79 Outdoorsy Gift Ideas For Dirtbags, Ski Bums &
Everyone Else Who’s A Little “Out There”

Published October 29th, 2024

On the hunt for gift ideas for an outdoorsy type this holiday season? We asked our Gearheads for tips, and they all said the same thing: you can’t go wrong with giving the gift of gear! So whether you’re shopping for your life/adventure partner, grown-up groms, or perhaps even yourself, you’ll find the perfect outdoor gift right here. Without further ado, here’s our exhaustive list of outdoorsy Christmas gift ideas—plus 18 ready-to-wrap gifts for outdoor lovers—for 2024.

Gift Ideas For Skiers & Snowboarders

Some gifts for snow enthusiasts—like a thigh-deep pow day or a lift ticket—are tougher to wrap up than others. If you aren’t a convert to winter sports yet, getting yourself a pair of planks and a lesson could be the ultimate gift for a partner who loves sliding on snow more than everything (other than you), and if you already ski or snowboard, a shared day on the mountain could be a gift enough. But what about gifts that pair well with ribbon? Boots and boards can be a personal decision, so we reserve gifting the biggest snow purchases to those that have sent us a very specific wish list and for growing groms. Other snow essentials—like goggles, SPF lip balms, hand warmers, and gloves—are easier to get right. So when you’re wrapping up snow gifts this season, consider wrapping them up in warm winter baselayers or a brand-new kit.

Our Top Gift Picks For Skiers & Snowboarders

Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Shell Jacket

Protect their stoke this winter with our bestselling hardshell jacket for men and women.

Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Shell Bib Pant

Wrap the matching bibs (available for men & women) in a second package for a gift that goes the extra mile.

Men’s Cardiac Xpore 3L Touring Jacket

For your favorite splitboarder or ski tourer, consider a lightweight hardshell jacket for backcountry adventures.

Cardiac GORE-TEX 3L Bib Pant

These premium bibs for men and women are made with an all-new waterproof, breathable membrane free from forever chemicals. Pair with the matching Cardiac GORE-TEX 3L Jacket for the complete package.

Looking for more yeeew?

• Check out all of Backcountry’s winter styles for more mountain-ready wearable gifts.
• Peep 2025’s best gear in our Ski Guide and Snowboard Guide.
• Browse our shoppable Haul-iday Gift Guide for more curated picks.

Gift Ideas For Campers & Hikers

For those whose love language is “meet me at the trailhead” or “pass the marshmallows,” both planning out meals for your next camping weekend and offering to carry extra weight the next time you go backpacking is sure to delight. Meanwhile, updating outdated gear like a weathered daypack, faulty trekking poles or a clunky camp stove can enhance their next trip. Small gifts—like colorfully, cutely patterned wool socks, patch kits for worn jackets and sleeping bags, and their trail snack of choice—give a knowing nod to their favorite activity. And finally, trail- and campfire-approved apparel will keep them stoked no matter the weather.

Our Top Gift Picks For Campers & Hikers

Peale Primaloft Stitch-Free Baffle Stretch Jacket

This synthetic puffy jacket is lightweight and packable—and it’s made from 100% recycled fabrics and insulation. It’s our top giftable pick for hikers and campers who prefer not to use animal products.

Waas ALLIED Down Hooded Jacket

Available for men and women, this cozy and technical puffy jacket is stuffed with ultra-lofty responsibly sourced 800-fill down. Gifting this deluxe jacket is like wrapping them up in a warm hug.

Men’s Capilene Cool Daily Graphic Long-Sleeve Shirt

Keep him cool on the trail and warm around the campfire with this long-sleeve shirt that doubles as a baselayer.

Women’s Wasatch Adventure Legging

Get her ready for adventure with a durable reinforced hiking tight that’s comfy to wear after the day’s miles are done.

Want more gifts for the dirt-bound?

• Snag the year’s best gear from our Camp Guide and Hike Guide.
• Find more outdoor presents in our Gift Guide.

Gift Ideas For Mountain Bikers & Rock Climbers

For that friend or loved one who takes everything to the extreme, it’s important to match their energy with the right gift. Your hero-dirt homies and crag compadres will both appreciate updates to vital safety equipment for the holidays. Both climbing and bike helmets, for example, need to be replaced after major impacts, but sticker shock often leads to these noggin-protectors being used long after it’s time for retirement. Meanwhile, consumable gifts take on a different meaning for these adventurers (though they love gummy worms and small sippables as much as the next). Think chalk, finger tape, and a gift card for new climbing shoes for a rock jock and chain lube, spare tubes, and back-up gloves for your pedal pals. And finally, giving essential wearable gear like our Tahoe sun protection as a gift goes a long way to show you care. Here are a few we’re hype about.

Our Top Gift Picks For Mountain Bikers & Rock Climbers

Men’s Empire Enduro Pant

A pant as tough as he is? Win at gifting this year by wrapping up the ultimate leader in MTB pants.

Women’s Slickrock Short-Sleeve Button-Up Jersey

Is a mountain biking kit complete without a good party shirt? Gift her a fresh one to splatter with mud as soon as the trails thaw.

(Also Available For Men!)

Instinct VSR Climbing Shoe

Scarpa’s moderately downturned workhorse Instinct is the closest we’ve found to a universal climbing shoe. If you’re not sure they’re size, print out a picture and wrap it up with a gift card!

Artist Series Chalk Bag

There’s always room in the gear closet for another chalk bag! These crag essentials feature unique artwork, so you can pick one that best suits their personality.

Didn’t quite send it?

• See our choicest gear in the MTB Guide and Climb Guide.
• Make it a Gear Haul-day—find even more in our Gift Guide.

Gift Ideas For Runners & Trail Runners

When it comes to gifts for many milers, the first thing on their wish list is probably “come run with me!” Beyond lacing up your own pair of sneaks, there are plenty of other gifts you could give. If they’ve been on the hunt for a better place to store their house key than the waist band of their shorts, a running vest will keep them hydrated and offer plenty of storage for essentials like their phone, snacks, a packable layer, and, of course, their keys. You can also protect them from the elements as a gift: packable rain layers, ultralight baselayers, lightweight gloves, and fleece-lined tights are all appreciated for cold-weather runs. Meanwhile, a comfortable and bright headlamp keeps them visible and safe during winter’s pre-dawn or after-dark excursions. And when it comes to a splurge, gifting something they want but aren’t ready to buy themselves like our picks below is always a win.

Our Top Gift Picks For Runners

Forerunner 165 Music Watch

This Garmin smart watch lets your favorite runner load up some hype music to keep them motivated without needing to carry an extra device.

Norda 002 Trail Running Shoe

This pair is the ultimate example of a gift they want but maybe wouldn’t buy for themselves. Upgrade their run with these trending next-gen trail runners.

Want to go the extra mile?

• Wrap up a Gearhead® Top Pick from our Run Guide.
• Discover a gift for everyone on your list in our Gift Guide.

Affordable Outdoor Gifts

You don’t have to break the bank to give a solid gift. Some basic outdoor essentials like beanies, ball caps, sunglasses, gloves, socks, and buffs all fall easily under the $50 mark. Beyond accessories, trendy tumblers, can insulators, and water bottles are also notoriously giftable—though if you’re shopping for a youngster, we recommend asking them what the latest trend is to avoid any potential disappointment. Another option when searching for affordable gifts is to check the sale section. Holiday promotions like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the perfect time to find delightful outdoor gifts without budging from your budget. Here are two price-conscious gifts that no one will blink twice at on Christmas morning.

Our Top Gifts Under $50

The Quencher H2.0 FlowState 40oz Tumbler

Stanley’s classic cup is always a big hit. We especially love it for road trip enthusiasts—it’s a great fit for most standard vehicle drink holders.

Venture Beyond Merino Blend Ski Sock

Warm up their toes as they explore the mountain with a pair of performance socks.

Stocking Stuffers

Do you open stocking stuffers first, or does your crew go for the big gifts first, leaving the stockings for a delightful finale? Either way, these small, lightweight gifts are your first—or last—chance to make a memorable impression. When you’re gift shopping for someone outdoorsy, trading candy canes for energy chews and TSA-approved miniature liquor bottles for electrolyte mixes could be a hit. Then again, indulging in “vices” with their backpacking candy or post-send adult beverage of choice might be the better move, depending on the person. Cozy socks, beanies, and neckwear easily pack down small enough to fit in a stocking. Heck, we even made some down pants and down jackets this year that would squeeze in there, too! And finally, don’t be afraid to mingle an itty-bitty, big-ticket gift along with the uncracked walnut and shareable chocolate orange. Techy gadgets, fancy utility knives, gift cards, emergency headlamps, and other pricier items can offer a delightful surprise amid a collection of tasty treats and giggle-inducing gag gifts.

Our Top Stocking Stuffers

The Redstone Knife

This all-duty tool ensures they’re ready for anything. Because it’s pocket sized, it’s a great addition to an outdoorsman’s stocking.

Technical Balaclava

Traveling somewhere snowy for Christmas? This balaclava will keep them comfortable on the coldest days of your winter holiday.

From the bottom of our hearts (and the backs of our gear garages), we hope this article of Gearhead® gift ideas helped you discover something magical for every special someone on your nice list. (Same goes for everyone who’s been gnarly!)

For our curated collection of our most giftable gear, peruse our Haul-iday Gift Guide. And for questions about giving the gift of gear—or just getting after it in general—call or chat with a Gearhead for expert advice on everything outdoors.