50 Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women (2024)
Find the perfect gift for the outdoorsy women in your life including apparel, camping & outdoor gear, & more – tailored for women, by women.
Looking for the best gifts for outdoorsy women? You’ve come to the right place. Since 2014 I’ve been blogging about my outdoor and van life adventures and sharing all the gear I’ve tried along the way.
Now I have a small team made up of adventurous ladies who also love to get out outside and spend time in nature. Whether we’re exploring hiking trails, remote backroads, wilderness camping, or mountain biking singletrack, we know what makes the “best gifts for her” because we live the lifestyle ourselves.
In this 2023 gift guide, I’ve rounded up my (and the team’s) favorite apparel and gear from years of exploring and I’ve got a gift for every type of outdoorsy lady in your life.
Outdoor Apparel Gifts for Her
These are the clothing pieces my team & I are constantly pulling from our closets that we love to wear on outdoor adventures and in everyday life.
1. lululemon Wunder Train Tights
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I prefer to hike in leggings and love the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights with pockets. They don’t roll down at the waist like a lot of leggings I’ve tried, and the stretchy material is comfy, yet more durable than your typical yoga pants.
Plus, this version has stretch pockets on the sides that fit an iPhone and you can choose from three different inseams for the perfect length.
2. Arc’teryx Kyanite Fleece Hoodie
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I brought my Arc’teryx Kyanite Fleece Hoodie on a trip to Italy last fall and was very impressed with how it performed. It held up incredibly well for 30 straight days of wear without being washed (and didn’t smell!), which you can’t say about most clothing.
The fleece fabric is super soft and cozy, plus it breathes well and wicks away moisture to keep you dry and warm. It’s stretchy and can be worn with layers under or over and it has a hood to protect your head and ears from the wind and cold.
3. PrAna Frosted Pine Sweater
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Anytime I go out for dinner during winter (and my normal outdoorwear is not appropriate), my go-to is the PrAna Frosted Pine sweater. Seriously, every time I slip it on, I’m taken aback by its softness. The pattern, neckline, and fit? Flattering in all the right ways — it’s not too baggy, but also doesn’t cling too much.
4. Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
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You’ve likely seen me recommend this shirt in nearly every gear-related post on the blog. That’s because the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is a BFT team favorite that we wear as an everyday shirt and is also a favorite for hiking. It’s lightweight, comfortable, wicks away moisture, dries fast and it’s stretchy so it doesn’t feel restrictive no matter what activity you’re doing.
This is one of the best gifts for outdoorsy women whether they love hiking, running, paddle-boarding, or simply enjoying time outdoors. The long-sleeve version is also great for people who prefer to hike in long sleeves (which I’m doing more these days!)
5. REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
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Perfect for cool days or protecting your arms from the hot sun, the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is one of the best gifts for outdoorsy women and one of my personal favorite sun shirts.
This lightweight long sleeve top is made with UV-blocking fabric and an antimicrobial treatment to protect against odors and bacteria. I’ve been wearing this on my outdoor adventures from beach and waterfall hikes in Maui to hiking in the mountains of British Columbia and Italy.
If you prefer hiking in short sleeves, the Sahara T-Shirt is a great choice as well.
6. Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
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The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie has been a long-time team favorite here at Bearfoot Theory and is high on our list of the best women’s synthetic down jackets. Weighing only 10.8 oz, it’s lightweight and packable, yet surprisingly warm for cool weather thanks to the brick quilting stitching.
It’s made with eco-friendly synthetic materials that provide warmth even when wet, and it has a durable water-repellent finish to protect against light rain. This also comes in a hoodless version.
7. Outdoor Research Astroman Long Sleeve Sun Shirt
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The Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt boasts lightweight breathability and functional design and it’s been on heavy rotation for me this summer because the button-up design offers added convenience for breastfeeding.
It’s also an exceptional gift choice for those who value sun protection, offering UPF 30 for lighter shades and UPF 50+ for darker ones. Practical features, like its hidden zip-up pocket on the right hip, ensure your essentials stay close, and the versatile style makes the transition from rugged adventures to town effortless.
You can browse our full roundup of the best women’s sun protection shirts for more gifting options.
8. Carve Designs Dylan Gauze Shirt
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To be honest, I don’t wear “dressy” clothes that often, but the Carve Designs Dylan Gauze Shirt is one of my favorites when I want to look a bit classier than a hiking t-shirt. The lightweight gauze fabric is super breathable and comfortable — and it’s cute enough to wear on beachy outings or a nice dinner with friends. I love that it comes in a variety of prints and patterns so you can choose what fits your style. It also folds up very small, making it a convenient choice for traveling.
9. Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Baselayer
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For cool weather outdoor adventures, wearing layers is the way to go to stay warm. One of my go-to base layers for hiking, camping, and skiing in cold temps is the Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long-Sleeve. It’s designed to be worn next to the skin and the soft merino material is moisture-wicking, breathable, and odor-resistant. Pair this top with the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings and you’ve got a base layer set for all your adventures.
Looking for other base layer options? Check out our women’s base layer gear guide.
10. Outdoor Research Aspire II GORE-TEX Rain Jacket
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I love the Outdoor Research Aspire II Rain Jacket for hiking and other outdoor adventures because the soft fabric moves with your body, unlike other rain jackets where the material can be stiff. It also doesn’t make a lot of noise.
It’s very light and packs down small so you can throw it in your pack without taking up much space. This rain jacket can also serve as an outer shell for wind and cold, even in dry conditions, plus it’s got everything we look for in a good rain jacket like pit zips, waterproof zippers, and an adjustable hood.
If you’re looking for a different rain jacket to gift, check out our women’s rain jacket gear guide for more options.
11. Free Fly Pull-On Breeze Shorts
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I’ve got to let you in on a little secret: the Free Fly Pull-On Breeze Shorts have swiftly become my go-to hiking shorts. They’re lightweight, breezy, and have super deep pockets (a rarity, right?). Plus the extra bit of length means these don’t ride up and save your thighs from chafing. Snag these for the outdoorsy women in your life!
12. Carve Designs Cruz Rash Guard
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The Carve Designs Cruz Rash Guard is one of the best gifts for outdoor women who love spending time on the water. It’s great for protecting your skin from the sun as well as from the rough surface of surfboards or paddleboards. I’ve had this exact rashguard for years and have worn it on all kinds of water-bound adventures from kayaking and packrafting to stand up paddling and snorkeling. I also love that Carve Designs is a women-owned brand!
13. Cotopaxi Do Good Pullover Hoodie
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If you’re looking for a gift that also gives back, look no further than Cotopaxi’s Do Good Pullover Hoodie. This sweatshirt is super cozy, perfect for lounging around the house or running errands around town.
Every time you don this hoodie, you’re not just embracing the elements, but also championing a brand committed to doing good — Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corp and gives back 1% of its annual revenue to fight world poverty. A fashionable and feel-good gift choice for every outdoorsy woman.
Looking for other gift guides?
Women’s Footwear Gift Ideas
Be ready for every type of outdoor adventure from hiking to lounging around camp with our top picks for outdoorsy women’s footwear.
14. Oboz Sypes Hiking Boots
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The Oboz Sypes are my top pick for a super versatile hiking boot. They’re lightweight yet sturdy enough for long day hikes and weekend backpacking trips, they’re comfortable right out of the box, and they look great, so you can go from trail to town without swapping shoes. You can read my full review of the Sypes here.
I’ve been wearing Oboz hiking shoes and boots since 2017 and I truly believe they make some of the most supportive, comfortable, and durable hiking footwear on the market.
15. Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
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For women who love serious backpacking or hiking over rough terrain and want extra stability, the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot would make a great gift. This has been my go-to backpacking boot for years because they’re super sturdy, provide great ankle support, they’re waterproof, and the lugs on the soles give serious grip.
These hiking boots are also nice because don’t require any break-in period since the soft leather uppers are ready to go out of the box. Looking for a different style of hiking boot? Check out our women’s hiking boot gear guide for more options.
16. Teva Trail Sandals
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The Teva Trail Sandals are some of the most comfortable and supportive sandals I’ve worn and are great for everyday wear. They have some nice cushion on the sole and padding on the straps making them extra comfy with no chafing. The rubber soles provide good grip, so you can wear these on the trail, at the beach, or in town. I have proof that these make a great gift for outdoorsy women. I bought some for my mom for Christmas last year, and she now loves them too!
17. REI Co-op Camp Dreamer Booties
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Keep your toes warm and cozy at camp with the REI Co-op Camp Dreamer Booties, described as “a puffy jacket for feet”. They’re made from soft synthetic material and the sole has some grip for traction around camp.
I’ve been loving these traveling in my camper van. Note that they can be a little hard to pull on, even with the loops, so we recommend sizing up. If you want a slip-on version, check out the REI Co-op Camp Dreamer Slip-Ons.
Adventurous Accessories to Gift
From hats to fanny packs, below are our favorite accessories made for outdoorsy women.
18. lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag
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For shorter hikes, I like to use my lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag instead of a large day pack to carry snacks and other essentials. This hip pack has a 2L capacity, plenty of pockets, and is designed with a water-repellent finish to fend off light rain. This fanny pack can easily go from trail to town and is great for everyday wear too. If you’re looking for a more technical fanny pack, check out our women’s fanny pack gear guide.
19. Wallaroo Sedona Hat
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*Use the code BEARFOOT20 to get 20% off your purchase!*
I’ve been wearing the Wallaroo Sedona Sun Hat for years and it remains my go-to hat. It’s cute and stylish but still provides sun protection with its wide brim. This hat is also great for traveling because you can fold it up and stuff it in a pack without worrying about creasing or damaging it. There’s also an internal adjustable string so you can still wear this hat in (most) windy conditions.
20. Roka Rory 2.0 Sunglasses
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The Roka Rory 2.0 sunglasses might be the most comfortable sunglasses I’ve ever owned. With most of the reviews written by men, I was worried the Rory glasses would be too big for my face, however, I find them to be the perfect size to provide adequate coverage.
The frames are extremely light, so you hardly notice you’re wearing them. The nose and temple pads are malleable and grippy which holds the glasses in place during outdoor activities without causing painful pressure points that glasses can cause. They also come with three different nose pad sizes so you can customize the fit.
And most importantly, the lens perform great in bright and sunny conditions and you can even order them with a prescription!
21. lululemon InvisiWear Underwear
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Outdoorsy women are always looking for a good pair of quick-drying, comfortable undies that don’t show panty lines. These lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Boyshorts are my favorite because they do all of the above, truly are no-show and stay put, even on more strenuous hikes. If you prefer a different style, they also come in a bikini cut. Snag these as a stocking stuffer or check out our women’s hiking underwear gear guide for more undie styles.
22. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
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Good socks are one of the best gifts for outdoor women because they make such a difference on the trail, plus they’re an easy gift to give. We love the Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks because they are made from moisture-wicking fabric and have a layer of cushioning on the sole for comfort on the trail. Plus, all Darn Tough socks are guaranteed for life! You can find a ton of different styles and fun patterns of Darn Tough socks, too.
23. Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle
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if you’ve got a travel-loving friend on your gift list, the Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is a real game-changer. Ever seen their backpack explode with gear on a trip? Yeah, these cubes will sort that out.
Colorful, durable, and multiple sized, they’re perfect for road trips, plane travel, and even weekend getaways. I use pack cubes for EVERYTHING. Trust me, gift these, and you’ll be elevating someone’s travel game big time.
24. Columbia Bundle Up Beanie
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The Columbia Bundle Up Beanie has been my favorite this season. It’s snug and cozy, but still so stylish.
I seriously wear this every chilly morning, whether I’m headed out for a morning walk with the dogs or just errands around town. Trust me, this is one beanie you won’t want to take off!
25. CEP Tall Compression Socks
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Know someone who’s always on the move? Maybe they’re expecting or often on long flights? I lived in my CEP Compression socks during my pregnancy – hiking trails, jamming at Phish concerts, on my Europe hiking trip, and even on my cross-country van trip.
No cramps, no swelling, just comfy, supported legs. I can’t recommend these enough. If you’ve got a friend who struggles with leg issues or just needs that extra support, gift them these socks.
26. Multi-functional Buff
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Buffs have a ton of great uses on and off the trail. From shielding your face from the sun, protecting your neck from the wind, or keeping your head cool when soaked in water, they’re truly a multi-functional essential. I wear one on every hike and they make a great gift for outdoorsy women.
27. Jack Black Lip Balm
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There are a lot of great lip balms to choose from, but the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm has been my favorite for years. It protects your lips from all elements with a moisturizing SPF 25 sunscreen, it’s free from nasty chemicals, and doesn’t have that weird sunscreen taste like other SPF chapsticks. This set comes in multiple flavors so you can easily split them into different gift baskets (or gift the whole set!)
Hiking & Backpacking Gifts for Women
Whether you’re a hiker, backpacker, or just a general outdoor lover, these are our favorite gear picks tailored for women.
28. Gregory Jade 28 Daypack
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Whether you’re looking for your first hiking daypack or it’s time to upgrade your old one, the Gregory Jade 28L is a great option (and my personal favorite daypack). It has plenty of space and pockets for all your hiking essentials and the 3D mesh back panel provides incredible ventilation.
Other great features include an integrated rainfly, a U-zip panel for easy access, compression straps to reduce bulk, and it fits most airline carry-on size requirements. Check out our women’s daypack gear guide for more options.
29. Enlightened Equipment Revelation Sleeping Quilt
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This is the perfect gift for the outdoor woman in your life — the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Sleeping Quilt. It’s super lightweight and compresses down really small. The quilt design is less restrictive than a mummy bag design which is perfect for side sleepers and anyone who tosses and turns at night. I have the two-person version and it’s been a staple on my backpacking trips for years while still holding up really well. This is the outdoorsy gift that will last years! And if you want to browse other top sleeping bags, check out our women’s backpacking sleeping bag gear guide.
30. Good to Go Dehydrated Camp Meals
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Dehydrated backpacking meals aren’t known for being gourmet and delicious… until I tried Good To Go. These meals are packed with flavor, don’t turn to mush like some other brands, and are a cinch to prepare (just add boiling water). Plus, they have tons of vegan and vegetarian options!
I even like stashing a few of these meals in the van for those lazy nights when I don’t feel like cooking a full meal. These make a great gift for her, taking the chore of making dinner in the backcountry off everyone’s plate.
31. Kula Cloth
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Every woman knows the challenges of going pee in the woods and having to deal with packing out toilet paper. But with the Kula Cloth, nature’s call (for going #1) gets a whole lot easier. This reusable pee cloth has a soft, antimicrobial, absorbent fabric on one side and a waterproof layer on the other.
Once you’re done wiping (soft side), snap the cloth in half with the waterproof layer on the outside and hang it on your pack to dry. I promise that once you’ve tried Kula Cloth, you won’t go back! This is a super useful, easy outdoorsy gift for her.
32. Hyperlite Southwest 55L
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Lightweight, durable, and with a minimalist design that maximizes functionality, the Hyperlite Southwest 55 backpack stands up to its glowing reputation in the ultralight community (and I agree – it’s one of the best packs out there).
The soft frame molds to your body and the waterproof design means I’m never worried about a rain cover. For that reason it’s also popular among packrafters.
If you’re thinking of gifting it to a female backpacker, they’ll be thanking you for years to come. Check out our women’s backpacking pack gear guide for more gift options.
33. Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars
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The Nocs Provisions Standard Issue binoculars are the perfect gift for the outdoorsy lady in your life who loves plants and animals. Birdwatching, whale watching, bear spotting… binoculars take exploring the outdoors to the next level! Plus these are compact and lightweight enough to toss in your daypack, come in a bunch of fun colors, and they’re fully waterproof too. Check out our hiking binoculars gear guide for more options.
34. Zpacks Lotus UL Umbrella
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I tested quite a few hiking umbrellas this summer to keep my little one shaded in his carrier and the Zpacks Lotus? Top of the list. It seriously feels like it drops the temperature by 10 degrees!
The best part is they have an attachment so you can clip it to your hiking pack for a hands-free hike. This umbrella works for shade and rain and it’s a great gift for hiking moms and those who just want ultimate sun/rain protection on the trail.
35. Black Diamond Trail Women’s Trekking Poles
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Trekking poles are an absolute game-changer for hiking and backpacking because they help take weight off of your knees and hips, improve balance, and help you have better posture while hiking. The Black Diamond Women’s Trail Trekking Poles are a great option because they’re lightweight, they telescope down for easy carrying, and they have soft, comfortable grips for all-day hiking – plus, these poles are specifically designed for women. Looking for a different trekking pole? Check out our trekking pole gear guide.
36. Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag
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I’ve long been a fan of Cotopaxi’s Allpa backpack, but as I get older rolling luggage seems to be my go-to more often, which is why the Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag makes our list of the top outdoorsy gifts for her.
Compact enough for those tight overhead bins yet spacious enough for all your essentials, this bag is super well-organized and rugged. The shell is made of water-resistant polyester so you don’t have to worry about light rain.
37. National Parks Annual Pass
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If the outdoor woman in your life enjoys visiting National Parks, an annual America The Beautiful Pass is the perfect gift. For only $80, this pass grants you access to any of the National Parks, monuments, National Seashores, or historic sites across the United States for a full year. Considering most Parks cost over $25 per visit, this pass quickly pays for itself.
If you need some planning inspiration, check out our National Parks guides.
>> Read Next: Unique Gifts for National Parks Lovers
Safety & Navigation Gifts
Stay safe in the outdoors whether you’re heading into the backcountry or out on your local trails.
38. Garmin inReach Mini 2
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The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a small handheld device that helps keeps you safe by tracking GPS, providing 2-way texting, and sending out SOS signals in case of an emergency. For me, the Garmin inReach is a must for anyone heading out into the backcountry or spending time off-grid, especially if you’re a solo adventurer. Note that you’ll also need a Garmin subscription plan to use the inReach.
39. Fox 40 Classic Safety Whistle
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For less than $10, this Safety Whistle could literally save a life. Just clip it on your shoulder strap or keychain, and you can quickly sound the alarm against a predator (human or wildlife) or help rescuers find you in case of an emergency. This is an easy gift for outdoor women that gives better peace of mind.
40. Birdie Alarm Keychain
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It’s important to be well-prepared for any emergency, which is why I carry a Birdie Alarm on my keychain. This small device sends out a loud alarm and flashing lights when activated, to deter unwanted attention or an attack.
41. Adventure Medical First Aid Kit
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Be prepared for emergencies wherever you go with an Adventure Medical Mountain Series First Aid Kit. It contains all the basic first-aid supplies like band-aids and over-the-counter medications as well as more advanced supplies to stop bleeding fast. Weighing just over 7 ounces, it’s lightweight and a great gift for outdoorsy women.
Road Trip & Camping Gifts for Her
Keep the fun going no matter where your outdoor adventures take you whether you’re gathered around the campfire or planning an epic road trip with friends.
42. Rumpl Blanket
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Stay warm at cozy at camp with a soft, yet adventure-ready Rumpl Blanket. I’ve been using hers in her van for more than 4 years and can’t believe how well it’s held up, especially with two dogs. Rumpl blankets come in both synthetic and down fillers as well as different sizes and lots of fun color and pattern options. All blankets are water and dirt-resistant and can be machine-washed, making it the perfect gift for adventurous women!
43. ENO DoubleNest Hammock
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There’s nothing better than lounging in a comfortable hammock after a nice hike or long drive to camp. The ENO DoubleNest is incredibly roomy (sharing is optional), lightweight and packable, and it comes in lots of great patterns and solid colors. The single version is great as well, and if you plan on setting your hammock up in the backyard, grab the ENO SoloPod Hammock Stand.
44. Stanley Quencher 30 oz. Tumbler
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You know when you’re leaving for a road trip, and your morning drink goes lukewarm in two seconds? Total bummer. Enter: the Stanley Quencher 30 oz. Tumbler. I swear, this 30 oz cup with its handy straw is a game-changer. It’s perfect for those long days when you need your drink to stay cold (or hot) from sunrise to sunset — plus the straw makes it easier to take a drink while driving vs. a screw-off lid or flip-up straw lid. Got a friend who’s always sipping something, whether in the car or in their office? They’ll LOVE this gift.
45. RTIC Soft Pack Cooler
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Keep beverages cold with the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler. It comes in four different sizes from 12-can to 40-can capacities so you can bring enough drinks for everyone. We’ve been using RTIC Coolers for years and have been really impressed with their quality (no leaks!), durability, and how long they keep ice cold (much longer than any other cooler we’ve tried!).
46. MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
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These MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights are a staple for our camping trips and van adventures. Not only do they add to the ambiance of camp, but they actually put out a good amount of light, too. You can charge the battery via USB, or leave them in a sunny spot during the day to recharge via the high-efficiency solar panels. These lights are also a great addition to backyard patios or decks.
47. Campfire Stories Deck
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Some of the best memories come from around the campfire, which is why I love the Campfire Stories Deck. This deck contains 50 cards with storytelling prompts suitable for all ages of campers.
Prompts include questions like “tell us about your first encounter with a wild animal” and “tell a story about your first visit to a National Park”. It’s an excellent gift for moms, sisters, daughters, aunts, or friends who want to make lasting memories and connect more deeply with other outdoor lovers.
48. Alone In Wonderland
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I met Christine at my annual van life festival, Open Roads, last summer. She spoke about solo thru-hiking the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park and the memoir she wrote about the experience, Alone in Wonderland. It’s a great read for anyone who understands the healing power of spending time in the outdoors, and it’s about so much more than just the hike.
Reed dives into her personal story filled with failures, insecurities, self-reflection, and more — we think every outdoor woman can find a connection to Christine’s story and makes a great gift for the outdoorsy women in your life.
Looking for additional books to gift? Get our list of the top outdoor adventure books here.
49. YETI Rambler 10oz. Wine Tumbler
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Elevate your camping game with the YETI 10oz Wine Tumbler. No more warm beverages, no shattered glass — this tumbler is all about elegance meets ruggedness. AND it has a sliding lid to prevent spills. It’s compact, comes in a ton of colors, and honestly, is a game-changer for outdoor hangs. If you’ve got a wine-loving friend who’s also an outdoor enthusiast, trust me, this is the outdoorsy gift they didn’t know they needed.
50. REI Gift Card
Take the guesswork out of what to buy the outdoorsy woman in your life and grab an REI Gift Card. That way, she can pick out something she needs and wants for herself – no returns required!
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We hope this list of best gifts for outdoorsy women gives you some helpful ideas and simplifies your shopping so you can spend more time outside. Which of these gifts are on your wish list?
