2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Outdoor Lovers: Best Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers & Travelers
Thoughtful, trail-tested gifts for hikers, backpackers, travelers, and anyone who’d rather be outside.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? Whether they spend weekends chasing alpine views, logging backpacking miles, sleeping in the back of their car, or jetting off on big international adventures, this guide has you covered.
I’ve rounded up my favorite outdoor gifts of 2025, gear both me and my husband Garrett use and love, items on our wish lists, and tried-and-true picks from both of us after years of hiking, backpacking, and road-tripping. From cozy stocking stuffers to trail-ready splurges, you’ll find gifts for her, for him, for hikers, and for travelers. Time to wrap up some adventure-worthy cheer.
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Table of Contents
The Best Gifts for All Things Outdoors & Adventure Travel
Best Outdoorsy Gifts for Her
These are the trail-tested pieces I either use on my own adventures or have on my holiday wish list this year. Whether she spends her weekends summiting peaks or sipping camp coffee, these gifts are practical, cozy, and perfect for women who love the outdoors.
Women’s Gifts Under $100
Squak Grid Fleece Hoodie - Warm, breathable, and perfect for layering. Of all the grid fleece I have been testing out, this one is by far the best fit for women. This fleece keeps up on chilly hikes or coffee runs.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank Top - Seriously soft, stretchy, and stylish for hiking in, climbing in, or the gym.
REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack - Lightweight and practical for an everyday bag or on trail. Bonus: it folds into itself.
Prana Snow Crystal Beanie - The perfect winter beanie for everything from snowy hikes, to wearing around town.
Women’s Gifts Over $100
Garmin Fenix 8 Watch - For the data-loving adventurer. Tracks hiking and climbing routes, sleep, heart rate, and more. This is probably my favorite piece of outdoor gear I own and I never take it off.
LEVE Alpha 90 Hoody - The best new ultralight mid-layer that every hiker and backpacker needs in their kit.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket - Ultralight, warm, and packable, it’s the perfect “take anywhere” insulation layer.
Blundstone Chelsea Boots - The best boots ever! I wear these everyday, pretty much year round. Everyone needs a pair!
Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Crew - The perfect winter sweater for cozy cabin nights, or wearing around town. I have two different colors and love them this time of year.
Royal Robbins Palisades 1/2 Zip - The softest fleece I own. I’ve been wearing mine nonstop and am convinced everyone needs one.
Stio Turpin Fleece Pants - Super soft fleece, I wear these daily in the winter and they’re also great for chilly fall backpacking.
Will and Bear Calloway Felt Fedora Hat - Stylish and adventure-ready, this is my go to hat for road trips and outdoorsy activities. (Use code SKYESTOURY for 10% off your full-priced order)
Outerknown Blanket Shirt - Thick and comfortable, oversized flannel. I abosolutely love mine and it’s cozy enough for campfires, sharp enough for everyday wear.
Top Holiday Gift Pick for Women
Roark Women’s Hokkaido Puffer Jacket
My new favorite puffy for travel and around town. It’s super cozy with an oversized hood, zippered cell phone pocket, and adjustable cords at the hem and hood, all work together to keep the chill out. This is such a warm jacket and perfect for winter.
Top Outdoor Gifts for Him
This section is curated by my husband, Garrett, a gear-lover, hiker, climber, and the most outdoorsy guy I know. These are his favorite items he’s used for years, plus a few pieces currently on his own holiday wish list. If you're shopping for outdoorsy men, you’ll find solid picks he genuinely recommends.
Men’s Gifts Under $100
Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie - The best sun hoodie on the market and we have tried them all. This one is super soft, lightweight, breathable, and feels cool on (even on very hot hikes).
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties - Slippers meet adventure, insulated, grippy, and made for wearing to and from the ski hill, or cozy cabin mornings.
Hyperlite Bottle Pocket - Garrett will not hike or backpack without this… A simple, ultralight add-on that keeps your water bottle within easy reach.
The Landmark Project 1872 5-Panel Camp Hat - A fleece cap, perfect for winter adventures. We’ll both be wearing this on ski tours this winter.
Men’s Gifts Over $100
Farponte Alpha Cruiser - The lightest mid-layer ever! Made with super soft and lightweight Polartec Alpha fleece that is a game changer for backpacking.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket - Lightweight warmth that packs down small but punches way above its weight in insulation. We use these down jackets for literally everything.
Luna Sandals Oso Flaco - Minimalist hiking sandals with major grip, perfect for hiking in, as backpacking camp shoes, or for warm travel destinations. (Click this link and use code SKYE for 10% off your full-priced order)
Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie - A timeless layer that looks just as good at the trailhead as it does at the brewery. Garrett is on his second of these and loves it.
Stio Turpin Fleece Pant - These were on the women’s list too, Garrett lives in these for vanlife and even around the house. They are so soft and cozy!
OR Arete Modular GORE-TEX 3-Finger Gloves - Cold-weather MVPs for those who don’t let winter stop their outdoor plans.
Hyperlite Crux 40 Ski Pack - Ultralight design meets rugged performance, a backcountry pack built for fast, efficient ski tours and winter mountaineering.
Royal Robbins Alpine Mtn Pro Winter Pants - A great cold weather hiking layer, they are rugged, insulated stretch pants built to keep you warm, dry, and moving comfortably in cold-weather conditions.
Stio Hometown Down Hooded Jacket - A super warm down jacket with 800 fill down. We both have and love this jacket for winter hiking and backpacking, but it’s stylish enough for wearing around town.
Garrett’s Top Holiday Gift Pick for Men
Stio Men’s Hometown Down Hooded Jacket
Garrett’s pick for winter hikes, ski days, and everyday wear. This is the warmest down jacket with 800 fill water repellent goose down, but it’s still light and packable enough for backpacking. Get him this jacket and he will use it all year round.
Holiday Gifts for Hikers and Backpackers: Trail-Ready Gear They’ll Actually Use
For the friends and family members who measure holidays in trail miles, elevation gain, and campsite sunrises. These gifts are practical, ultralight when it counts, and designed for people who spend most of their time outdoors. From winter traction to long-distance trail essentials, these picks will actually get used, and used often.
Hyperlite Southwest 55L Backpack - Our favorite all around backpacking pack. It’s under 2lbs, super comfortable, and we use it for all backpacking and mountaineering trips.
Kahtoola Microspikes - A must-have for winter hikes and icy ascents. Every hiker needs a pair this time of year.
The Landmark Project Smokey Retro Sweatshirt - A cozy, vintage-style crewneck that spreads Smokey’s timeless message.
Gaia GPS Annual Subscription - The gift of safe navigation (and endless route planning). Gift the pro version so they can download offline maps.
Six Moon Designs Umbrella - The lightest hiking umbrella on the market, perfect for rainy hikes or even in snow. It can connect to your backpack shoulder strap so you can be hands free.
Salewa Pedroc 2 Hiking Boots - Seriously the most comfortable hiking boots I have ever tried. I’ve been testing a few pairs and these are my favorite. Hiked 5+ miles right out of the box and my feet were so warm and happy.
Luna Sandals Oso Flaco - Trail-ready minimalist sandals with grippy Vibram rubber soles. These are perfect for hiking in, but also as backpacking camp shoes. (Click this link and use code SKYE for 10% off your full-priced order)
Jetboil Stash Stove - The lightest JetBoil on the market and what we use on all our backcountry trips. Ultralight fast-boiling efficiency for hot meals in cold places.
Gregory Jade/Zulu Day Pack - Ideal day pack size for day hikes, and it is super comfortable to wear all day. Jade for Women and Zulu for Men.
Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3 Power Bank - Keep your mobile device and GPS charged in the backcountry with this lightweight power bank. We bring this on all backpacking trips and you can get multiple charges to your phone or watch with it.
Rockie Talkie Radios - Keep everyone connected on mountain missions or road trips, long range, durable, and easy to use with gloves. We use ours mainly for multipitch rock climbs, but it works great for hiking with friends as well.
Ignik Ripple Rechargeable Hand Warmers - Eco-friendly warmth you can reuse all winter long, pocket-sized comfort with a sustainable twist.
Mountain House Meals - Backpacking food that’s actually delicious. Yes, I’m a Mountain House ambassador, and yes, I truly love these meals! Try one of my favorites like the Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble or Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bowl (it really tastes like pizza).
Top Holiday Gift Pick for Backpackers
Zpacks Triplex Classic Tent
The best ultralight tent on the market, and we’ve tried a lot of them! At only 21.4 oz (1.3 lbs), this tent is incredibly light, super spacious for two people, and holds up amazing in rain and wind. The perfect gift for the ultralight backpacker or thru hiker.
Gifts for Travelers & Road Trippers (Adventure-Ready Travel Gear)
Perfect for your friend who’s always booking their next trip, living out of a duffel bag, or planning a national park road-trip route. These gifts make travel smoother, comfier, and more organized, whether they’re camping in the desert, hopping on a long flight, or driving cross-country in search of adventure.
Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Pack - Sleek, durable, and carry-on ready. See below for why I love and recommend it for travel.
Peak Design Capture Clip - Keeps your camera secure on the outside of your pack and accessible on the go. Perfect for every photographer.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press - A travel friendly AeroPress for really good coffee at camp, on your road trip, or even to bring with you on an international trip.
Rumpl Blanket - Cozy comfort for campfires, cabins, and vanlife nights.
Hyperlite Packing Pods - Ultralight and water-resistant organizers for every trip. We use these for travel and backpacking.
HEST Pro Travel Pillow - Flight and road trip luxury in pillow form, if you have a long flight coming up, you need this, and so do they.
Yeti Rambler Mug - Insulated, durable, and spill-proof for life on the road.
Pacsafe GO Crossbody Bag - Anti-theft peace of mind in a cute purse for international adventures.
Topo Designs Mini Quick Bag - Style meets function for day trips and airport dashes. I love mine for travel since its larger than most hip belt bags.
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller - The perfect size carry on that fits everything you need for week long trips.
Yeti Roadie 15 Cooler - This cooler is a rugged, grab-and-go cooler built for road trips, camp days, and keeping essentials chilled wherever you roam.
Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit - A go-anywhere fire pit that brings instant campfire vibes to campsites, tailgates, and backyard hangouts. Just remember to only use when fires are allowed. Perfect for vanlife and car camping.
Thrifty Traveler Premium Membership - The Thrifty Traveler Premium Membership is a deal-finding service that notifies you of the cheapest flights (even in terms of points/miles) from your home airport. It also sends you emails with deals on hotels as well. If they travel a lot or are on a budget, they need this, YOU need this.
Roark Backwoods Jacket - A warm, flannel shirt-jacket for both him and her. Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Dermatone Holiday Skin Protection Pack - A collection of trusted sunscreen and skincare products in a branded pouch to support your skin through all your favorite winter activities and harsh weather. Also perfect for the jet setter who needs TSA approved sizes.
GoToob Mini Squeeze Bottles - Package of 3 - These squeeze bottles are TSA-friendly, leakproof travel containers designed for easy dispensing of your favorite toiletries.
Top Holiday Gift Picks for Travelers
Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Pack
The best travel pack for flights. I take this pack on all flights now and it is pretty perfect. The inside fits enough clothes for a week-long trip, I could even fit my trail runners on the outside. And all the zippered pockets are really well thought out. Plus, it fits in the overhead bins.
Thrifty Traveler Premium Membership
Every traveler needs flight and hotel deals sent to their inbox! The Thrifty Traveler Premium Membership is a deal-finding service that notifies you of the cheapest cash and points flights from your home airport. We use this service to find affordable flights and hotels.
Use code SKYESTOURY for $20 off the first year!
Stocking Stuffers for Outdoor Lovers (Small Gifts for Hikers & Adventurous Travelers)
Small, affordable, and surprisingly useful, these stocking stuffers are perfect for hikers, campers, travelers, and gear-obsessed adventurers. Think lightweight accessories, trail essentials, and little comforts that make long days outside even better.
Therm-A-Rest Z-Seat (sit pad) - An ultralight, durable sit pad that adds instant comfort and insulation whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or chilling at camp.
Darn Tough Wool Socks - These socks deliver breathable warmth, blister-free performance, and legendary durability for hiking, skiing, and everyday wear. Men’s | Women’s
Outside Inside Backpack Watercolor Kit - This kit is a lightweight, packable paint kit designed for trail-friendly creativity and painting on the go.
Ignik Hand Warmers - These are the best hand warmers ever! They last a long time and their packages are re-sealable so you don’t have to use all the warmth at once.
Basecamp Cocktail Kit - A compact, all-in-one set that lets you mix craft cocktails or mocktails anywhere your adventures take you.
Dermatone Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 - My absolute favorite sunscreen ever! It rubs in clear, is light weight yet moisturizing, and is perfect for sensitive skin. Plus, the tube is TSA friendly for travel.
Smartwool Merino 250 Reversible Headband - A reversible headband keeps ears warm on cold-weather hikes, runs, or winter adventures.
Dermatone Lip Balm 5 pack - A 5-Pack of the most moisturizing SPF lip balm ever, each stick offers long-lasting, hydrating protection to keep lips soft and shielded from the sun.
Anker Zolo Power Bank - The Anker Zolo Power Bank delivers reliable, portable power for smartphones, tablets, and gadgets during travel, hikes, or daily adventures. Great for travel, but also small enough for everyday use.
Kula Cloth (for the ladies) - A reusable and washable pee cloth that clips to your backpack. It is a game changer for all outdoor activities, and everyone who squats to pee needs one.
Loop Dream Ear Plugs - These are the best I’ve tried for sleep and are so comfortable. I use them nightly, but they are also great for sleeping in a tent or on a flight because they block more sound than any other ear plugs I’ve tried.
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter - My favorite UL option that lets hikers, campers, and travelers drink confidently from natural water sources anywhere.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press - A travel friendly AeroPress for the coffee addict in your life.
The Best of the Best Stocking Stuffer
AeroPress
Go Travel Coffee Press
Perfect for anyone who loves to have coffee outside. The AeroPress Go Travel coffee press includes a convenient drinking mug that doubles as a carrying case. It’s way better than instant coffee on the go, and we use ours all the time in the van.
Keep Exploring: More Hiking & Gear Resources
If you want more outdoor inspiration, check out my hiking guides, backpacking gear reviews, and travel tips for your next adventure. These also include a lot of amazing gear that would make really great gifts!
For hikers and snowshoers - Fall & Winter Hiking Gear Guide + Safety Tips (the products in this would make great gifts!)
For backpackers - The Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear of 2025 (the ultimate backpackers gift guide…)
For hikers and travelers - The Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking, Backpacking, & Climbing (sun hoodies are amazing gifts as well)
For everyone - Hiking & Travel Sandal Guide (if you’re gifting for someone heading to a warm destination this year, start here)
For hikers and backpackers - What to Wear for Hiking & Backpacking (a lot of great clothing options)
Save this Post for Later
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The Ultimate Guide to Fall and Winter Hiking: Clothing, Gear and Safety Tips
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