What Is a Good Camping Gift? Ideas for Outdoorsy People
Some weekends call for sleeping in tents and grilling cheese sandwiches over a fire. People who love camping and the outdoors seek to connect and interact with nature as often as possible and tend to enjoy the little things in life. And when it comes to camping gifts, they probably need functional things over aesthetic ones.
The best camping gift for an outdoorsy person is specialty lighting. There are so many different types of lighting for specific camping conditions, backpacking scenarios, late-night fishing, and hiking experiences they are missing out on because they don’t have the proper lighting.
This article will talk about ten innovative lights that can be used for a variety of outdoor purposes. From reading inside the tent to repairing the car at night, your outdoorsy friend is sure to love these products to take on their next camping trip.
What to Get Someone Who Loves Camping?
Camping involves a lot of adventurous activities like rock climbing, caving, and hiking. While these activities come with a lot of fun, it is important to take all the necessary safety measures. One of them is carrying some type of light on them if it is nighttime.
Here are a few high-quality lights you can give your outdoorsy friend to help them stay safer the next time they go on an outdoor adventure.
FLEXIT Auto
Since most of us don’t live in the middle of the woods, the first step in camping is driving to your campsite. However, a car issue, or even flat tire, can put a real damper on your camping trip. Be prepared for anything with a good roadside flashlight. The FLEXIT Auto flexible flashlight is an incredibly useful gift to give your outdoorsy friend. The ultra-thin and flexible body of this flashlight allows various positions to get different amounts of light projections.
Good lighting is essential in an emergency / roadside situation in order to repair the car if your outdoorsy friend is stuck on the side of the road. It can also come in handy if they want to play a game in a tent because it started raining outside. It is so flexible that you can make a focused spotlight at any angle, or a broad floodlight, or even get a 360 degrees light output by changing the light to the shape of a lantern.
Aside from its face having 10 white LEDs, the back offers three red LED lights on the back of the flashlight that serve as hazard lights. You can turn on the hazard lights to warn drivers that you are repairing your car and at the same time light the vehicle you are working on.
Another excellent feature is that these have two large neodymium magnets on the base. Users can use these to stick the FLEXIT to any steel surface to adjust the light projection from any angle. Simply put, it offers complete hands-free use.
This video will help you understand how exactly the FLEXIT Auto works:
Features
- 10 bright and premium LEDs on the front
- 200 lumens brightness from the front-facing white LEDs
- 3 red flashing hazard lights on the rear
- 4 light modes: high, low, high with flashing hazard, and flashing hazard
- Fully flexible body
- Rubber magnetic base having two large neodymium magnets
- Shape-Loc frame
- Weather-resistant
- FLEXIT Auto comes with 3 AA batteries
- Size: 11.5 inches in height x 5.75 inches in width
- Offers a one-year warranty period
Instructions
The ease of use is what makes FLEXIT Auto a worthy purchase. You can adjust it at any angle or stick the magnetic base to a steel surface to use it hands-free. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the FLEXIT Auto:
- Remove the battery cover and the protective plastic battery strip.
- Replace battery cover.
- Press the power button to turn on the light.
- Adjust the light mode using these keys:
- 1: High
- 2: Low
- 3: High with flashing hazard
- 5: Flashing hazard
- 6: Off
FLEXIT 2.0
The FLEXIT 2.0 is another hands-free flexible LED flashlight similar to the FLEXIT Auto. The flexibility of this flashlight is commendable. You can adjust it to project light at any angle. The main difference between the 2.0 and the Auto is that it doesn’t have the hazards specifically on its back and instead offers hazard lighting as one of its modes.
The FLEXIT 2.0 was designed specifically for its ability to bend around just about any object or stick to it by its magnets or hang by its loop making it one of the most ideal hands-free lighting options on the market.
A focused spotlight will be immensely useful while you work. It’s great for grilling in the dark and when you need to see what you’re doing. It’s great for when you are digging around in your bag and need your hands free. You can hang the FLEXIT 2.0 up when you are loading up your skewer with s'mores.
Once you take the FLEXIT 2.0 on a camping trip, you would love the fact that it is very easy to store. You just have to fold it and keep it in your bag. As it is very flexible, you can even wrap it in the shape of a lantern. Another useful feature is the presence of magnets on the base. You can stick it to any steel surface for hands-free use.
Sixteen Lumen Tech premium LEDs have been incorporated in the FLEXIT 2.0.
Features
- 16 bright and premium LEDs on the front
- 200 lumens brightness from the front-facing white LEDs
- 4 light modes: high, low, medium, and hazard
- Fully flexible body
- Rubber magnetic base having two large neodymium magnets
- Shape-Loc frame
- Weather-resistant
- FLEXIT 2.0 comes with 3 AA batteries
- Size: 11.5 inches in height x 5.75 inches in width
- Offers a one-year warranty period
- Can run continuously for 70 hours on low setting
Instructions
- Remove the battery cover and protective plastic battery strip.
- Replace battery cover.
- Press the power button to turn on the light.
- Adjust the light mode using these keys:
- 1: High
- 2: Medium
- 3: Low
- 4: Strobe
- 5: Off
FLEXIT 4.0
Another flexible LED flashlight in the FLEXIT series is FLEXIT 4.0. Just like FLEXIT 2.0 and FLEXIT Auto, this flashlight has a flexible body that can be adjusted at any angle to make a focused spotlight. The flexible structure allows you to bend, fold, wrap, or even make it into the shape of a lantern. This Light is for the camping enthusiast who needs a brighter hands-free that illuminates their work in clear detail. It puts out an impressive 400 lumens to tackle any outdoor enthusiasts project like sorting their tackle out before night fishing in the marshes or packing up their four-wheeler before they hunt their dream game.
There are 4 bright red LEDs, 1 Cree LED for the spotlight and 12 Lumen Tech premium LEDs. You can switch between the 5 light modes: high spot and flood, low flood, high flood, red night vision, and strobe.
The FLEXIT 4.0 also has two large neodymium magnets on the base. This allows you to stick it to any steel surface for completely hands-free use.
Features
- 12 lumen-tech white LEDs, 4 lumen-tech red LEDs, 1 Cree LED at the center for a spotlight
- 400 lumens brightness
- 5 light modes: high spot and flood, low flood, high flood, red night vision, strobe
- 3D fully flexible body
- Rubber magnetic base having two large neodymium magnets
- Shape-Loc frame
- Weather-resistant
- FLEXIT 4.0 comes with AA batteries (3 pieces included)
- Size: 11.5 inches in height x 5.75 inches in width
- Offers a one-year warranty period
- Can run continuously for 70 hours on low setting
Instructions
- Remove the battery cover and protective plastic battery strip.
- Replace battery cover.
- Press the power button to turn on the light.
- You can switch between various light modes using these keys:
- 1: High area and spotlight
- 2: High area light
- 3: Low area light
- 4: Red night vision
- 5: Hazard
- 6: Off
FLEXIT Solar
FLEXIT Solar is a flexible LED flashlight that is yet another great gift for an outdoorsy friend. As the name suggests, FLEXIT Solar can use solar energy to function. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery built-in that charges with either a USB cable or via the sun. This is a great gift for your outdoor enthusiast because it’s environmentally friendly but won’t leave them useless if the sun isn’t cooperating.
The flexible body of the FLEXIT Solar allows you to change its shape until it projects light at the required angle. It also has a Cree LED spotlight that allows its user to see further into their surroundings. From a focused spotlight to a lantern with a light output of 360 degrees, the FLEXIT Solar is a must-have on any camping trip.
The base of the FLEXIT Solar has two large magnets so that you can stick it to any steel surface for completely hands-free use. Overall, the FLEXIT Solar has 12-lumen tech white LEDs, 4-lumen tech red LEDs, and 1 Cree LED. You can switch between the 5 light modes based on your requirements (high spot and flood, low flood, high flood, red night vision, strobe).
Features
- 12 lumen-tech white LEDs, 4 lumen-tech red LEDs (for reading at night), 1 Cree LED at the center for the spotlight
- 500 lumens brightness
- 5 light modes: high spot and flood, low flood, high flood, red night vision, strobe
- Fully flexible body
- Rubber magnetic base having two large neodymium magnets
- Shape-Loc frame
- Weather-resistant
- Dual charging via solar panel or micro-USB port
- Size: 11.5 inches in height x 5.75 inches in width
- Offers a one-year warranty period
- Can run continuously for 70 hours on low setting
Instructions
- Press the power button to turn the light on or off.
- Switch between the 5 modes based on your requirements by pressing the “mode” button.
- To charge the flashlight, you can either use the solar panel on top of the main body or charge via the micro-USB port.
FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5
All outdoorsy people need a headlamp! Whether hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or camping, a headlamp will always come in handy on outdoor trips. It’s perfect for those scenarios where the user needs their hands for navigating through the trails ahead of them or their needing to grab or carry something.
Typically, what people dislike about headlamps are their weight and discomfort. However, the FLEXIT Headlamp weighs just 5.8 oz and has a laminated layer of foam on the surface that comes in contact with the user’s head and forehead.
In addition to the Cree LED spotlight at the center, the FLEXIT headlamp also has side-mounted LEDs. This means that light can project 180°, illuminating the user’s central and peripheral vision simultaneously. This feature makes the FLEXIT headlamp different from other headlamps, which offer just tunnel vision.
The FLEXIT headlamp also has a safety hazard lighting where the rear-facing and side-mounted lights blink while the focal spotlight remains solid. Even if the Cree LED spotlight is located at the center, you can adjust its direction to aim the light toward the desired focal point.
This video talks about everything you need to know about the FLEXIT Headlamp:
Features
- 250 true lumens
- Center Cree LED spotlight
- 4-lumen tech white wide angle LEDs
- Comfortable due to the laminated layer of foam
- Fully flexible body 3D
- Spotlight shape-Loc frame
- Weather-resistant
- A durable A.B.S battery case
- FLEXIT headlamp comes with 3 AAA batteries
- Offers a one-year warranty period
- Can run continuously for 12 hours on low setting
FLEXIT Headlamp PRO
This new to the market this Headlamp has an amazing ergonomic fit and is any backpacker’s dream! With all of its different types of light features, you easily adapt to any lighting scenario you might find yourself in.
You have an adjustable spotlight for focused distance lighting and side-mounted floodlights for “Halo” type of lighting illuminating your peripherals. Together they eliminate the typical tunnel vision most headlamps create allowing you to have a much broader array of light.
This headlamp is awesome for late-night cookouts where you focused light is needed, but then the user can switch over to the “halo lighting to tell ghost stories around the campfire without blinding others around them. Or if your gift reciprocates jogs at night this will give them not just light but help deter someone from targeting someone alone in the dark at night.
It’s not only fit for comfort with its cushion of foam and soft felt but is ideal for heated environments and controls the sweat. Rock climbers need their hands to grip, and the last thing they will want to have happen is for sweat to trickle down into their eyes.
- Emergency rear 360° flood flashers are rear-facing to illuminate the user from multiple angles
- Independent Light Operation switch between spot and floodlight or run both at the same time
- Adjustable Spotlight allows user to change the angle of the focused beam
- Red Night Vision does not dilate your eyes allowing more optimal night vision
- Red LED Modes are independent of the rest of the white LEDs and can be used in conjunction with the other lights or not.
- Rechargeable 55 hours 3350mAh 18650 lithium-ion has battery light indicators
- Batteries can be easily Swapped out for long trips or during emergency long usage
- Offers a kill switch conveniently for travel ensuring no accidental usage when transporting
- Weighs only 5.8oz
- 650 True Lumens you control with the touch of a button
- Micro-USB rechargeable battery system
- Weather-resistant
B.A.M.F.F. Flashlights (6 options)
If you know your gift receiver is a little more traditional we would recommend going with one of the B.A.M.F.F Flashlights by STKR. There are six different B.A.M.F.F flashlights to choose from. They vary in brightness and, effectively, the price. From 200-lumen brightness to 1000-lumen brightness, you can select any of them depending on your preference and budget.
A flashlight is a must-have for any camper and is an essential item in your emergency kit, as well as, flashlights can be used during power outages or roadside emergencies.
What makes the B.A.M.F.F. Flashlight stand out from the others in a sea of “me-too” flashlights is the DUAL LED technology. These flashlights offer both wide angle flood lighting as well as focal point spot lighting. Use these lighting options independently or at the same time to light up the distance and the immediate surrounding area.
Even the person you are shopping for has a couple, you really can’t have too many, especially if their family has grown. Plus, you can also spoil them with one that has newer technology, is innovative and performs better than the old school incandescent flashlights.
Hikers can use it while hiking and campers inside tents or around the campsite and since they have multiple modes they can adapt more towards what they need it to do. This durable flashlight will surely come in handy for your outdoorsy friends on their next adventures.
B.A.M.F.F. Flashlight Series Features:
- B.A.M.F.F. which stands for Broad Array Multi Flood Flashlight
- Dual LED Tactical Flashlights
- Focused Spot light
- Wide Flood light
- Operate both types of LEDs independently or at the same time.
- Durable craftsmanship aircraft grade aluminum body, waterproof construction, removable belt clip, S.O.S. and strobe modes.
- 6 B.A.M.F.F. Flashlight Models: 2.0, 4.0, 4.0XL, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 offering 200-1000 Lumens
What Do You Put in a Gift Basket for Camping?
Along with a B.A.M.F.F. Flashlight, you can select any one of the following LED lights to create a little “camping gift basket” which would be perfect for your outdoorsy friend or relative.
Magnetic Light Mine
Any camper would love this Magnetic Light Mine as it is both chic and functional. It is a hands-free magnetic LED light that has a lumen tech LED and 12 powerful neodymium magnets. You can stick it to any steel surface and aim the light toward the desired space.
The Magnetic Light Mine will serve as an excellent source of light on camping trips. It can run continuously for 10 hours and is small enough to fit into a full backpack.
You also get three LR44 batteries with the purchase of this magnetic LED light. As it does not look like any other typical light, your camper friend is sure to love it for both its looks and function.
Features
- 15 lumens brightness
- 1-lumen tech white LED
- 12 neodymium magnets to stick to steel surfaces for hands-free use
- Can be used as a pickup tool
- Transparent A.B.S. red body
- Weather-resistant
- Magnetic Light Mine comes with 3 LR44 batteries
- Size: 1.6 inches in height x 1.5 inches in diameter
- Offers a one-year warranty period
- Can run continuously for 10 hours
Light Mine Pro
Light Mine Pro is another hands-free magnetic LED light that is beefy and will surely be useful on camping trips especially for an RV or camper or off road vehicle. It is spherical and has 12 neodymium magnets to stick to steel surfaces for hands-free use. Besides, magnets allow the Light Mine Pro to function as a pickup tool or a nut & bolt holder. This will come in handy if your friend needs to repair his car during his trip.
You can adjust the Light Mine Pro to aim light in any direction. In the event of roadside repairs, you can use the rear red light to warn approaching vehicles. Also, the Light Mine Pro is just the size of a baseball, so you can easily pack it to camping sites and keep it in your roadside toolbox. You can switch between the four modes (high, low, red light, flashing hazard) based on your requirements.
This magnetic LED light can run up to 24 hours in low light mode. You will get 3 AAA batteries with the purchase of this LED light. Another advantage is that it is weather-resistant, so it will come in handy no matter what the weather is at the camping site. Light Mine Pro is a unique gift to buy for your outdoorsy pal.
Features
- 250 lumens brightness
- 4-lumen tech red LEDs
- 4 white SMD LEDs
- 12 neodymium magnets to stick to steel surfaces for hands-free use
- A.B.S body
- Can be used as a pickup tool
- Weather-resistant
- Light Mine Pro comes with 3 AAA batteries
- Has 4 light modes: high, low, red light, flashing hazard
- Size: 3.5 inches in height x 3.5 inches in diameter
- Offers a one-year warranty period
- Can run continuously for 24 hours on low light mode
ILLUMiDOME
The ILLUMiDOME lantern is probably the coolest among all the lanterns available on the market, and here is why: it's lightweight, compact, and waterproof. You can literally toss these in a pool they still operate! Get a few for the pool and use them as floating lanterns. Great for a party, but a life saver in an emergency. During Katerina, these lights came to the rescue.
It has a 1 Watt LED and has four light modes: low, medium, high, and a rapid blinking hazard. It has an efficiency of 220 lumens per watt, which means the lighting is powerful and durable.
Another advantage of ILLUMiDOME is that you can remove its reflector to switch between a lantern style and a normal LED light style. Positioning the reflector on the top will create a traditional “lantern style,” whereas removing the reflector will light up the full area. The reflector can be easily stored in the base of the unit. Meaning that you can easily have a focused light like a flashlight or a broader light to illuminate your entire tent.
Another great feature of ILLUMiDOME is that it has a Velcro strap on the top. This allows you to experience hands-free use by hanging the light from something. Your camper mom or dad can easily hang it in the tent to read at night!
Features
- 220 lumens brightness
- Dual light arrays
- Velcro strap on the top
- Base hanging hook
- IP-6 waterproof
- 4 light modes: low, medium, high, and a rapid blinking hazard
- ILLUMiDOME comes with 3 AA batteries
- Has 4 light modes: high, low, red light, flashing hazard
- Size: 2.8 inches in height x 4 inches in diameter
- Offers a one-year warranty period
- Can run continuously for 100 hours on low light mode
Mobile Task Light
The Mobile Task Light is a rechargeable portable light that makes a great gift for outdoorsy people. It has a rotating head that is made of aluminum. It is highly durable and acts as a functional heat sink. You can rotate the head to make a focused spotlight on the campsite.
Switching between the four modes (High, medium, low, strobe) will allow you to change the intensity of the light as per your requirements. This task light is surrounded by a tempered steel exoskeleton, which acts as a stable base. You can also find a tripod mount on the bottom, which can elevate the light.
This task light is powered by dual lithium-ion rechargeable batteries of 4000mAh. To recharge it, simply insert the USB cable into the plug. Another advantage of Mobile Task Light is that it is compact and can be packed safely in your backpack.
This task light indicates the battery level via the number of blinks:
- 4 blinks = 100-75%
- 3 blinks = 75-50%
- 2 blinks = 50-25%
- 1 blink = less than 25%
If it blinks once, followed by a pause, it means that the battery is critically low and is about to die. If it runs out of power, you can use it while charging. This video will give you a better idea about the working of Mobile Task Light:
To sum up, your camper friend is sure to love the Mobile Task Light as it can illuminate their outdoor project and sets the tone to work. They will love the amount of direct light they get from this light and how portable it is.
Features
- 1200 lumens brightness
- Has a dual focus lens
- Incorporates dual lithium-ion battery technology (4000mAh capacity)
- Rechargeable (via micro-USB)
- Has 4 light modes: high, medium, low, strobe
- Adjustable Aluminum Head
- Steel ExoSkeleton that acts as a stable base
- Has hanging hooks
- Universal camera tripod mount
- Runtime: High up to 1.25 hours, Low up to 7.5 hours
- Size: 5.9” x 3.3” x 4” (149mm x 109mm x 102mm)
- Tripod Screw Mount: 1/4-20 UNC (1/4” thread)
- Weight: 0.87lb (395g)
- 1-year warranty
What Season Is Best for Camping?
Fall is the favorite season for camping for most outdoorsy people. But if you think about it, camping during different times of the year has different experiences to offer. The kind of experience you will enjoy the most will depend on your needs and preferences.
Some enjoy summertime due to its warm and dry weather, but summer has its problems. For instance, campsites tend to be very crowded during this season. Additionally, you may need to deal with bugs and flies.
Some prefer to go camping in winter due to the challenges involved. It is comparatively dangerous to go skiing and do other adventures in winter, but some love to play with the large clumps of snow. Also, you need not deal with flies, mosquitoes, and snakes during this season.
Here are a few reasons why most campers love fall:
- Foliage: Visitors fall in love with the leaves of golden yellow, bright orange, and subtle red. Foliage is undoubtedly a feast to the eye, so most people prefer to go camping during fall. You can take a stroll through the corn maze, pick apples, build a bonfire, or click stunning pictures.
- Cool-weather: Unlike hot summers, fall temperatures are predictable and more pleasant. Feeding the birds, picking autumn leaves, and simply enjoying the fall breeze are a few things people love to do during fall. The mornings are often crisp and clear, while the evenings are cool enough to enjoy a campfire.
- No bugs: Summers invite a lot of bugs, flies, and mosquitoes. But fall does not have any of those. Cooler temperatures mean fewer bugs, which is why most campers love fall.
- Better prices: Although many people love the fall season, campsites will not be very crowded during this time of the year. Fewer campers also mean there will be a decline in the rates. So if you are on a budget, consider the fall season to go camping.
Camping Essentials
Every campsite is different, so you need to consider your destination while packing for a camping trip. Here is a basic checklist to make sure you do not forget anything before heading off to the campsite:
- Tent: This is a must-have, especially if you do not have an RV or a van. While selecting a tent, consider the weather and your destination. For instance, if it is winter, you would want a cold weather tent and not just a survival tent.
- Water: Take a large water container to the campsite. You will need water for cleaning, cooking, and drinking.
- Medical Supplies: Build your own DIY first aid kit or buy all the medical essentials such as bandages and painkillers.
- Sleeping bags and pillows: Consider the weather before you buy a sleeping bag. If it is winter, choose a warm sleeping bag.
- Headlamps, lanterns, or flashlights: Make sure you pack extra batteries. Insect repellents
- Sunscreen: This one is essential to avoid those nasty sunburns.
- Survival tools: Do not forget survival gear like a map and compass.
- Toiletries: Regardless of the weather and campsite, you are going to need these toiletries on all trips: toilet paper rolls, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
- Camping stove and utensils: Knives, grills, utensils, and dish towels are essentials on any camping trip.
While these are the basic things all campers should take to the campsite, there are a few non-essentials that can elevate the mood and make your trip memorable. An acoustic guitar, your favorite books, and healthy snacks are a few among them. Pack whatever feels special to you, but be careful not to overpack it makes it hard to find what you need.
Conclusion
To sum up, specialty lighting are the best gifts for any camping outdoorsy person. This is because light sources are an essential need. Most outdoor activities like camping trips, especially during nighttime activities or projects, around the campfire, inside the tents, or even during roadside repairs where lighting is necessary and not readily available.
When thinking of a gift to give our outdoorsy friends, most of us think of tents, sleeping bags, pillows and they probably already have that gear. But you can’t have enough essential lighting options for all of the different types of outdoor activities and projects they might find themselves in. Lights like the Headlamp Pro, hands free flashlights like the FLEXiT or Light Mines, B.A.M.F.F Tactical flashlights, or the ILLUMiDOME are innovative functional gifts that your camper friend is sure to love.