During this season of giving, it can be tricky finding that perfect gift for certain people. In particular, adventurous, outdoor-loving folks are difficult to shop for. They seem to already have every gadget imaginable or only want bigger-ticket items!
That's where outdoorsy stocking stuffers come into play. Everyone loves a stocking full of compact goodies, especially when they have a fun nature theme. We came up with 10 of the best, including items that fall into the purely practical, just-for-fun, and nice-to-have categories.
Psst...looking for stocking stuffers for more general travel, not necessarily specific to the outdoors? We've got you covered with a guide on the best stocking stuffers for travelers!
10 of the Best Outdoorsy Stocking Stuffers
1. The Wander Club Wanderchain and Travel Tokens
We can all agree that there are different types of outdoorsy, right? There are thru-hikers and snowboarders and whitewater rafting enthusiasts, all of which have little in common beyond taking place outside.
Another thing we can agree on, however, is that all types of outdoorsy folks enjoy documenting their adventures and travels. That's exactly what makes The Wander Club's Travel Tokens and Wanderchains some of the best outdoorsy stocking stuffers.
Choose from a massive range of tokens, including countries, national parks, landmarks, military bases, stadiums, and even custom options. Similarly, choose Wanderchains in a variety of colors. This is a totally unique, customizable gift (tokens can even be personalized with initials or dates!) that can be added to over time!
2. National Parks Annual Pass
Also known as the "America the Beautiful Pass," a national parks annual pass is the ultimate in outdoor stocking stuffers. It's small, incredibly useful, and is very literally a gift that keeps on giving!
Not only does the pass grant access to all 63 of the official national parks, but it also gives passholders access to over 2,000 other federal recreation sites.
Think national monuments (we're looking at you, Mount Rushmore), national recreation areas (Lake Powell), national lake shores (Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in Michigan), and many, many others.
3. Headlamp
From night hikes and trudging across camp to the bathroom in the dark to pre-dawn trail runs, a quality headlamp is easily one of the best outdoorsy stocking stuffers.
There are countless options, but ideally, you should look for a red light feature and one that's rechargeable.
4. Backpacking Stove
Even if the person you're buying for is an avid tent camper, a backpacking stove makes an excellent outdoorsy stocking stuffer. It's always handy to have one (or two!), whether to prepare hot water for coffee or warm you up in the cold.
5. Portable Power Bank
No matter what kind of adventuring your giftee does, a portable power bank is a must! It ensures all their various devices are charged for streaming music or shows, scrolling social media, and of course, taking pictures, making it one of the best travel gifts overall.
6. LifeStraw
Having clean, safe drinking water is extremely important when you're out in nature. A personal LifeStraw is one of the best outdoorsy stocking stuffers because it offers a super simple, portable solution!
7. Wool Socks
Wool is a seriously impressive fiber, with temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial (anti-stink) properties. This is especially useful in socks, some of the best outdoor stocking stuffers.
8. Outdoorsy Books
There's nothing quite like a good ol' fashioned page-turner, especially at camp or swinging trailside in a hammock.
You can find topics appealing to every possible niche outdoor interest, but here are some of our all-around favorites to give as outdoorsy stocking stuffers.
- The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs
- Subpar Parks: America's Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors
- Where Should We Camp Next? A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations
- Lost on Purpose: The Adventures of a 21st Century Mountain Man
9. Waterproof Phone Pouch
We've all been there: you bring your phone along to take epic photos on that awesome waterfall hike or kayaking trip and it gets a little too wet — or worse, takes a swim.
A simple universal phone pouch can offer protection against that and bonus, it's one of the least expensive outdoor stocking stuffers.
10. Quick-drying Microfiber Towel
Towels are extremely practical, but they're also rather bulky. That isn't the case with lightweight, quick-drying microfiber towels, however. A fraction of the size (and weight) of their traditional terrycloth counterparts, these towels are so well-suited for the outdoors that they're referred to as "camping towels."
