The best outdoor gifts of 2020

Need gift ideas for the adventurer in your life? You’ve come to the right place.

At BestReviews, we’ve spent countless hours finding, testing, and reviewing outdoor products to determine whether they live up to the hype. Our 2020 outdoor gift guide pulls together a wide variety of products that nature lovers of any stripe will love.

*Prices and availability subject to change

For the person who’s always on the go

YETI Tundra 35 cooler: $249.99 at YETI
When it comes to keeping your cold stuff cold while you’re out exploring, it doesn’t get any better than a YETI cooler. These insulated chests will keep your ice frozen for 3-5 days, and they’re pretty much indestructible — cooler fell out of the truck? No problem. Also available at Backcountry, Amazon, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For the practical person 

Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool: $99.95 at Backcountry
While everyone can benefit from owning a multitool, those who frequent the outdoors stand to gain the most from the device. The Wave Plus, Leatherman’s update to the iconic Wave, is made of durable stainless steel and will last for decades of use. Also available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon.

For the avid golfer

Callaway Golf 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder: $219.99 at Callaway
For the golfer in your life, this rangefinder will take the guesswork out of long fairway drives. It uses laser technology to lock onto pins up to 275 yards away, with only a one-yard margin of error. Also available from Amazon.

For anyone who stays hydrated

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle: $49.95 at Backcountry
When you’re outside working up a sweat, good hydration becomes critical. Hydro Flask’s insulated water bottles are a great way to keep cool drinks cool and hot drinks hot, and they come in a wide variety of fun colors. Also available from Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For the camper who likes to sleep in comfort

Kelty Cosmic 20-degree sleeping bag: $169.95 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
A poor-quality sleeping bag will do two things: make you cold and discourage you from camping. For a sleeping bag that will insulate, this one from Kelty is a great option. It’s stuffed with 600-fill down, meaning the user will stay warm through the night for most of the year. Also available from Backcountry and Amazon.

For the hiker on your list

Smartwool Hiking Socks: $19.95 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
A good pair of socks has been the default gift from grandma for generations. Why? Because they’re practical, comfy, and reasonably priced. This pair from Smartwool is sweat-wicking, making them perfect for the hiker in your life. Also available from Backcountry and Amazon.

For the java lover

Aeropress camping coffee maker: $29.95 at Amazon (was $34.99)
For many, a strong cup of coffee in the morning is one of the best things about camping. This coffee press from Aeropress makes a cup in only a few minutes, and the cleanup is minimal — just rinse and toss in your bag.

For the fashionable outdoors-lover

Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket: $173.99 at Backcountry (was $229)
For a jacket that will keep you or your loved one warm while still looking great, you can’t do better than Patagonia’s Nano Puff jacket. Insulated with 800-fill goose down, it’s a warm, lightweight, windproof jacket that will make those chilly mornings around the campsite a little more comfortable. Also available from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For your reliable sidekick

Good2Go Collapsible Pet Travel Bowl: $9.99 at Petco
There’s no better companion to have in nature than man’s best friend. This collapsible dog bowl from Petco has a carabiner that can clip to the outside of your bag, so chow time can take place the minute your pup starts to whine. Also available from Amazon.

For the night explorer

Black Diamond Spot 350 headlamp: $39.95 at Backcountry
No matter how well versed you or your loved ones are in navigating the outdoors, one thing remains true: Once the sun goes down, you’ll need light. This headlamp, from Black Diamond, shines a bright 350 lumens and is housed in a weatherproof case. You can also get it from Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon.

For the planner

Epic Hikes of the World: $24.92 at Amazon
If your loved ones are getting into hiking, they might find that a little inspiration goes a long way. This book, an illustrated tome of the world’s most jaw-dropping hikes, features stories of 50 incredible hiking routes in 30 countries, and an additional 150 suggestions for your next thru-hike.

A must-have luxury for the campsite

Teva Ember Moc Camping Slippers: $74.95 at Backcountry
For cold mornings when you’re shuffling around your campsite, these popular camping slippers are a great option. The collapsible heel makes them easy to slip on and off when you’re entering or exiting your tent. Also available from Amazon.

For the fitness buff

Garmin Forerunner 45S Smartwatch: $199.99 at Best Buy
If you’re shopping for the kind of person who’s meticulous about their exercise, a smartwatch from Garmin will make a terrific gift. This model even comes with a virtual coach to make sure they hit their fitness goals. Also available from Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon.

For the beginning biker

Strider 12 Pro balance bike for kids: $138.99 at Backcountry (was $169.99)
For the young one in your life who hasn’t yet mastered the art of biking, a balance bike might be a step in the right direction. These pedal-less bikes have a lower center of gravity, making it easy to learn the basics of balancing on a bike without training wheels, which can hinder progress. Also available from Amazon.

For a comfy night’s sleep

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir All Season SV Sleeping Pad: $135.96 at Backcountry (was $159.95)
Those who’ve weathered a cold night in the woods without a sleeping pad know: it’s awful. Sleeping pads don’t just soften the ground beneath you, they also insulate you from the cold weather outside. This one from Therm-a-Rest is made of tough polyester fabric and comes with a stuff sack for easy storage. Also available from Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For the adventurous traveler

LifeStraw Water Filter: $17.35 at Amazon (was $19.95)
Anyone with serious backpacking or hiking experience knows that clean drinking water can be hard to come by when you’re away from civilization. LifeStraw’s water filters let you drink from creeks and rivers without having to worry about swallowing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Also available from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For the year-round camper

Marmot Limelight Tent: $268.95 at Backcountry
If you’re looking for a small but spacious tent that will hold its own against harsh conditions for most of the year, look no farther than Marmot’s Limelight tent. It’s got a durable 68D polyester rainfly to keep the weather out, plus color-coded clips and poles for easy pitching. Also available from Amazon.

For a caffeine fix anywhere

GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip: $12.95 at Backcountry
If you want to make the absolute best cup of coffee possible while you’re out adventuring, it’s recommended you opt for a pour-over. This model from GSI Outdoors is collapsible, making it super compact, and the lid doubles as a trivet for your mug. Also available from Amazon.

For the camp chef

MSR PocketRocket 2 Camping Stove: $44.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
When it comes to real backcountry cooking, you want something reliable, lightweight, and nearly indestructible. The MSR PocketRocket2 is all those things, and it boils water in less than four minutes. From coffee to pasta to oatmeal, this little stove can do it all. Also available from Backcountry and Amazon.

For the avid hiker

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: $123.71 at Backcountry (was $164.95)
There’s an old saying in the backpacking community: For every pound you add to your feet, you add 10 to your pack. This adage, which illuminates the importance of lightweight footwear on the trail, is as true today as it ever was. It also makes a good argument for Salomon’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. The boots are lightweight, supportive, and completely waterproof. They can also be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon.

For the curious

Vortex Diamondback Binoculars: $219.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Whether you’re a birdwatcher or you just like seeing things up close, there’s no going wrong with a good pair of binoculars. These ones have 8x magnification and multi-coated lenses that increase light transmission and reduce glare. Also available from Backcountry and Amazon.

For the hunter

Spypoint Solar Panel Trail Camera: $199.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
For those looking for a way to keep tabs on their local deer herd, we recommend this solar-powered trail camera from Spypoint. The LINK-MICRO connects to the LTE cellular network for maximum coverage and has a 10mp camera with a .4-second trigger speed. Also available from Amazon.

For the wildlife enthusiast

North American Wildlife Guide: $19.99 at Amazon
While it’s possible to appreciate the outdoors passively, to really do it right, you should make an effort to identify and understand all that you’re seeing around you. This wildlife guidebook will walk you through 2,000 different plants and animals and will be handy whether you live near forest, pond, or prairie.

For the hiker who wants all the bells and whistles

Kelty Origami Trekking Poles: $62.96 at Backcountry (was $89.95)
Beyond just looking cool, hiking poles are immensely useful. They protect your knees and maintain your balance while you amble along uneven trails. Kelty’s poles have an EVA foam grip and foldable design that store easily in your pack.

For someone who spends a lot of time in the sun

CoolNet UV+ Buff: $17.96+ at Backcountry
Buff’s CoolNet UV+ line offers UPF 50+ sun protection, but that’s not all — they’re also odor repellent and utilize microfiber to make them breathable and quick-drying. Also available from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For the person who enjoys a cat nap outdoors

ENO Hammock: $66.88 at Amazon
Hammocks are a great way for you and your loved ones to enjoy the outdoors, whether it be in the deep wilderness or in your own backyard. This model, a double nest, is big enough for two, allowing you to snuggle up on sunny days. Also available from Backcountry and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For chilly excursions

Barbour Merino Cashmere Scarf: $80 at Backcountry
As anyone who’s experienced harsh weather conditions can tell you, a lot of your body’s heat escapes through the neck. This scarf from Barbour is made of a merino and cashmere wool blend, making it both warm and soft to the touch.

For anyone who needs eye protection

Sunski Polarized Sunglasses: $58 at Amazon
Whether you’re shopping for an angler looking for a competitive edge or an outdoorsperson who spends a lot of time in the sun, a decent pair of sunglasses will change the way they look at nature. These from Sunski are polarized, meaning they reduce glare and improve vision clarity. Also available from Backcountry.

For relaxing around the campfire

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker camping chair: $59.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
A good collapsible camping chair is a necessity around any campfire, and this one from CGI Outdoor is one of the best. It’s built with shocks that let you rock back and forth, and the mesh lining on the back keeps your back well ventilated on hot summer days. Also available from Amazon.

For the swimmer

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel: $11.95+ at Backcountry
Looking for a great gift for the swimmer in your life? Microfiber towels are quick-drying, easily packable, and generally great for mid-afternoon dips in the lake. Also available from Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For the camper who prioritizes comfort

Sea to Summit Camping Pillow: $42.95+ at Backcountry
Ever try sleeping without a pillow? On long backpacking trips, camping pillows are invaluable, as they allow you to nod off peacefully without much tossing or turning. This model from Sea to Summit is inflatable, meaning you can toss in your pack without having to worry about it taking up much room. Also available from Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For outdoor get-togethers

Camp Chef Mesa Aluminum Camp Table: $111.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
From serving up breakfast to dealing out after-dinner card games, a camp table is a great way to add some functionality to your campsite and make it feel a bit more homely. This one from Camp Chef is made of brushed aluminum and comes with a water-resistant carrying bag. 

To keep the festivities going

Coleman Classic XL Lantern: $49.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
When the sun drops and the sky goes dark, you’re going to need a way to keep the card games going, not to mention finding your way back to the tent. This lantern from Coleman is an update on their classic design and projects an impressive 700 lumens. Also available at Amazon.

For the person who keeps it neat and clean

MSR 2-person Mess Kit: $34.95 at Backcountry
For serious ultralight backpackers, there’s no better synthetic than polypropylene. This mess kit is as close as you can get to real cookware in the wilderness, and it weighs in at only 13.2 ounces. Also available at Amazon.

For the outdoor chef

Coleman Two-Burner Stove: $42.88 at Amazon (was $79.99)
If you’re looking to do some real backcountry cooking, this two-burner stove from Coleman is a tried-and-true classic. You can find a fuel canister for it at any gas station or general store, and the aluminum steel construction is next to indestructible. Also available at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

For the note-taker

Rite in the Rain Waterproof Notebook (3-pack): $14 at Amazon
If you or your loved ones are in the habit of writing or sketching while you’re out in the wild, the last thing you’d want is an unexpected rain to destroy your notebook. These from Rite in the Rain are completely waterproof, allowing you to let your mind and your pen wander regardless of the conditions. Also available at Backcountry.

Landon Groves is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. 

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