There’s truly nothing better than getting a care package in the mail that’s filled with thoughtful gifts and mementos from the most important people in your life. For people who love camping, receiving little gadgets and trinkets that make outdoor living fun and exciting is even more amazing.
If you’re looking to send an outdoorsy loved one a care package but don’t know where to start – worry not, we’re here to help.
Coming right up, we’ve created a great list of 28 of our top camping care package ideas that you can pick and choose from when building your own outdoor-themed goodie box.
28 Fantastic Camping Care Package Ideas
1. GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set
Eating wholesome meals while outside is one of the best parts of camping. But, if your loved one loves to cook up some gourmet grub, then a quality kitchen set like this one from GSI Outdoors is a solid choice.
This Destination Kitchen Set comes with everything your camper needs to eat well while outside. It includes a set of 4 forks, 4 knives, and 4 spoons, plus a whisk, serving spoon, spatula, and utility knife for ample functionality in a backcountry kitchen.
As an added bonus, this set also comes with a cutting board, dish scrubber, condiment set, spice shaker, and a camp towel to help with washing up. Finally, it all comes wrapped up in a heavy-duty carrying case for easier transport to and from the campsite.
- Includes 4 forks, 4 spoons, 4 knives, pivot spoon, pivot spatula, a collapsible whisk, utility knife, spice shaker, 2 condiment containers, cutting board, scrubber, camp towel, and a ballistic outer case.
2. Mini Nalgene Water Bottle
Nalgene water bottles are legendary in the camping world and these mini 16oz (0.5L) models are a great accessory for any outdoor adventure.
They’re made from the same great BPA-free Tritan plastic that Nalgene has perfected over the last 70 years but in a smaller, more compact package. Thanks to this heavy duty plastic polymer, mini Nalgene water bottles are capable of withstanding frigid cold temperatures (down to -40ºF/-40ºC) and boiling hot water (212ºF/100ºC).
This makes them a particularly nice option for use as an on-the-go mug or hydration system during lightweight backpacking trips or globe-trotting adventures. Plus, they come in an assortment of fun colors to match your camper’s unique style.
- Suitable for warm and cold beverages
- Tolerates down to -40ºF/-40ºC and up to 212ºF/100ºC
- Free of BPA, BPS, and phthalates
3. Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
A deck of playing cards is a must-have for any camping trip. But, anyone that’s ever tried to play gin rummy in the rain knows that most playing cards aren’t exactly fond of wet conditions.
This deck of Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards, however, are made from an extra durable plastic polymer that’s 100% waterproof, regardless of where your loved one decides to pitch camp for the night.
With this set, you get a full deck of standard size playing cards, plus a sturdy plastic carrying case for more comfortable transport on the go.
And, If you are curious about what other things you could bring for a fun night, be sure to check out the entertainment section in our ultimate camping checklist and have your bit of leisure in the outdoors.
- Clear playing cards
- 100% waterproof and washable, perfect for camping
- Standard playing card size
4. NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow
It can be hard to get a good night’s sleep while camping, which is why having a quality camping pillow like the NEMO Fillo Elite is essential. While there are dozens of camping pillows to choose from, the award-winning Fillo Elite combines comfort and portability into one unique package.
The Fillo Elite is a hybrid pillow, which integrates an inflatable air cell into a well-padded PrimaLoft insulated case. Its rectangular shape and the baffled design prevents the awkward “balloon” feeling that people often get from an inflatable pillow for added comfort at night. And speaking of comfort, we have some other tips so that you could sleep with ease in a tent, so be sure to check it out.
Despite being comfortable and supportive, the Fillo Elite also packs down to a surprisingly small size. The pillow comes with its own stuff sack, too, so it’s easier for your camper to carry it deep into the backcountry on their remote adventures.
- Ultralight pillow for camping
- With a dimension of 15 x 11 x 3 in (38.1 x 27.94 x 7.62 cm)
- Made of 100% recycled Primaloft insulation
5. LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
Combining a hydration system and a water filter into one great package, the LifeStraw Go Water Bottle is a practical option for the camper in your life. You can choose between a 22oz (650mL) and a 33oz (1L) bottle based on your loved one’s camping needs.
With the LifeStraw Go, you get an award-winning water filter that removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoan parasites without the need to sit and pump water out of a river or lake. The LifeStraw system also includes an activated carbon filter that helps to remove heavy metals, chlorine, odors, and weird tastes for a better drinking experience.
Additionally, this bottle is quick to clean at home after a long camping trip. The included carabiner also makes it easy to clip onto a backpack for staying hydrated while backpacking or traveling.
- Available in multiple colors (blue, pink, purple, green, gray, black, light blue, teal)
- Two sizes: 22oz and 33oz (650ml and 1l)
- Filters microplastics
6. All-Natural Rustic Fire Starters
A thoughtful gift for the outdoors lover in your life, these hand-made all-natural fire starters are a great option for any camping trip.
They’re made by a small company located in the northwestern United States from soy wax, pinecones, espressor, and recycled wicks, so they’re as environmentally friendly as it gets.
To use them, you simply place a fire starter on top of your kindling and light the wick. They catch on fire almost immediately, making it relatively easy to get a roaring bonfire going, even with wet wood.
Moreover, these firestarters come packaged in an adorable and rustic gift wrapping with a small charm for your loved one. They also smell fantastic, so they help remind your loved one of the beauty of the outdoors, even when they can’t get out and camp.
7. Light My Fire Titanium Spork
A spork is an absolute classic piece of camping gear and a titanium model is hard to beat, especially if you’ve ever had the sad misfortune of breaking a spork in the middle of a camping trip. In fact, we can assure you that trying to eat out of a freeze-dried meal bag with half of a spork isn’t exactly the way you want to spend your next camping trip.
Thankfully, Light My Fire’s titanium spork set comes with a fun combo design that provides all the cutlery you need in one compact package.
It’s made from a durable, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic polished titanium that produces no unwanted metallic taste as you enjoy your meal by the campfire. This spork also has a melting point of 2,372ºF (1,300ºC), so it can be used as a stirring spoon while cooking on solo camping trips.
The best part? Titanium doesn’t snap and breaks like plastic do in cold conditions. That means that this spork is designed to last for years, even with regular use in the mountains.
- 100% Titanium lightweight spoon-fork-knife combo
- Extremely durable, heat resistant, non-magnetic, and hypoallergenic
- Serrated edge on side of the fork
8. GSI Outdoors Pour Over Java Set
Who doesn’t love a cup o’ joe in the great outdoors? If the camper in your life can’t live without their morning coffee, then the GSI Outdoors Pour Over Java Set might be a great idea for their next camping care package.
This fun set from GSI comes with a collapsible pour-over stand for making quality coffee in the backcountry. The pour-over stand also has a built-in reusable filter to help reduce waste in the backcountry.
If that wasn’t enough, this pour-over set comes with a compact hand grinder that’s explicitly designed for use in the mountains. That way, your loved one can enjoy the wonders of fresh-ground coffee, wherever life’s adventures take them. Pour-over is one of the easy ways to make coffee while camping. Just be sure to learn how to use it.
- Perfect for on-the-go camping or backpacking
- Package includes a ceramic grinder, cup, drip cone, snap-on cover, filter, spoon, and stuff sack
- Spill-free brewing
9. Mophie Power Boost Mini Power Bank
Even if your camper likes to head into the outdoors to unplug, they probably bring quite a few electronic devices, like headlamps, GPS devices, and e-readers along for the ride.
All of these devices need to be charged regularly, which can be tricky when you’re camping. Enter: the Mophie Power Boost Mini Power Bank.
This lightweight power bank weighs in at less than 3oz (85g) and is smaller than a deck of cards. However, it still holds enough power to charge your smartphone while camping and other similarly sized device multiple times when you’re in the outdoors or even far from an outlet. What could be better?
- Portable universal charger with 2,600mAh battery
- Available in 2 colors: black and pink
- lightweight
10. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor Light 2.0
Many lighting ideas are going around for camping, but when the Luci inflatable solar lantern hit the market over a decade ago, it took the camping world by storm. These highly portable camping lighting solutions weigh just 4.4oz (124.7g) and collapse down flat for easier packing on the trail.
Each Luci light has an integrated solar panel that can be used to charge its batteries as you hike. Once the sun goes down, you simply need to inflate it and press the on button for instant illumination.
These lanterns offer 75 lumens of light and are fully waterproof, so you can even use them when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate. They also come with a set of built-in straps so you can hang them in your tent, in a tree, or wherever you need light while camping.
- lightweight, waterproof and durable
- Emits 75 lumens of power via cool white LEDs
- Recharge via solar in 7 hours and shines up to 24 hours
11. Sea to Summit X Mug
Compact, yet functional, the Sea to Summit X Mug is a fun little gift for your outdoors lover. These mugs are made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone and have an intelligent construction, which allows them to collapse down to a flat disc shape for easier storage.
With the X Mug, campers get a convenient hydration option for enjoying a cup of hot chocolate around the campfire at night. The underside of these mugs are also made from a durable plastic polymer that provides a stable platform when you set your drink down on the ground.
Additionally, these mugs are surprisingly durable and they can withstand temperatures as hot as 300ºF (148.9ºC). They’re also dishwasher safe for easier clean up after a camping trip.
- Available in different colors (black, blue, gray, lime, orange, and red)
- BPA free materials, dishwasher & microwave safe
- Can hold temperatures up to 300ºF (148.9ºC)
12. The Friendly Swede Paracord Survival Bracelet
A stylish and wearable gift, the Friendly Swede Paracord Survival Bracelet is a versatile tool in the outdoors.
This 2 pack of bracelets is made from durable paracord, which has a seemingly endless list of uses on a camping trip. From pitching tents to serving as a last-resort fire starter in an emergency, a paracord survival bracelet is a must for any outdoors enthusiast.
Plus, these bracelets are fully adjustable, so they’re great for adults with nearly any size wrist. They have a sleek fishtail braid design with a metal clasp that looks nice both on the trail and in town.
- Comes with 2 sets
- Suitable with 6.9 - 8.1 in (17-20.5 cm) wrists
- Use it for securing cargo, broken straps, or lashing poles
13. PackTowl Ultralite
If your favorite camper loves to swim in alpine lakes, then a PackTowl ultralite trail towel is a must-have.
These towels are made from a super absorbent microfiber fabric that can soak up exceptional amounts of water. At the same time, they dry nearly 80% faster than cotton towels, making them an ideal option for quick dips in the lake.
Backpackers particularly enjoy PackTowls because they are lightweight and highly portable in the mountains. As a result, they’re a nice piece of gear to toss into your pack before heading out on a hiking trip, mainly if there’s a nice swimming hole along the trail. And if you are going on a beach camping trip, this one is also recommended.
- Available in different designs
- Inclusion of hang loop and a zippered pouch
- Measures 10 x 14 in (25.4 x 35.56 cm)
14. MSR PocketRocket 2
An award-winning compact stove, the MSR PocketRocket 2 is a thoughtful gift for a camper that’s looking to get out and explore more remote locales.
Featuring a newly-redesigned construction and a smaller, lighter build, the PocketRocket 2 is a high-end canister stove for lightweight adventures. It weighs just 2.6oz (73g) and packs down to about the size of a pill bottle.
At the same time, it’s able to boil 1 liter of water in only 3.5 minutes, which makes it a nice choice for rehydrating a freeze-dried meal. The entire stove even comes packed into a tiny hard-sided case for added durability in the mountains.
Check out this short video from MSR to learn more!
- Easy to set-up lightweight stove
- Includes a protective case
- Boils 1L (0.26 gal) in less than 4 minutes
15. GSI Outdoors Spice Missile
For a simple, yet highly useful little gift to put in a care package, the GSI Outdoors Spice Missile is a great choice.
Designed for camp chefs and cooking aficionados that just can’t stand bland food, the Spice Missile is an all-in-one flavoring solution for backcountry meals. It has storage space for up to 6 different spices in one small package, allowing you to pack maximum flavor without lots of weight and bulk.
The Spice Missile also disassembles for quick cleaning at the end of your camping trip. It also includes a set of removable spice labels for easy identification and food prep while outside. This spice kit appears useful and must be part of your kitchen gear list, so why not include it in your camping checklist.
- Expandable design that provides 1 oz (28.3 g) of space for 6 different options
- With resin body to protect spices from weather & moisture
- Small and lightweight
16. Kindle Paperwhite
If you’re looking to splurge a little bit on your outdoor-loving bookworm, a Kindle Paperwhite is a solid choice. Although there are quite a few great e-readers out there, the Paperwhite is a particularly good option for campers because it’s fully waterproof.
Plus, this e-reader has one of the longest battery lives on the market (about 6 weeks), which means it’s a nice piece of gear to pack on a longer backpacking trip. Kindles also weigh under 7oz (198.4g), which is less than your average paperback book.
One of the coolest features of this e-reader is that it has a built-in backlight. So, your favorite camper can curl up in their sleeping bag and comfortably read their book at night without disturbing their tentmates.
- Can choose between 8 GB or 32 GB
- Lasts up for weeks on a single battery charge
- Waterproof and lighter
17. Black Diamond Cosmo 300 Headlamp
Headlamps are essential to any outdoor adventure, and camping trips are no exception. The Black Diamond Cosmo 300 is a solid all-around solution for anyone that needs a reliable headlamp in the mountains.
This headlamp offers up 300 lumens of brightness on its max setting and can be dimmed to the perfect level of illumination with just the push of a button. It also comes with a red light mode for night vision, allowing your loved one to move around camp in the dark without messing up their ability to see the stars.
Wrapping up a great set of features on the Cosmo 300 is a digital lockout function that prevents the headlamp from turning on when in a backpack. It’s also fully waterproof, so it can be used in any weather conditions. This headlamp is pretty much useful not just in camping but also in your night hike, so make sure to keep one in your hiking backpack.
- Can be used for at least 1.20 yd (1.1 m) underwater for 30 mins.
- Emits brighter light up to 300 lumens
- With simpler settings and lockout feature
18. Personalized Campfire Mug
There’s no better way to send your favorite camper out into the backcountry than with a personalized camp mug in tow.
These 10oz (295mL) metal mugs feature an adorable mountain-themed drawing. You can personalize them with a name or quote and the designers from ODYSEAstore will place your phrase directly onto the mug with permanent sublimation print technology.
Each mug comes gift wrapped and is printed within the United States. They are also durable and resilient enough to withstand frequent use so your loved one can always have a memento from home when they head outside.
19. S.O.L. Emergency Bivvy
Although you hope that your care package recipient will never have to use it, a S.O.L. Emergency bivvy is a small, practical gift for any outdoor enthusiast.
Made from an extra-insulated reflective fabric, these emergency bivvies are designed to keep people warm in cold, wet conditions. S.O.L.’s emergency blanket comes fully seam sealed straight from the factory, so it serves as a great barrier to the wind and the rain in foul weather.
Unlike many other emergency bivvies, this model is also designed to be reusable. That way, your favorite camper can always rely on it if things go awry in the mountains.
- Measures 84 x 36 in (213 x 91.44 cm)
- 90% heat reflective
- Made out of durable materials
20. Rite in the Rain Notebook
Journaling is a favorite pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts, and a Rite in the Rain Notebook is a great gift for anyone that travels in remote locales.
All of Rite in the Rain’s notebooks are filled with their proprietary waterproof paper, which is designed to be used in the harshest conditions on Earth. This particular model is a classic pocket-sized spiral bound notebook with universally lined paper that can be used for everything from journaling to doodling while in the mountains.
Plus, Rite in the Rain’s notebook paper is completely recyclable, which is unique in the world of waterproof writing solutions. These notebooks can be used with standard pencils or you can even include Rite in the Rain’s All-Weather Pen in your care package to send your camper into the woods with style.
- Weatherproof paper with 64 pages and tough made cover
- Measures 4.625 x 7 in
- Recyclable paper and cover
21. Helinox Chair Zero
Who says camping can’t be comfortable? With the Helinox Chair Zero, campers can sit back, relax, and enjoy a cozy seat at the end of a long day of hiking, even when they’re far from the nearest trailhead.
Although the Chair Zero is a bit of a splurge, its small, compact size makes it a great gift to place in a camping-themed goodie box. At just 1.2lbs (544g), it’s among the lightest fully-featured foldable camping chairs on the market.
Thanks to its innovative aluminum alloy pole frame, the Chair Zero can accommodate campers that are up to 265lbs (120kg). It also assembles in just seconds, providing a quick, simple solution for comfort on the trail.
- Lightweight and compact camping chair
- With a weight capacity of 265 pounds
- Easy set up and measures 20 x 19 x 25 in (50.8 x 48.3 x 64 cm)
22. SAKEYR Travel Watercolor Set
Specifically crafted with artsy globetrotters and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the SAKEYR Travel Watercolor Set is a fun, outside the box, gift option for a camping care package.
This set comes in a durable plastic case that’s just about the size of a small paperback book. It includes a set of 2 watercolor pens, which allow for seamless painting on the go.
Inside the plastic case, your favorite camper will have access to 36 paint colors, which are all made from high-quality arabic gum. These non-toxic and acid-free paints can also be mixed up on the case’s built-in mixing palette, providing endless entertainment and crafts opportunities while in a camp.
- Available in 36 colors
- Suitable for beginner and professionals
- Set includes water brush, sponges and a mixing pallette
23. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks
For staying organized while camping, Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks are a sure bet.
Crafted out of lightweight, yet surprisingly robust Ultra-Sil fabric, these dry sacks are designed to keep your gear as dry as possible, even when camping in wet environments.
Ultra-Sil fabric is actually made from high-tenacity CORDURA nylon, which is rip-resistant and fully seam taped to ensure that water stays out at all costs. These bags are engineered with a classic Hypalon roll top closure system and quick release buckles, which provide easy access to gear while in the mountains.
Sea to Summit’s dry sacks are available in various sizes, from a petite 1L all the way up to an extra large 20L. That way, your camper can have maximum flexibility in packing and organizing the camping gear.
- Can hold up to 13L (clothes or a 3-season sleeping bag)
- Ideal for use inside a backpack and not for marine use.
- Made of a durable and waterproof material
24. Engraved Marshmallow Roasting Fork
Sitting around the campfire with friends roasting up marshmallows for s’mores is a favorite pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts. Finding the perfect stick to roast your marshmallows, however, isn’t always as easy as it might seem.
With these engraved marshmallow roasting forks, however, your loved one can enjoy all the gooey deliciousness of a s’mores without having to search for a stick at their campsite.
These forks have an innovative telescoping design, which allows them to extend to 32” long for roasting and collapse down to 12” for transport. Each of these roasting forks can also be custom engraved with your camper’s name or a favorite quote for that added personalized touch in their next care package.
25. YETI Rambler 14oz Mug
YETI is more or less synonymous with quality in the outdoor gear world and their Rambler 14oz mug is no exception.
Featuring fun colors and a classic, yet stylish design, the Rambler is a solid all-around mug for camping adventures. It’s made with extra-strong steel that’s double-wall vacuum sealed to ensure your camper’s morning coffee stays as hot as possible.
It also has a no-sweat design and a Duracoat color coating that prevents condensation build-up on cold mornings.
The mug comes with its own sipper lid, which has a shatter-resistant construction to prevent damage while in camp. Finally, it’s dishwasher safe for easy cleaning at the end of any outdoor adventure.
- Rust-resistant mug and unfading duracoat color
- With double-wall vacuum insulation
- Triple Grip Handle offers an easy and firm hold
26. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight
Preparedness is key when you’re in the mountains, so having a first aid kit that you trust is of the utmost importance. Thankfully, the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight first aid kit comes fully stocked with everything your loved one needs to handle a small medical incident while outside.
This first aid kit makes a nice care package gift because it weighs just 3.7oz (104g) and is about the size of a thick paperback book. It’s designed to prepare a solo camper for a weekend camping trip, so it’s a great thing to pack on any short adventure.
With this med kit, you get a set of gauze, bandages, moleskin, tape, and various over the counter medications. It’s also easy for your loved one to refill any used supplies in the future using Adventure Medical Kits’ resupply sets.
That way, you can have the peace of mind you need to know that your loved ones are prepared for any eventuality in the outdoors.
Check out this video from Adventure Medical Kits to learn more about what comes in this model:
- Stocked with essential medications and supplies
- Made of 100% waterproof material in the inner and outer bag
- Ultralight and compact
27. S.O.L. Traverse Survival Kit
If you’re looking for that one thoughtful item to place in a camping-themed care package that your loved one will always carry into the mountains, the S.O.L. Traverse Survival Kit might be what you need.
This intelligently designed kit comes packed in a burly aluminum tin and is the perfect thing to toss in a backpack for any outdoor adventure. It includes everything one needs to stay safe and sound, even when things don’t quite go according to plan on a camping trip.
In particular, this survival kit comes with an emergency blanket, fire starter, rescue whistle, water purification tablets, and gear repair tape. It also includes a set of instructions so your gift box recipient will always have access to survival tips and the bare essentials when they head outside.
- Packed with life-saving essentials under four areas in water, shelter, fire, and signaling
- Ultralight and compact
28. The Friendly Swede Sleeping Bag Liner
Last but not least, a sleeping bag liner from the Friendly Swede is a great little gift for anyone looking to catch some Zzzs in the outdoors.
Made from a silky smooth polyester fabric, this spacious sleeping bag liner is designed to help wick away sweat while camping on muggy summer nights. It provides ample next to skin comfort to help your camper get the best sleep possible when camping or far from home.
Weighing in at just 8.4oz (237g) and packing down to about the size of a deck of cards, this liner is small enough to bring on nearly any adventure.
- Made of polyester with comfortable silk texture
- With zippered liners that offer extra easy opening
- Generous space for arms and legs
