Are you struggling to find gifts for the camping men in your life? Well, look no further than our guide to men’s camping gifts. We have an assortment of all the men’s camping items that will set your favorite camper off on the right foot.
With so many options out there how do you know what to find? Is it something new or an upgrade to something they already own? Well, our men’s camping gift best-of-list will put you on the right path!
Remember that the best gifts are not always the most expensive. Camping can be a pricy activity. This men’s camping gifts guide will provide you with some affordable options for the camper in your life. Don’t get too worked up over the present though. In honesty, most of us who like to camp aren’t looking for super expensive things anyways. We just want to be outdoors!
Looking for a camper in your life? Check out this camping gear for under $50!
1. The Camping Tent
The number one item on our men’s camping gifts list is agreeably the most important. You need to have some sort of shelter when you venture out into the wild. This is because even if you prefer to sleep out under the stars, weather or other unforeseen circumstances could pop up. This may force you inside.
A shelter could be a camping tent. Preferably a sturdy and waterproof one like the one in the picture. This depends on personal preference as many people enjoy camping the more traditional way with a tent. With a four-person tent like this, the man in your life can take the whole family out and have space for gear as well. Check out the other options below!
Find out how to pick a tent now! Looking for some family tent recommendations? Look no further!
2. All-In-One Soap
When camping lighter is better. The fewer things you have to pack for hiking the lighter you will be, right? So all-in-one soap can be really helpful. No soap isn’t heavy, per se. However, an all-in-one plays multiple roles and every ounce counts. In this case, the soap will allow you to stay clean outdoors, but you don’t have to pack different soaps for every use.
Our suggestion is Dr. Bronner’s soap. This soap comes in at about $15 for 16 ounces. It can perform as a body wash, dish soap, makeshift toothpaste, and much more. It has eighteen different uses in all! And it’s also vegan and non-GMO. I love the fact that Dr. Bronner’s has so many uses which makes it a great deal as a men’s camping gift.
3. Sea to Summit Alpha 2.2 Dish Set
The Sea to Summit Alpha 2.2 set is also a great collapsable kit for your camping kitchen. Equipped with stainless steel handles and silicone rubber grips that make these are easy to use even when they are hot.
Additionally, the outside of the pot has a textured outer layer, making it more stable on any cooktop you use with it. A great choice for your couples camping trip.
Still not convinced that these are the best for you? Much like the MSR option provided in number 3 this set is super lightweight. Coming in at only 16oz combined you can literally pack and forget this cookware. With everything nesting so nicely you will certainly know that everything is right where it needs to be at come mealtime.
Need to know what to cook to wow your partner? Check out these fantastic camping recipes.
4. Flashlight
Have you found yourself waking up in the middle of the night to find that you can’t find that one little thing you need out of your pack? What about out on a long trail as the sun starts to set? Wouldn’t having a small lightweight light be just the ticket for finding what you need in your pack without waking up everyone else in your camp?
The next must-have hiking gift guide item I want to recommend is a flashlight. You can find less expensive options like this one from Walmart which is only 27 grams! However, this 10,000-lumen rechargeable light is sure to light the way for your hiker. It also provides a range of options for you.
Check out these great trails in Arizona to shine this light on!
This is one of the easiest pieces of gear that you can find that’s ultra-light which is great for hiking. It is more powerful for night hiking or spending a lot of time doing stuff at night. So if your hiker needs a little backup light with them when the moon just isn’t cutting it, then this is the one.
These two additional options below are similar to the one above but get your hands-free. They also come in multi-packs. Therefore, you will have backups in case something happens to you during a trip. Having a handy ultralight flashlight like this handy will make nighttime on the trail that much easier.
5. Bug Spray / Bug Bite Thing
One of the things that people often complain about in the outdoors is bugs. Whether it is mosquitos, gnats, or ticks, it is important to have some protection from insects out in the wild. That is why having bug spray is so important. In fact, the prevention of bug bites can help protect you from getting diseases and illnesses like malaria and lime disease. It is so important to ensure you prevent as many bites as possible and bug spray is very effective.
Don’t just stick with on-body spray though. If you are sitting around a campsite or picnic table then invest in other bug-repellent items. These could include citronella candles or other tabletop repellents as well. In the event you do get bit you will need some relief. The Bug Bite Thing is a game-changer that is sure to give your man relief quickly.
6. A Pocket Knife
Remember how we’re looking for items that will serve diverse purposes? Our goal is to not only pack less but also spend less. Well, a pocket knife is another one of those men’s camping gifts items that is a necessary weight addition! It serves a lot of purposes while hiking like preparing food, cutting rope, cutting down hanging vines and other things in your way, etc.
Want to see our go-to list of multi-tools under $25?
The best part is that you can find a good pocket knife for well under your budget. For instance, the Grand Way Tactical Folding Knife for only $14. This knife also includes some extra features that could come in handy as well such as a fire starter handle and a whistle. Just make sure your hiker knows how to take care of your tool!
7. Bottle & Can Opener
Let’s face it. Most men out in a campsite are partaking in a bit more than just nature. (Gross overgeneralization I know!) Having a bottle opener and a can opener are two no-brainer items that you should have no matter what.
If you have ever been out on the trail with a can of tuna or beans with no opener you know how painful it can be. You end up trying to pry your way in with a rock or a knife. It makes for a poor experience. Instead, go ahead and just pack this necessity for him so that he is prepared.
8. Some Cooking Supplies
Unless you want your camper to eat cold food all the time they are going to need some good cooksets. However, packing a bunch of cooking supplies can be a hassle. Not to mention that a lot of camping cooking sets are expensive. Having cooking supplies is a necessity though. So here is an affordable option that is a men’s camping gifts top item contender.
This OuterEQ Camping Cookware Kit is an even $20 and worth every penny. This kit includes a pot, frying pan, and soup spoon all of which are non-stick. They also have foldable handles that make for compact storage. Now that you have a solid camp cook set, check out all of our camping recipes.
9. First Aid Kit
There is nothing more essential than a first aid kit. Unfortunately, these can often be on the pricey side of things. I have you covered in this men’s camping gifts guide though. I have found you a kit that still has everything you need but is budget-friendly.
The TrekProof Compact First Aid Kit is a great option for campers on a budget as it is only $18 and it contains 100 different pieces. These include antiseptic wipes, scissors, bandages, disposable gloves, and more. It also comes in a durable nylon case that is hardy enough to withstand your camping journey.
10. Tactical Rope
This next men’s camping gifts item I suggest you give your camper to pack is a durable rope. You can use it to act as a makeshift tent rope, a clothesline, and much more.
Paracord has so many uses. It is probably one of the most versatile items that you can have with you when outdoors. It is so light and easy to carry around that it just makes sense to have some with you when it is time to head into the outdoors.
This Gear Aid utility cord should do the trick and it’s budget-friendly as it only costs about $7. For this amount, you’ll get 50 feet worth of this 325 paracord made out of 100% nylon!
Be prepared for any camping trip with these Top 15 Camping Tips!
11. Mountain Hardwear 0F Phantom
This sleeping bag is super light and warm, it packs down very small so it is great for longer expeditions where you have more kit to carry. It’s been hard to find a bad review about this much-loved sleeping bag but one con is the price tag, at $650 it is one of the priciest on this list.
The Mountain Hardwear Phantom repels water from its surface and therefore dries very quickly and keeps more warmth if dampened or soaked in water.
This tried and tested bag is versatile in the fact that it’s great for anyone. It can be used on two-day hiking trips but also suits a few weeks of climbing in rough terrain. It works for everything but don’t be deterred by the highest-priced item on our men’s camping gifts list.
Learn how to survive a winter storm.
12. Tools To Start A Fire
What says camping like a warm campfire to roast marshmallows at? Nothing! This is exactly why you never forget to pack everything you need to start a fire. Learn how to become an expert at building campfires. This could be whichever type of fire starter you choose, options include things like flint and steel, Ferro rod, matches (make sure they’re waterproof), or a cigarette lighter.
Now you may be wondering why this is an important item for a camper. Well, we can never be too prepared. Having a few fire starting items tucked away in your day pack may be the difference between life and death when lost overnight. Not to mention it will simply make starting the evening campfire that much easier.
This is a fantastic way to get your fire going quickly.
Additionally, pack some kindling for the fire as well because you don’t want to leave it to chance and try to find all of it in the woods. Use a waterproof container and pack it with dry tree bark, strips of newspaper, or other types of kindling.
13. USB or Battery Fan
Battery-powered fans are so useful when out camping in the heat. They can help to move air around while pushing warmer air out of the tent or RV. Having it battery-operated means that you can take it with you while you are out hiking. Think of how much more enjoyable it will be to have all of the sweat blowing off of you as you hike.
A small fan like this can also be used when it is time to start a fire. If you didn’t pack a lighter (shame really) then once you get your embers going in the fire pit you can use the fan to stoke the fire. Your now roaring fire is all thanks to that tiny fan! That is why I have added it to the men’s camping gifts list and why you should buy it for the man in your life.
14. Navigational Tools
We’re used to having signs, dedicated roads, and people that know the area to help us get around. So in our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to avoid getting lost and even easier to find our way back if we do. But that’s all a bit different in the wilderness because we’re in an environment that we’re just not used to.
So before you go camping, make sure to add a map and compass to your gear. These will help you to stay on track, and make your way back to your campsite if you do get a bit turned around. If you can, bring a charged GPS, as this will be even better! Don’t forget extra batteries or a way to charge on the go for longer hikes! The below GPS options are great men’s camping gifts for you to choose from.
15. Tarp
A tarp is something that your camper will definitely regret not bringing on their trip. It can shelter them from unpleasant weather if they can’t get to a proper shelter in time. Not to mention block out wind or go underneath the tent for extra protection. The uses don’t stop there and that is why it is on our men’s camping gifts list!
This B-Air tarp is great for all the situations listed above. The good news is it is only $16. It’s durable, waterproof, and made out of polyethylene and aluminum. It’s also reinforced around the edges to prevent tears.
Find out how to pick the best campsite to use your new tarp at now!
16. A Shovel
Lots of people don’t think to bring tools such as a shovel along with them. However, this must-have item could be helpful in a variety of ways. For instance, if you need to even out some ground for your campsite or collect dirt to douse a campfire out with. The most obvious use when hiking is digging a hole to do your business in.
This Rhino USA shovel costs $27 but is worth so much more! It’s a multi-purpose tool that features a sawtooth edge for cutting, it can be rotated 90 degrees to be used as a hoe, and it’s collapsible which makes it easy for storage. Additionally, it also comes with a small pickaxe.
17. A Hammock
Sure you can sleep in your tent or RV and sleeping bags are comfortable, but when you’re camping the primary goal is to be outdoors! You might even want to take a nap or even just relax outdoors. A hammock can provide you with some comfort while you do so, and keep you off the ground.
The Wise Owl Outfitters camping hammock is a great option that comes in at around $40 and is extremely durable, it can safely take up to 400 pounds of weight. And as an added bonus, It’s made out of nylon and is machine-washable.
18. A Pillow
This is probably the last thing you expected to be on this list but contrary to what you may think, it is a camping must-have. Getting a good night’s sleep while you’re camping can make the difference between enjoying your trip and being as grumpy as a grizzly bear, and a good pillow can give you better rest if nothing else can!
This TETON sports camping pillow is only $15, but it can provide you with similar amounts of comfort that you’d get in your bed at home. There’s no inflating necessary, and this cotton pillow is made to be durable so that it can travel with you anywhere.
19. A Water Flask
Although hydration is key, you can’t be carrying around your 4-gallon container with you all day. If you want to go hiking, exploring, fishing, etc then you’re going to need some water with you to keep you refreshed. So a water flask that you can fill up before leaving the campsite for the day is invaluable and a total must-have.
I suggest this Nomader collapsible water bottle that costs about $37. It’s completely BPA, PVC, BPS, latex, lead, and phthalates free making it a great non-toxic option. It also has a twisting cap that ensures there won’t be any leaks on the road
20. A Source Of Clean Water
Now that you have gotten your man a water storage vessel, they need clean water to put into it. Even if their plan is to camp near a source of fresh water, that water could still be contaminated with countless dangerous bacteria in it. So it’s always best to avoid those sources of water unless you have some way to filter and purify it.
There are many options available for purifying water on the trail. One of these is the LifeStraw. It quickly purifies the water so that you can have clean drinking water when you need it. So keep the camper in your life hydrated and healthy by giving them this as a gift.
What things do you bring camping with you that didn’t make our list but should be on our list of men’s camping gifts? We would like to hear about them in the comments, on our Facebook, or on Reddit!
Don’t forget to share on your favorite social media so your friends know what to get you this year on your next hiking adventure!
**All prices shown are at time of writing and are subject to change.**
