10 Equipment Gifts for Bushcrafters, Nature Lovers, and People Who Love the Outdoors (2014)

It can be hard to shop for someone who likes the outdoors. You want to get them something they will use and enjoy. A gift that matches their interests and helps inspire them to do the things they love.

Here are 10 gift ideas organized into three price ranges. I have tried to choose items that are a bit different than the standard fare you would find at a large retailer.

Under $50

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Bottle Cup/Pot

This stainless steel cup/pot is designed to nest with a standard 1 liter Nalgene water bottle. Its handles fold inward and contour around the cup, making it very compact. It weighs only 5 ounces and holds 18 ounces of liquid.

I carry this cup for convenience and to use in an emergency to purify water by boiling. I specifically recommend the GSI product because I have had problems with other brands leaking. (Approx $10)

Field Notes Mini Notebooks

These 48-page memo books are great for taking down notes in the field. I also keep my journals in them and glue digital images I take while I am hiking to the pages. These are durable, but not waterproof. There is a waterproof version (for the same price), but I have not tried them. (Approx $10)

UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod

This is a unique idea. It is a lightweight folding camera tripod that weighs only 4 ounces and measures 7 inches when stowed.

It is very small, but you position it on some object, like a rock, for stability. The tripod has an integrated Velcro strap that you can use to attach it to a small tree or your pack frame. This makes it very versatile.

The tripod has a ball-joint mount and fits any medium 35 millimeter DSLR, camcorder, or sighting scope. It is made of a robust plastic. (Approx $20)

Black Diamond Orbit Lantern

I have started using a small LED lantern and find it superior to the traditional Coleman gas lanterns. I don’t have to worry about mantles, white gas, bulk, weight or an accidental fire.

The one I have been using is the Black Diamond Orbit Lantern. In its stowed configuration it measures only 4×5.5 inches. It puts out 60 lumens from its lantern and also has a spotlight built into its base that provides an additional 50 lumens. The light can be dimmed and the lantern has a collapsible double-hook that I use to hang it from straps built into the ceilings of most modern tents. It comes in a variety of colors. I like the orange one because it will be more visible if I drop it in the dark. (Approx $30)

MSR Dromedary Hydration Bag (4L)

If you go on multi-day trips, especially with groups, this is a neat product. This water storage bag has an outer Cordura nylon layer laminated with a BPA-free, food-grade, polyurethane liner. It folds/rolls up when empty and weighs 6.9 ounces.

I have used it in camp by suspending it from a tree with a bungee cord. Its versatile cap makes it easy to fill and I use the spigot-cap accessory to turn it into a water bottle filling station. There is also a shower accessory, but I have not used it. I have only tried the 4-liter version, but it also comes in 2, 6, and 10 liter sizes. (Approx $30)

Between $50 and $100

Leatherman Multi-Tool

A multi-tool (or Swiss Army knife) is useful for repairing outdoor gear in the field. I also use it to open cans and bottles, and for small cutting tasks. The tools I use most are the pliers, screw drivers, and the can/bottle opener. The saw is a great labor saving device for cutting the notch in a hearth board for a fire-by-friction set. I also look for an awl so I can make holes in leather, nylon, or wood. ($50-$80)

Integral Designs Siltarp1

I always carry a lightweight waterproof shelter in my daypack for emergencies. I like the Siltarp1 because it only weighs 8 ounces and packs into a 5.9×3.1-inch stuff sack. The tarp measures 60×87 inches and does not need to be seam sealed because it is constructed from a single piece of silicone impregnated ripstop Cordura nylon. The tarp only provides shelter for one, but larger sizes are available for two and three people. I use the bright yellow color but it is also available in olive and gray. (Less than: $70)

More than $100

Native Flute

The Native American style flute is easy to learn because it plays in the pentatonic scale. Each note it plays goes with every other. You can improvise your own songs as you master its technique. It sounds terrific outdoors and makes a good instrument to take on backpack trips.

I recommend beginners start with a flute that plays in the key of “A” minor, which is easy to play and has a pleasing voice. I recommend a walnut flute because the wood is heavier and will travel well. I also like the “bright” tone of walnut for the higher pitched flutes. (Approx $110)

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad

Wow! I replaced by bulky closed-cell pad with this 3-season air mattress. It is fully inflatable and has a layer of reflective mylar-like material inside it to bounce body heat back to the sleeper. It is also constructed to insulate the sleeper from the ground.

The mattress is 2.5 inches thick, and weighs just 12 ounces! It packs down into the size of a Nalgene 32-ounce water bottle! I sleep very well on it, but I should mention that my older model makes a “crinkling” noise if I toss and turn. So you should try it before you buy it. (Approx $120-$140)

ACR Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

PLBs send a signal directly to authorities. This is unlike the consumer “SPOT” product. The beacon transmits a 406 MHz signal to satellites overhead. The beacon includes your location in the transmission from its onboard GPS receiver. I like the ACS brand models that also broadcast a 121.5 MHz homing signal to assist local SAR teams. It also has a bright strobe light that operates when the beacon is active.

I have an older, bulkier model. The new ACR model (ACR ResQ Link) is much more compact at 3.9 x 1.3 x 1.9 inches. It weighs just 4.6 ounces!

There is no subscription fee for a PLB, but you must register it with NOAA after you purchase it. Note that it is a violation of federal law to misuse a PLB. They are only for emergencies where a life, a limb, or eyesight is in jeopardy. (Approx $250-$270)