OUTDOOR LIFE
The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms
Check out these unique gifts for hikers, campers, and other outdoor-loving moms
BY DAVID YOUNG
Whether she’s a hardcore outdoorswoman who climbs mountains and runs ultramarathons or the more chill type who spends her time in nature hiking, fishing, or trail running, outdoorsy moms can be tough to shop for. If you’ve got a nature-loving mom in your life, you may find yourself stumped for gift ideas, especially if you’re not an outdoor enthusiast yourself.
So we’ve rounded up a gift list of the best backpacks, water bottles, headlamps, jackets, dry bags, trekking poles, and other outdoorsy gifts. Best of all, we've made sure to cover a wide range of prices so you’ll have plenty of options to fit your budget.
Scroll down to find the perfect gift for the outdoorsy mom on your shopping list.
Scroll down to find the perfect gift for the outdoorsy mom on your shopping list.
Tandem Trail 22L Backpack
Whether Mom likes solo hiking or taking the entire family along, the Tandem Trail 22L Backpack is ready to hit the trail. Hydration-ready and super lightweight, this pack is primed for adventure. Mom will be able to carry everything she needs for a day on the trail with this stylish pack.
For help picking out other backpacks, check out “How To Choose A Backpack.” If the kids will be joining mom’s hiking adventures, Columbia Sportswear can also help find the best backpacks for kids.
For help picking out other backpacks, check out “How To Choose A Backpack.” If the kids will be joining mom’s hiking adventures, Columbia Sportswear can also help find the best backpacks for kids.
Double-Wall Vacuum Bottle
Hydration is key to any outdoor pursuit, so giving Mom a stainless steel water bottle she can take anywhere is another fantastic gift idea. This 21-ounce insulated screw-cap bottle keeps cold drinks cool and hot drinks warm, allowing her to stay hydrated all day. And for those who prefer, it’s available in a BPA-free plastic version too.
Sweet As Softshell Hooded Jacket
The Sweat As Softshell Hooded Jacket is the perfect gift for women who hike, trail run, camp, or participate in other outdoor activities. It’s stretchy and water-repellent to help Mom stay dry while also being comfortable to move in. Plus, it has zippered hand pockets to hold things like her phone, keys, and other items. The Sweet As Softshell is available in plus sizes too.
225 Lumens Headlamp - Multicolor
A headlamp is a great gift for hikers and other outdoorsy people. With an impressive 100-meter beam, the high-powered 225 lumens headlamp lets Mom hike at dawn or dusk, get a campfire going, or read in her tent under the stars. This lamp offers five lighting modes as well as an auto-dimming feature.
Escape Thrive Endure Multi-Sport Shoe
The Escape Thrive Endure is a multisport shoe that Mom can wear hiking, trail running, jogging, or walking. It’s also a great around-town shoe for running errands or picking kids up at school. It features breathable OutDry waterproof protection and soft Techlite PLUSH cushioning. (For more help picking out shoes for hiking, check out Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes.)
OutDry Extreme Mesh Shell Jacket
If you want to splurge and really spoil Mom, the OutDry Extreme (ODX) Mesh Shell Jacket is the way to do it. It’s one of the most lightweight and breathable mesh jackets available, offering an excellent blend of style and comfort. The ODX technology makes it fully waterproof while the mesh inner liner delivers softness and comfort.
Columbia Hike Short Sleeve V- Neck Shirt Plus Size
If Mom is into hiking, the breathable Columbia Hike short sleeve V-neck shirt is another wonderful choice. With stretchy lightweight fabric, it’s easy to move in, and the Omni-Wick technology wicks away moisture so she won’t feel sweaty and sticky. This comfortable hiking shirt is also available in straight sizes.
6160 Aluminum Trekking Poles
We can all use a little help with balance on the trail here and there, and with the 6160 aluminum trekking poles, gravity won’t stand a chance. The collapsible poles, which extend from 24" to 54", are made from high-strength aluminum alloy and tipped with tough tungsten carbide.
Women’s Boundless Trek Shorts
The lightweight, versatile Boundless Trek Shorts are a fun way for Mom to hit the trail for a Mother’s Day hike or run around town in style. These shorts feature large hand pockets and a zippered back pocket. The Omni-Shield fabric is water-repellent too. From the ocean to mountaintops, they will keep her looking good while she’s on the move. It’s also available in plus sizes.
Tandem Trail™ 6L and 3L Lightweight Dry Sack Set
Whether she’s sitting on a boat or adventuring in the rain, this set of PFG dry sacks comes in two sizes and will keep her valuables protected with water resistant taped construction, and roll-top buckle closures. These tough, resilient bags work well for fishing, camping, rafting, paddleboarding, and a variety of other water sports.
Sunny City Windbreaker Plus Size
The Sunny City Windbreaker is another great gift for an outdoorsy mom. The retro style and water resistant nylon fabric offer light protection from the elements, in town or on the trail.
Still stumped? Check out more of Columbia Sportswear’s women’s outdoor gear.