2024 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
Finding the best gift for an outdoor enthusiast can be tough — With all the different brands and items to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to find quality gear that provides functionality and speaks to your loved one’s adventurous spirit.
Henri de la Vega (our Another Summit Director of Outdoor Adventure and Education) has put together this holiday gift guide to help you find the perfect gift this holiday season.
With everything from larger gifts to smaller stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank, this list has been curated with nature lovers in mind and has the added benefit of allowing you to support American-owned companies and retailers when you buy.
The Big Three
In the camping and backpacking world, “The Big Three” refers to the three largest, and most arguably important equipment systems outdoor enthusiasts will be using: Shelter, sleeping, and packing.
Tent
The Durston Gear X-Mid 2: $269
Trusted by long-distance backpackers around the world, the Durston X-Mid 2 is a sturdy, ultralight tent that can be set up with two trekking poles and as little as four stakes. Their silnylon model is a great option for a high-performance lightweight tent at a great price
Note: This tent requires two adjustable hiking poles to set up.
Sleeping Bag
The Enlightened Equipment Revelation: $250 - $350
The EE Revelation is a versatile quilt-style sleeping bag that comes with a variety of configurations and has been voted the most popular sleeping bag used by Appalachian Trail Thru-hikers according to The Trek’s 2023 AT survey.
This sleeping bag can be used in quilt mode to sleep in warmer climates or the foot box can be zipped up and the top strapped down for colder conditions.
If you know this is your loved one’s first sleeping bag or will become their primary sleeping bag, we suggest getting a 20-degree bag, this option should serve your outdoor enthusiast’s needs well during spring, summer, and fall. If you don’t know the size or temperature rating needed, Enlightened Equipment also offers gift cards to cut out the guesswork.
Backpack
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack: $315
The Mariposa 60 never falls short of the mark when it comes to storage options, weight, and durability. This backpack is big enough to carry everything you need for a lightweight backpacking trip but is versatile enough to be used on shorter, single-day outdoor adventures.
The backpack isn’t waterproof, but Gossamer Gear also sells a $5 pack liner to ensure that all of the gear in your pack is kept dry no matter what the elements throw at you.
Camping Gear
From our neighbors to the north, the Canadian-built Aquaquest tarps are a favorite of professional guides and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
A large tarp can turn a miserable rained-out camping space into a non-issue by providing you with a large, dry area where you and your group can hang out, instead of staying cooped up in individual tents while you wait for the rain to stop.
Aquaquest tarps come in a range of sizes with 10x10 being great for a small group and the larger 15x15 that can accommodate a group of 4-8 people plus all your camping gear.
Camp Chair
A returning favorite from our 2023 Gift Guide, the REI Flexlite chair, is a great gift for people who want a lightweight, portable way to kick up their feet after a long day of trekking in the great outdoors.
Easy to unfold and durable enough to take whatever you throw at it, this camp chair is a great choice for the trails or even for something as simple as a backyard barbecue.
The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a tried and true classic.
This stove is lightweight, compact, and easy to use. This stove functions with canister fuel to keep things heated up no matter where you are on the trail.
Note: Canister fuel sold separately.
Electronics for the Outdoors
We love this headlamp! It’s water resistant, super bright, and has a rechargeable battery.
The NU25 is very lightweight, and we’ve tested it over more than 4,000 miles of backpacking in every type of weather you could encounter, and it has never failed.
power Bank
This awesome little power bank packs a punch and comes with a ton of cool features.
The Revel Day Tripper 8000 mAh power bank can recharge most devices approximately two and a half times and includes a very bright 1,000-lumen LED flashlight.
The Day Tripper also comes equipped with a solar panel that will allow you to recharge the unit in the field, so you’re never caught without power.
GPS Unit
This compact, lightweight GPS unit is the standard among serious hikers and backpackers.
With an incredible battery, life The Garmin GPS unit can track location, provide on-screen map displays, and is capable of two-way text messaging.
The device also features an SOS button that allows the user to communicate with emergency services and provides peace of mind for the gift giver and their loved one.
Note: a subscription is required to use most of the features on this device.
Stocking Stuffers for Outdoor Lovers
String Lights
The Revel Trailhound is one of our favorite stocking stuffers.
The 30ft string light brings warm, ambient lighting to your campsite, making it feel more like the backyard than the middle of nowhere.
These lights are great when serving group meals after dark or to light up your campsite when fires are not allowed. The lights are bright, lightweight, and can be powered by your power bank via a USB connection.
Made in Texas, these little fire kits have a ton of great tools at a good price.
The fire steel is a quality piece and the pocket bellow is a must-have if you like a good campfire.
Everything comes packed neatly in a tin and handmade pouch that comes in either nylon or waxed canvas.
The best thing about these kits is that they’re guaranteed for life, which means you’ll never have to buy another one again.
This is one of our favorite cathole shovels out there — the serrated edges make cutting through brush and pesky roots a breeze.
Pair this shovel with a mini bottle of hand sanitizer, a small whistle, and a few feet of toilet paper all in a 1- gallon ziptop freezer bag and you’ll have the perfect poop kit for the adventure seeker in your life.
Compass
This is our favorite budget-orienteering compass.
A compass is a tried and true essential for hikers and outdoor adventures, and no outdoors person should be on the trail without one!
Quality Food for Hikers & Campers
Made in Maine, these ready meals are hands-down our favorite “just add hot water” freeze-dried meals on the market.
Each camp meal is made with quality ingredients and can accommodate a variety of dietary requirements.
For shorter trips, a single serving will hold you over, but for strenuous or multi-day outdoor adventures we suggest the double serving.
Pro Tip: The Thai Curry is amazing!
Join Another Summit’s Outdoor Activities for Veterans and First Responders
Another Summit is an outdoor adventure program created by not-for-profit organization Guardian Revival to enrich the lives of military, veterans, and first responders (our guardians) and their families at no cost to them.
We welcome all guardians, whether they’re active or retired, including Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, EMS, Dispatchers, Corrections, Federal Agents, Veterans, Active Military, Reserve, and National Guard.
Another Summit leads and organizes structured outdoor activities within the Hudson Valley Region of New York. Our outdoor activities are available for any skill level from beginner to advanced and are led by trained outdoor leaders.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll to enjoy some fresh air with friends, or aiming to test your limits in the great outdoors, Another Summit has an experience for every guardian regardless of age or skill level..
Ready to pick out the perfect gear for your outdoor enthusiast and get them out into nature? Check out our calendar for upcoming events and join Another Summit today.
