Outdoorsy active women and moms will love any of these gift ideas for their camping or hiking trip.
I highly recommend each one (no affiliation), so take a peak below to find out why.
9 outdoor gifts for moms and women who are active and go camping.
1. Woolly Merino Wool Shirts for active days or no showers
I looove these Merino wool shirts because they are breathable and so forgiving when it comes to smell. Wool is known for its self-cleansing properties (natural oils call for fewer washes) which makes it a great performance shirt. It will hold up to camping trips where showers are not the priority. I accidentally wore it 3 days and 1 night in a row (fell asleep in it next to baby at night) . The stench would normally be very noticeable in the pits, but I smelled very little on this one!! They are a bit see-through which is a minus. But it's easily solved with a layer underneath. I have the tank top (bottom layer), the T-shirt and the 3/4 sleeved shirt as pictured. Love them all!
2. No-brake hair ties for any activity
It seems like a silly basic item to add to a gift suggestion list, but as a mom whose hair ties are always needed but always misplaced (due to nursing brain or toddlers), I find that these are great to have in bulk. They are easy on the hair and double as a bracelet for your toddler or a distraction toy for baby.
3. Washable and waterproof Birkenstocks (or other slide on sandals) for the campsite
These are on my wish list for home use as well as for camping trips. They are great because they are easy to slip in and out of for mom's multiple trips in and out of the tent. AND the camping dust easy washes off. I normally recommend closed toe shoes for camping to protect your feet and keep them clean, but sometimes it's just too hot. I love this type of sandal as oppose to flip flops because you can wear them with socks in the evenings and mornings. And these are ten times better for mom's feet and back. I admit to have a copy pair bought at a grocery store. When they die, these will be my go-tos.
4. Waterproof North Face Base Camp Duffelbag/backpack
This bag is worth every somewhat expensive penny! You can easily wipe it clean if the camp dust gets to it, and it's very durable. And it doubles as a backpack making it ideal as a carry on through airports when traveling with babies (the bigger one exceeds the carry on limit if stuffed). It packs very compactly because you can tighten the straps making the bag smaller if it's not stuffed to the rim.
5. NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow - so soft and compact for camping
Ever since checking this one out a REI on my hubby's request, I have secretly been wanting to replace my no-brand Amazon inflatable pillow. It's plush and made of quality foam despite packing down to the size of a water bottle, so you feel the difference. I think every woman and mom out there deserves a 'glamping' item like this one for their next tent sleep (hint hint, hubby).
6. Knockaround Sunglasses - stylish and durable without breaking the bank
We have three pairs of these in the house that we share between us (toddler E has her own pair). I love these (and other similar brands) where it's possible to update your style without the fear of destroying them while being active. I keep a spare pair in the car in case we take off camping without packing some (scatter mommy brain forgets a lot). I even bought some for our Xmas white elephant gift exchange and our friends love them.
7. Nursing tops - make it easy for breastfeeding mom to nurse or pump on the go
Camping without this Latched Mama nursing sweater would just not be the same. Nursing is so easy and convenient day or night in this.(the Kelty loveseat is a favorite for me as well and just so snuggly for the entire family).
I live by these shirts! My friend lend me a sweater (which I am not returning yet!) and I have since bought a tank top. Nursing is a breeze anywhere, anytime with these shirts. I often find that regular women's t-shirts are too tight or end up revealing too much skin when pulled up to feed baby. A nursing top keeps mom covered when it's chilly and when she wants a little privacy without leaving the group. I use mine while camping, while socializing and on the plane when traveling.
8. Garmin Forerunner 35 (smart watch) for active women and moms - and for night lights!
Like other smart watches, this one will tell you everything you need to know: incoming calls and notifications (which is great when busy with kids or phone being on silent to not wake up kids). It also keeps track of your activity. But my favorite part for camping has been it's light feature to help me navigate in the dark to find baby and to tell the time easily without having to find my phone. We often camp where there is no reception, but the light and GPS function are heaven sent when exploring the wilderness.
9. North Face Ventrix Breathable Jacket (any breathable jacket )
Early spring hiking at Bisti Badlands in my breathable North Face Ventrix jacket and Knockaround sunglasses.
I purchased this jacket for skiing, but have fallen in love with it as my future go-to camping and overlanding jacket for two main reasons: it packs compact but keeps me warm. And it's so bright in it's color that no one will ever lose sight of me. This is an important feature for road side safety, hiking and skiing. It's not a rain jacket, but can withstand some rain without soaking through. It's very breathable without letting all the wind through either. It's not the warmest jacket alone for freezing winter camping, but works great for all other seasons or in combination with a sweater fleece. Its also great for sunny skiing where you keep active.
More gift ideas for mom and women:
A compact hammock is easy to bring and out up and gives mom a well deserved rest. A sweater fleece (I love my Columbia one) which is a great warm around sweater/jacket. Lastly, a Kelty Love seat camping chair. -nothing says "I love you" as much as when the entire family is sitting in layers on this thing.