51 Gift Ideas for Every Camper on Your List!
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Do you have a few happy campers on your holiday shopping list? You’re in luck because we’ve collected the best camping gift ideas right here in one place!
Camping has such a wonderful way of bringing people together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
That’s why camping gear makes such a wonderful holiday gift. Not only does it enhance people’s outdoor experience, but it encourages them to look forward to sunny days, cozy campfires, and toasty s’mores (which we could all use a little bit of during the long, dark winter!).
Struggling to find the perfect camping gift? Well, you’re in luck, because below we share a curated list that features our favorite camping gear of the year. This isn’t some mishmash of products–we selected each of these items based on either our own personal experience with it or our own personal desire to receive it as a gift ourselves!
We’re sure you will find something they will love and start checking off your shopping to-do list today!
The Best Camping Gifts for 2021
Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket
I received a Pendleton blanket a few years back and it has accompanied me on many camping trips since. The Yakima Camp Blanket is made from a wool-cotton blend, so it carries the warmth of wool while still feeling soft.
NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
The NEMO Stargaze Recliner is an ultra-comfortable camp chair that smoothly moves between upright and reclined positions or can be used as a rocking chair. It packs down so it’s easy to store and comes with a few great features like drink holders and a cushioned headrest.
Stanley Happy Hour Set
Always be prepared for a party! The Adventure Happy Hour Shaker Set includes 2 rocks glasses and a citrus reamer that nest inside the shaker. Its rugged construction means you can easily toss it with the rest of the camping gear without worrying about it.
Vouri Halo Hoodie
This hoodie is absolutely AMAZING. The buttery soft, moisture-wicking, breathable fabric makes it a perfect mid-layer for hanging out around the campfire.
Rome Pie Iron
A pie iron is a fun gift idea for any camp chef who loves to get creative over the campfire! They are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and they’re just a ton of fun. We’ve made pizza pockets, sandwiches, and cinnamon rolls before, but there are so many more variations to try.
Jackery 240 Explorer Power Station
The Jackery 240 Power Station is a lightweight, lithium-ion charge station that is perfect for weekend camping trips. Charge cell phones, headlamps, and speakers using the built-in USB ports, or engage the 120V inverter to power a small food processor, string lights, or fan. The power station can be charged at home or hooked up to solar panels for indefinite power.
Fly2Sky Tent Lamps
These battery-powered, dimmable LED tent lights are a perfect way to add a little extra illumination to the inside of your tent or under your pop-top canopy.
Patagonia Better Sweater (Men’s & Women’s)
This super cozy fleece sweater from Patagonia is made from 100% recycled polyester. I personally received this sweater as a holiday gift a couple of years ago and I’m still singing its praises! Available in Men’s and Women’s versions.
GSI Outdoors Escape HS Pot & Frypan Set
This collapsible silicone pot and fry pan set have been one of our favorite camp cookware upgrades this year. When expanded it’s a 3-liter pot, when collapsed it’s only 3” thick. It is a tremendous space-savings and makes packing up our camp kitchen all that much easier.
Pendleton Adventure Sock
These cozy wool socks feature Pendleton’s iconic National Park-inspired color patterns.
Atepa Folding Bamboo Camp Table
This collapsible bamboo camp table is a super versatile piece of camp furniture. The adjustable legs allow it to be set at coffee table height or at dinner table height. When it’s time to pack up, the entire table folds down to the size of a single plank.
Kelty Low Foldable Loveseat
Grab your partner, a blanket, and snuggle up next to the campfire with his foldable loveseat.
High Camp Flasks
These are by far the classiest-looking camp flasks we’ve ever seen. If there is a special somebody in your life that enjoys a nice drink in an outdoor setting, then this gift will really show your appreciation for all the good times.
GSI Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker
We have been really impressed by this lightweight and compact pour-over stand. It comes with a nylon reusable filter but is also compatible with paper filters as well.
REI Co-op 650 Vest (men’s, women’s, plus-sizes)
Vests are a great insulating layer for fall when the temperatures are cool but not freezing cold. You can retain a lot of freedom of movement in your arms while keeping your core warm. I bought this REI 650 Vest this year and have been loving it. The 650 down fill keeps me toasty, the recycled nylon feels great, and the large baffled stitching has a great vintage look.
Teva ReEmber Camp Shoes (Men’s & Women’s)
The advantages of having a cozy pair of slip-on camping shoes are immense. It makes getting in and out of the tent so much easier! These Teva ReEmber camp shoes have a comfy insulated top, but sturdy rubberized soles – making them perfect for hanging out around the campground.
Biolite Headlamp
Whether it’s late-night grilling at home or camping out in the woods, it’s critical that you’re able to see what you’re doing. This rechargeable headlamp from BioLite is a perfect hands-free, directional light source.
Hydro Flask Coffee Mug
We love these double-walled, insulated coffee mugs. They keep coffee at the perfect temperature all morning long!
Jetboil MiniMo
Not only is the Jetboil MiniMo one of our top backpacking stove picks, but we also love to use it in the front country for rapidly boiling water for coffee and tea. It’s a super versatile stove with an incredibly fast boil time – even in windy conditions.
REI Co-op Sahara Thermal Shirt
This is a perfect cool-weather camping shirt. While it looks like a classic flannel button-up the fabric is actually moisture-wicking, breathable, and has a slightly elastic for ease of movement. Great for hanging out around camp or going for a hike. Available in Men’s, Women’s, Plus and Tall sizing as well.
National Parks Pass
Products can be useful, but meaningful experiences will last a lifetime. Purchase a National Parks Pass and go on an adventure the whole family will remember. Just one pass gets you into every National Park & Monument, as well as National Forests, Grasslands, and plenty of other recreation sites across the country for an entire year.
Smartwool Merino 250 Quarter Zip (men’s & women’s)
We own a couple of these Smartwool Merino 250 Quarter Zips and they have definitely made our camping experience much cozier. We often use them as base layers when we’re hiking because the wool fabric is moisture-wicking, breathable, and odor-resistant.
Solo Stove Bonfire
Now you can enjoy a campfire right in your own backyard! But without all the smoke! The Solo Stove Bonfire is an award-winning portable wood fire pit, whose unique design allows for easy-to-light fires that are virtually smoke-free. We didn’t believe it until we saw it in person, but this firepit delivers an incredibly clean burn.
Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress
Of all the backpacking sleeping pads we’ve slept on, the NEMO Tensor is our favorite. It’s super cushy and comfy, easy to inflate, packs down small, and most importantly, it’s QUIET (other popular mattresses are notoriously crinkly)! This would be a perfect gift for campers or backpackers who need a lightweight option for a great night’s sleep.
Marmot Roice Sweatshirt
This cozy sweatshirt is stylish enough that I wear it around town, while still being totally functional to wear at a campsite. It’s been one of my favorite wardrobe additions this year.
Hydro Flask Insulated Bowls
Hydroflask’s new line of insulated bowls allows you to enjoy a steaming hot bowl of soup for longer! Using the same double-walled vacuum-sealed technology as their water bottles and mugs, these bowls keep your food hot even on a cool evening. They also feature tight-fitting lids to trap heat even longer and allow them to double as self-contained food storage.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Turn nearly any natural water source into clean, drinkable water. The Katadyn BeFree Water Filter is our top pick for filtering water for hiking because of how easy it is to use and how compact it is to carry.
Fjallraven Tab Hat
You can never have too many cozy camping beanies. This Fjallraven Tab Hat is made from thermally-insulating wool and offers a clean Scandinavian style.
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair and Underquilt Bundle
Michael and I both own these Flexlite Camp chairs and love them. But this bundle is even better! It comes with an underquilt that can be attached to the back of the chair to keep your backside warm.
L.L. Bean Waterproof Insulated Camp Slip-On
We are big fans of comfy camp shoes, but for those camping in wetter climates – like the PNW – some extra weather protection would be nice. These Camp Slip-Ons from L.L. Bean are waterproof and insulated to keep your toes warm and dry.
Eno Nest Hammock
Give the gift of relaxation with the ENO Nest Hammock. There is no more satisfying way to “commune with nature” than by taking a mid-afternoon nap in a hammock. Listen to the songs of the birds, the rustle of the leaves, as you gently rock to sleep.
Vuori Ponto Performance Crew Sweater (men’s)
This lightweight, long-sleeve sweatshirt by Vuori is another great mid-layer option. The synthetic fabric has all the active performance you’d expect plus a subtle elasticity, that allows for total freedom of movement.
RTIC Cooler
We recently upgraded from an undersized and overpriced cooler and got ourselves a properly sized and reasonably priced RTIC 45 hard-sided cooler. With a nearly identical construction, this cooler has been a tremendous value that performs every bit as good as a YETI. In fact, how you pack your cooler has much more to do with ice longevity than the brand name associated.
Patagonia Re-Tool Pullover Sweater (women’s)
This is the sweater I reach for the most once the weather turns chilly—it is super soft and cozy, and I love the pocket detail!
Omnia Stove Top Oven
The Omnia Stove Top Oven has been one of the best “upgrades” we have made to our camp kitchen setup. Its innovative design allows us to bake using one of the burners of our camp stove. With an Omnia stovetop oven, cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, and even a tray of nachos can be yours with just a click of the stove (read more about this genius piece of equipment here).
Dine O Max SylvanSport Camp Kitchen
This is the ultimate portable “camp kitchen” setup! Featuring two large bamboo countertops, lightweight aluminum construction, water-resistant fabric, steel windscreen, and a variety of other high-end features, the Dine O Max Camp Kitchen is guaranteed to enhance your outdoor cooking experience.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker
Improving on their (near perfect) original coffee maker, the Aeropress Go is designed specifically for portability. All the pieces you need to brew an incredible cup of coffee now nest together inside of a travel mug. Perfect for camping trips, hikes, road trips, or anywhere else that could be enhanced by a great cup of coffee.
Blundstone Thermal Boots
Waterproof and insulated with Thinsulate and cozy sheep’s wool, the Blundstone Thermal Boots are great for wearing around town and around the campsite.
Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill
With fire bans becoming more and more prevalent in the West, investing in a good portable gas grill is perhaps the best way to simulate “campfire cooking” without having an actual campfire. This Weber Q1200 is one of the best portable BBQs on the market. Just one look around any RV park and you’ll quickly see this is a must-have piece of camp cooking gear.
Patagonia Fjord Flannel
For years I’ve never had a flannel shirt I was happy with until I discovered Patagonia’s Fjord Flannels. Perfect fit, perfect weight, and timeless colorways. I have received a few of these as gifts the past few holidays and have loved each and every one of them.
Darn Tough Socks
Can anyone have too many wool socks? The answer is a resounding NO! Darn Tough socks have been a mainstay of our sock drawer for years and we look forward every holiday season to adding a few more to our collection.
Merrell Nova Moc
Another comfy camp shoe option, these Merrell Nova Mocs combine casual slip-on comfort with some serious Vibram treads for great traction.
Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit
Sometimes you want the ambiance of a campfire, but without the setup and smoke. (like during a fire ban). The Ignik FireCan portable fire pit is a propane-powered “campfire” that can be used anywhere propane stoves are allowed. Campgrounds, tailgates, snow parks, etc.
Vouri Performance Jogger Pants
Breathable, moisture-wicking, and UNBELIEVABLY soft, these jogger pants from Vouri are the epitome of camp cozy. I just can’t get over how comfortable they are. The semi-loose, casual fit means you’ve got a little latitude in selecting the right size. Available for men and women.
Lems Boulder Boot
Michael picked up a pair of Lems boots last year and has been super happy with them. They’re fashionable enough for around town, tough enough to be worn around camp, and super comfy. And unlike other designer boots, they don’t cost a small fortune.
Rumpl Blanket
Whether curled up in the tent or wrapped up in a camp chair, there is no companion we’d rather have than a Rumpl Blanket. This blanket has the silky soft feel and insulation of a sleeping bag but in the form of a blanket. Yes, please!
Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
This warm yet lightweight pullover fleece has a soft and cozy fabric you just want to curl up in. Perfect for taking the edge of a chilly evening or shoulder-season hike.
Verve Instant Craft Coffee
Welcome to the age of gourmet craft instant coffee! Now you can enjoy a stellar cup of coffee just by adding water. We love Verve roasters – especially their Seabright blend – and would be thrilled to receive some of their instant coffee in our stockings this year!
Ignite Gas Growler
Kick your addiction to those green disposable propane bottles and get yourself set up with a reusable propane tank. Not only will you help cut down on waste, but the cost of propane is so much less when purchased in bulk. Propane fills are available at most gas stations or U-haul locations.
Why gift cards might be the best option
So if you’ve reached this point of the guide and you’re still scratching your head about what to get, allow us to offer a suggestion: gift cards.
Buying camping gear can be really challenging. There are a lot of different product options, from different brands, with different tech specs—making it really hard to know what is the right thing to get. And, campers often have strong opinions about what they would or wouldn’t find useful. Trust us, we know—we’re those types of people!
So rather than trying to anticipate exactly what piece of equipment or clothing would be “right”, acknowledge there isn’t any way for you to truly know (aside from asking for the exact product number) and, instead, give that person the power to make their own decisions. This is the beauty and simplicity of a gift card.
Here are a few of our favorite outdoor retailers that we would recommend getting a gift card from:
REI Co-Op: The nation’s largest outdoor retailer with over 100 store locations nationwide and an extensive online store, chances are if it’s an outdoor camping-related product, REI has it. They also have an incredible return/exchange policy, which makes them our number one pick.
Backcountry: This online outdoor retailer has an extensive selection of gear and clothing. They have a toll-free number and live chat feature, you can use to talk to one of their EXTREMELY knowledgeable customer service reps about any of their products. Perfect for anyone where going to an in-store location is not an option.
Huckberry: For the more fashion-minded individual, Huckberry offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, and some gear that have a high-end outdoor aesthetic. You won’t find super technical recreational equipment there, but if looking good outside is a priority, then Huckberry has you covered.
If you need more gift ideas, be sure to check out our outdoor gifts for women, the best gifts for hikers, and gifts for outdoorsmen.
Tis’ the season!
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a camper, hiker, or outdoors-loving person on your list, you’ve hit the jackpot! We have a gift guide for everyone, so take a look and find the perfect gift.
Tis’ the season!
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a camper, hiker, or outdoors-loving person on your list, you’ve hit the jackpot! We have a gift guide for everyone, so take a look and find the perfect gift.
Great list! I just ordered the grill gloves for my brother-in-law. And I want everything else for me 😉
We use those gloves *all* the time. We even have a pair that we keep in the house – so much easier to handle pots and baking sheets with those than with those bulky oven mitts. Hope your brother in law loves them as much as we do!
Can fully recommend the sink bucket. Took on holiday with me recently and folded up a treat in my suitcase!
I am very thankful to you as your article has given me lots of ideas. Thank you very much for sharing this blog here with us.- dentist in hartford
i like these products, and i use theme everytime im out
humangear Uno Spork
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