2024 Gift Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Perfect Presents for Hikers, Backpackers, and Road Life Adventurers
Whether you’re shopping for a road tripper, a weekend camper, or a full-time nomad, finding the perfect gift can feel like an adventure in itself — I know I’m impossible to shop for. This guide is packed with thoughtful, practical, and fun gift ideas tailored to those who love exploring the great outdoors, living life on the road, or simply escaping to nature. From must-have gear to little luxuries that make travel life easier, you’re sure to find something for every wanderer on your list (or yourself!).
Here are some quick jump links to get you started: Under $50 | Camping, Overlanding, and Adventure | Hiking & Backpacking | Travel | Camera Gear | Clothing
Under $50
A few items under $50 for easy gifting 😎
Great for anyone who does long road trips or lots of camping - always have access to quick, easy, and good coffee with you.
Ok hear me out — most FUDs are bogus silicone things that are big and messy. This one is easy to use, clean and is super small. Seriously my favorite item for camping & backpacking.
If you store anything on the top of your car, this thing is a super handy little tool to have to help you out. Simply hook in in your door and you’re good to go.
A great gift for anyone wanting to capture their adventures in a nostalgic way, these half-frame cameras give you 2x the shots per roll.
This thing is amazing in the summer months when the mosquitoes wont leave you alone. I like the backpacker one because it runs on normal backpacking fuel canisters and is small, but there are other kinds as well.
Seems pretty typical but I've tried a lot of different hats for hiking and adventures and this one is what I’ve been grabbing for anything on the water or in the mountains. Its lightweight and super breathable
Stop being the person sticking their whole hand in their meal to try and eat it.
These things are super small, lightweight and so nice to have so you have something padded to sit on in the dirt when in the backcountry. I dont go backpacking without this thing.
Camping, Overlanding, and Adventure Gear
Things that just make life on the road a lot easier or more fun! Whether its just a few days or full time, these are some of the items that are key for a comfortable time on the road.
Sea to Summit Frontier Kettle & Cups, $90
This is something on my list this year because having a small kettle that collapses and saves space is a must need. Currently I just have one larger pot and a skillet so hoping to get this pot to make smaller tasks easier.
I’ve used this table for several summers now and its easy to set up, pretty compact and very sturdy.
Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller
This thing is amazing in the summer months when the mosquitoes wont leave you alone. I like the backpacker one because it runs on normal backpacking fuel canisters and is small, but there are other kinds as well.
Barebones Lantern, $80
I just got this from myself and its a little pricey but is super well-made and its nice to have a little lantern I can move around while camping. Its super bright, but adjustable and has that nice vintage look and feel to it!
Pibella Female Urination Device, $20
Ok hear me out — most FUDs are bogus silicone things that are big and messy. This one is easy to use, clean, and is super small. It might take a little practice at first, but being able to pee without taking off your bag while hiking, or being super discreet while camping with others or where there might be little coverage is a game changer. Seriously my favorite item for camping & backpacking.
MSR Guardian Water Filter and Purifier
A bit of a niche item and also a bit of a splurge, but this is so nice to have on hand for roadlife, or frequent campers. This allows me to fill up my water from basically any water source. The pump makes it way easier than my basic backpacking filter, but its still way cheaper than most of the electric pump and filters.
This thing is essential for road-lifers, whether in a van or car, this thing is pretty powerful and small so is easy to store. I use it so much to keep my car (decently) clean while on the road. I do with it has an easier charger, but I just store this charger away in my cargo boxes until I need it.
Rumble Jar Cold Brew Maker, $19.99
In the summer months I never want to make hot coffee so this thing was so nice to have. It fits inside a normal mason jar, which fits into my fridge easier. All I do is add in some coffee the night before and stick it in my fridge to have fresh cold brew in the morning!
When you are on the road or camping as much as I am having a comfy chair with you is essential. Most of the regular camp chairs are so uncomfortable so love that this one sit more like a regular chair and is also way nicer looking.
Pair with the Kammok Swiftlet Stand for mroe portable hammock hangs.
Nothing like chilling in a hammock with friends or while relaxing alone in the woods, I love having this with me when i just want to read in the woods — this one packs down super small and includes the straps.
Nothing beats a warm, durable camp blanket. Rumpl’s are a classic for a reason — I’d recommend the original blanket as I found the nano loft option wasnt nearly as warm and the filling tended to bunch up too much.
Splurge Items
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Splurge Items 〰️
This awning is seriously the best. I had two other awnings previously that you had to roll out and stand up and I never used them becuase they were just such a hassle. This thing pops right out at three different settings in just a minute.
If you know me at all you know I *love* my Kokopelli Raft. It’s so small so it makes getting out on the water so easy (over a paddle board which is just way too big and heavy to travel with out of a 4Runner at least). I love this thing because its so fast (especially with the tiny Feather Pump). I also love that it only weighs about 5lbs so I can hike it up to more remote alpine lakes for a paddle. I use it with the Aquabound Manta Ray Posi-Lok Kayak Paddle, which breaks down ito 4 parts to make it easy to store and travel with.
Always a good thing to have on board, especially if you do anything solo on sketchy roads. They also make great levelers!
Hiking & Backpacking Gear
More detailed information on what I bring hiking and backpacking coming soon but here are a few good staple items everyone needs and should have with them if spending time outdoors.
I like simple setups so instead of carrying a large Jetboil system around I prefer just a small stove and pot combo. This perfectly fits a smaller propane canister and the stove inside so checks all my boxes, plus its titanium so its super lightweight and tough.
Such a simple thing but when you are eating dehydrated meals out of a bag, you’ll wish you had this on you. No one likes to get food bits all over their hand while eating.
Super bright and lasts long enough to run around all night and shoot the aurora in frigid temps. Also rechargeable which is super convenient.
Nemo Tensor All Season Sleeping Pad
I love my nemo tensor inslulated pad but in shoulder season it does lack a bit of warmth. I would love to upgrade to this higher r-value option for season, with an r-value over 5, thats more than double the normal version for only a few more ounces.
Super small, sleek and enough power for a few charges this is such a nice cord-free charging option while on hikes or backpacking trips.
Black Diamond Cork trekking poles
As I’ve gotten older I’ve quickly realized I don’t bounce back as fast as I used to, but using trekking poles is a serious game changer. They help with any knee pain you might have, and I also love that they give your arms a bit of workout they otherwise wouldnt have. They also are serious help for water crossings, and just general balance (I would have tripped and fallen so many times without these.)
This is such a great, simple addition to any backpacking setup. If you use the sawyer squeeze, pair it with this for easy water filling, filtering and storing. I like to filter water into my bottles and then take this full back with me to camp for water through the evening and the morning so I dont need to go back to filter more. Also is great for larger groups.
If you’re like me and need to jump in every alpine lake you see, having a nice small lightweight towel is such a luxury. At only 8oz, this sure beats getting clothes wet to try and dry off in the backcountry.
Again, I love a no-nonsense backpacking setup. This is super reliable and small and boils up some water super fast.
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Hyperlight Mountain Gear Junction Bag
If you are out in the wildnerness and like to backpack, then you’ve probably heard of Hyperlight Mountain Gear and their Dyneema bags. I have had mine for five years now and I love it so much. It is fully waterproof so hiking in the PNW is a breeze and it is such a comfortable bag. I use this as my daypack for longer day hikes as well because its just comfy and has everything I need.
Travel
Some essentials for the traveler.
Tessan Worldwide Travel Adapter
I know, a boring travel adapter, but honestly I use this thing everywhere. Guest houses, hotels, even at home or while on the road. Its super easy and I love that is has the different USBs so I dont need to have a million of those little adapters. Also has a higher wattage output which makes charging my laptop off USBc a lot faster.
Toiletry Case, $20
I’ve traveled a lot and tried so many different toiletry bags and cases, and everyone annoys me. I love this one because it opens up and lays flat — I’ve always found hanging bags to be a nuisance. I love all the different compartments that help keep things organized without hiding things. I have this is two sizes to use for all my toiletries when im on the road, and a smaller one for actual traveling.
Sea to Summit Aeros inflatable neck pillow, $37
I have carrying a bulky neck pillow when traveling because then you have to lug it around with you on your whole trip so love that I found this inflatable one that is still soft feeling, and folds down to be super small.
If you use any kind of bar soap or solid shampoo & conditioner you need these. Just plop your bar of soap in and it will dry through the bag - simple and no mess. Great for air travel so you dont have to hassle with additional liquids if youre using bars.
People love packing cubes - I love these packing cubes. Easy to use, compress down pretty good, are lightweight a tough. There are also a bunch of fun colors to choose from!
These wraps are super nice for protecting any of your tech gear like lenses, mics, camera bodies - anything. The velcro edges make it easy to secure around whatever you want so you can just toss it in a bag.
I love the peace of mind these give me when traveling and I have one in my luggage. I also usually keep one in each of my bags when i travel, and on my car keys — essential.
Airfly Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter
This plugs in to the video screen on airplanes so you can watch movies with your airpods or other bluetooth headphones. This is so night to have so I dont have to travel with my large headphones with the Aux cord, or use the cheap freebies they give you on the plane.
I have this bag in three different sizes but find the 55L to be the most versatile. I packed this for two weeks in London, Scotland and the Faroe Islands, and many other trips and it fits so much. The 40l I have for shorter weekend trips, or tropical week-long trips. I love that is comes with the straps to carry more like a backpack for extra comfort.
This is just a fun, cute way to travel with your film. If flying make sure to always take other precautions when going through security. This case comes in a few colors but I love the classic blue and red ones for a fun, vintage feel.
I always have a notebook with me and these small field notes that are also waterproof are great for taking on any trip. No matter the weather these will stay pristine.
Camera Gear & Accessories
Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera
Film has grown so much in popularity again over the last few years and in the last year I dove right back in as well. Its so fun, nostalgic for us who had it growing up, and give you some really nice keepsakes from your travels. This is a half frame camera so you get double the shots for your roll of film which is so nice considering how much film costs these days.
A sturdy mobile tripod is so good to have anytime you want to snag a quick video of yourself, or a cheeky timelapse. I’ve tried a few of them that are really small but just arent sturdy enough to be easy to use so would suggest opting for a slightly larger but easier to use one like this.
I own this bag in both sizes because I loved the smaller one so much I wanted something a bit bigger to take with on longer trips where I wanted to bring more gear. Its spacious and comfortable - I like that it comes with hip belt attachments. I’ve had the smaller one for so many years its gone everywhere with me.
The best camera accessory for hikers so you can attach your camera to your backpack strap for quick and easy access. I have one attached to every bag.
Smallrig makes a bunch of different cages for camera bodies that make attaching accessories like mics, handles and anything you can think of to it. I have a half cage and a full cage - depends on what you might need. I like to combine it with the Falcam Quick Release Handle for extra ergonmic handling.
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Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Projector
Definitly a splurge, but so fun to have to be able to have movie nights out in the middle of nowhere! I’ve used this at home with my family for movie nights, and out in the middle of the desert. You can stream right from your streaming services and even download movies on to for when you dont have service.
Clothing & Accessories
Mountain Hardware Summit MicroGrid Hoody
In February I lost my first pair of Ombraz sunglasses while on vacation in Mexico and immediately had to get a new pair. I love these for any outdoor adventure because they stay put, are comfortable and you dont get any annoying arms digging into your ears.
Altra Lone Peak Trail Runners Womens & Men’s
I have been wearing lone peaks for year and years. I really loved their mid height version and bought all I could find when I saw they stopped making them, but will not deviate away from the zero drop and wide footned for hiking and backpacking. I’ve not had any blisters or feet problems since I started wearing these.
