Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers 2025
With the holiday season finally in full swing, many of us will be scratching our heads trying to find the perfect gift for the outdoor lover in our lives. Between the technical gear, the endless choices, and your loved one's unique preferences, choosing the right thing can feel like an impossible task.
But that’s where we come in — Another Summit Director of Outdoor Adventure & Education, Henri de la Vega, curated this updated 2025 gear guide with proven equipment trusted by backcountry leaders, long-distance hikers, canoe trippers, and weekend adventurers alike.
Whether you’re searching for one big investment gift or affordable stocking stuffers, every item here has been field-tested, built to last, and sourced from brands that align with quality, community, and (when possible) U.S. manufacturing.
The Big Three
Making a triumphant return from our 2024 gift guide, the big three are the most important gear systems for people who spend more time outdoors than in: shelter, sleep, and pack. Upgrading any of these is a guaranteed win for the backpacker in your life.
Tent
Ultralight, stormworthy, and beloved by thru-hikers. The X-Mid sets up fast with trekking poles and minimal stakes, making it ideal for long-distance hikers who care about weight and weather protection.
Note: Requires two adjustable hiking poles.
Sleeping System
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt — $370
The most-used sleeping quilt on the Appalachian Trail and a favorite among ultralight backpackers. Use open in summer or cinched into a footbox for shoulder-season warmth.
If you’re unsure of size or temperature rating, EE offers gift cards so your adventurer can customize.
Backpack
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 — $315
A lightweight favorite with a smart pocket layout, tons of storage, and durability. Perfect for thru-hikes or weekend trips.
Add the $5 pack liner to ensure rain protection.
Camping Gear Favorites
Tarp
Aquaquest Guide Tarp: $99-$249
Take a rainy basecamp from a mushy mess to a cozy camping area in just a few minutes. Trusted by guides and seasoned hikers, this tarp creates a covered communal space for cooking, resting, and drying gear without taking up too much room in your pack.
Camp Chair
A fan favorite from our 2023 Gift Guide, the REI Flexlite chair, is a packable, comfortable, and simple — great for trails, tailgates, or backyard hangs.
Stove
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 backpacking stove: $49.95
This portable camping stove is a classic for good reason: tiny, powerful, and reliable with canister fuel.
Electronics for the Outdoors
While the idea of roughing it is appealing to plenty of outdoor enthusiasts, it doesn’t mean the outdoor lover in your life won’t appreciate some handy tech to light their path, keep them charged up, and ensure they’re only a button-click away from help when they need it.
Headlamp
Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: $36.95
Rechargeable, rain-tested, and ultralight — the thru-hiker gold standard
power Bank
Revel Day Tripper Solar Pack: $49.99
The Day Tripper packs two full charges, a bright LED light, and a solar panel backup for field recharging, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice.
GPS Unit
Don’t leave navigating your outdoor adventure to chance. The Garmin Mini 2 provides you with two-way texting, maps, tracking, and the most trusted SOS button in the industry.
Requires a satellite subscription.
Essential Outdoor Gear For 2025
NEW for 2025: Backcountry Kitchen Standout
Old Scout Reflector Oven — $71
If you know a backcountry baker, this is the gift.
Designed to sit in front of a campfire and reflect heat, it turns wild spaces into a true outdoor kitchen. Easily whip up biscuits, pizza, cornbread, brownies — yes, really.
Henri brings this on every Another Summit canoe trip, and it’s always a favorite. Best of all, it’s made right here in the USA.
NEW for 2025: Yearly first aid upgrades
Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight .7 Kit - $44.99
A first aid kit should be refreshed annually — bandages, meds, and ointments expire.
This is the perfect compact field kit for 1–2 people, weighing almost nothing but covering most trail injuries.
NEW for 2025: Ultralight Comfort Upgrade
Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes - $34.95
At just 2.1 ounces, these camp shoes make every end-of-day foot sigh audible.
Packable, adjustable, perfect for thru-hikers and travel showers.
The days of heavy sandals flapping off backpacks are officially over.
NEW for 2025: Everyday Essential Pocket Knife
Opinel No. 8 Carbon Pocket Knife — $22
Iconic, simple, and razor sharp. From lunch bag to summit ridge, it’s the perfect daily carry.
For hikers, anglers, gardeners, and van campers — it works for all.
Stocking Stuffers for Outdoor Lovers
String Lights
Revel Trailhound 30ft string light: $24.99
Our go-to for warm ambient lighting for group meals, late-night camp games, or fire-restricted wilderness zones.
Fire Kit
Badgerclaw Outfitters Back Country Fire Kit: $31.95
Make sure you always have the ability to stay warm with this Texas-built, lifetime-guaranteed fire kit, complete with fire steel and pocket bellows.
Shovel
Vargo Outdoors Dig Dig Tool: $24.95
Best cathole tool on the market. Add TP, sanitizer, and a whistle for a full trail comfort kit.
Compass
Light, accurate, and a foundational part of navigation skills.
Quality Food for Hikers & Campers
Good-to-Go Camp Meals: $9.75 - $15.95
Made in Maine, clean ingredients, and incredible flavors.
Pro tip: Thai Curry is always a hit.
Happy Holidays From Another Summit
Whether the outdoor lover in your life wants to go on a quick out-and-back hike on their favorite trail or take on a tough 2,000-mile thru-hike, the right gear can take their experience from alright to amazing.
Here’s to new trails, warm campsites, and a full year of adventure.
Happy gifting — and see you on the trail!
Join Another Summit’s Outdoor Activities for Veterans and First Responders
Another Summit is an outdoor adventure program created by not-for-profit organization Guardian Revival to enrich the lives of military, veterans, and first responders (our guardians) and their families at no cost to them.
We welcome all guardians, whether they’re active or retired, including Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, EMS, Dispatchers, Corrections, Federal Agents, Veterans, Active Military, Reserve, and National Guard.
Another Summit leads and organizes structured outdoor activities within the Hudson Valley Region of New York. Our outdoor activities are available for any skill level, from beginner to advanced, and are led by trained outdoor leaders.
Whether you’re looking for an easy out-and-back to enjoy some fresh air with friends, or you want to test your limits in the great outdoors, Another Summit has an experience for every guardian regardless of age or skill level.
Check out our calendar for upcoming events and join Another Summit today.
Upcoming OUtdoor Adventures
About Guardian Revival
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
Our Programs
Peer Services | Individual & group peer support for guardians by guardians
Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program of Putnam County | Providing events, information, and resources for veterans
Another Summit | Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, paddling, and fly fishing
Boots & Paws | Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore | Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
RISE | Wellness workships, retreats, & resources for guardians
