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Affordable Outdoor Gifts That Everyone Will Love

Gear

Gifts Under $75 For Hikers, Campers, and Travelers

Outdoor gear is notoriously expensive. And while it’s true that in some cases you get what you pay for, that does’t mean you can’t find a meaningful gift for the outdoor lover in your life without breaking the bank. Below you will find twenty affordable outdoor gifts that everyone on your list will enjoy. Even those not so outdoorsy people!

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made – at no additional cost to you. As always, all ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. I appreciate your support!

Backcountry Discount: To help you check off everyone’s wish list this holiday season, I’ve partnered with Backcountry to offer 15% off your ENTIRE first order! Just use code JESS15 at checkout. Plus get free shipping! (Some exclusions apply).

Petzl Headlamp

Don’t get left in the dark! A solid headlamp like the Petzl Actik Headlamp is essential for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Headlamps are also a great item to keep in your home or car in case of a power outage or other emergency situation. The Black DiamondSpot 350 Headlamp is another great affordable outdoor gift that has everything you need.

Patagonia P-6 Label Trad Cap

The unisex Patagonia Label Trad Cap will become a staple in any outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe. This timeless hat comes in tons of different colors and the classic fit is sure to never go out of style. I’ve had mine for a couple years and it is a permanent fixture in my summer hiking kit.

Meal time at Second Lake in the Sierra Mountains. Shown in photo: Patagonia Label Trad Cap, Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot, and Jetboil Flash Stove.

Smartwool Socks

It’s hard to beat a good pair of wool socks, and Smartwool makes some of my favorites. I own a bunch of the classic hiking socks, but Smartwool also has some fun lifestyle socks too. Another great brand that I trust to keep my feet happy on and off the trail is Darntough.

Yeti Mug

A Yeti Mug is a great affordable outdoor gift for that coffee/tea/cocoa lover in your life. Or anyone that’s trying to cut down on their single use waste. With the Rambler 14oz Mug MagSlider Lid your coffee (or hot cocoa) will stay safely in your Yeti mug and off your lap! Plus, it will keep all those holiday drinks hot much much longer.

For more sustainable gift ideas check out A Dozen Ways To Be A More Responsible Traveler.

Osprey Packs Daylite 13L Backpack

The Osprey Packs Daylight Backpack is the perfect gift for those that like to travel quick and light! It’s also a favorite option for travel. This pack is so streamline that I can easily pack it in my luggage to pull out for quick day hikes or even wandering around a new town.

Teva Re Ember Moc

The Teva Ember Moc is a comfortable yet durable slipper designed to transition seamlessly between indoor cuddles and outdoor adventure. The collapsable heel makes them easy to slip on and off, while the grippy rubber sole makes sure you won’t slip on wet or rocky surfaces. Plus, there’s a color for everyone!

I own the Teva ReEmber Fleece Moc and love them for an easy alternative to sandals when the weather is chilly. Also shown is my favorite All Around 60L Duffle.

Stoic Tech Fleece Legging

When temperatures drop in the mountains, your everyday yoga pants might not cut it anymore. But not to worry, the Stoic Tech Fleece Legging is here to help! These are just like your favorite pair of leggings with a bit of extra insulation. The athletic fit lends itself well to training, running, and skiing. I like to wear mine under my ski pants instead of long underwear. Plus, the price really can’t be beat!

Coal Uniform Beanie

The classic style of the Carhartt Beanie will never go out of style, which is why it makes the perfect affordable outdoor gift for everyone on your list. They are super comfortable, don’t itch, and come in a rainbow of different colors. What more could a person ask for!

MICRO Spikes Traction System

Micro spikes are of the most useful item of winter gear that I own – and not just for hiking! When snow turns to ice and everything from the sidewalk to mountain trails ice up these will literally keep you on your feet. They come in a wide range of sizes for men and women and easily slip over whatever shoes you happen to be wearing.

Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

I’ve used a lot of different backpacking pillows over the years and the Sea To Summit Aeros is my current favorite. The subtle concave shape cradles my head in a way that almost makes me forget it’s stuffed with air instead of feathers. This handy dandy pillow stuffs down to the size of my fist and is just as useful on planes, trains, and automobiles, as it is in a tent.

Goal Zero Recharger

If ever there was a travel essential, The Goal Zero Recharger is it. I take this recharger with me almost everywhere. Its compact size makes it is easy to throw in a bag, plus is comes with charging cords to ensure that you can stay connected when you need to.

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove

When it comes to ultra-light cook systems the MSR Pocket Rocket is hard to beat. It’s simple to use, reliable, and packs down to nothing. Oh, and did I mention that The Pocket Rocket is small enough to fit into most camp pots and every stocking! Compared to a lot of other backpacking stoves, the MSR Pocket Rocket makes for a great affordable gift option.

Leatherman Multi-Tool

You can never be too prepared for an outdoor adventure. . . or a zombie apocalypse. Complete your collection of the 10 Essentials with the Leatherman Multi-Tool. This 15-tooled combo is ready to help you cut, saw, and screw-drive your way through any obstacle

Pistil Mattea Scarf

The Pistil Mettea Scarf is for that outdoor person in your life who also has a flair for fashion! This oversized scarf is a super versatile piece that will come in handy whether you’re on a neighborhood walk or jet-setting around the world.

Stoic Shirt Jacket

I’m all about classic styles that will never go out of style. That being said it’s always nice to spice up your wardrobe with a bit of a statement piece as well. The Stoic Shirt Jacket offers both! This casual shirt jacket is perfect for day-to-day style and outdoor comfort. The cozy quilted insulation on the inside of the arms is my personal favorite feature!

Eagles Nest Outfitters Single Nest Hammock

The Eagles Nest Hammock is the perfect edition to your outdoor lifestyle kit. Hang it up in the backyard, or keep it in your car for impromptu forest naps. Made out of light weight parachute material, so you can stash it in your backpack and forget it until you need it.

Relaxing outside one of my favorite cabins in the Pacific Northwest.

Rumpl Printed Fade Puffy 1-Person Blanket

Rumpl makes cozy blankets that use the same modern, technical materials as your favorite puffy jacket. Sounds warm right! Rumpl will keep your loved ones comfortable wherever they go, even if it’s just the couch for some Netflix and chill. Oh, and they come in all sorts of fun colors and patterns!

Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System

Probably everyone on your list owns a water bottle at this point. But do they own one that can also keep them safe and healthy in the backcountry while weighing next to nothing? I’ve probably used every water filtration system out there at this point. And to be honest, I think they all have a time and a place. I’ve been using Katadyn BeFree Filter on trips where I know there will be plenty of access to water, and I want to go super light weight. This is the perfect gift for the ultra-light hiker on your list.

Fjallraven Hip Pack

The Fjallraven Kanken Hip Pack is one of my favorite day-to-day and travel accessories. This Unisex pack makes keeping your essentials organized and easily accessible a cinch! Plus, you can wear it as a hip pack or across your body. This pack has made my airport trips so much less stressful! No more digging through my backpack or carryon looking for my wallet, cellphone, or a pen. Comes in a ton of different colors to fit anyone on your gift list.

Pendleton Oversized Jacquard Towel

I’m not going to lie, I purchased this Pendleton Oversized Jacquard Towel a few years ago when a Pendleton blanket was simply out of my budget. But it turned out to be hands down the best towel I have ever owned. It’s big, soft, and looks great too. I have found it to be a lot more versatile than a blanket too. With so many beautiful patterns this is the perfect gift for the sun worshipper on your list!

Camping in the yard. Wearing: Patagonia Fleece Jacket and Danner Hiking Boots. Also Shown In Photo: Yeti Cooler, Pendleton Towel, Goal Zero Lantern.

Backcountry Gift Card

Still Can’t decide on the perfect affordable outdoor gift? Give the gift of a Backcountry gift card and let them choose from one of the largest selections of high-performance outdoor gear, clothing, and accessories out there!

Check out these posts for more gift ideas!

Complete Hiking & Camping Gear Guide

9 Fun Ways To Make It Through A Washington Winter

The Ultimate Gift Guide For Outdoor Lovers

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  1. Stephanie Bakula says:

    I like your cold weather gift ideas.. but may I ask where you purchase your favorite swimsuits and gear for snorkeling?

    • Jessica Dales says:

      Hi Stephanie, most of my swimsuits that you see in photos are from L Space or Londre Bodywear. I usually just go to a dive shop to get snorkeling gear.

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Hi, I’m Jess, an outdoor enthusiast based in Seattle. I grew up exploring the Pacific Northwest, and early on was infected with the travel bug. I tried to suppress my wanderlust in pursuit of a traditional career path, but after a short stint as a lawyer, I left the confines of my office to get back in touch with my roots. Now, I wander the world taking photos, making memories, and sharing my love for travel with others!

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