Needing gift ideas for that camping fanatic in your life? Then don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
As an avid camper since childhood, I’ve both given and received countless camping-related pressies over the years – so safe to say I know a thing or two about the subject!
However – with so much to choose from – sometimes selecting that perfect pressie can feel a tad overwhelming.
Especially since there’s also a lot of rubbish out there!
Separating the wheat from the chaff so you don’t have to, me and my partner have thought long and hard to whittle down a list of 15 fantastic camping presents.
Blending both practicality & thoughtfulness without breaking the bank, from first-hand experience I can assure you these items are top-notch camping tackle!
Interested? Then let’s get to it 👇👇
Best Gifts For Campers (for him & her)
Rechargable Head Torch
Starting with one of the most practical camping gifts, you really can’t go wrong with a quality head torch.
For those unfamiliar with camping, you’d be surprised how dark the great outdoors gets when you’re not surrounded by the all-pervading light pollution we’re so accustomed to in day-to-day life.
Whether you’re pottering around the campfire as evening approaches, on a daring midnight hike or even if nature calls in the wee hours – having a hands free lighting device sure comes in handy for a variety of reasons.
For the most bang for your buck, you’d ideally want a rechargeable head torch. Saving you the hassle of having to regularly replace batteries, I can’t recommend the Lighting Ever (LE) Head Torch enough.
Coming with 5 available lighting modes to suit your needs (including 2 red warning light options), this head torch is not only powerful – it’s also waterproof, lightweight and rechargeable.
Likewise, with a run time of up to 30 hours and coming with a price tag of just £11.04, you really can’t grumble at that!
Click Here To Buy LE Rechargeable Head Torch 👈
Ice Cold Cool Box
There are few things more relaxing in life than being in the thick of nature, relaxing by a roaring campfire whilst enjoying a nice crisp drink.
One of my most cherished camping comforts, coolers are perfect for storing chilled foods and keeping drinks ice cold – an absolute must have if you’re taking a few beers or wanting a proper fry up!
A decent cool box can effectively keep your contents chilled from anywhere between 18-48 hours – depending on the quality & size of your cooler.
There are also a number of nifty tricks you can implement to maximise your cooler’s capabilities even further. For the full lowdown, be sure to check out our detailed blog post here – How To Keep A Cool Box ICE Cold (6 Tips You Have To Try).
For a quality cooler at a reasonable price, you really can’t go wrong with something like a Coleman Performance Cooler. Coming in at a whopping 28L sizing, you’ll have no issues fitting your camping refreshments in this sturdy yet lightweight gem.
Likewise, with an interior that’s BPA free, you can store your food and drinks in 100% safety – something many lesser brands using cheaper plastic can’t certify.
Click Here To Buy Coleman Performance Cool Box 👈
Sturdy Steel Water Bottle
When camping in the Great Outdoors, staying hydrated is super important.
There are so many flasks out there these days coming in a variety of graphics, designs and patterns.
However, look closer and you’ll see a lot of the fancy bottles being sold online are actually made from cheap plastic which simply can’t stand up to the toughness of the outdoors.
After only a few outdoor adventures the cracks soon start surfacing…
This is why I’ve always opted for the sturdy and reliable steel flask, with my top pick currently being the Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Water Bottle.
Offering a range of colours and sizes ranging from 500 ml to 1 litre, this insulated bottle also includes a loop cap which can be easily attached to your rucksack for easy access while on the trail.
Officially certified as as a ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ product and made from BPA free material – meaning no leaky chemicals polluting your water – this eco flask really is a fantastic pressie for an avid camper!
Click Here To Buy Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Water Bottle 👈
Proper Outdoor Socks
Socks are often laughed at as a bit of a gift cop out – but for outdoorsy folk – a pair of quality hiking socks are a true game changer.
Trust me, for years I just wore cheap black cotton socks and never bought into the hype of proper outdoor socks.
However, ever since my Dad bought me a pair a few years ago, I’ve never looked back. They’re so snug and comfortable I wear them even when I’m lounging round the house!
Perfect for warmth and comfort when you’re at camp or out exploring in the wild, I never leave for a camping trip without at least a few pairs stuffed in my rucksack.
For the full breakdown on the best outdoor socks on the market currently, be sure to check out our ‘BEST Walking Socks’ blog post.
Nevertheless, for those wanting a real bargain – on most trips these days I usually end up reaching for a pair of my YUEDGE socks. Despite being a budget brand, they surprisingly have the quality to compete with some of the best socks out there.
Warm and comfortable without being too bulky, you can currently buy a 5-pack on Amazon for around £20! Absolute bargain.
Click Here To Buy Men’s YUEDGE 5 Pair Multipack Socks 👈
Click Here To Buy Women’s YUEDGE 5 Pair Multipack Socks 👈
Portable Camping Stove
Planning on cooking during a camping trip? Then you’ll likely need a portable camping stove.
Small in size and easy to set-up, these wonders are cost effective and extremely convenient when you’re wanting to rustle up a hearty meal!
Even if you aren’t much of a cook, just using the stove to heat a tin of baked beans or fry a few eggs for breakfast is a fantastic luxury when out in the wild.
This particular camping stove bundle by Green Haven even comes with 4 gas canisters included, meaning one less thing to worry about.
With a single canister able to provide up to 3 hours of cooking time, you really can’t grumble at a price of £25.99 for the job lot.
Click Here To Buy Green Haven Camping Stove Bundle 👈
Dri-Towel
Whether you’re jumping in the shower cubicle or plunging into an open-water lake, having a quality towel is vital when camping.
I’ve seen folks in the past simply bring one of their standard cotton towels from back home, but in reality this is FAR from ideal.
Taking a lifetime to dry and not being the most absorbent material, they can also start to smelly pretty funky after only a few uses…
Furthermore, if you’re out swimming in particularly cold water, getting warm and dry after your swim is super important in order to avoid discomfort and even potentially hypothermia.
There are much better quick drying options out there on the market these days, one example being the Dock & Bay Beach Towel.
Drying up to three times quicker than a regular towel, it’s also made from 100% recyclable material, making it a perfect gift for eco-friendly campers.
Coming in a minimalist double-tone & sizing up at 160cm-90cm, the towel can also makeshift as a picnic blanket or a comfortable surface to lounge on around camp.
Likewise, since the towel is specifically designed for the beach, it doesn’t pick up sand. Simply give it a quick shake once you’ve finished using it and fold it into the stylish bag included with your purchase.
Click Here To Buy Dock & Bay Beach Towel 👈
Air Mattress
While one of the great things about camping is getting away many of our modern amenities, there are still a few luxuries worth bringing along if you can.
One of my personal favourite camping comforts has to be my trusty air mattress. The difference in sleep quality is night and day.
When pitching your tent, you’re not always going to be able to find an even surface to set up camp. Even if you do, when you lay down on your tent’s flooring, you’ll likely be laying on top of various debris and rocks that’ll annoyingly stab into your back throughout the night.
I still remember the first time we took an air mattress on a camping trip. It was so nice to wake up without a sore hip from where I’d slept on my side all night, feeling refreshed and raring for the day’s proceedings.
Easy to fold and store away, all that’s required is air pump to inflate. To save you the hassle, this double airbed from Green Haven store even comes with an AC pump included. Get in!
Click here To Buy Double Air Mattress & AC Pump 👈
Portable Charger
Another nifty little piece of modern equipment, a portable charger is always a very practical piece of gear to have.
There isn’t too much to say about these useful contraptions really, they’re pretty self-explanatory!
I always like to pack one on our multi-day camps since it means I can use my phone as a GPS device (which takes up a lot of battery) when hiking or driving somewhere in the car without having to constantly worry about my battery life.
Also – God forbid some kind of emergency happens when you’re at camp or out on a trail – it’s reassuring to know that you have a means of calling for help.
There are loads of quality portable chargers out there these days, though I do think you’d be hard-pressed to find one more suited for camping than this charger by JONKUU.
One of the smallest and lightest on the market, this fast charging power-bank is compatible with iPhone, Android & tablet devices. You can even charge your Nintendo Switch if you or your kids are partial to a bit of gaming!
Click Here To Buy JONKUU Portable Power Bank Charger 👈
Outdoor Smartwatch
For outdoor nerds (like myself), smartwatches are the ultimate way to keep track of your outdoor activities. Over the last few years, logging my rambles & monitoring my fitness has grown to become a bit of an addiction for me as of late!
Perfect for camping, outdoor watches are fantastic navigation devices, being able to utilise GPS to track your route through the wilderness, find your way back to camp, or even discover new trails via apps such as AllTrails.
Many modern outdoor smart watches are also able to provide weather updates, another handy feature when out an about. Plus, with many smartwatches allowing you to send and receive messages and phone calls, you always have the peace of mind that you can reach out for help if needed.
One watch I’ve fallen in love with over the past few years is the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, which possesses a range of features such as: extensive navigation mapping & functions, grade-adjusted pace monitoring & heart rate reading just to name a few.
I was first introduced to this watch by my uncle – a bonofide hiking & cycling fanatic – and he’s adamant it’s the best watch he’s ever owned.
We put a bunch of his watch’s features to good use during our attempt at the National 3 Peaks Challenge last year, and it helped us tremendously when it came to mapping our route and seamlessly keeping tabs on our pace.
Click Here To Buy Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Outdoor Smartwatch 👈
Rucksack
Whether you’re on a gruelling multi-day trek or simply lounging at camp for a night or two, a backpack is a must-have when it comes to storing your essentials.
The ideal place to store snacks, drink, extra layers (you always need to prepare for the prospect of rain in the UK!) and personal belonging while on the move, a rucksack makes lugging around your gear infinitely easier.
Talk to any outdoor enthusiast about backpacks, and chances are they’ll bring up the brand Osprey. Coming in a variety of sizes catering to camping trips big and small, I’m currently a big fan of their Osprey Europe Unisex Daylite Plus Backpack.
For those wanting more of a budget brand, I’ve always held Trespass in high regard. Their Albus Backpack comes in at 30 litres and comes in a range of colourways. Cushioned straps, various storage compartments and with a price tag of £19.44, you really can’t grumble at that price!
Click Here To Buy Osprey Europe Unisex Daylite Plus Backpack 👈
Pocket First Aid Kit
Far too many people head out into the wild without a first aid kit. I’ll hold my hand up, I’ve also been guilty of this in the past.
That is until my girlfriend badly grazed her knee after a nasty tumble during a hike and we didn’t have a first aid kit handy.
Embarrassingly, we had to wait and rely on the kindness of passer-bys to help bandage the wound…
Accidents unfortunately do happen and having a first aid kit is vital for effectively dealing with them.
To avoid being too cumbersome, my personal recommendation is this compact Pocket First Aid Kit created by Lifesystems – designed specifically for walking, outdoor & travel.
Weighing only 180 grams, this pack is tiny and can easily fit into pretty much any rucksack. Despite its small stature however, open the bag and you’ll find its teeming with useful apparatus.
Tweezers, scissors, bandages, plasters, cleansing wipes and the like, this kit really is a thoughtful lifeline for whoever you purchase it for.
Click here to buy the Lifesystems First Aid Kit 👈
Tent Slippers
While I love nothing more than spending a night camping under the stars, one of my few pet peeves is having to constantly take my boots off-and-one as I venture in and out of my tent.
That is until I discovered the fine invention of camping slippers!
Snuggly, warm, lightweight & easy to slip on, one pair I’ve been loving as of late are these beauties from Lakeland Active.
With hardy textured rubber outsoles, they’re perfect to wear at home, in the tent or for popping out around camp.
Stitched with warm quilting to keep your toes nice & toasty, these slippers are also made with memory foam, meaning they’ll contour into your individualised foot shape for maximum comfort.
With Lakeland having battle-tested these slippers out on the craggy landscape of the Lake District– you can guarantee these’ll stand up to whatever terrain you pitch your tent on!
Click Here To Buy Lakeland Active Tent Slippers 👈
Dry Robe
My partner jokes at home that I’m never out of my dressing gown. She’s not wrong to be fair.
It’s not much different when we go camping either, since I just ditch the gown for my dry robe!
I’d never actually heard of these comfy garments until a year or so ago, but now I can’t imagine camping without one.
Whether you’re popping over to the shower cubicle, getting changed into your swimming gear out in public or simply just feeling a bit chilly in the evening, a dry robe can serve a variety of purposes.
Not only are they quick drying, but if you get a top quality robe like the ones made by SEASHELL, they’ll also have inner fleece lining for ultimate snuggliness.
Ensuring you stay protected from the elements whilst out on your camping ventures, the Seashell dry robe is also windproof and comes in a stylish oversize fit for a cosy yet breathable fit.
Click Here To Buy SEASHELL Adult Waterproof Dry Robe
Camping Mug
A thoughtful gift I received from my girlfriend, this outdoors mug has been one of my staple mugs (in and out of the house) for the past year now.
Tough, lightweight and coming in at 325ml, the ‘Gentlemen’s Hardware Enamel Outdoors Mug’ not only looks the part but is also highly practical.
Small enough to easily carry around yet big enough to enjoy a proper cuppa, the picturesque landscape depicted on the face of the mug never fails to get my camping juices flowing!
Click Here To Buy Gentlemen’s Hardware Enamel Outdoors Mug 👈
Camping Journal
A cheap yet thoughtful gift which never fails to inspire creativity, a camping journal may be the perfect gift if you’ve a budding writer in your life.
While most folks log their adventures on social media these days, going back to the old school and jotting down our experiences can be such an enthralling & cathartic experience.
Far away from the laptop and TV screen, there really is no better time to pick up a pen and let the creativity flow.
Some of my best ideas have come from basking in the silence that nature brings.
This particular journal from Konnectd Supply even has room to record information of each campsite you stay at – giving you boxes to rate facilities and write info about the people you meet and activities you undertake.
As time passes, we do tend to forget many of the small details about our camping trips! Put this gift to good use however and you’ll always have a means to recall all those fond memories.
Click Here To Buy Konnectd Supply Camping Journal 👈
Our Top Picks – Camping Gifts
More Resources
For even more outdoorsy pressie ideas, be sure to check out our ‘Gifts For Walkers’ & ‘Dog Walker Gifts’ blog posts – I’m sure there’s something that’ll grab your attention!
Happy camping 🏕️🎁