Stocking Stuffers for Outdoor Lovers

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite small gifts for outdoor lovers. Most of the items on this list are “residents” in my pack or car.  I’ve included items you should be able to purchase any where (or by using the links in this post).

Personally, I love to shop small and support my community. So I’ve also got a few items from talented, women owned small businesses.

Kula Cloth – Anastasia Allison (who you may know from the Musical Mountaineers) has thoughtfully designed this “next-level” pee cloth.  This Leave No Trace option is perfect for the outdoor ladies in your life. It’s thoughtfully designed  with an antimicrobial side, a waterproof side, reflective stitching, loop strap with snap attachment and a snap to keep it folded in half.

Wild Woman Box – This monthly subscription box is perfect for the wild women in your life. Each month, a carefully curated box arrives with snacks, natural body care products, outdoor gear and inspirational products. You never know, you might just find your next favorite snack or product in this box.

Wool Bluff Tube/Neck Gaiter – These wool-blend, screen printed neck gaiters are awesome! It’s light, stretchy and warm. I use it as a neck gaiter while skiing and winter hiking. I’ve used it as an ear warmer/headband. If I get to warm, I can double wrap it around my wrist. Plus you’ve got a choice of 3 beautiful patterns. If you’re looking for something with a little more color or warmth, they’ve also got some fleece lined neck gaiters in custom designed prints.

Bittersweet Canvas Decals and Ornaments – Maria is a full-time artist based in the Pacific Northwest. She paints amazing scenes on a variety of mediums. From wood slices to snapback trucker hats, she’s got something for the outdoor lovers on your list. I love the ornaments and state specific decals.

If none of these meet your gift giving needs, take a look at Garage Grown Gear. You’ll find some of these brands there as well as other outdoor related start ups.

– I’ve always got a compass (and a map) in my pack. I’ve carried a Suunto like this for years. The mirror is nice for contact wearers or anyone on a multi-day trip. It can also be used as a signaling device.

– Headlamps are an outdoor staple. This Tikka is packed with features, and Petzl is one of the most reliable headlamp makers out there! With three brightness settings and a red light setting, this headlamp is perfect for night photography. It also got a whistle built into the adjustable strap! There’s also a little glow in the dark ring around the bulb. When you use the light it “charges” the glow ring, so you can find your headlamp if you need it in the middle of the night.

 – This is another item that’s always in my pack. It lightweight, and it could save your life. I’ve slept in one (on purpose as an experiment in ultralight camping). It definitely wasn’t the best night of sleep I’ve had in the wild, but I didn’t get hypothermic. I’ve also used mine during cold lunch breaks on day hikes.

– I like mole foam over mole skin. It offers a little more padding, but works the same way. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s an outdoor staple.

– Another Leave No Trace bathroom related item on the list.  🙂 You can’t dig a proper cathole without some sort of tool. This ultralight trowel is perfect for that.

– As a photographer, I always carry lens cloths. They have so many uses, besides a camera lens. You can use them for glasses, goggles and binoculars, basically anything with some kind of lens or glass.

– Better than a wet wipe? You bet! These large, unscented biodegradable wipes are perfect for camping or travel – just be sure to pack them out!

If you’re looking for gifts for photographers – check out our post on gifts ideas under $150 for photographers.