The 40 Best Camping Gifts and Hiking Gifts for 2023-2024

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[Updated on December 5, 2023] Growing up in North Georgia, some of my favorite childhood memories involved camping and hiking in the mountains with my family.

My parents led our church youth group on incredible excursions, hiking up to the summit of Blood Mountain, trekking 14 miles on the Appalachian Trail, and going to visit wondrous waterfalls.

We didn’t have much money in those days, but these outdoor adventures in the Appalachian Mountains fueled in me a passion for nature and exploration that drives me to this day.

But while experiences may be the greatest gift you can give, there are also certain camping gifts and hiking gifts that can help make those adventures more enjoyable.

So we decided to come up with an extensive list of cool camping gift ideas, including some great gift ideas for hikers and backpackers as well.

Read on for our guide to the Best Camping Gifts & Hiking Gifts for 2023-2024, including all the best tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, camping cook gear, hiking boots, tech, and tools.

For great deals on camping and hiking gear, check out the deals at REI, Campsaver, and MooseJaw.

good gifts for hikers - Hiking the White Rock Falls Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA — Mary hiking the White Rock Falls Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway by Bret Love

Best Camping Gifts and Hiking Gifts Guide

Best Tents
Best Backpacks
Best Sleeping Bags & Blankets
Best Hiking Boots & Walking Shoes
Best Camping Cooking Gear
Best Tech & Tools
Miscellaneous Gear

READ MORE: The 15 Best Campgrounds in North Georgia

Best Tents

MSR Habiscape 4 Family Camping Tent

Part of the Cascade Designs family (which also includes Platypus, SeaLine, and ThermaRest), MSR Gear is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to camping tents.

Their Habiscape 4 is a 3-season family camping tent with loads of interior space, measuring 62.5 square feet and offering 73 inches of headroom (which is great for us tall folks).

With a symmetrical design that makes for easy setup, the tent features 10 pockets at varying heights, plus the storage bag converts into a hanging pocket. There are also ceiling loops for hanging lanterns, laundry lines, string lights, etc.

The tent has two doors with wide openings, and the large front rainfly door can either be rolled out of the way, moved to the side for partial coverage, or turned into a shade cover with 8-foot MSR Accessory Poles (sold separately).

Klymit Cross Canyon 3 Tent

The Cross Canyon 3-Person Tent from Klymit also has an affordable price point, but it’s similarly designed more for casual weekend getaways than serious backpacking adventures.

The 3-season tent weighs 7.6 pounds, packs down to 20 x 7 inches, and offers a decent amount of floor space (44 square feet) and headspace (52 inches).

The design of the freestanding tent is fairly basic, with one entry door, rectangular shape, and aluminum poles holding it all together.

But you’ll love the interior storage options (3 overhead and 2 corner pockets), the exterior storage area provided by the vestibule, and the Cross Canyon mat, which turns into a roll-style stuff sack.

White Duck Regatta Bell Tent

At the higher end of the budgetary spectrum, the Regatta Bell Tent from White Duck Outdoors is priced at over $500. Weighing a whopping 51 pounds, it also won’t score any points for portability.

But if you’re looking for a glamping-style tent made from durable 8.5 oz Army Duck Cotton Canvas (with a water repellent, mold- and UV-resistant finish), it’s a cool camping gift for couples who love the outdoors.

This rugged tent is built to last, with galvanized steel poles, sewn-in PE groundsheet, and silicone-coated 5″ & 6″ pre-cuts so you can even add a stove.

We love that it has 3 windows, 4 roof vents for improved air circulation, guy rope tension adjusters, and comes with its own toolkit to help make the tent easier to set up.

Best Backpacks

Gregory Men’s Zulu 55

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Gregory is a 45-year-old outdoor brand devoted to creating the world’s most comfortable and reliable daypacks and backpacks.

Their Zulu backpacks have been a longtime backpacker favorite. But they’ve been updated for 2023 with a more comfy suspension system, improved torso adjustment, and new recycled elements that reduce their carbon footprint by 26%.

Gregory’s Zulu 55 features a cushy FreeFloat hip belt that moves with you as you’re hiking to save energy, while the open-air back panel offers cooling and 3.5 inches of adjustment to ensure a perfect fit.

We also loved the more breathable shoulder harness, the front stash mesh pocket, huge hip belt pockets, hydration sleeve, and the U-Zip opening to the bag’s main compartment.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Hiking Shoes for Women and Men

Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 & 3-Way 27

If you’re looking for gift ideas for hikers and backpackers, the Montana-based Mystery Ranch offers a hand-built line of durable backpacks that offer a great balance of comfort, function, and quality.

Their Catalyst 26 Backpack is a rugged bag that’s big enough for day trips or weekend getaways. In terms of storage, it has 2 external water bottle pockets, 2 internal zippered pockets, and a 17″ padded laptop pocket.

Other great features include organizing sleeves for a tablet or notebooks, a small zippered mesh pocket, 2 rows of elastic to hold small items, and eco-friendly, recycled CORDURA nylon for added durability.

The Mystery Ranch 3-Way is a versatile 27L bag that can be used as a backpack, shoulder bag, or tote. Designed for daily use, it’s also great for day hikes, with cushioned backpack straps, removable shoulder strap, and several handles.

It has a Rip Zip opening to the front accessory compartment, a large main compartment, a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, and other accessory pockets to help keep all your gear organized.

Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L & Black Hole MLC 45L

We’re huge fans of Patagonia, both for their impressive array of camping and hiking gear and for their nature/wildlife conservation initiatives. We also love their responsible manufacturing processes, and their “planet over profit” approach.

Their Fair Trade Certified 25L Black Hole Pack is made with 100% recycled fabric, lining, and webbing, with a spacious main compartment, large front and top stash pockets, and a 15″ laptop pocket.

It also has stretch-woven side pockets, a comfy Airmesh back panel, and daisy chains for lashing more gear.

The Fair Trade Certified Black Hole MLC 45L is an intriguing backpack/duffel hybrid made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, and coated with a 100% recycled TPU laminate.

Its large main compartment has two interior pockets for organization and dedicated space for tech gear (including a 19″ laptop). There’s also a drop-in top pocket for stowing smaller items, plus 3 different carrying options!

Roark 5–Day Mule 55L Bag

If you’re planning on multi-day trekking on the Appalachian Trail or the Bartram Trail (which stretches 115 miles from Clayton GA into Western NC), you’ll need a backpack that can carry lots of gear.

Roark’s 5-day Mule 55L Bag is their most versatile pack for serious hikers and backpackers, offering tons of storage options and increased stability via a storable hip belt.

Essential gear can be stowed in the accessible top pocket, the front pocket (which has an internal organizer), and hidden passport pocket. There’s also a padded laptop compartment for those who need to stay connected on the trail.

Other impressive features include ergonomic air flow back padding, a zippered side pocket large enough for a water bottle, side compression straps, and elastic straps for tying down extra gear.

READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Hiking Trails

Backcountry Access Stash Pro 32L

If you’re a fan of snow skiing and/or snowboarding in the backcountry, this is the backpack for you.

The new Stash Pro 32L Backpack from Backcountry Access offers many of the same features as their E2 Float, such as back stash routing, a side stash pocket, full ski/gear carrying options, and a slim design that’s made for the ride.

They use high-end coated ripstop materials for durability in the most rugged weather conditions the Blue Ridge Mountains. have to offer. And the versatile bag offers two sizing options, one of which is perfect for smaller torsos.

Our favorite thing about this backpack is the array of storage options, which includes the side stash pocket for quick access to important items, carry options for skis and snowboards, and a back stash pocket for a BC Link radio.

Other Bags & Packs

I learned the importance of hydration the hard way after suffering a heat stroke during a Summer trip to the Okefenokee swamp in South Georgia as a teen.

The QuickStart 2.0 6-Liter Hydration Pack from Nathan Sports is a great unisex option for anyone seeking easy access to water while hiking, biking, or walking.

Made with a lightweight, moisture-wicking mesh material, it’s equipped with a 1.5-liter hydration pocket and a front pocket large enough to hold an additional 22-ounce flask (sold separately).

There are also several front storage pockets (include one zippered pocket for phone, keys, and other valuables), a back zippered pocket, and reflective elements for enhances visibility on the trail.

Nomatic Travel Pack

A carry-on and daypack in one, the Nomatic Travel Pack is well-suited for just about any outdoor adventure.

At 4.16 pounds, this bag is heavier than some of the others we’ve mentioned here. But it easily expands from 20 liters to 30 liters, so it can also hold more of your stuff!

The Nomatic pack features a dedicated sleeve for your shoes, an RFID-blocking pocket, a cord pass-through, and a magnetic water bottle pocket.

This bag can easily fit enough clothing for weekend getaways, then be used as daypack for your everyday essentials. Its innovative design makes it a frequent traveler’s best friend.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in Tennessee

Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure Briefcase

Founded in Vermont before the Civil War to sell fishing tackle, Orvis (named for founder Charles F. Orvis) is the oldest mail-order retailer in the USA and one of the most trusted brands in the outdoor industry.

Though best-known for their fly fishing, hunting, and sporting goods, the 167-year-old brand also sells outdoor clothing and bags, the newest of which is their Trekkage LT Adventure Briefcase.

Made from heavy duty, water-repellent, 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor fabric, this 22-liter bag features a padded pocket for your laptop, a hidden security pocket for small valuables, and a panel for organizing your essentials.

Weighing just 2.2 pounds, this TSA-approved carryon also has grab-and-go ergonomic handles, lockable zippers, internal and external pockets, and it’s compatible with most roller bags.

Best Sleeping Bags & Sleeping Pads

Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad

ThermaRest Parsec 20 Sleeping Bag & NeoAir Xlite NXT Sleeping Pad

Founded in the early 1970s by two Boeing engineers-turned-avid backpackers, self-inflating mattress brand ThermaRest has expanded over the last 50 years to include camping chairs, hammocks, pillows, sleeping bags and more.

Their Parsec 20ºF Sleeping Bag is a high-end model that combines the light weight backpackers love with the cozy comfort casual campers crave.

Noteworthy features include a recycled shell/liner, certified responsible 800-Fill Nikwax hydrophobic down, heat-mapped zoned insulation, and the Toe-asis™ Foot Warmer.

New for 2023, the NeoAir XLite NXT is great for backpackers looking to travel light on the trail. The foam-free design weighs just 23 oz, and rolls up to be as small as a conventional 1-liter bottle!

The 3-inch thick sleeping pad delivers excellent back support, with a Triangular Core Matrix that is 6 times quieter than the previous model. Yet it also offers an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio.

Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 Sleeping Bag

As mentioned above, Kelty is an awesome outdoor brand for campers and backpackers on a budget.

You can find their popular Cosmic Ultra 20 for under $200, but it boasts many of the features you’ll see in much more expensive sleeping bags.

Its trapezoid-shaped baffle construction uses lightweight 800-fill DriDown to maximize its thermal efficiency (temperature rating of 20º Fahrenheit), and the durable 20D Nylon shell uses PFC-free water repellant (DWR).

Other noteworthy features include a spacious footbox, a zippered internal stash pocket for stowing valuables close at hand, and a stuff sack for easy carrying.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Campgrounds in Boone NC

Klymit KSB Double Synthetic Sleeping Bag

The KSB Double Synthetic Sleeping Bag from Klymit makes a wonderful gift for campers of all kinds.

It features an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, providing soft, cushioning comfort to help you get a good night’s sleep, no matter where you pitch your tent.

This mummy-style hooded sleeping bag is made with a fill power down top and a synthetic fill bottom.

It also has two-way zippers for increased airflow when the weather is balmy, while the foot box keeps your feet warm even on the coldest nights.

Best Hiking Boots & Walking Shoes

Vasque Torre AT GTX & Talus AT UltraDry & Vasque Breeze

Vasque is one of the most durable and reliable brands of hiking boots on the market, and they have several classic styles that make great hiking gifts for men and women.

I like their Men’s Torre AT GTX because it’s lightweight, with waterproof GORE-TEX protection and a Vibram Wavelength outsole that boasts LiteBase Technology, Megagrip Compound and Traction Lug Technology.

All of which means that this hiking boot is as rugged and durable as it is stylish!

Their Talus AT UltraDry is one of the best waterproof hiking shoes for women we’ve tested. They’re designed to tackle all types of terrain (and weather conditions), with moisture-wicking GORE-TEX technology, strong ankle support, and great stability.

The Vasque Breeze is designed for agility and speed. Waterproof GORE-TEX keeps feet dry, 200g 3M Thinsulate keeps ’em warm, and the Vibram outsole offers terrific traction on any terrain.

We also love how the high-top cut provides excellent ankle support without sacrificing all-day comfort.

5.11 Tactical A/T Trainer & Saucony Triumph 20

If you’re looking for something more lightweight, less bulky than hiking boots, check out the 5.11 Tactical A/T Trainer. The A/T stands for All Terrain (not Appalachian Trail), which is precisely what they’re designed to tackle.

With 8 color options, these men’s and women’s hiking shoes feature an Echo Lite high rebound EVA/outsole, high abrasion mesh with welded support, and a TPU toe for durability. So they’ll stand up to almost any adventure.

The Saucony Triumph 20 also offers men’s and women’s sizes. But it’s more of an everyday training shoe that provides maximum cushioning comfort, whether you’re on the trail or on the street.

This Saucony vegan running shoe combines lightweight PWRRUN+ foam cushioning with a smooth, rocker feel and a durable outsole rubber that’s made for running (or hiking) long distances.

HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8 and Clifton L GTX

Founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, Hoka One One has emerged over the last decade as one of the fastest-growing shoe brands in the outdoor industry.

It’s not difficult to understand why. Their attractive hiking, walking, and running shoes combine the slick style of a great sneaker with the tough durability of the very best hiking boots.

Now in its 8th iteration, the award-winning Clifton 8 for women is designed for every day running (or walking).

The updated midsole is softer and lighter than ever before, with HOKA’s early-stage Meta-Rocker geometry offering improved heel-to-toe movement for an incredibly smooth ride.

The Clifton L GTX for men is a more rugged interpretation of their classic model.

The waterproof leather and GORE-TEX membrane of the synthetic ripstop uppers keep the elements at bay, while the cushioning EVA midsole and Meta-Rocker design keep a spring in your step even as you tackle rough terrain.

Salomon Men’s Ultra Glide and Women’s X Ultra 4 GTX

Launched in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon has since grown into one of the world’s most beloved outdoor brands, with a focus on all things alpine.

The all-new Men’s Ultra Glide is billed as their “softest trail running shoe yet,” with a light weight and maximum cushioning comfort.

Noteworthy features include a grippy All Terrain Contagrip outsole, a breathable SensiFit upper for a customized feel, and an energy foam midsole for bouncy energy and a smoother stride.

Their X Ultra 4 GTX women’s hiking shoes have been updated, using softer materials and a lower-density ADV-C Chassis that improves stability.

We also love the waterproof GORE-TEX protection and the grippy Contagrip MA outsole, which allows for great control on slippery or uneven terrain.

Best Camping Cooking Gear

ICEMULE BOSS Cooler & Bote KULA Cooler

Whether we’re relaxing at one of our favorite lakes, watching the sunset at beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, or hiking to picturesque waterfalls, we’re big fans of picnics in spectacular places.

During peak summer and early fall, we typically use our portable coolers 3 to 4 times a week!

The ICEMULE BOSS cooler has emerged as our new favorite for hands-free convenience. Measuring 12.5”x9”x32”, it’s large enough to hold ice and 24 cans (or five 750ml bottles).

It also has large front and side pockets, multi-day ice retention, and a well-designed suspension system that makes the Icemule cooler comfortable to carry on the trail.

The rugged KULA 5 Cooler from the paddle board experts at Bote is essentially a fancy 5-gallon bucket designed for water sports. In addition to keeping your food and drinks cold, it can also function as a seat, bait well, rod holder, equipment storage, etc.

They’re designed to attach to Bote Boards, but they’re lightweight and easy to carry.

Morakniv Garberg Knife with Survival Kit

In the outdoor industry, Scandinavian craftsmanship is widely regarded as second to none, and Morakniv Classic knives are no exception.

Born from the ancient traditions of Swedish handicraft, the brand has been around for more than a century now, offering carbon steel knives with a distinctive barrel-shaped, red-stained birch handle.

The Garberg Knife with Survival Kit is one of the cooler camping gifts for men (or women) we’ve seen this year. The polymer handle has a friction grip and finger guard, and the blade is made of recycled stainless steel.

The gorgeous knife comes with a Survival Kit– including a fire starter, diamond sharpener, and reflective paracord–mounted on the sheath, and a vegetable-tanned leather strap that can be attached to your belt.

MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier

If you’re a long-distance hiker who spends more time in the backcountry than in commercially developed campgrounds, being able to purify water is absolutely essentially.

The MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier is an excellent solution, with a state-of-the-art 2-stage purifier to protect you from over 99% of all known viruses, bacteria, protozoa, sediment, and microplastics.

It was originally designed by MSR (Mountain Safety Research) for members of the military. So the rugged purifier meets the NSF P248 military testing standard, and the 10-liter reservoir holds enough water to sustain several people.

We love how simple it is to use: Simply fill it in a sink, stream, or river, hang it up in your campsite, and let gravity do the rest! It flows at up to 1 liter in 2 minutes, with no backlashing required to clean it.

unique camping gifts - UCO Gear Flatpack Large Portable Grill & Fire Pit

UCO GEAR Flatpack Large Portable Grill & Fire Pit

Most of the State Parks in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia we’ve visited have BBQ grills at every cabin rental and campsite.

But if you want to grill out in the backcountry, open fires are often prohibited in dry forest areas. And of course portable grills are also great for beaches, lakes, and tailgating parties.

The Flatpack Large Portable Grill & Fire Pit from UCO Gear measures 20” x 16” x 7.5”, so it’s large enough for full-size wood. Yet it weighs just over 10 pounds and quickly breaks down to less than 2” thick for packing.

It’s made from durable, rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and comes with flat-packing grill grates, a charcoal tray, and a canvas case with straps that make the pack easy to carry.

Best Tech & Tools

Gerber DualForce Multi-Tool & Bushcraft Axe

After spending my teen years helping my parents tame 32 acres of forest land along the Trail of Tears in North Georgia, I learned the value of having the right tools when you’re out in the woods.

Portland OR-based Gerber has been one of the leading manufacturers of quality outdoor tools since 1939, when their handmade knives were first added to the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog.

The new DualForce Multi-Tool adds to their legacy, offering 12 helpful tools (including pliers, chisel, screwdrivers, knife blades, fine/coarse file, saw, and additional bit storage) in a 12 oz set designed to fit in your pocket.

It uses layered construction to give the tool double the force and jaw strength, and the extra large teeth provide exceptional grip to tackle even the toughest projects.

Gerber also has an ergonomically designed Bushcraft Axe whose blade features machined relief for deeper cuts. It also has two water-resistant storage compartments large enough for paracord material and a small lighter.

LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern

LuminAID is another eco-friendly brand with a socially conscious mission. Their first product, an inflatable solar-powered light, was created by two Columbia University students in response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

Since then, LuminAID has distributed tens of thousands of free lights to charitable projects in more than 50 countries through their “Give Light, Get Light” program.

The PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern is another of the female-led company’s unique camping gifts, offering 300 lumens of red or white lights, 100 hours of power per charge, and their signature twist-to-open design.

Best of all, the packable package weighs just 12.5 oz, and can also charge cell phones and other tech devices using a 4000 Mac battery.

Midland X-TALKER T71VP3 Two-Way Radio

As experienced world travelers, it was crazy for us to realize that we could get cell signals in the middle of the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan or remote National Parks in Kenya and Tanzania.

And yet there are places in the North Georgia mountains and North Carolina mountain towns where there are “dead zones” for wireless coverage!

if you’re visiting remote wilderness, the X-Talker Two-Way Radio from Midland provides 36 channels of radio communication, within a range of up to 38 miles (depending on the landscape).

The small, sleek walkie talkies also offer an impressive 15 hours of battery life, 121 privacy codes, and NOAA Weather Alert and Weather Scan technology. They’re great for communicating while exploring off-grid!

Best Outerwear

Icebreaker Merino Quantum III Long Sleeve Zip Jacket

I first learned the value of layered clothing during a trip to the mountains of Patagonia and Antarctica back in 2012. The base layers I wore kept me so warm and cozy, I rarely needed my thick puffer jacket!

Based in New Zealand, Icebreaker is an outdoor clothing brand that specializes in performance wear made from lightweight Merino wool, which provides good insulation, wicks moisture, doesn’t itch, and absorbs odors.

Their men’s Merino Quantum III Long Sleeve Zip is a mid-layer jacket that’s designed for technical adventures in the mountains, helping to regulate your body temperature so you don’t get too warm or too cool.

My favorite features include the thumb loops (which keep your hands warm), offset shoulder seams and a zipper chin guard to prevent friction, drop tail hem for added coverage, and zippered chest and hand pockets.

Paka PAKAFILL Puffer Jackets

Founded in Peru with a mission to create natural, all-purpose clothing for people who love the outdoors, Paka is a new-to-us brand that employs 150+ women artisans in Peru.

We also love the fact that they’re staunchly eco-focused, using alpaca fiber and other organic materials that are better for people and the planet. They created PAKAFILL, which they call “the warmest ethical insulation on the market.”

Their lightweight PAKAFILL Puffer Jackets are available in 3 different colors for men and women, offering impressive warmth and comfort with a durable water repellant coating.

They’re great for Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering half the volume of down, keeping you warm even when wet, and thermoregulating your body temperature even in extreme weather.

Miscellaneous Gear

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Medical Kits

I wasn’t in the Cub/Boy Scouts for very long as a child, but the lesson that stuck with me the most was also their motto, “Be prepared.”

Whether we’re camping, hiking, or taking an epic Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, we always try to ensure we have the tools we might need to tackle any unforeseen challenges.

If you’re planning on exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, taking one of the Mountain Series Medical Kits from Adventure Medical Kits is always a good idea.

We use the Mountain Guide Kit, a 163-piece set that weighs 2 pounds and includes all the essentials you need to treat everything from severe bleeding, fractures, and pain to everyday aches, blisters, and scrapes. But there are also smaller, less expensive kits available for day trippers, hikers, backpackers, and explorers.

Kahtoola NANOspikes

Growing up in the state of Georgia, we hardly ever got much snow. So I didn’t understand the importance of traction until a Winter trip to Yellowstone National Park in my 40s, when I busted my butt on a patch of ice.

But now that we’re planning a move to the mountains of Georgia or North Carolina, we’re expecting a good bit more snow in our near future.

These newly redesigned Kahtoola NANOspikes offer numerous improvements over their previous line, fitting over your hiking shoes to provide exceptional traction on the most slippery and uneven surfaces.

Upgrades to the 2023 model include improved comfort via minimized pressure points, concave tungsten carbide spikes for better traction on ice, and a larger ergonomic heel tab that makes them easier to get on and off. –reviews by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett; lead image via Canva

READ MORE: The 15 Best Virginia Waterfalls for Hiking

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