Written by: Kayla (@wildnerness_kay)
I've learned through plenty of adventures that the best gifts aren't always the priciest ones. We all have that friend who's always planning the next hike, camping trip, or trail adventure. You know they'd love some new gear, but you don't need to drop a fortune to make them smile!
These gear picks under $100 are the kind of practical, reliable gear that outdoor lovers actually use – not the stuff that sits in a closet. They're things I'd be stoked to receive myself. Whether your friend is a nature lover, a weekend climber or a full-on trail enthusiast, these gifts will tag along on adventure after adventure without breaking your budget.
1. AlpineAire Dehydrated Packs
I've become obsessed with AlpineAire
dehydrated meal packs on my hiking trips. Honestly, they've been a game-changer for me – they weigh practically nothing in my pack, take up barely any space, and somehow still manage to be genuinely delicious. After a long day on the trail, there's something almost magical about pouring in some hot water and watching a real meal come together. My friends and I have started gifting each other AlpineAire packs – it's become our go-to present for birthdays, holiday gifts or before someone heads out on a trip. It's practical and thoughtful plus the best part is trying all the different flavours. It’s become this fun little ritual for me. Each trip, I pick a new flavour I haven't tried yet, and honestly, I haven't been disappointed. My favourite is the AlpineAire Wild Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo, it's so yummy! It's the little things that make backpacking enjoyable, you know?
2. Edelrid Jayne III Harness Womens
Edelrid Jayne III women's harness has been with me everywhere – from freezing morning ice climbs to sweaty gym sessions to that incredible via ferrata trip I did last summer. What I love most is how comfortable it is, even after hours of hanging around on a route. The adjustable leg loops are a lifesaver because I can loosen them up when I'm wearing bulky winter layers for ice climbing, then cinch them down for a summer sport climb. The fact that it's movable gives me so much freedom of movement – I'm not constantly fighting against my gear, you know? And despite how lightweight and packable it is (seriously, it takes up almost no room in my pack), the material feels sturdy and makes me feel secure. I trust this harness completely, whether I'm outdoors or just working a project at the gym.
3. Arcteryx Grotto Toque
My Arc'teryx Grotto Toque has seen me through early morning snowboard runs, late-night stargazing sessions at camp, and countless hiking trips when the weather turns unexpectedly cold. What really gets me is how warm it keeps my head. The fit is perfect – stays in place when I'm active. And because it's so compact, I can shove it in pretty much any pocket or corner of my pack without it taking up precious space. Yeah, it’s pretty trendy, but honestly that's secondary. This one delivers when it matters, which is why it's become my automatic grab every time I head out the door.
4. Darn Tough Socks Sunset Ridge Merino Lightweight w/ Cushion Socks
Darn Tough's Sunset Ridge Merino socks have completely changed my hiking game. My feet get super sweaty on the trail – it's just a thing I deal with – but merino wool keeps everything breathable! The cushioning gives me just enough support without being bulky, and they fit so well and the best part? No more blisters, even on those really long days. I'm talking 15 to 30 km hikes where your feet are everything – if your socks aren't up for the distance, you're going to feel it. These hold up kilometre after kilometre without any hotspots or rubbing.
5. Nalgene Sustain Narrow Mouth Loop Top
My Nalgene Sustain Narrow Mouth bottle has become way more than just a water bottle for me. Sure, I use it for hydration on the trail, but I discovered its real superpower during a freezing camping trip last winter. I filled it with boiling water before bed and tucked it at the bottom of my sleeping bag – game changer. My feet stayed warm all night long, and in the morning, the bottle was still putting out heat. Now I do this on every cold-weather trip. There's also been plenty of times where I've just held it in my lap or clutched it with freezing hands around the campfire, and that warmth seeping through is pure comfort. What I love is that this bottle can handle it all – boiling water, being tossed around in my pack, dropped on rocks, you name it. It's one of those pieces of gear that does way more than you bought it for, and I honestly can't imagine camping without it anymore.
About the Author
Kayla is a Digital Content Creator (@wilderness_kay) from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. As an avid hiker, gear enthusiast and novelty-seeking adventurer, she specializes in promoting a fun outdoor lifestyle. Her journey has been one of growth and healing as she explores the mountains and travels into the unknown. She truly believes that we can all create a beautiful painting of our lives when we try new things and when we awaken to the heart of the wild.