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It’s that time again, folks! (Yeah, yeah, I know, don’t remind us…) ‘Tis the season of consumerism! Personally, this time of year isn’t our favorite, and we could do without all the obsessive shopping and buying crap just because you think you have to (you totally don’t). But there is something lovely about a thoughtful, useful gift passed along to someone you love that shows them how much they mean to you and that you know them well enough to gift them something they’ll adore. But that’s easier said than done! Especially if the people you love are outdoorsy (we tend to be fairly particular about our gear). So if you need some ides to get you started, here are 10 of the best gifts for outdoor lovers. And yes, we’ve tested all of them and they get the Terradrift stamp of approval.
Just remember to shop responsibly, and spend some time outdoors with friends and loved ones this season. And check out more ideas for budget-friendly gifts or stocking stuffers here!
Gifts for Outdoor Lovers: The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Folks
Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket
No camping gift guide would be complete without a cozy blanket. And there’s a new blanket in our fave blanket brand Rumpl’s outdoorsy lineup: the Backcountry Puffy. It’s lighter, softer, fluffier, and oh so cozy. It’s designed for backpacking, but ultralighters will still find it heavy. And since it doesn’t pack down much smaller than the original, it’s still a bit bulky. But thanks to softer fabric, updated clips that turn it into a wearable cape, and the addition of a zipper pocket on one corner, it might become their new favorite camp/road trip/stargazing/picnic/hammocking blanket. It’s available in a one-person and two-person size and in a handful of fun colors and patterns. Grab ’em one and then get cozy by the fireplace (or fire pit).
How it’s sustainable: Outer fabric made of 100% post-consumer recycled materials, Nanoloft® Insulation made from 100% Sorona fiber (a plant-based polymer that uses 30% less energy and releases 63% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to Nylon 6), plus Rumpl is a Certified B Corp® and Certified Climate Neutral®.
Luci Solar Site Lights
Do you have a loved one who plans a lot of campouts/backyard chill fests/music festivals and hates calling it a night just because the sun goes down? We can relate. Which is why we know they’ll dig the new portable, multi-functional Luci Solar Site Lights. There are 6 individual lights in a solar-powered charging case (which can also be charged via USB-C) and each can be used on its own, hung from a length of paracord to turn them into string lights, laid out as individual mood lights, or attached to the included stakes to be used as perimeter lights around a campground or backyard. And yes, the stakes are also functional as stakes, so you can also use them to light up the corners of your tent so the kids (or you) don’t trip over your guy lines. The lights last up to 20 hours on a single charge, have three brightness settings, and are stupid easy to use.
How it’s sustainable: Can be charged via solar panels on the case.
Highcamp Flask Fireside Flask
Not all portable flasks are created equal. Fortunately, this sleek insulated thermos of a flask is functional AND fashionable. What with its stainless steel construction, attention to detail, and powder-coated exterior available in several colors, it definitely feels like a cut above the rest. There are even two double-walled cups that snap and stay in place on each end thanks to strong magnets, and yes, they’re nice enough you may want to drink out of them at home in addition to the mountaintop or campground. But this flask isn’t just for booze. On the contrary, the double-wall vacuum insulation of the flasks and cups, paired with a mouth that’s easy to pour from, make it perfect for hot beverages, too. Meaning you can fill it with your favorite tea, coffee, or wassail (spiked or otherwise) and enjoy it on a chilly hike, no packing multiple bottles and drinking vessels required. Highcamp does recommend not putting dairy in it as it’s hard to get the inside clean without a long, narrow scrubber, but otherwise, go nuts! We’ll definitely be sharing hot bevies from ours all winter long. There’s a 750ml size with two cups that fits a whole bottle of liquor and a “single serving” 6oz or 9oz Torch Flask version.
How it’s sustainable: Made of fully recyclable stainless steel.
Jungmaven Sweaters
There’s nothing quite like throwing on a cozy layer post-hike or once you get to the hut after a long backcountry ski or snowshoe (or when taking the weekend off to just chill and hang with friends and fam). And when we’re not actively sending it, we ditch synthetics for comfy, sustainable hemp and organic cotton. And some of our fave sustainable sweaters are from Jungmaven, which specializes in responsibly-made apparel for everyday wear. And if we dig these layers, we know they will, too. Especially the Alpine Raglan for women and the Montauk Hooded Sweatshirt for men (or whichever; Jungmaven designs a lot of their clothing to be gender-neutral).
How it’s sustainable: Made of responsibly-grown hemp and organic cotton, garment dyed to save water.
Mammut Sender IN Hooded Jacket
If you know someone in need of a new insulating layer (re: puffy jacket), look no further than the Mammut Sender IN Hoody. We love Mammut clothing for its functionality and how well it fits, but also its durability. And this insulated jacket is no exception. It’s cozy, available in several colors (including this baller lava red), and has all the features you need in a jacket but none you don’t. While it might not be the most packable jacket we’ve ever tested, it is definitely one of the warmest for its size, so we’re obsessed with it for cold days where cozy layers are required. Bonus: A touch of stretch makes it great for all kinds of mountain activities.
How it’s sustainable: The insulation is made entirely from recycle climbing rope, outer materials are 91% recycled, Fair Wear certified, PFAS-free.
Nemo Double Haul Duffel and Tote
Is it weird to be this obsessed with a duffel bag? Not when it’s this capable. In fact, we’re reasonably sure it will be their favorite new gear hauler for all sorts of adventures. It comes in several sizes (we love the 55L, pictured above), but the stated capacity is for when the bag is all closed up. When it’s open, thanks to semi-rigid trusses in the sides, it stays open and upright so you can pack so much more. That comes in handy if they’re using it to stash bike or camping gear in the back of their car or hauling gear to the campground. Plus, it can be carried as a backpack (the straps never get in the way), over the shoulder, or via grab handles on top. This bag has it all.
How it’s sustainable: It’s Bluesign approved, PFAS-free, comes with a lifetime warranty, the shell is made of 100% recycled nylon and super durable.
Alpaka Go Sling Mini V2
For the traveler, campsite busy body, or sleek urban explorer, we love a handy dandy hip pack or sling. And the Alpaka Sling Mini will be just the thing to get them stoked to start exploring. It’s just the right size for essentials (whether they’re hoofing it around the city or taking on a short day hike), is low profile enough to never feel like it’s in the way, and the magnetic clasp makes it easy to clip on and off in a snap. Plus it’s modular-capable, meaning you can add on all sorts of clips and accessories to fully kit it out and keep your stuff organized.
How it’s sustainable: Materials available include carbon neutral materials (X-Pac) and recycled materials (Axoflux).
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
If you’ve been around Terradrift for a while, you’ll likely be familiar with Ombraz as one of our fave pairs of sustainable sunglasses. But if you’re not, allow us to introduce you (and the lucky recipient you’ll be gifting them to). These are armless sunnies built for adventure. The cord design keeps them securely on their head during all kinds of adventure (including, but not limited to, hiking, biking, kayaking, handstanding, and windsurfing), there’s a style to suit every type of outdoorist (Legerro pictured above), they’re ultra durable, and they’re comfortable enough to wear for hours and hours. We recommend also getting them some side shields (for super sunny mountain or water excursions) and the new nose pad risers that help keep the glasses away from your face (and from fogging up during intense activities).
How it’s sustainable: Made of recycled materials and Ombraz is a B-Corp and plants 20 mangrove trees for every pair sold.
Gregory Miko 20 Daypack
This new Gregory daypack made our fave packs of the year list of a reason, and we’re sure they’ll love it as much as we do. After all, it’s lightweight, breathable, comfy, just the right size, and those bright colors really pop on the trail. But the best part? It’s part of a collaboration with Unlikely Hikers, so it’s available for men (the Miko) and women (the Nano) in standard and plus sizes! So yeah, it’s designed for a wide range of hikers who come in a wide range of sizes! But yes, it’s also a breeze to pack and carry thanks to flexy straps, plenty of pockets, and a supportive hip belt.
How it’s sustainable: Made of recycled materials and 5% goes to non-profit Unlikely Hikers.
Stegmann Vegan Wool Clog
Clothing and gear for outdoorsy folks doesn’t ALWAYS have to be designed for extreme outdoors adventures. After all, we spend plenty of time traveling, lounging at home, and hanging with friends and fam at the brewery. In which case, a cozy pair of durable and practical slip-ons are just the thing. And for that, when we don’t want to look like we forgot to bring extra shoes for going out to dinner after a day on the trail or at the campground, we love the vegan wool slippers from Stegmann. They look more stylish than traditional camp slippers and transition seamlessly from the living room to the light show downtown (and the liquor store afterward so they can stock up on peppermint schnapps for some spiked hot cocoa).
How it’s sustainable: Felt material is made of 96% recycled post consumer PET. Cork latex footbed is a renewable resource, outsole is natural rubber.
Bottom Line: Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
Shop responsibly this season, remember that buying used is sustainable and economical year-round, and give ’em something they not only won’t want to return this season, but will get seasons of use out of for years to come (and think of you fondly each and every time).
Need more ideas for budget-friendly gifts or stocking stuffers? Check out this post!
Alisha is a freelance outdoor journalist and photographer based in Ogden, UT. She loves backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding (even though she’s terrible at it). She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. alishamcdarris.com