The 64 Best Gifts for Outdoorsmen

Ororo Classic Heated Jacket

View On Amazon $160 View On Walmart $160 View On Home Depot $170

We love staying toasty warm in the Ororo Heated Jacket, available in both men’s and women’s styles. The best overall winner of our heated jacket test, this easy-to-set-up coat with a battery pack will have you feeling the heat in no time. With a removable hood, the versatile style can be adjusted based on weather conditions and your needs. With water-resistant material and a form-fitting but flexible fit for being active, this heated jacket is perfect for the outdoorsy person who ventures out in the cold.

Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair

View On Kijaro.com View On Home Depot $45

There’s nothing like sitting in a comfy camp chair next to the fire on a starry night in the wilderness. The Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping Chairs impressed us with their ability to lock in place, no-sag material, and durability, as well as the breathable mesh back for warmer days. Zippered compartments will keep your important items safe and handy, and your drinks are secure when stashed in the built-in cup holders. Whether you’re at an outdoor concert or chilling by the campfire, your backside will thank you for this comfortable and portable seat.

Alps Mountaineering Queen Air Bed

View On Amazon $180 View On Target $150 View On REI $150

We love the roomy queen-sized Alps Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed for camping to share with our significant others or to just spread out comfortably on our own. Clocking in at only 6.4 pounds, it’s lightweight and packs into a carrying case for easy transport. Perhaps the best feature is the quick set-up: The strong pump works in a variety of ways (car outlet, wall outlet, or rechargeable battery) and blows the mattress up in just a few minutes.

Arris Fleece Heated Vest

View On Arrislife.com

For those who could benefit from adding a little heat to their outerwear setup without doing a full-on jacket, our favorite heated vest is an excellent choice. In testing, we loved that it has five temperature levels for tailoring it to your preferences, whether you need to keep your core warm on ski runs or just want a little heat boost under your sweatshirt on those crisp mornings at the lake. The luxury of a heated vest makes for a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts adventuring in colder climates.

Solo Stove Ranger with Stand Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

View On Amazon $240 View On Wayfair $300 View On Solostove.com $200

Nothing beats outdoor drinks by a fire pit, so the Solo Stove Ranger is an easy choice for almost any fan of the outdoors. We love the sleek design of this portable fire pit, which comes with a base and removable ash plate for a straightforward cleanup. Your giftee can warm up at night on the backyard patio or tote this little fire pit to the beach on a chilly day in the convenient carrying case.

DLGJPA Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes

View On Amazon $30

After our testers put water shoes through the wringer in lakes, rivers, and oceans for our tests, DLGJPA’s lightweight pair came out on top. These women’s water shoes look and feel like a sneaker, making them some of the most comfortable options on the market. They’re quick to dry and very breathable, rendering them perfect for the beach or water-based activities like hiking to a waterfall, kayaking, or other watersports. The superior traction grips wet and dry surfaces and will have you feeling confident wherever your ventures take you. For men, we suggest the Keen Drift Creek H2 Water Sandals.

Cotopaxi Hip Pack

View On Amazon $60 View On REI $60 View On Backcountry.com $40

Fanny packs are back in a big way, and Cotopaxi has some of the top hands-free hip packs out there. An ideal companion for almost any outdoor lover, this small and sporty pack is easy to sling over your shoulder for effortless access to your important items as you venture on the trails, go cycling, or explore a new town abroad. Extra pockets keep things organized and you’ll be able to use both of your hands for your outdoor exploits instead of being weighed down by toting around a bigger bag. It’s so versatile, you might want to get one for yourself, too.

GSI Outdoors 30 Fluid-ounce JavaPress

View On REI $40

Who says you can’t enjoy good coffee on a backpacking trip? Perfect for camping, sunrise summits, or just about anything else, this portable and compact French press is the answer to your caffeine craving, no matter where you go. Choose from two sizes, the 20-ounce (makes 2 cups) or 50-ounce (makes 6 cups), based on how much coffee your outdoor enthusiast typically drinks and whether it’ll be used in more of a group setting. Its shatter-resistant design means it’s ready for anything from casual to rugged endeavors, too.

Arc’teryx Insulated Jacket

View On REI $800 View On Arcteryx.com

For such strong protection from cold weather and harsh winds, the women’s Arc’teryx Rush Insulated Jacket is incredibly lightweight and so compact that it fits into its own little pouch for portability. And despite blocking the elements, it’s still incredibly breathable, maximizing mobility for skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying any other outdoor endeavor. Additionally, the hood is compatible with helmets and an embedded reflector helps in case of a search and rescue situation. The men’s version is a touch different, designed without insulation, it's as a lightweight shell that’s waterproof and windproof due to the Gore-Tex Pro material. If your outdoor lover is in the market for a new winter coat, this one certainly fits the bill.$

Yeti Lowlands Blanket

View On Amazon $200 View On REI $200 View On Dick's $200

We love this do-it-all blanket by Yeti, and your outdoor lover will, too. Equipped to handle everything from an outdoor concert to a day at the beach with your sandy, wet dog, this blanket will be a major win as a gift. Highlights include a waterproof layer, insulated padding on the interior, and pet-hair repelling abilities, and at the end of your adventure, you can just toss it in the laundry to get it clean for the next exploit.

Patagonia Men's Down Sweater Vest

View On REI $137

A vest is a key clothing item that offers versatility and core warmth for lovers of the outdoors. The Patagonia Down Sweater Vest for both men and women is our top pick for its warm goose down fill and weather-resistant exterior. An adjustable hem with a pull cord traps heat if needed and multiple exterior and interior pockets make carrying your belongings a breeze. The vest is lightweight and portable so it won’t take up too much space in your hiking pack, which makes it ideal for travel. 

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink

View On Amazon $30 View On Backcountry.com $33 View On Seatosummit.com

For the outdoor enthusiast that has everything but the kitchen sink, the only thing left to get them is…the Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink. These inventive collapsible camp sinks are portable and ideal for camping and backpacking trips, equipped to hold hot or cold water. They come in three sizes (5 liters, 10 liters, and 20 liters) and are built to stand up on their own so you can wash dishes, hands, laundry, or simply fill up to dump water on the campfire. This is the type of outdoor gift that you didn’t realize you needed until you use one, and then it’ll change your camp life in the best way possible.

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock

View On Amazon $32 View On Target $28 View On Walmart $29

A hammock is a fantastic gift for those looking to relax in some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful settings. The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock is super portable for throwing in your hiking or camping pack, folding up to the size of an eggplant, to be exact. Choose from single or double capacity and easily hang it up at the beach, in between trees at the campsite to slumber al fresco, or anywhere else you can dream up securing the included 9-foot talon straps to. Triple interlocking stitching and parachute nylon material make this a hammock crafted to go the distance.

Nomadix Original Towel

View On REI $40 View On Nomadix.co

A quick-drying towel is a key item for outdoor lovers, travelers, and adventurers as a whole. The Nomadix Original Towel is a one-and-done type of product that’s perfect for pretty much any pursuit. Super-absorbent and odor-resistant, this towel not only dries at a rapid pace, but also repels sand on beach days and packs up nice and small to fit in your backpack. Yoga? No problem — the slip-resistant bottom keeps this towel in place. This unisex gift is great for any active person on your list and comes in a very wide variety of colors and patterns.

Big Blue Electric Hand Heater

View On Amazon

We’re big fans of this three-in-one Big Blue Electric Hand Heater. Equipped with an emergency light and the ability to charge your phone, this small but mighty device can do much more than heat your hands. The palm-sized design makes it compact and portable but still effective in warming you up when you’re in cold weather conditions for hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, and more. If you choose to give the gift of warmth (and safety) this hand heater will do the trick.

Midland Two-way Radio

View On Amazon $80 View On REI $50 View On QVC $84

Communication on the trails is crucial when you’re adventuring off-grid in a group. Keep in touch with your exploring mates with the Midland X-talker T71VP3 Two-way Radios, which have fantastic batteries and a whopping 38-mile range. The built-in NOAA weather scan and alert provide peace of mind when in the wilderness as well. They’re water-resistant and durable, with rechargeable battery packs to boot. Whether they’ll be used on a large property with no cell service or in the backcountry, walkie-talkies are a solid gift for outdoor enthusiasts that venture or work off-grid regularly.

Nocs Provision Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars

View On Amazon $81 View On REI $95 View On Nordstrom $95

We love the rugged design of the Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars. They’d make a great gift for anyone interested in birding, hunting, wildlife viewing, and much more. Because they’re so lightweight and packable, these binoculars are ideal for traveling or outdoor trips where space is limited in your pack. The IPX7 waterproof rating means that they can be submerged in up to 3.2 feet of water for up to 30 minutes with no problem, so they’ll hack it even if they’re caught in the rain or endure a river crossing.

Darn Tough Crew Socks with Cushion

View On Amazon $25 View On REI $25 View On Darntough.com

Socks are one of the best stocking stuffers, and Darn Tough’s Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks are perfect not just for hikers, but anyone exploring the outdoors. Their classic hiking socks come in both men’s and women’s styles and in a variety of color combinations. Heel, toe, and arch reinforcement are superior and offer the right amount of support for hikers. Crafted using Merino wool, they’ll keep your feet dry and warm while also maintaining some airflow and breathability. If you’re going to get your outdoor enthusiast a pair of hiking socks, look no further than these Darn Tough pairs.

YETI Yonder Water Bottle

View On Amazon $28 View On L.L.Bean $26 View On Dick's $28

Yeti’s first-ever non-insulated water bottle, the Yonder is super lightweight while still being durable, tough, and leakproof. It comes in a 750-milliliter and 1-liter size and is ideal for those needing plenty of hydration without the extra weight. Perhaps the coolest feature is the lid; the cap can be clipped to your pack, and when unscrewed, there’s a smaller drinking spout. Oh, and it’s dishwasher-safe, so at the end of your outdoor adventure, you don’t have to add dishes to your to-do list either.

"100 Hikes of a Lifetime"

View On Amazon $21 View On Barnesandnoble.com $33

With insight from expert hikers and gorgeous National Geographic imagery, this “100 Hikes of a Lifetime” book will be the perfect inspiration for the hiking enthusiast in your life. Jam-packed with everything from scenic day hikes to longer, more challenging routes, there’s something for every skill level and interest. Each page is pure eye-candy, featuring images from trails all over the world, from California to Norway and even a wine trail through Switzerland.

Lifestraw Peak Series Straw

View On Amazon $24 View On Lifestraw.com

The gift of safe, drinkable water in the wilderness comes in stocking-stuffer size with the Lifestraw Peak Series Straw. It’s the perfect addition to any emergency kit, and the sleek, ultralight design means it won’t take up too much space in your pack. With the Lifestraw, you can sip directly from streams, lakes, and rivers with confidence, knowing that you’re protected against bacteria, microplastics, silt, parasites, and much more. It lasts long enough to filter 1,000 gallons of water, which would last any normal water drinker approximately 5 years.

Outdoor Research Adrenaline Mitts

View On Outdoorresearch.com $59

For the snow adventurer in your life, the Adrenaline Mitts by Outdoor Research fit the bill nicely for keeping hands warm and dry the entire day. Their waterproof yet breathable design makes them functional for prolonged outings in winter conditions. The palm is grippy enough to hold onto your ski poles or snowshoeing poles effectively, and the extended length will keep your wrists covered, too. Although they’re not listed in both men’s- and women’s-specific design, they can easily be unisex with the range of sizing offered.

Igloo Retro Picnic Basket Cooler

View On Amazon View On Igloocoolers.com $50

Get your outdoor lover a retro-inspired gift that they’ll use for years to come for a plethora of different adventures. The Igloo Special Edition 25 Quart Cooler comes in a handful of fun color combinations that will feel like your picnic, camping trip, or day at the beach is infused with 1980s vibes. The packable size is perfect for enough drinks and snacks for your day’s romp, and a hard-sided design means it’ll withstand the elements. This photogenic cooler is sure to put a smile on almost anyone’s face.

Ibex Base Layer Bottoms

View On Ibex.com

Base layers and long underwear can be crucial clothing items for layering up in the winter months. Ibex Woolies come in both women’s and men’s styles and are made from Merino wool, known for being one of the best materials for promoting warmth and dryness with moisture-wicking properties. They fit tight enough to be a true baselayer without bunching up and the waistband is comfortable without digging in. Your outdoor adventurer can wear them winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or even lounging in front of a cozy cabin fireplace.

Don’t Die in the Woods Emergency Blanket

View On Amazon $25

This ultralight and packable emergency blanket is a key item for anyone’s backcountry emergency kit. Housed in a small stuff sack, the extra-thick HeatFlex mylar thermal blanket measures 4 x 7 feet in size and will come in handy in many situations involving unpredictable weather, first-aid needs, wetness, and hypothermia threats. Whether it’s for a runner, hiker, camper, or as an emergency kit in the trunk of a car, this blanket should be at the top of your holiday gifting list.

"Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival" by Dave Canterbury

View On Amazon $12

Keep your outdoor enthusiast safe with this book of wilderness survival skills. Written by an expert survivalist and backcountry adventurer, “Bushcraft 101” offers readers not just advice and how-tos, but also insight into connecting deeper with nature. With information on everything from protecting yourself from the elements to the “5Cs of Survivability” to gathering food, this field guide is a fantastic holiday gift.

Jetboil Zip Cooking System

View On REI $100 View On Backcountry.com $100 View On Dick's $100

Hauling camp cooking essentials like a stovetop into the backcountry isn’t always the easiest task. This is where Jetboil comes in. The zip cooking system won’t add much weight to your pack and it’ll boil water for cooking in speedy fashion — two and half minutes to be exact. Make essentials like coffee, pasta, ramen noodles, hot chocolate, and dehydrated meal using this compact system that utilizes a stainless steel burner, aluminum and neoprene cup, and a canister of fuel. Purchase additional accessories like a cooking pot or fry pan to make it a whole Jetboil-friendly kit.

Petzl Actik Core

View On Amazon $189 View On REI $85 View On Backcountry.com $80

Everyone needs a good headlamp, and the simple but effective design of the Petzl Actik Core gets the job done. Three brightness levels and the option for a red light setting so you don’t blind others come in handy whether you’re going for a night hike, camping, working in darker conditions, or just dealing with a power outage. It’s comfortable to wear and with a one-button operation design, it’s easy to use as well. This is a great stocking stuffer or overall gift for almost everyone.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack

View On Amazon View On REI $9 View On Seatosummit.com

Whether you’re paddling in a kayak or end up caught in a rainstorm while camping, a waterproof bag is wise to keep around. Our top choice is the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag. It comes in an array of sizes for your needs and is lightweight and portable. A D-ring attachment makes it easy to attach to a bike, kayak, or tent, and a roll top closure keeps your items secure. Keep in mind, however, that although it’s made from 70D waterproof fabric, it can’t be fully submerged or water may find its way in. Still, this is a fantastic choice for a packable dry bag that can withstand the elements. 

BlendJet BlendJet 2

View On Walmart $45 View On Blendjet.com View On Best Buy $45

Incredibly simple to use, this small blender will allow your giftee to make smoothies, frozen drinks, baby food purees, and more during camping stays and other activities on the go. It consists of three simple pieces that are a breeze to clean, weighs 1.52 pounds, and can prepare up to 15 servings on a single USB charge. A carrying strap makes it even easier to drink straight from the blender. There’s a rainbow of colors and Disney-inspired designs to choose from, plus JetPacks from the brand if you also want to gift some just-add-liquid meals.

JBL Portable Speaker with Bluetooth

View On Amazon $50 View On Target $30 View On Walmart $40

This compact, waterproof, and dustproof speaker is an ideal gift for music lovers spending time outdoors. The battery life goes up to 20 hours, perfect for days at the beach, kayaking at the lake, or hanging out around the campfire. Connect via wireless Bluetooth and listen to your favorite jams in your favorite outdoor places, without worrying if it gets rained on, splashed, or dropped in the sand. For such a small speaker, it can really bust a tune, too.

Dakine Beanie

View On Amazon $30 View On Backcountry.com $40 View On Dick's $40

A cute winter hat is a staple item for most, and the Women’s Dakine Lydia Beanie ticks that box. The stylish snowflake pattern pays homage to vintage designs and the pom on the top is the perfect addition to the snow-bunny wardrobe whether you’re skiing or going for a winter walk in the woods. It comes in three colors as well, allowing you to match it to your outdoor lover’s personality and style.

Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device

View On Amazon $80 View On REI $80 View On Backcountry.com $80

For those who don’t let winter weather and icy conditions stop them, a solid set of microspikes like this Black Diamond pair are a must. Slip these portable traction devices on the bottom of your boots and hike in the winter with confidence, even in the most slippery conditions. The metal spikes dig into icy surfaces with a strong grip, making a huge difference in preventing injury in potentially dangerous conditions.

Stoic Camp Table

View On Amazon $30 View On Backcountry.com $42

A lightweight table is a key item for a camp setup. The Stoic Feather Lite table is just that, with a compact carrying bag; light, aluminum legs; and the roll-up top. Use the medium-sized surface for drinks, snacks, or anything you’d like at table height rather than on the ground. It’ll make an awesome addition to your outdoor lover’s wilderness kit, whether they want to use it for camping, an overnight canoe trip, or a day spent at the beach.

MPowerd Outdoor Lantern

View On Backcountry.com $30 View On Moosejaw.com $25

An outdoor lantern, but make it collapsible, solar-powered, and very bright. The MPowerd Outdoor 2.0 Lantern is ideal for venturing outdoors due to its compact design, foldable storage, and solar-charging abilities. It lasts up to a full 24 hours once charged and easily hangs from the inside of your tent or roped around the camp kitchen, or placed on the table to play games by the fire. Three settings of brightness allow it to be tailored to the lighting needs as well.

GoPro Hero11

View On Amazon $329 View On Gopro.com $350 View On Best Buy $330

Adventurers need a good adventuring camera to bring along on their outdoor exploits. The newest in the GoPro series, the Hero 11 Black offers serious upgrades with higher megapixels, a larger sensor, and RAW burst mode. It’s also incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to throw in your pocket or pack without taking precious space away from other necessary items. Whether your outdoor enthusiast wants to take photos or high-quality video content underwater or on the ski slopes, this rugged little camera can do it all.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-tool

View On Amazon $120 View On REI $120 View On Dick's $120

The Leatherman Wave Plus is a versatile multi-tool perfect for anyone spending time outdoors, particularly on backpacking or overnight camping trips. Packed with 18 tools in one handy device, this upgraded Leatherman has added a wire-cutter to its already impressive line-up. Everything can be operated with one hand, giving the user flexibility of their free hand as well. Other tool highlights include needle-nose pliers, scissors, and the ever-important can opener.

TBMPOY Fleece-lined Pants

View On Amazon $35

For cold weather adventurers, these budget-friendly men’s waterproof fleece-lined pants can make a great holiday gift. Also windproof, these pants will keep your outdoorsman’s legs warm and dry whether they’re hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding. Multiple pockets for storing small items like a wallet and phone, as well as a built-in belt, make these comfortable for all-day wear. The flexible fabric and knee area won’t hold them back either.

Blundstone Women’s BL1316 Classic 550 Chelsea Boot

View On REI $230 View On Backcountry.com $240 View On Zappos $230

The popular everyday Blundstone Chelsea Boot will be a surefire win in the gift-giving department. They’re super versatile, going from trail to town easily with shock-absorbing cushioning keeping your outdoor lover’s feet comfortable for the long-haul. They can handle nature walks, easy to moderate hikes, camping, and most casual outdoor adventures. They’re ready to wear straight out of the box without a break-in period.

Outdoor Research Sun Hat

View On REI $32 View On Backcountry.com $45 View On Publiclands.com

We love this Outdoor Research wide-brim hat for protection on sunny days when hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, or even just gardening in the backyard. The chin-strap will keep it on your outdoorsman’s head and moisture-wicking material paired with mesh ventilation will keep it dry, even in the heat. Since it’s rated up to 50+ UPF, they won’t have to worry about harmful sun rays on their face, head, and neck.

MSR Trail Lite Duo System

View On Amazon $90 View On Backcountry.com $90 View On Moosejaw.com $90

A compact mess kit that fits neatly into one packable pot, the MSR Trail Lite Duo System is a staple item to have for campers, particularly those who embark on multi-day backpacking trips. The set includes a 2-liter nonstick aluminum pot with strainer lid, two bowls, and two insulated mugs, all of which clock in under a pound and a half, making it ideal for lugging in your pack. Since it’s built for two, only one person needs to carry the kit, leaving more room for other important items.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

View On Amazon $65 View On REI $65 View On Backcountry.com $65

A backpack always makes a great gift, and the Osprey Daylite 13L pack is perfect for day ventures. The compact design is ideal for when you need something lightweight that won’t weigh you down. Plenty of functional pockets will hold your key items in an organized fashion and the interior back sleeve can be used for things like a separate hydration reservoir if exploring the outdoors, or a laptop if you’re traveling. The Daylite is a solid all-around backpack that maximizes space while remaining minimalistic in design.

REI Co-op Classes and Events

View On REI

An experience-centric gift can be an awesome way to bond with the outdoor enthusiast in your life. REI Co-Op has a stellar lineup of outdoor classes such as introduction to mountain biking and wilderness first-aid workshops. There are also events and day trips like brewery hikes and twilight trekking to make memories together. Offerings vary based on your location, but there’s something for every interest and skill level, including climbing, camping, hiking, watersports, and polishing your wilderness skills. Give the gift of spending time outdoors with one of these programs, and you’ll gain major brownie points.

"The New Camp Cookbook" by Linda Ly

View On Amazon $15 View On Barnesandnoble.com $27 View On Booksamillion.com

Jazz up the camp menu for your outdoor adventurer with "The New Camp Cookbook," which is full of a wide range of amazing recipes outside of the usual hamburgers and hot dogs. With everything from easier recipes to more involved meals, you can follow your own cravings with this camp-cooking inspiration. All three daily meals and snacks are included in the recipe roster; you’ll see dishes like Mexican street corn and dutch-oven deep-dish pizza. Give the gift of camp feasts and cooking in the open air with this fun camp cookbook.

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Pillow

View On Amazon $24

A good air mattress is a must when roughing it in the outdoors, but another vital item should be put on the list to go too. A small, packable camp pillow can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a terrible one when camping. The Wise Owl Outfitters camping pillow is stuffed with soft memory foam and packs up into its own little waterproof pouch for portability. Choose from small (12 x 16 inches) or medium (14 x 18 inches), weighing in at 9 ounces and 11 ounces, respectively. After your camp adventure, toss it in the washer for easy cleaning and you’ll be ready for your next camping trip.

REI Co-op Slip-ons

View On REI $42

There’s nothing quite like slipping out of your hiking boots and into some cozy slippers at the end of your day’s adventures. Crafted from the same materials as a puffy jacket, these are designed to keep your feet warm and comfortable when hanging around the campfire. The wide range of sizes (4-13) allows these slippers to be gifted as unisex, and your outdoor lover will thank you when they can slip these on to use the outdoor bathroom in the middle of the night instead of having to lace up their boots.

Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-zip Fleece Jacket

View On REI $84 View On Backcountry.com $84 View On Cotopaxi.com $120

The perfect mid-layer, a good fleece is a staple in any outdoor lover’s wardrobe. The Cotopaxi Abrazo comes in both men’s and women’s styles and numerous color combinations. They’re made from 100 percent recycled fleece so that makes us love the jacket even more. This jacket can cut the chill in half while keeping you stylish, perfect for almost any outdoor activity from apple picking in the fall to spring skiing.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

View On Amazon $250 View On Dick's $250 View On Yeti.com

The Yeti Crossroads Duffel snagged the award for our favorite duffel for its roomy capacity, structured walls to prevent collapsing, and durability, amongst other things. We love the ample storage compartments both on the interior and exterior, with sturdy partitions to keep things like your shoes separate from your sweaters inside. A detachable strap and three handle straps on both the top and sides allow you to choose how you’d like to carry it. The hard shell bottom makes it durable to use as an overnight bag for weekend getaways as well as a carry-on for longer trips.

Kootek Camping Hammock Double & Single Portable Hammocks

View On Amazon $12

Who doesn’t love a hammock for camping trips? Whether you decide to hang out in it and read a book or actually slumber al-fresco, the Kootek Camping Hammock is our top pick for its lightweight profile, durability, and value. Our tester loved how easy it was to set up and noted that the hardware was high-quality and durable, making the hammock ideal for a wide array of people. With so many color choices, you can match your hammock to your personality as well. 

Nemo Aurora Highrise Camping Tent

View On Amazon $500 View On REI $400 View On Backcountry.com $900

The Nemo Aurora Highrise 4-person tent is our favorite car camping tent for its spacious interior in width, depth, and height. We loved that we could stand up inside, even though one of us is more than 6 feet tall. We also appreciated that it was very fast and easy to assemble and that it stood up to some fairly strong winds, even without the guylines. While this tent can fit up to four people, it’s a great option for two adults and a child (or a pet, or extra bags). Other excellent features for this three-season tent include two doors and vestibules, a pocket for headlamps and other lights, and large mesh side windows for added ventilation.

Nemo Dagger Osmo Backpacking Tent

View On Nemoequipment.com

 We love how portable yet durable the Nemo Dagger Osmo Backpacking Tent is: it boasts the ability to fit in a backpack and withstand an intense thunderstorm. The tent’s interior is sizable, and even after a huge storm with flooding around our campgrounds, the tent remained completely dry inside. Although the tent is made of mesh for ventilation, the rain cover and waterproofing does a fantastic job. Other highlights include the dual door design and the “landing zone” fabric that hooks to the exterior of the tent as a place for dirty shoes.

Go Warmer Rechargeable Personal Hand Heater

View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $15 View On Home Depot $15

We love how quickly the Go Warmer Rechargeable Hand Warmer heats up, no matter which of the 3 temperatures settings we chose. This pocket-sized warmer is easy to use and features a built-in flashlight as well as the ability to charge your smartphone. The battery life is fantastic, offering up to eight hours of use on a full charge. Whether you’re adventuring on the ski slopes or need to warm up your hands during a fall camping trip, this compact, dual-sided hand warmer is the perfect accessory to have in your bag. 

Leatherman Wave+

View On Amazon $120 View On REI $120 View On Dick's $120

In search of a durable and functional gadget to keep on hand through your travels? Look no further than the Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool. You’ll be ready for anything with this device that is actually 18 tools in one. Whether you need a knife, bottle opener, pliers, or screwdriver, this multi-use instrument has you covered. Each tool and blade is easy to open due to resistance that feels just right. The handles have a solid grip and it’s possible to use it one-handed. 

Gregory Women's Swift 22 H20 Backpack

View On Amazon $129 View On REI $90 View On Backcountry.com $49

The Gregory Swift 22 hydration pack is our ideal day hiking backpack, with a fantastic mid-sized capacity that won’t weigh you down. We were able to fit a rain jacket, snacks, sunscreen, the included 2-liter hydration bladder, and small items like keys and chapstick in the ample pocket space with some room leftover. Although the pack has a lightweight profile, it felt sturdy and was comfortable workwear with sufficient padding. The hydration bladder makes it easy to drink on the go and the adjustments on the pack really help tailor the fit to your body with shoulder, chest, and hip straps. This pack is extremely versatile for a wide range of activities.

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

View On Amazon $37 View On REI $32 View On Backcountry.com $47

We love the Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillow for its versatility, comfort, and portability. The fact that the interior is crafted from recyclable materials is a major bonus too. We felt this packable pillow is very comfortable, as it has a real-pillow feel with memory foam quality. The exterior materials are soft and breathable and it’s perfect for everything from traveling on long-haul flights to camping trips. 

SereneLife Stand-up Paddle Board

View On Amazon $396

The SereneLife Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard is our favorite portable board for hopping on the water whether solo or with our pups in tow. The board, paddle, and included hand pump are straightforward to set up, and we felt it handled very well on a windy lake as well as on the river, offering stability even with a dog onboard. The board is lightweight enough to carry down to the water via trail or pavement, making it quite versatile. It’s ideal for all experience levels and deflates quickly and easily to pack up at the end of your adventure. 

Weber Q1200 Gas Grill

View On Amazon $259 View On Walmart $249 View On Walmart

When it comes to portable grills for camping, road trips, and beach days, the Weber Q12 Gas Grill is our top choice. It’s easy to set up and use, provides great heat disbursement, and is built with responsive temperature setting knobs. While testing it, our burger patties didn’t stick at all, and although the onion pieces detached while grilling, the grates didn’t have big enough holes for them to fall through and get stuck. It can grill up to six burgers at a time without excessive charring, and it produces beautiful grill marks on the food. The grill is well constructed and boasts a rust-resistant firebox. It’s a bit on the heavy side, making it more appropriate for situations in which you don’t have to lug it too far.

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair

View On REI $100

Looking to purchase a super lightweight chair for backpacking, camping, or the beach? The REI Co-op Flexlite Air is our top pick. It’s just as intuitive to set up as it is to take apart and store back in its bag. It’s also very comfortable — it feels like it truly moves with you rather than being too rigid. Thanks to its incredibly lightweight design, it's perfect for camping and backpacking. The ripstop nylon material is water- and stain-resistant, so it’ll last through many camping trips to come.

RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag

View On Amazon $99 View On Target $115 View On Walmart $99

A soft cooler is a great option for those looking for a more lightweight and portable alternative to a hard cooler. Our favorite is the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler, which fits up to 20 cans. Even when we left it outside in the sun on a 75-degree day for nearly three hours, the ice had barely melted and the drinks stayed cold. The padded shoulder strap adds to the comfort level and overall, it’s a very durable cooler. When tested, it didn’t show much wear and tear at all, and remained completely leakproof. As a fun bonus, this cooler floats, making it perfect for beach and boat days.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

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For outdoor enthusiasts that are also into photography, a drone is a must-have. After all, it comes in pretty handy for capturing beautiful aerial landscapes in both photo and video. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is our top pick, as it has an upgraded triple-camera setup with three focal lenses that range from 24mm to 166mm, giving photographers a telephoto option. Built-in stabilization produces crisp image and 4K video quality. Another major highlight is the intuitive flying and smart “obstacle detection” system, which helps prevent crashes. Other features include a remote with a built-in screen and a 9.3-mile signal transmitter. If you’re looking for some of the newest technology in drone photography, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro fits the bill.

Mountain Hardwear Women's HiCamp Fleece Long Zip Jacket

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Warm and cozy is the name of the game with the Mountain Hardwear Women’s HiCamp Fleece Long Zip Jacket. It has an extra-long length that’s perfect for camping or pairing with leggings during the colder months. It’s also thick and warm, but not rigid, and it’s versatile enough to use from fall to spring (as long as temperatures don’t dip into the negatives). The deep pockets can easily fit your phone and other important items, and the full zip lets you maximize warmth. This is such a multi-use piece, you may just find yourself bringing it everywhere. 

The North Face Montana Ski Mittens

View On REI $65

Keep your hands warm and dry through all your winter activities with The North Face Montana Ski Mittens, in both women’s and men’s styles. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or sledding down the hill, these mittens will not only keep your hands toasty, but they’ll also keep moisture at bay, all while remaining breathable. The Etip™ functionality allows you to use your smartphone without having to take them off too. The wrist leash and pairing clips also make it easy to keep track of your mittens and keep from leaving one behind on the slopes.

Ibex Women’s Lizzi Tight

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For a one and done pair of women’s active pants, look no further than the Ibex Lizzi Tight. These stretchy tights are perfect for hiking as well as running, yoga, camping, snowshoeing, and virtually any other outdoor activity. Their compressive fit looks and feels great, and best of all, they don’t fall down during activity, so you don’t have to keep pulling them up. The thigh pockets are deep enough to fit a phone or keys, and a wide waistband makes them comfortable to wear. They’re also thick and warm enough for winter activities, but also breathable enough to wear in warmer weather, too.