If you’re in search of a gift for an outdoorsy person in your life, I’m back with another adventure gear roundup of the best holiday gifts for outdoor lovers in 2024! These are either things that I’ve tested extensively after purchasing them with my own money or receiving them as a gift, including both small businesses for those who like to support both small and well-established brands. All are unisex / not gender-specific gifts, which makes this a very versatile list. Please note that none of this is sponsored as we only recommend things we truly love. Plus, very few of these links are affiliate which gives me a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my content so I can continue making more for you. Without further ado, let’s get started with our 2024 gear roundup!
For hikers and backpackers
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
Blister preventing socks from Wrightsock
[$25-$31 usd, small business]
Wrightsock makes the some of the best socks for runners, walkers, and hikers! We’d recommend the Coolmesh II Tab anti-blister socks for running/sports, or the Endurance Cew socks for hiking. They’ve literally thought of everything and have a sock for every activity, so browse their guide to choosing the right sock length.
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 in 2024!
Ultralight Backpack from Durston
[$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 can’t recommend Durston enough – it’s the best Canadian-made outdoor gift you could find for the serious backpacker!
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!
For Campers
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
Camping body wipes from Bathinabag
[$30 for 15 sheets, Canadian small business]
These pre-soaped wet wipe sponges are quite literally a bath in a bag. Perfect for backpackers, campers, travellers, or anyone who is always on the go! Just add water, wipe off, and air dry both your body and hair. We love that this product is environmentally friendly as it is made of only two ingredients that moisturize your skin, and the biodegradable cloth can be recycled. We love that it’s a Canadian-made outdoor gift as well.
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.
Coffee paste from No normal
[$18usd]
This Swiss coffee paste is made for outdoor people and is truly ingenious. It not only makes a delicious cup of coffee when you mix it with water, but you can add it to food like jam for bread or into baking recipes to give a little caffeine kick to whatever you’re eating. I’ve taken this coffee backpacking in the Rockies and on a roadtrip across the United States and need to restock because I ran out!
No Normal Coffee discount promo code: 20% OFF w/ AJOURNEYINSPIRED at nonormal.com.
For outdoor enthusiasts (general)
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.
Winter tires from RoadX
[$139 cad per tire]
If you’ve got a big budget, consider getting a new set of winter tires for your loved one especially if they live in a cold climate where winters are required to get outside. RoadX makes some of the highest quality passenger tires but at an affordable price.
A photo print from Blacks
[$10+, Canadian business]
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.
Adventure graphic tee or hoodie from Joopiter’s Sun
[$40 usd+, small business]
These beautiful graphic designs capture the essence of adventure and we love how there’s a design that describes any adventurer, from the climber and skiier to the camper and backpacker. One of our favourite things about Joopiter’s Sun was that it was created to give back to the beautiful planet earth and it stands for sustainable slow fashion. Every piece is crafted with care using organic cotton and vegan materials, and crafted by individuals who are paid fair wages. Better yet, with every purchase, they plant a tree on your behalf and you will receive a certificate for it!
For Runners
Electrolytes from Nuun or Liquid IV
[$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.
Energy Chews or gels
[$3cad+]
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 Gu (the classic thick gels). 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.
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!
For travellers
Versatile travel backpack from Nordace
[$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.
Wallet that will last a lifetime from Groove life
[$90 usd, now $55 usd on sale]
The Groove Wallet is the best wallet for the minimalist in your life. We love how it is ultralight, high quality and made of aerospace grade materials, not to mention that it comes with a 94 year warranty!
As always, only buy what you or your loved one really needs.
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 shopping!
Candace
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