If you’re in search of a gift for an outdoorsy person in your life, this is our favourite adventure gear roundup of the most thoughtful and practical gifts for outdoor adventurers and travellers in your life!
Before we begin, this is NOT a “run don’t walk” situation. Let me be clear on a few things:
- We don’t NEED more material items and I will never try to make you feel like you need something that you really don’t. To be completely real, all we need are the basic necessities of food, shelter, clean water, and love.
- Let’s stop promoting ultra fast fashion. Let’s do our research and support brands that are ethical, treat their people fairly, and don’t contribute to excessive consumption. If I do share with you a clothing item I love, you bet I’ve been wearing it for years and making it last as long as possible.
- Black Friday and Boxing Day are times for us to save money (especially in this economy) on things you want or need. We want to keep unwanted goods out of the landfill, so please only buy if you truly think the recipient will use it.
I’m using this as a time to use influence for good and not to exploit, so I hope you see it this way!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve personally used and loved.
For the active adventurer (hikers and backpackers)
Freeze-dried backpacking food
[$10-$25]
Nothing says “I’m thinking of you” more than gifting your loved one their favourite meal, but in adventure form. I’ve tried every brand they sell at the big retailers and would recommend Backpacker’s Pantry, Happy Yak, and Mountain House.
Titanimum Spork
[$10-$25]
Practical and budget-friendly, a titanium spork is always a useful gift, especially when combined with the freeze-dried backpacking food. Bonus points if you get their name engraved on it! This spork from Snow Peak is a great option.
Outdoor Coffee
[$18usd]
Coffee outside somehow always tastes better…and our favourites include No Normal Coffee. This year they’ve come out with a new flavour that’s unsweetened which we love even more than their original flavour! We like No Normal Coffee paste more than the regular powdered instant coffee since you can eat No Normal like a jam on bread/bananas for a quick pick me up!
No Normal Coffee discount promo code: 20% OFF w/ AJOURNEYINSPIRED at nonormal.com (this discount can be stacked)!
Hiking boots
[$150-$250]
If your gift recipient lives somewhere cold, chances are they’re going to need a solid pair of hiking boots. I’ve been loving the features in Baffin’s new Elora (women) and Bruce (men) hiking boots, particularly the speed lacing and IceBite® Grip outsole technology.
Ski / hiking multi-purpose helmet
[$270+]
Protecting your loved one’s brain is also another way you can tell them you care about them. If you can’t pick one sport to buy them a helmet for, I recommend this multi-purpose MTN LAB helmet from Salomon that covers all bases from skiing and climbing to cycling. We love it better than single-purpose helmets because it saves space and money!
Ultralight Backpack
[$284cad, Canadian small business]
I’ve been obsessed with Durston’s Kakwa 55 ultralight backpack after making the switch for my backpacking adventures this year. Having an ultralight pack makes all the difference when you’re hiking 20km+ per day or travelling internationally and need a backpack with a small form factor that can still hold everything you need. I’ve backpacked everywhere from longer trips like the West Coast Trail in BC to the top of Mauna Loa in Hawaii with this backapck and I can’t recommend Durston enough. It’s the best Canadian-made outdoor gift you could find for the serious backpacker!
Dry bags
[$20-$55]
I can’t even count how many times these dry bags came in handy for my backpacking adventures this year. You can use these Osprey ultralight zip pouches to organize your clothes in your backpacking bag, keep your camera equipment dry, put food in them for the bear locker or bear hang…the opportunities are endless!
Packable daypack
[$75-$150]
Last year I recommended my favourite backpacking bag (the Durston Kakwa 55L), and this year I think it’s time I tell you about my favourite daypack that comes on literally every hiking adventure. The Matador FreeRain might be the best ultralight daypack to ever exist, no exaggeration. I’ve tested it for 5 years. It’s extremely lightweight and folds into itself, yet it is waterproof, has holders for trekking poles, all the straps you’d see on a full-weight hiking bag, and it holds a ton of stuff with its roll top. I’ve tried other packable daypacks before, but this is the only one that feels like a “real” hiking pack and not a flimsy grocery bag, which is why it’s the one I keep reaching for year after year.
Pump from Flextail
[$53 usd, on sale for $47 usd]
The last time I talked about this pump, the reel went viral because backpackers realized they didn’t need to be manually blowing up their mattress after a long day of hiking! This pump is lightweight at 1.2oz and can inflate 25 mattresses in one charge. It’s also a perfect gift for campers because air pumps can fan campfires!
Flextail discount promo code: 15% off with JOURNEY15
For Runners
Healthy energy drinks
[$25-$50]
If your friend is a superhuman and always running from one thing to the next, chances are they’ll need a midday pick-me-up. I love the natural and sustainable energy that this Canadian brand Rviita gives you without the crash.
Anti-blister socks
[$15-$30]
Did you know socks can make or break the adventure more than shoes? Wrightsock is hands down my favourite sock company currently. Every hiker on my Peru Salkantay trek group trip just received a pair and loved them. They make socks of every colourway and purpose, from running and trail running to hiking, and your feet will thank you for protecting them from blisters.
Sport Sunglasses
[$15]
It’s important to protect our eyes and I fell in love with wrap-around sunglasses for trail running, but realized every pair is so expensive. I managed to find this pair that didn’t break the bank and have been testing them for the past year and love them. Everyone I’ve told about these glasses adores them too!
Trail runners
[$100-$200]
The Merrell Agility Peak 5s are both Geoff’s and my tried and true shoes that have gotten us through trail races including ultramarathons. There’s essentially no break-in time as they’re very flexible. They’re also true to size and I love how I don’t feel fatigued no matter how many kms I run or hike in them. I’ve tested other popular trail runners, but these are the only ones where I don’t feel beat up after long days or ultras, which is why they’ve become my default shoe for most trail races.
Running shorts
[$50-$80]
I’m really particular about my running shorts because I need them to hold ALL the things, from keys, gels, and phones, most shorts do not have enough capacity. I don’t believe for a second when influencers promote all kinds of cutesy shorts that don’t have pockets (and combine them with an ill-fitted belt – these bruise if you’re running over 3 hours). After many runs and failed purchases these are the two favourites:
- Brooks Run Visible 2-in-1 Short
- Lululemon Speed Up Shorts (must have zippered pocket in the back waist)
Running vest
[$100-$200]
While everyone’s talking about the Salomon running vests, I’m going to be a bit countercultural and tell you about the vest that’s carried me through all my trail runs including an ultramarathon. Don’t sleep on the Black Diamond Distance 8L vest or running vests from Decathlon. They’re a fraction of the price, fit me well, and are super functional.
Energy gels
[$3-$30]
Whether you’re shopping for a runner or hiker, anyone who exerts energy while adventuring needs to replenish their energy, so chews or gels make a great gift. They’re a lifesaver to have in your backpack even for emergency situations. Our favourite brands are Huma (vegan chia seed gels), Honey Stinger (for their waffles and gummies), and best of all – Pao Labs Energy Gels which have incredible Asian-inspired flavours and have the texture of jelly, which makes them like a fun jello treat while running.
Alternatively, you could get a bunch of candy for the people who don’t like gels, and for your inspiration – we like to use Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers or Nerd Clusters for trail running.
Handheld running bottle with strap
[$30-$50]
I love handheld bottles for road running, and swear by the Hydrapak SkyFlask Speed but if soft flasks aren’t your thing, try the Hydrapak Tempo bottle plus detachable holder. Even the pros use them, so you’ll feel extra speedy!
Electrolytes
[$10 cad -$30 cad]
Drinking electrolytes is an essential step that most hikers and travellers forget about when they’re staying active! They help us better absorb water more effectively by replenishing minerals that are lost through sweat, helping us reduce fatigue, maintaining energy levels, and prevent dehydration.
I know there are a lot of brands out there and it can be overwhelming so here are our two recommendations. First, Nuun tablets are our favourite because of their tablets are effervescent meaning they taste a little like a sparkling drink. Plus they’re the healthier option, typically low sugar or sugar free, with stevia or monk fruit as sweeteners, and have vitamin or immunity support tablets as well. Second, Liquid IV is great option if the person you’re gifting doesn’t like the taste of sugar alternatives and wants the real stuff. This brand is better for rapid rehydration because of the sugar-sodium combination but note that it does contain much more sugar and we typically dilute it a lot more. We love the Firecracker Popsicle flavour as it brings back childhood nostalgia!
Running gear from Brooks
[$25cad – $250cad]
You can’t go wrong with Brooks if you’re searching for running gifts – they’re the best on the market for a reason. After trying numerous Brooks products throughout the year, here are some of our favourites: Glycerin Max for long runs or casual wear, Hyperion Max for tempo workouts, Canopy Jacket for a breathable running layer, the Chaser Hat for sun and rain protection, and the Cascadia 18 for trail running.
Headphones from Shokz
These open-ear headphones are gamechanging because they allow you to listen to music while hearing the world around you, which is key for safety. I use them while running long distance road races but there are so many other applications!
Compression arm sleeves
[$6-$15]
Once you get a pair of compression sleeves, you’ll be a forever convert. They not only make you look cool and run fast but they’re important for running because they stabilize muscles for better form, improve blood flow and oxygen delivery, and provide sun protection. They’re perfect for the runner who runs in any weather because you can wear them to keep warm, or soak them in water to cool down on extremely hot days. You don’t need an expensive pair. These ones have lasted us for years.
For outdoor enthusiasts (general)
Ultralight adventure waterbottle from Hydrapak
[$15-$40]
It’s no surprise that Hydrapak makes it on our list of gifts for adventurers every year. Hydrapak makes our favourite travel and adventure waterbottles and we can’t stop recommending them. This year, our favourites include the Mountain Stow bottle and the Hydrapak Flux 1.5L + filter. I mean, how cute is this mountain design? We love that these bottles are ultralight and compressible, translating to convenience and less space consumed in your pack. It’ll ensure your loved one stays hydrated!
Hydrapak promo coupon code: 10% off with AJOU10 at Hydrapak.com
Gear cleaning tablets
[$17]
If your friend has water bottles or hydration bladders, chances are they don’t wash them properly. These Hydrapak cleaning tablets will help them do a deep cleanse so they have no excuse to be drinking bacteria. Watch this reel on how to use them.
Emergency sleeping bag from Sierra Madre
[$22 cad]
This is one way you can tell a hiker in your life that you care for them – by getting them an emergency shelter for those “just in case” moments on their adventures that you hope they’ll never run into. This emergency sleeping bag is made of aerospace-grade material and is ultra lightweight while providing superior warmth. Sierra Madre also makes a ton of excellent backpacking / hiking gear so check out their storefront for other backpacking gift ideas!
Ski jacket
[$100-$200]
If your friend is into skiing, cycling, hiking, or all of the above, Siroko makes great gear that’s affordable yet high quality (at least the items that we have are awesome).
Wool toque
[$30-$60]
Having a wool toque instead of an acrylic one makes all the difference because it keeps your head warm yet lets it breathe. I often find that when hiking, the temperature and insulation on my head are what make all the difference. I highly recommend Smartwool’s wool toque for this reason.
Hiking pants
[$150-$250]
I fell in love with the Arc’teryx Gamma hiking pants this year and have the tapered and hybrid pairs. You’ll see them in literally all my hiking videos on Instagram. Usually for hiking trips (up to a week long) I only need 2 pairs, so these are the pants I bring everywhere. My favourite feature is the easily accessible thigh pocket for my phone and the tapered look, particularly for petite people like me.
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Smartwool
[$145cad]
Layering is key when adventuring through different seasons, and we even wear our merino long sleeves during the summer. Smartwool makes some of the best merino wool baselayers and they’ve just upgraded their fan favourite with new colour options!
Hiking Dog Leash
[$60-$100]
If your loved one likes to hike with their dog, this Ruffwear “Hitch Hiker” hiking leash is the perfect gift. The water-resistant waist pouch holds 12 feet of leash so you can walk your dog safely on the trails hands-free. We have loved ours so much over the years for hiking our little adventurer Asher.
Cozy flannel from California Cowboy
[$168 usd, on sale for $134]
This isn’t just any regular flannel, this one is superior because of all its special features: sunglasses loop, bottle opener pocket, thermal lining, dry pocket, locker loop for gloves, and it’s SUPER soft. It’ll be the perfect apres-ski jacket for the winter adventurer in your life.
Silicone Rings from Knot Theory
[$30usd +]
If you’re shopping for your significant other, a silicone ring is both practical and meaningful! I love wearing mine when I’m travelling or doing activities where I don’t want to risk losing my wedding band. Doctors actually recommend silicone rings to prevent ring avulsion injuries where metal rings can get caught on something (for example while climbing) and cause damage to the finger (from tearing skin to muscles, or even worse). This is why silicone rings are recommended for adventurers, athletes, and manual labourers.
Trail magazine
[$26 cad – $100 cad]
This is the most beautiful adventure magazine I’ve ever read, and although the photography is stunning, it’s not just a coffee table book. It contains material that is both inspirational and educational, and it’s the perfect gift for any backpacker in your life! You can either buy an old issue or subscribe for the year.
A photo print
[$10-$150]
Sentimental gift givers – this one is for you. We have always loved gifting printed items because they’re great reminders of the memories we shared with the recipient. This year we printed a stunning Swiss Alps on acrylic and love how the photo glows when the light hits it. Blacks did such a great job of creating a souvenir of our special memory.
For travellers
USB mini adapters
[$10-$20]
If you have tons of electronics but don’t want to deal with the mess of carrying multiple cords when travelling, these USB mini adapters click onto any USB-C cord and convert them instantly, or vice versa. They’re such a great hack for people who want to travel lightweight.
Travel carry-on backpack
[$250-$300]
As a self-proclaimed carry-on travel expert, I must say the Matador GlobeRider 35L (using this link will get you 15% off) takes the cake for the best travel carry-on backpack ever. It’s extremely well-designed, durable, and has tons of pockets. I’ve been travelling with one ever since they were released earlier this year. I’ve used other carry-on backpacks, but this is the only one that consistently passes airline size checks, keeps my gear organized, and still feels comfortable to carry all day.
Versatile travel personal item
[$160-$180 cad]
The Nordace Siena Pro 15 Backpack is literally the most versatile bag I own. It’s the perfect backpack for travellers and corporate workers, so why not use it for both work nad travel? I packed all my belongings in this backpack for a 3 night work trip and loved how it kept everything compartmentalized. Plus, it’s water-resistant and RFID proof!
Adventure jeans from Duer
[$139cad, on sale for $50 – Canadian business]
It’s hard to imagine that a pair of jeans is comfortable, insulating during the colder months, and water resistant while being stretchy and flexible (meaning they won’t rip if you do somersaults or hike in them)! Duer also makes versatile tops, jackets, and business-suitable pants if your loved one doesn’t need jeans.
Mini travel deodorant Rush deodorant
The most convenient and portable deodorant you’ll ever find, just the size of a chapstick! You can have it at your fingertips by hanging it on your keychain, putting it in your wallet or keeping it in your pocket.
Rush Deodorant Discount Promo Code: 10% off with JOURNEY10 at rushdeodorant.com.
eSIM
[$1-$30]
If your recipient is travelling somewhere international next year and you don’t want to get them something physical, try getting them an eSIM for their trip. It’ll also be an excuse to keep in touch with you while they’re away. You can pick ones with unlimited data or choose an eSIM with a fixed number of GBs. Brands we have tried and like are Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly, and Yesim.
Zippered waterproof pouch
[$10-$20]
If your friend is an organizational freak like me, chances are they’d love ultralight waterproof pouches like this one from Osprey. We have a few in different colours that we use to keep our electronics together and dry, and others for documents when we travel. Super practical and handy.
Experiences
Not into the material gifts? Here are some ideas.
AllTrails subscription
Nothing is more empowering and fun than a gift that provides your friend endless adventures such as an AllTrails subscription. This year AllTrails really upped their game with the Peak version (around $79.99 per year) which gives you real-time trail conditions, community heat maps, etc., but the Plus version (around $35.99 per year) is perfect if you’re on a budget.
Alltrails Plus discount code: AJOURNEYINSPIRED30
Fun activity class
I’m really into gifting experiences that you can share with your friend so that you can not only create something but spend time together. Some ideas include a pottery class at your local studio, puppy or goat yoga, paint nite, or tufting.
Local retreat gift card
If your friend is really in need of some R&R, a gift card to a local retreat centre or beautiful getaway destination will force them to take the rest they need. Cape Carraholly is a great example of a cozy glampsite that feels remote but is only 14km away from Downtown Vancouver!
Parks Canada permits
Admission fees to backpacking trips in regional or national parks aren’t cheap. If you know your friend has the dream to do a hike that costs a bit of money in the next year, why not contribute to their hiking fund? For example, the famous West Coast Trail costs around $250 in admission fees (for permits and ferries) per person. You may be gifting them the best experience of their life.
Gas card
Road trip lovers will love receiving a gas card. In Canada, gas gift cards get them a discount on every tank of gas. Our friend has given them to us before and we just thought it was such a thoughtful gift.
Donation to a non-profit on their behalf
If your friend is an animal lover, I’d highly recommend making a donation to an animal shelter. You can also ask them for a cause they’re really passionate about or a non-profit they love and donate there too.
As always, only buy what you or your loved one really needs.
And that’s my holiday gift guide for outdoorsy people this year! Let me know if you like any of these ideas. Looking for my other budget-friendly outdoor gear gift ideas, or experiential gifts for the holidays? Check out another gear gift guide here.
Happy gift giving!
Candace
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