Looking for the perfect outdoor-centric gifts for outdoor men in your life? Finding a gift that your husband, dad or brother will be excited to receive is notoriously difficult. This year, you shouldn’t have to resort to gift certificates or risk returning items because we’ve collected our favorite (TMM Team husband-approved!) gifts for the outdoorsy men in your life.
With this list, you can check off the most challenging person on your list.
When it comes to holiday shopping, I look for ways to make it as easy and streamlined as possible. I prefer to get all my shopping done on only a few websites. Not only does this simplify my shopping experience, but I also like knowing that my larger orders will easily qualify for free shipping.
Because every guy has his own passions and hobbies, I’ve divided this list into general cold-weather gear and hobby-specific gifts.
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Warm Layers for All His Adventures
No matter what his hobby is, he wants reliable cold-weather gear. Soft wool base layers and fluffy down jackets will keep him warm when the temperature plummets.
Great Light Down Jacket and Vests
Down jackets and vests provide nearly weightless warmth. An additional advantage to down is that many down garments compress easily, making them very packable.
Unfortunately, down can lose its magical qualities in wet conditions. Look for a jacket that is DWR treated to repel water or has a water-resistant shell.
Patagonia Down Sweaters
One jacket that does this well is Patagonia’s Down Sweater. The jacket’s durable shell is DWR treated to repel water. We also love that Patagonia uses 800-fill Advanced Global Traceable goose down. Want a hood instead? The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie has him covered.
Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
Many of our outdoorsy spouses also have down vests on their wish lists. Vests are great active layer because they keep the core toasty but allow the arms to move freely.
Patagonia’s Down Sweater Vest is a classic choice, offering the same warmth and water repellency as the jacket. Jess’ husband has had his for years and it is still a great layer for our Minnesota winters.
Cotopaxi’s Fuego Down Vest
For color and fun, we love Cotopaxi’s Fuego Down Vest. This vest has the same fill rating as Patagonia and a water-repellent shell, but it comes in more colorways and is slightly more affordable.
Versatile Waterproof Shells and Socks
A good quality waterproof jacket can be used in multiple seasons. He can layer under it in the winter or use it alone in warmer months.
Wool socks are always a great gift for the outdoor men (or everyone) in your life. A new pair of warm and fun socks is always great useful.
REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket
REI’s XeroDry GTX Jacket
When precipitation threatens, make sure he has a waterproof layer to keep his down lofted and warm. Becky’s family uses REI’s XeroDry GTX Jacket all year. In the warmer months, they wear it alone as a raincoat and during the winters they layer it over down jackets.
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
If he wants a coat designed to accommodate winter layers, consider Arc’teryx Beta Jacket. We also love that this jacket is designed with quieter fabric. No more swishy arms for him!
Darn Tough Socks
Merino wool naturally regulates body temperature and maintains its warmth even when wet. Wool also resists odors — which everyone appreciates!
The warm and fun wool socks from Darn Tough are knitted in Vermont and made to last. They are so well constructed that Darn Tough guarantees these socks for life!
Comfy Baselayers and Good-Looking Flannels
Your favorite outdoor men may almost live in their baselayers in the winter. Give them layers or a flannel that look and feel great.
Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool
Ortovox’s 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool is knitted with extra soft Tasmanian wool and designed for all-mountain fun. The modern patterns will jazz up his ski ensemble.
REI Co-op Merino 185 Wool
If you want a similar base layer with a lower price point, consider the REI Co-op Merino 185 Wool, which is also woven from 185 merino wool (185 is the weight of the wool per sq meter). 185 merino wool is great as a lightweight base layer.
Patagonia Long-Sleeve Midweight Fjord Flannel Shirt
A flannel shirt is a winter staple for a reason: It can be a work shirt, a jacket, or even for a nice night out (at least in New Hampshire). This Patagonia shirt can be worn anywhere — from the woods to the Thai restaurant. Plus it is made of organically grown cotton flannel.
Gadget Gifts for Outdoor Men
Most guys are stoked to get cool new gadgets! He’ll appreciate these devices’ capability, and you’ll love that they are designed to keep him safe and within reach while exploring the backcountry.
Garmin InReach Mini 2
He’ll always be able to reach emergency help with the Garmin inReach Mini. This satellite communicator allows for SOS calls from anywhere. He’ll also be able to send text updates during his wilderness exploration. Tracking and weather updates are also two vital features offered by this little device.
BioLite Charge 80 PD
This lightweight power bank allows for rapid charging of all his electronic devices simultaneously. No longer will he have to choose between charging his watch or his phone while off-grid.
Updated Sport Watch
Speaking of watches, does he need an update? Newer sports watches offer extended battery life and better GPS positioning so the watch can go as far he does. The Garmin Fenix 7 is a top pick among our team and there is an entire Fenix line so you can find the right fit for the man in your life..
Cozy Camping Gifts for Men
Does your man approach camping like an art form? Perhaps his fire-cooked steaks are always perfectly seared and his coffee is never bitter or weak. Or maybe his tent or camper setup is more luxurious than most hotels. This man deserves a gift as classic and appealing as he is.
The Ultimate Camp Chair
After a grueling hike, many camp chairs can feel stiff and uncomfortable — not the NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair though. This chair is built for relaxing and reclining. This chair’s auto recline feature will allow him to look for Mars without getting a crick in his neck — or take a comfortable nap after a long day. You may find that you actually need to get two!
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
A lightweight down blanket can be a cold-weather hero when backpacking or camping. He can drape it over his lap while stargazing or use it as a second layer for his sleeping bag. Get one by Rumpl commemorating his favorite national park.
Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit
Does the guy love a campfire just about everywhere? We love how this fire pit has quick and easy assembly….and then packs down when you’re done! It burns both wood and charcoal.
Great Outdoor Gifts for Men
Help him update his outdoor gear with useful gifts for lots of situations. A good headlamp, speaker, or backpack can be used in the backyard, the park, and in the campsite.
Petzl Swift RL Headlight
Update his headlight with this compact, powerful headlamp. Impressively, the Petzel Swift RL senses ambient light and adjusts its brightness automatically. Runners will also appreciate the two-part strap design stabilizing the light during bouncy jogs.
Waterproof Portable Speaker
Bring the fun to the fireside with this waterproof, portable speaker. The JBL Xtreme Portable Waterproof Speaker has the ability to withstand drenching in one meter of water for 30 minutes, your loved one can dance while grilling in the rain (if that’s his style).
REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack
The REI Trail Pack is a comfortable day pack destined to become his constant hiking companion. This pack has a rain cover, pole straps, and handy organizing pockets. The Trail 40 can hold enough gear for short weekend getaways. It’s large enough to fit lots of layers for winter hikes or to double as a diaper bag when hiking with a baby.
Camp Food and Coffee
Good food and coffee make any backcountry, front country, or back yard trip better. Help him eat and drink well no matter how the outdoorsy men in your life like to get out.
Backpacking Meals
Provide your man with a few delicious easy meals for his longer outings. Our family uses dehydrated meals for backpacking, long ski trips, or even just tailgating.
Peak Refuel Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Spicy and meaty meals like this chicken curry are some of our team’s favorites.
Camp Coffee Kit for Men
A camping coffee kit is a thoughtful and delicious gift. Pick his favorite low-tech brew method: Percolator, Aeropress, or French press. Add a mug, ideally a vacuum-insulated Yeti or a Hydroflask. Then stuff them both with a mix of great coffee.
Stanley Percolator
A percolator is a classic way to make flavorful coffee.
Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press
This percolator has a huge fan base and m reliable coffee quickly. We chose this to upgrade our coffee when on paddling trips.
GSI Outdoors Glacier Vacuum Java Press
This double walled press from GSI keeps his coffee warm while he stokes the fire or gets kids breakfast ready.
Yeti Mug
Yeti’s products are always well loved and this mug is a great double walled option for the outdoor men in your life.
Hydroflask Mug
A double walled mug is a great upgrade to his camp coffee. It will stay warm longer and he may even start using this mug everyday.
Alpine Start Instant Coffee
Don’t forget a few of Alpine Start’s instant coffee packages for those days when he needs coffee to make his coffee.
Gifts for Outdoorsy Guys Who Like to Sweat
The endurance athlete has laced his sneakers or grabbed his nordic skis for a few miles before you’ve brushed your teeth. He comes home with a frozen beard and a new PR on that challenging Strava segment.
Give your outdoors men gifts to help them stay warm, dry, and safe while putting in the miles.
Winter Tights and Pants
Give this early morning hero lightweight warm layers he needs to keep the heat in and the sweat out.
Icebreaker Merino Speed Winter Tights
Wool is great for thermoregulation and odor control. These Icebreaker tights have second layer of wool on the upper legs for extra warmth. A thigh pocket will accommodate a phone.
The North Face Warm Pro Winter Tights
If wool makes him itchy, try The North Face Warm Pro Winter Tights instead. The reflective details and 3 small pockets make these a great update to his running layers.
Arc’teryx Gamma AR Softshell
Water-repellent and warm, these pants will travel with him. The cut and color are stylish and can seamlessly transition from trail to tavern. Arc’teryx Gamma AR Softshell pants‘ fabric offers abrasion resistance and stretchy design to accommodate climbers as well as hikers.
Swix Cross Pants
If your man prefers nordic skiing as his winter endurance challenge, Swix Cross Pants are a popular choice. The wind proof front panel is great for staying warm in wind or at higher speeds. The pants allow the movement of tights with a more relaxed look.
Traction Devices and GTX Footwear
Winter training often comes with icy streets, sidewalks and trails. Help him keep his feet dry and give him good traction.
Yaktrax ICEtrekkers
Running on ice calls for a solid traction system. Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction System is strung with steel alloy beads for an extra “bite” into the ice.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
If he prefers hiking instead of running, Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System will keep him moving forward — even if his trail has become an ice luge.
My family has purchased both traditional Yaktrax and MICROspikes for use throughout the winter. After testing ours, my parents were impressed enough to consider purchasing Yaktrax to walk their dog during icy Maryland winters.
Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Keep his feet dry during lunch runs with the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX Trail Running Shoes. These shoes are equipped with a rocker to allow for smooth transitions and an easy ride. GORE-TEX waterproofing keeps the feet dry even when the trails are snowy or muddy.
Headphones and Beanies
Good gear can really help the miles pass faster. Give him good headphones, a beanie or a massage ball to roll away the tight muscles.
Shokz OpenRun Headphones
These headphones deliver a big sound while allowing runners to stay attuned to their environment. He’ll be able to enjoy his tunes while still looking out for traffic.
Smartwool Merino Sport Beanie
Keep his ears warm without overheating with this lightweight, sport-specific wool hat. The close fit means that it can be worn under bicycle or ski helmets for an additional layer of warmth.
Massage Ball
After a day of pushing limits, help his weary muscles unwind with the Pro-Tec Orb Extreme Mini Massage Ball. Use it to release tight muscles and reach deep tissue foam rollers can’t touch.
Outdoor Gifts for Men Who Bike
This guy loves his bike — or fleet of bikes. Perhaps he’s always talking about this cool new trail he tried or trying to nail that jump just right. To pursue his passion during the winter season, he’ll need tenacity — and the right gear.
These gifts will help keep his bike is in top condition and help him have the gear he needs and stay comfortable on the ride.
Bike Maintenance and Accessories
Help him keep his bike in top condition and keep his feet on the pedals even when it is wet and muddy.
Bike Stand
If he’s your bike mechanic, give him the tools he needs to keep all the family’s bikes spinning smoothly. A dependable bike stand like this one from Park Tools will allow him to maintain your bikes with ease. The Park Tool PCS 10.3 Deluxe Home Mechanic is designed to hold bikes as heavy as 80 lbs, and the clamps can adjust to fit. Reviews rave about this stand as far exceeding cheaper stands available elsewhere.
After the job is finished, the stand folds up for easy, compact storage.
Chain Cleaning Kit
Help him maintain his bike with this cleaning kit. A clean chain shifts smoothly and reduces unnecessary wear on the bike. This Park Tool Chain Cleaning Kit will allow him to scrub the chain with less mess than a traditional brush.
Reliable Flat Pedals
The cyclists who appreciate a product designed to last will adore Race Face Chester MTB Platform Pedals. These composite pedals are created to last with sturdy axles and sealed cartridge bearings. The replaceable pins steel traction pins grip shoes firmly.
Slim Multi-Tool
A good multi-tool should be able to handle most trail-side repairs. I’m partial to Wolf Components 8-Bit Kit because it includes a chain brake tool and has the ability to insert a master link — making chain repairs quick and reliable.
Cycling Clothing and Gear
For the man who rides in lots of weather, good gear can make a difference. Give him a great jacket, a new pack, fun shoes for flat pedals or warm cycling specific gloves.
GOREWEAR Endure Cycling Rain Jacket
Even in warmer regions, winters can be chilly and wet. This Gorewear Cycling Jacket is surprisingly light for its waterproofing capability. The longer back and over-the-helmet hood are designed with cyclists in mind.
DAKINE Seeker 10L Hydration Pack
When riding the single track, he’ll appreciate the bike-specific details of the Dakine Seeker. The mesh panel back will prevent his back from overheating, causing sweat. Little can chill a person faster than sweat on a winter day. Side pockets make snacks easy to reach during long rides, and a sunglass stow pouch protects your lenses. The deployable helmet carry allows for easy transportation to and from the trailhead.
Five Ten Bike Shoes
When riding with flat pedals, bike shoes can enhance his control and provide a sturdy platform to push against. The rubber tread and dotted textures help the pedals grip the shoes firmly. The reinforced toe protects his feet from striking a rock or root. These stylish Five Tens also transition easily to streetwear off the bike.
45NRTH Sturmfist 5 Gloves
Too cold for him to cover his brakes? These 45NRTH Sturmfist Gloves will keep his fingers warm and dry so he can ride with ease.
Best Gifts for Skiers
Does he plan vacation time around potential snow storms and love to leave first tracks on his favorite slope? While this man relishes a fast ride, he’s probably also the guy cheerfully holding your kid’s harness as they take their first cruise down the mountain.
This guy could probably use some cold-weather gear to keep him warm while he on the slopes.
Ski Outerwear to Stay Warm
The outerwear he wears on the slopes helps keep him dry and warm. Give him a warm and versatile jacket, bibs or gloves.
Outdoor Research Highcamp Research 3 Fingered Glove
Keep his hands warm even on the chair lift with these hybrid gloves. Three-fingered gloves combine the dexterity of the glove with the warmth of a mitten. These have a waterproof shell that protects its touchscreen-compatible fleece liner. Reviewers praise these for their warmth even in the most extreme conditions.
First Chair GTX Uninsulated Snow Pants
Becky bought a pair of the women’s version of these for herself last year and LOVED them. These pants are a good price for Gore-Tex gear. On their own, they are perfect for alpine touring or spring skiing because they have long side zips for dumping excess heat. When the temperature drops, she adds an insulated knicker for more comfort.
On long tours, the drop bottom which allows for quick answers to nature’s calls. Occasionally the side zipper will unzip on me when skiing, but you only need to zip it back up to stay warm.
These pants would be ideal for guys who always overheat when skiing or want a pair of solid waterproof pants at a reasonable price point. With 3 lengths and sizes from S-XXXL, everyone can find a good fit. Plus the updated version uses a new PFC-free Gore-Tex layer.
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket can handle mountain sports all season — from bitter cold nights to brilliant spring runs. The waterproof shell and liner jacket may be worn together or separately. It comes with all the features you expect from a snowboard/ski jacket: a powder skirt, hand and wrist pockets, a goggle wipe, and a goggle pocket.
Skiing Accessories
Keep your outdoor men on the slopes in any condition (even after dark) with these accessories.
Ledlenser HF8R Signature Headlamp
Winter nights are long and the daylight for alpine touring is limited. A bright helmet-compatible light will get him safely off the mountain when dusk falls. Ideally, your light should be at least 700 lumens for night touring.
The Ledlenser HF8R Signature Headlamp can attach to helmets (and handlebars when biking) and emits up to 2000 lumens for up to 3.5 hours. Importantly, the light can sense when its battery is running low and switches to a dimmer light before shutting off. This function will give him an extra hour of light and hopefully enough time to get out of the woods.
Smith Blazer Snow Goggles
Stuff his stocking with a pair of new goggles. These goggles are designed to reduce fog with a treated lens and active ventilation. The mirrored lens is great for bright conditions.
Ignik Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are great stocking stuffers. For a more eco-friendly hand warmer, consider Ignik Hand Warmers. These hand warmers can be stored after opening to prolong their use. When they are spent, open the pouch and compost the minerals inside.
Give Him Some Fun This Holiday
Sure shopping for him can be challenging. But hopefully, you now have some great ideas of what he might want.
If you are still uncertain, don’t be afraid to ask him. Show him some of your ideas and get his feedback. Once the shopping is done, get outside! And if you still need more ideas, make sure to check out the rest of our gift guides.
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- 27 Great Gifts for Outdoorsy Men
- Best Outdoor Gifts for Dad
Gifts for Outdoor Men
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