I don’t know about you, but this fall has flown by. Between kids activities, a fall backpacking trip with Jason and some other dad friends, and work, I’ve been extremely busy. And sure enough, we are in December and Christmas is coming up fast, but it doesn’t mean you cannot still pick up some great options for your outdoors loving spouse, kid, or friend. In fact, now is the perfect time to find the perfect stocking stuffers for the loved one in your life that loves getting out and enjoying nature. Here are some options, some of which we’ve already posted full reviews of on our site! These are in no particular order!

  • Olight i3t EOS Flashlight – I reviewed this flashlight a while ago, and since then, my opinion of this light has only risen. My daughter accidentally threw one of mine INTO A CAMPFIRE and just like a phoenix, it rose from the ashes and still works TO THIS DAY! Talk about durability. Plus, it came in crucial for my last backpacking trip when I dropped my headlamp into a very tiny and pathetic spring while filtering water at night. I love that this can clip onto the brim of your hat and work just as well as a headlamp!
  • Fisher Space Pen or Rite In The Rain pen – I really want to get better at logging my adventures. These are two of the best affordable pens to do so, in my opinion. I usually swear by the fisher space pen, but Jason loves his rite in the rain. You really cannot go wrong with either option.
  • Rite in the Rain Notebook or Field Notes Notebook – Going along with the above recommendation, you have to jot your notes somewhere! I love Field Notes notebooks and they are made in the USA! Rite in the Rain also makes quality gear, so you really cannot go wrong.
  • Nite-Ize Locking Carabiner – You can never have enough Carabiners for hanging gear from your pack. That is a fact. I love Nite-Ize’s products because they have such a variety of options, but there are also cool carabiners such as the HeroClip carabiner that turns into a hook for hanging up gear. Note these are not carabiners for climbing sports, but they are useful nonetheless! I’m even intrigued by this fire starting “Firebiner” from Outdoor Element. It never hurts to have more ways to start a fire!
  • GearAid Firestrand 550 Paracord – Speaking of fire… Jason recently reviewed this cool product. Not only does it serve as paracord for strapping or hanging gear, it also has a waxlike internal element that can burn slow and help start a fire. How cool is that???
  • GearAid Tenacious Tape – Let’s face it. Stuff breaks when camping. Fabric tears and all of a sudden a trip can be ruined! Being able to make field repairs is crucial for making sure a camping or backpacking trip can go on. That’s why Jason and I love this GearAid Tenacious Tape. Don’t forget to bring some of this on your next adventure!
  • Sea to Summit Field Repair Buckle – Speaking of breaking stuff, Jason had one of these come in clutch on a recent trip. If a buckle breaks on your pack, it can absolutely ruin a trip. You won’t be able to distribute the weight of your pack well or you won’t be able to keep gear in place. With this buckle replacement option, you can be back on the go in less than a few minutes.
  • Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks – Merino wool is one of the best materials for wicking moisture away from your feet when you are out and about in nature. Jason extolled the virtues of Merino Wool in an article, so go back and read that and then go buy your loved one some amazing merino wool socks. Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee that they stand by and will replace your socks NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Well worth it if you ask me!
  • Pack Towel – Having a quick-drying pack towel is critical on a backpacking trip lasting more than a few days. They take up practically no space at all and can hang from your pack during the day to dry out.
  • Victorinox Compact or Leatherman Rebar – A good multi-tool is great to have on any outdoor adventure. I’m particular to Victorinox Swiss Army knives. Jason loves Leatherman, but recently tested out the Gerber Dime as a super lightweight option on our last trip.

I’m sure I could go on and on since you know I love gadgets that help me out when I’m outdoors. Let me know though, did I miss anything that you would deem an essential stocking stuffer for the outdoors lover?