Eight Camping Gear Essentials for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
No camping or backpacking trip is complete without a good night’s rest. This lightweight tent is built to withstand rain and wind, and it has plenty of room inside for two. A mesh roof frames views of the stars, or top it off with rainfly fabric to cut the wind and stay dry. Whether your adventurer loves to bring the whole house or pack ultra-light, you can’t go wrong with this easy-to-set-up tent, $199.
A good pair of hiking boots are life-changing.These are no exception.The Moab Mid 2 waterproof boot — available for both men and women— is ideal for day hikes and short to mid-length backpacking trips. Deep lugs on the outsole keep you sure-footed, while the waterproof upper keeps your toes dry in even the worst weather. The breathable mesh lining and the contoured EVA footbed help keep you cool and comfortable, $130.
Even the most basic meal tastes worthy for a king after an adventure outdoors. But if you want to give a truly elite experience, here’s an option. Packed with smoked wild sockeye salmon, hearty vegetable soups, organic fruit, and grass-fed jerky, Patagonia’s deluxe gift box delivers a feast so wild it’s basically fresh, $160.
No matter what activity your outdoor lover can’t get enough of, the CamelBak Octane Dart hydration vest will be happily welcomed. From trail running and stand-up paddle boarding to mountain biking and chasing after the kids, the streamlined hydration vest holds steady. Four pockets — including a couple on the straps — keep quick bites and technology within easy reach. An adjustable chest strap prevents bouncing. It’s never been so easy to stay hydrated, $70.
This MicroMo cooking system from Jetboil is one of the best stoves on the market, and weighs only 12 ounces. It makes food super fast, boiling water in just over two minutes. It also has a simmer control for perfectly cooked oats and ramen. When the meal is ready, the top disconnects from the stove and becomes a handy cup or bowl. Be a real hero and snag a compatible coffee for unforgettable sunrise drinks, $130.
Made of natural merino wool, Swiftwick socks are the ideal socks for every trekker. They boast a blister-free experience and won’t bunch around the feet during a hike. And unless you’re jumping into water with socks, these breathable wears will keep your feet and toes dry. When it comes to practical gifts for the outdoorsy type, these year-round, versatile socks fit the bill, $35.
Waterproof, shock absorbent, and designed to stand the tests of sandy dunes to backyard barbecues, the Braven BRV-X allows for any outdoor enthusiast to customize the atmosphere. Turn up the bass as you scale a 15-foot wall. Play soothing folk while fishing along a calm stream. But for the ultimate experience, you might want to get two speakers. When paired together, two Braven BRV-Xs can create an immersive left and right stereo experience, $199.
GoPro, flashlights, GPS: the portable Nomad 7 solar panel will keep tech toys and safety gear fully juiced and ready to go. Your giftee will never have to choose between taking one last photo or finding the way back home. The weather-resistant panel weighs just over a pound and folds small enough to fit into a little daypack. Toss it over a sunny rock, strap it to the kayak, catch some rays on the road, or avoid packed outlets while traveling. They’ll never want to leave home without it, $80.