Gifts for Campers & Hikers
Best Gifts for Campers and Hikers
Practical and useful gear for avid outdoor lovers.
Whether your friend hikes long-distances to sleep under the stars or prefers the convenience of a drive-up campsite, there is gear designed to make their experience more comfortable. These are our top picks for gifts for campers and hikers that will fit their needs and your budget.
Our Top Gifts for Campers and Hikers:
- Camp Furniture
- Hydration System
- Camp Kitchen
- Sleeping Pad
- Backpack
Camp Furniture
A camp chair is a car camping must-have. It’s easy to set up next to the campfire and so much more comfortable than a tree stump or rock. We recommend a camp chair with breathable mesh panels or cushioning and a built-in cupholder for convenience.
For backcountry camping, an ultra-lightweight chair or stool is a little luxury that many backpackers like to make space for in their pack. We also love the versatility of a hammock because it can be strapped to the outside of their pack when not in use. Some of our favorite brands for camp furniture include Big Agnes and NEMO Equipment.
Hydration System
Staying hydrated out on the trails is important for hikers and backpackers. A reservoir (also called a bladder) that tucks into a hydration vest or backpack is the lightest option for carrying anywhere from one to three liters of water, and has a flexible straw attached so they can sip without stopping. For shorter hikes, a reusable water bottle is a great option. We like the insulated bottles from Hydro Flask. They’re heavier than plastic, but drinks stay hot or cold for longer!
Camp Kitchen
Gear up your favorite camp chef with the tools they need to whip up something amazing on the campfire. Or if your camper is into backpacking, a portable stove and lightweight accessories (like easy-to-clean cutlery and a collapsible bowl) make it easy for them to prep a hot meal trailside that gives them much-needed energy to keep trekking.
Sleeping Pad
A sleeping pad is an essential component of a comfortable sleep system. It provides cushioning and insulation to help your favorite camper get a good night’s sleep so they can wake up feeling refreshed.
Sleeping pads come in a variety of styles, including foam (AKA: closed cell) and inflatable. One size does not fit all–literally. It’s worth tracking down your adventure buddy’s height and weight to make sure you’re picking a pad that is long enough and will comfortably support their weight.
Also, some pads are rectangular and others are mummy shaped. Pro tip: Mummy and semi-rectangular bags taper from shoulders to feet that helps retain heat more efficiently than a rectangular bag does. By picking a pad that matches the shape of their sleeping bag, they’ll be able to place it inside their bag to ensure consistent insulation and cushioning that won’t budge.
For the camper that likes a little bit of luxury, doubling up with a closed-cell pad and an inflatable pad offers *chef’s kiss* level comfort.
Backpack
When the hiker in your life racks up miles on longer treks, they need a pack with plenty of space for the 10 Essentials. That extra weight means they’ll want a backpack pack with ergonomic design for support and comfort and convenience features to keep things easier out on the trails.
Look for packs with an internal frame, a cushioned/breathable back panel, load lifters, a hip belt and chest strap, and cushioned shoulder straps. We also love a variety of pockets that make it easy to grab snacks and water without stopping, bungees to strap a jacket to the outside of the pack, and fully waterproof zippers and fabric with sealed seams in case they get stuck in the rain. Some of our favorite brands include Osprey and Big Agnes.