Do you have someone in your life as obsessed with hitting the trail as I am? They probably are a beast to shop for and are the kind of person that if they want something, they just buy it. Check out our list of best off-roading gifts that are sure to impress, no matter how hard your person is to shop for.
We organized our items into Camping, Emergency Preparedness, Navigation and Organization, Off Grid and an Extras category. We also tried to hit on every budget rather than focusing on a certain price point.
Table of Contents
Camping
Spantan Handheld Kindling Splitter $35
Spantan Handheld Kindling Splitter is a double handled kindling knife and for anyone who’s ever started a fire you will appreciate the genius behind it. It is a beast at splitting small softwood logs whether you use it when you are out camping or for your Solo Stove (a must on our list too) at home.
VSSL Flask $95
A flask that doubles as an emergency flashlight and looks amazing at the same time? The VSSL Flask is just that. VSSL are the leaders in space saving survival gear and this dual purpose flask accomplishes two great things in one tiny item. Light and whiskey, what more do you need? VSSL actually makes a few different versions of these, but this is the one we like.
HitchFire Forge 15 $450
HitchFire Forge 15 is a hitch mounted grill. Fancy yourself a burger out on the trail? Pull over, swing it out and start cooking! This baby works off propane so no charcoal or wood chopping necessary. With the fold out prep area and room on the grill for 8-10 burgers, you will be the life of the party. Just be aware if you are tackling those really technical trails, you probably won’t want this hanging off the back of your rig.
Trasharoo Off Road Trash Bag $47.99
The Trasharoo Off-Road Trash Bag isn’t just any ordinary trash bag. It hooks onto your spare tire and can hold up to 50lbs of trash all while looking great. Don’t need to haul trash? It is also great for off-road recovery gear, firewood, charcoal, wet swim gear… the sky is the limit. Anything you don’t want messing up the inside of your vehicle will work great in here.
We have one of these we use to haul trash home from our cabin. Despite not having a rear tire carrier, I hook it onto my Gobi ladder on the back of the 4Runner and works just the same.
Tactica Camping Tool Card $35
Tactica Camping Tool Card is a nifty gadget that is a must for camping. Although it weighs less than two ounces, you can use it to start a fire, pitch a tent and open a beer. It even has a sundial! A Ferro-rod is always a good thing to have. In my mind you can’t have enough of them. I have one in every backpack, and a few in each of our cars.
Nordic Pocket Saw $49
The Nordic Pocket Saw is a conversation starter. It is made up of just two parts — a carbon steel chain and nylon handles. It doesn’t look like much but it can saw through even the toughest of logs and it stores in a bag about the size of a wallet. Don’t run out of fire wood in the backcountry with this great tool. With it being so small dan’t forget you have it either!
Emergency Preparedness
VSSL Supply Packs $30
VSSL has come up with three different supply packs that are compact and have everything you need for an emergency. Like we mentioned above, they are the leaders in compact survival gear and all of these packs are worthy of making the list. Consider VSSL the MacGyvers of the outdoor world.
- The “Fix It Pack” has Forj Tape to create a material that’s stronger than steel, and rope, razor, zip ties, and adventure tape for repairs that don’t need as much strength.
- The “Day Hike Pack” is filled with blister packs, a first aid tin, bear (or emergency) whistle, multi-purpose, strong hold tape and a tiny water purification system.
- The “Fire Starter Pack” might be my favorite of the packs. It includes Pyro Putty for easy fire starting under any conditions, a wire saw and razor that is standard issue for UK Special Forces, and a small tin of fire starting matches cotton and tabs.
Judy Emergency Preparedness Kit $180
The Judy team has a few options when it comes to their preparedness kits. We liked the Mover Max option as it is enough food and supplies for a family of four for 72 hours. It is waterproof, puncture proof, and has supplies for warmth, first aid, safety, tools, water and food. Plus it only weighs 15 pounds.
This kit is perfect for those families that get evacuated for any reason. Just grab and go. You can have the confidence you will have everything you need.
Desert Fox Xtreme Gas Bag $135
Having a gas tank is always a great idea when you will be out on the trail or camping for any number of days, but gas cans can take up a lot of unnecessary space especially after you’ve emptied them. Introducing the The Desert Fox Xtreme Gas Bag. It can be folded away when not in use and is strong enough to hold 6L of gas. Keep in mind this isn’t a long term gasoline storage option. It should only be used for temporary storage. This is such a must have off-roading gift. It is a necessity for the trail.
DB Power Car Jumper Pack $80
These little jump packs are amazing and it may be our favorite off-roading gift on the list. We like the DB Power, but it is definitely not the only one on the market. This one is a little bigger than others, but still only the size of a box of Kraft Mac n cheese. These jump boxes pack enough power to jumpstart your rig about 20 times. The best part is, you won’t need another vehicle to help you. I have used mine several times for co-workers. They are all amazed. Be the talk of your office!
Wagon FRED PRO Flashing Roadside Flares $27.68
These Wagon FRED PRO are a great tool to have if you get that flat tire on the highway, or are stuck out on the trail. These are fully rechargeable, and will alert incomers to you needing help ahead. This is the new version of a road flare right here.
Krazy Beaver Shovel
The Krazy Beaver Tool Shovel is no joke! I have used this thing to dig out an entire road after the apocalypse (bomb cyclone) a couple years ago at work. The whole road was covered in a few feet of snow and ice. This shovel dug dozens of cars and semi trucks out with ease. This shovel comes standard with shark like teeth on the end of it. Manufactured out of 13 gauge heat tempered steel and has reinforced teeth. It comes in one size measuring in at 40″. This fits perfect on my Gobi rack along with a Fiskars axe.
Navigation and Organization
Garmin In Reach Mini $350
The Garmin In Reach Mini is the little brother of the Garmin in reach. The main purpose of this is for emergency situations with the SOS button. The mini mostly relies on using your phone or tablet as a main screen. This one does require a monthly subscription. You will also have the ability to send text messages to people without cell service. We take ours on EVERY adventure, and Megan even takes it to photo shoots if they are in spots with little to no phone service. If you want an off-roading gift that is guaranteed to be used all summer long, this is it.
Molle Panel Rear Window Storage $179
We have an entire post dedicated to the awesomeness of Molle Panel storage. This Rear Window Storage is a great way to start your collection.
Custom Cup Holder Inserts $32
Technically not an organization item but it does make your car feel more rugged and cleaner. Customize your color and cut out on this Etsy shop. We’re feeling the Bigfoot cut out. The best part about these is your Yeti mug won’t stick to them like the stock Toyota ones.
Off Grid
Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Power Generator $200
The 150 Portable Power Generator from Yeti. If you are like us and like to get out of the city for any amount of time, but still want to be able to use things like a blender, or a laptop, this thing is key. Megan often times needs to get some photo editing done while we are out, and this powers her MacBook Pro no problem.
Goal Zero Flip 36 Power Bank $40
Goal Zero Flip 36 Power Bank is perfect for topping off your cell phones or battery powered hand warmers. Don’t expect this thing to run larger electronics, but will get you through. This is also a great gift for someone that just flat out travels a lot.
Goal Zero Nomad 20 Solar Panel $149.95
The Goal Zero Nomad 20 is a foldable solar panel that will recharge all your Goal Zero power sources by harnessing the power of the sun. You can link multiple solar panels together with the included 8mm cable for faster charge times. If you live in total darkness then best to move on.
JetBoil Stove $110
If you don’t know about JetBoil then its about time you find out! This bad boy can boil water in 100 seconds. It’s insane how well these work. I’ve taken mine hunting, camping, and to work. I drive a truck for a living so it was nice for me to be able to make a hot drink on the side of the road when it’s cold out. The stoves condense into just the can, and that includes the fuel canister. I recommend getting the French press if you are a Coffee drinker. That way you will be able to make your morning cup of mud in no time.
Miscellaneous
Patches, patches and more patches $7-$15
I grab Morale patches whenever I can and Tactical Outfitters has the largest selection of them. I have a pretty decent amount of them stuck to the ceiling of the 4Runner. Some represent places or things we have done, while others are just generally awesome. Make sure you get ones with velcro on the back so you can stick them to the headliner.
Carhartt Legacy Tool Roll $24
Every guy working on their car or around the house needs a good tool roll. The Legacy Tool Roll from Carhartt fits the bill while also a great price. This is even better for keeping in your rig full of tools that may be needed to do some trail repairs. I keep some cheap extra tools in mine and just leave it in my rig.
Element RC Enduro Trailrunner 4×4 RTR 1/10 Rock Crawler (Fire) w/2.4GHz Radio
Have you stepped into the world of RC cars yet? If not, you should. This Element Trailrunner kit is almost as fun as being out on the trails in a full size vehicle. The options are endless when it comes to RC cars. You can basically build your exact off road vehicle, 1/10th the size. Just be warned that taking a deep dive into the RC world can cost just about as much as the real thing.
Solo Stove Bonfire $260
The Solo Stove Bonfire is a backyard necessity in our opinion. Megan got me one for Christmas and we waited a few months for it to finally arrive. Once it did, it has been in steady rotations — whether it’s drinking whiskey under the stars or making some s’mores with the kiddos.
Solo Stove has three size options but we like the Bonfire for backyard gatherings. It is big enough to keep the family warm but won’t overwhelm the area you place it in. We recommend the stand if you are putting it on a patio or deck. This thing heats up nicely and is smokeless. S’mores every night?! Count us in. This is where the Spantan kindling splitter will pay dividends.
Fisher Space Pen $23
Everyone needs a fisher space pen. Everyone. It has a 100 year shelf life and even writes in temperatures as extreme as -30F to 205F. Underwater, upside down, you name it. This thing will write in any condition. You will always be able to count on fisher pens. Their refills fit in many other styles of pens too.
Tailgater Tire Table $140
The tailgater tire table takes your tie and makes it a table. It’s simple design is genius, and comes in handy when you need to have extra table space. This is perfect for tailgating (imagine that)! Set up your blender on this bad boy and fire up some good ole margs.
MPowered Luci String Lights $45
The Powered Luci String Lights are great for camping especially with little kids. They like the comforts of having a little light shining. We set these up in our tent to make them more at ease especially if we want to stay up a little later for some drinks by the fire. These being solar powered are great because they won’t use up any of your other power sources.
You could also string these from your roof to a nearby tent to give off that cafe light vibe as you sit by the fire.
Leatherman Skeletool CX $80
The Leatherman Skeletool CX is the perfect small multitool. It is so light you won’t even notice it, and has a clip for carrying in your pocket. While there are bigger and better multitools out there, this one is great due to its ease of carrying. While being the same size as most pocket knives you will gain tools like needle nose pliers, a screwdriver, and a bottle opener to go along with the knife. Another nice feature of this particular one is the ability to open the knife without having to open the entire multitool.
Final Thoughts
It isn’t easy nailing down a gift for someone who has all the knick knacks and paddywacks but this list should give you a good start. Camping, off-roading, emergency preparedness and off grid living all go hand in hand so the items on each list will compliment each other nicely. Heck, you could have a secret list of gifts going for the next few years! I know my wife keeps one! While these are the gifts we like, most of these brands offer bigger or smaller versions of the items listed. You may want the big Solo Stove! we just didn’t need that big of one for our small deck. The great thing about this list is that it will get you thinking outside the box a little.