Gifts for Outdoor Men
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.
One of our favorite websites for outdoorsy gear is REI. REI offers a large selection of high-quality outdoor gifts for men! I also love recuperating 10 percent of my expenses with REI’s membership program. Check out our full review of the REI membership program and learn why you should become a member!
Because every guy has his own passions and hobbies, I’ve divided this list into general cold-weather gear and hobby-specific gifts.
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.
Best Light Down Jacket
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 coat 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.
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.
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.
REI’s XeroDry GTX Jacket
When precipitation threatens, make sure he has a waterproof layer to keep his down lofted and warm. Our family uses REI’s XeroDry GTX Jacket all year. In the warmer months, we wear it alone as a raincoat and during the winters we layer it over our down jackets.
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!
Comfy Baselayers and Good-looking Flannels
Merino wool naturally regulates body temperature and maintains its warmth even when wet. Wool also resists odors — which everyone appreciates!
Darn Tough Socks
These warm, wool socks are knitted in Vermont and made to last. They are so well constructed that Darn Tough guarantees these socks for life!
Ortovox’s 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool
Ortovox’s 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool is knitted with extra soft 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.
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 a formal shirt (at least in New Hampshire). This Patagonia shirt can be worn anywhere — from the woods to the Thai restaurant.
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
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 line is a top pick among our team.
Camping Gifts for Men
Does your man approach camping like an art form? Perhaps his fire-cooked steaks are always perfectly seared and his pour-overs are never over-extracted. Or maybe his tent or camper setup is more luxurious than most hotels. This man deserves a camp setup as classic and appealing as he is.
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).
The Ultimate Camp Chair
After a grueling hike, many camp chairs can feel stiff and uncomfortable — not the NEMO Stargazer Luxury Recliner. 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.
Petzel 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.
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.
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 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.
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. 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: pour-over, 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.
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 frozen boogers and a new PR on that challenging Strava segment.
Give this early morning hero lightweight warm layers he needs to keep the heat in and the sweat out.
Smartwool Sport Fleece Tights
These tights have an inner layer of wool for thermoregulation and odor control. The outer layer is a durable polyester designed to handle the trails. Reflective details will enhance his visibility when he’s running in the dark.
If wool makes him itchy, try The North Face Warm Winter Tights instead.
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.
If your man prefers nordic skiing as his winter endurance challenge, Swix Cross Pants are a popular choice.
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 ATR 6 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.
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.
For those who prefer non-wool, Buff offers a light warmth with 4-way stretch and lots of comfort. Runners will also appreciate the 360 degree reflectivity.
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.
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.
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 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 Bontrager Line Elite 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.
GOREWEAR Endure Cycling Rain Jacket
Even in warmer regions, winters can be chilly and wet. This cycling jacket is surprisingly light for its waterproofing capability. The longer back and over-the-helmet hood are designed with cyclists in mind.
DAKINE Drafter 14 L Bike Bag
When riding the single track, he’ll appreciate the bike-specific details of the Dakine Drafter. 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 stash pocket is designed to fit a helmet 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.
REI Junction GTX gloves
Too cold for him to cover his brakes? These REI Junction GTX 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.
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 Uninsulated Snow Pants
I bought a pair of the women’s version of these for myself 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, I add an insulated knicker for more comfort.
On long tours, I appreciated the drop bottom which allows for quick answers to nature’s calls. Occasionally the side zipper will unzip on me when skiing, but I 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.
Smith Range Snow Goggles
Stuff his stocking with a pair of new goggles in a fun colorway. These goggles are designed to reduce fog with a treated lens and active ventilation.
Skis or Snowboards
We both know what he really wants is a new set of alpine toys, but ski or snowboard shopping can be a very personal activity. Last year, I give my husband a gift card and permission to select a new set of skis for himself. REI has a wide selection of skis, snowboards, and boots. He’s likely to find the perfect set there.
If he yearns for the backcountry, REI also offers touring skins, skis, split boards, and touring-specific boots if he wants to earn his turns. Don’t forget an avalanche kit — a vital piece of backcountry safety.
Ledlenser H19R 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 H19R Signature Headlamp can attach to helmets (and handlebars when biking) and emits up to 4000 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.
The North Face ThermoBall Eco-Snow
The North Face ThermoBall Eco-Snow Tri-Climate 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.
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! If you need more ideas, check out all our other gift guides!
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Gifts for Outdoor Men
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