear friends, and sometimes with ourselves.
OVER THE years we’ve tried out a LOT of gear with varying success [do not get my husband started on the airlounj] and have found some super amazing things that make our experiences that much better. So, if you love someone who loves to tromp through the woods too, whether they’re fishing, camping, biking, skiing or anything else, I’ve put together some really awesome gift ideas for you. Most of these things we own and love, some are on the wishlist. If you have any questions about any of it, reach out, I’m super happy to help. And check out my post on Warm Weather Adventure Gear I Love and Dopp Kits That Will Go Anywhere for more ideas. Happy Trails, lovelies. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
Awesome Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
>> Expand your camp cooking repertoire with an innovative Omnia Oven. It’s designed to work on any cooking surface and cooks food just like a regular oven, allowing you to get a bit creative away from home. There are some cool Accessories, too, to really take it next level, like the Muffin Ring for baking muffins and making egg cups. >> $69
>> Barebones Living designs and makes timeless, high quality tools for outdoor lovers of all kinds, including a collection of vintage-inspired Lights + Lanterns for all kinds of outdoor [and indoor] uses. This awesome Beacon Hanging Light is super compact, rechargeable, dimmable and portable. It lasts 200+ hours on one charge and the dimming features allows for max control over your ambiance. It also comes in 8 gorgeous colors so you don’t have to sacrifice style for function on this one. As an added bonus, Barebones Living is also a Certified B Corp and has a super admirable philanthropic mission. Win Win Win. >> $64.99
>> Ok, this is brilliant. I love carrying a hydration pack while day hiking, but drying that thing out afterward is a gigantic pain and it ends up sitting on my counter for like 3 weeks, which I do NOT love. Enter the BōnDry Hydration Pack Bladder Dryer. Its patent-pending technology magically sucks all the leftover moisture out of your bladder or bottle after you wash it, leaving your gear clean and funk-free with zero effort. And it’s ethically made in the USA from plant-based and recycled materials. Yesss. >> $24.99
>> NOCS Provisions Binoculars are compact, waterproof and built for exploring the unknown. The 8 fun, bright colors they come in belie their serious ruggedness. We’ve dragged ours down rivers and up mountains and they’re easy to use, super durable and awesome. You can also get a cool Woven Tapestry Strap to go keep them safe and secure. And they just added a SUPER cool Photo Rig Smartphone Adapter that allows you to photograph what you can see through your binoculars. SO fun. >> $95
>> While they say hunger is the best spice when you’re out in the wild, there’s really no need to sacrifice. My guys love all of the flavors of Yellowbird Hot Sauces. They’re organic, vegan, GF, non-GMO and have no refined sugar. Plus they come in a plastic squeeze bottle, so they’re safe for dragging around. YUM. >> from $14.99
>> Rite in the Rain makes super durable weatherproof writing materials designed to keep your thoughts flowing no matter the conditions. They have a huge variety of Notebooks, Paper and Writing Utensils built to survive anything Mother Nature can throw at them. Water just beads right off the paper and the pens can power through water, sweat, oil, grease and mud. Choose your own pieces or go for a Kit that includes a super durable cover. This is an awesome gift for anyone who likes to journal, take notes, sketch or make observations out in the wild. >> from $5.95
>> This Stanley Adventure Happy Hour Cocktail Shaker Set is one of the MOST used pieces of adventure ‘gear’ we own. It comes with a stainless steel shaker, 2 cups, a citrus reamer and a jigger cap all neatly nested together in a compact package. It’s easy to clean, easy to pack and indestructible. >> $40
>> The James Brand has been making really stunning Knives and other ‘essentials’ for a decade. Their attention to detail, premium materials and elevated minimalist style result in a really vast collection that defines the balance of form and function, beautifully including everything you want and nothing you don’t. I gifted my husband The Carter in OD Green + Black and it’s so stunning and useful, he loves it. They also have some super sleek multi-purpose Everyday Carry that will simultaneously bump your style points and provide you with the right tool for the job. TJB is a really solid gift for anyone you love who likes to set out prepared with style. >>
>> This little AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press has a bit of a cult following in the outdoor world [and almost 8000 5-star reviews]. It’s an all-in press, mug and lid in-one that’s super compact for traveling. Its rapid-immersion method brews hot [or cold], smooth, not-bitter coffee in one minute and takes a fraction of that to clean. And it’s made in the USA. YES. The AeroPress Original is also wildly popular if you want a version made for home use >> $39.95
>> There’s a solid reason why enamelware dishes have been a popular choice outdoors for so long. They’re almost indestructible, easy to clean, can be popped in the oven, on the stovetop or onto a campfire without a care and they clean up easily [at home you can chuck them into the dishwasher]. Plus, they’re just pretty. Crow Canyon Home is a family owned business that’s been hand-making super high quality enamelware for generations and they have a fantastic selection of dinnerware to choose from for all kinds of adventures. If you need service for 4, go for a 16-Piece Splatterware Set in one of 7 different awesome colors or make up your own from their rad Dinnerware Collection. >> from $16
>> Regular bocce is fun, sure. But Playboule LED Lighted Bocce is so much cooler. Each ball has a little light inside that can be turned on and off with just a push. We’ve used ours out camping for extreme terrain smackdowns and it’s super fun for the whole family. >> $72.95
>> No need to sacrifice style while you’re out in the muck with Australian brand, Merry People’s Bobbi Rain Boots. They’re a classic Chelsea-style boot reimagined in natural rubber with a neoprene lining for comfort and protection. And they come in a bunch of super cute colors. Wear them for gardening, camping, tromping through the mud, festivals and anywhere else you might encounter some mucky muck. They have a mid-calf version, too, if you’re going deep. << $129.95
>> Arcade Belts are purpose-built to be comfortable and move with you no matter where you’re headed. The buckle design insures a perfect custom fit every time and it’s slender, so it doesn’t add any bulk to your ‘fit. They come in a mind-blowing number of styles, colors + designs, including some really cool collabs with The Grateful Dead, Jimmy Chin and some really unique artists. And they have a lifetime guarantee, so you have nothing to lose here. They also have Youth sizes and my boys love them. >> from $22.95
>> Topo Designs makes a huge variety of super stylish + functional Bags + Packs and the Rover Pack Classic is ideal for day hikes, travel and commutes. With its recycled nylon construction, it’s super lightweight, but durable enough to take whatever you throw at it. It has several organizational pockets and huge side pockets for full-sized water bottles. And it comes with the rad styling you expect from Topo. They also have a ton of Accessory Bags to really dial your organization. >> $179
>> Give yourself and your loved ones piece of mind with a Garmin inReach Mini 2. It’s a super compact satellite communicator with two-way messaging and SOS. We’ve used this on long river trips to let family know that we’re okay along the way and they are sooo appreciative. It also has a TracBack routing feature that helps you find your way back to where you started, a digital compass and location sharing. You can pair it with other Garmin devices, too. It’s just a really good thing to have when you’re out in the wild. >> $395
>> The VSSL Java Coffee Grinder is perfect for your die-hard, adventure-loving coffee nerds. It’s a burr grinder with 50 unique settings to get everything just right for your brew. It’s incredibly durable (made with aircraft grade aluminum) and also super lightweight. They have a few other really baller things to go with it, so you'll be SO set up for a great morning, either in the far reaches of the wild or your backyard. >> $220
>> I cannot tell you how many miles we put on our Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier when our boys were little. It was comfortable for both my husband and I [they also have a women’s-specific model] and babe, too. It has a height-adjustable seat, so it can grow with your little and a kickstand for easy entry and removal. A big storage pocket holds all of your ‘essentials’ while out on the trails or anywhere else you want a hands-free carrying system. It’s awesome and brings back so many sweet memories. >> from $60
>> Barebones Living has a solid collection of baller Tools for all kinds of outdoor tasks. This Pulaski Axe is purpose built for splitting wood and does a darn fine job of it. Originally designed by its namesake, a brave volunteer firefighter in the early 1900s, the Pulaski Axe is meant not only for chopping, but also for cutting roots and digging trenches. This super solid tool comes complete with a sheath and hex key for max safety. >> $179.99
>> There’s nothing quite like chilling in an Eno Hammock slung between two trees and just watching the sky. Also our boys love to swing in it and at one point, had it rigged up in our backyard, they just love it so much. Eno Hammoks are super durable, lightweight and pack down super small. They come in a DoubleNest or SingleNest size and there are several different Suspension Systems to choose from. >> from $49.95
>> Make lasting memories around the campfire at home or on the go with a Solo Stove. There’s no need for white rabbits with these because they’re totally smokeless. They come in several sizes depending on your space, including a tabletop version for intimate little fires. They now also come in some awesome colors. They’re easy to clean, easy to assemble, durable and portable. And of course, there are a bunch of rad accessories to go with them. This is an awesome gift for homebodies, tailgaters and adventurers alike. >> from $119
>> Nomadix Original Towels are so awesome I bought one for everyone in the family. These quick-dry beauties are made from recycled bottles, resist odor, sand + pet hair AND pack down super small and light. We’ve dragged ours down rivers, beach hopping, camping, hiking and to the neighborhood pool. There are a ton of prints to choose from, including the awesome National Parks Collection. They also make a Mini Towel and an Ultralight Towel for when space is an issue. LOVE these things. >> from $27.95
>> We love these little strands of ENO Camp Lights. Ten feet of little battery-powered LEDs in either white or multi-colored give off just enough light to be fun and atmospheric, but not obnoxious. There are 4 different modes depending on your mood and they also have a built-in little hook for hanging. We use them in the tent and camper as a little nightlight for the boys, but you can string them up anywhere you want a little pop of fun and light. >> $24.95
>> This is so cool. HitchFire is a hitch-mountable, super powerful propane grill that can go anywhere your vehicle can; camping, tailgating, skiing, the park... This beefy F-20 model has two burners for feeding the whole crew and the handy swingarm feature provides easy access to the car’s contents. My husband would LOVE this thing. >> from $549
>> You guys already know that I love Rumpl’s Blankets, but their Everywhere Mat is also a key piece of our gear. We use it outside the tent for shoes and dry bags and loose stuff, but it’s also awesome for picnics, kiddo sporting events, beach days and getting on your ski boots. This thing repels sand, pet hair, stains and smells and folds down into super compact little envelope for easy packing. It has loops for staking down the corners and a waterproof underside. We love it. >> $79
>> Send the kiddos of any age on a little adventure in camp with this Find & Seek Scavenger Hunt Card Game. It comes with 35 cards that encourage them to look around them and see things they might not have noticed. >> $12.99
>> So… you might argue that a portable toilet is not the sexiest gift and you would be so right. BUT, I promise you, a Cleanwaste Toilet System is one of the most baller gifts you can give an adventurer. It’s super tidy, comfortable and easy to use and the environmental impact is huge. The GO Anywhere Toilet folds up into a little briefcase-sized package that’s easily stowed for travel. The Wag Bags are super easy to use and include TP and a hand wipe for easy peasy clean up. And if you go for the whole GO Anywhere Total System, you also get a privacy shelter and easy-carry backpack. Sexy? Nope. One of the best things we’ve owned for more than 10 years? 100%. >> from $29.99
>> If your adventurer is a National Parks hound, hook them up with one of Epic Adventure Map’s Scratch Off Posters to track their progress. They have several varieties to choose from, including some for specific parks, like Yosemite. When you scratch off the little tree, there’s a pretty photo from the park behind it, so you end up with some wall art, too. Plus, Epic Adventure Maps is a family-run company and they plant a tree for each poster sold. Win WIn. >> from $29.99
>> Wondering if Yeti is worth it? The answer is a hard yes. We have a battery of Yeti products, including a giant Tundra 160 Hard Cooler for our raft and it’s baller. We’re always scheduled to use our food last because our cooler is the only one that’s still ice cold on day 6 of a mid-summer desert trip. We also have a Tundra 35 day cooler and a somewhat embarrassing collection of Drinkware that we use day in and day our at home and away. I keep wanting to buy a new one, but there’s just no need since my 5-year-old Rambler still looks brand new. Yeti just makes an awesome product. >>
Books for Outdoor Lovers
There and Back: Photographs from the Edge by Jimmy Chin
Trail Meals by Chef Corso
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen [one of our very favorites]
Atlas of the National Parks by Jon Waterman
Bikepacking: Exploring the Roads Less Cycled by Stefan Amato
Let’s Get Lost: The World’s Most Stunning Remote Locations by Finn Beales
The Man Behind the Maps: Legendary Ski Artist James Niehues by Todd Bennett Ben Farrow & Jason Blevins
Wanderlust USA by Cam Honan
Epic Bike Rides of the Americas by Lonely Planet
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