30+ Camping Gifts They Won't Leave the House Without
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Buying a camping gift can be tricky — even more so than gift giving in general — because your recipient likely already has the core components of their setup. For example, unless they take “car camping” literally and spend nights on an air mattress inflated across the lowered seats of their rig, they probably have a tent.
If you’re lost, sticking to general accessories is a good place to start. Think things like hiking socks and water bottles, or tasty snacks to fuel the fun. Really, any camping gift that will make their time at the site more comfortable and enjoyable is a safe bet.
But knowing what kind of outdoorsy person you’re shopping for also makes this task less challenging, whether you’re looking to surprise the plant lover, the dog parent hiker, or the couple who’s always around the campfire. That couple, for example, would probably get good use out of a camping blanket.
So we tailored our search with all that in mind, compiling a range of camping gifts that can help your giftee (or their dog) enjoy their time outside even more.
The Original Puffy National Parks Collection Blanket
Even with a roaring fire, it’s still nice to wrap up in a warm blanket at night. The Puffy is also great for picnics, midday naps on the couch, and sports events. The synthetic insulation helps hold in heat, and — for those concerned about their carbon footprint — the blanket is made from recycled materials. Its DWR coating helps it repel water, and loops on each corner allow it to morph into a cape.
The Original Puffy National Parks Collection Blanket
$93.75
amazon.com
Nomad 5 Solar Panel
No matter how much someone likes to “disconnect” when camping, electronics have their place. And with this little solar panel, your recipient can charge a power station — such as the Yeti 200x — with the sun’s (free) energy.
The Nomad 5 is Goal Zero’s smallest panel, making it a great gift for the environmentally conscious people on your list. For longer trips with bigger groups (and all their devices), we love the quad-fold Nomad 50 solar panel.
More: 20 Gifts for Outdoorsy Women That They’ll Love
Nomad 5 Solar Panel
$47.89
rei.com
Chair Zero Camping Chair
This Helinox camping chair weighs just 1 pound, packs down to the size of a 32-ounce water bottle, and is way more comfortable than it looks. Our tester says this is his go-to for backpacking when keeping weight down is a necessity. But anyone can stash the Chair Zero in their car permanently and will never be without a seat, whether they’re changing from boots to flip-flops after a hike or dipping their feet in the river.
More: Kick Your Feet Up in One of These Camping Chairs
Chair Zero Camping Chair
$149.95
amazon.com
Camp Cocktails: Easy, Fun, and Delicious Drinks for the Great Outdoors by Emily Vikre
Anyone can open a can or pop the top of a bottle. Help them shake things up with these fun, delicious camping cocktails. There are many recipes in this book’s 192 pages, many with outdoors-appropriate names like Penicillin Toddy, Northwoods Sidecar, Marshmallow Mule, and Maple Syrup Old-Fashioned.
Camp Cocktails: Easy, Fun, and Delicious Drinks for the Great Outdoors by Emily Vikre
$14.89
amazon.com
Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter
If you’ve ever run out of matches or lost your lighter, you’ll appreciate the utility of a ferro rod like this. The tool is only about four inches long, so your recipient can keep it in a pocket or pack at all times.
To create sparks (and hopefully a fire), they simply strike the key against the rod, and sparks will fly. Make sure they aim those sparks at dry tinder for best results.
Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter
$13.95
amazon.com
Personal Water Filter
No matter where they are, they will always need clean water to drink. Even if they think the water near them in a stream, spring, or other body is safe, it’s best to be cautious.
The LifeStraw is a portable straw they can use to filter and clean water of “99.999999 percent of bacteria (including E. coli, salmonella), 99.999 percent of parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium), 99.999 percent of microplastics, as well as sand, dirt, and cloudiness.”
Personal Water Filter
$30.15
amazon.com
NiteHowl Led Dog Safety Necklace
While this LED choker looks like one of those glow-in-the-dark necklaces everyone wore at the middle school carnival as a kid, this one is brighter, more durable, and rechargeable.
Find the perfect fit by simply cutting it with scissors — just don’t cut too much off. And the 360-degree visibility makes it easy to spot Fido from any angle, compared to the collar-clipped options that hang under the chin.
More: 45 Best Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers
NiteHowl Led Dog Safety Necklace
$12.19
amazon.com
Rambler Colster Can
Call us spoiled, but we believe that nothing can ruin a good vibe faster than a drink that turns lukewarm while you’re nursing it. So, to make sure that never happens, Yeti made this burly coozie.
The Rambler is a fancy stainless steel “colster can” that’s vacuum-insulated between its inner and outer walls. This air space traps the cold coming off of the can to keep the beverage cool for longer. And without the screw-on gasket, it works well as a cup for wine or coffee.
Rambler Colster Can
$25.00
amazon.com
Double Sleeping Bag
If your recipient’s idea of a romantic getaway is a weekend in the mountains or woods, then this sleeping bag will serve them well. It allows them and their boo to cuddle comfortably, with plenty of space to toss around (unlike a mummy bag that tapers to the feet). No more trying to awkwardly share a sleeping bag.
Its synthetic insulation will keep them warm down to 32 degrees, and Sleepingo includes two small pillows, boosting the value. Plus, sharing a sleeping bag means one less to carry to the campsite.
More: 9 Best Double Sleeping Bags for Camping With Your Snuggle Buddy
Double Sleeping Bag
$60.99
amazon.com
Vietnamese Pour-Over Coffee Variety Pack
These single-serve packets are so easy to use, good for when you’re groggy and stumbling out of the tent in the morning wanting caffeine. Simply hang the packet over the lip of a cup and pour hot water into the filter.
This variety pack comes with single-serve latte creamers and three coffee flavors, so they can make the perfect latte of their choice and have some to share with friends.
Vietnamese Pour-Over Coffee Variety Pack
$45.00
amazon.com
Double Hammock with Tree Straps
This portable hammock comes with tree straps, so all they need to do is scout two solid trunks to set up camp by. The hammock fits two people, or up to 400 pounds, so they could even bring their animal friend to cuddle with, too.
Double Hammock with Tree Straps
$32.95
amazon.com
Silicone Urinal Funnel
It may look weird, but when nature calls and there’s no outhouse or plumbing, this thing is clutch. It’ll spare them from awkward moments trying to squat in the woods, and it helps prevent any unwanted drips or messes onto their clothing. It basically allows women to urinate standing up.
The funnel is easy to clean (just use a bit of soap and water), and it comes with a discreet drawstring bag.
As this glowing five-star Amazon review says: “I hike a lot and almost always have to relieve myself along the way. I was so happy that I found this item when I did. I took a hike shortly after and tried it for the first time. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have it! Now I don’t have to expose myself when I have to urinate.”
Silicone Urinal Funnel
$11.88
amazon.com
Moji + Lantern
Despite its size, this diminutive camping lantern puts out a healthy 200 lumens. It’s also affordable, intuitive to operate via the two buttons, and has multiple lighting settings —think adjustable brightness and colors. And two hooks mean it can hang from a cord or suitable branch if your recipient wants overhead lighting.
Just don’t forget the batteries (it runs on AAAs). There is an optional rechargeable battery pack you can buy separately, though the cost will double what you’re spending overall.
Moji + Lantern
$22.39
rei.com
Trail Series Lightweight Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle
There have been times we’ve left our insulated bottles in the car to save weight while hiking, but we’re almost always left with regret as we sip hot water a few hours later. Hydro Flask made its Trail Series bottles to solve just that problem.
This bottle weighs 25 percent less than its classic insulated counterparts, while still being good at keeping water icy thanks to the vacuum insulation. And with the drop in weight come fewer excuses for leaving it behind.
More: Ditch the Plastic and Get One of These Top-Rated Reusable Water Bottles
Trail Series Lightweight Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle
$37.39
rei.com
Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot
Starting the day with a jolt of caffeine may give them the juice they need to actually go on that sunrise hike. This enamel coffee pot works as a percolator, so your recipient can make and serve coffee in this one pitcher. It’s safe to set on the campfire or gas stove.
“Seriously, are you really even camping without one of these?” says one impressed Amazon reviewer. “Just be sure to use large grounds if you don’t want black bits in your teeth all day. Now that I’m camping regularly again I can’t wait between trips for good coffee and have one in my house as well. No brew-pot could ever come close to producing coffee like these percolators do.”
Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot
$29.60
amazon.com
Flashflight LED Flying Disc
Frisbee is one of those games that adults, kids, and even the pups can play. And now, they can play well into the evening, thanks to this bright LED light-up flying disc.
It will illuminate for up to 2o hours per set of batteries (which are replaceable 3-volt lithium), which should be more than enough to get their family through a weekend in the woods.
More: 20 Outdoor Games for Kids That’ll Keep Them Entertained
Flashflight LED Flying Disc
$19.99
amazon.com
PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
The Anker PowerCore 26800 is the perfect size to pack away in a travel bag for emergencies. The battery has three USB ports, and it stores enough power to recharge most smartphones up to six times.
Any hiker can charge three devices simultaneously to ensure they still have connection to the outside world, just in case.
PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
$69.99
amazon.com
Air Head Lite Pillow
While most people have their own sleeping bag and pad, we’ve seen folks using an ancient pillow from the guest bedroom — or even worse, a rolled-up hoodie. This packable pillow is an upgrade, made of soft stretch knit fabric that’s lightweight.
This gift for outdoorsy people ranks as the best inflatable camping pillow in our evaluations. “I’ve taken it on numerous flights and camping trips, and can now call it my top choice when space is limited,” shares our contributor Andrew Bettlach. “The huge amount of comfort stuffed into such a small package (15x11 inches inflated) makes this one of my favorite extras (or essentials, depending how you see it) for nearly all travel.”
Air Head Lite Pillow
$37.41
amazon.com
Clip 4 Mini Bluetooth Speaker
“The JBL Clip 4 is our favorite mini Bluetooth speaker, thanks to a minuscule-yet-durable build, a powerful sound with a surprisingly thumping low end, up-to-date Bluetooth connectivity, and great battery life for its size,” explains senior technology editor Stefan Vazharov in our roundup of best portable Bluetooth speakers. It’s lightweight and features the signature carabiner, which boosts it portability.
Clip 4 Mini Bluetooth Speaker
$79.95
amazon.com
Hydro Moc Water Shoe
If you gift your adventure loving pal these Hydro Mocs by Merrell, they will never want to wear a different water shoe again. Equally suited to the water and light trails, these slip-ons have grippy outsoles and a heel strap for extra comfort and support.
Hydro Moc Water Shoe
$44.94
amazon.com
Handwoven Hammock
To make sure your favorite outdoorsy recipient gets enough horizontal time with a pillow, a book, and an afternoon nap, we recommend gifting them a hammock to bring on their next camping trip.
Each Yellow Leaf hammock is handwoven by artisans in Thailand, and there is a plethora of gorgeous color options. Our personal favorite is the St. Lucia pattern shown here.
Handwoven Hammock
$199.00
amazon.com
Rechargeable Headlamp 2-Pack
Give the gift of hands-free lighting with this two-pack of headlamps. Each is rechargeable, features an adjustable head, and has eight lighting modes to keep the dark at bay.
“We used these for our last camping trip and didn’t need to charge them again while there,” shared one reviewer on Amazon. “I’ve had cheap headlamps that were heavy and clunky, and expensive ones that are small and lightweight. These beat both. They don’t look like it, but they’re not much heavier than my Petzl and far brighter.”
Rechargeable Headlamp 2-Pack
$19.99
amazon.com
Portable Stainless Steel Utensil Set
This seven-piece set includes a fork, spoon, knife, straight straw, bent straw, cleaning brush, and a pair of chopsticks, all in a portable carry case.
Plus, it’s a gift for the environment, too. As one reviewer attests: “Perfect for keeping in the car or having for camping/road trips to minimize/eliminate the use of plastic utensils that’ll be thrown away after a use.”
Portable Stainless Steel Utensil Set
$10.99
amazon.com
Low-Love Seat Camping Chair
The Low Love Seat’s polyester is highly durable and easy to clean, with individually adjustable armrests and a transport sack that doubles as a firewood carrier. If they’re that couple who can’t imagine being out of arm’s reach, or if they just really want some room to sprawl, invest in this portable love seat for them.
Low-Love Seat Camping Chair
$109.95
amazon.com
Dog Sleeping Bag
This gift will give their furry friend a soft, warm place to sleep comfortably alongside them in their tent. This sleeping bag is water-resistant, features a fleece inner lining to keep pup warm, and comes with a storage bag for easy transport.
“My dog loves this!” says one online reviewer. “I love it because I can put it on the ground and it stays clean. It’s soft inside and a great value for the money. My dog is an 80-pound Labrador Retriever and she has no trouble laying on this bag.”
Dog Sleeping Bag
$32.95
amazon.com
Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
This portable coffee press will have them sipping a delicious cup of joe without lugging around a heavy setup. It brews one cup of coffee at a time in a couple of minutes, so it’s better for an individual and not groups. And it packs down neatly into the included mug.
More: 35 Gifts for Coffee Lovers to Get Their Buzz
Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
$31.95
amazon.com
HeatTech Leggings
Uniqlo’s HeatTech leggings will keep them warm on long hikes and are ideal for layering or sporting on their own. Each pair is soft, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
Pro tip: Pair it with a HeatTech long-sleeve t-shirt for a set that’ll become a closet staple. I give both every year to my mom, who’s always cold, and she loves them.
HeatTech Leggings
$19.90
uniqlo.com
Passport To Your National Parks Classic Edition
This passport features color-coded regional maps, information about the parks, space for stamps, and more to help them keep track of their adventures. Plus, you can feel extra good about gifting it since all net proceeds are donated to support educational and interpretive programs at sites managed by the National Park Service.
More: 45 Gifts That Give Back to Charity
Passport To Your National Parks Classic Edition
$12.95
americasnationalparks.org
Classic Clogs
These popular clogs are soft, lightweight, and come in tons of colors. Each shoe features a ventilated upper and can handle wet and dry conditions, making them ideal for both light hiking and as camp shoes.
“I saw these all over the place and thought they were the ugliest, most ridiculous shoes I had ever seen,” said one reviewer on Amazon. “But I needed a quick on/off shoe that I could wear in the shower while camping and not worry about them, yet be comfortable enough to walk around it. Appearance aside — they fit the bill!”
Classic Clogs
$29.50
amazon.com
Beef Jerky Variety Pack
When they get tired of their traditional trail mix and crunchy granola, they’ll appreciate having this high-protein snack on hand. Country Archer’s jerky is made from grass-fed beef (sans preservatives) and is free of the eight major allergens. This sampler includes three delicious flavors — original, teriyaki, and mango habanero.
Beef Jerky Variety Pack
$19.99
amazon.com
Lowdown 2 Chromapop Polarized Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential — especially when heading outside. And after trying many styles of casual shades, sports sunglasses, and polarized lenses, we like Smith’s Lowdown 2 as our daily driver for campground chilling, bicycle cruising, and everything in between.
The Lowdown Core frames are lightweight and durable. Grips on the nose will keep them in place when their face is dripping with sweat.
Lowdown 2 Chromapop Polarized Sunglasses
$159.20
backcountry.com
Overcoat Fuse Dog Jacket
Everyone exploring the wilderness has to have the right gear — and that includes man’s best friend. This waterproof jacket will keep them (mostly) dry in the rain or falling snow, and there’s even a fleece lining to keep them nice and warm.
It doubles as a harness (with a back and chest loop for a leash), meaning they’ll have one less thing to pack on their trip. They can stow away small items like treats or poop bags in the hidden pockets on the jacket as well.
Overcoat Fuse Dog Jacket
$89.95
rei.com
Scats and Tracks of North America: A Field Guide to the Signs of Nearly 150 Wildlife Species by James Halfpenny
It’s not uncommon when you’re hiking or camping to stumble across some animal tracks and scat (poop). Sometimes you’ll recognize right away that the tracks are from a deer or elk, and other times you’ll be left hoping they’re not from a bear or mountain lion.
Take the guesswork out of identifying which animals are nearby with this field guide. It will help your outdoor explorer identify the signs of nearly 150 species of wildlife, so they’ll know exactly which kind of animals are sharing their outdoor space.
Scats and Tracks of North America: A Field Guide to the Signs of Nearly 150 Wildlife Species by James Halfpenny
$18.95
amazon.com
Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
If they’ve already found the perfect pair of hiking boots, gift your nature lover these hiking socks to complete the look. Made from merino wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard, these unisex socks are breathable, quick-drying, and odor-resistant to spare their fellow hikers the stench.
Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
$12.49
rei.com
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