Holiday Gift Guide For Your Outdoorsy Friend

6 Gift Ideas for your Crazy Adventurous Outdoorsy Friend Who's Always On The Go

Practical gift ideas during the holidays are challenging enough, and sometimes, an REI gift card might not cut it for our friends who love adventure. This holiday season, surprise them with an awesome gift that fuels their love for exploration! From practical gear to unique experiences, these are my favorites for the outdoor adventurer.

A National Parks Pass

A National Park Season Pass Only Costs $80 Unlimited Admittance. photo: chasingtrailblog.com

We’re starting strong with one of my favorites on the list. A national parks pass is the best gift for the domestic traveler searching for natural wonders and picturesque landscapes to explore. Costing only $80, the pass allows users year-round access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country, including 63 National Parks. It’s good for 12 months from the month of purchase and admits the owner, their vehicle, and up to four total passengers. The park pass will surely be loved and appreciated by the lucky friend or family member who receives it. I get my pass renewed every year and can say it is well worth it.

A Cozy Rumpl Blanket

A Cozy Rumpl Blanket is a Favorite Gift. Photo: www.travelfreak.com

A cozy and aesthetic adventure blanket from my favorite brand, Rumpl, is a fun gift for a friend who loves to camp and travel. All the rage for van lifers, backpackers, hikers, and campers alike, these beautiful insulated blankets are incredibly versatile. I love having one in my van to keep me and my dog Cedar warm when temperatures drop at night. I'll wear mine when I get up in the morning to make coffee and bring it out again at night to stay warm around the campfire.

Unique gifts are the best and my Rumpl blanket falls into this category. They're so beautiful and offer endless designs to choose from. When I pull mine out around my friends, they can't stop complimenting me and asking about it. They don't take up too much space, pack down to about the size of a large water bottle, make an awesome campervan gift, and are perfect for your friends who need a cozy adventure essential.

Action Adventure Camera

Never Lose a Memory of Your Travels With A Gopro. photo: www.gopro.com

For the person you really want to impress…

The opportunity to document an adventure and keep the memories forever is priceless. When I bought mine, I was initially hesitant that I wouldn’t use it often enough. Now, having brought it with me on every van life adventure for almost a year, I can confidently say it is one of my favorite purchases.

Not only does it inspire me to be more creative and document my journeys, but also allows me to record my favorite memories, especially the ones that pass by too quickly. GoPro cameras are my favorite because of their film quality and the trove of compatible accessories they support. I use the GoPro HERO11 and absolutely love it. A solid option for a higher-end gift. 

Portable Camping Hammock

Hangout With Friends In an Awesome Camping Hammock. photo: www.camping-simuni.hr

A portable hammock is a lightweight and compact way to relax in nature or lounge around during those warm summer nights. It's perfect for camping trips, backpacking, or even just setting up on nearby trees in the park or your backyard. The gift of a hammock offers your outdoorsy friend a comfortable and elevated way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

They're easily packable for those with limited space, are typically made with a lightweight parachute fabric, and can include accessories such as a rainfly, insulated blankets, and bug nets. For hiking or traveling, most include a portable bag so you can easily pack it with the rest of your gear. Popular brands can be found with a quick Google search or on online outdoor retailer websites like REI. Amazon carries them, too, and at a much lower price point. Either way, your friend will love the gift and put it to use immediately. 

LifeStraw

A LifeStraw is a perfect solution for water filtration on the go. photo: www.borgenmagazine.com

A perfect gift idea for a backpacker or a van life friend who loves to set out on excursions in the great outdoors. LifeStraws are essential for filtering water on the go using a patented filter system. If you are short on storage space in your pack, no worries; they are incredibly packable, long-lasting, and light to carry.

They're pretty inexpensive, making it a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank. You can get them online or at your local outdoor store. I use mine on all my day hikes or overnight backpacking trips where I need a quick drink from nearby running water like a stream or river.

Reusable Water bottle

Last up, a fan favorite, and honestly, always a fantastic gift to receive, a reusable water bottle! A thoughtful gift doesn't necessarily have to be a unique gift. Seriously, we all love them and always welcome another to the family in a different color, style, or material. Reusable water bottles are a great gift because you know your friend will use them. Useful for hiking, road trips, and day-to-day activities, there is a reusable water bottle for every event.

I personally love ThermoFlask because they keep your beverage cold or hot, depending on your preference, and are super affordable compared to other big-name brands. In the winter months, when I go skiing, I love to put hot chocolate in mine in the morning and enjoy it on the chairlift with my friends. 

Happy gift-giving!

These are all great gift ideas for our friend who practically lives for the outdoors, has new adventures, and is halfway to becoming a van life influencer. Gift-giving is tricky, so hopefully, my list of the ultimate 2023 outdoorsy holiday wish list will have your friend living their best life. I’ve already bought some of these for my friends, and I know they’ll love them! Can’t wait to see all of you and your new gear on the trail or on the road.