An Ultimate 2023 Gift Guide for Adventurers: 15 gear ideas for their next trip
Gifting gear to adventurers can be difficult. Some have everything. Others might be picky. And then there are the ones who never know what to say when asked. (This is me, by the way!)
Yet, there are still practical gifts that will get tons of use and hopefully are yet to be owned by the adventurer in your life. Below is my 2023 Gift Guide for Adventurers, which includes 15 items that I believe (from experience) would be a fantastic present and provide a lot of use over the years.
Your 2023 Gift Guide for Adventurers
I did my best to keep most of these around the $100-$125 range, as I know spending this much for most people can be a hefty amount. But a few (Solo Stove, for instance) are an outlier.
Photo Themed Gifts
1. Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip
If you’re gifting to a photographer who enjoys hiking and backpacking, I STRONGLY recommend the Peak Design Camera Clip. I bring it with me on almost every trip as it allows my camera to be accessible for photos.
Furthermore, it opens up room in my backpack for extra gear or camera equipment.
2. Peak Design Everyday backpack V2 30L
This is a perfect backpack for those who want to travel with their camera gear, maybe a laptop, and have some extra room for snacks or clothes.
3. Peak Design Travel Tripod – Aluminum
There are a lot of tripods out there, but Peak Design makes some of the highest-quality ones on the market. Unfortunately, they are not cheap, but this is their more affordable one, with the carbon fiber costing nearly $600.
Camping Themed Gifts
4. Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe
A camping game changer! Instead of using the smaller, single-use green propane canisters, this one is refillable and holds more propane. So, it’s more environmentally friendly, and you get a bigger bang for your buck.
I upgraded to something similar a few years ago and haven’t looked back.
5. Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
Having a top-notch cooking set is one of the most underrated parts of camping. This one from Stanley will last you years and years and allow you to make some dang good food!
6. REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Double Sleeping Bag
Most of the time, I use sheets and a blanket. However, if the temperatures are dropping, having a double sleeping bag that keeps you and your partner warm can’t be discounted. Consider this one if you’re in the market for one or simply need a warmer way to sleep!
7. Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit with Stand 2.0
Backyard fires? Smores? No smoke? You can get all three with the Solo Stove. Plus, it is portable, so you can bring it to the beach or camping (research local regulations).
8. The North Face TheromoBall Eco TractionBooties
These. Are. Amazing. My girlfriend and I got these for our Iceland trip, and oh boy, were they amazing! They kept our feet warm in the morning and evenings, had a good grip on the bottom so we were not slipping, and were extremely comfy.
I promise you. If you give these as gifts, the person receiving them will LOVE them. These are one of my favorites in the Gift Guide for Adventurers.
Hiking Themed Gifts
9. Darn Tough Socks
Almost all of my hiking socks are Darn Tough. I don’t know what magic they put into them, but they’re incredible, and I never finish a hike with a blemish. They’re wool, so they’ll last a long time and keep your feet dry, so blisters never have a chance.
These are perfect for a stocking stuffer or someone who has already gone through their fair share of socks this year.
10. Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm Hat
I wouldn’t put too much thought into the “storm” part of this. It’s a great all-season adventure hat with more extended neck protection to keep the sun off. Sunday Afternoons makes great products (I have a standard wide-brimmed hat, and it’s lasted me the last three summers and hundreds of miles on the trail.
11. Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack
The Gregory Nano 22 is a perfect lightweight day pack without breaking the bank. This is the right size for 3-6 mile hikes, having enough room for water, snacks, and an extra layer.
12. Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Gloves
Are you looking for some lightweight active-use gloves? These are them! These would be perfect for early morning runs, snowshoeing, or dog walking.
Backpacking Themed Gifts
13. REI Co-op FLexlite Air Chair
The Flexilite Air Chair is another one I own. It’s around 1 pound and one of the backpacking luxury items I always bring on my trips. After hours of hiking, sitting in a chair with a backrest just can’t be beaten. This is one of my favorite items in this Gift Guide for Adventurers.
14. Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket
Suitable for backpacking, camping, or just sitting in the backyard by the fire. This NaoLoft Puffy is an excellent addition to anyone’s adventure – especially if they need warmth in the mornings or evenings.
15. Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
It’s one of the lightest sleeping pads on the market. If your adventurer is looking to lighten their bag or is already in Ultralight mode, this is the sleeping pad for them. (This is mainly a summer sleeping bag.)
Get someone an REI Gift Card
Not sure what to get someone this holiday season or for their birthday? Give them an REI Gift Card and let them choose what gear they want to satisfy their adventure thirst!
Holiday Shipping Reminder from REI
- Get it before Dec. 25, when you order by Dec 19, 9:00am PT.
- Shipping cut off for Gear and Apparel: Dec 19, 2023, 9:00am PT
- Shipping cut-off gift card (free shipping): Dec 17, 2023, 9:00am PT (E-gift cards still available after the 17th of December)
- REI Co-op Members enjoy free U.S. standard shipping—no minimum order required. Exclusions apply. All other customers get free U.S. standard shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Final Thoughts on this Gift Guide for Adventurers
Hopefully, this Gift Guide for Adventurers helps steer you in the right direction and enables you to snag some phenomenal and useful gifts for the special person in your life.
Happy Holidays!
Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.
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