Inspired for an Adventure? Check out Beef Stroganoff - Pouch and Beef Stew - Pouch
Another holiday gift guide? Yes. And for two very good reasons:
- We love good gear.
- You (or someone close to you) probably do, too.
So, we asked our Mountain House team, full of outdoor enthusiasts, to share their must-have adventure items. These are all tested, loved, and used on real adventures in the backcountry, at camp, and everywhere in between. From handy gadgets and trail essentials to cozy camping comforts, these high-quality picks make great gifts for campers, backpackers, hikers, hunters, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
To keep things real and affordable, we asked everyone to choose items under $100. That way, you can give something awesome to the nature lover in your life without breaking the bank.
onX Hunt Elite Membership
“This app is your all-in-one outdoor adventure sidekick! It’s packed with super detailed topo maps, satellite views, private land boundaries, and all the fancy tools you need to conquer the wild. Plus, you can access maps offline, perfect for hunters, hikers, or anyone exploring off-grid. It’s a game-changer for adventurers and a peace-of-mind booster for their loved ones. This is my husband's go-to app for his backcountry hunts, sharing screenshots with me of his camp plans and routes. This app is worth every penny.”
Cara O'Brien, Mountain House Staff
Available at onxmaps.com, $99.99/year
OGERY Camping Light with a Stand
“I have a piece of kit that I just picked up for camping that is so amazing and I think that a lot of people would like it. I checked it on my last trip and it was really awesome. It is the OGERY camping light with a stand!!! Really great for lighting up the campsite and also providing you with a security light if you need one or a work light if you’re not camping and additionally can be used as a flashing light if you break down. It’s not super expensive and it’s something really handy. Oh my goodness, game changer.”
Bunny, Mountain House Ambassador
Available at ogery.com, $69.99
Practical Survival Gravity Water Filtration System
This water filtration system is a standout gift for outdoor lovers thanks to its real world reliability. It’s ultralight, compact, and is simple to use. With premium filtration that removes over 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, it gives campers, backpackers, and hunters a reliable source of drinking water in any situation. The filtration bag even works with any type of filter that can screw onto a typical water bottle.
Gisely Ferraz Souza, Mountain House Ambassador
Available at amazon.com, $49.98
SteriPEN® Classic 3
"This portable water purifier uses ultraviolet (UV) light to quickly destroy over 99.9% of waterborne microorganisms!"
Blake Heinrich, Mountain House Staff
Available at basspro.com, $99.95
FeatherLite Survival Kit
"Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. This survival kit will do the trick until help arrives."
Vonda Fairchild, Mountain House Staff
Available at ustgear.com. $17.99
Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter
“This water filter is easy to use and it's light and compact. It removes 99.9% of bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae, spores,& sediments from clear to muddy water. A must have for your backpacking adventures.”
Vonda Fairchild, Mountain House Staff
Available at amazon.com, $83.44
Tall Timber Gabriel Turkey Call
"Whether you hunt or not, hearing a massive flock of excited turkeys talking is just plain awesome!"
Melanie Woodward, Mountain House Staff
Available at scheels.com, $99.99
Hydro Sling
“This has been a game changer for someone that doesn't use a water bladder all the time - especially for short or day hikes. This hydro sling houses my Nalgene water bottle and provides easy access for myself and my dog (I pour the water into his own bowl haha). I also use this in more urban settings while running errands, going to work, etc.”
Nathan Menezes, Mountain House Ambassador
Available at topodesigns.ca, $55.00 CAD
Sea to Summit Dry Bag
“You can never have too many dry bags. I find myself using dry bags of all sizes for every adventure from backpacking, pack rafting, climbing, front country camping, etc. I use dry bags for my bear hang, organization, and obviously water protection.”
Lizzy Buckholt, Mountain House Ambassador
Available at seatosummit.com, $15.95
Reveal by Tactacam X 2.0 Cellular Trail Camera
“This easy set-up game camera gives you live photos right to your cell phone. The customizations you can do on the camera ensures you are getting the biggest bang for your "buck", literally. It is just fun to see the different wildlife that comes into view, from wild turkeys, deer to your everyday squirrel. And at this price at Walmart - it's a steal!”
Melanie Moriarty, Mountain House Staff
Available at walmart.com, $79.00
Leatherman Skeletool
“This versatile multi-tool is essential for both adventure and life in general. Lightweight, sturdy, and easy to pack - this is the one item I never leave home without (Unless it's my airport carry-on, of course. Don't do that - it's tragic and stressful.).“
Kari Mitchell, Mountain House Staff Alumni / SaR Volunteer
Available at leatherman.com, $74.95
Black Diamond Helmet
“I highly recommend wearing a helmet for any winter climbing—conditions can change fast and it’s always better to be safe! This one is for a great deal and literally can save your life.”
Ivan Miovsky, Mountain House Ambassador
Available at backcountry.com, $49.00
WindMaster Camp Stove with 4Flex
“Lightweight, works really well in high winds, and is incredibly fuel efficient allowing me to make my small fuel canister last longer, for more Mountain House meals.”
Seth Beiden, Mountain House Staff
Available at sotooutdoors.com, $69.95
LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles
“At under 10 oz for the pair, these are ultra light, double as the tent poles for my shelter, and if I need to put them on my pack for a potentially rugged off-trail route, they won't weigh me down.”
Seth Beiden, Mountain House Staff
Available at gossamergear.com, $146.25 (priced for the pair, which puts it over the $100 mark)
GSI Stainless Steel Cookset
“Classic Stainless Material, easy to clean, lasts forever, super durable. Cookset covers all the bases for a variety of cooking needs.”
Seth Beiden, Mountain House Staff
Available at publiclands.com, $89.95
BeFree AC 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle
“Lightweight and flexible. 1L size is perfect for my activities. I pair it with 2x 500ml water bottles I carry on the front of my GG Fast Kumo harness, this 1L filter refills both of those, then I scoop and go with this to carry a total capacity of 2L of water at all times. Super easy to scoop, fill and hit the trail without stopping for too long.”
Seth Beiden, Mountain House Staff
Available at rei.com, $52.95
Sahara Shade Hoodie
“This is one of my favorite pieces of clothing to protect myself from the sun. It's light, breathable and super cute. I only have one, and I've been wanting more of these. Also, as of today 11/17 it is on sale for $34.89.”
Veronica Lopez, Mountain House Ambassador
Available at rei.com, $49.95
Hardside Hydration Swig Rig
"This is a great replacement option for a water bladder system. Essentailly the same thing but attaches to a hardside bottle instead (Like a Nalgene). No leaking, no mess, no worries. They sell it as is or as a whole system. This helps me a ton while pheasant hunting."
Devon Mullenbach, Mountain House Ambassador
Available at hardsidehydration.com, $36
BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mAh, Portable Wireless Charger
"Premium Battery and Smallest Solar Charger: BLAVOR uses the safer Lithium-cobalt battery, which is 50% more cycling times than a normal Li-polymer battery. The smallest and lightest portable charger on the market, real-rated 10,000mAh. When fully charged, it can charge the iPhone8 3.6 times, iPhone14pro 2.2 times, and the iPad Air once."
Ronda Franklin, Mountain House Staff
Available at amazon.com, $23.98
A Delicious Gift Every Adventurer Will Appreciate
Looking for a gift idea that every outdoorsperson will love? You can’t go wrong with Mountain House meals. Our meals have been a trusted favorite of campers, backpackers, and explorers for decades because they’re lightweight, easy to make, and taste incredible, especially after a long day outside. Simply add hot water and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal ready in minutes. No prep, no cleanup, just delicious food.
And with our Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale, now’s the perfect time to stock up.
- 10 Cans are up to 50% off
- Kits, Buckets, and Classic Pouches are 30% off
- Mountain House and Pro-Pak Pouches are 20% off
Whether it’s a holiday gift for a loved one or a restock for your own upcoming camping trip, Mountain House makes every adventure tastier.
Give the Gift of Time Outside
No matter who’s on your list this season, the best gifts and stocking stuffers are the ones that inspire more time outside. From practical camping gear to tasty meals that can be enjoyed anywhere, every pick on our list was chosen by people who truly love the outdoors. We hope you found a few ideas for the outdoorsy person in your life and maybe even something to add to your own list!
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