The links in this Favorite Gifts for Outdoor Lovers post are affiliate links and I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link. Some items below were provided for review purposes.
Whether you make it a priority to get outdoors as much as possible throughout the year or know people who do, there’s a gift for every type of outdoor lover. My Favorite Gifts for Outdoor Lovers is full of great items for anyone who enjoys spending more time outside than in.
As a half marathoner who runs races to fundraise for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, avid skier who strives to continue to keep up with my kids on black diamond runs, Orangetheory regular who loves strength training, and hiker who is starting prep trips for a week-long backpacking trip in the New Year, my Favorite Gifts for Outdoor Lovers is inspired by the love my family and I have for the great outdoors.
This year’s gift guide features gifts for beach lovers, campers and backpackers, skiers, exercise enthusiasts, and families who would prefer outside to screen time. I hope some of these gifts will inspire someone you love to get outside to enjoy nature a bit more and unplug in favor of digital wellbeing.
Tracer 2 from NoxGear ($59.95, regularly $86.95)
Whether out on early morning runs, biking to work, or late night dog walks, it’s important to be seen and Noxgear’s Tracer 2 is one of my favorite gifts for outdoor lovers because it provides the visibility you need to stay safe. This LED safety vest provides 360 degrees of visibility from up to ¼ a mile away, has a rechargeable battery that provides 20 hours of light, and is IP67 waterproof rated so it can be worn in any weather. The adjustable chest strap and Fit Clip system keeps the fiber optics secure for a weighless, natural feel. I love that it features 8 different multi-colored flashing modes and 8 single & new dual-blend color modes so you can match your colors to your mood, kit, or your run club. I also highly recommend the Lighthound for dogs!
Trailhead Pants from Coalatree ($99)
A good pair of trail pants is hard to find so I have to admit that when Coalatree sent me a pair to try, I was skeptical but quickly discovered these are my new favorite trail pants! Made of 100% durable ripstop nylon, these unisex pants feature 360 degree 4-way stretch so they’re comfortable when you first put them on. They’re water resistant and stain proof, yet breathable for all climates. The deep pockets, drawsting waist, and ties at the ankles make them highly functional. I also love that they’re compact and can be packed into the front pocket. Do note that there are 2 fits available: Slim and Regular. I tried both pairs and found the Regular fit to be far more comfortable for my more muscular legs.
Barrage Technical Shell from Coalatree ($159)
Having the right gear on the trail and off is important and it was love at first unboxing when Coalatree sent me their Barrage Technical Shell. The first thing I noticed was the fabric- it’s soft yet lightweight but also stretchy and water repellant. Next, I noticed the sealed zippers which are a must-have in my book. Rain jackets without sealed zippers won’t keep you dry and the things inside your pockets from getting wet but that’s not the case with the Barrage Technical Shell. This shell is one of my favorite gifts for outdoor lovers because it has a generous hood to fit over a winter hat with drawstrings to keep it snug on your head. The six pockets are perfect for dog treats, keys, gloves, lip balm, and anything else I might need on a close to home adventure but also plenty of space for tissues, protein bar, lip balm, and a baggie of Hi-Chews out on the trail. Made with sustainable materials (fibers spun from recycled plastic and coffee grounds) and coated in the latest and greatest in weather-proofing technology, this shell is made to perform and be good for the planet.
Ski Goggles from Bling2O ($29.95)
You know those times when you wish things made for kids came in adult sizes, that’s how I feel about Bling2O’s ski goggles! These goggles are on my favorite gifts for outdoor lovers because they’re colorful, stylish, and come with anti-fog lenses and UV protection. The adjustable strap ensures a snug and comfortable fit, making these goggles a great choice for skiing, snowboarding, or any adventure in the snow. Plus, they’re durable, playful, come with a hard case. They’re a must-have for kids who like fashion and function or want an option besides boring black. Fingers crossed Bling2O starts making these in adult sizes because I’d like a pair!
Alpaca Duffel 100 from Gregory ($129)
When you have to get your gear from point A to point B, the 100 liter Alpaca duffel is a rugged and dependable choice that is . This water-resistant duffel makes my list of favorite gifts for outdoor lovers because our Eagle Scout has one and loves it! It’s traveled to college, spent the summer in Northern California when he worked as a camp counselor this summer, and is a frequent visitor on trips home from college. He loves the large U-zip opening that allows him to pack easily and see all of his gear. The removable padded shoulder straps make for easy carrying since they allow the duffel to be carried like a backpack. He’s also a fan of the more subtle branding, especially compared to a popular competitor’s whose similar bag is almost twice the price.
On the Go Toolkit from Dr. Doug’s Balms ($25)
Keep skin happy with Dr. Doug’s On the Go Toolkit. This affordably priced travel trio of products is one of my favorite gifts for outdoor lovers for its ability to hydrate, calm, and protect your skin wherever life may take you. It includes Original Miracle Balm, a non-greasy, all-natural balm that soothes dry, itchy and chafed skin. A Mini Twist-Up of Miracle Balm + Clear Zinc provides sun protection while promoting healing. There’s also a Lip Logic, a highly moisturizing balm that provides lasting hydration for smooth, soft lips around the clock
32 oz Anti-Water Bottle with Caribiner from Vapur ($12.69)
When you’re hiking or backpacking, every ounce of weight matters and the Vapur 32 oz Anti-Water Bottle weighs less than 2 ounces when empty. Called an Anti-Water Bottle it defies all the laws of what a water bottle “should be.” Unlike traditional rigid bottles, it’s eusable, foldable, attachable, freezable, sustainable, convenient, and easy-to-grip. It lays flat when empty and can be folded or rolled and tucked into the attached carabiner for storage. It’s also BPA free and super easy to wash. I love my Vapur bottle and can’t recommend the 32 ounce size enough!
Kachula Adventure Blanket from Coalatree ($44.99, regularly $89)
The All Day from Outsider ($23.99)
*Purchase of products support the Navy SEAL Foundation and Gold Star Wives
As my everyday water bottle, my new go-to is The All Day from The Outsider. This 26 oz insulated water bottle is the perfect size to be the balance of capacity for hydration and size that is easy to carry without being a burden. I love that it keeps drinks hot for 10 hours and cold for 40 hours. The plastic chug spout helps you hydrate quickly without spilling and the no-slip base ensures your bottle stays put.
Knee Stabilizing Compression Pants from Bracelayer (starting at $135)
Last year I got my first two pairs of BraceLayer pants and they’ve been a game changer for protecting my knees when running and skiing and helping with recovery. Bracelayer’s Knee Stabilizing Compression Pants for men and women provide improved knee support and stability so I can keep doing what I love. Their leggings and pants feature built-in compression knee braces that offer unparalleled levels of stability, balance, pain relief, and recovery capabilities when compared to traditional compression tights.
If you’re not familiar with Bracelayer, their products feature a unique Tri-Tech Support Layer, which incorporates a thin layer of medical-grade, perforated neoprene around the knees and hips. This extra layer of compression helps to relieve knee pain and to provide extra support, stability, and protection to active and recovering knees. As someone who has worn knee compression sleeves under pants and doesn’t love how they always bunch up, Bracelayer’s combination of combines compression tights with knee sleeves help protect their knees and stay active through their different product lines.
I’m a big fan of their KS Collection KS1 Vent 7/8 Knee Support Compression Pants ($135). This line features knee support and built in support with luxurious StabiLuxe+ compression fabric bases. The KS collection has discreet logos, comfortable yoga-style drawstring waistbands, and convenient pockets for your phone and essentials.
For winter recovery or as a ski base layer, I prefer the Bracelayer’s Alpine Collection features fleece lined thermal compression base layers in both KX and KS styles. The Women’s KS1 Alpine Boot Cut 7/8 Thermal Base Layer with Knee Support ($150). This pair of pants is my go-to baselayer when skiing in below freezing temps in powder at Vail because they’re super under my ski pants and keep my knees feeling great with every turn, mogul, and jump.
I Ski Necklace from Few Made ($33.75, regularly $45)
For women who love to spend time on the slopes like I do, the I Ski Necklace from Few Made makes a wonderful gift. It features gold skis crossed with cubic zirconia accents and the length can be adjusted from 16-18”
Camping Hammock from Gorilla Grip ($19.99)
Our family has a collection of hammocks and some have been better than others. You’d think with hammocks, that you would get what you pay for except my son’s pricey hammock ripped after he had set it up between two trees. Fortunately, he didn’t get hurt but if you live for backyard naps or weekend hikes, Gorilla Grip’s Camping Hammock makes a fine choice. It’s affordably priced, lightweight, durable, easy to pack, and come in a variety of color combinations. Plus, with , 4.7 stars on Amazon and 554+ reviews, you can’t go wrong for the price!
Water Filtration Systems from Sawyer (starting at $16.99)
As I look to do more backpacking in preparation for a week-long backpacking trip to Big Bend National Park in December 2026, water filtration is on my mind. We’ll have access to water but need a way to filter out bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, and other things that could put our health at risk. Fortunately, Sawyer has a huge array of water filtration products that are perfect for a group as well as prep hikes before our big trip.
For our large group, the One Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System ($46.99) is exactly what we need because of its ability to let gravity do the work of filtering water for our group in only 7 minutes. This light, but robust, solution is exactly what we need to take on our week-long adventure.
In the meantime, my husband and I are starting to think about some long weekend backpacking trips together to get ready for our longer trip. For the 2 of us, Sawyer’s Cnoc Premium 2 Liter Squeeze Water Filtration System ($64.99) is perfect. The reeusable Sawyer Squeeze Filter lasts up to 100,000 gallons and including the cleaning coupling and plunger, weighs under 6 ounces. I appreciate that every Sawyer filter is triple-tested for safety and is versatile since this product is versatile since it can function as a squeeze filter or in a gravity setup.
Insect Repellent Solutions from Sawyer (starting at $8.49)
I am a mosquito magnet. It doesn’t matter where in the world or country I am, mosquitos always find me! Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of mosquito repellents, and nothing has been as effective as the ones I’ve recently tried from Sawyer. I took Sawyer’s 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray with me to Jamaica to keep mosquitos at bay while I was teaching. The 3 ounce formula was travel-friendly and a lifesaver in keeping me bite-free when teaching in indoor/outdoor classroom with relatively still air.
Keep you, your family, and your dogs in the great outdoors with these other Insect Repellant from Sawyer. I highly recommend:
- Controlled Release Insect Repellant lotion ($8.49)- Odorless, non-greasy, and sweat resistant lotion, this easy-to-apply formula releases DEET over 11 hours
- Permethrin for Dogs ($18.49)- Safe for dogs, Permethrin works to repel or kills disease-spreading ticks (Lyme disease) that can hitch a ride with your four legged loved one in your backyard or on the trail.
- Permethrin Fabric Treatment Spray ($18.49 for 24 ounces)- Use on your clothes for double protection from insects
Any of Sawyer’s insect repellents can be used with their Stay Put Bonding Base SPF 30 Sunscreen ($11.99 for 4 ounces).
X-Open True Open-Ear Earbuds from Treblab ($69.97, regularly $99.97)
Despite being an iPhone and Mac user, and having to get an Apple Watch when my Garmin died, I don’t have a pair of AirPods. One would think I’d want to complete my Apple collection but honestly, there are other earbuds that work better for me for a fraction of the price. For runs, I prefer Treblab’s X-Open True Open-Ear Earbuds because let me enjoy listening to my playlist while staying aware of my surroundings. I love that they’re lightweight, have ear hooks that help them stay secure so I don’t have to worry about them falling out, have 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, and are compatible with Siri and Google Assistant for hands-free convenience.
Kane Revive Recovery Shoes ($85)
Kane Revives are the kind of product that you might look at and immediately reject but are well worth considering. If you’re not familiar with Kane Recovery Shoes, they’re unique injection molded shoes designed to help tired legs and feet feel better through active recovery and they work. When I first got my pair of Kanes and slipped them on, I loved how they hugged my feet. I could feel the raised footbed nodes stimulate the bottoms of my feet to activate blood flow in key pressure points. The anatomical design secured my heels, while supporting my arch and instep which is important if you have plantar fasciitis like I do.
Made of bio-based closed-cell RestoreFoam™, the shoes don’t absorb moisture, making them functional in water, fast-drying, and easy to clean. Holes in the shoes help your feet breathe, even in warm weather. So far, I’ve worn my pair mostly inside and without socks but I suppose they would work just as well with a pair of thin socks though they might lessen the effect of the raised footbed nodes. If you want the full effect of Kanes, the Revive AC (all conditions) might be for you since they’re made without holes for all-season recovery and functionality.
There’s no shortage of color combinations of Kanes to choose from. Each pair comes with a carabiner for clipping your pair of Kanes to a backpack or hanging them in a locker.
High Performance Running Hats from Alter Ego ($49)
I feel like I spend more time wearing hats than not. I have favorites in my collection and while my St. Jude Hero hats will always be my favorites, my Alter Ego ones come in second because they fit my small head well. Unlike most hats that just come in one size, Alter Ego hats come in sizes small, standard, and X-Large. The size chart is extremely helpful in finding the best fit. Last year I ordered a Standard when I should have gotten a Small but lesson learned! With so many designs and seasonal releases, there’s an Alter Ego hat for everyone on your list.
10,000 mAh Fast Charging PowerBank from Limitless ($79.99)
I’ve owned a lot of portable chargers since starting this blog and the Limitless PowerBank is a new favorite. It’s much lighter than my previous 10,000 MaH charger, features built in cords, and has a built in flashlight. I took it with me Jamaica when I was there in September teaching reading as a volunteer with Great Shape! Inc. Having a portable power source with a flashlight on an island where the power could be unpredictable provided peace of mind. It’s definitely coming back with me when I return for a Hurricane Melissa relief trip in 2026.
Pickleball Start Set from Gorilla Grip ($34.95)
If learning to play pickleball is a 2026 resolution, Gorilla Grip’s Pickleball Starter Set provides everything for a beginner or seasoned player who wants their own set. The set comes with 2 powerful paddles, 2 indoor balls, 2 outdoor balls, and carrying case. A set of 4 paddles plus 2 indoor and 2 outdoor balls and a carrying case is also available for $51.95.
Flying Ring ($19.99) or Flying Disc ($39.99) from Tosy
Getting the whole family outside to play in the dark becomes more fun with a Flying Ring or Flying Disc from Tosy. Looking for top gifts that won’t break the bank? TOSY Flying Disc is a favorite gifts for outdoor lovers since it’s the ultimate fusion of tech and play. With 36 RGB LEDs creating 16 million color variations as it soars through the air, it’s a must-have for kids, teens, and families who love to get outdoors, day or night.
The TOSY Flying Ring ($19.95) is for performance and durability. This waterproof flying ring delivers smooth, precise flights in any weather. Its lightweight design makes impressive throws and catches effortless, while built-in LED lights extend the fun after dark.
Deep Tissue Massage Gun from Turonic ($189.97, regularly $269.97)
Knots form when muscles are tense and you could massage or roll them away, or as my husband prefers, target the tight spots with a massage gun. Turonic’s Deep Tissue Massage Gun comes with 7 heads for different muscle groups, a special anti-cellulite head, and 5 intensity modes. Unlike our previous massage gun, Turonic’s GM5 is incredibly quiet! It can be hard to get on board with a massage gun but we’ve been using this one since it arrived in our house and it’s also been reviewed by Forbes, New York Magazine, Wired, Runner’s World, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, and more. It’s an investment, even at the sale price, but when you consider that it’s about the price of an hour-long massage before tip, it’s worth it as a gift that won’t disappoint.
Angglz Original Knee Rest ($49)- AFF
*Woman-owned company
Sometimes sore knees just need a rest to feel better! Angglz is a portable knee rest that provides simple knee support at two adjustable angles that enhance knee recovery by maximizing comfort. This modern, science-backed solution was invented by a physical therapist to offer relief from pain, swelling, stiffness and instability. Angglz can be used everywhere to get active people back to doing what they love.
Active Noise-Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones from Treblab ($68.39, regularly $129.97)
Even though I prefer earbuds, there are times when I like over-the-ear headphones and these Bluetooth Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC) ones from Treblab are amazing, especially since they’re on sale for a little over half the regular price. Hybrid active noise-cancellation help block out distractions in any setting whether you’re on the airplane, working in a local café, or workout out. Soft ear cushions, a lightweight build, and IPX4-rated makes them a perfect workout partner and if you must answer a call during from the gym, 4 built-in mics deliver crystal-clear calls. USB-C quick charge delivers up to 55 hours of use in just minutes.
Swim Goggles from Bling2O ($23.95-$25.95)
For winter swimmers, those going on a tropical getaway, or others who are counting down the days until their neighborhood pool re-opens, Bling2O’s swim goggles are a must-have. Perfect for pool time, swim lessons, or beach days, these 100% silicone and latex-free goggles combine quality and whimsical design for kids who love to swim in style or make a statement in the water. Lenses are anti-fog, and have UV protection, and come with a hard protective case.
Hypershell (starting at $899)
If you’ve never heard of outdoor exoskeletons, meet Hypershell! When Hypershell reached out to me, I had a hard time wrapping my head around how an outdoor exoskeleton could assist my movement when half marathon training, keeping up with my college students on the ski slopes, or preparing week-long backpacking trip until I watched this video. I was immediately fascinated by the possibility of using an exoskeleton and while the price is high, it’s one of my favorite gifts for outdoor lovers as a wish list item.
Think of Hypershell as a tool that uses motors and AI to manage physical strain during movement. Motors provide a strength boost to every step to support your body (legs, core, and back). This aids muscles so you can carry weight more efficiently while keeping every movement natural and controlled.
Hypershell’s AI MotionEngine monitors motion in real time, tracking stride, posture, and pace. It automatically adjusts so movement will follow your natural movement to remain smooth and controlled. While Hypershell products don’t remove physical weight of backpacks or gear, it helps manage these loads more efficiently. Legs feel less fatigued, the back carries less strain, and energy is maintained for longer periods of activity.
While I haven’t tried Hypershell yet, I look forward to trying one in 2026 and sharing my experience with you through my blog and social posts. I’m excited to feel how it can help me move past physical boundaries to find freedom, excitement of adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors whether you’re on a long hike, out on a morning run, hitting the slopes, or just want every step to feel lighter in the great outdoors.
Hypershell is available in 4 models- X Go ($899) X Pro ($1,099), X Carbon ($1,599), X Ultra ($1,999). Models vary in terms of the amount of reduction to physical exertion, power support, battery range, weight, and intelligent modes.
National Parks of the USA Illustrated Map Scarf from McGovern Outdoors ($24)
National Park enthusiasts will appreciate being able to show off their love of the national parks when they wear this scarf that features 30 of the 62 parks. It’s the perfect accessory to wear on your neck, head, or waist with hiking pants or a little black dress.
HD-Go Pocket-Size Speaker from Treblab ($34.97)
When you want big sound in a small package for an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with Treblab’s HD-Go. We’ve gotten many speakers and headphones from Treblab to test over the past couple years and for the money, you can’t beat the clarity of audio that comes out of their products. The HD-Go delivers deep bass and crisp highs in a pocket-size Bluetooth speaker, weighing less than half a pound. It’s fully waterproof, making it great for the pool, beach, shower, or when you’re enjoying the great outdoors and a rainstorm sneaks up on you. It has a Bluetooth speaker and connects to your phone from up to 34 feet away but go ahead and let your out of office reply do its job and keep enjoying music on your outdoor adventures during your time off.
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike ($139.99)
When our kids were young, they started learning how to ride a bike with a balance bike. Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike is a STEAM-accredited bike that helps children gain confidence and a sense of freedom while learning foundational skills like balance, coordination and vestibular processing. Designed to be super easy for the tiniest toddlers to pick up and ride, Strider Bikes can help walkers go from baby steps to big strides without ever using training wheels. They also help kids learn balance, coordination, problem solving and sensory processing through active play. Plus, Strider kids learn independent cycling 2 years earlier than kids who use training wheels so your family can bike together sooner!
Kenmore Portable Tabletop Retro Grill ($185.49 on Amazon, $199 elsewhere)
This lightweight and portable gas grill features 2 large stainless steel burners for grilling up to 12 burgers at a time, warming rack, and 14,000 BTUs to keep you well fed on tailgates, car camping trips, or at lunch between ski runs. It arrives almost fully pre-assembled for quick setup and features side handles, quick-fold legs, carrying handles, and a lid latch so it’s always ready to go.
Below is the entire list of what you can look forward to this year. These links will go live as guides are published so bookmark or pin this post now so you can come back to it as you do your holiday shopping since I’ll be updating it often!
FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES FROM PAST YEARS
In case you wanted to start making your shopping lists now, here’s a look at past gift guides that are full of great ideas:
I hope you enjoy this year’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide picks and wish you happy and stress-free holiday shopping!
Note to PR: I am happy to accept items for review to consider for specialty guides. Please be specific about the products you’d like me to consider reviewing in your pitch and thanks for understanding I’m on a short deadline to get most gift guides wrapped up before Thanksgiving and do not have the bandwidth to return samples during this extremely busy time of the year. Thank you!
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