The key to buying a gift for the hiker and camper in your life? Catch them off guard. Go all Steve Jobs on them and get them something they didn鈥檛 even know they wanted. If you do it right, you鈥檒l surprise them and they鈥檒l end up with something they鈥檒l love.听
Down Blanket
It may not seem like an essential, but I think everyone who car camps should own a . They鈥檙e incredibly warm for the weight, durable, and a lot cozier聽than cramming into a slim mummy bag. Dog hair doesn鈥檛 stick to them, so they make great dog beds, too.听
Cast Iron Skillet
When you鈥檙e car camping, nothing beats cooking in cast iron. is lighter than most and comes pre-seasoned. Give one of these and you鈥檒l reap the benefits of awesome camp meals for years.听
Watch
A good watch is a must-have for any serious outdoor聽person. You can go all out and buy an for the serious backcountry hiker, or go with a.听
Trucker Hat
I鈥檓 a big fan of 聽caps聽because they鈥檙e low-profile and proceeds from the purchase go toward cleaning up waterways.听
Knife
includes a聽killer Morakniv knife and a fire starter for a great price.听
Kitchen Set for Camp
I used to think camp kitchen sets were sort of gimmicky, until someone gave me one as a gift. They鈥檙e incredibly convenient and guarantee you鈥檒l have an easier time cooking (and eating) at camp, thanks to faster cleanup (nothing sticks to this cookware) and better packability. includes聽four cutlery sets, a cutting board, spice shaker, and a utility knife鈥攁ll in one compact case.
Growler
are perfect for keeping fresh beer cold. Opt for the 64-ouncer聽if you鈥檙e camping, and聽the 32聽if you just want to enjoy a pint with your partner at the end of the day.听