Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 12th, and it’s a great opportunity to show the special lady in your life how much you appreciate her. If you know an outdoorsy mom, you can’t go wrong by giving her a gift she can use on her adventures.
We’ve hand-picked a few items (and curated some thematic gift bundles) any mom who loves backpacking, hiking, and camping would be thrilled to receive.
If you want even more inspiration, check out our Gift Guide, which has over 100 carefully curated gift ideas for anyone who loves the great outdoors. And if you are a big planner, it’s not too early to start thinking about the dad in your life with our Father’s Day Gift Guide.
Gifts Under $25
Darn Tough Socks
If you give the gift of Darn Tough Socks, you’re giving mom a pair of socks for life, which is rad. Darn Tough has an unconditional lifetime guarantee on their socks, no strings attached. So if mom wears them out, she’ll get a new pair. Also, it doesn’t hurt that they’re extremely comfortable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. Check out our list of the Best Hiking Socks to learn more about why we’re crazy about Darn Tough socks.
Rite in the Rain Notepads
Is your mom a list person or a journaler? These Rite in the Rain All-Weather Notepads are great pocket pads to take into the field or use around town. The paper is waterproof, so her doodles and notes will be totally smudge-proof. Bonus points: add a smudge-proof Fisher Space Pen.
The Campout Cookbook
Does your mom love feasting around a campfire under the stars? She’ll get a kick out of this outdoor-focused cookbook that features 75 delicious dishes including many make-aheads. This book will inspire plenty of creative ideas from trail snacks and flask fortifications to marvelous morning treats and spectacular suppers and delectable desserts that go beyond the traditional s’mores.
Swiss Army Classic Keychain Multitool
We consider the Swiss Army Classic a must-have multitool for everyone, especially busy moms. It has everything she needs for light-duty tasks, like opening packaging and personal grooming, yet it’s so small and lightweight that it’s barely noticeable on a keyring. It’s also a great addition to an ultralight first aid kit. The Classic is our favorite compact multitool on our list of the Best Multitools.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Dirty Girl Gaiters make a perfect gift for hiking and trail running moms. They’re stretchy, breathable, and effective at keeping debris out of low-cut shoes so she can go farther and faster without a hitch in her giddy up. Best of all, they come in a ton of fun colors and patterns.
Handker Bandana
From stylish scarf, to pot grip, to sunglasses rag, bandanas are the epitome of multi-functional gear. These hand-drawn designs by Handker are beautiful, affordable, and sure to be a hit with savvy outdoor moms.
Buff CoolNet UV Neckwear
The highly versatile and functional Buff Neckwear can be used as a hat, scarf, headband, sun protection, and bandana. We consider this a must-have item for anyone with an active lifestyle. Buffs come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Gifts Under $50
YETI Rambler Tumbler
If you want to give a gift that will get used every day, look no further than the YETI Rambler. This mug is made of stainless steel, so it’s super durable, and it’s insulated so it will keep your mom’s beverages hot or cold for a shockingly long time.
Goodr Polarized Sunglasses
There’s no mom who couldn’t use a pair of new, snazzy sunglasses for summer adventures. These Goodr Sunnies are our go-tos because they’re polarized, stylish, and affordable. Throw in a floating sunglasses strap to give her pro status.
Outside Inside Backpack Watercolor Kit
This travel painting kit is compact, all-inclusive, and weighs less than 8 ounces. Whether your mom’s an experienced artist or has never picked up a brush before, this gift is sure to provide some fun and peaceful moments in the great outdoors.
State Park & Forest Passes
A recreational pass is the gift that keeps on giving. These annual passes will save your favorite hiker some dollars every time they visit a park!
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
Give a mom the gift of comfort with the super affordable and practical Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow. Whether she’s car camping, backpacking, or traveling, this comfy foam-filled pillow will make a huge difference in the quality of her sleep. Check it out on our list of the Best Camping & Backpacking Pillows.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
All moms could use this convenient and stylish Fanny Pack from Patagonia. Whether she’s out running errands or going on a day hike, the pockets provide just enough space for her essentials without feeling bulky. Take a look at our Best Fanny Packs for Hiking list to see more of our favorites.
AeroPress Go Coffee Press
If your mom is a coffee lover, you can’t go wrong with the AeroPress Go. This thing makes it easy to enjoy great, fresh-brewed coffee and espresso anywhere. The AeroPress Go is an excellent value since everything you need is included, and it’s our top gourmet coffee maker on our list of the Best Camping Coffee Makers.
Welly First Aid Kit
Welly First Aid Kits are charming and practical with their colorful, high-quality bandages and packable tins. This mid-size kit comes well-stocked with an array of bandages, butterfly strips, cleansing wipes, hydrocortisone cream, non-stick pads, tape, and ibuprofen – the stuff that families use the most. Check it out on our list of the Best First Aid Kits.
Inui 20,000 Battery Bank
Modern adventure moms need a way to keep their phones and electronics juiced on the go. A power bank, like the Inui 20,000 has a great balance of low weight and charging capacity, so she can use GPS apps, shoot photos, and jam to her trail tunes without skipping a beat. Check out our Best Power Banks for Hiking list for more options.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Give mom the gift of safe drinking water wherever she ventures. The Katadyn BeFree is one of the most compact and lightweight (2.3 ounces) water filtration systems on the market. It makes it so easy to grab a quick liter of water from natural sources, it’s perfect for hiking, camping, boating, and everything in between. See how the BeFree compares on our list of the Best Water Filters.
$50 – $100 Gifts
REI Flash Pack 22
These minimal, versatile, and stowable daypacks are great for nearly any excursion and they make excellent gifts. They’re good for carrying light loads and can easily be stuffed into a larger bag on longer trips. We prefer the Flash 22 over the Flash 18 because of the lid pocket and water bottle holsters, but both work well.
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
The Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are perfect for hiking moms! They’re durable, compact, easy to use, and affordable. Trekking poles will add a ton of stability and comfort when she hikes on uneven terrain, and they give the arms a great workout! The Ultra Strongs are our best budget pick on our list of the Best Trekking Poles.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
If you know a mom who’s still sipping from that banged-up old water bottle she’s had for a decade, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Hydro Flask Bottles have top-notch insulation to keep cold drinks chilled and hot drinks steaming. Pick an eye-catching color for a gift she’s sure to keep within arm’s reach. Not sure which model your mom will like best? Get more details on our list of the Best Water Bottles.
REI Flexlite Backpacking Chair
Don’t leave her hanging in the dirt! She can take this compact, portable chair on a backpacking trip, an afternoon at the river, or just about anywhere. The Flexlite Chair has a great balance of weight and comfort so it’s versatile enough for the backyard to the backcountry. It takes a top spot on our list of the Best Backpacking Chairs.
BLack Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp
A headlamp will come in handy for your mom in a multitude of situations, and she’ll appreciate the Black Diamond Spot 400-R because it’s lightweight, fully waterproof, and rechargeable. It has a long runtime and is an incredible value, which lands it a top spot on our list of the Best Headlamps.
Trail Magik Kid Carrier
The Trail Magik Kid Carrier was designed with only the strongest, most durable, yet lightweight materials available. It is made to attach to a backpacking backpack. It weighs less than a pound and fits in a water bottle holder. You don’t have to take off your backpack – just grab it, strap it on, put kid in, clip, and go!
NESCO Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
The Snackmaster is a great gift for moms who love backpacking and home cooking. She’ll be able to preserve food and make her own backcountry meals for years to come. Add a set of Fruit Roll Sheets to make it easy to dehydrate soups, sauces, and purees.
HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides
Whether your mom’s a hiker, runner, or spends a lot of time slicing and dicing in the kitchen, she’s probably on her feet a lot. These squishy slip-ons might look a tad spacey, but they’re a huge relief for tired feet and joints. We love them as camp shoes, but these far out kicks are equally great at a standing desk or as pool shoes.
Nocs Provisions Binoculars
Your mom will have a hoot nerding out on birds and watching wildlife with a pair Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars. These babies are light, compact, and super durable, so she can take them anywhere, anytime!
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants
Inspire mom to hit the trails by picking up a pair of super comfy, flattering, and breathable hiking pants for her to rock. She’ll love the way she looks and feels in The North Face Aphrodite 2.0s. Trust us – they’ve been one of our top picks for women’s hiking pants for years.
Hilltop Packs Custom Food Bag
These food sacks from Hilltop Packs have wide openings so you can easily see what’s inside, but the best thing about them is that you can get them custom printed with whatever image/color scheme you like. Get a pet portrait, a summit photo, or a family memory printed on one so your mom can bring a slice of happiness with her on every trip! Get more ideas on our list of the Best Stuff Sacks.
$100+ Gifts
Glerups Slippers
Any mom would love to receive a pair of warm, wooly Glerups Slippers. They’re stylish, breathable, and ultra high quality. Glerups come in different styles, from slip-ons to shoes and boots, and you can choose leather or rubber soles.
Leatherman Wave+
Moms are the ultimate problem-solvers, and the Leatherman Wave+ has most of the tools she’ll need regularly – like a knife, pliers, scissors, and a screwdriver – all in a streamlined package that fits in her pocket. The Wave+ is a worldwide bestselling multitool and our top pick on our list of the best multitools because of its excellent balance of quality and cost.
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is like a cozy comforter that’s made for the outdoors. It’s highly water resistant and easily sheds dirt, debris, or pet hair with a quick shake. Your mom will love wrapping up in this blanket in camp on chilly mornings. She can also use it on top of a summer sleeping bag for extra warmth when temperatures dip. See why the OG Puffy is tops on our list of the Best Camping Blankets.
Jetboil Flash
The Jetboil Flash is an ideal cooking system for any outdoor adventure. It’s sturdy, light, compact, and highly efficient. The Flash boils water very quickly, which makes cooking in the backcountry much easier and earns it a spot on our Best Backpacking Stoves list. The Jetboil Coffee Press makes an excellent addition to this gift.
REI 650 Down Jacket
If your mom doesn’t have a down jacket yet, she definitely needs one! The REI 650 Down Jacket is lightweight, compressible, and incredibly versatile for layering. It’s also an exceptional value for the price, which has helped it hold its spot on our list of the Best Down Jackets for a long time running.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Upgrade her rain jacket with the stylish and protective Patagonia Torrentshell. High-quality materials give it the appeal of a premium jacket but at a more accessible price. This jacket is our top pick from our list of the Best Rain Jackets.
Merry People Bobbi Boots
If your mom’s a hiker, gardener, or a little bit of both, she needs a stylish, waterproof ankle boot that she can use for everything from city to country. We love our Merry People Bobbi Boots and we know she will too! Learn more about the Bobbi’s on our list of the Best Rain Boots.
Kelty Low Loveseat
If an outdoor couch is more your mom’s style, she’ll love the Kelty Low Loveseat. This cozy camping chair sits two adults comfortably and is made to last with thick, quilted fabric. The carrying case is a big plus as well – it wraps around the chair, making it super easy to pack, and it doubles as a mat for your feet (or a dog) in camp. The Low Loveseat is so versatile that it’s become one of our favorite camping chairs.
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
A Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for downtimes on a camping or backpacking trip. It’s gentle on the eyes, has a backlight for nighttime reading, and makes finding great reads simple. Your mom will be able to take as many books as she’d like on her trips without the bulk and weight.
Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa has everything we look for in a travel pack – streamlined organization, easy-access pockets, a comfortable carry, and unique style. The Allpa is number one on our list of the Best Travel Backpacks and will make a great gift for traveling moms.
Solo Stove Bonfire
The Solo Stove Bonfire provides a nearly smokeless campfire that’s safe, portable, and easy to clean up. The gasified flames this fire pit creates are mesmerizing to watch, and will quickly become the star attraction in camp. Give Mom the gift of warmth, relaxation, and many great conversations with friends and family. Check out our review of Solo Stoves here.
GPS Watch
If your mom lives an active lifestyle, she’ll love having a GPS watch to monitor workouts, track habits, navigate while hiking, etc. We have a whole list of the Best GPS Watches, but here are a few choices any mom would love: Backpacking moms will appreciate the long battery life of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar. Runner moms will like the advanced fitness tracking of the Coros Pace 3. If your mom would prefer something a little more basic and stylish for everyday wear, the Fitbit Charge 6 is an excellent choice.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satelite Communicator
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a small and lightweight two-way communicator, GPS device, and emergency locator beacon all in one. Give mom (and her peeps back at home) peace of mind on extended trips in the backcountry.
YETI Hopper M20 2.0 Soft Backpack Cooler
Give Mom a gift that keeps on giving with the YETI Hopper M20 2.0 Soft Backpack Cooler. It’s rugged, stylish, and has excellent ice retention. She’ll think of you every time she enjoys a perfectly chilled beverage whether she’s road-tripping, grilling, or paddle boarding.
Exped MegaMat 10LXW Camping Mattress
Any mom that goes camping frequently will enjoy sprawling out on the Exped MegaMat 10 LXW (or double MegaMat Duo 10) camping mattress after a busy day outdoors. This self-inflating pad is four inches thick, so your ma won’t feel pressure points or bottom out when moving around. The MegaMat is quick and easy to inflate and has a practical balance of comfort to packability, which is why it’s our #1 pick on our list of the Best Camping Mattresses.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pads
If you’re lucky enough to have a backpacker mom, make sure she has a comfy sleep system for the end of a long day on trail. The new and improved NeoAir sleeping pads are an excellent upgrade to any hiker’s setup. The XLite NXT is a well-rounded option for multi-season adventures, while the XTherm NXT is our top pick for cold sleepers and four-season trips. Get more details on these gems by visiting our Best Sleeping Pads list.
REI Magma Sleeping Bag
Go big this year and show your mom some serious love! The REI Magma 15 (or Magma 30) sleeping bag will keep her super cozy on trips for years to come. These bags have a combination of weight, warmth, and value that is hard to beat, so you’ll find them right in thee mix on our Best Sleeping Bags list.
REI Half Dome SL 2+ Tent
If your mom needs a backcountry shelter upgrade, you can’t beat the balance of quality, affordability, durability, and interior space of the REI’s Half Dome SL 2+. This is our favorite budget-friendly crossover tent, so it’s great for those who want a single shelter that works for both camping in the frontcountry and the backcountry. See how it stacks up on our list of the Best Backpacking Tents.
REI Skyward Camping Tent
When it comes to front range camping tents, the REI Skyward 4 is one of our go-to’s. It earns a top spot on our list of the Best Camping Tents because of its high-quality tent poles and fabrics, spacious interior, and ease of setup. It’s an outstanding option for families, couples, and groups who want room to stand and move freely.
REI Trailgate Cubes & Bins
If your mom loves to camp or travel, she’ll love a set of REI Trailgate Cubes & Bins. They make it really easy to store and transport gear, so she can relax, knowing her essentials are neat, tidy, and right where they should be.
REI Gift Card
There’s not an outdoorsy mom out there who wouldn’t love a fresh pair of shoes, a new jacket, or an updated piece of gear.
Let mom pick her own size and color with an REI gift card.
To make the gift more personal, include a handwritten note and suggest something specific – “We love how dedicated you are to your morning walks. Treat your feet to a comfy, new pair of trail runners on us!”
DIY Gift Basket & Bundle Ideas
Want to go all-out this year to show your ma a bundle of appreciation? Fuel her adventures by putting together a one-of-a-kind outdoor-themed gift basket. Add, subtract, and customize to make it more affordable, luxurious, or personalized. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Treat the Feet
Moms are on their feet a lot, and especially if she’s a hiker, her feet are one of her greatest assets. Keep her puppies from barking with an outdoor-inspired foot pampering kit.
- Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks $25
- HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides $60
- Foot Peel Mask $15
- O’Keeffe’s Foot Cream $10
- Mr. Green Pedicure Set $59.90
- REI Gift Card for Shoes $120-$210 (See Best Hiking Shoes for Women)
Maintain Her Lifestyle
There’s nothing sexy about maintenance, but it’s incredibly thoughtful to set mom up for a year of adventure success with this practical kit full of backcountry necessities.
- Permethrin & Picaridin bug repellent ($17.50 + $10) $27.50
- Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen $17.50
- SPF Lip Balm $5
- Nikwax Products
- Batteries AA & AAA pack $39
- Fuel Canister(s) $6 each
- Jetboil Crunchit Recycling Tool $11
- Fuel Canister Refill Adapter $10
The Foodie
They say the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach, so give your mom the gift of a convenient gourmet trail meal. If she cooks, a dehydrator and vacuum sealer will have her turning leftovers into delicious homemade meals that are shelf stable and perfect for backcountry trips!
- Best Freeze Dried Meals $10-$15 each
- TOAKS Long Spoon $11
- The Campout Cookbook $20
- Nesco Snackmaster food dehydrator $87
- FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer $147
Hydrate, Dehydrate
It’s the little things that count. Share a backcountry moment and remind mom of how much you care time and time again with a curated set of backcountry refreshments.
The Young’n Wrangler
If a mother in your life has littles to wrangle, yet she still manages to get some adventuring in, MAD PROPS! Here are a few items she’s to get a ton of use out of.
The Photo Bomb
Does the lady in your life love taking pictures? Help her to preserve her memories by putting together an ultralight photography kit she can use with her smartphone.
- Fotopro phone tripod $19 (full legs, under 1 lb.)
- Wireless remote shutter $9
- Stuffable microfiber lens cloth $6
- Holster: Shoulder Pocket ($49) or Fanny Pack ($60-65)
- Upgraded mount: Metal ($18) or Magnet (newer iPhones $23)
The Dog Mom
We know it’s not quite the same, but dog moms deserve some Mother’s Day love too. After all, she works hard to support her dog’s extravagant lifestyle.
Sun-Loving Mama
Give your mom the gift of safety in the summer sunshine. She can get that vitamin D fix while staying hydrated and protecting her eyes and skin.
Want More Gift Ideas?
It feels good to give the gift of outdoor adventure!
If you haven’t had enough yet, we have over 100 gift ideas for all your nature-loving peeps on our CleverHiker Gift Guide. We update it frequently and add new items as we discover them!
