Gift ideas for happy campers

Last updated on December 1st, 2024 at 04:10 pm

For most campers, the gear list is not complicated. It’s the extras that elevate the camping experience. Here are a few great gift ideas for the happy camper in your life.

You may even want to add a few items to your own camp kit.

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Swiss Army Knife

The high-quality pocket multi-tool from Victorinox have everything you need for camping. I carry this one in my pocket every day, camping or not, and I literally use it every day. It’s tiny, even seems puny, but it’s multi-functional and very practical. From the makers of the original Swiss army knife.

Coleman Camping Chair

There are all kinds of camping chairs out there, but there’s only one that stands out above all the rest for comfort and utility — the Coleman Portable Camping Chair with a 4-can cooler, a drink holder and a side pocket for a book and/or your smartphone. I have multiple chairs for camping, including an expensive rocker, but this is the one we take everywhere, including the beach. I have three of these chairs.

Thermacell Mosquito Repeller

We like camping in the woods, almost always near water, and when dusk approaches, the mosquitoes inevitably emerge from the shadows. For protection from these monsters, I break out my handheld Thermacell mosquito repellers. Just lay it on a table, hang it from tree, or carry it in a holster when hiking. When sitting in a group around the campfire, I place three of these repellers spaced equally in an outside circle. It really works.

Portable Weather Radio

Florida weather can be unpredictable, whether you are camping near the coast or inland, and especially in the Everglades. Storms creep up unexpectedly, even on what starts out to be a beautiful day. I’ve tried multiple weather radios, including highly rated radios costing four times as much and had so many features they were too complicated to use in an emergency. This ER10 hits the sweet spot for size, utility and ease-of-use.

Therm-A-Rest Air Mattress

Therm-A-Rest is the No. 1 name in camp sleeping gear, and this air mattress is top-of-the-line. Yes, the MondoKing 3D is a bit on the expensive side as sleeping pads go, but how valuable is a comfortable night’s sleep in the woods? I own several Therm-a-Rest self-inflating sleeping pads, but none are as luxurious and comfy as this one. Reviewers indicate it’s often deployed in the home for guests.