Campers are simply a joy to shop for; there are so many items that are guaranteed to spark that signature 'far away' look in their eyes - you know, the one that tells you they've already mentally checked out and pitched out on a remote hillside under the stars.
Whether you're tackling a multi-day backpacking trek or seeking a minimalist weekend escape in the car, having the right gear can make all the difference between a memorable journey and a forgettable slog. That's why we've hand-picked a selection of our most trusted lightweight camping equipment, tested and approved by our starry sky loving staff.
Our camping gear gifting recommendations
Tiny homes
The Tetri Geodesic Tent combines sleek design with concealed features that enhance its utility and protection against the elements. For those who tread where tents dare not go, the Elan Hooped Bivvy and Hunka Bivvy bag provide a snug, minimalist sleep systems that offers warmth and comfort in a compact, lightweight package. Let's dive into the aspects of each.
Elan Hooped Bivvy Bag - Integrated Hoop & waterproof, breathable fabric
Perfect for the minimalist adventurer, the Elan Hooped Bivvy Bag takes low-profile camping to the next level with its integrated hoop design. This feature slightly raises the fabric above your face, offering more room and comfort without compromising the bivvy's compact nature. Crafted from a weather-resistant fabric that repels water and breathes to minimise condensation, this bivvy bag offers the stealth and protection needed for solo expeditions.
Hunka Bivvy Bag - Lightweight and packable
If the Elan offers too much comfort you can look to the Hunka Bivvy Bag, a deceptively simple yet highly effective camping shelter. Designed to cover a sleeping bag, it shields you from wind, rain, and snow, effectively extending the range of your sleeping system. Made from a lightweight, durable material that packs down incredibly small, it’s the secret weapon for any adventurer looking to reduce weight while maximising functionality.
Whisper Sleeping Mat - Insulated and Ultralight
The Whisper Sleeping Mat might appear thin, but it's packed with high-efficiency insulation, ensuring a warm and comfortable night's sleep even on cold ground. Its ultralight construction makes it an ideal choice for those who travel far and want to avoid carrying heavy gear, yet require the comfort that allows them to recover from a day's trek. Its insulated design keeps you warm and comfortable, making it a must-have for any season.
Tetri Geodesic Tent - Extreme Weather Resistance
Stable in bad weather. Light and quick to pitch, the Tetri Geodesic Tent might just be one of our most under-rated tents. Its geodesic dome structure provides exceptional stability and resistance against strong winds and heavy snow. Perfect for backpacking adventures like DofE Expeditions, Tetri pitches outer first which keeps the inner dry when pitching in bad weather and has plenty of space for storing your kit.
Covert Comfort: clothing that's secretly technical
Our choice of clothing isn't just about gear that stands up to the elements; it's also about clothing that packs a punch with hidden, high-performance features. The Hayling Tee, Woodsmoke Shirt, Kraft Trousers, and Keeshond Fleece are staples for any outdoor wardrobe, blending classic styles with secretive technical properties to enhance your outdoor experience without being brash. Here’s how each piece works behind the seams, and why they are great choices for gifts to keep any camper in the camping zone:
Hayling Tee - Moisture-Wicking & Quick-Drying Fabric
At first glance, the Hayling Tee appears to be a simple, stylish t-shirt, but it harbours a moisture-wicking secret. Crafted from a blend that includes performance fibres, soft and secretly technical, Hayling is made with 96% natural based sustainably sourced Rayon fibres.
Woodsmoke Shirt - Hollow core fibres for insulation
The Woodsmoke Shirt is is an innovation in mountain shirts. Made from ThermoTech® polyester with hollow core fibres that trap more air to give you more insulation. It has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal mid layer for chilly nights around the campfire. The Woodsmoke has become the teams go to winter shirt and should be yours to.
Kraft Trousers - Reinforced Stress Points & Stretch Fabric
Kraft Trousers are the ultimate in stealth durability. Designed with reinforced stress points and a stretch fabric that accommodates a full range of motion, these trousers are built to withstand the rigours of climbing, scrambling, and trekking without hindering your movement. The trousers’ low-key appearance disguises their robust build, making them just as suitable for a casual day out as for a demanding trail.
Keeshond Fleece - High Insulation with Low Bulk
The Keeshond Fleece offers an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, providing substantial insulation without the bulk typically associated with warm outer layers. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to layer their clothing, which incidentally we fully recommend when camping in winter. The fleece's subtle, textured appearance gives a hint of its thermal capabilities, making it a sophisticated choice that secretly serves as a powerful barrier against the cold.
Desirable accessories: Alpkit's Camping Must-Haves
From the multifunctional Lhfoon Titanium Spork to the powerful Juice Holder Powerpack, these accessories are designed to provide you with the convenience and efficiency needed for any adventure. Start your frosty morning right with a hot brew from the MyMokka. Paired with the Refresher 500, a flask that keeps your coffee hot for hours, these are ideal for the friend who believes a day without coffee is a day wasted. Illuminate your campsite with the Tyndall Lantern, and keep your gadgets charged with the Juice Holder Powerpack. This duo ensures that longer nights in the wilderness are bright and connected, perfect for the tech-savvy adventurer.
Lhfoon Titanium Spork - Ultra-Durable and Lightweight Design
Perfect for the all-in-one eater! The Lhfoon Titanium Spork is a marvel of minimalist design, combining the functionality of both a spoon and a fork in one durable, ultra-light package. Made from titanium, this spork resists bending and breaking under use, ensuring that whether you're stirring hot soup or twizzling spaghetti, you have a reliable tool that's easy to carry on any journey. This lightweight, durable spork is a camper's best friend.
MyMokka - Portable Espresso Maker
Perfect for the discerning coffee lover MyMokka isn’t just a coffee maker; it’s a portable espresso device that brings luxury coffee to the most remote locations. Compact and easy to use, it requires no electricity, using instead a simple hand-pump mechanism to extract rich, flavorful espresso. It’s perfect for those who refuse to compromise on their morning brew, even in the wilderness.
Refresher 500 Flask - Thermal Retention for Hot and Cold Beverages
The Refresher 500 Flask goes beyond just carrying liquids; it ensures they stay at the desired temperature for hours on end. Keep your coffee hot on a chilly morning hike or your iced water cool in the summer, this flask maintains the temperature of your drinks, providing hydration and comfort whenever you need it.
Tyndall Lantern - Multi-Functional LED Lighting
Perfect for the night owl camper - the Tyndall Lantern is more than just a source of light; it features adjustable settings to cater to different needs, from a bright, wide-angle light for cooking or setting up camp, to a soft, ambient glow for relaxing at night. It’s USB rechargeable, and its durable design makes it suitable for both hanging in a tent or standing on a table, providing versatile illumination options for any campsite.
Juice Holder Powerpack - High-Capacity Charging
Perfect for the tech-savvy explorer, the Juice Holder Powerpack is an indispensable accessory for the modern outdoor enthusiast. With its high-capacity battery, it can charge multiple devices multiple times over, ensuring that you stay connected even in remote areas. Its robust, weather-resistant exterior makes it safe to use in various outdoor conditions, providing peace of mind that your devices will remain charged no matter where your adventures take you.
Gift with confidence
Every gift in this selection has been thoroughly tested by our team of outdoor enthusiasts. We know a thing or two about the demands of lightweight camping, which is why everything comes backed by our Alpine Bond guarantee - we stand behind the quality and durability so you can focus on pitching with confidence. With our 123-day returns policy, there's plenty of time to ensure each gift is welcomed into its new home. You can return or exchange your gifts online or in any store.
What if you still can't choose?
Our hand-picked camping essentials have been chosen from our extensive range of products for campers, bikepackers and backpackers. If one of these hasn't ticked your boxes, or you are buying for someone else and getting tied up in jargon, just hop on to the live chat at the bottom of the page, or visit one of our stores for more expert advice.
Gift Cards - For when you are struggling to find that perfect camping gift
If, even after all of these great ideas, you are still struggling to put your mouse on that perfect present, our gift cards come to the rescue. We have physical gifts cards you can send to your loved ones, an Alpkit Foundation Giving Card and an e-Gift Card for when time has got you beat. These can be redeemed online or instore.
