The holidays are a time for joy, family, and friends. But what about the outdoors? This time of year is perfect for getting out and enjoying the natural beauty around us. You may need to be a little adventurous to try winter camping though. For those in your life who look to challenge themselves then you should consider these best outdoor gifts for Christmas. Our list of 15 items includes our favorite winter and Christmas outdoor gifts and our favorite gifts for Backpacking during the winter/holiday season. Stay warm and have fun!
Need something more specific check out these gift guides.
A Hiking Backpack
A hiking backpack is a perfect gift if your loved one enjoys spending time outdoors. Various hiking backpacks are available which is why it is on our list of the best outdoor gifts for Christmas. So you can choose one that best suits your loved one’s needs. For example, some bags are designed specifically for camping gear, while others are better suited for day hikes. So depending on how outdoorsy your person is you have some pretty nice options. You may also want to consider one that has a water bladder built right in for easily carrying water.
A Tent
Another great gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors is a tent. Various types and sizes of tents are available, so you can choose one that will be the most comfortable and practical for your loved one. For example, if your loved one plans on camping in cold weather, you might want to get them a four-season tent.
Find out how to pick a tent now! Looking for some family tent recommendations? Look no further!
Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is another must-have item for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. Various sleeping bags are available, so you can choose one that best suits your loved one’s needs. For example, some sleeping bags are specifically designed for cold weather, while others are better suited for warmer weather.
There are also different kinds depending on the type of camping being completed. Make sure you consider whether your camper is backpacking or car camping. You certainly wouldn’t want to get a heavy and bulky sleeping bag for someone looking to take a backpacking trip. Instead, focus on finding the lightest one that offers comfort and protection.
Camping Stove
A camping stove is an excellent gift if your loved one enjoys camping. This is another area where you will need to consider the type of camping. A backpacker is not going to be able to lug around a large heavy two-burner stove. Instead, you will want to get them a single burner. Maybe even one that includes the pot for easy storage. A car camper can use a nice large two-burner stove.
Another area to consider is the type of cooking that they will do. If they are primarily rehydrating food packs then a stove that boils water quickly might be best. If you are looking to have them cook for a family or group of scouts then a full stove would be best. For example, some camp stoves can cook meals, while others are better suited for boiling water or heating food.
Find out now why the camp stove is an essential piece of camping gear.
Portable Solar Charger
A portable solar charger is an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and using electronic devices such as phones and laptops. Solar chargers convert sunlight into electrical energy, which can then be used to charge devices. This is a great way to keep devices charged while away from traditional power sources such as outlets and generators.
Now you may be thinking why do I need electronics? I am trying to escape. While I agree 100% there is still a need for electronics. Especially in emergency situations. Even if you can’t make a phone call your phone could be used as a GPS locator. Plus you will want that phone charged so that you can make an emergency call when you are in an area of service.
Portable Water Filter
Found anything on the best outdoor gifts for Christmas list that stands out to you? how about a portable water filter? This is another great gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors. Water filters remove harmful contaminants from water, making it safe to drink. This is a piece of essential equipment for anyone planning to hike or camp in remote areas where clean water may not be readily available.
Your camper needs to have clean water when they are out in the wilderness. 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. This will also help for those longer overnight excursions into the backcountry.
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.
Survival Kit
A survival kit is an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and likes to be prepared for anything. Survival kits typically contain flashlights, matches, first aid supplies, and food and water rations. This is an excellent gift for someone who likes to be ready for any circumstance they might face in the woods.
GPS Tracker
We’re used to having signs, dedicated roads, and people who 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. You especially don’t want your child getting lost in the wilderness.
A GPS tracker is an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and likes to be able to find their way back to their starting point. GPS trackers use satellite technology to determine their location and can be used to track someone’s movements. This is an excellent gift for someone who likes to hike or camp in remote areas. 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 camping gifts for you to choose from.
Find out how to pick the best campsite!
Binoculars
Binoculars are an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and enjoys observing the world around them. Your loved one can use their binoculars can be used to see things far away and these are a great way to get a closer look at wildlife. They also make viewing landscapes that much more special for young children.
As an added little bonus here a great stocking stuffer is reference books. I can’t tell you how many times I have spotted something through my binoculars and had no idea what animal it was. If you give your camper some binoculars make sure to stuff their stockings with one of these books as well!
Camera
A camera is another excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and taking pictures. Some cameras are specifically designed to take wildlife pictures, while others are better suited to photograph the scenery. You may think that their cell phone camera is enough. However, when viewing grand scenery it likely just won’t do. Worse if they are trying to capture the night sky or an animal it certainly will not turn out great.
Instead consider getting them a camera, tripod, and a few different lenses. This will help them capture things that are close up and far away. There is nothing more spectacular than reliving memories of camping through wonderful pictures.
Outdoor Clothing
If temperatures are low then packing warm clothes is a must. If they’re high then pack lightweight ones that still offer protection. Just make sure that you know the type of weather your camper will mostly be heading to when you pick your gift.
Want to know how to layer up in cold weather? Check out our winter layering guide!
Make sure to get them the right clothes for their camping adventure. This includes a lightweight waterproof rain jacket, and possibly even a rain bag to carry your gear in if your current backpack won’t fit under the rain jacket. Because wet gear and clothes have the potential to ruin their entire trip.
Gear for base layers:
Gear for mid-layers:
Gear for outer layers:
A Book About Outdoor Adventures
A book about outdoor adventures is an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and learning about new places to explore. For example, some books are specifically about hiking trails in a specific area. These may be great options if your hiker is looking to get out and explore a new place. Having a handy set of trail information will get them even more excited about their upcoming hikes.
On the other hand, there are books with general outdoor adventure stories. These may be real accounts of survival or fictional ones. On rainy afternoons in the tent or RV these are great to pull out and read. Don’t forget that they are great bedtime reading stories for kids who like to huddle with a flashlight!
Are scary stories more up your loved ones’ alley? Check out our Tales from a National Park Campfire
Fishing Tool Kit
We are nearing the end of our list, but we still have a few more best outdoor gifts for Christmas left to go before we are done. The next is a fishing tool kit. A fishing tool kit is an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and enjoys fishing. A fishing tool kit typically contains a fishing rod, reel, bait, and tackle. This is an excellent gift for someone who likes to fish in different environments, such as freshwater lakes or saltwater oceans. They are even great for starting fishers and young ones because they come with nearly everything to get started.
Check out these tips for first-time fishers if you don’t even know where to start.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time outdoors and enjoys hiking.
They also provide support and traction while hiking and can help prevent injuries. There are hundreds of different kinds of boots. The important thing to remember is that your loved one needs something comfortable and waterproof. In doing a bit of Christmas-time digging you should figure out what kind of hiking they plan on doing. Maybe even sneak a peek at an old pair of boots to find out if they like high ankle support or low.
LED Flame Speaker
The LED Flame Speaker is great for people who love spending time outdoors. The speaker has a built-in LED light that creates a realistic flame effect. This is an excellent gift for someone who loves spending time around a campfire or bonfire. It especially comes in handy when there are no fires allowed. Let’s face it that is happening more and more. Especially in the parched west. Now your camper, young or old, can still enjoy the flame of a fire without the danger of an actual fire.
Final Thoughts on the Best Outdoor Gifts for Christmas
These are just a few ideas for great gifts for someone who loves spending time outdoors. There is a wide selection of general ideas on this list that we hope get you started on your gift-giving adventure. At the very least they should get your camper set on theirs. The best part about going outside and enjoying the wilderness is just that, enjoyment. So don’t get too hung up on spending lots of money this Christmas. Your special person is likely just looking to get outside. Getting them even one of these gifts will make that more possible. Certainly what we need is more time connecting with each other and the outdoors.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post on backpacking gifts for the winter holidays. We highly recommend any items on our list if you’re looking for a great gift to get your loved ones outside and enjoy nature. Stay safe, and have fun out there!
**All prices shown are at the time of writing and are subject to change.**
