If you’re looking for a gift for that outdoorsy man in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Chances are he already owns most of the obvious gear, so we’re going to help you find those thoughtful practical items he never thought of. After years of using equipment on trails around the world, the items on this gift list are tried and tested by us.
Since we first published this guide in 2020, we tracked what readers are buying and the pattern is very clear… it’s simple realistic items that make his life easier outdoors. This is why we completely overhauled our guide for the 2025 holiday season focusing on 40 reliable items Mark always uses for under $50.
Every product on this list has proven itself through real-world use from Mount Rainier National Park to the Inca Trail in Peru. We organized items into 5 different categories so you can shop by activity to find exactly what he needs.
From our favorite blister-preventing Darn Tough Socks to our reliable LifeStraw, these are the gifts he’ll actually use time and time again.
Hi, we’re Mark and Kristen Morgan. We left our science careers in 2018 to become travel writers and photographers, and since then our expert guides have helped millions of travel planners take better trips. Read more about us.
Why trust us? We’ve hiked, lived and camped full-time across 4 continents, testing product after product. But we’ve had tents blow down in windstorms and we’ve been caught in the dark on a new hiking trail. This isn’t just a list of outdoor gifts, it’s survival.
Note: Our content is reader supported and contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you and it helps us keep this site running.
🧦 High Performance Apparel + Accessories
We think great adventures begin with the basics. For men who spend serious time outdoors, performance apparel isn’t just a luxury, it’s about safety and comfort because small failures can quickly ruin an entire trip. Every item in this category is chosen for its moisture-wicking ability and resistance to withstand the elements.
We’re focusing on the foundation pieces experienced outdoorsman use like quality socks, underwear that works and durable belts. These aren’t the most exciting gifts, but they’re what Mark grabs for all of our adventures because they actually work. When his basic gear is in check, everything else gets easier.
1. Darn Tough Socks
If there’s only one product you seriously consider on this list, let it be these Darn Tough Socks. When we first started hiking, we really underestimated the importance of a good sock and made the rookie mistake of using cheap cotton blends. We unnecessarily suffered through miles of painful blisters. Then we finally bought our first pair of Darn Toughs in 2021, and haven’t had one blister since.
Made from merino wool, these socks help to regulate temperature and wick away sweat so our feet are comfortable in both hot and dry climates. Mark loves them because they resist odor so he can easily wear the same pair on a multi-day trip saving space in his bag. They’re always our top recommendation for any outdoor lover because they come with a lifetime guarantee, making them one of the best values in hiking gear.
Price: $22.00-$30.00
>> BUY: Amazon | REI | Darn Tough
2. Carhartt Beanie
We’ve gifted this Carhartt beanie several times, and it’s one of those presents that never disappoints. It’s a trendy beanie actually created for work so it won’t fall apart after one season of use, making it the perfect item for any outdoor adventure.
The acrylic knit is soft, but surprisingly warm with the ability to retain heat even when it gets damp from sweat or snow. Available in multiple colors for under $20, we think this is a simple essential that just works. It’s the kind of gear that lasts so long, he won’t even remember when he first got it.
Price: $19.99
>> BUY: Amazon
3. Binoculars
We always throw a pair of binoculars into our bag because they’ve completely changed how we experience the outdoors. One of our favorite memories is when we visited Yellowstone National Park and watched a lone wolf near Grand Prismatic Spring. We would have completely missed it if we didn’t have binoculars.
These Aurosport’s deliver 10x the magnification all tucked into a compact design so they fit easily into a jacket pocket. The multi-coated optics provide a clear, crisp view for the price point and they’re fully waterproof or fog proof. This is a great option for anyone who wants to connect more deeply with nature or spot wildlife without hauling around professional-grade glass.
Price: $29.99
>> BUY: Amazon
4. Goodr Sunglasses
When Mark’s expensive Ray-Bans were stolen from our hotel room in Singapore, we officially made the switch to Goodr sunglasses for travel and hiking. We like these affordable shades because they offer 100% UV protection and polarized lenses without the price tag of a designer brand.
But what eventually sold us was the thousands of reviews praising the no-slip fit. After testing them ourselves, we agree they actually stay in place during runs, long hikes and sweaty rock scrambles. And at this price point, Mark owns several pairs so he always has a back up. The best part is if we lose or break them, it’s only a $25 replacement.
Price: $25.00-$35.00
5. CoolNet UV Buff
We’ve used buffs since we started traveling back in 2018. They are one of the most versatile pieces of gear we own. As backpackers who like to keep our bag light, we recommend buffs because they weigh practically nothing, but can be worn in 12 different ways including as a headband, bandana, balaclava or neck gaiter.
From exploring high-altitude trails in La Paz, Bolivia to desert hikes in the American Southwest, we like the CoolNet UV fabric because it works to block 95% of harmful UV rays while wicking away sweat to keep us dry. It’s a small gift any outdoorsman will love and we bet he’ll always use it.
Price: $20.00-$35.00
6. Arcade Belt
If your man hikes with a traditional belt, it might be time to switch to an Arcade Belt. This is one of the most purchased items we see on our guide year after year. Arcade Belt’s are created from a woven elastic webbing made to stretch when he bends, scrambles or sits down.
Mark likes to wear his belt for traveling and golf because it moves with his body instead of fighting against it. He also loves the quick drying aspect because it stays dry whenever he gets wet. We think this is a great gift for any guy who wants a comfortable belt. It’s a simple upgrade that will make a huge difference.
Price: $39.95-$44.95
7. Acorn Moc Slippers
Camp slippers might sound like an unnecessary luxury until you’ve spent an entire day in hiking boots. Mark thinks one of the best feelings after a long day on the trails is finally being able to take off his boots and slip into something a little more comfortable.
He likes these Acorn moccasin slippers because they have a sturdy, no-slip rubber sole making them great for indoor or outdoor use. After a few uses, the memory foam insole molded to his feet and now they’ve become one of his first packed items no matter where we go. For guys who camp or backpack regularly, quality footwear isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential recovery gear.
Price: $50.00 (but Amazon runs great deals)
8. Ex Officio Boxer Briefs
Similar to socks, cotton is a no-go when it comes to underwear in the backcountry. Cotton traps moisture, causes chafing and takes forever to dry. Mark likes these boxer briefs because they are made from a lightweight, breathable mesh fabric with a very soft wood-based fiber waistband. He made the switch years ago and has never looked back.
While a pair of these boxers runs a little pricier than other options, Mark thinks they are worth it for the quick-drying feature. Not only does this synthetic fabric wick away sweat, but it can dry in just a few hours. For any guy going on an overnight trip or traveling, this underwear upgrade will change his entire experience. You can pair it with Happy Nuts for the ultimate present.
Price: $32.00-$55.00 (for 2 pairs)
🍳 Camp Kitchen + Cooking Upgrades
A hot meal outside isn’t just about the calories, it’s about creating memories. After a long day hiking or exploring, we think good food can make everything better. So this category features items to help make camp meals more enjoyable.
We’ve included both ends of the spectrum from our favorite cast iron skillet for car camping when weight doesn’t matter to ultralight fuel canisters when every ounce counts. These gift ideas turn a routine necessity into something he’ll actually look forward to cooking.
9. YETI Shot Glasses
There’s something about a good campfire toast to help any day feel legendary. We love YETI because their products last for years and the quality is truly unmatched. So when Mark saw these shot glasses, we just had to give them a try.
Made from YETI’s famous double-wall insulation, these babies are virtually indestructible and they can withstand any rough night. For portability, the four shot glasses stack down into a compact carrying case. We recently brought them to a tailgate, and they were a huge hit! For guys who appreciate a good drink after hard day, this is one gift he’ll really appreciate.
Price: $50.00
10. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Ultralight gear has its place on the trail, but at a campsite, nothing beats the performance of cast iron. We’ve been cooking with the same Lodge skillet for almost a decade, and it’s only gotten better with age. Our Lodge has become more seasoned and reliable than any other fancy cookware we’ve tried.
We like cooking with cast iron because it retains heat extremely well so you can easily cook over a campfire, propane stove, or grill with no problem. It also comes pre-seasoned so its ready to use straight out of the box. This is the ultimate gift for the guy who loves to cook outdoors.
Price: $34.95
11. Sea To Summit Bowl
Hard-sided camp bowls are bulky and annoying to pack, especially when you’re trying to keep your bag light. We like these collapsible Sea to Summit bowls because they fold down into practically nothing and we always bring them on our thru-hikes. It’s the perfect solution for anyone trying to save a little bit of space.
These bowls are made from food-grade silicone with a reinforced rim and they are sturdy enough to hold hot soup or chili without spilling in your hands. It’s also extremely heat resistance so you can enjoy a hot meal without it burning your hands. This is one of those small upgrades that makes packing way less frustrating.
Price: $19.95-$22.95
12. Mountain House Meals
After hiking miles with a heavy backpack, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend an hour cooking dinner. Mountain House meals solve this problem by delivering food in less than 10 minutes. All you have to do is boil water, pour it in the pouch, wait and eat.
We’ve used Mountain House meals for years because they are some of the best backpacking meals we’ve tried. Our favorite flavors are the beef stroganoff and the chicken tikka masala, but there’s a lot more to choose from. For any guy doing multi-day hikes or anyone building an emergency preparedness kit, this is a great option.
Price: $12.00
>> BUY: Amazon | REI | Mountain House
13. Camp Cocktails
Camping isn’t just about surviving, it’s about enjoying yourself. The Camp Cocktails book is the ultimate manual for elevating the camp bar. It’s unique because it solves the challenge of having to haul an entire bar set up into the wilderness. The recipes use minimal ingredients and don’t require any fancy tools.
This is one of our coffee table books, and it always gets our guests talking. Inside you’ll find whiskey-based campfire classics to refreshing rum drinks perfectly blending cocktail culture to outdoor reality. It’s the perfect gift for the guy who wants to elevate his camping experiences beyond beer and boxed wine.
Price: $14.60
>> BUY: Amazon
14. Weber Wood Chips
Campfire cooking is good, but adding wood smoker chips takes it to a completely new level. We started using these chips for grilling last year, and the smokey flavor makes even basic burgers and chicken taste like they came straight from a smoker. But keep in mind, different woods create different flavors. Hickory works well with beef, sweet flavors like apple and cherry is great for chicken or fish and mesquite is perfect for steaks.
We like the size of these wood chips and they burn quite evenly. Before grilling, we let them soak in water for about 30 minutes and then they produce a steady stream of smoke. For guys who take camp cooking seriously, or if you just want to impress your friends at your next bbq, wood chips are an easy upgrade.
Price: $8.99
>> BUY: Amazon
15. Fuel Canister
A fast, reliable stove is worthless without the right type of fuel. But not all canisters are created equal because they’re made with difference mixtures of isobutane, propane and butane. We like MSR IsoPro because it’s made from 80% isobutane and 20% propane so it can handle colder temps. The canisters come in 4oz, 8oz, and 16oz so your man can choose the right size depending on his activity.
We’ve also used Coleman propane canisters for general camping use in many of the US national parks. Coleman is a great option for simple outdoor gatherings or tailgating and it usually runs a little cheaper. Both brands perform really well and are always reliable for us. This is a probably an item he’ll have to buy anyway so it’s a thoughtful gift his wallet will appreciate.
Price: $5.95-$14.99
16. Ooni 12″ Pizza Peel
We’ve been experimenting with making our own pizzas, and this pizza peel changed how we do everything. The Ooni Pizza Oven is on our wishlist, but we currently use this reel in our oven and it still works great. Pizzas cook at very high temperatures so being able to keep away from the heat is a huge bonus for us.
The pictured pizza reel is made from aluminum, but it’s also available in bamboo. We use the aluminum one and we highly recommend adding a little flour or cornmeal to the bottom of your pizza so it doesn’t stick. If your man owns a portable pizza oven, or cooks pizza on a stone over the grill, he definitely needs a proper pizza peel.
Price: $55.00 (but it often goes on sale)
🛠 Tools, Utility + Relaxation
Sometimes exploring the outdoors is about solving problems quickly and then relaxing when the work is done. Our next category covers both ends of the spectrum including practical tools that fix issues before they become disasters and comfort items to turn the campsite into a place he actually wants to be.
We always like to carry a multi-tool or repair kit that can save our trip when we’re miles from the trailhead. These items can handle everything from setting up camp to making quick repairs. So if your man needs to MacGyver a broken tent pole or kick back after a long day, these are the gifts to help him prepare for both the work and the reward.
17. Classic Swiss Army Knife
Mark loves his Swiss Army Knife and always finds some way to use it whether it be on the trail, around camp, or everyday life. It’s one of those extremely useful and portable tools. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
We like the classic model because it’s affordable and equipped with numerous gadgets to help with everyday tasks. The classic version comes with a small blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, key ring, toothpick and tweezers. For under $25, this is one of those gifts that will be used constantly and last for years.
Price: $24.00
18. Adventure Medical Kits
One of the 10 hiking essentials, a medical kit is an item any outdoorsman should always carry. We recommend the Adventure Medical series because it’s a pre-packaged bag with everything he needs from trauma pads to tweezers and blister supplies to medication. The waterproof field guide featuring tips about treating common trail injuries is also a nice touch.
We really like this kit because every item is stored in a color-coded zippered pocket so we can always easily find what we need. It really came in handy when Kristen’s ankle swelled from a bee sting while hiking in Shenandoah National Park. Luckily, we were able to quickly find antihistamines and wraps instead of digging through the entire kit which made the situation a lot less stressful. It’s the kind of gift you hope he never has to use, but will be grateful to have when something goes wrong.
Price: $32.95
>> BUY: Amazon | REI | Adventure Medical Kits
19. ENO Hammock
A hammock isn’t just for post-hike recovery, it’s for any moment you want to relax outdoors. We’ve thrown our ENO in the car for beach days, park hang outs and lakeside afternoons because hammocks can be more fun than just a regular camping chair.
ENO sells various hammocks including the TravelNest, SingleNest (fits one person) and DoubleNest (fits two people). All 3 models fit up to 400 pounds and come in various colors. We have the DoubleNest but it usually runs about $75 so if you want something cheaper, shop the single versions.
Price: $54.95 (discounts available certain times of year)
20. Tenacious Tape
Gear failures always happen when you least expect them. No one wants a ripped puffy jacket on a chilly morning or a torn tent during a rainstorm. We’ve had both happen and this Tenacious Tape solved the problem quickly when our gear gave out. The heavy-duty adhesive is designed to create a permanent, waterproof seal on almost any fabric.
One of the best applications we’ve used this tape for was when we were traveling through Asia and a cat scratched a gaping hole in Mark’s Osprey Farpoint 40. Luckily, we had a roll of Tenacious Tape so we slapped a bit on and Mark’s backpack has held up ever since just like new. We like the small roles so we can cut custom-sized pieces for whatever we need, but it also comes in pre-cut patches if your man has specific needs.
Price: $7.95-$17.95
21. Be An Expert With Map And Compass
There’s a good chance your outdoorsy man has a compass, but does he really know how to use it? Mark loves this book because it helped him hone his map and compass skills years ago. From reading it he was able to actually understand different types of terrain, how to plot a route, and stay on course without any digital help.
This is a book that will teach your man real navigation so you can have peace of mind next time he ventures outdoors. It’s extremely clear and practical with illustrations and exercises. For guys who want to improve their skills in the backcountry or anyone wanting to learn what to do when you accidentally venture off trail, this book provides a foundation of knowledge for safer navigation.
Price: $13.99
>> BUY: Amazon
22. Morakniv Knife
A solid fixed-blade knife is one of those tools you don’t fully appreciate until you need it. Morakniv is a very high rated brand offering an all-in-one knife for outdoor enthusiasts. It can be used for backpacking, fishing, camping, hunting and so much more. We gifted this knife and it was extremely well received.
The blade is made from stainless steel and stays sharp longer than carbon steel. It’s also less prone to rust making it ideal for just about anything. The knife comes with a basic plastic sheath that can clip onto a belt, and around $20 bucks, it punches way above its price point.
Price: $21.99
>> BUY: Amazon
23. Carabiner
Cheap carabiners from the hardware store are fine for clipping keys, but for anything that actually matters, you need something that won’t let you down. Mark always has a few of these Black Diamond carabiners stashed in his backpack because you never know when you’re going to need one.
We like the screwgate locking mechanism because they won’t accidentally open when weighted. Extremely popular with climbers, these carabiners are made from hot-forged aluminum so they’re incredibly durable and can withstand the test of time. We highly recommend having a few for any scenarios that may come his way.
Price: $38.95
>> BUY: Amazon | REI | Black Diamond
24. Gerber Hatchet
A knife can shave kindling, but for serious firewood production, you need a hatchet. When we drove around the US (twice), we packed a hatchet and it saved us in more way than we expected. Not only was it great for splitting wood, but it was great for clearing brush.
We like this Gerber Hatchet because it’s only 10 inches and just over a pound so it’s very easy to pack up. It also comes with a sheath to help protect the blade. So for the guys who love to build a campfire or camp in areas where he has to gather his own wood, this is the perfect tool.
Price: $46.99
In the backcountry, knowing how to be prepared is the key to survival. It’s the difference between a manageable problem and a dangerous situation that often comes down to having the right tools and knowledge. This category covers the safety and navigation essentials experienced outdoorsmen shouldn’t leave home without.
Mark always checks the next eight items before we head outdoors. From navigational tools that work if our phone dies and various trail maps to back up water sources and headlamps so we won’t be left in the dark. These tools seperate the casual hikers from people who genuinely know what they’re doing out there.
25. Astro 300 Headlamp
A headlamp is one of the ten hiking essentials and it’s crucial any outdoorsman always has one handy for those unexpected moments. After testing multiple headlamps over the years, we think the Black Diamond Astro 300 hits the sweet spot between performance and price. It’s affordable and will give him peace of mind no matter where he wanders.
We’ve always been terrified of having a dead headlamp miles from the trailhead, but the Astro runs on both AAA batteries and rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery (sold separately). This dual-fuel feature is what completely won us over. We’ve used the Astro 300 for everything from sunrise summit hikes to midnight bathroom runs, and it’s proven reliable in just about every weather condition possible.
Price: $24.95
>> BUY: Amazon | REI | Black Diamond
26. Trail Map Subscription
If your man is a serious hiker, a premium map subscription is an essential safety upgrade he’ll really come to love. While we always recommend carrying paper maps as back up, we use our Gaia GPS trail map subscription to download detailed topographic maps that work offline when cell services disappears. It was incredibly helpful when we hiked The Wave in Arizona.
The two most popular subscriptions are AllTrails+ and Gaia GPS. There are certainly pros and cons to both which you can read more about our comparison of the best hiking apps. Beyond emergencies, these subscriptions unlock features we always use for gauging elevation profiles, trail condition reports, GPS tracking and marking custom waypoints like campsites or water sources. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving!
Price: $2.99-$4.99/month
>> BUY: AllTrails+ | Gaia GPS Premium
27. Bear Spray
If your man is headed into bear country (think Yellowstone, Glacier, the Rockies and Alaska) bear spray isn’t an optional item, it’s essential safety gear. When we’re in grizzly territory, we always carry bear spray because it’s a safe effective way to stop a bear from charging.
We like Counter Assault because it delivers the maximum EPA-allowed capsaicin concentration (2%) in a spray that shoots 30 ft, giving you range to deter a charging bear before it’s too late. We highly recommend purchasing the bear spray with the holster so your man can always have it at the ready. Hopefully he never needs to use it, but if he does, he’ll be grateful he has it.
Price: $49.95
28. Nalgene Water Bottle
Nalgene water bottles have been extremely popular for decades, and it’s the best foundation for any outdoor kit. Kristen remembers using her trusty pink Nalgene when she was a kid in gymnastics and you’ll always find one in our day bag.
This brand is well known for it’s incredible durability. Nalgene bottles can survive repeated drops and extreme temperatures without cracking. We love the wide mouth design because it’s easy to fill it from any stream and you can actually get your hand inside for proper cleaning. For all hikes, we pair our Nalgene with our LifeStraw (the next item on our list). Available in various colors and sizes from 16oz to 48oz, these bottles will outlast most of his other gear.
Price: $12.00-$16.99
29. LifeStraw
We’ve carried a LifeStraw on trails all around the world since 2018. It’s bailed us out more times than we can count when water sources were low or we questioned the water quality. We honestly believe the LifeStraw is one of those deceptively simple products that can genuinely save your trip, or even your life.
It’s extremely easy to use because all you have to do is stick it into any water source and take a drink. The microfiltration membrane filters out 99.99% of bacteria and parasites instantly. Less than 2.0 ounces and about the size of a large marker, it takes up almost no space in our backpacks. Our LifeStraw gives us peace of mind when we’re relying on natural water sources in the backcountry. This is honestly one of the smartest investments you can make for him.
Price: $17.49-$24.95
30. Nat Geo Trail Map
Phones die, signals drop, and suddenly you’re standing at a trail junction with no idea which way to go. This is a bad situation and it’s always why we recommend paper maps as a backup when you’re exploring unfamiliar trails. It’s one navigation tool that never runs out of battery or loses signal.
National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated maps are printed on tear-resistant and waterproof material so it can hold up to the elements. The topographic details highlight elevation contours, trail networks, campsites and water sources. Available for specific regions, national parks and wilderness areas, these maps are only $15 and last for years. We just bought one for Great Smoky Mountains National Park because we plan to take our daughter next year.
Price: $14.95
31. Pro-Knot Outdoor Knots
Knowing how to tie a few essential knots isn’t just a nice skill, we think it’s a safety tool that can get you out of real situations in the wilderness. Kristen always carries this waterproof six-card set in her bag because it’s a quick guide with clear illustrations to help us tie 23 useful knots within a matter of seconds. Each card is laminated so they easily hold up to the elements.
We’ve used the Bowline knot to secure a bear bag and anchor a tarp at our campsite. But the set also includes the Trucker’s Hitch which is useful for strapping gear to any vehicle and the Clove Hitch which is great for hanging clothes. We like this low-cost gift because it requires zero batteries, and teaches skills he’ll use for a lifetime.
Price: $6.95
32. Anker Power Bank
After owning several Anker products from headphones to speakers, we decided to try the Anker Power Bank because we always carry a back up power source. We liked it because at just 8.6oz, it’s light enough to justify bringing on long hikes. We’ve used it to keep our phone and inReach communicator charged, but it’s also great for headlamps, cameras or any USB device.
A full battery can charge both of our iPhone 16’s making it perfect for a weekend away or a multi-day hike after using our GPS navigation and taking a lot of photos. The dual port allows us to charge two devices simultaneously and the entire battery recharges in about 4 hours. We think this is an essential piece of gear for any trip over two days where he depends on electronics.
Price: $25.90
>> BUY: Amazon
🎄 Stocking Stuffers + Small Luxuries
The best stocking stuffers aren’t just cheap fillers, they’re small, practical items that will actually get used on every trip. This category features budget-friendly essentials that solve his problems, add comfort, or provide backup solutions to his everyday adventures.
These are some of the most purchased items we’ve seen from this gift guide year after year. They don’t cost much, but they’re thoughtful gifts that show you actually understand what he’s getting into outdoors. These are practical upgrades that we guarantee will earn a spot in his gear bag.
33. Basecamp Chess + Checkers
Camp evenings can be long, especially during rainy afternoons or after dark when you’ve exhausted all the conversation. This portable chess and checker set is surprisingly entertaining when you’re stuck in the tent or need to kill time at the picnic table. We’ve also brought it on a few international trips and it’s kept us thoroughly entertained.
The board folds up and weighs practically nothing, and all of the pieces are magnetic. It’s perfect for playing outdoors because the pieces don’t get blown away when the wind picks up. This is one of those simple additions that transforms downtime into actual fun. It’s great for families, groups or anyone who loves to camp.
Price: $24.95
34. Sawyer Permethrin Repellent
For the experienced outdoorsman, ticks and mosquitos aren’t just annoying, they can be serious health risks. That’s why we like using Sawyer Permethrin to treat all of our gear before taking a trip into the wilderness. It’s become part of our pre-trip routine.
Unlike DEET that you typically apply to your skin and then rubs off in a few hours, Permethrin is a clothing gear treatment that bonds to fabric so it lasts up to 6 weeks or 6 washes. All you have to do is spray it onto your shorts, pants, socks or backpack and let it dry for 24 hours. Once dry, it’s odorless and won’t stain fabrics. This is a professional step for complete bug safety no matter where he goes.
Price: $17.95
35. Zippo Lighter
Mark has owned the same Zippo lighter for years and it still lights on the first flick every time. He likes Zippo because it has a windproof design that keeps the flame going even when it’s windy which is essential when we’re trying to start a fire at an exposed campsite.
He’s dropped it on rocks and left it out in the rain, but it still provides a steady, consistent flame. This model requires refueling and occasionally replacing the flint, but this is why it’s so reliable. Every Zippo lighter also comes with a lifetime warranty and it’s one of the buy-it-for-life items he’ll always cherish.
Price: $14.85-$39.95
>> BUY: Amazon
36. Travel Guidebooks + Itineraries
We always say the hardest part of any trip isn’t the packing, it’s the endless amount of research. But this is where our guidebooks and itineraries come in because they are filled with years of experience. We’ve compiled everything we know into detailed, actionable resources to help you travel better.
Our guidebooks include our tested road trip routes, vetted hotel recommendations, best restaurants, and hidden gems we’ve discovered through trial and error. Our day-by-day itineraries lay our everything with step-by-step directions including where to go, what to see, where to eat and where to sleep based on all of our trips. We only write about destinations we’ve personally traveled to and we highlight our mistakes so you don’t make the same ones.
Price: $9.99
>> BUY: Where Are Those Morgans shop
37. Bushcraft 101
The best survival tool isn’t gear, it’s knowing what to do when things to wrong. Mark picked up Bushcraft 101 years ago when we first started traveling and still glances at it from time to time to refresh his memory. It teaches practical wilderness skills like how to build a shelter, making tools from natural materials and finding water sources.
He likes this book because it’s organized around the “Five 5Cs of Survivability – cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages.” Each section is hands-on and practical. For men interested in bushcraft, primitive skills, or just wanted to be more confident outdoors, this is the foundation of knowledge he needs. You can also check out the Bushcraft Box set.
Price: $9.04
>> BUY: Amazon
38. Anker Soundcore
We think music makes everything better and this Anker Soundcore speaker comes on almost every trip. Weighing just a pound, it’s an absolute powerhouse delivering incredible sound from a tiny box. We live in North Carolina and spend a lot of time by the pool so we always bring this speaker. It’s gotten splashed so many times, but it still keeps going.
The battery can last up to 24 hours off one charge and it connects instantly to bluetooth. This little speaker is perfect for guys who like music anywhere. It’s portable sound for any outdoor situation and it will last him a very long time. It’s available in black, blue, red and white.
Price: $44.99
>> BUY: Amazon
39. Cuisinart Grilling Prep Trays
We bought these Cuisinart grilling trays this year and it’s completely changed how we bbq! To avoid cross-contamination, we use the red tray for raw meats and the black tray for cooked meats. They’re extremely easy to wipe down and nest together for simple storage.
Each tray can support up to 20 pounds of food, big enough for whole chickens, large cuts of meats or about 6 burgers. We used to grill with plates but these are so much more practical and we really like the raised ribs in each tray because it elevates the food off of any juices created from cooking.
Price: $29.99
>> BUY: Amazon
40. Superfeet Insoles
Stock insoles on any shoe aren’t great because they’re thin, unsupportive, and may be one of the main reasons your feet or knees hurt after walking. So if your man has any foot pain, these Superfeet All-Purpose Insoles may offer a solution. They have a deep heal cup and structured support to keep his foot stable.
We like these insoles because they’re available in low (orange), medium (blue) or high (green) arch support so you can choose exactly what you need. As someone who has suffered from high arches, Kristen always has a pair of these in her hiking boots. This is a great option for the guy who regularly deals with knee or foot pain.
Price: $54.95 (but usually on sale or cheaper on Amazon)
Next Steps
We hope our outdoorsy man gift guide helps you find the perfect present for any occasion!
If you’re still on the fence about what to get, here are the top 3 items we love and recommend:
- Darn Tough Socks – The only socks he’ll ever need
- LifeStraw – Clean fresh water whenever he needs it
- Bushcraft 101 – Something he probably doesn’t already have
Need more gift ideas?
- Here’s our outdoorsy women gift guide.
- Don’t miss our useful hiking gifts.
- Take a look at our thoughtful camping gifts.
- Explore the gifts every traveler should have.
- Shop our unique photography gift ideas.
- See our best national park gifts.
Happy shopping,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen spent 6 years traveling the world, visiting over 40 countries across 4 continents and more than 30 US states. They created Where Are Those Morgans in 2018 to help others plan the best possible vacations by writing authentic travel and hiking guides based on their real experiences.
Since the arrival of baby Maya in late 2024, Mark and Kristen’s extensive travels have slowed down but they still take plenty of trips. Where Are Those Morgans now helps millions of travelers each year to visit new places and hike new trails through information-packed blog posts and expert travel guidebooks. Read more about Mark and Kristen.