Gift-giving is an art, and finding the perfect gift for the outdoorsy person in your life can feel like you’re wandering through the woods without a map. However, whether you’re buying something for a friend, loved one, or yourself, there are lots of outdoor gifts under $50 that are highly functional and thoughtfully designed. Featuring backpacks, insulating water bottles, sunglasses, lanterns, and more, here is our list of 12 gifts that will surely spark joy without breaking the bank.
- Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern: $29.95
- Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp: $49.95
- GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube: $12
- Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks – Men’s and Women’s: $25
- Patagonia P-6 Logo Trucker Hat: $39
- Goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses: $25
- AllTrails+ Subscription: $35.99
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System: $40.95
- Hydroflask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle: $49.95
- REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack: $39.95
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad: $19.95
Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern: $29.95
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly upgrade to your camp lighting set up, then you’ll want to check out the Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern. This lightweight, inflatable, solar-powered lantern gives off a warm glow that is perfect for nighttime meals and hangs on a picnic table, or as a fire stand-in. It’s also surprisingly durable and waterproof, and can withstand most things mother nature throws at it. And charging is easy. Simply face the solar panels towards direct sunlight and the battery recharges in no time. I love my Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern, and it goes with me on all my camping trips.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp: $49.95
Whether you’re out on the trail, out camping, or just walking around at night, a headlamp is a mush-have piece of gear. And for under $50, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is the best on the market. It features 3 LED bulbs (2 white and 1 red), flood and spot beams, and brightness ranging from 6 to 400 lumens, giving you plenty of options for any senerio. While switching between settings is a little confusing at first, you’ll get the hang of it after a few tries. Plus, it’s weather resistant and light, weighing in at only 3 ounces. If you’re looking for an upgrade pick, check out the 400-R model, which features a rechargeable battery versus 3 AAA batteries.
GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube: $12
It’s always a good idea to carry a few gallons of water with you whenever you’re going to spend the night outdoors. While you can buy water jugs from your local grocery store, its more environmentally friendly to use a reusable water container. Luckily, the GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube has got yout covered. These BPA-free cubes can fit up to 5.3 gallons of water and feature an adjustable tap with a high flow rate and a durable handle for easy transportation. When you are done with your trip, they fold down to a fraction of their size. And at its price point, this is one of the outdoor gifts that easily costs under $50.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks – Men’s and Women’s: $25
A good pair of socks is essential for anyone spending time outside, and few make them better than Darn Tough. Tested in the mountains of Vermont, their Micro Crew Cushion Socks are my go-to for outdoor adventures. Made of merino wool, they are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them great for most conditions (and much better than your standard cotton socks). They’re also cushioned and have added reinforcement at the heels and toes for extra comfort and durability. If you do happen to wear through them, don’t worry. Darn Tough offers a lifetime warranty on their socks – just ship them back and they’ll send you a new pair in no time.
Patagonia P-6 Logo Trucker Hat: $39
Patagonia’s P-6 Logo Trucker Hat is the perfect gift for a loved one looking to upgrade their outdoor headwear. Its classic trucker design allows for much-needed airflow during long hot days outside and features adjustable snap closures to fit any size head. It is constructed with organic cotton, recycled fishing nets, and recycled polyester-mesh – this hat not only looks good but also is designed with the environment first. I’ve had mine for four years and counting, and it’s still going strong.
Goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses: $25
Ever since I lost a pair of Ray Bans while hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park a few years ago, I’ve avoided taking expensive sunglasses with me on my outdoor adventures. The risk of them scratching, breaking, or getting lost is just too high. However, I still wanted a pair of high-quality sunglasses that wouldn’t break the bank. Enter Goodr. At just $25, their Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses are lightweight and feature a grippy nose bridge, so you won’t have to worry about them bouncing during your outdoor activities. They also come with glare-reducing 100% UV400 Protection lenses, protecting your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB light rays. The best part is that they come in lots of different colors, making it easy to find a pair that fits your personality. It’s one of my favorite sunglasses and one of the best outdoor gifts under $50.
AllTrails+ Subscription: $35.99
If you know someone who ventures into the outdoors often, odds are they have AllTrails downloaded. This popular app shares trails in your local area, making finding a hike a breeze. With AllTrails+, you’ll have access to helpful features such as downloading maps for offline use and using a 3D map to preview trails ahead of time. There’s also several safety functions that I appreciate. You can share your route and real-time location with your loved ones, and the app will send you a notification if you divert from your route. This subscription is a great gift for the avid outdoorsperson in your life.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System: $40.95
There’s nothing quite like taking a sip of cool, refreshing water from a river – until you catch a waterborne illness. Luckily, the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System will ensure that your water is pathogen-free. Thanks to it’s hollow-fiber membrane, simply squeeze your dirty water through the filter and you’re good to go. No need for hanging or pumps. And at only 3 oz, you’ll barely notice it at all. Oh, Sawyer also donates 90% of it’s profits to help deliver clean drinking water to developing countries, which is pretty awesome.
Hydroflask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle: $49.95
A good water bottle is key to your time outside, and few do it better than Hydroflask. With their Trail Series, their bottles are lighter than ever, making them ideal for your outdoor adventures. It touts that it can keep drinks cold for 24 hours and liquids hot for 12. While I have yet to test these numbers, from pervious experience my Hydroflask bottles have kept my drinks my desired temperature the whole day. Hydroflask is my first pick when it comes to water bottles, and their Trail Series line easily is one of the best outdoor gifts under $50 you can give.
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack: $39.95
The REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack was actually my first outdoor-specific backpack, and after nearly 10 years it’s still going strong. It’s lightweight, surprisingly roomy, and durable in most outdoor environments. It also has several helpful features, like a sunglasses loop on its left shoulder strap, an exterior zipper to hold small items, and a back panel that slips out to become a sit pad. It’s also compatible with a reservoir pouch. From music festivals to the the summit of Mount Whitney, I’ve pushed this pack to its limit and it’s still holding up.
NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad: $19.95
I used to be a seat pad skeptic when backpacking. Why carry another item when I could just sit on a log, rock, or the ground? However, once I was introduced to this seat pad by NEMO, I was hooked. I no longer have to worry about finding a suitable seat that’s smooth, comfortable, and not too cold. Instead, I simply lay down the seat pad and know I’ll be happy the whole time. Since it’s lightweight, super durable, and takes up little space it didn’t impede my backpacking set up either. It also has plenty of uses beyond the backcountry. From bleachers to picnic tables, this seat pad will elevate your sitting game wherever you go.
Hopefully this guide helped you find the perfect outdoor gifts under $50! If you’re now motived to get outside, check out our articles where we share how to get started hiking, camping, or backpacking! And if you’re looking to give the gift of an adventure outside, please reach out! We at GoForth are experts at turning your outdoor dreams into a reality, and we’d love to help curate an unforgettable trip for your friends and loved ones. Click on the button below to learn more about our offerings, and contact us if you’re ready to take the first step toward a life outdoors!
