The perfect gifts for outdoor lovers in 2020 should do three things: fuel adventure, increase stoke levels, and help outdoor enthusiasts spend more time outside. The good news is that every adventurous gift on our 2020 outdoor enthusiast gift list does all that and more!
From hikers, backpackers, and campers to road trippers, van lifers, powder chasers, and even outdoor-loving pets we checked off every box to make sure there’s something for every kind of adventurer in your life.
Browse our 2020 holiday gift list to pick the perfect gifts for outdoor lovers in your life and make your holiday shopping as quick, easy, and painless as possible.
Outdoor Gifts for Women
Our favorite outdoor gifts for adventurous ladies who love to get outside and get after it.
prAna Transform High-Waist Leggings
These prAna Transform High-Waist Leggings are my go-to leggings for pretty much every outdoor activity from hiking to backpacking to hanging out around the campsite. They are nice and stretchy for comfort on and off the trail and they are moisture-wicking. There’s also a little hidden pocket for keys, money, or a snack.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Jacket
The Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Jacket is one of the best gifts for outdoor lovers. It’s a Patagonia favorite of ours and we highly recommend it for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. The Nano Puff packs down super small and even comes with a built-in stuff sack. The insulation is made from recycled synthetic materials, so it’s a great vegan-friendly choice for the eco-conscious consumer. It comes in a hooded version as well.
Check price: Patagonia / Backcountry / REI
prAna Nemma Sweater
This prAna Nemma Sweater is flattering on everyone and comfortable to boot. It’s medium weight and has a slighly longer cut which we love. This sweater is made with organic cotton instead of wool so it’s soft, cozy, and vegan-friendly. It comes in a few different colors as well.
Check Price: Backcountry / REI
Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie
The Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is super soft, cozy, and the perfect mid-weight layer for outings whether you’re hiking, camping, or road-tripping. The performance fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, so no need to worry about getting chilled after a sweaty hike. This hoodie is also a great companion for the gym or yoga class or even just running errands around town.
Check price: REI
REI Co-op Trail 2 Print Waistpack
Here at Bearfoot Theory, we love a good fanny pack and the REI Trail 2 Print Waistpack is one of our favorites. With bright colors and a stylish shape, it’s the perfect blend of fashion and functionality. Wear it on the trail for short day hikes, while running errands in town, or use it as a wallet and passport holder for airplane travel.
Check price: REI
Wallaroo Sedona Hat
I’ve sung my praises for the Sedona Wallaroo Hat several times here at Bearfoot Theory and it remains one of my favorite sun and hiking hats of all time. The brim is wide enough to protect your face and shoulders from the sun and there’s a drawstring in the brim so that you can tighten it if the weather turns breezy. Plus, it’s cute and stylish! It’s one of the best gifts for outdoor lovers in our opinion.
Check price: Wallaroo
Darn Tough Women’s Coolmax Socks
Socks are a great gift for outdoor adventurers because good socks make such a difference on the trail. Without high performing socks you risk getting blisters or wearing through the soles after just a few uses. That’s why we love the Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion socks. They’re made from moisture-wicking vegan-friendly materials, have no seams, and they have some cushioning underfoot to guarantee comfort on the trail. Plus, all Darn Tough socks are guaranteed for life!
Check price: Darn Tough / Backcounty / REI
Outdoor Gifts for Men
The man who loves outdoor adventure might not buy himself nice (and useful) things but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it for him. Here are some of our favorite outdoor gift ideas for men.
Patagonia Men’s Long-Sleeved Fjord Flannel Shirt
This Patagonia Long-Sleeved Fjord Flannel Shirt is the perfect gift for your outdoor-loving man. It’s made from thick organic cotton flannel and has buttons down the front so it can be easily layered depending on outside temps. Wear it as a hiking outer layer on crisp fall days or cozy up by the campfire at night. If you’re looking for something even warmer, check out the Insulated Fjord Flannel Jacket.
Check price: Patagonia / Backcountry / REI
Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Jacket
We love the women’s Nano Puff Jacket, so it’s only natural that we think the Patagonia’s Men’s Nano Puff Jacket is one of the best gifts for outdoor lovers as well. Made from post-consumer recycled material with a water-resistant and windproof outer layer, this jacket is the perfect layer for colder days. It packs down extremely small and is so light you will barely notice it in your pack. It also comes in a hooded version.
Check price: Patagonia / Backcountry / REI
Burton DND Beanies
Good things come in threes, right? Well, that’s definitely the case for these Burton DND Beanies. They come in a package of three and they’re a great holiday gift for your adventurous guy who wants a lightweight beanie for everyday cool weather. Choose from three different color palettes including the one below.
Check price: REI
Opinel No 8 Stainless Steel Knife
Every outdoor adventurer should have a quality knife that they can rely on in the backcountry as well as for prepping veggies around the fire. The Opinel No 8 Stainless Steel Knife does all that and more. With an anti-corrosive blade, a safety locking system, and a beautiful beechwood handle, this lightweight knife is the perfect (and affordable) stocking stuffer or holiday gift for any outdoor lover.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
Darn Tough Men’s Coolmax Socks
The Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Sock is our favorite women’s hiking sock out there, so we’re pretty sure your outdoorsy guy will like them as well. Made from moisture-wicking and temperature-controlling vegan-friendly materials, they are cool, comfortable, and soft and Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee makes them a gift for many years to come. Plus a good pair of hiking socks are always a good idea and one of the best gifts for outdoor lovers in general.
Check price: Darn Tough / Backcountry / REI
Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers
Perfect for day hikes or multi-day treks, check out the best outdoor gifts for the hikers and backpackers in your life.
Multi-functional Buff
Buffs have so many useful purposes on the trail from shielding your neck from a biting wind to protecting your face from the sun to even being repurposed as a hair tie in a pinch. That’s why we think the original Buff is a great gift for anyone who has any backpacking or hiking adventures planned for the New Year.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
BioLite HeadLamp 200
A headlamp is one of the most valuable backpacking and camping tools, so we’re pretty picky about which ones we choose to take with us on the trail. We’ve found that the BioLite Headlamp 200 not only delivers on brightness, but it’s also super reliable, lightweight, comfortable, and can be recharged via USB so you can leave those disposable batteries at home. Every outdoor lover needs a good headlamp, which is why this is one of the best gifts out there.
Check price: BioLite / REI / Backcountry
Garmin inReach Mini
This nifty little handheld device keeps you safe on backcountry expeditions by tracking your location, providing 2-way texting, and sending out SOS signals should things go wrong. For us, a Garmin Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator is a must to keep you safe and your loved ones at ease. If you want some peace of mind, this is one of the best gifts for the outdoor lover and adventurer.
Check price: REI / Backcountry
Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
Get your hiking or backpacking enthusiast a pair of trekking poles – it’s an absolute game-changer! Trekking poles help distribute the weight off your knees and ankles and help you have better posture while hiking. These Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles are lightweight, telescope for easy transport, and they are adjustable so you don’t have to worry about fit.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
Jetboil Flash Cooking System
The Jetboil Flash is one of the best camping cooking systems we’ve tried out. It’s super quick and efficient (it can boil water in just over a minute and a half!) and everything packs down small and light, which is a big consideration for multi-day backpacking trips. It also comes with a push igniter, so no more worrying about keeping the matches dry.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
A good backpacking sleeping pad is a key piece of any backcountry camping kit. A high quality, lightweight, packable, and comfortable sleeping pad like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is an investment but we can tell you from experience that it’s so worth it. This sleeping pad will be your faithful companion for a long time, plus Therm-a-Rest has awesome customer service and warranty support.
Check Price: REI / Backcountry
Deuter AirContact Lite Backpacking Pack
The Deuter AirContact Lite is our backpacking pack of choice. It makes a great gift for anyone looking to get into backpacking or wanting to upgrade their gear. The 45L pack size is perfect for a long weekend backpacking trip and it comes in a larger 60L size if you want something for extended trips and thru hikes. It’s very comfortable, has lots of thoughtful touches that come in handy on the trail like external pouches, and easy to use zippers and synches.
Check Price: REI / Backcountry
Garmin Fenix 6s Watch
Another Garmin device that we really love is the Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire Watch. Yes, it’s pricey, but the features and data collection that it provides are second-to-none. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor lover who enjoys crunching numbers and setting personal bests, this is it. The Fenix 6s has a heartrate monitor, tracks GPS, comes preloaded with topo maps, and so much more.
Check price: REI / Backcountry
Gifts for Car Campers
Whether you’re car camping in a National Park or dispersed camping on public lands, these car camping gifts are perfect for those wanting a little comfort and ambiance around the campfire.
Helinox Sunset Chair
The Helinox Sunset Chair is our go-to camping chair for its comfort, packability, and ease of setting up. Weighing in at only 3lbs 4oz, it’s light yet durable and the high, supportive back makes relaxation a breeze. If you’re looking for a great car camping gift, this should be a top contender.
Check price: Helinox / Backcountry / REI
MPOWERD Luci Solar String Light
Stringing up lights around your campsite or tent is a great way to brighten up camp and create some ambiance while car camping. These MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights provide versatile lighting options that are both practical and tranquil and best of all, they’re powered by the sun. Wrap them around nearby trees, illuminate the inside of your tent, or cook by their soft glow in your camp kitchen at night.
Check price: MPOWERD / Backcountry / REI
BioLite Fire Pit
If you know someone who loves the warmth and glow of a campfire but can’t stand the smoke, this gift is for them. The BioLife Fire Pit is a wood and charcoal burning stove that burns efficiently and slowly. Some camping purists may snub their nose at a portable fire pit, but once you use the hibachi grill and Bluetooth integration to control the size of the flames, you’ll be a convert. Just be sure to remember the marshmallows! Add on the Cook Accessory Set to whip up some gourmet camp meals. This fire pit is a great gift for van lifers who are dispersed camping and want to have a safe, contained campfire while following Leave No Trace guidelines as well.
Check price: BioLite / REI / Backcountry
RTIC Cooler
Investing in (or gifting) a quality cooler can make or break a car camping trip. A good cooler should last you for years of adventures without breaking the bank. That’s why we like the RTIC 45-Quart Hard Cooler. Its hard shell is extremely durable and it can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days. If you have an avid car camper in your life, they will love this cooler!
Check price: RTIC
MPOWERD Luci Explore Solar Light + Speaker
This MPOWERD Luci Solar Light + Speaker combo is a great gift for the outdoor lover who also enjoys music. It’s lightweight (only 9oz) and puts out 220 lumens of light along with great-sounding tunes. It can be charged by leaving it out in the sun or via USB. It’s perfect for providing a little ambient lighting at camp while powering your tunes.
Gifts for the Camp Chef
Making the camp cook happy for the holidays pretty much guarantees that you’ll be happy (and full) too. Take the camp kitchen to the next level with these gift ideas.
Eureka Ignite Camp Stove
A camp stove might just be the most important piece of equipment in your camp kitchen. We love the Eureka Ignite Camp Stove. It has two powerful burners, great simmering capability, and its solid construction that will help you cook up delicious camp meals for years.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
A cook station makes camp cooking a lot easier by providing extra space to chop veggies and prep food. We love the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station because it packs up nicely and has multiple levels and tiers to help you whip up gourmet meals. I travel with this table in my van and set it up when we’re camped to cook outside. If you know someone who loves camp cooking, this table is a must!
Check price: Amazon / GCI Outdoor
Stanley Base Camp Cook Set
For a functional and affordable kitchen and dining set look no further than the 21-piece Stanley Base Camp Cook Set. It includes everything you need for camp dining including a stainless steel pot, frying pan, plates, bowls, utensils, and more. For under $100 and at the quality Stanley makes their gear at, this is a steal.
Stanley Boil + Brew French Press
If you’re anything like us here at Bearfoot Theory, camping without coffee is a serious drag. That’s why we love the Stanely Boil + Brew French Press. It’s an all-in-one coffee-making machine so you can boil and brew all in one go without the need for multiple pots or devices. It’s a new addition to our camp kitchen that we’ve been loving.
Check price: Stanley / Backcountry
Sea To Summit Kitchen Sink
A dish bucket or sink makes clean up at camp much easier and more efficient. This Sea To Summit Camp Sink stands up on its own when filled with water thanks to a sturdy stainless steel ring and collapses down for easy storage when not in use. It also has two handles for easy carrying and comes in three sizes: 5L, 10L, and 20L. Just be sure to use biodegradable dish soap and follow Leave No Trace guidelines when disposing of dishwater.
Check price: Sea to Summit / REI / Backcountry
For more gift ideas check out our favorite Stanley gifts for camping and van life
Gifts for Van Lifers
Van lifers don’t need much when they’re out on the road—but for those times that they do, here’s our curated list to help you gift right.
CGEAR Sand Mat
An outside mat is something that every van lifer finds useful and it’s a great practical gift for outdoor lovers. A sand mat keeps sand and dirt from getting tracked inside and creates a nice “patio” space for hanging out. This CGear Sand-Free Mat is my favorite because it allows sand and dirt to filter through, rather than pile up on top, and it’s what I use when I set up camp in my van. It works great under a tent while car camping too.
Check price: Amazon
ENO Hammock
Hammocks and camping go hand-in-hand and this ENO Doublenest Hammock is the perfect companion for van life. It comes in lots of bright colors and there’s ample room to fit two. It’s even light enough to carry with you on a quick backpacking trip.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
Moonshade Awning
We wrote a detailed review of the Moonshade Awning and we love it so much that we decided to include it as a holiday gift for outdoor lovers. It’s the perfect and affordable gift for any van lifer who is looking for a detachable awning to place on their van roof. It fits on nearly any vehicle, does well in windy conditions, and packs down small for easy portability. And it’s easy to set up too!
*Get $50 off by using the code HOLISHADE at checkout through December 1*
Check price: Moonshade
Rumpl Blanket
Rumpl Blankets are our favorite van life comforters because they’re snuggly and soft yet still durable for the road. They come in several different materials including recycled synthetic, a warmer NanoLoft synthetic, and down. You can also choose from a wide variety of colors and styles. Since they’re water and dirt resistant and can be thrown into the wash, they’re one of the best gifts for outdoor lovers in general.
Check price: Rumpl / REI / Backcountry
Magma Nesting Cookware
Van life requires a creative approach to using space and one of our favorite space-saving techniques is to use this Magma Nesting Cookware. Everything in this set nests together perfectly and can be easily stored in a cabinet. The pots are easy to clean and the handles are also detachable, making them even easier to stash away. Plus, this cookware is induction friendly for those of you with an induction stove in your van.
Check price: Amazon
Gifts for Travelers
Going somewhere? Use our list to get the perfect gift for that loved one who’s always yearning to hit the road or put a new stamp on their passport.
Nomadix Quick-Dry Towel
Nomadix Quick-Dry Towels are very useful and versatile for travelers. Not only can they be used to dry off after a shower, but they can also be used as beach blankets, sarongs, car seat covers, yoga mats, and much more. If you have a traveler in your life who loves to explore the outdoors, this is the perfect gift!
Check price: Backcountry / REI
REI Co-op Shower Roll Bag
A toiletry bag is a must for any traveler. We love the REI Co-op Shower Roll because it has several pockets to keep things organized and the hook makes it very efficient to use, especially in small spaces. It also super lightweight and even includes a mirror, so it’s the perfect piece to bring along on road trips, camping trips, and more.
Check price: REI
REI Co-op Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are traveling essentials that allow for ultimate organization, more room in your bag, and peace of mind. REI’s packing cube set has three different sizes to keep everything in the right place. These make a great gift for van lifers too!
Check price: REI
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
The Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel is the perfect piece of travel luggage. It meets most airline’s carry-on requirements and it has backpack straps as well as a shoulder strap for multiple carrying options. True to Patagonia fashion, the Black Hole Duffel is made from recycled materials and is super durable to match the wear and tear of traveling. If you prefer luggage on wheels, it also comes as a roller.
Check price: Patagonia / Backcountry / REI
Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle
The Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle filters out bacteria, protozoa, and viruses making it a great companion for road trips, camping trips, hikes, and travel in general. You can use it to filter water from rivers, lakes, and streams, and you can even use it to filter tap water which can come in handy when on the go or traveling to different countries.
Check Price: GRAYL / Backcountry / REI
Gifts for Snow Lovers
Help the skiers, snowboarders, and snow lovers in your life hit the slopes with gear that will keep them cozy and warm on the coldest of days.
Polar Buff
Buff’s multifunctional headwear is always a good idea and makes the perfect versatile gift for outdoor lovers. This fleece-lined Polar Buff is especially handy during the winter when it’s cold and windy out.
Check price: REI / Backcountry
Anon WM3 Goggle
The Anon WM3 goggle and face mask combo is designed to keep your face warm and eyesight clear even on the coldest and snowiest of days. This 3-in-1 package comes with the Anon WM3 Goggle, a bonus lens, and a face mask that attaches to the goggles with magnets. This is the ultimate winter ski or snowboard goggle set up and the perfect gift for your snow-loving friend.
Check price: Backcountry
Oboz Bridger Waterproof Boots
Oboz makes great hiking boots, so it’s no surprise that their winter boots are high-performing and comfortable as well. The Oboz Bridger 7″ Boot is both insulated and waterproof to keep out the winter chill and it has burly treads to prevent slipping on ice. These are the perfect boots to pull on after a long day on the slopes and a great gift for outdoor lovers.
Check price: Backcountry / REI
MSR Evo Snowshoes
Looking to try something new? These MSR Evo Snowshoes are dependable and work well in a variety of conditions, making them a great gift whether you’re looking to try snowshoeing for the first time or you’re a seasoned snowshoer.
Check price: REI
Buff Janna Fleece Hat
Keep your head warm with this Buff Janna Fleece Hat. Featuring a cozy fleece lining and knit outer layer, it’s the perfect winter hat for cold days.
Check price: REI
Gifts for Outdoor Pets
We think your dog deserves a little gift during the holiday season, too. Here are a few of our top picks for your best friend.
The dog’s bed
This lightweight and durable Dog’s Bed is our top choice for Charlie. It easily fits in our van and we love that the outer shell can be removed and washed.
Check price: Amazon
Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Ruffwear’s Highland Dog Sleeping Bag is a lightweight and packable synthetic down sleeping bag for dogs that help keeps them comfortable and warm on the trail, in the backcountry, or at camp. If your dog is prone to getting cold, this is a perfect gift!
Check price: Ruffwear / REI / Backcountry
Ruffwear Hover Craft
If your dog loves playing fetch, then they will love this Ruffwear Hover Craft dog toy just as much as our dog Charlie does. Designed for long-distance tosses on land or over water, it’s soft on their teeth, yet durable for playing fetch time and again. And again. And again…
Check price: Ruffwear / Backcountry
Nite Ize NiteDog Dog Leash
Keeping you and your dog safe on night walks is a priority for Nite Ize and their NiteDog Rechargeable Dog Leash does just that. It’s designed with two ultrabright LED lights that glow brightly for up to 6.5 hours and can be recharged quickly. The leash has two settings: a constant glow and a flash mode.
Check price: REI
Ruffwear Knot-A-Hitch
Ruffwear’s clever Knot-A-Hitch dog tethering system is the perfect set-up for camping and road-tripping with your pooch. Inspired by climbing components and hardware, this system allows your dog to roam at camp while remaining tethered to a leash. The easy-to-use tensioning system makes it quick to set-up and it can be secured around two trees or a single post.
Check price: Ruffwear / REI / Backcountry
We hope this list of best gifts for outdoor lovers in 2020 helps simplify your shopping so you can get off your computer, out of the stores, and spend more time outside this holiday season.
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Suggesting the JBL Clip 3 instead of the 2. The 2 was amazing while the clip lasted. The caribiner is attached to the body by a rubber piece which came out. The 3 has a metal ring around the whole and integrates the body and Biner. It’s yet to
Come off but shouldn’t impact the water resistance if it does. Keep up the posts. I’ve added some to my lists of “nice to have”
You really packed some good suggestion here, thanks for sharing I would be updating my gears, and gift some to my buddies so they know it time they do to 😉
Great article! Personally, I’ve had great experience with my Seirus heated gloves. They keep me warm and I thought they might make a great suggestion for another list! https://www.seirus.com/catalog/product/view/id/7128/s/heattouch-hellfire-glove/
Thanks for the suggestion, Connor!
Thanks for sharing. You have provided some great ideas for gifts to get and to put on my list!
Thanks for reading Theresa! Glad you found our gift guide helpful this year 🙂
It never ceases to surprise me….your blog is FANTASTIC! It’s my go-to when I’m looking for camping advice. These gift ideas were perfect suggestions! Thanks for taking the time to create it and segment your suggestions.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Carolyn! Glad you enjoy the site and thanks so much for reading 🙂
Thanks for the well thought out list of gifts for outdoor enthusiasts. After reading your review of the Moonshade, I placed the order and your coupon was much appreciated. I’ve been struggling with which way to go between a permanently mounted Fiamma vs a tarp for several years now. The Moonshade looks like a good compromise.
The Moonshade is great. Enjoys yours!