W.We’re a hiking website, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy the majesty of a good car camping trip. From festivals to family outings, weekend getaways to multi-year van odysseys, we’ve seen it all and spent a lot of time perfecting our setups in the field.
If you’re looking for inspiration for outdoor holiday shopping this year, our RV gift guide will help you get started with ideas for every budget.
The best gifts for motorhomes
Leatherman Rebar Multitool
If someone in your life is just getting into RVing, a multi-tool is practically a must-have gift. While they’re a little heavy for most backpackers, these handy devices are very useful for motorhomers as they pack a lot of features into a compact package. Plus, they’re fun and cool.
Advanced Elements 3L summer shower

This is not the first time I have recommended this portable solar shower and I am sure it will not be the last. Sun Shower takes up virtually no space and provides hot water for showering, washing dishes, washing hands, etc. (really anything except cooking/drinking) in a surprisingly short period of time and without using battery power. Love. —Kelly Floro
Yeti Rambler 36oz Water Bottle with Chug Lid

It keeps cold things cold and hot things hot for a bewildering amount of time. The wide mouth opening makes it easy to fill and the drinking lid makes drinking easy. Whether enjoying hot chocolate by the campfire or an ice-cold electrolyte drink during a scorching day hike, the yeti Rambler is my year-round beverage champion companion. —Zach Davis
GCI Freestyle Rocking Chair
There’s something about sitting outside with a drink in your hand and enjoying yourself all morning that is indescribably enjoyable. Now you can bring the comfort of your front porch into the wild with this folding camping rocking chair.
Eno SingleNest Hammock
And speaking of swinging… you can take your camping lounging game to the stratosphere with this comfortable, easy-to-set-up hammock from ENO.
Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece Pullover



- Recommended RRP: $139
- Weight: 17.8 ounces
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
Catan Traveler

Catan is the best board game ever invented and anyone who disagrees can fight me. This portable version is optimized for travel and outdoor play, with a compact construction and pieces and board designed to minimize the risk of losing something in windy conditions. As an avid camper, this would honestly be my ideal gift. —Kelly Floro
Scrubba toiletry bag
The small bumps inside this bag work like an old-fashioned washboard to remove dirt from clothes.
Biolite Luci Solar String Lights
Ambient lighting is easy. For the aspiring glamper in your life, these colorful lights provide 18 feet of low-key but functional illumination, and can be recharged via the built-in solar panel or via USB. You can also go a long time between charges: a full charge should last 20 hours, according to Biolite.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
It makes coffee so delicious that some enthusiasts even use it at home as their coffee maker of choice, but its original use case is as a portable solution for travelers (or campers). It weighs very little and doesn’t take up much space, and once you get the hang of it, the Aeropress is easy to use.
Dirty Gourmet: food for your outdoor adventures
This outdoor cookbook is a great planning resource for any camping enthusiast and will help you get excited about your next trip. Dozens of recipes. Infinite joy.
Original Rumpl Puffy Blanket
These foldable, lightly insulating blankets are functional and incredibly beautiful. They are a constant and eye-catching source of temptation for shoppers at outdoor stores, especially the national park editions linked here. The blankets are made from 100% recycled polyester and each is large enough for one person (75 by 52 inches).
GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+ Camp Stove
I have tested several camping stoves and this is the most durable, reliable, and functional one I have found for car camping. It was my primary stovetop for four years of van life, and I even bought one for my parents as a backup for their electric stove at home, since they live in an area with frequent power outages. There are no bells or whistles here, just a compact, reliable stove that works. —Kelly Floro
Coghlan Camping Fan with Light
Although it’s hard to remember as we write these words in the cold of November, the summer heat will return in full force next year and we’re all craving more airflow inside our stuffy tents. This USB rechargeable battery operated fan is the perfect solution. The ring of light around the outside is a fun added feature.
Cover image: Graphic design by Chris Helm.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!
For more information, visit the About page of this site.

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(748x263:750x265)/ali-larter-heroes-110525-2-2504465d1ca64e18a5ed391043446b9f.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/JD-vance-111425-4ddf0605bd5d4d2c98543bbcf5367b53.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1)