Every year we struggle to buy presents for those outdoorsy people in our lives. You either have no idea what they actually do out in the wilderness, or they already have everything! What should you give?Stocking stuffers should be unique, fun, small and not too expensive. Here are a few of my all-time favorite outdoor things under $30.
For the Survivalist
- Paracord Fire Starter Necklace by The Friendly Swede $11.99
- Emergency Bivvy by Survive Outdoors Longer $14.95 protects against rain and wind and reflects 80% of body heat
- Spool Tool Paracord Spool
holds 100ft of paracord, with blade and lighter holder $16.50
- Luci EMRG
Solar powered, inflatable and waterproof lantern with white setting and SOS red flash $14.95
- Paracord Knife Survival Bracelet $14.86
- Fozzils Bowls
unsnap to lick clean and pack flat Set of two $9.95
- MSR Alpine Pot Brush / Scraper
$4.95
- Sea to Summit X-Seal Go collapsing food container bowl with airtight lid holds leftovers $26
- Light My Fire Titanium Spork
- The classic Light My Fire Spork, in titanium so you'll never break it again
- Titanium Long Handle Spoon
keeps hands clean and away from hot liquids $9.95
Help them make their gear last longer with products to clean, protect and rejuvenate outdoor clothing and equipment.
- Nikwax Tech Wash because detergent will ruin most waterproof clothing and down
MiraZyme Odor Eliminator
is a nearly magical concoction that will make your stinkiest clothes and shoes smell like absolutely nothing at all
- Nikwax Concentrated Tent & Gear Solar Proof Outdoor gear like tents and hammocks take a beating from UV light which breaks down nylon and polyester. This liquid protects gear from UV rays.
- Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Spray
uses a compound from chrysanthemum flowers to keep insects away. Spray your clothes, let them dry, and you'll have 6 weeks of protection.
- Nikwax Down Proof Waterproofing
rejuvenates down, gives down water repellency and rejuvenates water repellency of shell fabrics
- Gear Aid ReviveX Instant Waterproofing Spray
renews waterproof finish of rain jackets, tents and sleeping bags
rejuvenates down, gives down water repellency and rejuvenates water repellency of shell fabrics
renews waterproof finish of rain jackets, tents and sleeping bagsFor the rock climber in your life:
- Arno Ilgner, the author of the classic “The Rock Warriors Way,” brings us “Espresso Lessons;” practical lessons for on and off the rock. $19.95
- Misty Mountain brings back the Bouldering Scratch Mat for the boulderer in your life. $9.95
- Some climbers go through climbing tape like you wouldn’t believe. Plus it doubles as medical tape. $3.95
- Keep them pumped out even in the off season with a Dynaflex Pro Gyro Hand Exerciser
- Make their favorite pair of shoes last longer with Five Ten’s Stealth Paint Repair Kit $16.99
- If all else fails, buy them some Super Chalk. Chalk is like Clif Bars, it’s always good to have a reserve.
- Does your climber play well with others? Chances are they climb well with them too. Black Diamond’s Gorilla Chalk Bag is big and flat bottomed, a communal chalk pot perfect for group bouldering sessions.
Endurance Athletes
- Keep their noggin and ears warm on a run, ride, or paddle with a windproof Gore Bike wear helmet cap $25.95
- Chilly mornings often make for warmer afternoons. Help them transition without slowing down with Smartwool arm warmers $25
- If they run in Vibram Five Fingers, their toes may be a little chilly in colder temps. Keep their toes and legs warm with Injinji's new outdoor calf length merino wool toe socks $16
- Earbuds that fall out are annoying. Koss' Sport Clip Headphones won't fall out.
- Keep them amped, even while on the couch with Christopher McDougall's Born to Run $15
- Hard work on cold days often makes for sore muscles. Ease their pain with a Body Wrap from Carex.
- Keep their hands warm during 3 seasons with these Manzella Silkweight Windstopper Glove When it's just chilly, they block the wind without overheating. Add a liner glove for toasty hands on colder days.
- Fuel them to the finish line with Cliff Energy Shots. Compact enough for a back pocket, fast and easy to down on the go.
- L-Glutamine helps with protein synthesis, immune system support, cell hydration and has no known negative side effects. Get it from GNC for just $5.99
- There's nothing less refreshing than warm water after a workout. Polar Insulated Bottles keep drinks colder longer. $11.99
- Help them stay hydrated, without all the sugar. Elete electrolyte additive can be added to water to boost electrolyte levels without the performance zapping effects of sugar. $4.99
- It's hard to find a good skin protection that stays on when you sweat profusely. Sol Sunguard's MultiSport formula keeps skin protected from sun and wind even while sweating. This formula "breates" to let sweat out while retaining its protecting qualities.
- Bodyglide is a must-have for all types of endurance athletes from expedition kayakers to marathoners and cyclists. Sweat and friction combine to make for one uncomfortable experience in really awful places. Prevent it with Bodyglide.
- Cliff Shot Bloks provide simple and complex carb fuel in a pre-portioned package. Just need a little boost? Eat one or two from the pack. Need a kick in the rear? Eat the whole pack.
