WIRED Releases 2026 Gift Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts, Prioritising Practicality Over Standard Gear
Updated in April 2026, the guide highlights durable, often whimsical items suited for serious gearheads who already possess standard camping equipment.
WIRED has published an updated gift guide tailored for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts, titled Best Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers, Outdoorsy People (2026). Released in April 2026, the article advises against buying standard equipment such as hiking boots, suggesting instead that gifters opt for practical, often overlooked items. The publication maintains that merino wool socks remain the top pick, noting that outdoor people can never have too many pairs of this super fibre.
The guide recommends specific products including the Darn Tough Expedition Weight Minus33 merino socks, which offer high wool content and durability. For warmth and versatility, the Rumpl puffy blanket is suggested as a lightweight alternative to traditional wool options, made from 100 per cent recycled plastic with a PFAS-free DWR coating. The article also highlights the Campfire Coffee brand, which roasts coffee over an open flame and runs a nonprofit Campfire Explorers Club.
In the realm of coffee preparation, the VSSL Java G25 coffee grinder is described as an indestructible, aircraft-grade aluminium option suitable for long-term use, despite its weight making it unsuitable for backpacking. The guide also suggests the Campfire Coffee brand and the indestructible, aircraft-grade aluminium VSSL Java G25 grinder as key coffee-related products. For hydration, the Cnoc ThruBottle is recommended for those upgrading from reused Smart Water bottles, as it fits ultralight pack side pockets and accepts popular water filter threads.
Specific cautions are issued regarding cutlery, with the guide warning givers to avoid carbon steel Opinel knives due to rust risks when left in backpacks. Instead, stainless steel variations are recommended. The Firebox Nano stove is also noted not for its practicality, as enthusiasts likely already own stoves, but for its novelty and ability to cook using twigs, noting it can function as a wood, gas, or alcohol stove.
The article also suggests experiential gifts, including nature journals, AllTrails subscriptions, and donations to environmental charities such as the Nature Conservancy and Surfrider. These recommendations aim to delight serious gearheads who meticulously research reviews and guides, offering items that are almost guaranteed to be used outdoors.
