The 2019 Camping Gear Gift Guide

I’ve always loved camping, but ever since I’ve had kids, the notion of what and what doesn’t constitute as a camping trip has changed. In years past, it meant sleeping in the dirt and chasing big game or alpine trout. Now it includes makeshift backyard adventures and overnights a stone’s throw from the truck tailgate. But it all revolves around that ever-important takeaway we all want to bring home from every adventure—memories. If that sounds like you, a friend, or a family member, here are a few gift ideas that can help create more memoirs in 2020, and several years after.

OtterBox Elevation Tumbler Mug

OtterBox Elevation Tumbler Mug • Price: $25 (OtterBox/)

Camping and warm beverages go hand in hand. Whether your poison is coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or maybe even a warm "adult" blend like cider and spiced rum, the best way to stay comfortable on those chilly nights and mornings is to heat the body from the inside out. To prevent drinks from cooling, you and everyone else in your camp need a mug built to keep hot drink hot, and the OtterBox's Elevation Tumbler does just that. Made of 100 percent stainless steel, there's an internal copper ring that keeps contents at an ideal temperature, and the outer coating doesn't sweat or leave rings on countertops. A leak-proof lid is included and it's available in five different colors so you can assign one to each person in camp for the duration of your adventure, which helps cut down on dish duty.

Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room

Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room • Price: $140 (Coleman/)

In recent years, it's become more difficult to sneak away with my boys on a quick, two-night turnaround camping trip. School, sporting events, and other obligations seem to be soaking up the vast majority of their Friday's, Saturdays, and Sundays. Thankfully, we've been able to adapt by overnighting in the backyard—and it's a blast! I don't have to haul gear all over Hell's half acre, the "outhouse" conditions are five-star, and if the weather turns rotten, we don't have to suffer through it. We've also discovered a big tent, like Coleman's Dome Tent, makes a big difference. It's easy to erect and take down, there's enough room inside for us to move around our cots, and the cost didn't burn through my gear budget. If there's someone in your family looking for a solid car-camping shelter, or a kid just begging for more time under the stars, the Coleman Dome tent is a terrific option.

Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit

Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit • Price: $120 (Campfire Defender Protect Preserve/)

Now that you’ve got someone all set with their next best backyard camping tent, help complete the scene with a roaring campfire. No, I don’t mean gifting them a crate of river rocks to create a fire ring. Instead, help them practice the fine art of “leave no trace” camping with a portable Pop-Up Fire Pit from Campfire Defender. This table-like device contains the hot coals and burning wood off the ground so when you’re finished and the ashes are cool, you can easily clean up and nobody would ever know marshmallows were roasting the night before. Made from rust-proof materials, it weighs only eight pounds, takes just one minute to set up, has a 576-square inch firepan that can support up to 125 pounds of wood, and packs down into a pouch that’s smaller than a common collapsible camp chair. The heat shield protects anything under the pit from becoming too warm or damaged, and the entire setup meets the specs for BLM and U.S. Forest Service approved fire pans, which are often required in designated leave-no-trace areas.

Kid-O-Bunk with Organizers

Kid-O-Bunk with Organizers • Price: $350 (Disc-O-Bed/)

One of the great things about being a dad is the chance to relive experiences through a kid’s eyes, especially when it comes to things like hunting, fishing, and camping. But I have to say, the gear young people have at their disposal these days does make me want to be 10 years old again. The Kid-O-Bunk is a perfect example. The manufacturer, Disc-O-Bed, has made a name for itself in recent years by creating modular bunk-bed systems with frames that “cradle” heavy-duty cots. The beds are easy to assemble (no tools required), each have a 200-pound weight capacity, and because one cradles atop the other, it frees up all sorts of tent space (though someone can use the cots separately if need be). The steel frame is powder coated so it won’t rust, and each bed includes an organizer to keep things like flashlights, books, water bottles, or anything else a kid might need at night right at their side. The entire setup weighs just over 36 pounds and when it’s not bedtime, the cots can reconfigure into a sitting bench. It’s just a terrific arrangement for kids, even when someone (like grandma) decides not to camp and invites kids over for sleepovers instead.

GoPro Max Waterproof 360-degree Camera

GoPro Max Waterproof 360-degree Camera • Price: $500 (GoPro/)

There's no question GoPro practically invented the action camera market and it continues to unveil innovative products year after year, but this year's release, the new Max camera, could honestly revolutionize the way someone captures, edits, and produces footage of their outdoor adventures. What makes it so special? The Max combines a single lens HERO camera with a 360-degree lens so it records everything around it—not just what's in front of the lens like a traditional camera—which opens up all sorts of possibilities in the editing phase. What's more, the camera is waterproof, can record in an amazingly high 5.6K resolution, it has four different digital lens options, a rock-solid stabilization setting, and it includes six microphones to capture 360-degree sound that matches the video. I was able to use a Max during a recent fishing trip and have to say that while the video and audio quality was bright and clear, the ability to pan, zoom, and transition to different points anywhere within a single scene was nothing short of amazing. While it carries a hefty price tag, the Max can open up an entire new world to any adventurer with even moderate video editing skills. Finally, if you gift a Max to someone with even a hint of video talent, don't forget to tell them about GoPro's Million Dollar Challenge, which ends January 12, 2020.

Pelican Elite Backpack Cooler

Pelican Elite Backpack Cooler • Price: $250 (Pelican/)

I'm a big fan of camping gear that's able to tackle two (or more) tasks at once. The Elite Backpack from Pelican is certainly one of those products. The upper half is a 13-liter roll-top dry bag, and the bottom is a leakproof, zippered cooler, large enough to carry several cold beverages and snacks. There are also additional outer pockets, caribiner loops, carry handles if you don't want to double-shoulder it, and cinch straps to tighten down any load. Constructed from a double-coated, puncture-resistant material, this backpack-cooler combo is built to withstand anything you throw at it, but still light enough that it's not a burden to carry. If you or someone else camp near or around water—likely with a beach or place to swim nearby—the Pelican Elite can certainly free up hands for carrying other stuff, and when you get there, enjoy a frosty beverage from the cooler.

TMB Rooftop Overland Tent

TMB Rooftop Overland Tent • Price: $1,800 (TMB Motorsports/)

Whether I'm on a hunting or fishing road trip, one of my goals is to keep things easy, simple, and fast for everyone so we can spend more time in the field or on the water, and less time fiddling with things like tent poles and inflatable mattresses. That said, it's hard not to be impressed by the overland tents that manufacturers like TMB are kicking out these days. Their pop-up roof mounted tent fits almost any vehicle with cross bars or roof rails, it's shock-assisted arms make it easy to open (and keep it open), a ladder is included, and a memory foam mattress is already installed. When not in use, it collapses into a clamshell shape that's no larger than any average roof-mounted storage system. It's a great option for two people on the road, and in the long term, can help someone save money on hotel costs or camp trailer payments. When ordering, just make sure you select the correct vehicle make/model of whoever is on the receiving end of this gift so the correct mounting hardware is included.

prAna Women's Charley Top

Grundéns Women's Maris Hoodie • Price: $55 to $65 (Grundéns/)

If you can’t wear a flannel in camp, the next best thing is a hooded sweatshirt, and thanks to Grundéns, there are some hoodies fitted especially for females. The Maris Fishing Hoodie is a warm, breathable, 4-way stretch polyester fleece sweatshirt that’s comfortable and soft against skin. Grundéns says the high neck drop hood and cut is intended to fit well under bibs or rain gear, though it works just as well as an insulating layer. There are zippered front pouches to keep smartphones and keys from falling into the water and thumb loops on both cuffs to keep hands warm. This sweatshirt is also a product of Grundéns relationship with the famed Salmon Sisters, so there is an anchor print on one arm, and a leather Salmon Sisters patch on the other. All that said, someone doesn’t have to be camping to enjoy this sweatshirt. It’s warm, comfortable, and ideal for everyday activities.

TrueWerk T2 Work Pants

TrueWerk T2 Work Pants • Price: $80 (TrueWerk/)

Just as there's something to be said for proper-fitting women's flannels, there's also something to be said for a good pair of men's camp pants. A reliable pair needs to be tough enough to repel the scratchers and stickers in the woods, durable enough to make it through countless camp chores, and yet comfortable and stretchable enough that someone wishes they could wear them every day to work. The T2 Work Pants from TrueWerk are exactly that type of pant and perfect if there's someone in your family or camping group that likes to tackle tasks like an outfitter. Inspired by military personnel and mountain guides, the pants have a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, seven pockets, double-stitched seams, oversized belt and suspender loops, riveted pocket corners, and it's all coated with a water-repelling treatment. I highly advise getting a pair for a camper in your life, and then a pair for yourself.

LuminAID PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Supercharger Light

LuminAID PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Supercharger Light • Price: $70 (LuminAID/)

I apologize, I know I've already said, it, but I love gear that's able to tackle two or more tasks at once. The PackLite from LuminAID reworked the idea of what a stereotypical camp lantern can be by not only replacing the fuel with solar-rechargeable batteries and the common string-tie mantle with 300 lumen LED lights, but by also including a 5V rechargeable port (for smartphones), and an adjustable carry handle. If that wasn't enough, it's all contained in a waterproof, shatterproof, heavy-duty case. It's a bright, economical, environmentally friendly way to illuminate the inside of a tent (without any harmful fumes), act as the lightning-bug HQ beacon for kids fanning out to chase fireflies, or make it easier to read your buddy's worst poker face while playing cards atop a cooler near a campfire.

Jiminy's Original Cricket Dog Treats

Camp Chef Stryker 100 Isobutane Stove • Price: $90 (Camp Chef/)

If you can't have an officially designated camp chef in your group, then the next best thing is having Camp Chef cookware at your disposal. For that, any number of the company's two-burner stoves or grills are great in base camp, but if you and your family or friends prefer to hunt and sleep amongst the animals, then a bivy-style boiler like the MS200 Stryker will serve someone well. Able to burn either propane or isobutane fuel, it has a matchless ignition switch and can boil ½ a liter of water in under two minutes—perfect if you're eating a freeze-dried dinner. A 1.3-liter pot, stove, and lid is included in the set, which weighs shy of two pounds—perfect if someone is worried about pack weight. Costing less than other stove/pot combos on the market, it's a great gift idea for backcountry hunters and anglers, especially if you're counting on them to prepare dinner the next time you're all off the grid.

CRKT Black Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe

CRKT Black Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe • Price: $70 (CRKT/)

One of the items in my collection of camping gear that I treasure most is my hatchet. My dad bought it when he was in high school decades ago, and when I moved west after high school, I took it with me, and I continue to use it for all sorts of small camp chores. If you’re looking for a similar family heirloom to pass down, the CRKT Black Woods Chogan Tomahawk should be at the top of your list. Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the head is 1055 carbon steel with a black magnesium phosphate coating to resist corrosion. The Tennessee hickory wood handle is slightly burnt, just for overall aesthetics, and at 19-inches long, is suitable for one- or two-hand control. The edge of the blade is extremely sharp and suited for cutting kindling, notching logs, or other tasks, and the hammer head can drive tent stakes into the toughest ground. Replete with a dark leather sheath, this hammer/axe combo just looks mean and makes for a treasured gift to anyone that appreciates traditional tools in camp.

Yakima SlimShady Awning Attachment

Yakima SlimShady Awning Attachment • Price: $300 (Yakima/)

If you've ever been on a fishing binge during the worst summer heat, you likely know a little shade can go a long way. Unfortunately, depending on where you're wetting a line, finding a natural barrier between overheated bodies and the sun could be a tall order. For those situations, I recommend the SlimShady awning attachment from Yakima. Extended from a vehicles roof, the waterproof nylon roof provides 42 square feet of shade, and rolls into a 6 ½-foot tube along the length of the automobile's roof when not in use. The universal hardware attaches to most vehicle roof racks, there are no tools required to pull out and prop up the awning, and it leaves the rest of your vehicle's roof open for other gear-transportation solutions. It's perfect for the road-trip enthusiast in your life that enjoys a good roadside pit stop now and then to enjoy a beverage from the cooler.