Ever since I discovered camping, backpacking and, well, pretty much Colorado during college, outdoor gear has topped my wish lists for holidays, birthdays and any time. And I know I’m not alone. Getting outside to enjoy nature and explore new places is all about simplifying and quieting the noise of everyday life — but, oh, the glorious gadgets that can be carried along. Are they all necessary? Some essentials are. Others may not be absolutely vital, but they sure can make the experience easier or a little more enjoyable. And if you’ve got outdoorsy, Colorado-y people in your life, gear makes excellent hiking or camping gifts.
So here are 20 of our favorite gifts for campers, hikers or outdoor lovers from gear that we’ve been testing this year. Whether you’re camping near Colorado Springs, hitting these favorite local trails or cozying up fireside in a mountain cabin, you’re sure to find something for that special someone — or yourself.
We’ve included direct links for each of the products, and there are some excellent extended Black Friday, Cyber Monday and holiday sales with big discounts happening now. And you can also check local outdoor stores like Mountain Chalet, REI and Scheels. Happy holiday shopping!
Favorite Camping Gifts
Ignik FireCan Fire Pit
Sitting around a campfire is a quintessential camping experience, but between fire bans and extreme weather risks, building a campfire responsibly has gotten tricky. That’s why the Ignik Fire Can comes in especially handy. Connect this portable ammo can-style metal box to one of the company’s portable gas growlers and you’ve got a safer propane-powered campfire that is usable even within some fire restriction levels. Minus the nostalgic woodsmoke smell, it’s a satisfying alternative. There’s a realistic dance to the flames, and the Ignik puts out some serious heat. You can add lava Firecan Rocks or Moon Rocks to really enhance the dancing flame effect and slow the heat rise.
Helinox Sunset Chair
Helinox pretty much created the category of ultralight, portable camp furniture with its iconic Chair One (still a classic). But when we want a little more comfort for camping, glamping or picnicking, the Sunset is the go-to. It uses the standard folding tent-pole Helinox design, but we love the taller legs and higher back. Plus, there’s a handy sleeve for using the chair bag as a headrest. The Sunset is a perfect lounger.
BioLite Luci Solar String Lights
OK, I love these Luci Solar String Lights too. Roll them out. Hang them on your tent, van or trees. And any campsite or outdoor setting instantly becomes brighter, more fun, festive or romantic. There’s plenty of coverage with 20 lights stretching 44 feet, and at only 1 pound, 6 ounces, you could justify it in a backpack for extra ambiance. These string lights will shine up to 40 hours on a single charge. You can charge them via solar or USB-C. And you can even charge your phone or other devices from this Luci base. Bonus: Each purchase helps to provide renewable lighting, cooking and charging sources to less developed communities, primarily in Africa and Asia.
Camping Gifts for a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleeping warm and comfortably can make or break a camping trip, so it’s no surprise that outdoor brands like Therm-A-Rest have thought through entire sleep systems. Giving your camper any one of these items will help to keep them a happy camper.
Therm-A-Rest Parsec Sleeping Bag
I’ve had this best-selling Therm-A-Rest 20-degree sleeping bag out for nights from the Utah desert to the Colorado high alpine with plenty of campsites in between. I’ve slept in it in from March through the end of November, including a few sub-freezing nights. My conclusion? The 800-fill responsible-down Parsec delivers on its promised blend of lightweight backcountry performance and frontcountry comfort. It’s toasty and comfortable with a nice baffled foot warmer chamber. It’s super compressible and light (1 pound 12 ounces for regular size). And it’s a comfortable shape that avoids feeling like an overly restrictive mummy bag. The Parsec is an excellent bag overall. Bonus: It’s made of 100% recycled fabrics, and there is a 0-degree version if you want added year-round warmth.
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
I’ve used Therm-A-Rest sleeping pads for decades, from ultralight models in the backcountry to fat, cushy versions for car camping. After all, they’re the original self-inflating camping air mattresses that have continued to evolve through the years. The line of NeoAir XLite pads has hit a new level of ultralight comfort at 3 inches thick and only 1 pound 3 ounces for the full rectangular NXT MAX model. (The rounded off NXT model is only 0.8 pounds!) The NeoAir uses such a lightweight material, I was originally skeptical about its durability, but it has held strong in tents, vehicles and floors. And it packs down to the size of a Nalgene water bottle. Once I paid attention to the instructional video for the included pump sack, inflating this Therm-A-Rest with its Winglock valve is incredibly easy. The NeoAir is an impressive evolution of the already impressive Therm-A-Rest line.
Therm-A-Rest Air Head Down Pillow
Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference for a good night’s sleep. The inflatable Therm-A-Rest Air Head pillows are super light and packable and fit perfectly in a sleeping bag hood. They’re easy to inflate to 4 inches thick and also adjust to your desired firmness. Our favorite is the Down Pillow version, which includes a removable, washable layer of down insulation for extra comfort and warmth.
Favorite Gifts for Your Camping Kitchen
MSR WindBurner Group Stove System
MSR is another of my long-time go-to outdoor gear brands. Its WhisperLite stove is a backpacking classic, but I’m a big fan of the newer WindBurner stove systems. The stove uses an easy-to-use screw-on fuel canister, and the radiant burner provides good temperature and simmer control. There are different sizes for solo to group use, and I’ve found the Group Stove System 2.5-liter pot versatile for two to four people. The WindBurner’s superpower is its raised heat exchanger on the bottom of its pots and pans. The cookware seats easily on the stove rim for stability and windproof efficiency. Bonus: It all nests together and locks closed for light, easy packing on the trail or campsite.
Backpacker’s Pantry
You can cook some pretty elaborate meals when you’re car camping or in the backcountry. But when all you have to do is heat water for a variety of great flavors? That’s an easy choice for an easy meal. Backpacker’s Pantry freeze-dried meals taste like real food. A few of our favorites are Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Drunken Noodles with Chicken and the White Bean, Chicken and Green Chile Stew. These are a perfect low-cost stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift for the camper or backpacker in your life.
Epic Water Filter Nalgene Bottles
We Coloradans know all about the importance of hydration, but these Epic Water Nalgene bottles go next level. Each one includes two Epic filters. Want to make sure tap water is free of 70 contaminants like chlorine, microplastics, lead and PFAS? Use the EveryTap filter. Traveling or in the backcountry? Swap in the Everywhere filter to remove harmful bacteria, forever chemicals, heavy metals and other contaminants. We especially love the cool designs in the OG Artist Series.
Puffin Drinkware Colorado Collection
Every bevvy needs a flannel, puffy or parka, right? They keep your drinks insulated, your hands warm and your friends, coworkers and family smiling when they unwrap this easy gift. Puffin’s Colorado Collection featuring that beauty of a state flag is perfect for the holidays.
Best Gifts for Hikers
Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III T-Shirt
Isn’t wool warm? Not always. Nature’s original performance fabric can help heat and cool, and Icebreaker has been a pioneer in creating a full range of merino clothing for every sort of outdoor activity. This 100% merino wool tech T is lightweight and highly breathable. It’s become my go-to shirt for local hikes in the Springs to 14er summits to Arizona red-rock desert-scapes. It makes a comfy soft base layer or T-shirt on its own. It dries quickly and wards off sweat stink. Between solids and graphics, there are about 30 different options for men and women. It’s a slam dunk gift for the hiker in your life, especially with current 25% to 30%-off sales.
Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie
Outdoor Vitals may be the best outdoor gear company you’ve never heard of — yet. That’s because the independent 10-year-old company keeps its sales online and direct rather that through other retailers. The Ventus Active Hoodie is a great example of Outdoor Vitals’ high performance ultralight gear. The insulated active hoodie barely tips the scales at only 7 ounces. “It’s warm but doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything,” our tester said. Perforated armpit vents help to regulate temperature, and soft, stretch nylon feels buttery comfortable. The Ventus is perfect for hiking, biking, running, snowshoeing or as a mid-layer when things get really cold.
Royal Robbins Amp Lite Hoodie
The long-sleeve, pullover Amp Lite Hoodie has been the MVP of my wardrobe in the last year: Most Versatile Piece (of clothing). I’ve worn it on peak summits, short and long hikes, camping trips, road trips, restaurants, — even with a sport coat in business settings. Made out of recycled polyester, the Amp Lite is lightweight, fast-drying, wrinkle resistant and has a soft, stretchy feel. But the shirt’s hidden superpower is that it never seems to stink — even if worn for a week straight on a recent camping trip (yeah, I did that). The midweight Amp Lite is super comfortable and comes in both men’s and women’s styles.
Farm to Feet Trail Socks
As a kid, I did not want socks for Christmas. Now I’d be giddy to find a stocking full of these Farm to Feet merino wool socks. Everything about Farm to Feet is 100% American made: the wool and other materials, the packaging, the workers and the manufacturing in Mt. Airy, North Carolina — which also runs entirely on renewable energy from its solar farm. But these socks feel as great on your feet as on your conscience.
Both the American Trail and Outdoor Trail styles dry fast and don’t slide around in boots, runners or trail shoes. The American Trail has some light cushioning across the bridge of the foot for extra comfort, and it has my favorite style: the Max Patch, named for a popular viewpoint on the Appalachian Trail just outside of Asheville, North Carolina.
Generally Awesome Outdoor Gifts
Royal Robbins Merino Sweaters
The cozy wool sweater is back — and softer than ever thanks to these merino styles by Royal Robbins. It’s a fitting offering from the iconic outdoor brand. Named for its founder, one of Yosemite’s best big wall rock climbers in the 1960s, the company first began importing 100% wool sweaters in the ’70s, making use of the world’s original performance material. Today’s Royal Robbins sweaters are certified by the Responsible Wool Standard to meet standards of sustainability for the animals, land and workers in the production process.
There’s a full line, but the patterned women’s Rockcraft and men’s Arch Rock are true 100% merino classics. The quarter-zip Arch Rock is my favorite. And the women’s Westlands Relaxed Pullover is a standout fit with a lighter, relaxed fit and all-over Fair Isle pattern.
LowDown Helmets
Want to give (or treat yourself) to the coolest new ski and snowboard helmets on the slopes? LowDown helmets are inspired by retro motorcycle helmets and steezy classic designs. They are designed in Colorado and handmade in Italy. The new company was begun in Carbondale by brother and sister Steve and Courtney Eaton, who grew up skiing on the East Coast before following the powder to Colorado. Now their full-coverage helmets are worth building your whole kit around.
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
Ombraz traces its origins to a camel safari in India — naturally — when someone sat on and broke the arms off of the cofounder’s sunglasses. In the middle of sunny, sandy nowhere, he rigged them back together with some twine and inadvertently discovered the evolution of sunglasses. Now the Japanese nylon cords are made from recycled fishing nets and easy to slide and adjust, and the practical concept is far less breakable. Our tester found it takes a short, easy transition to realize you can keep the strap pretty loose. Overall, Ombraz feel a little lighter than traditional sunglasses. They stay put and are hard to lose since you can let them hang when not in use. “No sidearms, no problems” rings true. Eco Bonus: The company plants 20 mangrove trees for each pair of Ombraz it sells.
PackTowl Changing Poncho
If you spend much time outdoors, you’re going to want to change your clothes at some point. The PackTowl Changing Poncho gives you a private dressing room anywhere, from the trailhead to the riverside to the campsite or roadside. You can get naked, get dry and get changed without revealing even a shorts tan line. Such a convenient concept!
BioLite Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Inflatable Lantern
This is one of my new favorite gadgets. And when it comes to camping gifts, this one is a perfect stocking stuffer for less than $20 on sale. The inflatable Luci Inflatable Lantern weighs only 4 ounces, compresses to an inch thick (super packable!) and be recharged with USB-C or solar. But its LED light lasts 24 hours. That will brighten any camper’s day — or night.
Crazy Creek AirCliner Chair
Crazy Creek introduced a new kind of camping chair to the world in the ’80s. Based on the same simple, foldable design, the company’s new AirCliner — as in inflatable recliner — brings even more comfort. The easy inflation is a perfect evolution, making this a super versatile, lightweight, go-anywhere chair. Yes, it’s perfect for camping and backpacking, but also for concerts, soccer games, parks, beaches and riverbanks. Bonus: Use a Crazy Creek Strap-On or other compression strap to snug the AirCliner on top of a cooler, and you have a full height chair. Simple but genius.
