18 Camping Gifts That Outdoor Enthusiasts Will Become Obsessed With
Updated: Sep. 08, 2023It's time to hit the trail! From waterproof gear to a portable grill and do-it-all gadgets, these camping gifts were made for the outdoor enthusiast in your life.
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Whether someone is a casual or serious camper, there’s a demand for specialized outdoor clothing, including walking shoes for men and walking shoes for women. Campers also need waterproof and portable camping gear, and a clever multi-functioning gadget or two to make the great outdoors better. Among these gift ideas for campers, you’ll find gifts for her, gifts for him and so much more.
For the one who prioritizes comfort: Puffy Blanket
Talk about multifunctional gear! This Rumpl blanket serves as a blanket, pillow and 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. No wonder campers swear by it! It’s best for warmer nights, when a sleeping bag isn’t needed. When the quick-drying, lightweight blanket isn’t in use, this water- and stain-resistant item folds down small. For an over-the-top gift, pair it with these super comfortable Teva ReEmber camping shoes.
For the bite-prone camper: Bug Bite Suction Tool
Camping is fun and all until you’re covered in itchy bug bites. The Bug Bite Thing suctions out irritants from insects and bugs that cause itchiness and rashes.
“While the Bug Bite Thing is no replacement for insect repellents and hacks that keep mosquitoes away, it certainly is a remarkable addition to any first aid kit, backpack, and camp bag,” writes our tester. “I’m such a fan, I think these should be required packing gear for overnight camps.”
For the cold beverage fan: Yeti Soft Cooler
They won’t have to worry about how to keep drinks cold with this Yeti soft cooler. It can carry up to 30 cans or 28 pounds of ice—with more than enough space if you want to carry some of both. The leakproof liner closes with a powerful magnet to keep all that cold goodness in until you’re ready to enjoy a frosty drink.
For the must-stay-dry camper: Women’s Shell Jacket
Available in four attractive colors, this ultra-lightweight 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, high collar and hood also help make this one of the best coats for rainy weather.
For the mosquito hater: Mosquito Repellent Device
Don’t let the insects get you down. This portable mosquito repeller creates a 15-foot barrier against mosquitos without leaving a strong scent behind. It’s battery- and cord-free, and includes a 12-hour fuel cartridge and three four-hour repellant mats. After all, not carrying bug repellant is a common camping mistake.
For the coffee sipper: Collapsible Mug
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 mug from Sea to Summit. It does double duty as a measuring cup—campfire pancakes, anyone? The collapsible coffee cup is made from bisphenol A (BPA)-free, food-grade and heat-resistant silicone.
For the grill master: Propane Camping Stove
If your camper’s style is more weekend warrior than off-grid adventurer, this three-burner camping stove make for a useful camping gift. It acts as a downward burner and grill. Plus, it connects to any 16-ounce propane tank without a hose connector, and a windshield fixing clip helps protect against wind. Weighing just 10 pounds, it’ll be a camping essential for every trip where the best hot dogs and burgers are involved.
For the evening storyteller: Rechargeable 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. Its battery lasts for up to 200 hours on the low setting, and it’s water- and rain-resistant.
For the cozy camper: Slipper-Style Shoe
After a long day in heavy hiking boots—or just a long day at the office—these camp slippers from Teva are ideal for relaxing around the fire. The sturdy bottom is suitable for the outdoors, and the adjustable straps on these women’s slippers mean they can be custom-fitted for comfort.
For the camper on the move: 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. The giftee will be ready to tackle the best hiking trails!
For the moonlight walker: LED Headlamp
A headlamp allows any camper to be hands-free on their adventure. This LED option from GearLight has more than 31,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. The pack includes two headlamps—you supply the AAA batteries. It offers seven lighting modes, including a red emergency light, making it an essential to have in the car, too.
For the swimmer: 10.5-Liter Dry Bag
If you’re looking for camping gifts 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. It’s a must-have for a summer weekend getaway at the lake.
For the prepared camper: 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, which is designed to treat minor scrapes, cuts and burns. It has just about every first aid kit essential. Strap it on or tuck it into a backpack—it weighs only 1 pound—and always be prepared.
For the clean camper: Solar Camping Shower
Some RVs have showers, but 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!
For the connected camper: 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 will keep them connected. The four fast-charging panels will power most cell phones and tablets. The portable charger also contains a built-in flashlight with an SOS mode.
For the cold-weather camper: 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 backpack, 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.
For the river rat: Water Shoes
Made of performance foam, Merrell’s Hydro Moc with Bloom shoes will stay on her feet while she’s paddling the rapids. The lightweight, vegan-friendly slip-on is attractive and equally useful for the pool or beach. Plus, it comes in nine fun colors.
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