Gifts Campers Will Actually Use: 12 Picks Under $100

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The camping gifts that get used are the ones that solve a small, real problem: seeing in the dark, drinking safe water, staying warm at dinner. Below are 12 product types worth giving, with what to check for each. We've stuck to categories rather than specific models, so you can pick what fits the camper on your list.

A note on prices: Each category here typically has plenty of options under $100, but prices change often, especially around the holidays. Check current price before you buy. Where a category appears in our catalog, we've linked to our Deals page.

1. Headlamp

A headlamp keeps both hands free for cooking, setting up the tent and late-night trips to the restroom. It's the one light nearly every camper uses daily.

What to look for: Check for ratings under the ANSI/PLATO FL1 standard, which covers light output, runtime, beam distance, peak beam intensity, impact resistance and water resistance, according to Safariland. Under FL1, runtime is measured until output drops to 10% of the starting brightness, so compare runtimes at the same brightness setting. For winter campers, a model that works with gloves on is a plus. Browse headlamps on our Deals page.

2. LED camp lantern

A lantern lights up a picnic table or the inside of a tent in a way a headlamp can't.

What to look for: Choose a battery-powered LED lantern, not a fuel-burning one, for anything that happens inside a tent. The CPSC warns never to use fuel-burning heaters or lanterns while sleeping in tents, campers or vehicles because of carbon monoxide. Look for adjustable brightness, a hanging loop or hook, and either rechargeable power or common battery sizes. See camp lanterns on our Deals page.

3. Water filter

For hikers and backpackers, a portable filter turns streams and lakes into drinking water.

What to look for: Read the pore-size spec. According to the CDC, filters with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller remove parasites, and filters at 0.3 micron or smaller also remove bacteria, but neither removes viruses. The CDC's next-best option after boiling is to filter and then disinfect the water. Consider pairing a filter with chemical treatment tablets. Find water filters on our Deals page.

4. Compact camp stove

A small canister stove means hot coffee and real dinners instead of cold snacks.

What to look for: Check fuel type, simmer control and packed size. For cold-weather campers, CleverHiker suggests keeping a fuel canister in a jacket to warm it before cooking, and describes liquid-fuel stoves as an option that works well in any weather. Whatever you choose, it's for outdoor use only. The CDC says never to use a portable gas camp stove indoors. See camp stoves on our Deals page.

5. First-aid kit

A compact, organized kit is a gift people rarely buy for themselves.

What to look for: A kit sized for the camper's typical trip, with room to add personal items. Rocky Mountain National Park's planning checklist lists a first-aid kit "including footcare products, adhesive tape, personal medications." A clear, labeled layout makes it easier to find things fast. Browse first-aid kits on our Deals page.

6. Closed-cell foam sleeping pad

It's not glamorous, but a foam pad is one of the cheapest ways to sleep warmer.

What to look for: Check the R-value, which measures insulation from the ground. Switchback Travel notes that R-values are additive when pads are stacked, and suggests pairing an air pad with foam as backup in case of a leak. The National Park Service notes foam pads are the least expensive pad type. Shop sleeping pads on our Deals page.

7. Battery-powered CO alarm (for RVs, campers and cabins)

For anyone who camps in an RV, trailer, van or rented cabin, a portable carbon monoxide alarm is a thoughtful, practical gift.

What to look for: The CPSC recommends alarms that meet the current UL 2034 standard and says battery-operated alarms or alarms with battery backup are the way to go. It also says CO alarms are available for RVs and boats and should be used. An alarm is a backstop, not permission: fuel-burning heaters and stoves still never belong inside a tent or vehicle. See CO alarms on our Deals page.

8. Insulated mug

A vacuum-insulated mug keeps morning coffee hot long enough to actually drink it, and it doubles as a soup cup.

What to look for: A lid that seals well enough to toss in a pack, a size that fits in a cup holder for car campers, and a wide mouth that's easy to clean. For backpackers, weight matters more than capacity.

9. Camp chair

Car campers spend a lot of time sitting around the fire, and a comfortable chair makes that time better.

What to look for: Check the listed weight capacity, the seat height (low chairs are harder to get out of), packed size and weight. Backpackers will want an ultralight model; car campers can trade weight for cup holders and a higher back.

10. Sleeping bag liner

A liner keeps body oils and dirt off a sleeping bag, which means less frequent bag washing. Some liners also add a bit of warmth.

What to look for: Material sets the purpose. Retailer Wildfire Sports notes that some liners are designed to add warmth, while a light silk-blend liner does not add much. Treat any warmth number on the package as approximate.

11. Packable insulated vest

A vest adds core warmth around camp without bulky sleeves, and it layers under a rain shell.

What to look for: Decide between down and synthetic insulation. Using sleeping bags as the example, Wikipedia notes that down is lighter for its warmth but loses insulation when soaked, while synthetic fill stays warmer when wet but is heavier and bulkier. For damp climates, synthetic is the forgiving pick. Check that it packs into its own pocket.

12. Dry bags

Dry bags keep sleeping clothes, electronics and sleeping bags dry in a leaky tent, a canoe or a wet trunk.

What to look for: A set of a few sizes, roll-top closures and different colors so you can tell bags apart. Rocky Mountain National Park's winter checklist includes stuff sacks or plastic bags "for moisture protection," and the National Park Service recommends changing into dry clothes before bed, which is a lot easier when they've stayed dry.

A quick way to choose

Ask what kind of camping they do. Car campers get the most out of chairs, lanterns, mugs and a CO alarm for the RV. Backpackers will value a headlamp, filter, stove, foam pad and dry bags. Winter campers will appreciate the vest, the foam pad and a liner. When in doubt, a headlamp is hard to get wrong.

Sources

• Safariland: ANSI/PLATO FL 1 Standard guide
• CPSC: Portable Heaters & Camping Equipment
• CPSC: Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet
• CDC: Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping, or Traveling
• CDC: About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• CleverHiker: Winter Camping Checklist
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Wilderness Camping Planning Checklist
• Switchback Travel: Sleeping Pad R-Value
• National Park Service: What to Bring – Camping
• Wildfire Sports: How to choose a sleeping bag liner
• Wikipedia: Sleeping bag

Last verified: November 1, 2026.