Holiday Gift Guide: Hiking and Camping

If you ask us, nothing beats hiking ridgelines, hanging with friends and family around a campfire, and sleeping beneath the stars. Over a decade ago, Active Junky was born out of love for both the great outdoors and the gear that gets us there. While we’ve grown significantly since those early days, not much has changed. We still love helping fellow outdoor enthusiasts save money on high-quality gear, and we still live to put that gear to the test on the trail. Below, you’ll find eight stoke-worthy gift ideas for campers, hikers, and anyone who values time spent outside as much as we do. 

CLIQ Chair

You can’t have a good camping trip without a good camp chair. Whether you are sitting around the fire or enjoying a camping culinary masterpiece, sitting on a stump isn’t exactly ideal. The CLIQ chair is our new go-to camp chair. Quickly collapsible, yet incredibly comfortable. The CLIQ packs down to the size of a water bottle so you can take it anywhere. 

CamelBak Cloud Walker™ 18 Hydration Pack 85 oz

When you are heading out for a long day hike make sure the Cloud Walker is on your back. Featuring a 2.5-liter hydration reservoir you will be hydrated no matter how long you are on the trail. A comfortable and cooling back panel does its best to keep your back from getting too sweaty and the removable waist strap gives you versatility when it comes to carrying options. A roomy 18-liter interior and stretch pockets on the outside of the pack give you room for a full day worth of layers and supplies all in a compact comfortable package. 

Osprey Hikelite 26 Daypack from Cabela's

We’ve put enough Osprey backpacks through the wringer over the last decade to fill a garage—or two. We’ve tested the Colorado brand’s specialized ski packs, their huge, multi-day backpacking backpacks, and everything in between. And you know what? We’ve never had a single sub-outstanding experience. If you’re hunting for a high-quality pack, you can’t go wrong with Osprey. Case in point, the Hikelite 26. A sleek yet capable pack, the Hikelite is purpose-built for anything from short hikes to full-day alpine adventures. The exceptionally ventilated Airspeed back panel keeps the lower back from resembling a swamp of sweat on muggy or mountainous hikes. The pack also sports an integrated rain cover that protects electronics and gear from unexpected downpours, stretchy mesh pockets for water bottles, and an internal hydration sleeve that fits up to a 3-liter reservoir. No doubt about it, the Hikelite 26 is a thoughtful, pragmatic gift for avid and aspiring hikers alike. 

Leatherman Wave+ from Bass Pro Shops

One of Leatherman’s all-time best-selling multi-tools gets an upgrade. Whether you are out hunting or fishing you won’t want to be caught out without this multi-tool featuring 18 different tools. We’ve been carrying around this Leatherman on all of our outdoor excursions and have found it exceptionally useful. Everything from pinching barbs of flies to snipping line with the scissors when our nippers inevitably go missing. With all the right tools to get you out of a jam, the Wave+ will definitely be with you wherever you go. 

Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Spiked Stripe Crew Socks

One way to stay more comfortable and prevent blisters on your long hikes is to use a hiking-specific sock. This lightweight wool sock is designed to keep you dry and cool no matter the conditions. The Indestructawool™ technology keeps the socks durable and the seamless construction prevents any hotspots from forming. With a new design, you’ll make anyone on your list happy with a pair of these Smartwool socks

Smartwool Men's Merino Sport Boxer Brief

We’ve been on a mission to convert our entire wardrobe to merino products for some time now. Although that may not be realistic, a few pairs of merino underwear should be a staple in every man’s wardrobe. With Merino’s natural heat regulation and moisture management, you are certain to stay dry and comfortable. Additionally, the anti-microbial properties of merino keep the stink to a minimum if you find yourself deep in the backcountry with only one pair of underwear.

Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Pattern Crew

Staying warm and comfortable while on the mountain is key to having a good day. This merino baselayer from Smartwool is a constant piece in our on-the-mountain wardrobe. This versatile piece is at home on a fall hike or as a base layer in the winter. Featuring a few different patterns there is something to fit everyone’s style. 

Woods Pinnacle Lightweight 4-Person 4-Season Tent

 This 4-person 4-season tent can stand up to whatever adventures you throw at it. With sturdy poles and a roomy interior, you can be comfortable even in inclement weather. The large vestibule is great for storing gear and boots to keep them out of the elements and out of the tent. Woods has been making tents for over 100 years so you can be certain they’ve learned a thing or two along the way. 

Woods Portable Quick Set-up Folding Adjustable 2-in-1 Camping Lounger/Cot

If you like to spare no luxury while camping this is the product for you. Whether you are looking for a sturdy cot to keep you off the ground or a casual lounge chair for enjoying life in the woods this chair has you covered in both scenarios. The quick setup means you won’t be fumbling when you get to camp and can enjoy the views. Camp in comfort with this Lounger/Cot from Woods. 

NEBO DaVinci 12000 Mag Dial

When in need of an ultra-bright flashlight reach for the DAVINCI 12000. With 5 light modes including the super bright turbo mode that puts out 12,000 lumens, you’ll certainly have plenty of power to light up anything you need with that impressive output. 5 other light modes and the smart power control let you dial in exactly the output you need for any given situation. With up to 12 hours of battery on the 300 lumen mode you can be sure you’ll never be left in the dark with the DAVINCI 12000.  

Crocs Classic Line Neo Puff Boot

Take the classic clog from Crocs and make it cozy and you end up with these Crocs boots that are sure to make anyone’s day just a little bit better. With a lined neck these Crocs transform into boots suitable for colder weather without compromising on any of the comfort and style Crocs is known for.

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

We have a soft spot in our hearts for Rumpl, as our test team has relied on the Original Puffy Blanket for warmth all over the west. From vanlifing around Vancouver Island to car-camping in Utah’s deserts and winter camping in Colorado, we’ve done it all. Essentially, the puffy blanket is a lofty throw wrapped in recycled ripstop. The easy-to-clean, durable nylon shell can handle dirt, bark, and brambles, yet it’s also soft against the skin. Perfect for hike-to picnics, cold nights in a tent, or even just snuggling up on the couch, the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is a gift that any outdoor enthusiast—or indoor enthusiast, for that matter—will surely love.

Yeti Hopper Flip

Yes, this soft-sided instrument of insulation is (also) good for solid food, owning the day for up to a week at a time. Carry, tuck, strap and be ready for quick on-water lunches and prepping campfire cuisine off the tailgate. The reliability of Yeti’s zippers along with Flip’s wide-mouth design means quick, repeated access without killing the cooling. While Yeti coolers are definitely in the investment zone, this affordable model is among the most often-used by campers, cabin dwellers and boaters. At 3.1lbs empty, Yeti Hopper Flip loads up 12 beverage cans (with ice) or chill-worthy provisions for two for a multi-day trip.

Camp Chef Everest 2-Burner Camp Stove

The Camp Chef Everest is a simple, effective, and well-made 2-burner stove, and it’s our go-to for car camping. It’s incredibly powerful, with two high-pressure 20,000 BTU burners. Not only is the Everest ultra-quick at boiling water, but it also has excellent simmer control—whether you’re cooking quinoa on low heat or trying not to burn your banana pancakes, the Everest is up to the challenge. Lastly, wind is the Kryptonite of camp stoves, but with a three-sided windscreen and mighty inset burners, the Everest cooks up a storm no matter the weather.