Posted by Ellie B. on 12/11/2019 to
Essential Gear
For the people on your list who thrive in the great outdoors, finding the perfect gift is relatively easy. There are a few things every outdoor enthusiast needs, and can’t get enough of. While this list could include dozens of items, we’ve narrowed it down to the four most essential things the outdoor explorer in your life absolutely needs. Be sure to get the best quality gifts you can afford, so the nature lover in your life can have years of adventure.
A compact tent that can be easily tucked into a backpack will surely bring a smile to the hiker in your life. Choose a tent that’s not only compact, lightweight and easy to carry, but also one that’s sturdy and weatherproof. A tent made of ultra-lightweight Dyneema Composite Fabric may cost more, but it will be completely waterproof, and it won’t sag in the rain. A packable tent can cost as little as $30 to nearly $2,000, depending on the quality and features. Fortunately, $100 should get your friend a very nice tent.
This is an all-purpose gift that anyone who loves the outdoors will be grateful to receive. Whether your nature lover is your 80-year-old grandma or a physically fit marathon hiker, they will be thrilled to get a full year’s worth of outdoor fun. The $80 America the Beautiful pass gets you entrance to more than 2,000 federally managed recreation sites, and covers both entrance fees and day-use fees. That’s a real bargain!
This gift will allow your adventurer to record action videos of their epic journeys. The tiny cameras come in a water-proof and dirt-proof case, and can be attached to the body, a hat, a kayak, an ATV, just about anything. The cameras come in a wide range of prices, and can shoot video in 360 and 4K.
Backpack Tent
A compact tent that can be easily tucked into a backpack will surely bring a smile to the hiker in your life. Choose a tent that’s not only compact, lightweight and easy to carry, but also one that’s sturdy and weatherproof. A tent made of ultra-lightweight Dyneema Composite Fabric may cost more, but it will be completely waterproof, and it won’t sag in the rain. A packable tent can cost as little as $30 to nearly $2,000, depending on the quality and features. Fortunately, $100 should get your friend a very nice tent.
National Parks Pass
This is an all-purpose gift that anyone who loves the outdoors will be grateful to receive. Whether your nature lover is your 80-year-old grandma or a physically fit marathon hiker, they will be thrilled to get a full year’s worth of outdoor fun. The $80 America the Beautiful pass gets you entrance to more than 2,000 federally managed recreation sites, and covers both entrance fees and day-use fees. That’s a real bargain!
GoPro
This gift will allow your adventurer to record action videos of their epic journeys. The tiny cameras come in a water-proof and dirt-proof case, and can be attached to the body, a hat, a kayak, an ATV, just about anything. The cameras come in a wide range of prices, and can shoot video in 360 and 4K.
Furthermore, there is a multitude of accessories available for these cameras, so your friend can keep expanding their video adventures. The Hero6 is the least expensive model, at around $175, while the Max is the most expensive, at around $550.
Great hiking clothes span the gamut from a good pair of wool hiking socks for less than $20, to an $800 waterproof down parka. You’ll want to choose fabrics that are both comfortable and functional. Summer hiking clothes can be made of lightweight and breathable cotton, but if your outdoor enthusiast needs winter hiking clothes, think wool and synthetics.
Quality Hiking Attire
Great hiking clothes span the gamut from a good pair of wool hiking socks for less than $20, to an $800 waterproof down parka. You’ll want to choose fabrics that are both comfortable and functional. Summer hiking clothes can be made of lightweight and breathable cotton, but if your outdoor enthusiast needs winter hiking clothes, think wool and synthetics.
Wool will keep your friend toasty warm and dry. Silk is another natural fabric that’s surprisingly warm in winter. However, synthetic fleece fabrics have gained ground when it comes to cold weather hiking clothes; it’s warm, inexpensive and easy to clean. A nice fleece sweatshirt or jacket is a bargain, averaging around $40. If you're crafty, consider compiling the fabric yourself and lining their favorite jacket with it, or sewing a comfy sweater.
The outdoor enthusiast in your life may be the easiest person to buy for on your gift list. Adventurers are, at heart, practical people, and any outdoor gift that’s functional will surely be appreciated.
The outdoor enthusiast in your life may be the easiest person to buy for on your gift list. Adventurers are, at heart, practical people, and any outdoor gift that’s functional will surely be appreciated.