The holidays are right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you still have some gift-shopping to do. It can be daunting to play Santa for an adventure junkie; gear can make for expensive presents! Not to worry, you’ve still got some time, and I have some suggestions for awesome outdoor gifts that won’t bankrupt you!

Here are four outdoor gifts I recommend!

I own everything on this list in some form, and I love every item. These provide a fantastic balance of high quality and low cost. Without a doubt, you’ll find something for the adventurer on your gift list without breaking the bank.

The Mora Companion

The Mora is, in my opinion, the best fixed blade knife you can get for under $100. Typically you’ll find this on Amazon for under $20, but don’t let the low price fool you; this is a quality tool. I’m a big fan of the carbon steel blade, but they do make a stainless steel blade as well. If you’re interested, you can check out my review of the Mora Companion. If you need an outdoor gift for anyone interested in bushcraft or primitive skills, the Mora is guaranteed to bring a smile!

Swiss Army Knife

Among thousands of designer knives on the market today, I still carry my Swiss Army Knife every  place that it’s legal. My preferred model is the Spartan II, and I love it so much, I even made a movie mourning the day that I lost it. I recommend always carrying a pocketknife, and for under $20 this is an excellent outdoor gift, with tons of uses.

I’ve saved a party or two with the corkscrew and bottle opener, so this isn’t exclusively an outdoor gift, but it has come in handy so many times while I’ve been out in the woods. I don’t leave home without it!

Knockaround Sunglasses

I love my Knockarounds! These sunnies never let me down. No matter what style you need, they have something to suit. They make tons of patterns, styles, frames, and lenses, and if you don’t like their stock sunglasses, you can design your own.

If you like aviators, they’ve got em! Like classic style sunnies, they got em! Pretty much whatever you want, they’ve got you covered! I prefer the polarized lenses, and though I have tons of pairs of Knockarounds, I always come back to my tried and true blue Fort Knocks for my outdoor adventures.

Cotopaxi Luzon

Everybody knows that I love Cotopaxi, and the Luzon remains my favorite daypack. I hauled it on my honeymoon, on the trail to Half Dome, and to pretty much every National Park I’ve ever visited.

It makes a decent carry-on bag if you’re traveling light, but it really shines on the trail. Plus Cotopaxi makes an amazing variety of color schemes to fit any taste. For something truly original, you can also buy a Luzon Del Dia; each of these bags is one of a kind! For any hiker, the Luzon is a great outdoor gift.

Need a little more capacity than the 18 Liter Luzon? Cotopaxi makes a 24 Liter Luzon Del Dia now. And if you have an adventure kid on your shopping list, Cotopaxi has them covered as well, with a 15 Liter Luzon for kids!

Happy Holidays

No matter what or how you celebrate, remember that while great outdoor gifts are awesome, the best present you can give someone is time. So whether you’re hitting the trail or just hanging ornaments on the tree, enjoy spending the holidays with people that you care about. And maybe go have an adventure with them. That’s a gift for both of you!