Mother's Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms

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An outdoorsy mom holding her baby up on a mountain ridge
 

Mother's Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14th, and it’s a great opportunity to show the special lady in your life how much you appreciate her. If your mom (or the mother of your children) is outdoorsy, you can’t go wrong by supporting her interests and giving her a gift she can use on her adventures.

We’ve hand picked a few items any mom who loves backpacking, hiking, and camping would be thrilled to receive here. 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.

Small Gifts

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YETI Rambler Tumbler
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 Mom’s beverages hot or cold for a shockingly long time.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
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.

Darn Tough Socks
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.

REI Fleece Gloves
REI Fleece Gloves

REI’s Fleece Gloves are super light, soft, and they have tech-compatible fingers so you can use your phone with them on. All moms can use a pair of these super versatile gloves that work great for any activity from town to trail. We love these gloves so much that we put them on our list of the Best Winter Gloves.

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
AeroPress Go Travel 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.

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD

We consider the Victorinox Classic SD 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.

REI Trailmade Pillow
REI Trailmade Pillow

Give Mom the gift of comfort with the super affordable and practical Trailmade 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. And when she’s not using it, it packs down to the size of a water bottle. Check it out on our list of the Best Camping & Backpacking Pillows.

Rite in the Rain Notepads
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.

The Campout Cookbook
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 ending in more than just the traditional s’mores.

Buff Headwear
Buff Headwear

The highly versatile and functional Buff headwear 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.

Inui 20,000 Battery Bank
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 tunes without skipping a beat. Check out our Best Power Banks for Hiking list for more options.

Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat
Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat

The Therm-a-Rest’s Z-Seat is a low-cost upgrade that can pay huge dividends in the comfort department on your mom’s next trip. It’ll give her a dry place to sit on quick trail breaks, and it’ll extend the life of her favorite hiking pants. The Z-Seat is affordable, ultralight (2 oz.), and stows easily in a pack when not in use which is why we awarded it the number one spot on our Best Backpacking Chairs list.

LARABAR Variety Box
LARABAR Variety Box

Snacks pave the way to any outdoor mom’s heart. LARABAR makes delicious, natural energy bars using a few simple and recognizable ingredients. They’re healthy, minimally processed, and GMO-free.

TOAKS Long Spoon
TOAKS Long Spoon

Save your mom from saucy knuckles by gifting a TOAKS Long Spoon. She’ll be able to scrape the bottom of freeze-dried meals to get every last morsel, and it’s stronger and lighter than a lot of plastic utensils.

Permethrin Spray
Permethrin Spray

Permethrin is a chemical that you spray on clothing before heading into the woods for bug protection. It works well and it’s much more effective than using bug spray on clothing. Use a combination of Permethrin on clothing and a small amount of Picaridin on skin for maximum bug protection.

Mid-Range Gifts

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REI Flash Pack 22
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 packs work well.

Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles

The Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are perfect for hiking moms! They’re lightweight, easy to adjust, and very 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 C3’s rank highly on our list of the Best Trekking Poles, and we have a full review.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Water Bottle

If Mom’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, eye-catching color, and excellent accessories. We like the wide-mouth bottle best, but the standard-mouth and lightweight bottles are also excellent. Not sure which your mom will like best? Get more details on our list of the Best Water Bottles.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
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 oz.) 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.

BioLite Headlamp 325
BioLite Headlamp 325

A headlamp will come in handy for your mom in a multitude of situations, and she’ll appreciate the BioLite 325 because it’s the most comfortable headlamp on the market. It’s lightweight and has a smooth headband that sits flush on the forehead. It’s rechargeable too, so it’s our top headlamp choice for activities like running and walking.

REI Flexlite Chair
REI Flexlite Chair

Don’t leave Mom hanging in the dirt! Get her a compact, portable chair that she can take to the park, river, campground, or just about anywhere. The Flexlite Chair has a great balance of weight and comfort so it can be used from the backyard to the backcountry. Check out more about these chairs on our Best Camping Chairs and Best Backpacking Chairs lists.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock
ENO DoubleNest Hammock

The ENO DoubleNest Hammock is a portable, lightweight hammock that Mom can use to relax outdoors. This hammock is spacious for one, strong enough to hold two, and easy to set up. Don’t forget to grab a set of ENO Atlas Straps to complete the package. Learn more on our Best Hammocks guide.

NESCO Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
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.

glerups Slippers
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-on, to shoes, and boots, and you can choose leather or rubber soles.

Hilltop Packs Custom Food Bag
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.

GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset
GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset

If your mom loves to play camp chef, upgrade her set up with the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset. The non-stick coating makes it really easy to clean this set in the field with minimal water, and everything nests so it’s a cinch to pack. See how the Bugaboo compares on our list of the Best Camping Cookware.

Jetboil Flash
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 earned it a spot on our Best Backpacking Stoves list. The Jetboil Coffee Press makes an excellent addition to this gift.

Benchmade Bugout Knife
Benchmade Bugout Knife

If your mom could use a new pocket knife, why not give her the best of the best? The Benchmade Bugout 535 is exceptionally lightweight and has a very sharp blade made with premium steel. The Bugout is slim in the pocket for every day carry, light enough for backpacking, and super handy in the camp kitchen. We named it the best ultralight knife on our Best Pocket Knives list.

Leatherman Wave+
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.

Big Gifts

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Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
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 #1 on our list of the Best Camping Blankets.

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

It should go without saying that Mom deserves the princess chair. So hook her up with the best seat in the house on her next adventure — the NEMO Stargaze. This swing-like chair provides unrivaled comfort and allows you to float, rock, and recline. It also folds up so it’s super portable, and doesn’t take up a ton of space in your car.

Kelty Low Loveseat
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.

Solo Stove Bonfire
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.

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
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.

YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler
YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler

Give Mom a gift that keeps on giving with the YETI Hopper Flip Soft 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 paddleboarding. See the Hopper on our list of the Best Coolers.

GPS Watch
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 2. If your mom would prefer something a little more basic and stylish for everyday wear, the Fitbit Charge 5 is an excellent choice.

Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket

If your mom doesn’t have a down jacket yet, she definitely needs one! The Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket comes in fun colorways that are sure to fetch Mom a ton of compliments. The quality and warmth are also exceptionally great for the price, which landing the Fuego a top spot on our list of the Best Down Jackets.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Upgrade Mom’s 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.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite 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.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pads
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 UberLite is the ultimate ultralight summer pad, while the XLite NXT is more well-rounded for multi-season adventures. 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.

HEST Sleep System
HEST Sleep System

Give your mom the best night of outdoor sleep she’s ever had with the HEST Sleep System. This pad is by far the most comfortable camping mat we’ve slept on, with a super durable inflatable base and warm, soft memory foam topper. This system is pretty heavy and bulky to pack, but it’ll make Ma feel like a queen on multi-night car camping trips. We named the HEST Sleep System the most luxurious pad on our list of the Best Camping Mattresses.

Exped MegaMat 10 LXW Camping Mattress
Exped MegaMat 10 LXW 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.

REI Magma Sleeping Bag
REI Magma Sleeping Bag

Go big this year and show 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 cost that is hard to beat, so you’ll find them at the top of our Best Sleeping Bags list.

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Backpack
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.

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 by giving an REI gift card.

To make the gift more personal, include a hand-written 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!” 

An adventure mom backpacking with her baby

MORE INFORMATION

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

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