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‘Tis the season to shove goodies into oversized socks hanging from a mantle that hopefully won’t result in a house fire! (By which I mean it’s the holiday season; time to stuff some stockings…) But Outdoorsy folks can be hard to shop for, especially because we definitely don’t need ANOTHER spork or pocket-sized multi-tool (please don’t get us another spork…). Fortunately, being avid outdoorists ourselves, we know a little something about what hikers, campers, cyclists and kayakers WOULD love to find in a stocking hung by the chimney with care, so we made this handy list of outdoor stocking stuffers for outdoor enthusiasts. Many are also great budget-friendly gifts for outdoor enthusiasts! You’re bound to find something they’ll love.
Looking for more big-ticket gift ideas? Check out our main gift guide for outdoor lovers HERE!
Outdoor Stocking Stuffers
Turtle Fur Cairn 5 Panel Hemp Hat
We love a good hat here at Terradrift. And 5-panel hats are our perennial favorites because they look good with just about everything, can be dressed up or down, and cover our unruly hair when we can’t be bothered to do anything with it. But we prefer one that leaves a lighter footprint, sustainably speaking. And these hats from Turtle Fur fit the bill. They’re crafted from hemp and organic cotton, are durable, and look just as good on the trail as they do in the tavern.
Pact Outdoors Pack Out Bags
There comes a time in every outdoorist’s life when they have to poop in a bag. For some of us, we’ve done it enough times for it to totally stop seeming weird. For others, well, there’s a first time for everything. And with more and more areas of the country encouraging (or outright demanding) that backpackers, rafters, cyclists and more pack out their waste instead of buying it in a traditional cat hole situation, wag bags (bags designed to contain human waste) are becoming more and more necessary. Fortunately, no matter how much experience they have going in a bag, these Pack Out bags are designed for them. They’re light, come with instructions (and entertainment) printed right on the bag, and include deodorizer powder AND compressed wipes so they’ll have everything they need to go responsibly. Win. Get them the Pact Outdoors Pact Lite, too so they’re always prepared, no matter where they have to go).
MODL Infinity Tool
Want to gift an outdoorsy stocking stuffer they’ll want to play with for hours, just like when they were a kid? Try the MODL Infinity Tool on for size. They come in multiple lengths, can be fastened together in a million configurations (some might say an infinite amount…), and are available in a variety of colors. We’ve used ours for lashing accessories to packs, strapping pizza boxes to bike racks, adjusting pack straps, bundling tent stakes, and so much more. They’re insanely useful, but also a ton of fun. Get them a multi-pack or two, plus a few of the accessory mods (we love the hooks and double pegs, personally) and watch them discover how many uses they can come up with (and check out some silly ones we invented in this video).
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
For the endurance athlete on your list, nothing beats an oversized sock full of drinkable fuel for their next long hike, backpacking trip, ride, or run. The single-serve packets (it’s also available in bulk bags) are all vegan, made with real sugar and other ingredients you can pronounce, are easily digestible for a quick energy boost, mix up easily, and actually taste great. Some even contain caffeine! We used them on a long ride around Crater Lake and were super glad to have brought some along. Get them a flavor variety pack so they can discover their faves.
HiBar Zero Waste Body Care
We love HiBar because they make great body care products in zero waste packaging, but we especially love the sample/travel size bars of shampoo and conditioner because they are small and light enough to fit easily in a backpack, can be used to wash dishes in a pinch, are excellent for car camping, and are totally zero waste, meaning there’s no plastic involved whatsoever. Plus, the products themselves are vegan (except for Soothe and Maintain shampoo and conditioner bars as they have a trace amount of honey), not tested on animals, and free from all the paragons, sulfates, and other nasties they don’t want on their skin or in the soil.
Arcade Adventure Belt
I know, I know: A belt on a list of good outdoorsy gifts?! But hear us out, because this not only makes a great stocking stuffer, but it might just be their new fave accessory for not only outdoor activities, but everyday, too! That’s for a few reasons: 1.) it’s flexible and stretchy, so it keeps your pants up, but also moves with you so so you never feel any pinching or discomfort, 2.) all the solid parts and pieces are made of plastic, not metal, so it’s light, but also doesn’t need to be removed when going through airport security, and 3.) it’s customizable, meaning you can trim it to fit and it extends up to 40 inches! Bonus: They’re available in plenty of neutrals plus colors and patterns so you can find one to suit any outdoorist. The firm stretch material of the belt is made with REPREVE recycled yarn and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Farm to Summit Instant Latte and Golden Milk
You know we love coffee here at Terradrift. If someone you know does too, and ALSO loves camping or backpacking (or road trips or nice long hikes…) then *good* instant coffee makes and excellent stocking stuffer. Note the emphasis on “good.” Because not all instant coffee is created equal. But for the sustainably-minded outdoor coffee obsessed, a box or two of Farm to Summit instant mixes are just the thing. Our favorite options are the dairy-free Oat Milk Latte and Golden Milk Turmeric Latte (which, we know, is not coffee, but still delish at the beginning OR end of a long day of adventure). Just add hot water and they have a delicious warm bevy at the ready in an instant. Delish. Bonus: They’re packaged in completely compostable packaging and donate 2% For Food Security.
The Landmark Project Bandanas
Bandanas are a virtual necessity for outdoorsy folks. They’re sweat rags, snot rags, dish cloths, sun protection, dust inhalation prevention devices, coffee filters, water filters, and yes, even bandanas. But not all bandanas are created equal. And sometimes, it’s nice to have something you’re not embarrassed to wear to drinks post-hike in addition to on the trail. Enter these fun prints from The Landmark Project. One features desert dwellers and the other scenes from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Shove one (or both) in their stocking and prepare for an outpouring of thanks. Bonus: they’re made of cotton certified by the Better Cotton Initiative that promotes better standards in cotton farming and The Landmark Project donates a percentage of every sale to national parks.
Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cubes
If there’s oe thing we love, it’s a good packing cube. If there’s one thing we love more, it’s a good multi-functional packing cube that ALSO works as a stuff sack, camp pillow (when filled with extra clothes), cross-body sling, hip pack, you name it. And that’s what the newest Packing Cubes from Peak Design (a Climate Neutral Certified brand) do. So if they need clothing wrangled inside their suitcase, gear organized in their backpack, toiletries contained, or a simple and accessible place to keep their cell phone, lip balm and sunscreen when on the go, these will do the trick nicely. Get them the 3-pack for the most size options plus a Flathook Carry Strap or two to accompany so they can transform it into a sling (it can also fasten to the new Peak Design Outdoor Backpack, which we also love). They’re made of 100% recycled and Bluesign approved fabric.
Alpaka Zip Clutch
Have an outdoorsy traveler on your list? One who likes to stay organized? Check out the Alpaka Zip Clutch. We love it for all its organizational zippers and pockets but also for its durable and highly water resistant outer fabric (which is also made of recycled materials–X-Pac VX25 only). It can be carried on its own, but we also love it as an organizational pouch to keep necessities together and easy to access in any larger bag. Inside and out, there are places for pens, charging cables, a phone or passport, cash, you name it. It even comes with a removable wrist strap and can be outfitted and paired with additional accessories from Alpaka (like the Sling listed in our main gift guide) for an even more inter-connected carry system.
Bottom Line: Stocking Stuffers 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).
Don’t forget to check out our main gift guide for outdoor lovers HERE!
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