The Best Outdoor Gift Guide for the Adventurer

Looking for unique outdoor gift ideas for adventurers this holiday season? We have you covered with this Outdoor Gifts Guide — and they’re all under $30 to help you stick to your gift budget!

This Outdoor Gift Guide was thoughtfully put together by outdoor enthusiast Sarah on the MoneySavingMom team. Sarah loves camping and hiking, and she goes on outdoor adventures multiple times per year with her family!

A Guide to Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

Do you know someone who loves being outdoors? Buying gifts for outdoor adventurers can be challenging, because they typically like to pick their own gear and outdoor equipment is expensive!

But there are still lots of great ideas for outdoorsy people that don’t have to break the budget! Check out this list of outdoor gifts under $30 that are sure to excite the adventurer in your life!

Best Gifts for Outdoorsy People

Practical Gifts for Adventurers

1. Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System — If you know someone who’s interested in getting into backpacking, they’ll definitely need a water filtration device. And you can’t go wrong with this most popular water filtration system! The Sawyer is a go-to for backpackers, and the newest MINI version is even more lightweight than the original (perfect for utralighters) and filters water even more quickly.

2. YETI Rambler Coffee Mug — If you know someone who is more of a camper than a backpacker, you can opt for a nicer and more insulated coffee mug since weight doesn’t matter as much. I also love my Yeti Rambler Tumbler for keeping my drinks cool and bug free while around camp.

3. Nalgene Bottles — You really can’t go wrong with a Nalgene. They’re perfect for just about any type of outdoorsy person. They’re virtually indestructible, completely leakproof, decently lightweight, and can be used for camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, and more. These are perfect for carrying water on hikes since the bottle itself adds very little weight to your pack! My family uses them all the time!

Four pairs of wool socks lined up on a wooden table.

4. Wool Socks — We do not hike without wool socks on our feet whether they are Smartwool or Darn Tough. Yes, they’re a bit on the pricey side for a pair of socks. But these moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating socks will keep your feet warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot.

5. Headlamp — If someone is just starting to get into the outdoors and is collecting gear for camping or backpacking, a headlamp is a must-have piece of equipment. Everyone in my family has a Black Diamond headlamp and we love them.

6. First Aid Kit — Every outdoorsy person needs a good First Aid Kit. And even if they already happen to have one, it can be helpful to have an extra for refills! This one is around $30 and has everything you need for a 2 day hiking trip for 2 people.

Girl swinging in a blue and purple hammock

7. Hammock — Relaxing in the woods in a hammock is the best! My family has been using Wise Owl hammocks for camping and relaxing in the backyard for years!

These hammocks come WITH STRAPS which makes the price point even more amazing!

8. Beanie — Anyone who loves being outside can use a good beanie to keep warm during cooler months and in the cold mornings or evenings! The North Face, REI, Arc’teryx, and SmartWool all make really great beanies for outdoor activities.

9. Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad — this super light-weight, compact seat pad makes sitting on a ground or picnic beach more comfortable while keeping you warm and dry! And if that picnic table bench is damp in the morning, these are perfect for that, too.

Three Ditty Sacks in a row and that make a great gift for outdoorsy people

10. Ditty Sacks — These little bags help keep supplies organized while enjoying the outdoors. Stuff them with first aid supplies, batteries, toiletries, and so much more!

Other Unique Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

11. GSI Outdoors Mug — This lightweight coffee mug is perfect for someone hitting the trail on a regular basis. It won’t weigh a pack down, yet keeps coffee and tea nice and warm — a must when backpacking in cooler weather!

12. Landmark Project Calendar — If you really want to wow an outdoorsy person with a super unique gift, grab one of these Landmark Project Calendars!

13. Wanderer Bracelet — This is another really unique gift idea for any adventurer in your life who loves to travel. Add coordinates of one of their favorite places to adventure to a coordinates bracelet for a truly special gift for an outdoor traveler.

14. Subpar Parks Book — This book is a fun gift for anyone who loves America’s National Parks. It is a great coffee table book filled with fun artwork, facts about the parks, and hilarious reviews from the “least impressed visitors.” We have this book and love it!

15. Touchscreen Gloves — If an outdoorsy person uses their phone for navigating or taking photos when it’s cold, touchscreen gloves can be really useful.

16. Waterproof Journal — These little Rite in the Rain All-Weather Journals are perfect for writing and journaling while in the outdoors!

17. Scratch-Off or Markable Map — This is such a fun way to keep track of adventures, whether it is exploring National Parks or marking off all the states visited!

18. National Park 3D Ornaments — These are such a fun way for an adventurer to remember a favorite trip! I have one for Glacier NP and it’s beautiful. These would make a thoughtful gift for a National Park lover.

19. National Park and States Stickers and Maps — Document travels with fun sticker collections, including these National Park Bucket List Stickers! These are perfect for documenting their travels in a journal, on a water bottle (like I do), and more.

A series of four holiday themed REI Gift Cards

Gifts for Adventurers: Stocking Stuffers

20. REI Gift Card — You can’t go wrong with an REI gift card. There’s probably no better gift for an outdoors person! If you’re unsure what to get the adventurer in your life, just slip one of these into their stocking and they’re sure to be thrilled!

21. Nuun Hydration Tabs — These little hydration tabs are lifesavers when you’re on a strenuous hike or don’t have as frequent access to water as you’d like. They’re a great stocking stuffer idea for a backpacker or even outdoor sports enthusiast of any kind.

22. Hand Warmers — These are such a cozy luxury when camping! They have them for your feet, too.

Paracord - a perfect gift for outdoorsmen!

23. Paracord — This is a really versatile tool for all outdoorsy people. The possibilities and uses are endless – a super practical tool to have on hand.

24. Crud Cloth Shower in a Bag — These are amazing for those moments when a shower isn’t within reach! We use them often, and they always leave us feeling surprisingly clean, even after a muddy bike ride.

25. Spork — Every outdoorsy person needs a spork to enjoy their favorite meal while they’re getting outside!

26. Moleskin — This stuff is a lifesaver when you get a blister in the backcountry! A hiker can never have too much moleskin on hand as backup. It will always get used.