Are you struggling to come up with the perfect gift for the outdoorsy people in you life? Have no fear, Beartooth is here to guide you to that special item that will help your loved one enjoy the outdoors all year long.
Our gift guide has gift ideas for every budget. Whether you are looking for hiking, fishing or camping gifts, you are sure to find something for the outdoorsy people in your life.
Let’s just start out by saying you cannot go wrong with a headlamp, knife or daypack. I’m embarrassed to admit how many packs, pocket knives and headlamps you would find in my closet. They all serve a slightly different purpose and I like them all.
Beyond the usual outdoor staples, I’ve tried to include some uncommon gift ideas, that an outdoor lover would appreciate, but might not buy for themselves.
And now, for the list…
Nostalgic Gifts for Outdoorsy People
Pendleton Wool Camp Blanket
Pendelton blankets are both retro and functional. They are perfect for around the home or around a campfire. The material is extremely warm, durable and naturally flame resistant.
Hults Bruk Atran Felling Axe
Who doesn’t like a good axe? There is nothing more satisfying than spitting logs or felling trees. This handsome Swedish made felling axe will provide years of faithful service. Just think of the money you will save on therapy!
Hults Bruk Jonaker Hatchet
From breaking down kindling to expose dry wood, hammering or even throwing for fun (throwing hatchets can be dangerous), there are numerous uses for a quality hatchet. Hatchets are portable, you can hang one on your belt, or pack, and take it places where an axe can’t go.
Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
A compass is fun to use, and it will be there if the batteries in your GPS device let you down.
Zippo 1941 Replica Pocket Lighter, Brushed Brass
When I was growing up, a Zippo lighter was just about the coolest thing a kid could own. I gave this exact model to the groomsmen at my wedding, and take one into the woods when I go camping. Zippo lighters look cool, the make a gratifying click when the cover is opened and closed, and even if the lighter is out of fuel, you can still generate a spark to get a fire started. Zippo stands behind this product with free repairs, regardless of the age of the lighter. Unlike disposable plastic lighters, this one will last a lifetime.
Swiss Army Explorer Knife
The original Swiss Army Knife is a toolbox in your pocket. This was the first knife I was ever given, and I still consider it a prized possession. It brings back childhood memories of whittling by the lake, or that time I thought I was going to use it to carve a totem pole…
GSI Outdoors Stainless Pioneer Table Set
If you think you can pull it off, this hat offers good sun protection, and will project the image that you really know what you are doing on your next archaeological dig.
Fishing Lures
Outdoor Essentials
I used to laugh at people using hiking poles, until I tried them. Hiking poles let me to continue to enjoy the outdoors, while recovering from a back injury. They save wear and tear on your body, taking some weight off of your back and knees. Hiking poles also prevent falls, and can double as a monopod or a tent pole.
CamelBak Octane 10 Hydration Pack
Living in Texas, I can personally attest to the value of a good Camelbak. I use it most for mountain biking on hot summer days, but they also make great day packs. Camelbaks allow you to carry enough water for your journey, while also reducing the need to stop every time you need a drink of water.
Headlamps are awesome, they keep your hands free to cook or set up camp. Petzl makes my favorite headlamps. The newer models come with red light and proximity modes that help prevent your light from blinding your fellow campers.
Merino Base Layers
Base layers are essential to staying warm and comfortable in the winter. Merino wool is especially comfortable, odor resistant and flame resistant. Synthetics garments have a tendency to melt around campfires, and start to smell rather quickly. I choose wool based on performance alone, but it also does not contribute to micro-plastic pollution, like fleece and other synthetics materials do.
Polarized Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is essential equipment for every outdoorsman. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV damage, windblown debris, and branches hanging in the trail. Polarized lenses reduce glare and really help you see into bodies of water.
Practical Gifts for Outdoorsy People
Nathan Peak Waist Pak
Here is another one that will make you laugh until you try it. I’ve had a bad back since I was a teenager, but pride had kept me from trying waistpacks until just a few years ago. I started using one so I could keep hiking with a herniated disk, now I use one all the time. I use this one for running and the one below for longer hikes.
Osprey Packs Talon 6 Lumbar Pack
This waistpack makes a perfect day pack. I’ve replaced the water bottles with insulated Camelbak water bottles. The main compartment is large enough to fit a sweatshirt or light jacket, some snacks and a headlamp. The waist belt has front pockets for small items like chapstick, a folding knife, or a lighter. In addition to taking weight off of my back, it is nice to have my back uncovered on hot days when a standard pack would make me sweat.
Electronic Gifts for Outdoorsy People
GoPro HERO8 Black Camera with 32GB SD Card
GoPro cameras are compact, making them easy to pack and carry to document your adventures. This one is waterproof, shoots 4K60 Video, and 12MP photos.
While GoPro cameras are convenient, and they do shoot high quality video, sometimes you just want a DSLR. When I’m hiking, I like to attach a zoom lens to get up close photos of any wildlife I encounter.
Garmin eTrex 32x Rugged Handheld GPS with Compass and Barometric Altimeter
Many of the most beautiful places can also be some of the most remote. It isn’t difficult to find yourself without cellphone reception. A handheld GPS can give you peace of mind in the backcountry.
BioLite Campstove 2 with Flexlight4K60 Video and 12MP Photos
This little backpacking stove creates electricity from fire! You can charge your phone while you cook. For shorter trips, Anker external power packs are also a good option.
Gifts for Fishermen
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
While every outdoorsman can use a good cooler, anglers in particular know the value of one. A quality cooler lets you stay out on the water longer, even on the hottest summer days.
Outdoor Research Sun Gloves
Some anglers won’t wear sunscreen, because they say the fish can smell it. Recent studies have shown that sunscreen also damages coral reefs. Gloves like these are a good solution, and they will save you money in the long run.
Columbia Blood and Guts Shirt
Along the same lines as the sun gloves, a good UPF shirt can make the difference between fishing another day or staying home with a sunburn. Columbia makes some good fishing shirts that protect you from the sun, and still keep you cool on the water. This one is specifically designed to fight stains that might be encountered while fishing.
Tackle
Anglers love fishing lures. When I was growing up, the neighborhood kids would collect and trade fishing lures. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at our post explaining different types of lures.
Folding Knives
Stainless Steel Kershaw Clash Folding Knife with SpeedSafe Assisted Opening
Kershaw makes some of my favorite knives. I usually carry this one in my daypack. It comes with SpeedSafe assisted open, which allows for one handed operation, and a locking mechanism to prevent the knife from folding while in use.
Benchmade Barrage Knife
If you have a few more dollars to spend, Benchmade makes very high quality knives. They also come with assisted opening and a safety locking mechanism that is a little easier to operate than the one on the Kershaw knives. Unlike the Kershaw, Benchmade knives also lock closed for safety. The demonstration video on the website shows the knife being pounded into, and removing chunks from, a 2×4. The edge remains sharp.
Benchmade Volli Knife
The Volli is a similar model Barrage, and a little bit different size. I like both models.
Double Duty Gifts for Outdoorsy People
YETI Rambler 20oz Tumbler with MagSlider Lid
Yeti stainless steel tumblers keep your drink hot or cold at the office, on a boat, or sitting around the campfire. Using a cup like this also prevents the need for disposable cups that often end up in our lakes, rivers or landfills.
S’well Wood Collection Bottle
Like the Yeti tumbler, this stainless water bottle keeps drinks warm or cold for hours. It works just as well on the trail as it does in the office.
Stanley Classic Steel Thermos
The Stanley thermos is an iconic symbol of American workers and outdoorsmen. For me, it brings back childhood memories of winter mornings in the woods, and trying coffee for the first time. The stainless steel interior will keep coffee or soup warm for 24 hours or more.
Camp Kitchen
Snow Peak Chopping Board Knife Set
GSI Outdoors Campfire Glacier Stainless Percolator
A percolator is a fun way to make coffee for your group at camp. When making coffee for just me and my wife, I’ll usually opt for this french press travel mug. It is also easier to pack if you are flying to your camping destination.
French Press Travel Mug
This stainless steel french press travel mug is great for making one or two people coffee while camping. It is compact and won’t break like a traditional french press would.
MSR StowAway 1.1L Pot
Budget Gifts for Outdoorsy People
MSR Ground Hog Stake
The original stakes included with tents are often better suited for making skewers for the grill than holding down your tent. These lightweight stakes will actually go into the ground without bending, and should last significantly longer than the originals. Make sure you get enough for each corner, and for your guy-lines as well (the ropes running off the rain fly a tent).
Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest SOLite Sleeping Pad
Sleeping directly on the ground draws heat away from you body. This budget friendly sleeping pad insulates your body from the ground. It is lightweight and, unlike self inflating pads, you won’t have to wait for the pad to inflate prior to use.
Morakniv Craftline Robust Knife with Carbon Steel Blade
Despite the sub-twenty dollar price tag, Morakniv makes a solid knife. There isn’t a lot you can’t do with one. Their knives are made of carbon steel, which means you can get a spark when you strike one against flint, just in case you find yourself without a lighter. The particular grind on these knives makes them easy to sharpen as well. Mora knives are great all around work knives. You can get them with an orange handle, that makes them easy to find if you drop one in the field.
Darn Tough Merino Wool Athletic Socks
Yes, socks. Darn Tough socks are made in Vermont, and come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. I’ve tested these socks side by side against Smartwool, and found Darn Tough socks to be more durable and more comfortable.
Conclusion
That is all for now. Hopefully you found some ideas that you hadn’t thought of yet. Is there something we missed? Let Beartooth know about your favorite outdoor gifts, or ask questions about these suggestions, by commenting below.
