How To...Find Useful and Practical Gifts for Campers and Hikers

Well folks, it’s that time of year again. This holiday season, show some love to the peak baggers, car campers, and dirtbag climbers in your life. As outdoor enthusiast ourselves, it’ll be our pleasure to make your holiday shopping just a bit easier with some simple and yet useful gift ideas for your special people.

For this list, we’re keeping things practical - think about those who "have everything" and just want some practical presents. From layers that keep you warm while belaying, to cute little journals that help you archive the joys of your adventures, we're confident this will steer you in the right direction. There’s enough happening this time of year, so let's get this going so you can spend less time shopping and more time with friends and family.

Smartwool Merino Socks

In our humble opinion, you can’t truly enjoy the holiday season without the perfect pair of cozy socks. While they may not be the fuzziest of sockaroos, Smartwool has you covered with their merino wool line. These socks will also double as a go-to option for backcountry adventures (we promised this list was practical).

Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Okay, hear us out, we're going to kindly ask you to throw your preconceived ideas of “gimmicky hand warmers" out the window. This wonderful creation from Ocoopa gives new validity to battery powered hand warmers. With 3 heat settings, USB-C charging, and up to a 8 hr battery life per warmer, your freeze-baby fingies will never know frostbite ever again.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Inflatable Travel Pillow

If you’re a Bishop local, chances are you have someone in your life who has lectured you on ultralight backpacking for 20 minutes straight… while proudly announcing that on trail, pillows are for mere mortals. “Too heavy, you peasant” they say. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the future. Come aboard the spaceship and gift that arrogant hiker in your life the Sea to Summit Premium Inflatable Pillow, it might just launch their ego into orbit.

Suncloud Sunglasses

Wanna add some snazz to the holiday season? Look no further than Suncloud. Got an athlete on your list? The Upshot has them covered. Or a casual Kathy? She’ll love the Boundary. It’s our best-selling spectacle brand for a reason: Suncloud makes quality yet stylish shades at a great price.

Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Jacket

Does this really need an explanation? Patagonia is our #1 selling brand store-wide year after year for a reason. The R1 Air Fleece Hoody is hands down our favorite actively insulating mid-layer. Hike, climb, snowshoe, boulder, backpack, mountain bike, ski, or maybe just go to the brewery. The R1 has virtually every Bishopite covered, no matter where their adventures take them -  it's the favorite practical gift in town. This piece is also available as a zip neck pullover.

Hiking Logbook

Here at Eastside, we believe in slowing down and savoring the small moments that make life meaningful. In a world ruled by technology, there’s something refreshing about going a little old-fashioned and turning your memories into handwritten stores. This holiday season, capture the essence of your travels with a touch more depth, warmth, and intention in the Hiking Logbook or Camping Logbook.

Buck Nobleman Knife

These days, we swear people worship the lightest gear as if it were a deity. That’s why we are going to challenge the status quo with this useful present from Buck: the Nobleman. With a robust locking mechanism and reliable cutting strength, this knife maintains its compact frame while delivering great all-around performance. Plus, who doesn’t love a handle with a sleek carbon fiber finish.

Flip Fuel Gas Exchanger

The Flip Fuel is one of those extremely useful gifts for campers that you didn’t know you needed, until you do. Got two half-full fuel canisters? With a Flip Fuel, you can easily connect them and transfer fuel in seconds. It’s a smart, space-saving way to make your fuel supply more economical, letting you move fuel from a larger storage canister into a smaller, trail-ready one without any fuss.

Eastside Sports Gift Card

Think gift cards are lame? Not this one, it's the ultimate useful gift! Adding a gift card by Eastside Sports gives your loved ones access to the best outdoor gear around, from hiking essentials to backcountry gadgets, making it impossible not to get hyped for Eastern Sierra adventures.

We hope this list was helpful! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. And if you’d like a personalized gift recommendation, our staff would be delighted to point you in the right direction—just ask below. Happy Holidays!!