Take all the bear-, weather-, and bomb-proofness of Yeti’s Loadout GoBox (and coolers) and shrink it down to a 1-liter case that’s perfect for phones, wallets, watches, AirPods, protein bars, or anything for your EDC. Strappable through an integrated tether strap, it can attach and lock to just about anything you can think. I've used it so far on camping trips to go screen-free, as well as a few canoe rides where I still wanted to have my phone around (but avoid it getting wet).
If he's tough on his pants, I dare him to wear out the revamped Radikl Outsider Heavy Pant from Kuhl. Constructed from a 270 gsm waxed DyNawax cotton/nylon blend, these bad boys can handle the toughest outdoor conditions. But that doesn't mean they're rigid and immobile—softshell stretch panels help ensure mobility for hiking, chopping firewood, or just walking the dog.
Now, this is a cool adventure gift. The Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker brings you top-quality coffee wherever you go. Just bring your favorite coffee grounds, add hot water, and this little machine does the rest. As you pump, the pressure is made, and thus, so is your drink. And at smaller than the size of a thermos, you can fit this just about anywhere.
When it comes to ultralight packable jackets, The North Face's Thermoball is a legend. The unique quilting pattern of the synthetic insulation helps avoid cold spots while maximizing wind resistance. The cuffs don't get in the way, the pockets are roomy, and the hood and neck coverage is superior (especially with the cinch for those blustery days). If he spends any time outdoors, he'll certainly have a need for one of the best ultralight jackets around.
Flannels are a staple in an outdoorsman's wardrobe. If he has yet to try Outerknown's Blanket Shirt, now is the time to gift him one. They come in a ton of colors and are woven in a way that has just the right warmth and softness, without ever going too extreme. Call it the Goldilocks flannel.
Sleeping bags can be a dime a dozen—most will get the job done for car camping or in warmer situations. But when it comes to serious camping in the colder months, the difference between an OK sleeping bag and a great sleeping bag is huge. The new Terra series from Exped definitely fits the mold for serious needs with a 650 fill-power down, an anti-snag zipper, a draft tube behind the zipper to retain warmth, an adjustable hood, and a roomy footbox.
The EAL35R sports the same voice control functions that Coast's RL35R Headlamp has, making it super easy for hands-free use. It also touts the same five color temperatures and spits out 1,000 lumens (plenty for lots of use). It's rechargeable via USB-C and offers up 16 hours of runtime, and even has the ability to operate with AA batteries if needed. The voice controls are really just a bonus on top of what's a really solid, affordable lantern.
For the hunter or the nightwalker eager for an improved view, this set of goggles will have him feeling like he has a superpower. They can record videos and snap photos and offer five-times magnification—all during the black of night.
Credit: Ryan Brower
You cannot go wrong with a pair of Danner boots. Dubbed our best overall hiking boots, the Mountain 600 is arguably Danner's most iconic boot. They're comfortable right out of the box and look at home now or 50 years ago. And they might just last that long, too.
Igloo's Premium Trailmate cooler is outfitted for serious off-roading. It's smart wheel design and rugged specs are just the start, as the cooler also holds up to 70 quarts and even features a pull out table tray. Here's a cooler that will match his confidence in the great outdoors.
This will come in handy for spontaneous adventurers. It’s a handy, pocket-sized kit that has 48 tools useful in almost any outdoor survival situation. Plus, it looks like a freakin' grenade. How gift-worthy is that?
Sometimes a little bit of visualization can go a long way. This poster will help track how many National Parks he's been to—and see which ones he needs to visit next. What's cool is a portion of the proceeds of this poster goes towards preserving our National Parks.
Yes, these days there are some budget sunglasses that are pretty good. But when you have a premium pair of shades, you always notice the difference. Case in point, Smith's take on glacier glasses have been my go-to for hikes lately. They have removable side shields which protect against wind as well as light reflecting off snow, rock and ice. They also come with Smith's patented ChromaPop lens technology, and are just an elevated sunglass that can work in any setting.
This packable bag wins the volume award. It's like a warehouse you can throw over your shoulder, with 70 liters of capacity. Better, it's waterproof, has a tri-fold lid, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
This flameless hand warmer by Zippo stays warm for 12 hours before needing a refill. With 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and more than 13,000 reviews, buyers sing its praises for a reason—and this gift set has all the needed parts for hours upon hours of steady warmth.
Keen's foray into trail runners took many years and a lot of R&D. But the hiking and work shoe brand knocked it out of the park. I've been doing runs on Central Park's bridle path with the Seek for months and are really pleased with them. I was skeptical at first, as there's a padded heel lock that seemed like it would dig into your heel, but in fact conforms to it and truly locks your feet in. About 40 miles in with these and they're one of my favorite trail shoes this year.
The little lantern that could, this little LED light throws a warming hue inside your tent or trailer. It's powered by batteries and features a magnetic clip for attaching to anything that needs some glow. I've had mine for years and it's perfect for a work light or for in the tent.
A good cup of coffee can get you through any kind of camping conditions. These pour over pouches from Kuju Coffee come in packs of six and are incredibly easy to make.
These fine leather gloves are lined with fleece and wax coated for work out in the elements. What takes these gloves to the next level is the Thinsulate lining that serves as a heat stopping layer and a wind shield.
A dry bag is a necessity whether he spends time on the water or goes out in inclement weather. Sea to Summit's Big River Dry Bag is durable, has held up plenty for me in the canoe or boat, and when paired with the sling it's super versatile (and hands free).
The Freestyle 2nd Gen is the ultimate portable projector. It pops out to 100-inches and can go off-the-grid as long as you have the add-on battery pack with it (although you can still plug into a power station 12-volt port and use it that way too). Download your favorite movies, lob up your favorite streaming apps, or play your favorite games through the cloud-powered Gaming Hub; this thing does it all.
Huckberry's Watch Cap Beanie is about as classic as it gets. Made in a soft acrylic knit, it comes in plenty of colors (including this outdoors-ready orange) and is made in the USA.
Veja's Fitz Roy Trail Shoe is already a solid, sustainably-built hiking shoe on its own. But the eco brand just partnered with UK surf company Finisterre for a mash-up take on the Fitz Roy that brings all the granola vibes. Made with Veja's natural rubber approach, there's also a built-in rock plate and a water-resistant upper. I snagged a pair and plan on using them for shorter hikes along with some rainy day commutes.
Help him achieve his daily hydration goals by grabbing this $25 Yonder Water Bottle from Yeti. It's tough as heck and comes with a secure screw top design that mimics a plastic water bottle. I use mine daily and it's easily the best water bottle I've ever had.
Arc'teryx jackets are not cheap, but when you factor out how long these bad boys for less then the investment decision becomes clear. Grab him this Atom Insulated and watch it become his new favorite rain jacket.
When it comes to the cooler months, layering when outdoors is of the upmost importance. And there's not a more powerful layering piece than Patagonia's R1 tops. The new R1 Air is made from a recycled polyester jacquard fleece with hollow-core yarns knit in a zigzag pattern to increase airflow and minimizes bulk. That's all to say the R1 Air is one of the most breathable yet warm layers in my arsenal. And the Zip-Neck version provides that extra coverage while still being able to vent with the zipper.
The Lifestraw Peak Series will eliminate approximately 99.999 percent of bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sand, and dirt. Gift this personal water filter as a stocking stuffer, or buy multiple and pass them out to all of the outdoorsmen in your life.
Heirloom gifts that he could hand down to his son are exactly what Filson produces. And the Insulated Short Cruiser Jacket is the ideal. This waxed cotton stalwart is insulated with PrimaLoft for plenty of warmth as a top layer, even when wet. And the corduroy-lined cuffs and collar add an elevated touch. It's hard-wearing and will definitely outlast him.
An outdoor watch from Garmin is a great tech gift for an outdoorsman, but we're guessing he already has one. Pivot to the Garmin InReach Mini 2, a handheld GPS communication device that will allow him to send and receive messages and notifications from far away places if he ventures into the backcountry often.
No, this is not a canteen—it's a power bank that can spit out 32W of power to his devices. While it provides fast charging through two USB-A and one USB-C ports, it's also waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant for trustworthiness anywhere.
Solo Stove's Pi Prime is an all gas-powered pizza oven for under $500. Break this out in your backyard or at a campsite and enjoy crispy-good pizza. It's much better than cold cut sandwiches.
This subscription box features an assortment of gear and tools that will carry him through even the longest treks. Prices start at $55 for one month and include four to five gear items for each delivery.
There might be no more legendary pocket knife than the Benchmade Bugout. From the drop point blade to the lightweigth Grivory handle, this is a knife that'll never fail.
Peak Design's bike phone mounts have lockdown security and easy detachment. The secret is in its little square lock called "Slimlink." You'll need a compatible Peak Design case to use this mount with, but once you have the set you'll have a trusted bike mount that will handle all types of terrain.
If he's serious about cooking outdoors (which, if he's an outdoorsman then of course he is), he'll need serious tools. And there aren't better bang-for-your-buck ones out there than what Camp Chef makes. This five-piece set includes a spatula, a stainless-steel santoku knife, heavy-duty tongs, and a flat nosed spoon. All come in a packable carrying case that makes it easy for the backyard grill or at the campsite.
Dudes love a good outdoor tool. This Bushcraft Axe is ergonomically crafted and well made. You also have a smart waterproof gear storage space inside that handle that can hold a lighter and other small goods.
A good hiking sock is often an overlooked item. Paka's are made with 33% baby Alpaca fiber, 7% Tencel, 57% recycled nylon, and 3% spandex. The result is a soft yet durable sock that feels just as fresh at the end of any hike. So much so that you can even wear 'em the next day.
