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Best Gifts For Campers
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
For any piece of camping equipment or accessory, it is good to know that it is made out of. Not only will these give you an idea of its durability, but it will shine a light on the overall quality of the item. For items such as a tent, chair, or hammock, it’s useful to know the fabric content and weight allowances. If a chair is made with plastic legs instead of aluminum, you’re going to want to use it with more caution.
For other items, such as a pillow or sleeping bag, the materials will give you an inside look at the overall comfort of the item. While a weather-resistant sleeping bag is great, knowing that the fabrics rubbing together each time you move won’t wake you up is important.
Features
The features of an item are what really make it stand out. When discussing the features of each item, we obviously couldn’t talk about the same thing with each item, because each item on this list is unique. So, for some items, you’ll find the features section mentioned how comfortable it is, how wide it is, or how well it works.
For others, you’ll find a great description of how easy the product is set up or take-down. For other items, such as the insulated mug, you’ll see how easy the item is to clean. Additionally, in this section, you’ll also find seller options, such as color choices or sizes.
Portability
No, this is not in reference to how easy it is going to be for you to package and send the gift to the intended person. Instead, this is referencing how simple it is going to be for them to store and transport the gift that you provide for them. Unless you are camping in your backyard, which is not very adventurous or exciting, it is going to be required to pack as many items as are needed. But, it is important to limit the number of items that are taken as excessive packing can quickly become a chore to deal with.
However, portability is also important as depending on the type of camping that is being partaken in, the possibility is there that some of the items will be moved multiple times. For example, if a backpacking trip was desired while camping than having a tent, pillow, sleeping bag, etc. as portable as possible is ideal as then camp could be set up anywhere.
Weather Resistance
Camping is not exactly an activity that can be done indoors. That is unless you have a 22nd-century camper with high-definition television, cable hook-up and video game consoles everywhere. But, that is not really camping more like faux camping. When you go camping, you are prone to whatever weather that is impending in the area that you are going in. As such, when you are thinking about a camping gift, you need to ensure that it is ideal for inclement weather. Of course, some items, such as pillows, this may not be as important (as opposed to say a tent or a hammock). But, it is still a huge factor to consider.
However, do not think that the product has to be 100 percent waterproof to be effective. Even if it is merely water-resistant, it will still suffice. With that being said, something such as a tent should have fully waterproof seams as it is literally the shelter over your head. Though, for the most part, water-resistance will suffice as it repels most water (it just will not hold up to excessive water).
Top 10 Picks
1. Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammock
The best gift you could possibly give is the DoubleNest Hammock from Eagles Nest Outfitters. There is no doubt, this is one of the most popular camping accessories in the world today. A portable hammock that can be used anytime, anyplace, is there anything better?
Read moreMaterials
The hammock is crafted from a high-tenacity 70D nylon taffeta. Not only is this extremely durable but it is also breathable on those hot, summer days. In addition, it can support up to 400 pounds of mass.
Features
Included with the hammock are aluminum carabiners and a nautical grade line with stainless-steel snap links. This easily allows you to secure the hammock to not only trees but also poles or boat masts. There are loads and loads of color options. Just a few include red and charcoal, teal and khaki, royal and emerald, and sunshine.
Portability
What is amazing about this design, besides only being 19 ounces, is the hammock stuffs itself into the storage compartment that is sewn into the hammock. This makes for incredibly easy transport.
Weather Resistance
In general, nylon is a quick-drying material so if you happen to leave this hammock overnight in a rainstorm, it will dry quickly the next day.
Overall
Nothing beats chilling out in the wilderness on a camping trip and there is not a better way to do so than with a hammock. With all its greatness, it is no surprise that the ideal hammock for this is the DoubleNest from ENO.
2. Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20
Speaking of essential camping items, it may not get more essential than a sleeping bag. Yes, you could opt for a regular blanket or comforter but when camping, nothing works quite as well as a sleeping bag.
Read moreMaterials
Western Mountaineering utilizes 850-fill down insulation to retain your body’s warmth and deliver a superb amount of insulation. But, despite this, the ExtremeLite fabric does not add weight and is highly breathable.
Features
To ensure there are no cold spots and a consistent loft, a continuous baffle system is integrated. Plus, with extra width at the shoulder and waist areas, you are provided with enhanced comfort. There are a number of different seller options available here. For starters, you can either choose a length of five or six foot. In addition, you can choose whether the zipper is on the left or the right side of the bag.
Portability
Sleeping bags are very portable as they can be rolled up but what makes this even better is that the 850-fill down insulation that is implemented, is very lightweight.
Weather Resistance
The coating of the down insulation is water-resistant. So, if condensation builds up while you are sleeping, it will not be a factor as this bag will repel it.
Overall
If the temperature creeps into freezing climates, then this may not end up being the best sleeping bag out there. But, most of the times, this will be sufficient especially considering its consistent warmth (no cold spots) and comfort.
3. Orca 58 Quart Cooler
Camping is about winding down and relaxing. With this, nine times out of ten is going to include refreshments and food (that needs to be kept cold) and there may not be a better way to store them than with the 58-quart cooler from Orca.
Read moreMaterials
Due to the premium insulation and roto-molded construction, this cooler is built to keep your contents cold in blazing temperatures for up to 10 days.
Features
Because of the terrific design of the lid gasket, there is a perfect seal every single time you close the cooler. Plus, to drain the cooler, there is a flow drainage spout that allows for an easy flow. This specific version on Amazon is the white-colored version. However, there are more colors available for this cooler and the design is basically the same.
Portability
When this is filled to the brim, it can get excessively heavy. With that being said, the handles that are included are fully padded and make for a comfortable carry.
Weather Resistance
Overall, this cooler does an admirable job of holding up to the elements. Although, it still may not be a bad idea to protect it if you know that a heavy storm is coming.
Overall
As long as you do not plan on transporting this too often with it is filled up, you should not run into any issues with this fantastic cooler. Plus, with it retaining its cooling capabilities for up to 10 days no matter the temperature outside, quality is definitely of the essence.
4. MSR Windburner Stove
Unless your friend has a camper that already has a stove, there is a high probability that this could be a perfect gift. As it is impossible to literally pack your home stove, this WindBurner Stove System fills its void perfectly.
Read moreMaterials
Both the radiant burner and the heat exchanger deliver a superb efficiency in boiling times. In fact, you may even find that this is more efficient than your home stove as most home stoves only use convective heat. The exterior of the pot is made from cotton to help avoid burns.
Features
MSR designed this stove system to be as versatile as possible. It is actually compatible with other MSR cookware accessories such as their skillet, hanging kit, pots and coffee press. You have a few options for color and capacity. Here is the rundown: choose from either a red or black colored model and from either 1-liter or 1.8-liter.
Portability
Due to its compact design, you are able to pack all the included contents into one small device. This includes the folding canister stand and the extra full-sized bowl.
Weather Resistance
No matter what the weather is outdoors, this stove system is impervious to nearly all of it. In specific, it is 100 percent windproof due to its primary air combustion and enclosed design.
Overall
Truthfully, there is only one mistake that was made in the WindBurner’s design. Unfortunately, there is no self-ignitor and as such, you must use either a set of matches or a lighter to conduct the heat.
5. Big Agnes Copper Tent
Clearly, if you do not have a camper then you need something to sleep in overnight. Sure, you could sleep under the stars but maybe your friend needs an upgraded tent for the new year. If so, seriously consider the Big Agnes Copper Tent.
Read moreMaterials
While lightweight materials were utilized in the construction, the double rip-stop nylon does provide a great amount of durability. Overall, this fabric increases the tear strength of the fabric by roughly 25 percent.
Features
Set-up of this tent is an absolute breeze thanks in large part to the plastic clips that attach the tent body to the pole frame. But, there are also four interior mesh pockets and media pockets inside that allow for convenient storage. Either a one-person, two-person, three-person and four-person can be chosen from. Plus, you can either choose a gray and orange or olive green-colored version.
Portability
Big Agnes attempted to make this as lightweight as possible and they succeeded with flying colors. It is not only very easy to pack, but it is very light in weight overall.
Weather Resistance
All the seams of this tent have been sealed with a waterproof and solvent-free polyurethane tape. This means that in raging downpours, you will still be protected from the elements.
Overall
A tent is the basis of camping and if you know anyone who is even remotely interested in the activity, this is where to start. Besides the great design, it is also very convenient that you can choose from a one-person tent all the way to a four-person tent.
6. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Inflatable Air Mattress
Sleeping in the wilderness is not going to be as cozy and comfortable as sleeping in your own bed, but why not try to make it as bearable as possible? An air mattress makes this possible and, in specific, Therm-A-Rest delivers the go-to gift for campers.
Read moreMaterials
Besides lifting you up from the ground and delivering an adequate amount of comfort, the ThermaCapture technology integrated is able to trap the radiant heat and minimize the amount of heat loss overall. It is made from a blend of synthetic materials.
Features
The design is unique in the sense that it reduces the weight to improve the portability without compromising the warmth in any way. Plus, the non-slip fabric ensures that you stay in place during a night of sleep. There is also a stuff sack and repair kit included. In terms of seller choices, you have two options for sizes. You can either go with a regular version, which measures 20” x 72”, or a large version, which measures 25” x 77”.
Portability
Because this is an air mattress, it is inflatable. When it is deflated, it literally folds to the size of a one-liter water bottle. This makes it incredibly easy to store and transport.
Weather Resistance
While the mattress itself does not necessarily provide any weather protection, it is suitable and ideal for winter conditions. Due to its warmth, you will not even notice it is bitterly cold outdoors.
Overall
No one wants to sleep on the cold ground, or on the bottom of a tent. If you know someone who needs an air mattress, or an upgrade of their current version, then you need to buy them this specific air mattress as it is that good.
7. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
This is something for camping that you may not think of right away, but something that could end up being very useful in disastrous situations. Black Diamond is a trusted brand and their storm headlamp is the best of the best.
Read moreMaterials
Both the Quad Power LED and Double Power LED emit, when on its max setting, up to 250 lumens of light. In addition, it utilizes four AAA batteries and has three different power levels that can be switched via tapping the side.
Features
Due to the way, you switch between power settings, merely touching the side of the Black Diamond Spot headlamp, you can quickly transition between the three levels. Also, the red and green LEDs have dimming and strobe settings for their night vision modes. For a bit of style, there are four different colors that you can select from. This includes aluminum, dark olive, octane, and matte black.
Portability
Clocking in at a minuscule weight of 6.4 ounces, at least that is the shipping weight which means the weight could be even lower than that, you should have no issues when it comes to portability.
Weather Resistance
Thanks to the sealed housing, per IP67 standards, this headlamp is both waterproof and dustproof. Thus, making it ideal for traversing areas in the dark when it is raining.
Overall
You never quite know when disaster will strike, or when you will need to see what you are doing in pitch blackness. While this may not be on the top of anyone’s list to Santa Clause, it will come in handy when you least expect it to.
8. Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
Many campers will simply take along their pillows that they sleep with at home. While there is nothing wrong with that, they can take up a lot of room as, most likely, they probably are not inflatable. To save a lot of space, without sacrifice comfort, the Aeros Pillow from Sea to Summit is an ideal gift.
Read moreMaterials
Being crafted with a brushed 50D polyester, the pillow is very soft but also incredibly durable. Also, the synthetic fill that is located in-between the bladder and pillowcase will wick away perspiration to prevent sweat build-up.
Features
This is designed to contour to the shape of your head with the curved internal baffles. Plus, no matter if you are using this pillow on your back, side, or even in a chair, the scalloped bottom centers the pillow over your shoulders. There are two different options for both size and color. For color, select between blue or green and for sizes, choose from regular or large.
Portability
When this pillow is deflated, it is only the size of your hand. No joke, you could stuff this bad boy inside of your pants pocket; that is how small and minuscule it truly is. But, this also means it can be easy to misplace it.
Weather Resistance
If it is exposed to moisture or water that happens to get inside of the tent, it will wick it away to prevent it from being an issue.
Overall
All the greatness is rather apparent here, but this pillow is also limited in the sense that it does not adapt for people who sleep in multiple positions. In other words, your head does not sink into the pillow and it can be difficult to move your head at night.
9. King Kong Chair
Camping chairs are nearly essential for any camping trip and one that is labeled the “King Kong” chair, is sure to grab your attention. With a massive weight capacity of 800 pounds and a sturdy frame, you need not concern yourself with durability.
Read moreMaterials
The frame is constructed of steel which has been powder-coated. In conjunction with the 600D polyester fabric, it has an insane weight capacity of 800 pounds which should suffice for pretty much everyone.
Features
Both of the armrests, which are adjustable, have a side pocket and a cup holder. This provides you with a suitable location to store drinks, snacks, and other small items.
Portability
When you do need to transport this chair, it comes with a carrying bag (with a shoulder strap). The chair itself will fold down to easily fit inside of the bag.
Weather Resistance
Unfortunately, this does not hold up too well to inclement weather. Because it is made from polyester, it tends to absorb water and does not dry very fast. If you know it is going to rain, pack it up and store it away.
Overall
While not perfect, it is hard to find a camping chair that is better constructed than the King Kong. You would be wise to make this the next gift for your camping buddy.
10. Stanley One-Hand Mug
Despite a questionable button operation that almost negates the mug’s leak-free design, there is not a better mug to take on a camping trip than the one-hand version from Stanley. This is largely due to its intuitive and convenient design.
Read moreMaterials
If you have a hot liquid inside this mug, it will stay as such for up to seven hours. But, you can keep iced drinks cold for up to 30 hours. Plus, the 18/8 stainless steel design holds up admirably to rust and corrosion.
Features
When need be, the lid disassembles and it is dishwasher safe so you can easily perform a deep cleaning. Plus, as the name indicates, you can utilize this mug with only one hand. Choose between a 12-ounce, 16-ounce or 20-ounce capacity. Plus, you can either choose a crimson, green, or navy color scheme.
Portability
As it is leakproof, you can stuff this inside any small location with faith that nothing will be exposed to the liquid inside.
Weather Resistance
Stainless steel is a fantastic metal and it will hold up quite well to adverse weather conditions.
Overall
This is a great product for hot liquids, such as coffee and hot chocolate and cold beverages, such as iced tea and coffee, alike. Despite the small caveat present, this is still a fantastic gift.
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