Camping Hiking Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide 2017

Are you stuck trying to decide on what to get the camping or hiking enthusiast in your family for Christmas this year?  I put together a Camping Hiking Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide in attempts to offer my suggestions and ideas about what you should get for them.

Yep, you guessed it. It’s that time of year again. Time to pull the fuse on the AC and get the furnace kicking. Stock up on firewood for the fireplace. Pull down all of the many boxes and bins of Christmas decorations, and begin cluttering your homes with Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman figurines, stockings, garland, reindeer drink glasses, punch bowls, and wreaths. Oh, and don’t forget to hang the mistletoe.

This is my favorite time of year. I love the feeling of getting to see and being closer to family. The sharing of stories and jokes. The joy of watching your loved ones open your gift with awe and excitement.

The one tough pill to swallow, however, is what should I buy for Uncle Bob this year? Well, here is where I will provide you with some ideas to get you started; barring that Uncle Bob is the Outdoor Enthusiast of the family. And, the great thing about these gifts is you will not hear Uncle Bob say “I already have one of these.” I promise he will keep these gifts even if he does have one, as a true outdoor soul can never have too many options for their gear.

If you see something here you like, please support The Outdoor Soul by clicking the photo link to the Amazon item and purchase it here. I would greatly appreciate your support.

So, light the fireplace, dim the lights, cue the holiday music, kick back in your recliner with your jammies, robe and slippers, and don’t forget the piping hot cup of hot chocolate.

Hiking Socks

Any old pair of socks just won’t do when you’re out in the elements. There are socks specially designed to keep your toesies comfortable and blister-free.  A lot of miles will be put on your feet, so make sure you take care of them so they can take care of you.

Insulated Coffee Mugs

Coffee is one of those necessities, especially when camping.  The problem is trying to keep it piping hot after taking it off the campfire.  These mugs are the perfect gift that will do just that, and most likely will become the next best friend of whomever opens this gift from their stocking.

Headlamps

When you need to find your campsite after dark, most of the time you don’t want to be carrying around a giant heavy baton. You need your hands free. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for the camping enthusiast, and trust me, one can never have enough headlamps. The red light is perfect for in the campsite, when you don’t want to blind anyone else or wake them up.

Fire Starters

A real necessity for our outdoor adventures. Fire is our best friend when out in the wild. We use it make water and food safe to consume. We use it for warmth or to sit around and enjoy with our friends and family. However, there are many times where the elements can hinder our tactics to start a fire with just a lighter or matches. These guys get the job done when truly required.

Sporks

I remember when I was first introduced to the spork by none other than one of my wife’s favorite places to dine, Taco Bell. But really, as an outdoor enthusiast, lightweight and compact is key. These little things are the perfect stocking stuffer for your Uncle Bob. Just watch as his eyes light up and glow when he unwraps this.

Water Filter and Treatment Systems

A necessity when out in the middle of nowhere, whether it’s backpacking in the backcountry, camping on a lake, kayaking or canoeing down a river. Us humans need water, and it must be clean, free of debris, free of bacteria. This gift will definitely put a smile on your outdoor loving recipient’s face.

Solar Recharging Kits

This last one may not exactly be a stocking stuffer, but this is a gift Uncle Bob would absolutely adore for his outdoor adventures. He’s going to need his cell phone or gps or digital camera recharged at some point. This will allow him to be out for days on end and get the energy he needs in his electronic gadgets while he’s nowhere near a wall outlet.

Well folks, that’s what I got for ya’. Uncle Bob is going to absolutely love you and give you the biggest hug you have ever had once he sees that you may really know your outdoor stuff with these gifts and stocking stuffers. Oh, and remember…you can get him more than one of each thing, as us outdoor adventure type can never have enough of these things. We will lay them all out on the bar or table and spend hours trying to decide which one to bring with us on our next excursion. We will be glowing with excitement and showing off our collections to anyone who will listen.

Be safe if you’re braving the shopping mall traffic and dodging elbows from unknown strangers who really, really, really want that item that you have under your arm. It’s safer and warmer in the comfort of your own home, doing your holiday shopping and having someone deliver it to your door, but I understand traditions as well. Whichever route you choose, enjoy yourselves. Don’t let it cause you stress.

Enjoy spending this time with your loved ones this holiday season. Be jolly. Merry Christmas. Ho Ho Ho!