10 Equipment Gifts for Bushcrafters, Nature Lovers, and People Who Love the Outdoors (2016)

It’s hard to shop for someone who loves the outdoors.

You want to get them something they’ll use and enjoy. A gift that matches their interests and inspires them to do the things they love.

I started my outdoor equipment gift list in 2014, when several spouses of avid outdoorsmen approached me for gift advice. It was then I realized how difficult it is for friends and relatives to shop for their favorite outdoorsman or outdoorswoman.

Now, many NatureOutside readers tell me that the outdoor equipment gift list is their favorite resource on the site. Although some prefer the annual outdoor book gift list. I’ve placed links to all the gift lists at the end of this article.

As always, I try to pick items that are a little off the beaten path. This helps make the gift unique. It also reduces the chance that the recipient already has one. I segment the gifts by price so that everyone can find something that fits his or her budget.

So without further ado, let’s explore this year’s outdoor equipment gift list.

The Outdoor Equipment Gift List for 2016

Below is the outdoor equipment gift list. You can click on many of the titles or pictures to visit their product pages on Amazon.

Under $50

Here are gifts under $50.

1. Ultimate Survival Technologies StarFlash Floating Signal Mirror, 2×3 ($8.40 – $13.00)

I’ve used the larger StarFlash signal mirror for years. But I switched to the smaller 2”x3” mirror because it is easier to carry and much lighter. I use it for hiking, canoeing, and kayaking (it floats). The retro-reflective sighting hole make it easy to aim. Instructions for use are printed on the back of the mirror. The mirror is a standard size and many companies make nylon pouches for it.

2. Carson MiniBrite 5x LED Lighted Slide-Out Aspheric Magnifier with Protective Sleeve ($8.95)

This is the best inexpensive hand-held magnifier I’ve used outdoors. It’s great for examining moss, lichen, and small flowers. It also does well with insects. The built-in LED light ensures you can hold the magnifier close to your subject and still see exquisite color and detail. Its flat form-factor makes it easy to carry and the magnifying glass slides into the body for safe keeping. It uses three AAA batteries (not included).

3. Fox 40 Sonik Blast CMG ($9.49)

I like this pea-less signal whistle a lot. It has a high-pitched shriek that cuts through the forest. Because it is pea-less, you can use it in freezing weather without worrying that moisture from your breath will cause it to stop working. It comes with a nice break-away nylon lanyard. My favorite color is “rescue-me orange.”

4. The Ringer Stainless Steel Chainmail Cast Iron Cleaner, XL 8×6-Inch ($12.99)

You will appreciate this product if you use cast iron cookware. Whether you cook over the campfire or on your stove at home, a big problem is removing caked on food from your cast iron. Use this chainmail cleaning cloth to scrub away caked-on food without a lot of “elbow grease.” The cleaner rinses clean easily.

5. Maxpedition Gear Individual First Aid Pouch ($25.95)

I started using this first aid pouch after an accident in 2014. In a another post I review the pouch and describe the accident. The Maxpedition Individual First Aid Pouch is compact, smartly organized, and made with quality materials. It makes a great personal first-aid kit. I use the waterproof inside pocket to store medicines and tape. I use the other inside pocket to store rollers and gauze pads. An outside pocket lets me keep my gloves and trauma supplies at the ready.

6. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Kitchen Sink ($29.95)

I love camping, but hate doing dishes! Of course the chore is easier when you’re viewing a mountain lake and snow capped peaks. This 10 liter collapsible “sink” is a shallow pail made from siliconized Cordura nylon fabric. You pull it out of its stuff sack, unfold it, and fill it with water. Its reinforced rim helps it keep its shape. You can do dishes in it, or use its convenient carry handles to douse your campfire.

7. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 9-Inch Blade, 7 TPI ($21.25) + CONDOR MA31: SINGLE P90 & UMP 45 MAG POUCH ($13.58)

The saw and pouch are sold separately

This compact folding saw is incredible! I’ve used it for years and absolutely love it. It is compact when folded and substantial when open. The saw is light, yet well constructed. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. The Laplander’s aggressive teeth cut on both strokes, which makes it efficient to use.

The only thing missing is a pouch for the saw. Many people make their own from vegetable tanned leather. But there is a ready-made solution. This nylon pouch fits the saw perfectly and mates to PALS webbing on MOLLE compatible backpacks.

Between $50 – $100

For some reason this price range is always the hardest to fill. Maybe it’s the lack of high quality “middle of the road” gear? This year, I only have one entry in this price range – and it’s actually two items together!

8. MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set ($49.95) + Coghlan’s Arno Strap (Pack of 2) ($4.99)

The utensils are not included.

I switched away from aluminum cookware during the Alzheimer’s scare. No causal link was ever shown between aluminum cookware and the disease. But I stuck with stainless steel because I like it’s toughness and conductive properties. It works great on a campstove or I can cook with my campfire.

If weight is not a major concern, check out the MSR Alpine 2 pot set. The set comes with two handle-less pots, a lid, and a pot gripper. The pots nest and I store other kitchen items inside them. I fasten the top with an old fashioned Arno strap. This nylon strap has a spring-loaded gator clip at one end. After cinching the strap around the pots, I run it through the gator clip to hold everything together.

More than $100

If you want to spend a more substantial sum, here are two quality items you should consider.

9. Kokatat OutFIT Tour PFD ($151)

I use this PFD for sea kayaking, sailing, and canoeing. It’s comfortable and has two large mesh pockets conveniently located. It has an attachment point on the front left shoulder that I use for a knife. Another attachment point on the back of the left shoulder is provided for a strobe light. The center-front pocket closes with a plastic buckle. Inside is a key ring I use to attach my signal whistle with a spring-loaded tether. Reflective tape front and back provides extra visibility. I like the buckle located just below the PFD’s zipper. On land I can unzip the PFD to vent heat and still keep it around my waist with the buckle.

10. Bark River Knives Aurora ($202 – $277)

When I’m not using my trusty Fallkniven, I reach for my Bark River Aurora. This “semi-custom” knife can be purchased with a variety of handle options and in a variety of steels. So you can customize it for your favorite outdoorsman or outdoorswoman. The knife is 9.5 inches long with a 4.5 inch blade. The convex blade will not let you down. You can find it offered from a number of knife retailers on the Internet.

Equipment and Experience = Fun

I hope this list helps stir your gift-giving imagination. Ultimately, your gift isn’t as important as the thought behind it. And often a hike together is the best gift you can give. A shared experience will last a lifetime, whereas outdoor equipment comes and goes.

Do you have your own gift recommendations? Tell me about them by leaving a comment below.