Are you looking for gifts for people who love the outdoors? Maybe you're looking for the perfect gift for a gardener, angler, or survivalist. Or maybe your friends or family members love to challenge their self-reliance skills with backcountry camping.
And don't forget hunting season -- hunters and outdoorsy folks love new gear and big game cooking tips any time of the year. These ten gifts for people who love the outdoors give you various gear, styles, and prices to suit budgets of all sizes.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
My family and friends include many people who love the outdoors. Here are some of my favorite presents to share with them.
1. Books by Steve Rinella
Steve Rinella, the host of the popular Netflix show Meateater, shares his vast wild game knowledge in this two-volume set, The Complete Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Cooking Wild Game.
Published in 2015, Volume 1 focuses on big game animals, and Volume 2 covers small game and fowl. Bought together or separately, these books are great gifts for hunters.
If your intended recipient doesn't like hunting, try "The Meateater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival," released in 2020. For any outdoor lover, this book is essential.
2. BigBlue Portable Solar Panel
Whether you’re out for a day trip or on a week-long hunt, chances are you're bringing your smartphone. And keeping your tech gadgets charged and ready to use when you're in the bush can be challenging.
Whether it's trail cameras, GPS, cellphones, iPads, or any USB-compatible device, this portable solar panel can charge them.
The BigBlue 28W Portable Solar Panel is much lighter than most competitors (weighs 20 oz) and folds into a size not much larger than an iPad.
This handy charger has 3 USB outlets for charging devices and would be a welcome addition to any outdoorsman or hunter's pack.
3. Inmarsat Isatphone 2.1 Satellite Phone
When you’re out in the wilderness, chances are there is limited to zero traditional cellphone coverage. And off grid communications can be a challenge.
This can be an obvious danger, especially if you’re off the beaten path and need emergency assistance.
A satellite phone allows you to reach family, friends, or emergency services regardless of your location.
The Inmarsat Isatphone 2.1 has one of the cheapest price tags on the market and has month-to-month plans and prepaid options. This makes it ideal for activating for only a few months during hunting or camping season.
4. Kelly Kettle
It’s hard to find a good, fresh cup of coffee when you’re trekking through the wilderness. Those brisk hunting mornings are when a hot coffee and bowl of oatmeal are most appreciated.
That's why a Kelly Kettle is a great gift for people who love the outdoors.
Kelly Kettles are portable "kettles" for boiling water outdoors - as in over a campfire. Using natural fuel like twigs or small branches, you can heat water fast - in as little as three to five minutes, depending on the size of your kettle.
The smallest version of the Kelly Kettle is the Trekker - perfect for camping solo, hunting, and even long hikes. A Kelly Kettle is a great addition to help create those backpacking breakfasts and other meals.
5. Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Knife
When it comes to finding a knife for a hunter, prices can range from as low as $50 up to well over $500. Most hunters carry a few knives, each with its own set purpose.
This Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Outdoor Survival Knife is reasonably priced, good quality, and a great multi-purpose knife.
It’s an American-made, fixed-blade knife with a composite handle and leather sheath. For the price, this will always be an ideal gift.
6. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
One of the most practical gifts for people who love the outdoors is this nifty little LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle. It's lightweight, easy to use, and comes in various colors.
It is also a perfect piece of gear for hunters, hikers, and outdoorsy men and women. Or even for adventurers and travelers in parts of the world without access to clean, filtered water.
LifeStraw filters have become increasingly popular amongst outdoorsmen as a water filtration method in the past several years. They have a relatively low price tag and filter microplastics, chlorine, bacteria & parasites, dirt, sand, and more.
7. Yeti Coolers
In the past decade, Yeti Coolers have taken the hunting world by storm. They are, without a doubt, the best cooler you can find.
The price tag is high, but the coolers are loved and highly reviewed by basically everyone who’s tried one. They come in various shapes and sizes, perfect for daytrippers, campers, hikers, and outdoorsy people of all ages.
If a cooler doesn't sound right, Yeti makes a wide array of products. Their coffee travel mugs and water bottles have impressive temperature retention.
If you choose a coffee thermos, be sure to check which lid comes with it. Some have an open-style lid, while others have a sliding mechanism to keep the lid closed. I suggest getting the sliding lid because it helps prevent hot coffee accidents when jostling that thermos around.
8. Marmot Waterproof Jackets
When you're looking for gifts for people who love the outdoors, one thing to think about is that hardcore outdoorsy folks go out in all kinds of weather.
So any kind of apparel that will stand up to rain, sleet, sun, or snow will be a hit.
One of the best investments for outdoorsy people who head out in inclement weather is Marmot's line of jackets, hoodies, and outdoor apparel.
Personally, I find their rainjackets have the best value and quality available. They're lightweight, packable, and functional.
Even if you can't decide on lightweight inexpensive packable rain jackets, many jacket styles, options, and brands are available. Outdoor lovers always appreciate apparel.
9. Binoculars
Whether bird-watching, hunting, or just looking for a fantastic view, every outdoors-loving person needs a good set of binoculars.
If you've never bought binoculars before, be sure to pay attention to the magnification power of the style you choose.
For example, 10x50 would be a common style of binoculars. The first number represents magnification (the higher, the better), and the second number represents the diameter of the lens.
These Nikon 8252 Aculon 10-22x50 Binoculars cost under $150 and even work in semi-dark conditions. They're durable and lightweight, so they can be carried easily while hiking and exploring the wilderness.
10. Leatherman Multi-Tools
If a standard hunting knife doesn't seem like the right gift, what about a multi-tool? This Leatherman Sidekick Multi-Tool has 14 built-in tools, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, saws, and more.
If you ever needed a single survival tool in the wilderness, this is one of the best choices.
If this model doesn't seem right, look at the rest of the Leatherman multi-tool options.
They have an impressive selection, and all of their tools are handmade in Oregon. Plus, all products come with a 25-year warranty.
Other Gifts for People Who Love the Outdoors
Try one of these other options when you're trying to find gifts for people who love the outdoors:
- A Big Berkey travel water filter. My parents use one for family camping trips.
- A subscription box full of outdoor gear and activities for outdoor families. Check out Think Outside Boxes - we've been getting them for a year and love them. You can read about how we use them in this post.
- Experience gifts - gift certificates for ziplining, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, caving, etc.
- Magazine subscriptions to Outdoor Life, Mother Earth News, Hunting and Fishing, etc.
- What about an online course? Try an Organic Gardening course, or a Botany and Wildcrafting course.
Looking for more gift guides and ideas for people on your list? Check out these posts:
10 Holiday Gift Ideas from Your Fall Harvest
Fishing Gifts Guide: 8 Options for Every Style & Budget
Gifts for Preppers & Survivalists
Eco Friendly & Sustainable Gifts
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Samatha
Great post. Thank you for sharing!
Joanne
I just love my yeti waterbottle for hiking! It keeps our cold drinks so much colder and they don't sweat inside our packs. Pinned.
Joanne
These are some really great ideas.
Margy
I'm isolating in the city and keep dreaming about the outdoors and RVing. Literally dreaming. Every night I go places in my sleeping mind that I can't go in real life. - Margy