2023 Gift Guide: 61 Best Gifts for Campers
GIFT IDEAS FOR PEOPLE WHO GO CAMPING, ACCORDING TO CAMPERS
Published November 9, 2023
Treeline Review contributing writer Katie Hawkes (left) and editor-in-chief Liz Thomas (right) around the Takibi Fire pit at a dispersed campsite in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, there's something inherently charming about gifting items that resonate with their passion for the great outdoors.
Camping, in all its forms, offers a remarkable sense of freedom and a chance to reconnect with nature. It provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, an opportunity to unplug, and a stage for forging memories that last a lifetime. And when you gift something that amplifies this experience, you're not merely presenting an item; you're giving the promise of unforgettable moments, shared stories, and a deeper connection with the great outdoors. The joy of gifting camping-related items is knowing that your present will facilitate exploration, comfort, and adventure.
In this gift guide, we'll explore a diverse array of ideas tailored to the needs and desires of campers, be they seasoned outdoor enthusiasts or novices taking their first steps into the wild. Whether it's the joy of starry nights under a tent's canopy, the allure of the crackling campfire, or the simple pleasure of communing with nature, camping holds a unique place in the hearts of those who embrace it.
Looking for more gift ideas? See our Best Gifts for Hikers guide.
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what to consider BEFORE BUYING A GIFT
Before embarking on your quest to find the ideal camping-related gift, consider the following factors:
Camping style
Understand the recipient's preferred camping style. Are they into minimalist backpacking, comfortable RV camping, or something in between? This knowledge will guide your gift choices.
Season and climate
Take into account the typical weather conditions during their camping adventures. Gifts like insulated clothing are perfect for cold climates, while lightweight, breathable options suit summer camping.
Experience level
Determine the camper's experience level. Seasoned campers may have specific preferences, while novices might appreciate versatile and easy-to-use gear.
Personalization
Consider personal touches. Engraving their name on a camping tool or choosing gifts that align with their interests can make the present more meaningful.
Space and portability
For backpackers, compact and lightweight gear is a must. RV campers have more space to spare, allowing for bulkier items. Consider the storage and transport needs of the camper.
Safety and health
Safety is paramount in the outdoors. Gifts such as first aid kits or emergency communication devices can be essential for any camper.
PRACTICAL GEAR
Tents, shelters, sleeping gear, and other basic camping equipment make great gifts for campers as they are essential for enjoying the outdoors.
TENTS AND SHELTERS
The REI Half Dome 2+ Tent is another one of those gold-standard items found in almost every outdoor household. If someone is going to own only one tent, the Half Dome Plus 2 tent can handle car camping to backpacking and will last a long time—a near miracle in the tent category.
What makes the Half Dome one of the best tents is the thoughtful additions like color-coded poles to make set-up easy, plenty of pockets and hang-loops to store gear, and tension-truss architecture that keeps tent walls vertical and out of your face.
This roomy tent has enough room for two, plus your gear or a dog. The Half Dome 2 Plus tent is so beloved it won Editors' Choice 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame by Backpacker magazine (2018). We couldn’t agree more.
Check out more of our favorite tents in our Best Backpacking Tents and Best Camping Tents guides.
-Treeline Review Team
SLEEPING GEAR
For years, I used a stuff-sack packed with clothes for a nightly head cushion during backcountry ramblings. Sometimes, if I was feeling especially tired or hardcore, I skipped the stuff sack.
All that changed when I was given a Sea to Summit Aeros ultralight pillow as a birthday present during a backpacking trip in Utah’s canyonlands. The next morning, I awoke a changed man, shocked at how comfortable the pillow had been and how rested I felt. Why had I suffered all those years?!
Some of the best gifts I’ve received have been things I would have never bought for myself, like a pillow. I needed a pillow. I just didn’t know I needed a pillow. Now I wouldn’t go camping, backpacking, or overnight boating without one.
All inflatable pillows pack down to a size that fits easily in the palm of your hand. Pillows like the Aeros and the Air Head are available with down or fiber-filled tops for additional comfort. These are the perfect stocking stuffers for even the most ounce-conscious backpacker on your gift list. And believe me, they’ll thank you.
While writing our Best Sleeping Pads guide, I learned up to 55% of your warmth on a night under the stars comes from your sleeping pad. After years of spending the first 30+ minutes of any night camping just lying awake and fighting to warm my feet, legs, and hands, I knew it was time for a change. While it’s pricey, the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Max changed my outdoorsy life.
While it might be a bit overkill for those who sleep warm, the XTherm’s R-value is the highest on the mainstream market. It’s technically meant for winter camping—it’ll safely see you through nights well into the double-digit negatives—but I’ve used it on summer nights at higher elevations without overheating.
Plus, as a partial side sleeper, I’ve never bottomed out on the horizontal baffles, and it’s easy to find an inflation-for-comfort sweet spot using Therm-A-Rest’s new WingLock valve.
The XTherm is available in several sizes and shapes, including rectangular (which they call the Max) for camping. There's also a more minimalist mummy style for backpackers. Max is available in regular, regular large, and regular wide.
If someone in your life wants to sleep outside year-round or they’re tired of being cold when they camp, the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Max is a great investment in a good night’s sleep.
-Amanda Jameson, Senior Editor
For more sleep-relating gift ideas, check out our guides on The Best Sleeping Pads and The Best Camping Mattresses.
The Rumpl blanket is a classic camping blanket because it's warm, has fun designs, and is super functional. It may seem like overkill having a camping blanket in addition to a sleeping bag, but I see a lot of advantages.
I love that these blankets provide just warmth for hanging out around a campfire without requiring me to get my down sleeping bag smoky.
I also love that Rumpl Blankets come in so many fun designs. We're especially partial to the Rumpl Artist Division (RAD) line and especially the designs that highlight indigenous artists. I have the Raven's Moon design by Tlingit and Athabascan artist Crystal Worl. Like many of the RAD artist designs, a portion of the sales from this print go to the First Peoples Fund, an organization committed to honoring and supporting Indigenous artists and culture bearers.
-Treeline Review Team
COOKING EQUIPMENT
The need for food and beverage-related camping items varies depending on the person’s camping style. Ultralight backpackers may not have a need for a nice Yeti cooler, but will appreciate a lightweight cooking set. In any case, these are some of our favorite camping food and beverage gear.
Here at Treeline Review, we are committed to reducing waste to enjoy all the natural world has to offer. Unfortunately, when it comes to camping gear, one single-use item seems to appear everywhere: the green propane canister.
But, a couple of years ago, we gifted our housemate the Ignik Refillable Gas Growler. It comes in a stylish and durable carrying case with molle webbing, so there are many options for securing the case onto a vehicle or raft. Included is a 4’ hose compatible with all stoves and heaters that use the green canisters.
Beware: the tank does not come filled! Some propane fillers are also reluctant to fill smaller tanks. Ignik recommends either letting them know that it holds 1.2 gallons or going to larger chain businesses that generally have no problem filling a smaller tank. If you plan on gifting the Ignik Gas Growler, make sure you let the recipient know they’ll need to fill it before they can use it. Or, just do them a solid and fill it before gifting it to them.
For the outdoorsy coffee connoisseur in your life, why not give them something that levels up their morning ritual both at camp and at home? Brew some of the best coffee you’ve ever tasted with The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker. This durable, long-lasting machine is just 16.5 ounces and packs smaller than a pint glass. So, while it may not make the cut for ultralight backpackers, for casual campers and backpackers willing to sacrifice a bit of pack space for some quality coffee, there’s no better option for backcountry brewing.
The beauty of the AeroPress is its versatility — you can use this coffee maker at home or camp to make great coffee. It also brews espresso-like shots for lattes and cappuccinos. It’ll whip up a quick cup of cold brew on a hot summer day.
You (probably) can’t bring the barista from your favorite coffee shop into the backcountry with you, but you can always bring the AeroPress. For campers who want an even more lightweight and packable option, there's the AeroPress Go. And what’s better than perfect coffee enjoyed in the open air?
We fell in love with the GSI Pinnacle Pro 2 stove the first time we saw it – a camping stove that looked sleek and modern with the slimness to fit into a small apartment. I'd been resistant to buying a camp stove for years because they tend to be bulky and finicky. The two-burner GSI Pinnacle–a mere 1.4" thick–easily fits even the most minimalist gear closet.
When using the Pinnacle Pro in camp, it has two spacious burners and 10,000 BTU, so it doesn't feel like a sacrifice to have such a slim stove.
For more camping stove inspiration, check out our guide to The Best Backpacking Stoves. We also offer great recommendations for camping cookware in our The Best Backpacking Cookware Pots guide.
– Treeline Review Team
This 25-liter waterproof roll-top gear bag is an incredibly versatile tote for hauling gear that your recipient will find a ton of use for outside of camping, like foraging and grocery shopping. It’s heavy-duty, with fully welded seams, a compression strap, a comfortable carrying strap, and lash points throughout so you can tie it down to just about anything (like your bike rack or paddleboard).
The tote fits inside Rux’s larger collapsible 70-liter gear haulers, which makes organizing camping gear even easier. If you really want to go all-out this year, the Adventure Set gets you the entire system, which is all designed to work together. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
THE STATUS SYMBOL COOLER: YETI TUNDRA
While many brands can keep food cool, the name-brand camping cooler that everyone wants is the Yeti Tundra 35. We don’t like to let popularity contests sway our gear choices. But in metric after metric that we used for testing, the Yeti Tundra blew us away on performance.
For our Best Camping Coolers guide, we reviewed dozens of camping coolers to find the best hard-sided coolers for weekend camping trips, multi-day rafting trips, and backcountry basecamp — and even casual day trips to the lake. We nerded out about ice baskets, locking latches, and whether the drinks on the bottom are reachable when there's stuff on top.
While certainly a luxury gift, the Yeti Tundra is something they can get a lot of use out of—camping, sports games, backyard get-togethers, and everything in between. They'll hold onto it forever, too—after all, not even a grizzly can destroy it!
-Treeline Review Team
If the Yeti Tundra is out of your price range, but you like the idea of a cooler, we've got an idea for you! Yeti makes two soft coolers that took our top prize in our Best Soft Coolers guide: a rectangular-sided cooler and a cooler tote bag. Both are excellent options that will thrill the camper in your life.
The Yeti Hopper M30 weighs a mere 7 pounds out of the box and sweeps the board in terms of being leakproof. Two longer handles make this cooler bag easy to pick up and go, while an easily clipped and detached cross-body strap makes walks down to the shore or across the park even more comfortable.
The Yeti Hopper Flip was one of the best coolers we tested for ice retention. It was the easiest to transport, the most durable (especially with gritty sand in that burly zipper), and one of the best leakproof coolers we used. The Hopper Flip 12 was the perfect size and design for overnight camping trips and long beach days
-Treeline Review Team
Yeti Hopper M30
Yeti Hopper Flip 12
Hydro Flask is widely known for its high-quality double-wall insulated water bottles and mugs. In recent years they have expanded their selection to include everything from koozies to cutting boards. One of the most practical items is their set of lidded camp bowls. These bowls make a great gift because many folks, like myself, may want them but feel like they’re a luxury item.
The bowls are sold individually in 1 qt, 3 qt, and 5 qt, so you can get the size you need. They are double-wall insulated stainless steel with a plastic lid. The rubber gasket on the lid ensures that it stays relatively sealed when pressed down.
We’ve all dealt with warm potato salad or cold chili when camping or living that van life. These bowls keep food warm while preparing meals with multiple components. The 1qt bowl fits well in a cooler for storing leftovers. And the lids keep out yellow jackets or other insects. They’re just as durable over time as Hydro Flasks bottles and mugs, but unlike a water bottle, your friend or family member likely doesn’t have these bowls.
Gifting a knife for the holidays is classic. A folding knife can save the day on a camping trip and last for decades. I've used my Opinel knife in the camp kitchen, to fix a sleeping pad, and remove splinters. A folding knife is also helpful for everyday life, like for opening packages or bottles.
It can even be personalized with custom engraving on the handle or front or back of the blade to make an extra special gift. The stainless steel blade option has wooden handles in oak, walnut, olivewood, beechwood.
For the campers who love to forage for wild plants and mushrooms, it's also sold as a mushroom knife with a special mushroom brush (see our What I eat on a thru-hike article to learn more about foraging). An Opinel knife is small enough to be a stocking stuffer and is a practical gift that your person will use for years.
-Treeline Review Team
Do you have someone in your life looking to reduce the amount of trash they create? Recently, I gifted Stasher reusable silicone zip bags to my friend and fellow Treeline writer, Kate Hoch.
I’m particularly fond of the stand-up versions, which are convenient for backpackers and have the same stand-up functionality as the single-use mylar bags found on dehydrated backpacking or camping meals.
As great as Stashers are for outdoor use, they make a great stocking stuffer for anyone looking to introduce more reusables into their life.
We can’t praise the Toaks long-handled spoon enough. From our Arizona Trail Gear List to our Small Things That Make a Difference Story, the long-handled spoon has changed our lives. Compared to other titanium spoons, the Toaks can get deep into Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry freeze-dried dinner packets without getting your hand covered in food.
The Toaks long-handled spoon also comes with its own stuff sack, so you can keep your spoon clean and protected during the backpacking day. It’s bright orange, so you’re less likely to leave your spoon behind in camp. Not only is it indestructible, but it has a chrome-polished head to feel more like eating off cutlery at home. This simple but thoughtfully designed spoon will be a joy every time you eat outdoors.
-Treeline Review Team
HYDRATION
A water filter is an excellent gift for campers–especially those who like to stay in more remote campsites. While many campers like to bring along all the water they need, it's nice to have the option to treat water in case of an emergency or if they're at an out-there campsite without faucets.
The Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L is our winner for Best for Groups in our Best Water Filters guide. This group camping water source has a 0.2-micron filter, is easily differentiated between the clean and dirty bags, and filters quickly. This is ideal for a group campsite or a camp that you'll be at for a long weekend.
-Treeline Review Team
The uber light and durable Titanium 450 Cup from Snow Peak is a must-have for adventurers and perhaps the most practical small gift I’ve received.
I carry mine on bicycle tours, thru-hikes, and to potlucks and dinner parties. It holds a proper cup of coffee, makes a pleasant clinking sound with a Moscow mule inside, and (in my opinion) makes a budget Malbec extra nice on the palate.
Know someone who is a passionate stoveless backpacker? Then add this 2 oz cup to their kit! You can’t heat water in your Talenti jar cold-soaking jar, so this cup is perfect for heating water in the campfire during those near-hypothermic shoulder season wet storms!
The Rambler will make an impressive holiday gift; it will change the mind of any devotee of the other big brand stainless steel bottles. I wrote about the Yeti Rambler in my guide to the Best Water Bottles for Hiking last year, and it is still one of my favorite things to drink out of.
In my original writeup, I recommended the 26 fl. oz. We have since added the 36 fl. oz. size to our collection and find that the 36 fl. oz. is a better size for our preference as it can provide more hydration for hikes and long days at work.
The entire Yeti drinkware line is worth looking at, as they are constructed similarly to the Rambler and are likely equally as tough and effective.
You don’t have to be outdoorsy to appreciate the Hydroflask Tumbler's quality. This heavy-duty but lightweight double-wall vacuum-insulated drinkware was designed for rugged trips. But its sturdiness translates to commutes, sports games, or families with small kids. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps smoothies, kombucha, or beer cold all day. Chai and lattes or that double shot of espresso stay hot for 6 hours.
Coming in a range of colors, you could gift a rainbow of Hydro Flask tumblers to different people (or to one lucky friend who wants matching-but-not-too-matching drinkware).
-Treeline Review Team
For the tea people in your life, Cusa tea packets give you instant organic tea at less than the cost of a Starbucks Via packet. Without the acidity or jitters of coffee, this instant tea also gives you a caffeine rush.
They come in 10 flavors, including Chai, Green Tea, and caffeine-free herbal options. Plus, the tea quality is excellent: they’ve won 4 Global Tea Championship Medals.
You can prepare Cusa instantly into hot or cold (iced) tea. We sometimes toss a packet into a 20-ounce Gatorade bottle while on the trail. Unlike a Starbucks Via, it makes a 16-ounce drink (Starbucks is supposed to make one 8-ounce cup), so you can stretch it a little farther.
Plus, like the Via, we find that the Cusa is a nice item not only for the trail and camping but also while traveling. Heck, sometimes I’m in such a rush in the morning that I’ll make a Cusa instead of using a tea bag.
– Treeline Review Team
LIGHTING
After three years of testing and more than 300 nights of data, we think the BioLite HeadLamp 425 is a no-brainer gift for every camper. A headlamp is one of the Ten Essentials, the 10 items every hiker should carry to stay safe. The BioLite 425 is a major upgrade on every headlamp we've ever used.
Every hiker or camper has a story of a headlamp that has failed them in some way: batteries run out too quickly, bounced uncomfortably, gave them a headache, light modes became uncontrollable, and more.
That’s not the case with the BioLite. The 425 is a trusty, reliable headlamp that is easy to use with little fuss. It’s our overall winner above 27 other headlamps in our Best (and Brightest) Headlamps guide.
Whether you need a gift for a runner who wants a bounce-free headlamp, a hiker who wants something that rides comfortably, or a camper who needs a headlamp that angles well, the BioLite 425 hasn’t failed us in almost 500 nights of daily use.
-Treeline Review Team
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Camping Lantern is a functional piece of gear that is also beautiful and fun. A good lantern should be bright, not eat up batteries, and take up minimal room in your car or picnic basket.
Since most camps require a few lights, a good lantern should be affordable enough to light the tent, the cooking area, and the path in between. We love that the AlpenGlow hits all these marks while also being colorful, aesthetically pleasing, and fun.
Solar lanterns light up your camp, backpacking trip, or home emergency kit without requiring batteries or remembering to charge the night before. We’re fond of the LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1, a solar lantern that packs flat and is waterproof (it even floats!) and will charge your phone.
Designed by women architecture students for relief work in Haiti and Doctors Without Borders, LuminAID has won multiple Social Venture and Clean Energy design prizes. It’s also a Shark Tank winner.
Learn more by reading our guide to The Best Camping Lanterns.
-Treeline Review Team
This portable 150-lumen light is a palm-sized version of my favorite lanterns for car camping and road trips, the AlpenGlow 250 and the AlpenGlow 500. It’s fun and functional, making it a big hit among both kids and adults, and features a dimmable warm white light, a single color mode, a color-cycling mode, and a “horizon” setting that blends hues together slowly or quickly to create calming or party-like vibes.
It operates with a single button and is USB rechargeable (unlike the larger versions, you can’t charge out on the Mini). The durable bungee strap on the underside makes affixing it to tent poles, tree branches, or your backpack easy. It also acts as great overhead lighting when reading in your tent and as a soothing night light when putting kids to bed. All versions of the AlpenGlow get plenty of use around my home and backyard, too.
CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Weather-appropriate outdoor apparel can make the difference between a bad camping experience and a good one. Having moisture-wicking clothing that helps regulate one’s body temperature makes spending time in the outdoors all the more enjoyable.
OUTERWEAR
Got a person in your life who is always cold? One of our most popular gear items this year is the Rab Positron Pro down jacket. When it comes to extreme cold weather jackets, Rab is one of the most respected companies in the industry. And the Positron has established itself as the new gold standard for warmth.
The Positron has extra downfill to make it extra insulating. The Pertex Quantum Pro shell fabric on the outer layer keeps it durable. Our editor Amanda Jameson took it for a solid year of adventure: road-tripping, camping, and living out of a Subaru, driving back and forth across the country. Now that life has calmed down, several years later, that same jacket is still going strong for everyday around-town winter living in Denver. —Treeline Review Team
The Rab Positron Pro is the winner for Best Upgrade Down Jacket in our Best Down Jackets guide and Best Down Jacket for Extreme Cold.
-Treeline Review Team
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
This hoodie is the softest and most luxurious piece of “outdoor” clothing I own. Once I get to camp and put this on, I don’t take it off. This hoodie can do it all: camp chores, relaxing around the campfire ring, sleeping, hiking, and even looks great for a stop for food on the way back home.
Alpaca fiber is odor-resistant, so I can wear it for several days (maybe longer) without washing it. This makes such a nice gift because it isn’t something most people would purchase for themselves, and it is a different take on the traditional sweater gift for the holidays. This is a sweater that your camper will actually love to wear over and over again. There is a crew neck version too, and they have super soft warm socks that make great stocking stuffers.
FOOTWEAR
If your friend or family member spends time outdoors during the late fall, winter, or early spring, their ultralight Goosefeet down socks will be the envy of their friends. The down booties make any time outside of your sleeping bag so much more pleasant on chilly days. We love down booties in ski huts and cabins as well as wearing around more traditional campsites. It’s a favorite in our Fall Hiking Gear story about small items that can help stretch your summer gear into colder seasons.
The down socks (also available with ultralight waterproof over-booties) warm the part of the body most likely to suffer on cold nights or in camp: your feet. Plus, you can also wear the down socks around the house, too.
The Goosefeet Gear company was founded in 2010 by Ben Smith, then a third-year college student at Georgia Institute of Technology. Ten years later, they’re known for making quality ultralight down in the USA out of Milledgeville, Georgia. We find that ordering through Garage Grown Gear has the shortest lead times, as orders can get busy around the holidays.
-Treeline Review Team
It seems like every year, we always recommend Darn Tough socks in our gift guides because they’re that perfect.
When an outdoorsy person receives a pair of Darn Tough socks, it’s a level of excitement that exceeds the value of the present.
These plush, perfectly fitting socks are made in the US, come in fun colors and patterns, and feel incredibly comfortable and cozy on the feet. They come in all sizes and for all sorts of activities—from hiking to running to camping and hunting to business casual.
“First off, they feel amazing. No other wool sock I’ve found comes close to the plush, luxurious fit of a Darn Tough—whether at home or on a hike,” says Treeline writer Gianna Starble.
Best yet—Darn Tough socks have a lifetime guarantee. If you don’t love them or they get holes, Darn Tough has the best warranty in the outdoor industry.
Darn Tough socks won our Best Overall Hiking socks in our Best Hiking Socks guide and Best for Ski Touring and Best Synthetic Socks awards in our Best Ski Socks guide.
So if you want a no-brainer gift for the outdoors person in your life, grab them some Darn Tough socks. You’ll be surprised at just how thrilled they might be about receiving a pair.
-Co-Founders Liz Thomas and Naomi Hudetz, and pretty much everyone on the Treeline Review Team
The Birkenstock Arizonas are a well-known, well-loved, classic sandal. I live in mine during the summer. But what about fall and winter, when it’s no longer sandal season? Enter the Birkenstock Arizona Shearling sandals!
I eyed these for years before buying them, and I couldn’t be happier with them! Their versatility is endless-around the house, around town, car camping, après ski. They keep my feet warm without socks except on the coldest days of winter. I also gave a pair to my mom, and she squealed with delight when she opened them. They’re luxurious and more expensive than regular Arizonas, making them the perfect gift!
-Naomi Hudetz, Chief Operating Officer
Find out about other hiking sandals we love in our guide for The Best Hiking Sandals.
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
CLOTHING ACCESSORIES
I love gear that is super functional and technical for outdoor activities, but I prefer that it doesn’t look like it should be worn only while claiming Fastest Known Times (FKTs). Fast glasses are simply not for me, but whether I’m camping, backpacking, or casting my fly rod, I appreciate good polarized lenses and comfortable frames that stay put while I’m adventuring in the mountains.
The Smith Sway sunnies check all those boxes for me while having a fun yet still subtle style. The polarized Chroma-Pop lenses are sharp, and the fit is comfortable for all-day wear. The slightly oversized frames have a modern, casual look, and those larger lenses do well to block high alpine sun rays. This is one pair of sunglasses that can be worn for any outdoor adventure, and you’ll look good while doing it, too.
Are you looking for a practical gift that is a stocking stuffer with some personality? We’re fans of Buff Neck Gaiters, which makes its way into our Gear Lists for trips from the PCT Gear List and Strategy to Bikepacking trips of the White Rim Trail and rafting trips in Alaska.
Buff neck gaiters double as beanies for cooler nights in the sleeping bag, and ski masks to protect your face from cold air. We’ve even seen some people use them as tube tops or skirts in a pinch (not recommended)!
There’s a Buff fabric and design for everyone!
– Treeline Review Team
Do y’all know what a big barrier to people getting outside is? Being able to pee and get back to it comfortably. With Kula Cloth, people who use toilet paper after peeing don’t need to settle for the lie of “drip dry.”
A Kula cloth is an incredibly practical gift for someone who pees outside and wants to wipe afterward. It’s also an affirmation (by way of accessorizing) that celebrates all human forms.
There’s seriously no product I use so regularly that holds function AND reminds me of goodness in the world. Sex-positive designs? Absolutely. Wonderful absurdity? Got you covered. Occasional meetups with other Kula/outdoor enthusiasts? Yep. Never-ending memes of Victorian cats?... yes, even if you didn’t know you needed that in your life (you do).
I’ve got one in my car for when rest stops are few and far between. I’ve got one in my daypack and my waterproof roll top. I lost one with a masked and grumpy Bernie on it (PSA to those on logging roads around Rangeley, Maine, keep a lookout). Thankfully, they’re affordable enough to replace and make a great stocking stuffer.
Awesome tech features that are less flashy but super important for downstairs health and comfort: antimicrobial materials, careful design considerations, easy backcountry care, and quick dry. Sustainability points: Kulas help you ditch the stashed TP (at least for #1) and keep it off the trails! Use, wash out, and use again.
Send a subtle message: time to wash your gear! Bonus if you live with the person: you won’t have to smell their gear anymore. We’d recommend Nikwax Tech Wash, which also comes with a DWR coating and.
Unlike harsh detergents or everyday Tide, you can use Tech Wash and Down Washes on performance fabrics. Technical apparel is made with materials that have membranes that “breathe” water vapor, which makes washing them in water different from ordinary clothing.
Nikwax is featured in many of our guides–such as The Best Sport Detergent and How to Clean, Wash, and Repair Outdoor Gear. It’s reliably effective.
-Treeline Review team
TECHNOLOGY AND POWER
Camping gadgets and technology are often very useful, but not always high on the list of equipment and gear people prioritize buying themselves. This is why they make great gifts–fun, useful items someone might not buy themselves.
GARMIN INREACH MINI 2
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 may be the best present you can get a loved one who is a camper. This two-way satellite transmitter turns a smartphone into a use-anywhere two-way texting machine. Plus, it has an SOS button to alert Search & Rescue in the case of an emergency.
At only 3.5 ounces, even the most minimalist backpacker or camper won’t grumble at the weight. It seemed that nearly every thru-hiker our staff saw on trail this year wore a Mini on their pack strap as part of their uniform. See our in-depth review for more details about the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
-Treeline Review Team
I got the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer for one of my first adventures in my campervan. At the time, I needed an affordable solution to power some string lights and recharge my computer.
This little Jackery won my heart. It’s so tiny that I grab it often so I can work outside all day long without worrying about my computer battery dying. And because it’s such a small power station, it can easily be charged using a 12V plug while driving.
When I want to work in a park, I often grab my Jackery. I can charge my computer and enjoy a day outside even if there aren’t outlets available.
It’s a perfect gift for anyone looking for extra power options while exploring the outdoors. I particularly love the ability to work on my computer at parks and even botanical gardens. But it would be an excellent accessory for car campers as well.
– Amy Gravlee, Web Production Team
CAMPSITE ENTERTAINMENT
IROCKER NAUTICAL INFLATABLE STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD
I could not be happier with my iRocker Nautical SUP. It packs down small, so it is easy to take everywhere.
It comes with a nice backpack-style carry bag with plenty of room for extra gear. You can even buy a removable seat to use your board as a SUP or kayak, increasing comfort and versatility. Plus, it’s tough and stable enough for my Miniature Australian Shepherd to accompany me; he loves a good paddle.
Inflatable SUPs offer a wide platform, providing ample space for pups to get comfortable. My dog and I love to pack some snacks and find a far-offshore place to explore for the day.
An inflatable paddle board offers a lot of freedom. We have paddled all kinds of flatwater since I bought it because it is always with me. We’ve paddled alpine lakes, hidden lakes in the forest, bayous, and everything in between.
If you have a loved one who loves being out on the water, the iRocker Nautical Inflatable SUP is a great gift. Do them a favor, and get an electric pump as well.
-Amy Gravlee, Production Team
OSPREY POCO PLUS CHILD CARRIER BACKPACK
If your friend or family member was a hiker before they had a baby, a hiking baby carrier is essential. A comfortable and well-fitting hiking carrier is indispensable if they're day-hiking, backpacking, traveling, or exploring a new city.
For new parents, the Osprey Poco Plus can be the ultimate gift to get back on the trail and experience the joy of being in nature with their loved ones.
For family and friends who love hiking, the Osprey Poco Plus hiking backpack carrier is our top winner because it’s ultra-comfortable for babies and adults, and the feature-loaded design makes safety a priority.
For more of our top pics, take a look at our reviews of The Best Baby and Toddler Carrier Backpacks.
-Treeline Review Team
As an outdoor lover and board game fan, I was excited to find Trekking: The National Parks The Board Game at my go-to board game store in Denver. I purchased Trekking for myself in the winter as I dreamed of warmer temperatures and all the places I wanted to visit. I liked it so much that I bought one for my national park-obsessed sibling in October.
Not only is the park theme something I am passionate about, but the game mechanics are clever on their own merits. Trekking has a high rating on Boardgamegeek, a website for tabletop gamers who could care less if the game's theme is aliens, trains, or factories as long as it’s fun.
The cards in the game have facts about the national parks; they have exposed me to many parks that I hadn’t even heard of! Now, the list of national parks I want to visit is even bigger!
Trekking is also available as a new Trekkin’ the World game that includes UNESCO world heritage sites like Mt. Fuji and Machu Picchu. For those more into trivia, the Trekking National Parks Trivia game uses Price-is-Right-style rules to guess important dates and numbers. This way of winning alleviates some of the negative know-it-or-you-don’t feelings that Trivial Pursuit can sometimes give players. With beautiful art, fun mechanics, and positive feelings for game players, the Trekking games are a fun gift you can play with your friends and family during the holidays and beyond.
The dark of the end of the year has always seemed to me a time for stories. I spend more time reading, yes, but I also think about what stories I want to dream into reality for myself once the days get longer. If you’ve got an outdoorsy reader and dreamer in your life, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer is an excellent book to while away the dark with. Kimmerer is an Anishinaabekwe botanist and professor whose essays work to:
“[intertwine] science, spirit, and story—old stories and new ones that can be medicine for our broken relationship with earth, a pharmacopeia of healing stories that allow us to imagine a different relationship, in which people and land are good medicine for each other.”
At the center of each essay sits Land as a teacher, as a healer, as its own being with rights—and understanding land as a gift, Braiding Sweetgrass asks each of us what we’re willing to give in return.
Braiding Sweetgrass isn’t a book for anyone looking for a quick read, and I’d even go as far as to say that those who speed through are missing the point. If you let them, the ideas seep into you and grow in their own time. I’d also say that it’s not for the faint of heart.
This book holds a mirror up to our collective behaviors and individual thoughts, values, and actions, showing the neglect of our relationship to the more-than-human world. But it’s only by becoming aware of these ruptures in the relationship that we can hope to shift them, and Braiding Sweetgrass centers the hope that helps us dream a better world into being. In these dark times, what a gift that is.
THE HURTING KIND, ADA LÍMON
One of my favorite activities to enjoy in nature is reading. I rarely don’t have room in my pack for a book to read while resting or at my destination. In the Spring of 2022, Ada Límon’s book of poetry entitled The Hurting Kind was gifted to me by a friend, and it has been the most cherished gift I’ve been given this year. I have read all 91 pages at least twice, revisiting poems from the comfort of my hammock or sitting beside the creek eating a sandwich.
Límon, named the Poet Laureate of the United States by the Library of Congress this year, is a poet who asks nature questions. She sees beauty in the flowers, trees, and hawks. I fell deeply into her words, finding meaning and sense in my own questions and values through her poems.
The poem “Too Close” is rich with the image of a Callery pear tree split in two during the winter. She asks questions I never knew I needed the answer to until I read it:
“Pyrus calleryana breaks
easily because it keeps
its leaves and is known
to split apart in storms.
But haven’t we learned by now
that just because something
is bound to break
doesn’t mean we shouldn’t
shiver when it does?” - “Too Close”
Límon’s 57 poems, divided into sections based on the seasons (starting with Spring and ending with Winter), are tender and observant.
The poems grapple with infertility, loss, pain, love, and all the shades of emotions in between, interwoven with landscapes and images of the natural world and our place in it.
Ada Límon’s latest poetry collection is a gift for not just those who are poetry lovers but for any friend or loved one who pays attention, asks questions, and appreciates the beauty in every day.
As the speaker asks in “In the Shadow,” “Why / can’t I just love the flower for being a flower?”
ECOPOETRY BOOKS
As a poet who spends a lot of time swimming in a delightful pool of ecopoetry and nature poetry, I’d be remiss not to recommend some environmentally-conscious collections. Here are four of my current favorites:
POSTCOLONIAL LOVE POEM BY NATALIE DIAZ
Natalie Diaz is a Mojave American poet whose book Postcolonial Love Poem earned a Pulitzer Prize. This book explores themes of one’s relationship to the land and water, as well as interpersonal connections to lovers, family, and herself. The collection as a whole is a journey through grief and how the speaker attempts to heal, reconcile, simply survive, and find joy or relief despite the pain.
AN AMERICAN SUNRISE BY JOY HARJO
Joy Harjo, who served as our 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate and was the first Native American poet to hold that title, writes gorgeous nature-related and climate-conscious poetry. An American Sunrise is Harjo’s dialogue with her homeland as she confronts the history of the removal and disappearances of Indigenous people, including her ancestors. The poems are full of heartbreak and celebration; they look to the land and people for beauty and blessings.
M ARCHIVE: AFTER THE END OF THE WORLD BY ALEXIS PAULINE GUMBS
This sci-fi poetry collection imagines the future of our planet after climate change drastically changes life on Earth as we know it. The writing and the world Gumbs imagines are heavily infused by Black feminist theory and tell the story of the persistence of Black life in the face of major climate disasters.
GOOD BONES BY MAGGIE SMITH
The poems in Good Bones look at nature and our relationship to it with a critical eye and a path for hope. The title poem looks at the world like an old house you’re trying to sell your children. Ultimately, we have to believe it has good bones, that we can fix the damage and make this place beautiful.
THE TRAILHEAD BY KERRI WEBSTER
Kerri Webster’s The Trailhead is a collection of poetry that explores–and often compares–ecology and womanhood. The book plays on the juxtaposition of the ugly and beautiful sides of both nature and the human condition. Her collection describes natural settings, often from a woman’s perspective, and imagines greater agency and autonomy for both women and the natural world. Some of the poems have a delightful snark to them, too.
SAFETY AND FIRST AID
Giving your loved ones the gift of safety is also a gift for yourself! Below are some of our favorite safety devices for gear repairs to emergency situations.
ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS ULTRALIGHT/WATERTIGHT 0.7 MEDICAL KIT
Call me over-prepared, but I don’t go out on any adventure without a medical kit. (Being a guide, volunteer firefighter, and W-EMT will do that to you.) I used to overpack a 10-liter dry bag with everything from a syringe to dozens of types of bandages and gauze to a SAM splint on a 2-hour hike or front country climbing adventure. The opportunity arose to test out an Adventure Medical Kit meant for camping, hiking, paddling, and climbing—and now I don’t pack anything more than this.
This medical kit is compact, waterproof, and easily fits into the brain of a backpack or tucked inside of a small dry bag. It holds all of the necessary items—wound care, bandages, medications, moleskin, duct tape, tweezers—in a silnylon pouch that all weighs a mere eight ounces. My raft guides, ski partners, and climbing buddies will all be getting this for Christmas. Who doesn’t want to be prepared?
-Josette Deschambeault, Contributing Writer
Read more about outdoor gear that can double as your Home Emergency Kit.
A practical, inexpensive, and hilarious gift to give to any outdoors person is duct tape. Hikers and campers are infamous for fixing broken outdoor gear in a pinch with duct tape.
These days, it’s even possible to gift duct tape in fun colors and designs to give the gift some more personality. If you’re looking for a non-gear item that will be used and is worthy of a chuckle, go for an assortment of patterned duct tape.
– Treeline Review Team
Worried about a loved one going hiking or camping in a national park? Get them some Bear Spray! Bear spray is like pepper spray for bears and is a good idea for folks who enjoy spending time outdoors in bear country.
Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park highly recommend users who hike or camp in the backcountry have bear spray on hand. Most thru-hikers on the Continental Divide Trail will carry bear spray for 1,000 miles while in grizzly country.
If you’re thinking about giving bear spray, it may also be worth getting that person an inert bear spray to practice using the live canister. The inert bear spray is the same shape and size, but instead of having pepper spray inside, it has a harmless substance. It’s much less expensive than the real thing, so it’s perfect for training.
Note that not all national parks allow bear spray – notably Yosemite – so check to see what parks your friends or loved ones are visiting before getting this gift. Also, be aware that they can’t be brought on planes (they are an aerosol, after all).
-Treeline Review Team
Have you ever been on a group hike and somehow someone gets separated? This has happened to me more than once – so now we carry the Midland GXT1000VP4 long-range radios. While the unobstructed line of sight range of 36 miles is reduced considerably in the mountains, the range is still good enough most of the time. They also receive all NOAA weather broadcasts and have an SOS siren.
– Naomi Hudetz, Treeline founder
CAMPSITE COMFORT
Just because someone is sleeping under the stars doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable too! These are our favorite items for making camp more comfortable.
NEMO STARGAZE RECLINING CAMPING CHAIR
The Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair was my favorite camping chair that we tested this year; it takes the packability and functionality (ex/cupholders) of a camping chair and marries it with the comfort of a hammock.
The Stargaze is a sturdy, personal swing that makes sitting around fun. The Nemo Moonlander Dual Height table (sold separately) folds like a piece of origami into a sturdy surface that supports over 100 pounds, meaning dinner and drinks in the camp don’t have to be relegated to the dirt by my feet. It has hidden legs that allow it to work for picnic blanket set-up or at camp chair height.
The Stargaze feels like it was designed for maximum enjoyment and minimum fuss-and those are two of the best gifts I can imagine giving another person.
For more similar gift ideas, read our picks for The Best Camping Chairs and The Best Camping Tables.
We gifted our housemate and fellow outdoorsy friend the Nemo Helio LX Pressure Camp Shower a few years ago because it seemed like the perfect addition to her stellar car camping setup. She loved it and thought it was a fantastic gift. But we didn’t get a chance to use it until this summer. Now, it appears this is an awesome gift for anyone with outdoorsy kids, pets, or anyone whose idea of fun includes getting dirty. Additionally, it makes a great choice among camping gifts because it’s not something most folks buy for themselves.
Unlike traditional gravity showers, with their dismal water pressure and strictly-showering abilities, the Helio is great for all sorts of things. It’s a collapsible vessel that sits on the ground or table, and it has a long (7ft) hose with a spray nozzle.
Nemo also has a lifetime warranty, so they will send a replacement part if needed. That means this shower stays out of the landfill, and you get to keep cleaning off after many more dirty outdoor adventures.
What we love most about the Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill as a gift is its versatility. It makes being outdoors fun, whether in the backyard or camp.
Because the Takibi has you build a fire above ground, there’s no scorched earth (or lawn). Clean-up is easy (just make sure the coals are cold). Best yet: It has a no-mess folding system for taking to the beach, desert, or woods. That’s why it scored a top place in our Gear We Love for Backyard Camping guide.
The Takibi folds down flat to a small apartment-friendly canvas bag like an origami stove (it reminds us of the foldable Oru Kayaks that we’ve tested and reviewed). The system is modular, so you can snap in the included grill or extras like a half-deep grill pan or a round-the-fire table.
Camping hammocks, often called parachute hammocks, festival hammocks, or gathered end hammocks, are one of those “luxury” items that have crossed over into nearly essential territory.
Our favorite of the camping hammocks we tested is the Eno Singlenest Hammock. Camping hammocks are designed to be comfortable for napping, reading, and lounging. When you’re in a hammock, you’ll be the envy of every ground dweller around.
The Singlenest has a durable 70D nylon taffeta body and a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. Still, it compacts down to smaller than a Nalgene bottle.
We also loved the wide array of color options (it comes in 14 different combos)!
For more hammock gift ideas, check our picks in our The Best Camping Hammocks guide.
– Treeline Review Team
HAPPY PETS IN CAMP
For those who camp with their furry friends, we’ve included some of our favorite pet-related camping gear. These make great gifts for anyone who camps with their pets and wants to make the experience more enjoyable for both the pets and themselves.
TINY TENTS PET BASECAMP DOME TENT
Let your house cat or small dog experience the camping life by giving them a tent of their own! This Tiny Tent allows them to camp out in your house while reminding you of the adventures that await. It's a good toy for outdoorsy kids, too.
The Tiny Tent isn’t a shelter you’d take into the backcountry with your pet—it has no rainfly and isn’t DWR-treated (Durable Water Repellent). But it’s a great resting place for your little buddy and is a fun talking piece.
The Tiny Tent proved that our favorite feline has an explorer’s heart. We’d tried other cat condos and apartments in the past. Like most cats, he ignored them and climbed into the boxes they came in. After setting up the tent, putting a cushion in it, and lacing it with some of his favorite treats, we found him curled up inside the tent more than once.
The Ruffwear Front Range harness is my favorite piece of dog gear and would make a great gift for any dog owner. It’s versatile and attractive, fitting in at the brewery and on trips deep in the backcountry.
My favorite part about this harness is the durable front clip. At first, I was skeptical: it’s made of webbing and looked like something my strong, 62-pound Juniper could easily break. But after about three years of heavy usage, it’s yet to give.
For dogs who pull or are working on heeling, a front clip is a vital asset, and this is the best one I’ve encountered in a dog harness. And while many harnesses are difficult to put on, this one is easy, with reflective trimming for late-night city or rural backcountry runs. It also works with the winner in our Best Dog Hiking Packs guide.
It barely shows wear and is easily washable, so it keeps up with all of your canine’s adventures without looking dirty or dingy. Whether this is a gift for a friend looking to start adventuring with their pup, or just a gift for yourself, you can’t go wrong with the Front Range Harness.
My current pup, a miniature Australian Shepherd, Siku, loves water adventures. I can hardly get our SUP in the water before he jumps on (mostly because he refuses to be left behind.)
As an adventure dog, he’s had his fair share of dunks in the water. Although he is a capable swimmer, it’s his least favorite activity. He much prefers wading or being in a floating vessel.
So I love having a life jacket that fits him well for those unexpected dunks in the water. Plus, it has a great handle on top that makes it easy to hoist him out of the water should he fall in.
Anyone on your list with an adventure pup as a companion would be thrilled to have a Ruffwear life jacket for their four-legged friend. And dogs look adorable in them.
– Amy Gravlee, Web Production Team
You grab your water bottle for a hike, but what about water for Fido? Or your trip runs long, and Rex keeps reminding you that he’s hungry? BarkBowl silicone dog bowls are easy to clip to a backpack (or stored inside your dog’s backpack), durable enough to withstand puppies and old pooches alike, and microwave- and freezer-safe. (Read: you can take them out on a hot hike or a dawn patrol ski mission.)
They’re BPA-free and dishwasher compatible. When collapsed, the entire bowl measures 6 inches in diameter; you can pop it up to hold 2-17 ounces of water or just over 3 cups of food at full capacity. It’s easy to tuck in your backpack, raft, or under your car seat for any last-minute adventures. (And it fits in stockings pretty well, too.)
My canine companion has been grateful when we pull out that bowl for a mid-ski snack.
GET READY FOR THE CAMPING TRIP
The road trip out to the campground is part of the fun of a camping trip. These road-trip-ready gifts will get them into the national park, help them navigate backcountry roads, and give them the skills and confidence they need to be out there.
NATIONAL PARKS PASS
The National Parks Pass is a little card that gets you FREE ADMISSION into every National Park and most other public land with entrance fees. It’s an essential item for outdoors people, and REI donates 10% of sale proceeds to the National Parks Foundation. When you get this online at REI, it’s the same price (actually, a penny less) than if you were to purchase it directly at a national park entrance station (plus, with this pass, they often let you skip the line to enter the park).
Technically called the “America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass,” the pass will also get you free admission to National Monuments and waived recreation fees at US Fish & Wildlife Refuges, Forest Service forests and grasslands, and Bureau of Land Management sites.
For example, Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas uses it as a parking pass at trailheads in Southern California in lieu of the Adventure Pass (which costs $5 per hike at trailheads).
Since the Interagency Pass only lasts a year—and is a near-essential item for every outdoors person—it’s the perfect gift for the person who has everything.
– Treeline Review Team
Whether your camper is planning new adventures, needing to figure out the next spot to vanlife, or just dreaming of taking a new adventure–the Atlas and Gazetteer is a fun way to do it.
We’re fond of the DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteers, which are map books that include obscure dirt roads, trailheads, and the sorts of details you’ll never find on Google Maps (including for places where you’ll never get reception).
Campers and van lifers have found new spots to crash. The Gazetteer provides a level of detail and accuracy not found on even USGS maps (which aren’t updated as often). Dirtbag campers and anyone who has spent 15 minutes driving back and forth to find an obscure crag know the Gazetteer is essential for driving on backroads.
DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteers are map books the size of a large magazine. They easily fit into a car seat pocket. Many outdoors people always leave them in the car.
-Treeline Review Team
Want to give an experience rather than a thing? REI has classes and events across the country covering a wide range of activities and interests. Bonus — they’re reasonably priced.
Here’s a (tiny) sampling:
– Treeline Review Team
Still unsure about what to give a friend or loved one? There’s always the traditional gift card. If the outdoors is their jam, the REI gift card is classic.
Still not sure what to get a friend or family member? Do what my family does and give the REI Gift Card. Even if you’ve got an excellent grasp on what a person likes, it can be tricky to know what gear they already own. REI Gift cards never expire and can be used on any item.
– Treeline Review Team
AN ADVENTURE PLAN FOR A TRIP TOGETHER IN 2024
A heartfelt promise note describing an upcoming trip for the two of you. Detailed plans for a dream trip can be just the hope a friend needs. Best yet—plans are free.
Write a plan for a trip you’d like to take with this person. Be as detailed as possible. What’s on your packing list? How will you get to your destination? Where will you camp? What will you eat each night? What’s the weather like for the dream trip dates you have set?
Imagining adventures and planning trips give us all something to look forward to. Plus—this trip planning can be super fun for you!
If you’re looking for a little help in this arena, we offer our insights in our own Trip Reports & Destination Guides.
– Treeline Review Team
