If you’re not sure what to give for Christmas or New Year to an outdoorsy person, camper, hiker, or travel lover, here’s our list of the best gift ideas.
Wool Socks
You’re probably thinking: “Socks? Really?” Yes, really. In the outdoor world, high-quality socks are gold. And we aren’t talking about the flimsy cotton tube socks you get in a bulk pack. We’re talking about high-quality wool that regulates temperature even when soaking wet. It feels like a luxury to receive them, but they are essential enough that they will definitely get used.
Look for “micro crew” or “boot height” styles depending on their footwear preference. Dissent makes some killer wool socks that hug the foot perfectly.
Technical Base Layers
Staying warm outside isn’t about one giant coat; it’s about a layering system. A good base layer is the foundation of that system. It keeps you warm without making you overheat during active pursuits.
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Again, Merino wool is king here. Top and bottom made of merino wool don’t retain body odor like polyester synthetics do and are super warm even when wet. At GRITR Outdoors you’ll find some good options for backpackers and campers that double as great casual wear for just hanging around the house.
Folding Knife
A knife is easily the most used tool in a camper’s arsenal. Even if they already own one, upgrading to a premium blade is always appreciated.
If they are a gear snob, look at brands like Benchmade. But if they are just starting out or need a reliable workhorse they won’t be afraid to abuse, go for something rugged and capable.
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This is a reliable everyday carry option. It features a 3.5″ D2 steel blade, which is known for holding an edge well. It uses a flipper tab for easy one-handed opening (crucial when your other hand is holding a rope or a tent pole) and G10 scales for a grip that doesn’t slip when wet.
Lighting
Even if the outdoorsy person in your life has a flashlight, they can always use a better one or an alternative.
For instance, headlamps are great for setting up a tent in the dark or working on an engine. Hands-free lighting is a game-changer. Look for rechargeable models so they aren’t hunting for AAA batteries.
Lanterns provide ambient light for the campsite so everyone isn’t blinding each other with headlamps while eating dinner. The SOL Camp Lantern we have here doubles as a power bank.
Finally, a backup flashlight is always nice. Look for something small, bright, and rechargeable.
Field Watch
We have phones, but checking your phone in the rain or mud isn’t ideal. A rugged watch is practical and adds a bit of style. You want something built to withstand shock, mud, and water.
The Casio G-SHOCK Mudmaster series is legendary for a reason. They are built like tanks and often feature compasses and altimeters, which are genuinely useful tools for navigation when the GPS signal dies.
Binoculars
Whether they are hunting, birdwatching, or just scouting the trail ahead, good optics is essential because high-quality glass reduces eye strain.
Hunters need a wide field of view and high magnification. Usually, you sacrifice one for the other. Look for 10×42 or 10×50 models for the best balance, and pay attention to “light transmission” if they are active at dawn or dusk. Campers and hikers might want something more compact, like 8×42 bins.
Vortex binoculars are a fantastic value. They offer high-definition glass that punches well above its price class, and they come with a chest harness (a huge bonus) so the binoculars are always at the ready, not swinging around their neck. Besides, their warranty is among the best.
Boot Dryer
This is the “I didn’t know I needed this until I had it” gift. Wet boots lead to blisters and cold feet. A boot dryer prolongs the life of expensive footwear and ensures they start every morning with dry, warm feet. It also helps kill the bacteria that causes that funky boot smell.
The THERM-IC Refresher uses UV light to zap germs while it dries. It fits various shoe sizes and is silent, so it won’t keep them up at night.
Electronic Hearing Protection
If your person is a hunter or spends time at the range, protecting their hearing is vital. But old-school earplugs block everything, including the sound of a snapping twig or a conversation.
Electronic hearing protection amplifies quiet sounds (like voices or animal steps) while instantly shutting off loud noises (like gunshots). It gives them super-hearing while keeping them safe.
“Possibles” Bag
Creating a “grab-and-go” kit with essentials saves them time packing. This shows thoughtfulness because you’re anticipating their needs in the field. Think of it as a custom survival kit.
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Buy a durable organizer pouch (like a Maxpedition organizer) and fill it with small necessities: a lighter, paracord, water purification tabs, and a spare battery.
Travel Cup / Tumbler
From the office desk to the mountain trail, hydration (or caffeination) is key. Durability is key here – it needs to survive being dropped on rocks.
Available in 20oz or 30oz, this tumbler is double-wall insulated (hot for 6 hours, cold for 9). It’s built from 304 stainless steel so it can take a beating, and it fits in standard car cup holders. Plus, the Unlimited GRIT Lifetime Warranty means it’s built for the long haul.
Cookware & Hydration
If they are camping, they are cooking. Titanium is the material of choice here because it is incredibly strong but weighs almost nothing.
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Look for a nesting set of cookware that includes a canteen, a cup, and a mess tin. The GRITR Titanium Canteen Kit is great because you can cook directly over an open fire with it.
A single-walled titanium water bottle is lightweight and, in a pinch, can be placed right in the coals to boil water for purification.
Multitool
Every camper needs a toolbox in their pocket. A good multitool solves problems you didn’t even know you had, from tightening a screw on a rifle scope to opening a can of beans.
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This packs 13 tools including pliers, a knife, a saw, and screwdrivers into one compact unit. It’s made of 420 stainless steel for corrosion resistance and comes with a nylon sheath. It’s the ultimate “fix-it” tool for the field.
