Updated November 2, 2023
Need some gift ideas for outdoorsy women? Our 2023 gift guide will help!
Are you searching for the perfect gift for the outdoors woman in your life? Someone who lives for long days on the trail and dark nights around the campfire? Who prefers hiking boots over heels and North Face over Gucci?
It can be hard to choose the right gifts for outdoorsy women, especially since nature-loving types tend not to be super into stuff. But I hope this list will help. I carefully picked each of these items based on my years of experience hiking, camping, kayaking, and skiing, all around the world. Not to mention just as much experience choosing the best gear for all of it.
Importantly, all the suggestions in this list are things that make good gifts. Way too many articles on outdoors gifts for women are really just packing lists full of stuff she likely already has or would probably rather choose herself.
Wool base layers? Hard to fit. Water bottle? Surely she’s got one. Backpack? Depends on personal preference. But this is a guide to things that are easy to pick out and fun to give (and get)!
Of course, people of any gender who like spending time outside may enjoy the gifts on this list, but all I can speak from is my own experience. (Ryan has and uses many of these items, although he seems to have a distinct lack of interest in ).
Some links in this post are affiliates, meaning we may earn a small commission if you place an order. Your cost stays the same!
Contents
The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women
Want to make it quick? Here are my picks for the best outdoor gifts for women:
Best stocking stuffer:
Best budget-friendly gift:
Best splurge gift:
Best hiking gift: Hiking Logbook
Best camping gift:
Best national parks gift: Scratch-Off Map
Useful Outdoor Gifts for Her
Are you looking for gifts that will help her get outdoors more and make her time outside even more enjoyable? Give the gift of gear! Whether you’re shopping for a hiker, camper, skier, or general lover of nature, these are great gifts for outdoors women – and they’re things she’ll actually use, I promise!
I don’t know why anyone goes camping without bringing a hammock – and the outdoorsy lady in your life doesn’t have to ever again!
We’ve had our for years, and it’s perfect for travel or camping because it packs down to the size of your fist and weighs one single pound. Our plain black one feels a little boring in comparison, but ENO hammocks come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns.
But a hammock of any color makes hanging out at the campsite so much more fun and relaxing. And not that I can speak from first-hand experience, but I’d think a hammock would be one of the best outdoor gifts for Mom!
Nobody likes fumbling around in the dark inside their tent. But these compact little lamps are lightweight and conveniently hang in the tent, so your adventurous gal won’t be stuck in the dark once the sun goes down. A little light will also make it easier for her to find her fuzzy socks…
Speaking of which. Fuzzy socks are definitely a camping non-necessity, but they sure are nice to wear in the tent at night. Can you say, stocking stuffer?
You know what I hate? Crawling out of the tent in the middle of the night to go to the outhouse, and having to either a) hassle with lacing up my shoes in the dark or b) take off my socks to put on sandals, and have my feet freeze.
Enter: camp slippers. Maybe these aren’t the right gift for hardcore ultralight backpackers – but they’re great for car campers. And as gifts for outdoorsy moms, they’re basically perfect.
Okay, maybe I’ve just been on too many cold camping trips recently and camping in warm places doesn’t require any of these things. But in places that get chilly at night, these packable blankets from Rumpl are perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth over a sleeping bag or snuggling up around the campfire. Plus, all the amazing colors and designs make them a fun gift to give (and get!).
This is the only item on this list from Amazon, and it’s a great gift for outdoorsy women who also love to read (hi, it’s me, and my Kindle comes on every camping trip).
The Paperwhite is the perfect model for camping because it’s not like using a backlit device – and isn’t avoiding electronic devices half the point of going camping? And since the screen is already lit with adjustable warm light, it’s easy to use in a dark tent. Plus, the battery lasts forever, so it won’t die even longer trips.
Want more? Gift her an outdoor-focused Kindle book like Lands of Lost Borders or Braiding Sweetgrass to read on it. And don’t forget a Kindle cover – like this starry night one – to protect it from the elements.
If you ask me, camping is not a reason to forgo coffee in the morning. If the outdoorsy woman in your life feels the same, she’ll love you for giving her this camping- and travel-friendly French press.
Unlike a regular French press, it’s (obviously) not made of glass, so it’s safe to use anywhere and super durable for travel. We’ve been using ours tent-side for years.
Camping is also not a reason to drink bad coffee. Give her the treat of some quality coffee to brew in her new French press. Need a coffee snob recommendation? I’m partial to Revel Coffee, roasted in small batches in Billings, Montana. And by “partial to it,” I mean it’s legitimately the best coffee I’ve ever had anywhere.
Of course, she’ll also need a camp mug to drink it out of! Since they’re made out of titanium, these mugs are super lightweight, plus the handle folds in for easier packing. A couple of these will make perfect camping gifts for women who love coffee.
Camping doesn’t have to mean eating bland food, either. The Spice Missile holds the perfect amount of six different spices to cook with over the campfire. Pro tip: an avid cook could easily use two of these gadgets, for even more spices!
I’ve worn a lot of wool hiking socks from different companies, but Darn Tough socks are hands-down my favorites. Darn Tough is a small company based in one of my favorite states – Vermont – and their socks are all made out of Merino wool, and all come with a lifetime guarantee! Add that they come in lots of fun patterns and colors, and these socks make pretty great outdoor gifts for women.
The best kind of camping cookbook there is: a s’mores cookbook! This book has 50 (yes, FIFTY) different recipes for unique variations of s’mores – like Nutella s’mores and lemon meringue s’mores. This is the thing she didn’t know she needed.
Everyone needs a deck of cards for playing games around the campfire, and these national park-themed cards seem like the obvious choice.
Each card features a unique illustration of a different national park, with suits based on geographic region and card value determined by popularity. The four aces? Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Rocky Mountain, and Yellowstone.
Twinkle lights are fun, and they’ll give her tent a little ambiance. And if you need gifts for an outdoorsy wife or girlfriend, keep in mind that these will make any camping trip a little more romantic.
A towel wouldn’t ordinarily be a very fun gift (and I promised this list would have fun gifts!). But Nomadix towels are something different. They’re lightweight, super-absorbent, and quick-drying, of course, just like any travel towel should be.
But instead of the standard cerulean (why are travel towels always cerulean?), Nomadix towels come in all kinds of different stunning designs.
To recap. Boring towels? Not good gifts for outdoorsy women. These towels? They get the stamp of approval.
Everyone should carry some First-Aid supplies when they’re out in the backcountry. If the adventurous gal in your life doesn’t already keep one with her, a First-Aid kit would be a smart gift. This one has all the basics for handling minor issues, and it weighs less than half a pound fully packed.
Stargazing is practically synonymous with camping – so help her understand what she’s seeing with this National Geographic pocket guide to the skies of North America. It covers 50 different constellations with diagrams and tips on how to spot them.
Hand warmers are one of my not-actually-essential ski trip essentials. Is the woman you’re shopping for also a skier? Then I can pretty much guarantee she’d appreciate these – and they’re partially compostable.
You know what else is nice during a cold day of skiing? A warm thermos of hot chocolate. You could grab some at the grocery store – or you could make it more fun by giving her these hot chocolate bombs, filled with miniature marshmallows.
And don’t forget to include a thermos to drink it out of! Ryan got a YETI tumbler as a groomsmen gift a few years ago, and I…often borrow it – because it keeps beverages hot forever. I pour my coffee in it in the morning, ski half the day, come back at lunch, and it’s still hot.
She might have a thermos already, but I can promise this one will be better!
When it comes to ski clothing, face coverings often get overlooked – but to me, it’s the difference between a comfortable day on the hill and a frigid one. A cloth Covid mask will do the job (and it’s a good use for all those masks lying around now), but I really wouldn’t mind upgrading to this Merino wool balaclava.
Does she want to stay cozy and stylish all winter long? I’ll assume yes. In that case, these colorful yarn mittens and matching beanie are perfect. And they’re created by , a small woman-owned company that employs mostly working moms.
This is something every outdoors-loving woman needs – and every year. The “America The Beautiful” Interagency Annual Pass is valid at every single national park and federal recreation area in the U.S. – that’s over 2,000 places across all 50 states (plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands!). And it lasts for the whole year! Get the 2024 – 2025 pass here.
Fun Outdoorsy Gifts for Her
Maybe the gal you’re shopping for already has all the gear she could ever use? Then give her something to remind her of the outdoors even when she’s at home.
These aren’t things I personally own – it’s more like my curated wishlist of outdoors-inspired goodies. There are no camping essentials or backcountry must-haves in this section – just fun, unique gift ideas for outdoor women, all of which I would love to receive myself.
Does she prefer riding the waves over paddling through them? Check out this adorable surfer ornament – which can even be personalized.
Or is she more of an underwater thrill seeker? The mini scuba tank on this keychain will remind her of her dive adventures even while she’s on land.
This is the attitude many outdoorsy girls take toward their hair (or is it just me?) – and this cap will cover it up anyway!
Most people who love nature also love maps – so what better than a map that depicts nature in great detail? This shop makes stunning elevation maps of tons of different states, countries, and parks, so you can choose a place that’s meaningful to her.
This isn’t just a blank notebook – it’s a dedicated hiking log, with prompts to help her remember the details of each hike. For an avid hiker who also likes journaling or list-making, this is perfect.
Every nature-loving lady needs some nature-inspired jewelry, right? And these sterling silver pine tree necklaces seem like just the thing. The one on the far left is my personal favorite.
I love the look of these handmade earrings, and knowing that each pair is one-of-a-kind makes them even more special. Pro tip: make sure she has pierced ears before you buy them!
There are two reasons this engraved bracelet would make a beautiful gift for outdoorsy women. One, the mountainscape will sing to her heart. Two, metal cuffs are sturdy and durable, so it’ll stand up to her rugged lifestyle. Bonus: you can even add a custom engraving.
National Parks Scratch-Off Map
There are lots of national park scratch-off lists out there these days, but this is one of the coolest ones I’ve seen. If you’re shopping for someone who’s into visiting national parks, she’ll love scratching them off as she goes.
This is a quote that will resonate with almost any adventurous woman, and this sticker will go perfectly on her water bottle or laptop.
Of course, many outdoorsy ladies will prefer this sticker instead!
The detail on these engraved glasses is incredible, and I especially love the skier. But the same shop also sells gin and pint glasses, and other engraving options include surfers, sailboats, and more, so you can really choose the perfect outdoorsy gift for her.
How cute is this national park coffee mug? With a custom icon illustrating each of America’s national parks, it’ll give her something to dream about while she drinks her morning coffee.
Does she have a bare wall at home? Give her this three-panel canvas wall hanging, and help her feel like she’s out in the wilderness even when she’s inside.
Anyone who prefers to see the world from two wheels will love hanging this on their wall – and I bet the steel design will suit her style perfectly.
Coffee table books always make nice presents, and there are SO many great ones about the outdoors. If you want to give her stunning photography, useful tips, and epic inspiration, gift her one of these:
- She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild
- The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
Splurge Gifts for Outdoors Women
I’m not just going to casually throw a high-ticket gift in between, like, a sticker and a keychain. No, these items will be a splurge – so if that’s not what you’re shopping for, just hop down to the next section.
But if you’re in the market for something big, these are fabulous gifts for the outdoors woman.
Anyone who loves camping probably already has a camp chair or two. But if you really want to wow her, splurge on this camp recliner. The auto-recliner and headrest make it perfect for stargazing – if the gentle swinging doesn’t lull her to sleep first!
Check it out in action, and you’ll see why it’s been called “the closest thing you can get to bringing a La-Z-Boy on your camping trip.”
I scoffed at Ryan when he said he wanted to get a YETI cooler, because they’re so pricey. But honestly? It’s saved us tons of money in the long run and helped us eat healthier while camping and traveling.
Since it stays cold for so long, we can easily pack our own food and buy groceries on the road – instead of eating out all the time or relying on freeze-dried camping food. For people with dietary restrictions or specific preferences, a good cooler is even more essential.
We have the Tundra 35, but sometimes wish we’d gone for the slightly-bigger Tundra 45 instead. Either way, it’s a great canvas for all our stickers from Montana small businesses!
Pro tip: Quality ice packs will keep everything even colder for longer, so pop one or two of these inside the cooler before you gift wrap it.
I secretly believe that stand-up paddleboarding only got popular because it’s so much more Instagrammable than kayaking. But that doesn’t mean it’s not one of my favorite outdoor activities! SUP’ing is a fun way to mix things up, and (I think) it’s a lot more challenging than kayaking. Plus, you can do yoga on a paddleboard!
That said, SUPs don’t come cheap, so they make a great gift for the outdoorsy woman who might not want to splurge on herself.
This paddleboard is inflatable, so it’s easy to transport and store (perfect for city living). And it comes with all the accessories she’ll need: a paddle, pump, leash, and repair kit.
For the woman who’s tackling serious outdoor adventures, a sports watch is a must. There are so many different kinds out there, but the Garmin Forerunner 255S is a slimmer design made for smaller wrists.
And it does…well, a lot. This watch tracks activity, sleep, recovery, and heart rate. It provides performance metrics so she can see her improvement. And it has GPS, a compass, and even an altimeter so she’ll never get lost. What more could an adventure-seeking girl ask for?
Want to prepare her for the winter instead? If the woman you’re shopping for is an avid skier, and one who likes to explore lots of different hills, this is the ultimate splurge gift.
The Ikon Pass is an access pass that’s good for skiing at over 50 ski resorts in the U.S. and around the world, including some of the big ones like Aspen and Jackson Hole. No wonder it’s one of the most sought-after gifts for skiers.
The Trip of a Lifetime
If you REALLY want to splurge (and she really wants to do something epic), send your outdoorsy gal on an all-women adventure to an incredible destination. These are trips that will give her a once-in-a-lifetime experience, shared with a crew of kindred spirits.
REI (yes, the store) runs women-only outdoor trips in national parks and other adventure destinations all across the U.S. Backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking around Santa Fe, and kayaking the San Juan Islands are just a few.
Intrepid Travel is one of the biggest names in small-group adventure travel, and they offer special women’s expeditions to certain countries. These trips focus on connecting with local women and breaking down cultural barriers in places where gender norms would otherwise make it difficult, like Jordan, Morocco, and India.
WHOA Travel is an entirely female-staffed company offering all-women trips to bucket-list destinations, including Patagonia, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Iceland. And some of their trips are reserved specifically for plus-size women.
The Best Outdoor Gift Cards
People have mixed feelings about giving gift cards. It’s not creative enough, it’s not personal enough, it’s not fun enough.
Gift cards might not be the most creative gifts for outdoorsy women, but choosing the right one will make it personal – and she’ll definitely have fun using it! These are my top recommendations for outdoors gift cards.
For outdoor clothing and accessories, it just doesn’t get much better than Patagonia. Everything they make is super high quality, so it works well and lasts forever – and Patagonia is dedicated to sustainability in a way that few big companies are. Their stuff doesn’t come too cheap, though, so any adventure-loving woman would love to get a gift card.
Trust me, you won’t go wrong with an REI gift card, either. They sell practically every brand and every item an outdoorsy girl would want to buy. And REI is another company that makes real commitments to social responsibility – it’s a cooperative, after all.
Airbnb isn’t just for plush vacation rentals anymore. It’s also full of remote campsites, cozy cabins, and other rustic accommodations that any outdoorsy woman would love to stay at.
Maybe you haven’t heard of Hipcamp, but that’s probably about to change. It’s an Airbnb-like platform that’s specifically for camping and cabins, and it has tons of amazing properties that would appeal to any nature lover. We’ve loved it for finding offbeat campsites, and just spots to camp in areas with no traditional campground, on our road trips around the U.S.
Charitable Donation
This isn’t really a gift card, but if you need a gift for the outdoor woman who already has everything, a charitable donation in her name could be the perfect thing. Outdoorsy people tend to be passionate about the environment, so a non-profit organization that works in conservation, sustainability, environmental advocacy, or wildlife protection would be a great fit.
Curated Outdoor Women’s Gift Baskets
Want to make it more unique? Put together your own basket of women’s outdoor gifts to create the perfect present. (It’s okay, you can pretend you came up with the idea on your own!)
Date Night Basket: Gifts for an Outdoorsy Girlfriend or Wife
Bundle these items together, and plan her a fun outdoors date night:
Comfy, Cozy Basket: Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms
Package these gifts together to help Mom stay relaxed on your next family camping trip:
Young & Hip Basket: Gifts for Outdoorsy Girls & Teens
Wrap these up together, and cement your status as the cool adult in her life:
3 Things NOT to Give Her
Maybe this is the most important part of this article. It can be hard to find the perfect gift for the outdoors woman. But it is NOT hard to not give her a terrible gift! These are the top three things to not give her this holiday season, or ever (unless maybe you’re realllly close):
Menstrual cups have long been a staple on “adventure gifts for her” guides. And that is just not a good gift!
Do you know what size and shape to buy? Did you even know they come in different sizes and shapes? Have you considered that maybe she already has one, or doesn’t want one, or would rather not unwrap one in front of her 8-year-old nephew?
And you know what else falls into this category: female urination devices! These contraptions also appear on many lists of gift ideas for outdoor women – and I think they better belong on lists of things she will likely not want!
I’m sensing a theme here. A pee cloth is a piece of fabric you use in place of toilet paper, and then hang on the outside of your backpack. I’ve been seeing these more and more in articles about outdoors gifts for women, and I just…suggest you assume that if the outdoorsy woman in your life wants one of these, she will buy it herself.
I don’t say this because there’s anything at all wrong with these items. I say it because I don’t think most women want to receive them as a gift. And you’re looking for gifts, right? So, return that She-Wee or anything else genital-related, and give her one of these much better outdoorsy gifts for women instead!
What are you giving as gifts for outdoor women this year?
PIN IT!
One of the best lists I’ve seen 🙂
This is a great list of gifts! Definitely make a few notes for myself 😉 Thanks!
That’s what gift lists are for, right? 😉
WOW! What a comprehensive list, with so much variety. I’m with you on the pee cloth and coffee maker – nothing should interfere with a quality morning coffee! Thank you for such a wonderful collection.
Haha! Thank you 🙂
I’ll be adding some of these to my own Christmas list instead of gifts :p
The best way to use gift guides 😉
That Yeti cooler looks fantastic to use! I’ve been meaning to get myself one of those for a long time now.
The price tag is hard to swallow, but for us at least, it was totally worth it.
That spice missile sounds such a fantastic idea! I know someone who spends a lot of time outdoors and is an avid cook too, so she will definitely appreciate this one for Christmas! Thank you so much, I would have never thought of this on my own!
Yay I’m glad! We love using it while we’re camping!
Even I think that Yeti cooler is a bit pricey. But, it is totally worth it.
Yeah, that’s exactly how I felt 🙂
Plenty of great items on this list. I’m after some new coasters!
There are SO many cool ones on Etsy!
I love my Kindle Paperwhite. Recommend for anyone who loves traveling.
Same! If I didn’t have one, I wouldn’t read nearly as much.