12 Techy Gifts for the Outdoor Lover

Outdoor lovers tend to fancy the idea of getting away from the modern world. It’s kind of…the point, right? However, we would be lying if there weren’t certain technical gadgets we loved having in the middle of nowhere. 🙂

And there are some of us that like being in cell phone range so we can post our pictures to Instagram. Ahem…

1. Nikon D5300

Probably the most beloved piece of equipment I ever take outside is my Nikon camera. It is heavy but worth every ounce. The quality difference between this and a small point and shoot is a mile wide!!

I left it at home during a recent backpacking trip because I thought it was “too heavy.” Huge mistake. Huge.

Add ons

Girls who take landscape shots need this: Tamron Wide Angle Lens This makes the difference between professional and amateur looking shots.)
Avid wildlife lovers might prefer this: Tamron Telephoto Lens When I went to Africa, I barely touched my binoculars and primarily used my telephoto.

2. iPhone Lens Clips

If you’re not up for the expensive camera route, this makes a fun gift. iPhone pics are already good quality but these make them look professional.

This set comes with a wide angle and a macro. (See my posts Lady Lindsay Takes Big Bend and The Amazing and Strange Cactus of West Texas) to see what these lens clips can do.)

3. Drone

Drones do the outdoors justice on camera in a way a point and shoot camera cannot. If she’s into sharing her imagery on the internet and already has the above gadgets, this is the perfect gift.

4. Go Pro

Waterproof, tiny, and good quality pics/video…this is fun for action shots. If she’s planning a Grand Canyon adventure or some hiking expedition, or loves to ski, this might be the perfect thing.

5. Solar Powered Bluetooth speaker and Phone Charger

She’s gotta get her tunes on when she’s camping or hiking, and she’ll need the help of solar power to keep her speaker going. This is waterproof, solar chargeable, and small enough to pack easily.

6. Hestra Heated Ski Gloves

Having a glove that heats your hands while skiing or snowmobiling is one of the sweetest luxuries a mountain girl can get. (Just behind soaking in a hot tub after a long day.)

These Ressignol gloves are a less expensive option and come with three heat settings.

7. GPS/Two Way Communicator

This enables you to plan your route in advance, share it, track your route as you go, and send the periodic text to say you are A-OK. And if you’re not A-OK you can trigger an SOS and call in the troops. My brother, a man who researches things like this extensively, has this one.

Another option: ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon (pro: has a strobe light, con: no texting option)

8. Solar Charging Panel

I saw a ton of ladies hiking this summer with these hanging from their packs. This gets over 4.5 stars both on Amazon and REI.

If she camps or goes on overnight hikes, she will love this!

9. GPS Enhanced Rolling Suitcase

This has a phone charger, remote locking system, GPS, and ability to weigh itself. Brilliant! (I feel like it should be in a James Bond movie.)

Outdoorswomen will love this for their on-the-go lifestyles.

10. Trail Camera

Hunters love stuff like this, but it’s fun even if you don’t hunt. I always love seeing what wildlife are out on our ranch and game cameras catch a lot of them and give you a knowledge of your land that hunting can’t always do.

Motion activated, it takes high quality pictures of wildlife especially at night when there are a lot of creatures out.

11. Two Way Radios

Who hasn’t had fun with a two way radio before?! Seriously though, they do come in handy when you want to communicate but don’t want to shout (ie in any peaceful nature scene) or if cell phones die or are out of range. Times I’ve found them handy:

Riding horses
Hunting when one hunting partner is out of ear shot
Road trips with multiple cars — primarily used to communicate the next Dairy Queen stop, let’s be real
Fishing with friends

Sometimes it’s just nice to put away your phone when in nature.

12. Fitbit Charge Activity Tracker

This is great for tracking distance and calories burned, which always keeps me motivated to go on my next outing.

That’s all! Hope everyone gets their Christmas shopping done and has a time to spend the holidays afield.

Check out my other gift guides:

14 Christmas Gifts Lady Hikers Will Love
30 Christmas Gift Ideas for Ladies Who Camp
12 Camo Christmas Gifts Women Hunters Will Love