40 Gifts for Campers That Are Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Updated: Oct. 19, 2022It's time to hit the trail! From waterproof gear to portable grills and do-it-all gadgets, these gifts for campers are perfect for the outdoor enthusiast in your life
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Essential gifts for campers
The outdoors are calling, and Americans are heeding the call in droves. KOA campgrounds report that in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, a record 48 million U.S. households took at least one camping trip—that’s 6 million more than the year before. And it’s no wonder: The global shutdown and the desire to spend time outdoors led people to discover or rediscover the nation’s national parks, forests and natural areas, or just get out and spend more time in the great outdoors.
A surge in the popularity of camping has meant greater demand and availability of specialized outdoor clothing, including walking shoes for men and walking shoes for women, plus waterproof and portable gear (like some of the best coolers), or just a clever multi-functioning gadget that makes camping easier or more comfortable. So if you have a friend or loved one who’s ready to hit the trail and hike, drive or paddle to their favorite campsite or outdoor area, then look no further than our handpicked list of gifts for campers. Among our gift ideas, you’ll find gifts for her and gifts for him.
Best for cozy multitasking
Classic 4-in-1 PillowBlanket
Talk about multifunctional gear. This Classic 4-in-1 PillowBlanket serves as a blanket, a pillow, a sleep sack and a waterproof cape. Plus it’s made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, so it’s as good for the earth as it is for the camper. It’s great for warmer nights, when a sleeping bag isn’t needed, it’s lightweight and folds down small, plus it’s water- and stain-resistant and quick-drying.
Best for the thirsty camper
Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler
They won’t have to worry about how to keep drinks cold with this Yeti Hopper M20 backpack cooler. It can carry up to 18 cans with 13 pounds of ice (at the same time). The leakproof liner closes with a powerful magnet to keep all that cold goodness in till you’re ready to enjoy a frosty drink. Available in several splashy colors, including alpine yellow, nordic blue and bimini pink.
Best for the dedicated overnighter
Lost Ranger UL 3N1 0° Sleeping Bag
Let’s be honest—sleeping on the ground isn’t always that comfortable. Rock your camper’s world with the deluxe Lost Ranger UL 3N1 0° sleeping bag from Big Agnes. The UL version is longer, meaning tall campers stay covered, and thanks to a “pillow barn” and pad attachment system the pillow and pad stay put. It’s the next best thing to bringing your favorite pillow along.
Best for the family that camps
Spicer Peak 4 Tent
With 58 square feet of floor area, the Spicer Peak 4 four-person tent from Big Agnes offers plenty of room for a family of campers. At 11 pounds, it’s well-suited for drive-up camping or camping areas reached via a paddle or short hike. The waterproof tent is easy to set up and take down and has two large doors.
Best cooler for car campers
Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Yeti makes some of the best coolers around, but a downside to all that amazing insulation is that they’re also on the heavy side. Enter the Yeti Roadie Wheeled Cooler. With room for 41 cans (plus ample ice) and an optional divider (sold separately) to keep food and drinks apart, it’s the perfect size for a weekend away—and it has a handle and wheels to help you get it there. If that’s not quite big enough for you, the Yeti Roadie 60 launches on August 11.
Best for the MacGyver type
Gentlemen’s Hardware Survival Kit
The all-in-one Gentlemen’s Hardware Survival Kit is a real backcountry lifesaver—literally. Packaged in a portable metal tin, the kit contains essential wilderness survival tools for the intrepid camper, including a fire starter for wilderness camping, a penknife tool, tweezers, rope, safety pins and a wire saw.
Best for the cool hiker
Helly Hansen Tinden Light Hiking Pants
Norwegian brand Helly Hansen has long been synonymous with quality, and these Tinden Light Pants are no exception. Lightweight, comfortable and durable, they’re great for warm-weather hikes—he’ll love the stretchy, tear-resistant weave—and evenings around the campfire.
Best for a fashionable foot forward
Helly Hansen Women’s Odin 9 World Shell Jacket
Available in several attractive colors, the ultra-lightweight Odin 9 World shell jacket from Helly Hansen delivers on warmth, wind protection and waterproofness. Add layers underneath to go from warm to cold seasons; the nipped-in waist and high collar and hood also help make this coat a top pick for cool weather.
Best for hot drinks
X-Mug Cool Grip
Hot campfire coffee is a morning treat, but those too-hot-to-the-touch metal camp mugs? Not so much. Enjoy hot drinks while keeping hands cool with this collapsible Cool Grip X-Mug from Sea to Summit. It does double duty as a measuring cup—perfect for making breakfast pancakes! The collapsible coffee cup is made from BPA-free, food-grade and heat-resistant silicone.
Best for hitting the trail
Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Sock
Hiking in cold weather requires socks that are a combination of comfortable and warm, and these Merino wool boot socks from Darn Tough deliver on both fronts. A cushioned insole helps prevent blisters and callouses, and an over-the-calf fit keeps them from slipping down.
Best hiking boots for women
Jambu Rainey-Hiker Waterproof Boots
These tough Rainey-Hiker Waterproof Boots from Jambu are durable enough for a rainy trail and stylish enough for a campground cookout after a long day of hiking. We appreciate that they’re truly waterproof—not just water-resistant, like so many trail boots.
Best grill for drive-up camping
BioLite FirePit Cooking Kit
If your camper’s style is more weekend warrior than off-grid adventurer, the BioLite FirePit Cooking Kit makes a great gift. It does double duty as a grill and fire pit, to go right from cooking burgers to roasting marshmallows—and warming tootsies! The kit includes fire pit, griddle, cover and grilling tools, plus has a built-in rechargeable fan that doubles as a power source.
Best for an evening glow
BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Multicolor USB Lantern
Why settle for a boring camp lantern when you can opt for a multicolor glow? The AlpenGlow 500 rechargeable lantern provides natural or colored light that’s adjustable, depending on how much light the user wants. Its battery lasts for up to 200 hours on LO setting, and it’s water- and rain-resistant.
Best for eating outdoors
Yeti Lowlands Blanket
The Yeti Lowlands Blanket is wonderfully multipurpose: It’s both durable and soft with a padded waterproof layer on the bottom. It’s built to withstand burrs and pet hair, making it a smart dog blanket for your car too. Did we mention it’s machine washable?
Best for windy conditions
Ibex Merino Neck Gaiter
If your nature lover is ready to tackle the trail no matter the conditions, help protect them from the elements with this Merino wool neck gaiter from Ibex. It’s lightweight and soft yet provides an effective wind barrier, and it’s available in six colors.
Best for warm, cozy feet
Northside Women’s Camp Slipper
After a long day in heavy hiking boots—or just a long day at the office—these camp slippers from Northside are perfect for relaxing around the fire, thanks to a sturdy bottom suitable for the outdoors. Adjustable straps mean they can be custom-fitted for comfort. Check out more of our picks for best women’s slippers.
Best for warm hands
LifeLabs Unisex WarmLife Glove
We love these unisex gloves from LifeLabs, which come in five different sizes and provide lightweight, breathable, yet warm protection. They’re super thin, so they’re easy to tuck into a coat pocket or backpack. Plus, they’re made of 80% recycled materials.
Best for sure footing
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking and Hiking Poles
Whether your hiker is climbing mountains or just walking around the block, a pair of trekking poles helps regulate pace, increase calorie burn and protect joints. This collapsible pair from Montem is adjustable in length, top-rated on Amazon and comes in several colors.
Best for the trail runner
CamelBak Classic Light Hydration Pack
If your outdoorsy human loves to take to long trails, either on runs or long hikes, make sure they stay hydrated with this hydration backpack from CamelBak—it holds up to 2 liters of water. This multitasking pack features a tube strap for hands-free drinking, plus other places to store gear. These are more of our favorite reusable water bottles.
Best for lighting the way
GearLight LED Head Lamp
Whether your hiker gets caught on the trail past dark or needs a little light to set up camp, a hands-free headlamp is a work of genius. This LED option from GearLight has more than 36,000 reviews on Amazon, and more than 75% of them are five-star. The pack includes two headlamps—you supply the AAA batteries. It offers seven lighting modes, including a red emergency light.
Best for days on the water
Goforth 10.5L Dry Bag
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who enjoys canoeing or kayaking, then this serious dry bag from Goforth will be their go-to accessory for days on the water. The 10.5-liter bag is large enough to keep phones, cameras, food, matches or a change of clothes dry, even if the bag goes overboard.
Best for sunny days on the trail
Eddie Bauer Resolution Women’s Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Even in the dappled light of a wooded trail, your hiker needs protection from sun damage! And with its UPF 50+ protection, this versatile long-sleeve T-shirt from Eddie Bauer provides it—plus it’s quick-drying and moisture-wicking, with thumbholes for easy layering. We like this attractive women’s style, but it’s available in men’s sizes too.
Best for minor emergencies
Surviveware Comprehensive Premium First Aid Kit
Cuts and scrapes, bumps and bruises—they’re all part of enjoying the great outdoors! Be prepared for them with this 100-piece first aid kit from Surviveware, which is designed to treat minor scrapes, cuts and burns. Strap it on or tuck it into a backpack—it ways only a pound—and always be prepared.
Best for starting a fire
Bushcraft Survival Ferro Rod Fire Starter Kit
Matches and a lighter are great, but they get wet or run out of fuel. This Ferro rod fire starter kit from Bushcraft is an old-school, time-tested tool for lighting a fire. The kit includes a jumbo jute rope for tinder and the flint fire starter that sparks even in the rain. It’s designed for up to 15,000 strikes, and the hardened steel tool is also a hex wrench, scraper and bottle cap opener.
Best for a hot shower
Coleman Solar Camping Shower
When you’ve been on the trail for days, there’s nothing like a hot shower. And this portable solar shower from Coleman means your camper doesn’t have to wait until they’re home to get fresh and clean. The 5-gallon bag that folds up for easy stowing heats water for dishes or an outdoor shower—albeit a quick one!
Best for a cool sleep
LifeLabs CoolLife Sleep Set
No air conditioning? No problem. This high-tech sleep set from LifeLabs pulls body heat from the skin and helps ensure a comfortable sleep, even in hot and humid conditions. The light, smooth fabric set is rapid drying, odor-resistant, machine washable and available in three colors.
Best for safe drinking water
Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle
The water in that mountain stream sure looks clear and clean. But it could be full of bacteria, viruses and parasites that can ruin a camping trip and, at worst, cause serious illness. This water filter and purifier from Grayl uses active carbon to filter out the bad stuff to provide 24 ounces of clean water in eight seconds to ensure safe hydration.
Best for beating bugs
BugsAway Wanderlux Cianorte Shirt
A shirt that repels pesky insects? Sign us up! The built-in Insect Shield technology in this long-sleeved T-shirt from BugsAway keeps away mosquitoes, fleas and ticks to keep your hiker safe from a raft of insect-borne diseases. The odor-free repellant on the UPF 50 fabric lasts for up to 70 washes.
Best for a cushy sleep
Kamp-Rite Self-Inflating Air Mattress
No more sleeping on the cold, unforgiving ground. Keep your camper comfy and warm with this self-inflating air mattress from Kamp-Rite. The 3-inch mattress inflates with the twist of a valve and can be rolled up to deflate and strap to a backpack.
Best for toting life’s necessities
Baggallini Trifold Travel Kit
Tote medication, toiletries, lip balm and other trail necessities in this handy foldable travel kit from Baggallini. It folds into a compact 11.5-by-6.5-inch size and weighs just a few ounces – taking just the space of a small toiletry bag, but making a camping experience so much easier.
Best for sunny days on the water
Multitrust Men’s Adjustable Boonie Hat
Sunburn can easily put a damper on a day on the water. Protect the paddler you love with this wide-brim fedora from Multitrust, great for fishing, canoeing or any activity under the sun. It tucks easily into a pack and retains its shape. It’s made of quick-dry, breathable polyester and has a large brim for shade on the face and neck.
Best for the connected camper
Hiluckey Solar-Powered Phone Charger
Whether your camper wants to stream the big game, or they just want the security of an emergency power source, this solar-powered phone charger from Hiluckey will keep them connected. The four fast-charging panels will power most cellphones and tablets. It also contains a built-in flashlight with SOS mode.
Best for shiny locks
R and Co. Death Valley Dry Shampoo
If water is scarce or there’s no time for a shower, turn to this dry shampoo named after the driest place on earth. Death Valley Dry Shampoo restores luster and shine and removes excess oil, and it smells good too. And let’s face it—most hikers could use a little perfuming.
Best for cold conditions
Ozark Trail Survival Blanket
Camping and hiking in cold, harsh weather means being prepared for the worst, even if it never occurs. This survival blanket from Ozark Trail takes up a minimal amount of space in a pack but provides life-saving shelter and cover in the event of a real cold-weather emergency. Bonus: The reflective material retains body heat, and its bright color can work as an emergency signaling device.
Best for the angler
Magellan Outdoors Laguna Madre Fishing Shirt
For long days of fly-fishing or paddling, this hard-working shirt from Magellan Outdoors has him covered. Long-sleeved and lightweight, it protects from sun exposure and has lots of handy pockets. We love that it comes in 18 colors and up to 10 different sizes, including 4XL.
Best for the trail dog
NiteDog Rechargeable LED Collar
Keep their faithful hiking companion safer on the trail with a rechargeable dog collar from NiteDog. The bright LED light makes pups easy to sight, even in dark or densely wooded environments. It charges in approximately 1.25 hours for 6.5 hours of run time. Discover more of the best gifts for dog lovers.
Best for the thirsty pup
RadDog Collapsible Bowl
Keep four-legged hiking buddies hydrated with this collapsible pet bowl from RadDog. The bowl holds up to 16 ounces of food or water, folds down to a tiny, packable size and even clips on to a backpack.
Best for the pint-sized adventurer
Little Kids’ Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot
Outfit your youngest hiker with these sturdy hiking boots from Columbia, sized for little or big kids. They’re made to take a beating and built for slippery trails and rocks, creek crossings and all the other capers kids get up to.
Best for weekends away
Newton Ridge 24L Backpack
For the dedicated overnight hiker, this backpack from Columbia ticks all the boxes. Pockets galore, trekking pole attachments, a rainfly and ergonomic design keep your favorite hiker/camper comfortable and well kitted-out.
Best for the river rat
Merrell Hydro Moc with Bloom
Made of performance foam, these Merrell Hydro Moc with Blooms will stay on her feet while she’s paddling the rapids. The lightweight, vegan-friendly slip-on is attractive and equally perfect for the pool or beach.
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