The best outdoor gifts for men, him, fathers and boyfriends are often outdoor gear that extends the kinds of outside hobbies guys like most.
If your outdoor man likes camping, look for camping gifts. If he likes fishing, lean toward fishing gifts or, even more specifically, fly fishing gifts. What if your outdoorsman is less-specific? What if he’s truly outdoorsy everything?
In that case, we’ve got you covered with cool gifts for outdoorsy guys right here. We’ve specifically honed this gift list to recommend the kinds of clothes and gear that will work well for most any man — even if they don’t walk around like stereotypical outdoorsmen adventurers!
Best Outdoorsmen Gifts for 2023
The great thing about outdoor men is that they don’t have to wear flannel and carry axes to be an outdoorsman — but we do include our favorite axe in this guide, because hey, every outdoor guy we know can appreciate a good axe. (For the record, we also have nothing against a good flannel shirt.) Our guide to the best outdoorsmen gifts for 2023 is numbered through 40, but rest assured, we recommend many more alternative options and upgrade gifts along the way, including a few can’t-go-wrong options for rugged, perhaps slightly grouchy, outdoorsmen. Our goal here is to give you a mix of classic outdoorsy gifts for men with some fresh gift ideas for outdoor guys, focusing on gear that is reasonably affordable and will darn near guarantee a smile!
1. Stio Eddy Shirt
The Stio Eddy Shirt is something special. It’s designed for outdoor adventurers who want to rock a laid-back, mountain-town vibe — but that’s not all it is. The cool pearly buttons give a slight nod to a wide-landscape western heritage, but it’s decidedly modern in its pattern and cut. It’s such a good shirt that it dresses up or down depending on where you’re going. The hem is short enough to leave untucked — but long enough to tuck in. Roll up the sleeves and your outdoor man is suddenly casual and competent. So good.
2. YETI LoadOut GoBox 30 Gear Case
Sure, the YETI LoadOut GoBox 30 Gear Case is a bit spendy, but it’s waterproof, dustproof, and darn near indestructible. In addition to protecting important gear, the flexible organization capabilities can help your outdoorsman save time and tame his disorder in a busy world. The GoBox 30 includes a removable cargo tray, a removable divider, and built-in zippered pockets in the lid. Outdoorsmen have lots of gear to manage, store, and pack — and the YETI GoBox can help. Better yet, YETI makes the GoBox in three pack-and-stack size options: the GoBox 15, 30 and 60. Not sure what your special guy will put in a YETI GoBox Gear Case? Don’t worry, he will! Because of all of this, the YETI LoadOut GoBox 30 Gear Case is one of our favorite men’s outdoor gifts for 2023 and beyond.
Learn more about the entire LoadOut GoBox series — and color options — at YETI now!
3. Grundéns Deck-Boss Ankle Boots
The Grundéns Deck-Boss Ankle Boots were built to survive long days on the decks of boats in and out of salt water. They’re rugged and handsome and come in quite a few color options. As for land-loving outdoorsman use, they have thicker insoles for all-day comfort and razor siping in the soles that grip on wet rocks as well as wet docks. They’re great for campers, boaters, fishers, hunters and anyone who likes to walk around outside when the ground and grass is wet!
Alternative Option: For outdoorsmen who live in cold-weather parts of the world, check out the cozy fleece-lined — yet oh so rugged — Gundéns Deviation Sherpa Ankle Boot!
4. Stanley PourOver Coffee Kit
If there is one thing outdoor adventurers know, it’s that the best backcountry places don’t have drive-through coffee shops. That’s where the Stanley Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over Set comes in. All you need are coffee grounds and hot water and you can brew yourself a great cup of coffee — or even fill an insulated Stanley Legendary Bottle.
Alternative Option: If your outdoorsman uses a French Press — or might appreciate the rich goodness of the French Press method of brewing coffee — nab the affordable and easy-to-use Stanley Adventure All-In-One Boil + Brew French Press.
5. The North Face Thermoball Traction Booties
One of our favorite can’t-go-wrong outdoor gift ideas is the iconic The North Face Thermoball Traction Booties. Not only are they super warm and look a bit like a puffy jacket for your feet, they have a flexible rubber sole so you can wear them outside around basecamp. You can even slip them on for the drive home after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. Not sure this is rugged enough for an outdoorsman gift? Choose the new camo pattern option this year and you won’t regret it.
Also available at: Amazon and Zappos
6. L.L.Bean Zip Hunter’s Tote
We believe camo is for everyone — not just outdoorsmen — but it’s hard to deny the fact that many outdoor-loving men also appreciate camo. Enter the L.L.Bean Zip Hunter’s Tote. It comes in a few different sizes, but we usually recommend going big or going home, so get the large. Totes are great for hauling extra gear, extra clothes, and certainly food.
Upgrade Option: YETI Camino 35 Carryall or the RUX Waterproof Bag adventure tote
7. YETI Trailhead Camp Chair
The YETI Trailhead Camp Chair delivers everything you need at a remote campsite or on a day-trip adventure: It’s super rugged, surprisingly comfortable, and it’s collapsible for great portability. Lots of guys want one but won’t spend the money on themselves to get it. If you can, do it — your outdoor lovin’ man will appreciate it. Still not sure? Read our full Trailhead review for more detail.
Alternative Camp Chair Options:
- GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair
- Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
- Bass Pro Shop Hammock Chair
- Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Muskoka Chair — great for really big guys!
8. LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern
The LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern is our favorite solar-powered phone-charging lantern. It delivers a whopping 300 lumens of clean light and has a 4000mAh battery on board. It twists to inflate but packs down small and can be attached to a backpack to recharge from the sun as you hike. Great for camping, excellent for power outages, and LuminAID is a company with a strong humanitarian commitment for helping out around the world. All good stuff here.
9. Gerber 23.5″ Freescape Axe
The Gerber 23.5″ Freescape Axe is our favorite all-around camping axe and a year-over-year favorite men’s outdoor gift. It’s big enough to chop up a tree that’s fallen across a mountain road and it’s small enough to cut firewood at camp. Best yet, unlike wood, the composite handle won’t shrink if you leave the axe in a hot trunk or in the back of your pickup truck all summer long. Note: Gerber also makes a hatchet version with the same awesome design.
Heritage Option: Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet
10. Shelta Firebird V2 Sun Hat
The Shelta Firebird V2 isn’t just any sun hat — it’s a water-ready sun hat. The key innovative feature that sets it above all sun hat competition is the patented stiff brim. When you’re out on the water, the wind won’t flop the brim down into your eyes. We wear ours all summer long — whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sitting on the beach, and fly fishing. It protects your ears and face from the sun . . . and who doesn’t want sun protection for their outdoor-loving man? Read our full Shelta review for more detail — or just nab one at Shelta now. For a sportier look with shorter side brims, try the action watersports-ready Raptor V2 version.
11. Howler Brothers Merlin Jacket
The Howler Brothers Merlin Jacket has a relaxed vibe that somehow screams outdoor awesomeness. How’d they pull it off? The details! The heavy-duty shoulder patches pair well with the modern medium square baffles and the double-needle stitched sleeves. The old-school ‘Howler Bros’ logo chest patch delivers classic style while the no-nonsense ribbed interior cuffs seal out the chill. And here’s another detail: Check out that hem! The hem tapers up at the sides but falls lower in the front and back. The result is a trimmer look around your man’s torso — and every guy appreciates that.
12. Hardside Hydration Swig Rig Kit
It’s hard to beat a good hydration bladder, but they sometimes leak and they work best with hydration bladder/reservoir-compatible backpacks. Sometimes we want the flexibility of the bite-valve straw system but don’t want to hassle with a floppy bladder. That’s where the new Hardside Hydration Swig Rig comes in. It’s basically a kit that fits most standard wide-mouth water bottles. As an outdoor gift idea, you can simply buy the Swig Rig and let your guy add it to his favorite water bottle . . . or you can also grab an indestructible 32 oz Nalgene Water Bottle to cram into his stocking, too.
13. Under Armour UA Iso-Chill Shorebreak Shirt
The Under Armour UA Iso-Chill Shorebreak Shirt is one of our favorite sun and water shirts. UA makes both long-sleeve and hoodie versions, as well as camo versions for hot-weather hunting. They deliver UPF 50+ sun protection, wick moisture fast, and if you swim in one, it’ll dry fast, too. Read our full Iso-Chill review for details but know this: We’re big fans.
14. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
Every outdoor adventurer should have at least one rugged duffel bag, and a good place to start is with the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel. We particularly like the 55L version that sports the iconic Fitz Roy Trout graphic shown in the photo above, but all the versions do their job just as well. They’re lightweight but rugged and perfectly shaped for easy packing and carrying. And yes, they come with removable backpack straps. Read our full Black Hole Duffel review for more detail.
Competitive Expedition Bags:
- The North Face Base Camp Duffel — ultra rugged
- YETI Panga 75L Duffel — waterproof!
- REI Big Haul 60 Duffel — full-featured price-to-value winner
15. L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Down Vest
We like the L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Down Vest for its, well, classic good looks. It’s thick and warm and comes in regular and tall versions from L.L.Bean, as well as a Colorblock version. Get the Mountain Classic Down Vest for rugged outdoorsmen who might appreciate the classic puffy vest style.
If your outdoor lover is more of a modern hard-charger, consider these lightweight shinier alternative vests below:
- Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
- REI 650 Down Vest 2.0
- Arc’Teryx Cerium Down Vest
- Cotapaxi Fuego Down Vest
- Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Vest — great price-to-value ratio
16. Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk.2
The Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk.2 uses flexible belts, an edge guide and a two-speed motor to make sharpening fast and easy. Plus, it’s versatile. Your outdoor guy can sharpen everything from pocket knives to axes — and even lawnmower blades. And get this: You can even sharpen your dull kitchen knives with the 20° Kitchen setting. Everyone wins with this gift!
Upgrade Option: The Work Sharp Ken Onion edition lets you custom tune the angles in case your outdoorsman has specialized needs. Oh, one more thing: What if you don’t need to sharpen axes or lawnmower blades? Check out the Combo Knife Sharpener.
17. Darn Tough Socks
Darn Tough Socks are the gift you can give that will last a lifetime: Darn Tough has an unbeatable lifetime warranty. If your outdoor adventurer wears a hole in his socks, he can send them in for replacement by Darn Tough. Does it work? We’ve worn dozens of Darn Tough socks over the years, even abusing them in the washer and dryer, and only one pair has torn and needed replaced. Did Darn Tough come through? Yup — with a brand new pair. Read our full Darn Tough review for more detail. Incidentally, if you’re not keen on merino, Darn Tough makes synthetics, too. Still, almost anything wool makes great gifts for outdoorsmen — because outdoorsmen know how great wool is for anything cool outdoors.
Thick & Cushy Alternative Option: Carhartt Men’s Arctic Heavyweight Wool Boot Socks
18. Patagonia Tech Web Belt
Our favorite everyday adventure belt is easily the Patagonia Tech Web Belt. It is super simple, super durable, and the aluminum buckle gives you the perfect bit of flash of outdoor-ready style. In a pinch, you can use the belt to lash something together or down, and in a different kind of pinch, you can use the buckle as a bottle opener. Sizing is easy, too: One size. You just cut it to fit your waist and seal the end of the nylon webbing with a bit of fire. The Patagonia Tech Web Belt is a men’s outdoor gift that fits everyone!
Alternative Belt Options:
- Arc’Teryx Conveyor Belt — for a slightly more refined look
- Klik Belts — for outdoorsmen who appreciate over-engineering
19. TRUCK Gloves
We like rugged leather gloves because they just get better with age. TRUCK Gloves offers a full line of gloves for work, snow sports, and mountain biking. Of all the TRUCK Gloves we’ve tested, they’ve all delivered excellent price-to-value ratios. One gear tester liked the M1 Pro winter gloves so much he promptly bought a second pair.
20. Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner
You don’t have to be a rock climber to appreciate a strong and lightweight carabiner. Our favorite is the Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner because is has the perfect blend of size and usability for everything outdoors. We use them around camp to hang lanterns, to clip onto dog collars with extra paracord leashes, to clip water bottles onto backpacks, to hold hunting gear on hip belts, and we even know someone who dove down into a river and used it to clip onto a drift-boat anchor to retrieve it. So yeah, it’s one of our favorite stocking stuffer gifts — in fact, you could nab the colorful 6-pack LiteWire Rackpack to fill multiple stockings!
21. Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier
The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier is something special: It not only filters out bacteria and protozoa like most good outdoor water filters, it filters out viruses, too. This is particularly important for travelers to international locations that have sketchy water sources. We put ours to the test on a week-long whitewater rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River this summer and it did its job quickly and easily.
22. DryGuy Force DX Boot Dryer
The DryGuy Force DX Boot Dryer is must-have gear for skiers, snowboarders and any fisher, hunter or hiker who treks outside in wet weather. This boot dryer uses a gentle fan to dry gear quickly — and a selectable heat setting that spurs things along without putting leather at risk.
Travel Option: Check out the more packable DryGuy Force Dry Boot and Glove Dryer.
23. Camp Chef Pro Series Deluxe Camp Stove
While we enjoy using small backpacking stoves and small two-burner camping stoves, we don’t know any outdoor cooking men who wouldn’t like the sheer power and awesomeness of a full-size Camp Chef 2-burner stove. Camp Chef makes a variety of models, including the value-priced Camp Chef Explorer. Our favorite is the Camp Chef Pro Series Deluxe because its legs fold down and it has two flip out side tables. Camp Chef makes cool accessories for future add-on gifts, too, like a BBQ grill box, cast-iron griddles, carrying cases, and even a pizza oven.
24. Cabela’s Camo Power Bank with LED Lantern
While we use big lanterns while camping, we also like small lanterns because they’re so handy. Flashlights often deliver beams that are too focused and harsh while full-size lanterns are heavy and get in the way. The Cabela’s Camo Power Bank with LED Lantern serves two purposes: 1) you get a handy mini lantern, and 2) you get a 10,500mAh power bank with a USB-A output and a USB-C input/output port for charging your smartphone or satellite communicator. It’s hard to beat as a stocking stuffer gift.
25. L.L.Bean Henley Commando Sweater
You don’t have to be an international super spy to appreciate a good commando sweater, and the L.L.Bean Henley Commando Sweater is a great one. If flannel and plaid aren’t your thing, this sweater is the warmest cool men’s outdoor gift of the year!
16. Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat
The Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat is great for active outdoor adventurers who like to hike off the beaten path. We’re fans of the Z-Seat because it weighs just 2 ounces, packs down small, and it can make a cold wet log feel like a nice resting spot.
27. Ice-Mule Pro Cooler
If you love the outdoors, sometimes a great spot is just a bit farther down the trail than regular cooler-hauling guys are willing to go. . . . Once you start using a backpack cooler, you’ll start taking cold drinks and food farther than ever before. We appreciate the ICEMULE Pro Cooler because it has a no-maintenance insulated dry-bag design that works well and has lasted four years without a hitch.
For Guys Who Prefer More Structure: YETI M20 Soft Backpack Cooler
28. ENO DoubleNest Hammock
We always say that if you’re going to get a hammock, you might as well get one big enough and strong enough for two. Why? Hammocks are so darn comfortable it’s almost impossible to always take turns. The roomy ENO DoubleNest Hammock is sized for two, but it’s still great for one. And remember this: You don’t have to lay in a hammock — half the comfort is when you sit in it sideways like a rocking chair.
29. Kammok Swiftlet Hammock Stand
Already have a hammock but sometimes no trees? The Kammok Swiftlet Hammock Stand is portable, giving you relaxing hammock awesomeness without needing perfect trees.
30. Redington ‘Field Kit’ Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
If your outdoorsman might have some interest in learning how to fly fish, Redington’s new Field Kit series of species/location targeted fly rod and reel combos take the guesswork out of finding the right fly rod and reel for the fish and conditions. The quality of the rod, reel and included fly line is very good and the packages are a great value. All you have to do is figure out what kind of location or fish your outdoorsman will likely be fishing. You can choose perfectly sized field kits for: Trout, Bass, or Salmon, as well as location-specific options, including Coastal Coldwater or Tropical Saltwater. Plus, there are even some technique-specific kits for Euro Nymph fishing or Trout Spey fishing. For more detail and buying options, we cover Redington’s Field Kits in our guide to the 10 best fly rod and reel combos for the money.
31. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Ultimate Ears makes several sizes of outdoor-ready waterproof, wireless Bluetooth speakers. The smallest, the Wonderboom 3, is surprisingly loud. If your outdoorsy man likes a bit more bass and a bit more party, size up to the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 or the even larger Megaboom 3.
Alternative Option: For a whole different take on a rugged speaker, try the awesome Turtlebox Gen 2 Speaker.
32. Dometic CFX3 35 Electric Cooler
Overlanders and van lifers have been using electric coolers for years, but they’re also great for any outdoorsman who spends more than a few days off the grid and far from readily available ice. Sure, a good rotomolded cooler will hold ice for days, but make ice? For that you need an electric cooler and the Dometic CFX3 35 is hard to beat. This one is big enough to be useful but small enough to remain portable and placeable in vehicles. Oh, one more thing: Dometic makes several sizes and models in case you want to go bigger or smaller.
33. ISLE Pioneer 2.0 iSUP
ISLE’s popular do-it-all, beginner-ready ISLE Pioneer 3.0 iSUP is sure be on sale this holiday season, making a good buy positively great — but the Pioneer isn’t the only ISLE iSUP to consider: Choose the longer Explorer 3 if your outdoor guy will want to cruise shorelines for miles or the super-stable Pioneer Pro (full Pioneer Pro review here).
Meanwhile, if your outdoor man is a ‘Go Big or Go Home’ kind of adventurer, check out the multi-person iSUP awesomeness of the monster ISLE Megalodon 2.0:
34. KUIU StrongFleece 235 Zip-T Hoodie
Your outdoor-loving man doesn’t have to be a backcountry hunter to appreciate the new KUIU StrongFleece 235 Zip-T Hoodie. The 235 is our favorite weight in the StrongFleece line, but they’re all great. You get a hard-faced, high-loft fleece in camo or solid color options. They work as exterior layers on their own or as warm-yet-breathable midlayers. Unlike monster baggy cotton hoodies, the KUIU StrongFleece has a more flattering cut that looks great outside and around town.
35. myCharge Waterproof Power Bank
The myCharge Waterproof Power Bank is, of course, waterproof, which is important if you’re going to carry a backup power source out into the wild. Choose the 6700 mAh version for most smartphone needs but nab the 10050 mAh ‘Turbo’ version for extra power and faster charging.
36. Kane Revive
You can think of the Kane Revive as a Crocs competitor, but that’s not the best comparison, starting with the style. The Kane Revive looks far more sporty and modern than a typical foam clog. Built with a waterproof, sugarcane-based EVA foam, the perforated upper lets your foot breathe after a long day of hiking. It also doubles as a water shoe with great foot protection — and it’s light enough for backpackers and hikers to clip to their packs.
Rough and Rugged Outdoorsmen Gifts
What if the outdoorsman you’re shopping for is, say, ultra-rugged — the opposite of a weekend warrior? Well, don’t shy away from a bit of luxury — just because a man hasn’t bought something for himself doesn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy it if someone else bought it for him as a gift. Meanwhile, here are a few more outdoorsman gift options to consider:
37. Anything Duke Cannon
If your outdoorsman has a bit of attitude, these are the outdoor gifts for him
Duke Cannon makes some the best gifts for hard-to-shop-for men. We’re big fans of the Offensively Large Duke Cannon Lip Balm — because how could you not be? For grouchy outdoorsmen, we also like the Big Ass Lump of Coal Tactical Scrubber Bundle Pack — which is big bar of soap that fits into a tactical scrubber. Or you could go with the Winter Survival Tube, which contains the aforementioned monster lip balm, Bloody Knuckles hand balm (works great, btw), as well as a tube of ‘Standard Issue’ Face Lotion and a trio of Cold Shower Cooling Field Towels.
Meanwhile, Duke Cannon has a bunch of big specially scented holiday-themed bricks of soap, like Rudolph’s Night Cap or Frothy the Beer Man, as well as beer and liquor scented options like the Buffalo Trace Bourbon brick. Oh, and if the outdoorsman in your life has a beard, Duke Cannon has a full line up of ‘Best Damn Beard’ care products.
38. Bass Pro Shops RedHead Ozark Mountain Flannel Long-Sleeve Shirts for Men
It’s hard to beat the value of the Bass Pro Shops RedHead Ozark Mountain Flannel Long-Sleeve Shirts — the price is outstanding even when the shirts aren’t on sale. Better yet, Bass Pro Shops offers these flannel shirts in 10 patterns and in 11 size options, including some Tall options and even a big size 5XL.
39. L.L.Bean Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt
The L.L.Bean Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt is one of L.L.Bean’s most popular shirts — and for good reason. It’s a cotton flannel lined with a supersoft fleece. As L.L.Bean says, “It’s seriously cozy.”
40. Kinco 1927KW Lined Premium Grain Pigskin Palm with Knit Wrist Gloves
Kinco is best known for making many styles of work gloves, but a few of the company’s gloves and mittens have transcended work by hitting the ski and snowboard slopes. Some of Kinco’s insulated leather gloves and mittens deliver outstanding durability and a grip that gets better as you wear them in. Better yet, you can’t beat the price point: die-hard skiers and snowboarders who hit the slopes all season long grab a new pair when they need to and keep the old pairs as work and camping gloves. For all-purpose use, be sure to get the Kincos 1927KW Lined Premium Grain Pigskin Palm with Knit Wrist. Some hardware stores and outdoor gear stores title it differently, but look for the 1927KW model number. The KW stands for Knit Wrist, which seals out the cold. Kinco also offers some similar versions with full leather backs that are just as good.
Additional Buying Options:
Bonus Safety Gift for Outdoorsmen: WeBoost Drive Reach
The weBoost Drive Reach takes a tiny trickle of cellular signal and boosts it to something usable. Does it work in the backcountry? Definitely. We tested it in the mountains of Nevada and in the deep river canyons in Idaho. The Drive Reach was able to find 1-bar signals in places we’ve never had service before . . . and could boost 2-bar signals to 3 or 4-bars strong enough for acceptable web data connectivity. We won’t admit to liking it for checking business email when we’re far away, but we will admit to liking the ability to call home to check in from time to time!
Affordable Bonus: Outdoorsman Stocking Stuffer!
If your outdoorsman uses coolers at night — who doesn’t? — he’ll appreciate the Coghlan’s Inside Cooler Lid Light. How’s it work? After you attach it to the inside of your cooler’s lid, it turns on when you raise the lid — and turns off automatically after 20 seconds. So cool.
Related Man Makes Fire Gift Guides:
- 55+ Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
- 25 Best Outdoor Gifts for Outdoorsy Women
- 75 Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics
- 25 Camping Stocking Stuffer Gifts Under $25
- 36 Best Fishing Gifts
- 50 Best Fly Fishing Gifts
- 65+ Best Gifts for Hunters