Wondering what to get your camping friend or family member for Christmas? Here’s our list of classic gifts as well as some lesser-known campsite MVPs.

 

As we head into the silly season nothing is quite so stressful as trying to find your outdoorsy mate a gift – surely they’ve already got a Leatherman! 

Well, my friends, don’t fret, we’ve curated a list of the perfect Christmas gift ideas for campers who already have everything. From the car campers to the overnight hikers, we’ve got you covered.

Camping Gift Ideas

1. Alton Ultralight Titanium Cutlery

RRP: $39.98

 

 

If you’re going to grab someone some cutlery, you can’t do much better than this ultralight titanium cutlery set from Alton. With long handles to suit pre-made dehydrated food bags and a handy carabiner-friendly hole in the end of each, this spoon and spork set is a no-brainer.

The cutlery is just as suited to gram counting thru hikers as it is trail runners who like to pack lunch, and families on camping trips. The best gifts are multifunctional and these are a great bargain buy for outdoorsy people who go on lots of different types of adventures. It’s a gift that’s hard to break and will be useful for years.

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2. Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag

RRP: $229.95

Nobody likes taking a hiking pack on a camping trip. They sit awkwardly, take up a lot of space, and often require repacking every time you dip in to grab one thing. Duffels on the other hand are perfect for camping trips. This Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel is made from 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing so you can feel good about adding another bag to your collection.

It has a large zip opening on top so you can easily access what you need without fuss. WAE’s Content Editor Jess has used one of these for months and can confirm that the rip-stop fabric is no joke – she put hers through hell and it still looks brand new. It comes with shoulder straps so you can chuck it on as a backpack for more ergonomic carrying should you be parked a little further from your camping spot too.

Available in three colours you’re sure to find one to suit the vibe of your fav camper.

Suss Jess’s review for more info: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L – Reviewed & Tested

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3. Metolius Wag Bag

RRP: $6.95

 

Is there any better way to show someone you give a shit about them than helping them handle their poo easier? Probably, but campers are a special breed and we appreciate everything that makes the great outdoors a little easier.

Wag bags are filled with waste aggregating gel (hence w-a-g), that turns poos into odourless powder. It’s essentially a toilet in a bag, and they’re super handy on the trail to help ensure you leave no trace.

Each Metolius Wag Bag comes with the internal collection bag, exterior disposal bag, toilet paper, and a hand wipe. These are particularly awesome on camping trips when the toilet is far away – or there isn’t one – and you need to go in the middle of the night. They’re super easy to use and come with instructions.

Why is this item on a best camping gifts list? Because it’s exactly the kind of item us campers love, but hate buying for ourselves. It’s a little bit of a luxury to save digging a hole, and absolutely amazing for snow camping. While it’ll seem strange to the uninitiated, this is a legitimately useful gift for the great outdoors. It might not be the best camping gifts your outdoor enthusiast receives, but I guarantee it’ll get used and be appreciated – and that’s better than buying something that’ll sit in a cupboard somewhere unused.

Want more shitty gift ideas? Best Products for Burying or Packing Out Poo in the Outdoors

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4. Stratus Derek Camp Table

RRP: $479.00

 

 

At $479.00 the Derek Camp Table from Stratus Outdoors is an investment, but it’s one you’ll only need to make once. With a 150kg weight capacity, slimline profile, and laser cut bottle opener built in, this is one feature-rich table that’s perfect for camping and outdoor adventures.

As a whopper bonus Derek comes with a lifetime repair and replacement warranty should anything happen to him. He arrives in a handy carry bag that makes packing him in your car ready for the holiday season a breeze. Whether you’re cooking, playing games, or even wanting to meditate a little higher above the ground than usual, you can do it all.

Want a Derek? Use the code WEAREEXPLORERS for 15% off!

Read more: The Derek Camp Table by Stratus Outdoors – Reviewed & Tested

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5. Alton Ultralight Chair Warmer

RRP: $49.99

 

 

If you’ve ever sat around the campfire on a cold night you’ll appreciate just how innovative and handy this camping gift is. Many camp chairs, and just about every ultralight one, is constructed of lightweight mesh fabric, which is great in summer or during the day but gives minimal wind or draft protection to your back and butt.

This chair warmer would be a welcome addition to just about every camping trip because warmth aside, it also provides a bit of extra cushioned comfort. As a bonus the fabric is waterproof and made of ripstop nylon so it’s a piece of kit you can rely on.

The Alton chair warmer is the perfect present to increase comfort on their (or your!) next camping trip. You’ll definitely want the ultralight chair to suit, which is an absolute steal at just $129 RRP, but often on sale for $100. Alton’s also got a chair kit with the warmer, chair, and a chair groundsheet. Well worth a look if you’re looking for a bumper camping gift package.

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 6. Opinel Traditional No.8 Carbon Steel Beech Knife With Leather Sheath

RRP: $64.95

From the camper who’s just starting out to the one who’s got almost everything, you can’t go wrong with a No. 8 Opinel Knife with a leather sheath. At 42g, it’s super lightweight so it can be taken on any adventure from picnics and car camping to epic wilderness challenges.

Use it to whittle a creative masterpiece or slice the perfect cut of cheese. There are more ways to use this knife than we have words, so it’s a great practical gift idea for every camper. The leather sheath makes it easy to care for so that you can rely on it for many years to come. You can also grab the No. 8 without the leather sheaf for a cheaper price. 

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7. Shooaway Fly Fan

RRP: $24.99

 

 

Do you ever get sick of those pesky flies hanging around your food while you’re trying to enjoy yourself? Then this latest invention – the ‘ShooAway‘ is exactly what you need.

This amazing new product is Australian-owned and designed and is 100% effective in annoying flies. The ShooAway is a safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly way to get rid of those pesky flies and is perfect for any occasion where you need to protect your food.

With an effective range of up to 1m in diameter, this ingenious invention uses hologram technology that makes the flies’ compound eyes see the ‘movement’ of light as a deterrent making them terrified to go anywhere near your tasty treats.

Read: Our Guide To Getting Them To Bug Off – Insect Repellent Gear

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8. Sea to Summit Air Chair Kit

RRP: $89.99

 

 

Say hello to the future of lightweight camp comfort, the Sea to Summit Air Chair Kit. With a few buckles and folds this kit turns your sleeping mat into a comfortable outdoor chair. 

It comes with a 70D waterproof base to protect your sleeping mat from rough ground and a gusset to protect the sides. Compatible with all Sea to Summit sleeping mats this chair is a no-brainer for any ultralight hikers and campers struggling to fit all their gear in the car.

All the comfort of inside the tent, outside the tent!

Also Read: Our Guide To The Best Camping Chairs in Australia Right Now 

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9. Grand Trunk Tech Double Hammock

RRP: $99.95

 

 

When it comes to Christmas gift ideas for campers, you can’t go wrong with a hammock! These are so versatile – from setting up at the crag to creating a quiet spot to retreat to at your family campsite for the holidays – you can even use these as your full camp set up!

The Grand Trunk hammocks are lightweight, easy to set up, and incredibly soft. They weigh just over 430g and come with a built-in stuff sack for easy transport. The material is fast drying and breathable – perfect for the Aussie summer!

When buying a hammock, be sure to grab Tree Straps too. These extend the reach of your hammock so that you can set up almost anywhere, while also protecting the trees you’re hanging in.

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10. SOL 20L Packable Solar Shower

RRP: $69.95

 

 

No need to search high and low for campsites with showers anymore. The Sol 20L Packable Solar Shower allows you to take your shower anywhere. By absorbing heat from the sun you can heat your shower to the perfect temperature by using the printed thermometer on the bag.

Once she’s nice and warm, simply hang it from a branch or a pole and you’re ready to go, plus, store your toiletries and a mirror in the mesh pocket on the front. It’s all the practicality of showering at home with the added atmosphere of being in nature.

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11. Nemo Helio Pressure Shower

RRP: $249.95

The solar gravity shower is a great entry level gift, but if you’ve got a regular camper then you might consider stretching the budget a bit more. While gravity showers you hang overhead are great, they don’t have any real pressure which can be frustrating if you’re pretty dirty.

This Helio shower from Nemo gives 5-7 minutes of continuous spray and has a foot pump so you can maintain your desired pressure the whole time. There’s nothing more luxurious than having a shower on a camping trip and if you’ve got a camping enthusiast to buy for, this is a no-brainer.

Best of all it’s versatile. You can use it for cleaning stubborn dishes, washing off the dog, or keep it in the car for cleaning off sand after beach trips. Water can be warmed by filling the tank and leaving it in the sun to heat up slowly, or you can boil water on a camp stove or fire before pouring it in.

Nemo also has a privacy shelter with a nozzle holder so you can have a proper upright shower hands free. Best camping gift on this list? I think so!

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12. Let’s Go Cards, Camping Edition

RRP: $19.99

 

If you’re looking for the perfect stocking filler for the kiddly-winks, you can’t go wrong with a card game. The Australian owned Let’s Go Camping card game was designed on the Gold Coast, so while you’re keeping the kids entertained you’re also supporting a local business. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

It isn’t just an ordinary pack of cards either – you get six games in one! It’s sure to keep the kids entertained for hours so the adults can grab some Christmas R&R by the campfire.

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13. Fire to Fork Cookbook

RRP: $42.95

 

 

Have you got a culinary camper in your circle? We’ve all got that friend or family member who loves to experiment with some campfire cooking, and I’m sure you can remember more than one disaster! Consider a camping cookbook for a thoughtful gift idea that benefits everyone on the trip.

The Fire to Fork Adventure Cookbook is a one of our best Christmas gift ideas for campers who are courageous cooks and keen to elevate their outdoor cuisine skills. Focusing on using fewer ingredients to make exciting meals while out on an adventure, Harry Fisher is making sure campers can make even the simplest camp meals a culinary sensation.

This book is chock-a-block full of mouth-watering recipes – make sure you gift it to someone you intend to camp with!

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14. Enamel 12-Piece Dinner Set

RRP: $72.99

 

Get rid of those crappy paper plates and reload your camp kitchen with Campfire’s Enamel 12-piece dinner set.

Loaded with four of each mugs, bowls and plates means you can feed the family with ease and the enamel-coated steel makes this dinner set a breeze to clean.

While pretty irrelevant for camping, these are also microwave-safe. Now you can bust out the camping plates for weekday meals!

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15. Dometic Go Hard 50L Gear Storage

RRP: $199.99

Never waste time sorting through all your camping gear to find what you need, have it all ready to go in Dometic’s PAC H50 Hard Storage, the simple way to store your essential camping gear in one place.

Waterproof, dustproof, high-impact resistant, and lightweight, with a whopping 50L capacity you can just grab it off of the shelf or floor and slide it into your boot for your next adventure.

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16. Aeropress Original Coffee Maker

RRP: $79.95

 

 

Win over the coffee lover in your life with the Aeropress Original Coffee Maker. (If you want to win yourself over, no one is judging!) This piece of equipment is a game changer when it comes to camp coffees. It’s compact, durable, and lightweight, making it the perfect addition to your camp kitchen. Gone are the days of average takeaway coffees while camping!

The Original Aeropress comes with 100 microfilters to filter your coffee, as well as a stirrer and scooper for the perfect coffee measurement every time. You can make everything from a cold brew, to an espresso, to americano – whatever your caffeinated heart desires!

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17. FlipFuel Fuel Transfer Device

RRP: $54.00

 

 

Anyone who spends a great deal of time in the great outdoors will have accumulated a motley stash of half or near empty gas canisters in the shed. One of the best gift ideas for these economical campers is to get them a FlipFuel Fuel Transfer Device.

This little gadget allows you to siphon the gas from one canister to another, so you can fill up one canister rather than having five on the go.

It’s not a fun gift, but it’s practical. Fuel anxiety on hiking and camping trips isn’t fun and this gift will both eliminate that and help your camper save cash by utilising every gram of gas they’ve got floating around. Carrying this little device is an easy way to grab some emergency fuel from someone else as a last resort too. Very handy item.

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18. Toaks Titanium Mug

RRP: $49.95

 

 

Pair the Aeropress with the Toaks Titanium mug for the perfect lightweight coffee compendium! This mug is only 76g and is an affordable lightweight addition to any camp kitchen.

Toaks also makes cooking pots that are similarly lightweight and robust. We reviewed the Toaks 750ml pot which is just about perfect for a solo camper, or two patient campers happy to cook one at a time!

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Help, I need more Christmas gift ideas for campers!

 

 

Feature image thanks to @brodyexplores

Table of contents image by @thetantrap

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