41 Best Gifts for Outdoor Women (2024 Gift Guide)
Do you know a woman who prefers sleeping in a tent under the stars to sleeping in her own bed? Or a woman who prefers hitting the trail to hitting the town? If you’re a little intimidated about picking out the perfect present for the adventurous woman in your life, this guide is here to help you find the best gifts for outdoor women.
From wool socks to down jackets, this outdoorsy gifts for her list is filled with great products that I and my team (of outdoorsy women) can personally vouch for. You won't go wrong with any of these gift ideas for the outdoorsy girl in your life.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE TO FINDING THE BEST GIFTS FOR OUTDOOR WOMEN
We’ve made it easy to find the perfect gifts for outdoorsy women! This guide is split up into the following categories, so you can quickly narrow down what you’re looking for:
Gifts for Outdoorsy Women Under $25 - More than just stocking stuffers!
Best Apparel Gifts for Outdoor Women - The clothing & shoes that any outdoor woman would love to rock on her next adventure.
Top Essential Gifts for Outdoorsy Women - The key pieces of gear that every outdoor woman needs.
Unique Gifts for Outdoorsy Women - Cool outdoor gifts for her that she might not need but definitely wants!
Best Books & Magazines for Outdoor Women - Inspiration & knowledge for the next adventure!
Feel free to jump straight to the section that fits best or go through them all to get some new gift ideas for outdoor women.
All of the gifts in this guide are for women who love to get outside, no matter their favorite outdoor activity. If you want more specific gifts for climbers, gift ideas for hikers, gifts for backpackers, & more, check out our other outdoor gift guides!
Also, be sure to check out our gifts for outdoorsy men gift guide as well!
Please note: The below post contains affiliate links.
GIFTS FOR OUTDOORSY WOMEN UNDER $25
1. KULA CLOTH
Though it might seem like a weird gift at first glance, this little square of fabric is a game-changer in hiking and backpacking hygiene for outdoor women.
The Kula Cloth is a reusable pee cloth, made of antimicrobial fabric to prevent it from getting gross. It has a loop to attach it to a pack, and a snap to keep it closed and clean. Plus, they come in a bunch of cute patterns. Trust me, any outdoorsy lady will love a Kula Cloth!
2. A WOMAN’S PLACE IS IN THE WILD PLAYING CARDS
The cards in the “A Woman’s Place is in the Wild” deck are extra special, because they are illustrated with portraits of amazing female outdoor athletes including hikers like the iconic Grandma Gatewood. And a pack of playing cards always comes in handy for an outdoorsy woman to kill time in a tent (or at home when the weather doesn’t cooperate). Any outdoor woman would love to get this deck to get inspired by some serious badass outdoor women!
3. ZIPPO HAND WARMER
If you know a woman who loves to be outdoors, but suffers when it gets cold, a reusable hand warmer is the perfect stocking – or glove! – stuffer. Zippo has a great 12-hour hand warmer that you can refill with fuel on a multi-day trip, or a USB rechargeable version for the outdoor woman who prefers to power up. (The rechargeable version is just over $25, FYI!)
Either way, the gift of toasty hands will definitely be appreciated by an outdoor woman!
4. DEUCE OF SPADES TROWEL
When you’re out in the backcountry, you need to bury your waste, and the Deuce of Spades Trowel is the perfect tool for the job. It’s made from aluminum, so it’s ultra-lightweight, but it won’t break, even if you’re digging your cathole in hard dirt. A trowel deserves a spot in every pack and will definitely be appreciated as a gift.
5. DARN TOUGH HIKER SOCKS
Sure, socks might not seem like the most exciting present, but a great pair of hiking socks will truly be treasured by any outdoor woman, and you can never have too many hiking socks.
Wool socks are definitely the best for hiking to keep feet warm and dry. Darn Tough makes amazingly thick and comfortable wool socks – including some in really cute patterns, too! Plus, Darn Tough socks come with a lifetime warranty.
6. ANIMOSA GO WITH YOUR FLOW PACK
A true outdoorsy woman won’t let her period get in the way of an adventure, but let’s be honest, it’s a hassle to deal with when you’re in the backcountry.
The Animosa Go With Your Flow pack is a kit to store all your period supplies in one place (it comes with antibacterial hand wipes and biofilm disposal bags), and has a separate zippered compartment to keep the trash you need to pack out.
7. JOSHUA TREE LIP BALM
You know what happens to your lips when you’re outside exploring nature in the sun for hours at a time? They get as dry as the desert!
Luckily, Joshua Tree Skin Care knows a little bit about desert environments, and their lip balm is designed for people who love to be outside with SPF 15 lip balms in a variety of flavors.
8. WE ARE WILD SKINCARE
While you’re probably not putting on a face full of makeup when you’re camping (but you do you, if you want to!), outdoor women still want to take care of their skin.
We Are Wild has created nourishing natural skin care products (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, & sunscreen) in solid sticks, making them simple to throw in a pack and use at camp (especially when you don’t have access to running water).
GRAB MY [FREE] OUTDOOR BACKPACKER STARTER KIT:
I created the Ultimate Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for you (and it's FREE)! This starter kit is filled with 14 pages of my best hiking and backpacking tips to help you learn what it takes to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient outdoor backpacker!
BEST APPAREL GIFTS FOR OUTDOOR WOMEN
9. BRANWYN MERINO UNDERWEAR
Comfortable underwear is key for any outdoor woman spending time exploring the wilderness. BRANWYN underwear has taken the outdoor world by storm and would make a fantastic gift for outdoor women! It’s made from Merino wool, and many women exclusively wear BRANWYN when adventuring outside, including some of our She Dreams of Alpine team and students.
>>>Find out more about BRANWYN and other underwear options in our Guide to the Best Hiking Underwear for Women here.
10. TERA KAIA BASEWEAR
Têra Kaia basewear (like a sports bra but better!) is basically a second skin for outdoor women. The tops, which comes in both low and high cut versions to accommodate a variety of body types, provide flattering support for outdoor activities, without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable.
11. PATAGONIA NANO PUFF OR DOWN SWEATER JACKET
Every outdoor woman needs a puffy, and the Patagonia Nano Puff is my absolute favorite! This jacket serves as the perfect mid-layer to warm you up when you need it, and Patagonia is an extremely reliable brand so this gift will last for a long time.
Another great jacket is the Patagonia Down Sweater. It’s the right choice if you’re looking to get her something that is a bit heavier and warmer. Both jackets are essential pieces in any outdoorsy woman’s gear closet.
12. PRANA HALLE PANTS
Prana Halle Pants are excellent gifts for outdoor women because they transition from the trail to the town. These pants are so flattering you wouldn’t even know that they’re hiking pants, but they are also durable and stretchy enough to stand up to any outdoor adventure.
13. LA SPORTIVA WARM-UP PRIMALOFT SKIRT
If it seems surprising to suggest a skirt for an active outdoor woman, you just haven’t tried one of these puffy ones yet!
The La Sportiva Warm Up PrimaLoft Skirt is a great layer to provide extra warmth, especially when you’re sitting on cold surfaces like rocks or metal picnic tables. Since the zippers on the side of this skirt are full-length, it’s also super easy to take on and off throughout the day.
14. KARI TRAA BASE LAYERS
Every outdoor woman needs a solid set of base layers for when the weather turns wintery, and Kari Traa base layers are both super cute and extra comfy. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, as well as different fabrics, including merino wool, synthetic, and a mix of the two.
15. CHACO SANDALS
The Chaco tan - the pattern left on your skin by the distinctive straps - is ubiquitous among outdoor women for a reason.
Chacos are sandals built for the outdoors, with a rugged sole and supportive footbed for hiking in a variety of terrain. The straps come in several different configurations and a whole bunch of cute colors to suit different styles.
16. LA SPORTIVA TX GUIDE APPROACH SHOES
Approach shoes are awesome technical outdoor shoes that are great for scrambly hikes where the trail is rocky, thanks to the sticky rubber sole. I have a few different approach shoes, and although my favorite 5.10 Guide Tennies have been discontinued, the La Sportiva TX Guide approach shoes are an excellent replacement and any outdoor woman would love to add them to their shoe arsenal.
17. TEVA REEMBER MOC
While hiking boots are crucial, you also have to take care of your feet off the trail, and the Teva ReEmber Moc slip-on is an all-around casual shoe that’s up for anything. With a slipper like feel, these are great for hanging around camp, and the collapsible heel flips up to provide more support when you need it.
18. FJALLRAVEN BYRON BEANIE
Every outdoor woman needs a cozy beanie, and and the Fjallraven Byron beanie is a great choice. It’s nice and warm and comes in good colors. But really, any beanie would be a welcome gift for an outdoor woman – believe me, you can’t have too many beanies! :)
BEST ESSENTIAL GIFTS FOR OUTDOOR WOMEN
19. DEUTER AIRCONTACT CORE 45+10 SL PACK
Finding the perfect gift for the outdoor girl in your life can feel challenging if you don’t know much about the outdoors yourself. However, you can’t go wrong with getting her an essential gift like a great backpacking pack.
Deuter specifically designs its SL packs to fit a woman’s torso and the arched frame puts more of the pack weight on the hips, making the pack more comfortable to carry on long hikes. The Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL is an ideal size for a backpacking trip of a few days.
20. BLACK DIAMOND PRO SHOCK WOMEN’S TREKKING POLES
Trekking poles are invaluable for hikes with lots of elevation gain, and the Black Diamond Pro Shock women’s trekking poles are awesome!
Though these might be more expensive than what an outdoor woman might buy for herself, that makes them the perfect gift! They are comfortable, durable, and will last for years – and hundreds of miles on the trail.
21. MSR REACTOR STOVE
Contribute a key component to an outdoor woman’s camp kitchen with the MSR Reactor Stove. I love this stove for the convenience of quickly being able to boil water in just about any conditions, including high altitude and wind. Plus, the whole system nests inside the pot for easy packing.
This makes an awesome outdoorsy gift for her, especially if the woman you’re shopping for loves to camp or go backpacking! I recommend getting the 1L MSR Reactor.
22. GARMIN INREACH MINI SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR
Give the gift of safety with the Garmin inReach Mini. If you’re prone to worrying about your favorite outdoor woman (this is for all the moms & dads out there!), this two-way satellite communicator will give you – and them – some peace of mind.
The Garmin inReach Mini can trigger a search and rescue response with a push of the SOS button, and it also allows for two-way text messaging, so you can communicate even if it’s not an emergency. It’s a must-have for any outdoorsy woman, and I recommend ALL my students get one of these as soon as they can afford to get one. This device could save your life (or someone you love’s life).
23. NATIONAL PARKS PASS
For the woman who loves visiting our National Parks, whether they live close by or while traveling, an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass would be an awesome surprise.
The pass costs $80 and gives the holder access to all National Parks for an entire year. Since most National Parks day passes cost about $25, this pass will be worth it after just four visits.
24. MSR EVO TRAIL SNOWSHOES
Outdoorsy women hate to let the weather hold them back, and snowshoes let them keep hitting the trails in the winter. Instead of postholing through deep powder, which might just be the most frustrating way to tackle a trail, your favorite outdoor woman can float on top in snowshoes. The MSR Evo Snowshoes are simple, comfortable, and strong and would make an excellent gift for outdoor women who don’t already have a pair of snowshoes.
25. SHE DREAMS OF ALPINE WINTER HIKING & CAMPING WORKSHOP
The most important essential for any outdoor woman is the knowledge to stay safe and comfortable on their adventure. That’s why I offer a special workshop to help outdoor women learn to feel safe and prepared for hiking and camping in the winter, so they can have outdoor adventures all year round!
This virtual training teaches about winter-specific gear, important winter safety skills, and how to stay warm when the temps are freezing cold! Give the gift of empowerment to your favorite outdoor woman with this workshop.
UNIQUE GIFTS FOR OUTDOOR WOMEN
26. POWERS PROVISIONS
Powers Provisions creates chunky knit hats, beaded jewelry, and pretty postcards & stickers, all inspired by the outdoors. Any one of these items would make a lovely handmade gift for outdoor women.
Gretchen Powers is the creator behind these gorgeous goods, and she is “inspired by the steely blues and bright whites from Alaskan Glaciers, rusts and golds from the desert of Utah, and autumnal earthy shades from mountains in Maine.”
27. RACHEL POHL ART
Whimsical paintings of landscapes and nature on a variety of gear, from hats to backpacks to face masks – what more could an outdoor woman want? Rachel Pohl is a super talented artist who uses brushstrokes of bright colors to make stunningly beautiful prints and products that make awesome gifts.
Use code SHEDREAMS10 at checkout to get 10% off your order!
28. NOMADIX NATIONAL PARKS TOWEL
Because you never know when an outdoor adventure will end up with a dip in some natural hot springs or an alpine lake, having a Nomadix Towel on hand means you’ll always be ready to jump in the water.
These super-absorbent travel towels are made sustainably, and a portion of the sales of the National Parks Collection is donated to land conservation causes.
29. RUMPL PUFFY BLANKET
Baby, it’s cold outside! Every outdoor lover is looking for ways to stay warm when the temperature drops, and the Rumpl Puffy Blanket is amazing to have around camp to keep the chill away.
These packable puffy blankets are made from recycled materials and come in lots of fun patterns. These blankets make a perfect gift for outdoorsy girls.
30. NORTH FACE THERMOBALL TRACTION BOOTIES
Let’s be honest – women tend to run colder than men and often need extra layers to stay cozy camping outside. Luckily, the North Face Thermoball Traction Booties are the perfect thing to prevent cold toes!
These booties are great for hanging out around camp, since the PrimaLoft insulation provides warmth even if they get wet and the rubber sole offers traction on dirt.
31. KULA POCKET
The team behind Kula Cloth is innovating in women’s backpacking hygiene again with their newest product, the Kula Pocket. This waterproof antimicrobial bag is designed to keep your hygiene products organized (and to pack out waste when you need to).
You can buy the Kula Pocket on its own, or give the ultimate backpacking hygiene gift with the Kula Wilderness Potty Kit! The kit includes a Kula Pocket, a matching Kula Cloth, a Kula leash, a pStyle pee funnel, an ultralight trowel, a Culo Clean portable bidet, and to top it all off, an “I Pee in the Woods” sticker.
BEST BOOKS & MAGAZINES FOR OUTDOOR WOMEN
32. KINDLE PAPERWHITE
The Kindle Paperwhite – now waterproof with 2x the storage space – is another GREAT gift for outdoorsy women who love to read.
When space is tight and you hit the trail for long stretches of time, it’s nice to have a small, compact, device like the Kindle to keep all of your favorite reads with you for downtime at camp. I personally use mine a lot anytime I got backpacking.
33. A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO THE WILD
This handy guide offers tips on everything a new outdoorswoman needs to know, from dealing with feminine hygiene, safely dealing with both animals and humans in the wild, and outdoor skills. Even women who are more experienced outside will learn new things from this book.
34. WILD
Cheryl Strayed defined the outdoor memoir genre with her book Wild, recounting her journey of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. This book is popular for a reason, and if you know an outdoor woman who doesn’t already own it, then this gift will fill a gaping hole on their bookshelf.
35. WELCOME TO THE GODDAMN ICE CUBE
Blair Braverman is a dogsledder who has mushed in the Iditarod, and her memoir delves deep into her journey along this path from California to Norway to the Wisconsin Northwoods. Braverman writes the “Tough Love” advice column for Outside Magazine, and her memoir captures the perspective on human nature she has earned through her time outdoors, especially in the harsh conditions of the Arctic north.
36. SHE EXPLORES
A beautiful book that will do more than just sit on a coffee table, She Explores features stories of a variety of amazing outdoor women, along with lots of how-to tips. The stunning photographs and inspirational journeys provide plenty of inspiration for future adventures.
37. NATURE SWAGGER
Rue Mapp, the founder of Outdoor Afro, just released this book which celebrates Black joy in the outdoors. Nature Swagger features gorgeous photography along with the stories of Outdoor Afro group members and prominent Black outdoor leaders. It would make a great inspirational gift for outdoor women (or any outdoorsy person)!
38. WOMEN WHO HIKE
Another book featuring profiles of awesome outdoorsy women, Women Who Hike also includes the favorite hikes of each woman to add to your hiking bucket list. The women in the book come from a variety of backgrounds, and it’s fascinating to find out the different reasons the outdoors is so important to each one.
39. OUTLANDISH COOKBOOK
Although it’s sort of a cookbook, Outlandish is really so much more than that! This book by Morgan Sjogren is actually an account of her adventurous life, traveling and exploring the outdoors in a bright yellow Jeep. Along with tales of her exploits, the author also shares easy recipes that you can make even when you’re exhausted at the end of a long day in the wilderness.
40. TRAILS MAGAZINE
Print magazines are a dying breed these days, but sometimes it’s just nice to flip through a physical magazine rather than read another online article. Trails Magazine is a publication “for people who sleep in the dirt,” and all the articles are only available through a print subscription. Your favorite outdoor woman will definitely appreciate finding this gift in her mailbox.
41. ADVENTURE JOURNAL
Another iconic print magazine is Adventure Journal, which is “dedicated to the thrill of exploration and the joy of motion in the great outdoors.” A subscription to this quarterly would be much appreciated as a gift for outdoor women.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS...
If you still can’t decide on the perfect present or Christmas gift for your outdoorsy female friend, you can always give an REI gift card – trust me, any outdoorsy woman would be thrilled to receive one!
I hope this outdoorsy gift guide for her has sparked some ideas for your friends and family members (or maybe even yourself)! If you have any questions or want any other suggestions, reach out to me in the comments below, and be sure to check out some of our other gear and gift guide resources!
OTHER GEAR AND OUTDOORSY GIFT GUIDE RESOURCES:
Cheers,
Allison - She Dreams of Alpine
Your Ultimate Guide to the Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park | The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the Untied States for a reason. It has every quality an amazing day hike needs: physical challenge, beautiful views, and epic adventure! This trail will test your mental strength as you make your way up the narrow steep spine toward the top of Angels Landing, but, trust me my friend, it’s well worth it! Check out our full trail guide & safety tips for hiking the Angels Landing trail here! | shedreamsofalpine.com