The Best Gifts for Adventure Travelers

By Travel + Leisure Staff
November 26, 2018
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Courtesy of the retailers
Whether you’re hiking up Everest or through the local national park, there is so much to experience while venturing through unknown terrain — a point your beloved summit-seeking friend has reminded you a million times.

This holiday season give the adventurers in your life something they can use on their journey — backpacks, tents, and growlers — and a promise to join them on an adventure later in the year.

This year, Travel + Leisure is offering its most comprehensive gift guide ever. The goal? Make sure you can find the perfect present for everyone (yes, even your mother-in-law) on your list. Below, our picks for outdoor enthusiasts.
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The Ultimate Ski Book: Legends, Resorts, Lifestyle & More

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Get your ski motivation this season from this book by ski expert Gabriella Le Breston. You’ll learn everything from the sport’s most beautiful mountain views to the best restaurants near the slopes.

To buy: amazon.com, $55.68

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Nixon Mission Watch

Credit: Courtesy of Nixon

This watch from Nixon will make any adventure traveler’s life much easier. Not only is it water resistant and shock-proof, but the Mission Pro app also provides live ski and surf conditions all on your wrist. You can choose from three colors (orange, black, and concrete), and can customize the band.

To buy: amazon.com, $400

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ESPRO Steel Press

Credit: Courtesy of Espro

The ESPRO French press is frequently used at the Everest Base Camp, and climbers swear by it. There two filters eliminate the grit and vacuum insulated double walls will keep your coffee warm for hours.

To buy: amazon.com; $119

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SlingFin WindSaber Tent

Credit: Courtesy of Slingfin

If you’re looking for a tent you can use all four seasons, this is the one. The sturdy fabric walls and frame ensure that the tent won’t go blowing away during heavy wind and rain, and the large inside pocket offer storage space and protection for precious small items. Best of all? It weighs less than five pounds.

To buy: slingfin.com; $750

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Eddie Bauer Cloud Layer Pro Full-Zip Jacket

Credit: Courtesy of Eddie Bauer

Heading outdoors in during colder months calls for layering, and this full-zip fleece jacket is perfect for that. It offers lightweight protection and can fit comfortable under a winter coat or rain jacket.

To buy: eddiebauer.com; $80

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Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Kit

Credit: Courtesy of Eagle Creek

The Eagle Creek Pack-It system is a great way to stay organized and optimize the space in your travel bag. The starter kit offers a garment folder for dress shirts and two cubes to roll shirts and pants in.

To buy: amazon.com; $59

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Fireside Waffle Iron

Credit: Courtesy of Fireside

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you’ll want to make sure to eat something before heading off on an adventure. If you’re on the trail, use this waffle iron over a campfire to prepare something warm and fresh. It’s made of cast iron and has wooden handles for optimal comfort when roasting.

To buy: shopterrain.com; $42

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Eagle Creek TravelLite Towel

Credit: Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Whether you’re trekking, climbing, or paddling, you’re sure to work up a sweat. Use this microfiber travel towel for a quick dry. It’s absorbent and easily compressible.

To buy: eaglecreek.com; $24

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Oru Kayak Bay Kayak

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This foldable kayak can be assembled in a few minutes. The set-up boasts an adjustable seat, stainless steel ratchet buckles, and durable double-layer plastic meant to be folded thousands of times without weakening.

To buy: amazon.com, $1,275

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13-One Water-resistant Trench

Credit: Courtesy of 13-One

This lightweight jacket is lined with the same heat-retaining technology used in the "blankets" marathon runners are given post-race, meaning it'll keep them cozy and dry no matter the weather. It weighs less than a pound and folds into a tiny pouch, so it's bound to become a new favorite must-pack. 

To buy: 13-one.com, $145

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Shine 5oz Flask

Credit: Courtesy of Shine

There’s something about sipping a few spirits after completing a hike. You feel rewarded and you can enjoy your drink with the best view. The Shine 5oz Flask provides just enough room for you to stash away some whiskey without adding a ton of weight to your backpack.

To buy: shinevessels.com; $15

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Koraloc Surf Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Koraloc

Spending a day on an empty surf is the dream, but transporting surf equipment can sour an otherwise perfect day at the beach. This bag from Koraloc keeps everything you need right on your back. It can hold up to three surfboards, has plenty of room for towels and wetsuits, and a wet-dry bag for the trip home. It's also great for snowboards and wakeboards.

To buy: amazon.com, $200

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Best Made Co. Waxed Canvas Blanket

Credit: Courtesy of Best Made Co.

Best Made Co.’s Canvas Blanket is warm, soft, and durable. The waxed sailcloth keeps the blanket dry, while the quilted cotton twill provides a comfortable surface to spread out on. Each corner has brass grommets, which means the blanket can be staked down or stung up as a makeshift shelter.

To buy: bestmadeco.com; $178

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Yeti Hopper Cooler

Credit: Courtesy of Yeti

Yeti coolers are known for their durability, and the Hopper cooler takes it one step further. It's made of materials found in survival suits, and is 100 percent leak-proof.

To buy: amazon.com; $317

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GoPro Seeker Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of Go Pro

This hydration-compatible, weather-resistant backpack has special compartments for up to five GoPro cameras. There are also built-in chest and shoulder mounts.

To buy: amazon.com; $170

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BioLite Wood Burning CampStove

Credit: Courtesy of BioLite

Generating power while on the trail can be cumbersome, but this wood-burning camp stove makes it easy. Energy from the fire allows for you to charge your phones, LED lights, and other USB accessible products. Plus, the BioLite can boil water in minutes. The flames are easy to set up, and as efficient as those on a gas stove.

To buy: amazon.com; $130

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Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Another book to keep you captivated while on your trip is Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air. It’s a 332-page first-hand account of the catastrophic Everest expedition that left eight dead in May of 1996. Krakauer, a journalist and veteran climber, was on the trip and dives into the events that transpired that day.

To buy: amazon.com; $10

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Stanley Insulated Growler

Credit: Courtesy of Stanley

There is nothing like sitting around a fire with a nice cold beer. This growler from Stanley uses a vacuum-insulated body and foam insulated lid to ensure that your beverage of choice stays cold. The lid is also steel, so you wont have to worry about any plastic taste.

To buy: amazon.com; $40

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