12 gift ideas for outdoor adventurers

If you have someone in your life who loves the outdoors, they’re probably not the kind of person who’s easy to buy for. Whilst homebodies will appreciate cosy classics like a new teapot or some pyjamas, adventurers tend to favour practicality over home comforts. 

It’s unsurprising, when it pays for adventurers to pack light - whether that’s on foot, by bike or in a campervan. But fear not. When it comes to the few things they do bring out with them, adventurers always appreciate a bit of quality. 

Think swapping the leaky takeaway tupperware for a sturdy metal lunchbox... Or hiking socks with a lifetime guarantee. Plus, it’s not just about nice kit - choosing last-lasting stuff helps preserve the natural world that adventurers cherish.

Everything in this gift list is made with longevity and sustainability in mind. Take a look at our top 12 gifts for adventurers, and never get stuck for ideas again.

1. A portable fire pit

Create a fire anywhere with this nifty little Firewok. This small size is ideal for stowing in small spaces, from cycle panniers to campervan cupboards.

You can’t really understate how much of a game-changer a Firewok is. Making a campfire on the hoof is usually difficult, potentially dangerous and possibly a bit illegal. But in this dish, the fire is lifted off the ground. This makes it a much simpler, safer affair that won’t scorch the ground.

The legs unscrew from the dish, so it’s easy to transport. All our Firewoks are handmade in Bristol by Kevin, who guarantees free repairs for life. Plus, his workshop runs on renewable energy, and his carbon footprint is offset by tree planting schemes.

2. A lightweight picnic blanket

These waterproof picnic blankets pack down into a tiny stuff bag, making them perfect for taking on adventures.

Pacmat picnic blankets are incredibly practical: they’re waterproof, durable and even machine washable. Their family size blanket weighs just 485g, and packs away into a 15cm stuff bag. The secret? It’s the combination of soft nylon and hardy ripstop fabric, which are light and tough.

Pacmats are designed and made in Britain, and are tough enough to last forever. If you think this gift might be a little too practical, check out the full range - there’s a whole host of fun patterns and bright colours to choose from.

3. A really, really good backpack

For someone who loves the outdoors, you can’t go wrong with a well-made backpack.

A good backpack will be a travelling companion for years and years. Our favourite is the Technical Backpack by GROUNDTRUTH, which is made entirely of post-consumer plastic waste - 120 plastic bottles, in fact. It's guaranteed for 10 years, but should last much longer.

This spacious backpack is full of clever design features, with a modular system of useful compartments. Each one is made made by a family-run manufacturer in Jakarta, Indonesia, who champions worker wellbeing and sustainability. Those 120 bottles are removed directly from the local environment.

4. A sturdy reusable water bottle

A reusable bottle will accompany your adventurer on all manner of trips. We’ve got lots of stylish stainless steel options, all built to last forever.

If you’re shopping for someone who loves nature, they won’t want to take single-use plastic items out into the wild. Banish plastic water bottles with a sturdy stainless steel number that they can rely on for the rest of their life.

A double-walled insulated bottle is ideal for keeping hot drinks hot (or cold drinks cold) for hours. Or for a more lightweight option, a single-walled, non-insulated bottle is great for long hikes. Want a coffee cup too? This twist-together 2-in-1 Cupple saves space.

Take a look at our full water bottle collection here.

5. Merino wool hiking socks

Merino wool isn’t just non-itchy - it wicks away sweat, it’s antibacterial and it’s temperature regulating too. Perfect for keeping feet happy on hikes.

On long hikes, a good pair of socks can be the difference between comfort and torture. Our merino wool hiking socks make great gifts, and are designed to reduce sweating, keep feet cool and prevent blisters. This is all possible thanks to the properties of merino: a soft, fine and non-itchy wool from merino sheep.

We’ve got merino hiking socks made by two brilliant companies, which both use a similar merino blend for optimal performance. Darn Tough socks are made in the USA and carry an astonishing lifetime guarantee, whereas Moggans are a little more affordable and made in Europe. We love them both.

6. A recycled waterproof jacket

Light and breathable, these colourful Labo Mono jackets are made out of recycled plastic bottles.

Labo Mono jackets are a refreshing antidote to stuffy outdoor brands. These colourful waterproofs are breathable, robust and built with the planet in mind. Not only are they made of about 30 recycled bottles each, they’re made with eco-friendly, fluorocarbon-free waterproofing.

Choose from two levels of waterproofing, depending on how tenacious your adventurer is. The Urban jacket will keep out moderate rain, and is breathable enough for everyday walking. The more advanced Go-Go jacket, on the other hand, protects you from torrential rain, heavy snow and strong winds - and it’s breathable enough for high activity.

8. Sunglasses made from fishing nets

These sunglasses are made from 100% recycled polypropylene trawl nets. They’re light, comfortable and strong.

Did you know? Lost fishing nets are the most prevalent and harmful form of ocean plastic - and they’re also the strongest. That’s a double win for turning them into exceptionally tough sunglasses. When you give someone these sustainable sunnies, you’re giving a gift with a story - and a lifetime guarantee.

The Zennor model is designed with adventure sports in mind, with a wrap-around style that grips your head and provides an extra-wide field of vision. For something a little more everyday, check out Waterhaul’s other styles.

9. An indestructible lunch box

When you’re on the move, it’s nice knowing you have a lunch box you can trust.

Say goodbye to leaky takeaway boxes wrapped in carrier bags - it’s high time your adventurer had something a little more trustworthy. This clip-top number by Elephant Box is hugely pleasing to use. There’s no plastic in sight - just 100% quality stainless steel.

It’s strong enough to last forever, and the innovative clipping system keeps the lid secure. Stainless steel is also super hygienic, so stains and odours won’t stick around. 

Check out all our lunch box options here.

10. An ethical puffer jacket

These super-lightweight puffer jackets have a recycled shell, stuffed with a mixture of down from discarded bedding and RDS (Responsible Down Standard) down.

Down puffer jackets are incredibly practical, but tend to be a little… bland, and ethically dubious. Which is why we love these colourful Labo Mono puffers so much. Made from recycled materials by people paid a living wage, these Labo Mono puffer jackets are a brilliant alternative to the big brands.

As well as being incredibly warm and light, these puffers are fully reversible (choose business or pleasure), windproof and water resistant. They’re even self-packable, stuffing down into their own chest pockets. You won’t see another one of these on the trail - or the tube.

11. An innovative camera bag

This handy bag keeps your camera secure whilst providing quick access to get that perfect shot. It’s made of Made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic.

Shopping for someone who loves photographing their adventures? This slick camera bag has been designed with safety and fast access in mind. The interior is highly padded with a fleece lining, and features a removable lens hammock sling, plus a mesh pocket for memory cards and tripod straps.

Like all our GROUNDTRUTH products, this camera bag is made entirely from post-consumer plastic waste that has been directly removed from the environment. It’s also carbon neutral, and carries a 10 year guarantee.

12. A pair of merino wool running socks

Feet stay cooler and drier in these Moggans running socks, made with superfine merino wool in a highly breathable design.

Inspired by the rugged landscape of the Pentland Hills, Moggans socks are designed to provide all-day comfort for any athlete or adventurer, from trail runners to skiers to cyclists (or afternoon dog walkers).

These running socks sit just above the ankle bone, and are ideal for any sport. Thanks to a merino wool blend, they’re breathable, comfy and even odour-resistant. Wondering what the difference is between these and Darn Tough? Whereas Darn Tough socks have a lifetime guarantee, Moggans are a little more affordable.

Feeling inspired? Check out our full collection of gifts for outdoor adventurers.