Whether you know someone who camps every weekend or just enjoys morning coffee outside, you already know: outdoorsy people can be particular about their gear. They want to stay both comfortable and safe in the elements – a reliable water bottle means no spills in the pack and a good headlamp keeps them on the trail and not in a ravine.
Outdoor gear can be intimidating and expensive, but I’ve pulled together a list of affordable yet reliable things that I’ve personally used as an outdoors lover. (I have also gifted many of these to family members who now use them often.) These are things I’ve dragged through mud, shoved into carry-ons and relied on when the weather turned. Whether your person camps, hikes, fishes or bikes, here are durable and practical gifts that make being outside easier and more fun.
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Gifts under $50
Bivo Stainless Steel Water Bottle
I’ve been trying to reduce the amount of plastic in my life. As a longtime cyclist, though, I relied on plastic bottles for years because many metal options were too heavy, hard to clean or nearly impossible to drink from on the move. Bivo is the first stainless-steel bottle that solved those issues for me. The flow feels similar to a plastic bottle, the nozzle never tastes metallic and the single-wall build keeps the weight reasonable. (Bivo also makes double-walled, insulated versions to keep the beverage of your choice hot or cold.) I use one on the bike, take another to the gym and keep a third one on my bedside table – it works everywhere.
Hollow Socks Alpaca Crew
The first time I wore Hollow’s alpaca crew socks on a cold hike, the difference from regular wool was obvious. They stayed warm even as the trail turned slushy, and they’re noticeably softer than many wool socks, which is ideal for anyone who finds traditional wool itchy. The alpaca wool fibers are very breathable and wick moisture with ease, which improves comfort on long hikes and runs, and the natural odor resistance helps during multi-day trips. For friends or family with perpetually cold feet, these are an easy win.
Nemo Fillo Backpacking Pillow
A good night’s sleep can make or break a camping trip, so the Nemo Fillo has become one of the comfort items I always bring. The mix of an inflatable core covered with soft foam insulation makes it more pliable and, in turn, feel more natural with none of the crinkly sounds that many inflatable pillows make when you shift around at night. It also packs down small enough that I never debate taking it. It has also become my go-to for airplane travel because it’s supportive without being bulky. For anyone who struggles to sleep well away while from home, this is a small upgrade with an outsized payoff.
Kopilot.ID
Kopilot.ID is a small emergency tag that uses near-field communication, the same tap-to-pay technology in your phone, to share vital information in seconds. When a smartphone is tapped against it, the tag instantly pulls up a secure profile with key medical details and emergency contacts, giving first responders quick access to what matters most. Its adhesive back sticks to a helmet, ski goggles, backpack or jacket zipper. It’s also waterproof, requires no charging and stays put through rain, sweat and regular use. It works well for hikers, cyclists, skiers, trail runners and anyone who spends time outdoors with minimal gear. Kopilot is a smart safety gift for people who frequently head out on their own.
Lodge 12in Cast-Iron Skillet
A cast-iron skillet is a staple of campfire cooking, and I reach for this Lodge one whether I’m frying eggs over a fire ring or searing a steak at home. It arrives pre-seasoned, heats evenly and shrugs off years of use with only basic care. Despite the market of boutique cast-iron brands and skillets that cost hundreds of dollars, Lodge continues to land at the top of buyer’s guides for its balance of performance and value. I’ve used mine on camp stoves, in ovens and directly over coals, and it has never let me down. Cast iron isn’t light, but you buy it once and keep it for life.
Loop Dream Earplugs
Sleep can be hard to come by in busy campgrounds, shared huts or cabins where everyone has a different bedtime. Even with a good sleeping pad and bag, all the crinkling fabric, tent walls flapping in the wind and snoring camp buddies can make staying asleep a challenge. Loop’s Dream earplugs have become my solution in those situations. The soft silicone tips stay comfortable for hours – including for side sleepers – and the multiple size options make it easy to get a secure, gentle fit. They clean up easily and hold up well on multi-day trips. For light sleepers or anyone who spends nights around other people, these can make sleeping far more restful.
Goodr Sunglasses
Outdoor gear is already expensive enough without pricey eyewear that will eventually get dropped, scratched or left behind at a trailhead. As much as it pains me to admit, I have come to view the sunglasses I use for hiking, cycling and running as somewhat disposable. If I get a season or two of use before the lenses are too scuffed to ignore, I consider it a win. That’s why I rely on Goodr. They stay put when I am sweaty, offer perfectly respectable lens clarity and hold up better than the price suggests. Frame styles range from wayfarers and aviators to more playful shapes with tongue-in-cheek names such as I Pickled These Myself and Influencers Pay Double. Whichever pair you gift, it will land well under budget – so you might as well pick up a second pair for yourself.
Yeti Rambler Mug
A quality insulated mug goes a long way on cold mornings, and the Yeti Rambler has become one of the few pieces of drinkware I recommend without hesitation. I gave these to my entire family a few years ago, and every one of them still uses theirs daily. The double-wall stainless construction keeps coffee or tea warm far longer than a standard camp mug, and the sturdy handle makes it comfortable to drink from. The lid reduces spills without sealing pressure like a travel tumbler does, and it’s durable and easy to clean.
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp
I reach for this headlamp the most because it handles just about anything I throw at it. I have used it for pre-dawn photo shoots and countless hikes where I underestimated the descent. The beam is bright enough for real trail navigation but can be dialed down for cooking or camp chores, and the large buttons are easy to operate with gloves on. Its waterproof housing has survived rain, sleet and a couple of accidental drops without issue. The red-light mode helps preserve night vision around camp. For anyone who heads outside before sunrise or stays out after dark, it’s a reliable piece of kit.
Gifts over $50
Silky Saw Pocketboy
I was gifted a Silky Pocketboy a few years ago, and since then, I’ve used it to clear deadfall from trails, cut kindling for a fire and handle small backyard jobs. It often rides in my hiking pack or mountain bike hip pack. The 130mm blade bites quickly and folds safely into the handle, so it packs down easily without snagging gear. Lightweight, durable and far more capable than its size suggests, it has come in handy more times than I can count.
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Livsn Flex Canvas Pants
Livsn’s Flex Canvas Pants have earned a permanent place in my closet because they balance durability, mobility and everyday comfort better than any other pair I have tested. The fabric blend is made from organic cotton, recycled polyester and a touch of spandex, giving the pants a tough, abrasion-resistant feel without limiting movement. I have worn them on hikes, to the climbing gym and on long travel days, and they break in comfortably and have held up to heavy use. The gusseted crotch and articulated knees give room to move and it has pockets for all your essentials. They are available in both men’s and women’s versions across a wide size range. For any outdoorsy person who wants one pair of pants that can handle almost anything, these are an easy recommendation.
Men’s
Women’s
Reyr First Cast Travel Fly Rod
Fly-fishing can feel intimidating for beginners, especially when they’re handed a bundle of rod sections, loose line and knots to sort out before they’ve even made a cast. The Reyr First Cast rod simplifies that entire process. Its telescoping design and pre-rigged line system mean it goes from packed to ready in seconds, which makes learning far less overwhelming. I gifted one of these to my wife, and it was the first rod she truly enjoyed because she could focus on casting rather than the setup. Despite owning more fly rods than I care to admit, including several high-end models, the Reyr is still the one I reach for most often on quick outings because it is compact, durable and easy to use. It helps anyone get on the water faster and with more confidence.
Solo Stove Mesa XL
The Mesa XL has become one of my favorite gifts to give because it turns any backyard, porch or campsite into an instant gathering spot. I’ve given these to my family, and they all ended up using the stoves more often than expected – usually for impromptu s’mores nights or quick evening fires when a full-sized pit feels like too much work. The double-wall design helps pellets and small wood chunks burn hot and clean, producing far less smoke than a traditional fire ring. This pint-sized stove heats up fast, cools down in reasonable time and stores easily when not in use. Despite its compact size, it creates a warm, lively flame perfect for roasting marshmallows or warming up after sunset. It brings fire-pit charm to small outdoor spaces.
Coros Nomad Smartwatch
Outdoor-focused smartwatches can get very expensive, but the Coros Nomad delivers the features most people actually use without venturing into premium prices. It offers clear, easy-to-follow maps for hiking and trail running, reliable GPS that stays locked even under tree cover and battery life long enough for multi-day trips. One feature I appreciate: the ability to record quick voice notes or “pins” when I come across a viewpoint, campsite or fishing spot I want to remember later. The watch is tough enough for daily outdoor use, light enough to wear all day and simple enough to navigate without digging through endless menus. For hikers, runners, paddlers or anyone who spends weekends exploring new trails, the Nomad hits a very approachable balance of navigation, durability and everyday ease.
Suunto Wing 2 Bone-Conduction Headphones
Of all the gifts on this list, the Suunto Wing 2 headphones are the ones I use every single day. I wear them for work calls, during workouts, on runs and even while cooking so I can catch up on podcasts. Because they’re worn around rather than in the ears (sealing them off), I can stay aware of what is happening around me, which feels much safer on busy bike paths, sidewalks and evening trail runs. The Wing 2 also includes small LED lights on the sides that improve visibility after dark. The fit stays secure during harder efforts, the buttons are easy to use mid-activity and it all handles sweat and weather without complaint. For anyone who wants audio without shutting out the world, these are a versatile, everyday upgrade.
CamelBak Apex Pro Run Vest
The CamelBak Apex Pro Run Vest is one of my favorite ways to carry essentials on long days because it keeps the items I need right up front. I use it for trail runs, but it is equally useful for day hikes when I want quick access to snacks, a phone or small accessories without breaking stride. There is room in the rear compartment for a light jacket or extra layer, which gives the vest more range than a typical running setup. The included soft flasks sit securely without bouncing, and the adjustable straps keep it stable when running across uneven ground. Breathable mesh keeps it comfortable in warm weather.
Thule RoundTrip Duffel
The Thule RoundTrip Duffel was designed with mountain bikers in mind, but it is useful for anyone who wants their outdoor gear to stay organized instead of scattered across the backseat or garage floor. I have used mine for bike trips, climbing weekends and family travel because the structured compartments make it easy to keep shoes, layers, tools and smaller accessories separated and easy to find. The wide opening provides a clear view of everything inside, and the bag holds its shape even when it’s not fully packed, which makes loading and unloading simpler. The materials hold up well to dirty truck beds and airport baggage belts, and the 55-liter capacity offers plenty of room without feeling oversized. Whether you’re packing for a race weekend or just tired of digging through a bottomless duffel, this keeps outdoor clothing and equipment neatly sorted.
Passenger Cotton Towel Poncho
Passenger’s cotton towel poncho has become a staple for beach days, river trips and lakeside camping. I keep one in the car year-round because it makes changing in or out of swimwear easy and offers a welcome bit of warmth when the wind picks up after a dip. The cotton absorbs water quickly without feeling heavy, and the oversized cut provides full coverage without being cumbersome. I’ve used it after cold plunges, paddle sessions and even as an impromptu layer to warm up while camping. The hood and front pocket add some comfort, and it packs down reasonably well for something this cozy.
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Rocky Talkies have become one of the most reliable pieces of communication gear in my outdoor kit, especially in areas with spotty or nonexistent cell service. I’ve used them on group hikes, ski tours and mountain bike rides where the day runs more smoothly and a lot more safely when everyone’s connected. The radios clip easily to a pack or harness with the included carabiner, and the controls don’t make you scroll through menus. Range is impressive in open terrain, and the batteries last long enough for multi-day outings without topping off. The rugged housing also handles cold weather and the occasional drop. It will give you peace of mind whether you’re coordinating a ski lap, keeping track of kids on the trail or heading out with a group that tends to spread out.
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars
Nocs binoculars are small enough to disappear into a hiking pack or a glove box, yet powerful enough to make a casual walk feel much more engaging. I’ve brought them on family hikes and road trips, and they have turned plenty of “what’s that over there?” moments into actual sightings of birds, wildlife or far-off landscapes. The 8×25 magnification is easy to hold steady, and the oversized focus wheel makes quick adjustments simple, even with cold hands. The rubberized housing offers a secure, kid-friendly grip and shrugs off bumps, dust and unexpected drops. You can even use them in the rain – they’re waterproof. They’re also light enough that I never debate whether to pack them. For hikers, kids and budding bird watchers, these are an easy-to-love gift.
Josh Patterson is a journalist and editor with 16 years of experience covering cycling, outdoor gear, electronics and other consumer products. In addition to his love of cycling and the outdoors, Josh is an enthusiastic supporter of brunch, voting rights, and the right-to-repair movement. In the end, he suspects a lock’s greatest test may be less about theft resistance than about how much destructive testing the cul-de-sac can tolerate.
