Holiday Gifts for Under $50

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After sharing gift ideas for hikers and backpackers, outdoor athletes, adventure travelers, and techies, I thought I’d round out the week with some suggestions for outdoor and travel gifts that are under $50. These items make great stocking stuffers or are fantastic pieces of gear that won’t break the bank. Here are my picks.

Leatherman Sidekick ($50)
A good multitool is always a fantastic gift, and Leatherman’s Sidekick is the perfect companion for hikers, backpackers, or anyone else who spends much time outdoors. Sporting 14 different tools, including multiple blades, a needlenose pliers, a bottle opener, saw, and even a ruler, the Sidekick is a full-blown toolbox that you can carry in your pocket. This is one of those gifts that will keep on giving, long after the holidays have come and gone.

Yeti Rambler Tumbler ($30)
Like all things made by Yeti, the Rambler tumbler is over engineered to survive in the outdoors. These stainless steel cups look great, are tough enough for use around the campsite or home, and will keep your drinks cold (or warm) for hours on end. The MagSlider lid even uses magnets to slide effortlessly into place, keeping drinks for accidentally spilling.


Lifeproof Lifeactív Charging Cables ($40)
Carrying USB cables with us to charge our devices is a fact of life these days, but often times the cables that come with our smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets don’t survive the rigors of the road for very long. Lifeproof’s new Lifeactív Cables are built for use in the outdoor however and are rugged and durable enough to take with you anywhere. Available in standard USB, USB-C, and Apple Lightning, these cords come with a protective lid that converts them into lanyards for easy stowing.

Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Winter Cap ($36)
Winter caps don’t come much warmer than Mountain Hardwear’s Dome Perignon, which uses Polartec Windbloc fabrics to keep the wearer protected from the elements. Perfect for hiking, trail running, or climbing in cold conditions, this is a great addition to any outdoor lover’s winter wardrobe.

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The Muncher Multitool ($45)
The ultimate tool for use around the campsite, the Muncher is a spork, and so much more. Made from titanium, the Muncher includes a serrated butter knife, both a can and bottle opener, and a fruit and veggie peeler, It also comes with a fire starter, cord cutter, box cutter, a flathead screwdriver, and serves as a pry-bar too. In short, it’s exactly what campers need when preparing and eating meals.

Hydro Flask 24 oz. Water Bottle ($35)
Hydro Flask practically invented the double-walled, vacuum sealed stainless steel beverage bottle, and the company’s products remain some of the best on the market. The 24. ounce,  Standard Mouth model is perfect for toting along just about anywhere, whether that means running errands around town, hitting the trail for a hike, or flying halfway round the world on some crazy adventure. Available in an array of colors, this is a fantastic gift that keeps your adventurer hydrated wherever they go.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker ($25)
A good first aid kit is a must have for the outdoors, and no one makes better options than Adventure Medical Kits. The company’s Mountain Series Hiker kit has everything you need to treat a wide variety of wounds and injuries, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, trauma pads, butterfly closures, and much, much more. All of the items fit neatly in a small, compact, and easy to carry bag that includes a handy map to tell you where to find everything in an emergency. It even comes with a guide for basic wilderness first aid too.

Swiftwick Socks ($13-$36)
Socks aren’t always the sexiest of holiday presents, but when they perform like those made by Swiftwick, they’ll be a major hit. The company makes socks for every kind of adventure, from trail running and cycling to hiking and travel. These socks are comfortable, breathable, and offer outstanding performance, while providing various levels of compression too. Chances are, if you love to do things outdoors, Swiftwick has a sock that for you.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Travel Cube Set ($40)
Staying organized while traveling has never been easier than with the Eagle Creek Pack-It Spectre Tech Travel Cube Set. These handy travel bags are translucent in color, making it easy to store important items, and see exactly where everything is at inside a backpack or luggage. The set includes an extra small, small, and medium sized cube, which use with two-way zippers and are made from DWR and stain resistant fabrics.

Kraig Becker