Whether it’s for a short hike through a nearby nature park or an all-day trek over rugged terrain, an assortment of lightweight, easily packable gear can enhance the outdoor experience and provide added safety. Below are suggestions for small items that can slip into a pack, as well as into a Christmas stocking, plus gifts to wrap up and put under the tree. They’re also great for the office gift pool.
Best of all, these fun gifts won’t break your Christmas budget.
Most of the items are readily available at outdoor and sports retail stores.
Gifts to Put Under the Tree
- Handmade trail mix packed into a wilderness themed decorative decanter
- Water-bottle waist-pack with travel-sized insect repellant, sunscreen and itch relief spray, plus survival blanket, waterproof matches, signal mirror, and hand wipes tucked inside
- Wide mouth water bottle filled with compass, whistle, emergency rain poncho, and keychain-sized pocket knife and flashlight
- Self-inflating sit pad
- Compact binoculars or monocular with carrying case
- Trail guide book with hike descriptions and trailhead directions for recipient’s area
- Field guide to flora and fauna in recipient’s favorite hiking spots
- Wilderness survival guide book, such as Wilderness Basics: Hiking, Backpacking, Paddling, Mountain Biking, by Kristi Anderson and Arleen Tavernier, from the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club, published by Mountaineers Books
- Compass and guide to orienting with a compass and map
- Compact, lightweight travel hammock that folds into its own pouch
- Coffee table book of favorite nature and wilderness regions
Stocking Stuffers
- Multi-tool pocket knife with scissors, screwdriver and other handy tools
- Wristband wallet
- Flashlight with hand crank for emergencies
- Compact headlamp
- Lightweight first aid pouch designed for backpackers
- Package of 10 instant hand warmer packets
- Flexible cups that can be squeezed into a corner of a backpack (or Christmas stocking)
- Weather-resistant hiking journal or notebook
- Thermal water bottle holder with shoulder strap or belt clip
- Safety flasher
- LED light wand
- Pedometer to calculate distance walked
- Trail maps for nature parks and wilderness regions
Hiking Trail Clothing
- Packable rain jacket or windbreaker in its own pouch
- Thermal hat and gloves for winter hiking
- Packable sun-block hat with wide brim for summer hiking
- Hiking socks that wick moisture
- Compressor bags that squeeze down sweaters for easy carrying
- Lightweight thermal base-layer underwear
- Quick-drying lightweight shorts
- Hand-knit hat and scarf
Memberships, Subscriptions and Passes
Membership in a hiking club, such as Sierra Club
Season’s pass for entry and parking in county, state or national parks and wilderness areas, as required in recipient’s location
Subscription to an outdoor magazine or travel magazine for recipient’s favorite hiking areas
These gifts will get hikers ready for outdoor adventures and let them know that someone was thinking of what they enjoy most.
Any of these gifts can be made extra-special by giving them in a hand-made personalized Christmas stocking.
Related Article:
The related article, Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Nature Lovers, offers additional suggestions for outdoor enthusiasts.
Linda McDonnell - I have been a journalist for 20 years, currently freelancing. As an outdoor and nature lover, I particularly enjoy writing about outdoor ...
