11 Brilliant Gifts for Outdoorsy People

Research suggests that exposure to nature has a number of health benefits—and at this time of year, your friends and family could probably use all they can get. Make their journey into the great outdoors fun and fuss-free with these gear picks, suitable for a variety of skill levels—from urban glamper to backcountry expert.

1. FJÄLLRÄVEN Keb Touring Down Jacket; $450

These lightweight, intensely squishable down jackets for men and women will keep your camping buddies extra-warm. The outer layer of recycled polyamide features reinforced panels on the shoulders, lower sleeves, and back, while the insulation of 95 percent ethically produced goose down and 5 percent feathers has a toasty 800 fill power. The whole jacket weighs only 150 grams (5.3 ounces)—perfect for ultralight backpacking as well as roasting marshmallows around the campfire.

Buy It: Amazon

2. Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern And USB Power Hub; $70

This compact lantern emits 400 lumens of LED light for spotlight-level brightness, while the dimmable directional lighting feature saves power for extended use. It also recharges fast using USB, solar, or hand-cranked energy. The built-in USB port can juice up phones and other small devices so your pals never miss an Instagram post.

Buy It: Amazon

3. Bike-mounted Bottle Carrier; $40

Handmade in Boulder, Colorado from upcycled bike inner tubes and tent fabric, this convenient six-bottle carrier mounts over a bike frame and safely transports craft brews from fridge to frontier. The insulated sleeves cushion each bottle separately and the carrier includes a handle for toting on foot. Creator Davidson Lewis makes each carrier by hand, so colors and patterns vary.

Buy It: Uncommon Goods

4. REI Co-op Flash 22 Print Pack; $55

The updated version of REI's Flash 22 Day Pack, this bag is the ultimate hiking companion. It holds up to 22 liters of goods in its main compartment, exterior pockets, and has an internal hydration reservoir sleeve. The breathable, stretch-mesh straps sit comfortably on your neck and shoulders, and the back panel pad can be removed and used as a seat. The pack comes in five fashionable patterns, making it a smart-looking choice for the trail or your daily commute.

Buy It: REI

5. Hestra Sport Classic Deerskin Primaloft Rib Gloves; $95 and up

Inspired by nature's materials, these durable gloves are hand-sewn from North American white-tailed deer skin and insulated with Primaloft polyester for weather-resistant warmth. Hestra's attention to detail is obvious in the super-soft pair's elasticized knitted cuff—which helps the gloves stay on while keeping heat in—and pre-curved fit.

Buy It: Amazon

6. Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Cooler; $300

There are many reasons why Yetis are the coolers du jour: They keep food and drinks ice-cold for days, thanks to their superior insulation, even when the outside temp climbs. They're extremely durable and packed with convenient field-tested features. And, let's be honest, they have elevated the utilitarian fishing cooler to an object of desire. The Hopper Flip 18, measuring about 10 by 13 by 16 inches, can stash 20 cans of beer with plenty of ice for bonfires on the beach, kicking back post-trek, or a weekend off the grid.

Buy It: Amazon

7. Biolite Holiday Bundle; $200

A one-and-done gift for adventurers who want to travel compactly, BioLite's bundle contains everything necessary for a meal in the wilderness. BioLite's wood-burning CampStove 2 generates electricity for the attached battery and USB charger as well as heat for cooking. The bundle includes two accessories: the KettlePot, a grab-and-go cook pot; and the lightweight Portable Grill, a tabletop model that can fit four burgers at once. The included FlexLight shines a light on your next culinary masterpiece. Save $40 when purchasing these three items as a bundle.

Buy It: Biolite Energy

8. Lifestraw Universal Water Filter And Adaptor Kit; $30

Your giftee can turn their fave water bottle into a powerful filtration system with the Lifestraw Universal. The two-stage filter first removes water-borne bacteria and protozoa (in up to 1000 liters), then improves water quality and taste with a replaceable activated charcoal capsule (up to 100 liters), meeting EPA drinking water standards. In addition to the filter and carry bag, the adaptor kit includes two cap sizes and two mouthpieces that are compatible with most Nalgene, Camelbak, Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, and other standard bottles.

Buy It: Amazon

9. Kicker EB400 Waterproof Bluetooth Earbuds; $74

Let your friends rock out to Taylor Swift in the great outdoors without preventing anyone else from enjoying peace and quiet. Kicker's earbuds are both waterproof and wireless, and they won't fall out of one's ears during strenuous activity in any climate. Their eight-hour battery life means users will be able to complete a day hike without needing to power up in the middle. The earbuds come with anti-skip Bluetooth technology to connect to phones and tablets, a microphone for calls, and three pairs of color-coded silicone tips for a custom fit.

Buy It: Amazon

10. Backcountry Flannel Shirt; $99

There's no reason to sacrifice style for comfort when you're outdoors. This flannel button-down shirt from Backcountry looks as good as it feels. It's made from a SeaWool: an eco-friendly material that comes from recycled oyster shells. The fabric features the warmth and softness of regular wool, plus it's sweat-wicking and odor-resistant. It's the perfect option for your next cold-weather adventure.

Buy It: Backcountry

11. Pivot Tote Bag; $80

The tote is the ultimate multipurpose bag, and this version from Camelback takes the concept to the next level. It comes with a padded laptop pocket and a zippered side compartment for water bottles. If you plan on going on an impromptu hike after work, the handles can be reconfigured to transform your tote into a backpack.

Buy It: Camelbak

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