woman wearing backpacking smiling at camera with sand dunes in the background.

2025 Outdoorsy Gift Guide

I shared “10 pieces of outdoor gear that I would be on my wishlist if I didn’t already own” them over on my Instagram, so I wanted to share those and some extras here.

I’m going to break them down by price point so that this list is useful for everyone!

This post contains affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.

$25 or less

Tenacious Tape

The best way to easily patch holes in technical gear and apparel!

Skratch Labs Sports Hydration Mix

use code TRAILCARROT for 20% off your first order!

Litesmith Zipza Dyneema Bag

Organization bags for the UL backpacker in your life. I have one for electronics (size medium) and one for toiletries (small) and absolutely love them.

Toaks Long Spoon

Lightweight backpacking spoon, great for reaching the bottom of a pot or bag.

Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks

My favorite socks for everything other than skiing. I wear these daily and also for all my runs, hikes, backpacking trips, etc.

Nylofume Packliner

For the backpacker who doesn’t want all their stuff getting wet.

<$50

Skida Tour and Skida Brim Hat

Cute, practical, SO many patterns.

Le Bent Socks

The best ski socks I’ve ever worn, it’s not even close.

<$100

Salomon XA Filter

Best filter for trail runners who wear a Salomon vest.

Minus33 Merino Wool Baselayers

A good set of Merino wool baselayers is worth the investment! I wear mine as sleeping layers on backpacking trips and under my shell skiing.

Coros Arm Band Heart Rate Monitor

If you want to do heart rate based training, but hate wearing a chest band, this is a great alternative. Slightly less accurate than a chest HRM, but way more accurate than a watch (especially if you have small wrists or are exercising in cold weather)

Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow

The best backpacking pillow. Actually comfortable, packs down small, and only weighs 70g.

Kuvetta Athletic Sports Bra

The comfiest sports bra I’ve ever worn, plus you can choose the band and cup size (unheard of for sports bras!). Ethically made by a small business.

Kuvetta Althetic Stay Put Shorts

My favorite running shorts! The pockets can fit SO much stuff.

$100+

LEVE Outdoor Co. Alpha 90 Hoodie

One of the lightest fleeces on the market, and incredibly versatile. I bring it on every backpacking trip, and often wear it for runs or backcountry skis.

Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio

Perfect for any skier who wants better communication in the backcountry

Ciele VNT Windbreaker Jacket

For the trail runner or hiker who needs a cute, practical windbreaker

Pingora Vivid 27L Backcountry Ski Pack

For your backcountry ski obsessed friend who needs an updated ski pack. Also available in a 35L size for bigger adventures.

COROS Apex 4 Adventure Watch

Use code ‘trailcarrot’ for a free watch band!

Kobo Clara E-Reader – $160

For your favorite adventurer who likes to curl up with a good book at the end of a long day. Is this outdoor gear? No. But I do take this on almost every backpacking trip. It’s light, waterproof, can hold sooooo many books, and doesn’t pay Jeff Bezos. The Clara easily connects to the Libby app, so you can read books and support your local library.

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses

Definitely an investment piece, but worth it if you break sunglasses easily! I especially love these for paddling, because they can’t fall off.


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