The Overlander’s 2019 Gift Guide: Outdoor & Camp Gear Under $200

It seems like every year, we tell ourselves that we will prepare for the holidays long before they arrive, and almost without fail, we find them sneaking up on us anyway. This year is no exception, with trip planning, meal prepping, and, of course, gift buying well underway, but if you haven’t found that perfect gift for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman in your life, don’t worry, we’ve got several buyer’s guides to help you out. This guide covers camping and lifestyle gear under $200, but you can find outdoor gear over $200 here, and a guide on four-wheel drive products and accessories is coming soon!

National Parks Field Notes – $13

Simple, affordable, and practical for your everyday life, the Fifty-Nine Parks Print Series of Field Notes is a great gift for any friends or family who love getting outdoors. Each book is printed on 100-pound cover stock from the French Paper Company of Niles, Michigan, with copper staples recalling the promotional materials of the original National Park System. Inside the back cover, you’ll find a brief history of the park pictured on the front, a spot for the official National Park Passport Stamp on the inside front cover, and 48 pages of Finch Opaque 60#T marked with a 3/16″ graph to record your plans, routes, notes, and memories.

As a final bonus, Field Notes donates five percent of retail and wholesale purchases to the National Parks Service, in order to help them preserve and expand on our nation’s best idea. So what are you waiting for?

Check out the whole collection here.

Artwork Of Your Vehicle From Ten and Two – Pricing Varies

If you’re looking for something unique this holiday season, why not pick up a custom illustration from Matthew Hoss of 10.and.2. He can add custom backgrounds, accessories, dirt, logos, surfboards, and even a Christmas tree for the exact look and feel you want. Each design can be used for stickers, t-shirts, greeting cards, online logos, and more. Fees vary based on your selection but are generally very reasonable.

To learn more, visit the Project Ten and Two website here.

Roof Tent Interior Table – $40

If you’ve got a rooftop tent and are tired of having nowhere to set your drinks, phone, or other miscellaneous items, then Tepui has the product for you. It’s called a folding tent table and clamps directly onto the armature of a roof tent with a built-in tablet and phone holder, and two drink holders. While it is designed for Tepui tents it will fit most standard RTTs.

To learn more, check it out here.

Passport – $145

If you find yourself shopping for someone who dreams of travel but has no passport, then do them a favor and give them the gift which will keep on giving. Fees for 2019 are set at $110 for an application plus a $35 execution and processing fee, bringing the total to $145. A nominal price to pay for removing a roadblock that could open up someone’s life to the world.

To learn more, visit their website here.

Bob Wohlers’ Off-Road & Overland Adventure Books- $25+

People often ask what upgrade will give them the most bang for their buck when trying to improve their vehicle’s off-road capability, and the answer is simple, driver training. Unfortunately, most classes and courses can cost a pretty penny, and while they’re worth it, they can be out of some folks price range. So if you’re looking to increase your own knowledge, or that of a friend, try giving them this excellent series of training books from Bob Wohlers this season. While other resources like the Overlander’s Handbook may touch lightly on the basics of driving and recovery, these publications delve into the details to help you actually understand the concepts in order to apply them in real life.
Pricing starts at just $25, but the more expensive books on recovery and survival skills are worth the spend. Check them out on Amazon here.

Exped Megamat Sleeping Pad – $199

I’ve been using Exped’s Megamat for several months now and can attest that it takes comfort to the extreme. With an insulation R-Value of 9.5, a comfortable non-slip surface, a level sleeping space spanning from edge to edge, and nearly 4″ of luxurious cushion to sink into, it’s no surprise why Exped has become one of the go-to sleeping pads for overlanders. These pads are available in Regular, Long, and Double sizes.

To learn more, check it out on their website here.

Torch Flannel Lined Jacket by Off The Grid Surplus – $94

Off The Grid Surplus has impressed us with their Trailblazer pants over the last few years, but this season they launched a new line of jeans, flannels, and jackets that we’re sure you’ll love. This one is called the Torch, available in black, green, and gray, and is made from the same stretch-canvas used in their Trailblazer pants but with a soft flannel liner.

Early bird pricing is set at $94, and you can learn more by visiting their website here.

Front Runner Spare Wheel Step – $169

I’ve been running a spare wheel step on my truck for nearly three years now, and it is by far one of the most useful modifications I have made. This simple to install accessory acts as a step or ladder on your spare tire, enabling you to reach cargo on your rack, climb into your roof tent without a ladder, or simply get a better vantage point for photos. It’s made from black powder-coated, 3-millimeter 3CR12 stainless steel and weighs 6 pounds.

To learn more, check it out on the Front Runner Website here.

Revel Gear Trail Hound Lights – $25

There’s something so cozy and welcoming about string lights, but most of the ones on the market are cheap, finicky, and tend to tangle easily. That’s why I’ve been digging the Trail Hound lights from Revel. They’re not only built better and less prone to becoming a tangled mess, but the several available colors and dimmer function means you’ll be able to choose the perfect light for your mood.

To learn more, check them out on the Revel Gear website here.

Leatherman Free P2 or Topo Signal – $119

Leatherman needs no introduction to the outdoor community. Their legendary multi-tools have become favorites among outdoorsmen and women the world over, but now they’ve taken a new approach to their classic tool with the Free series. The Free was redesigned from the ground up to put every implement on the outside of the tool for one-handed access and easier use. It also uses a magnetic opening and closing mechanism that will never wear out, giving the tool a smooth feel and satisfying cycle.

If you want something a little different, though, check out the brand’s Topo Signal, which is designed for the outdoors and incorporates a firestarter, hammer, one-handed blade, and emergency whistle.

Both of these Leatherman products incorporate a total of 19 tools, and you can learn all about them on their website below.

Leatherman Free P2 Leatherman Topo Signal

Tepui Insulating Layer for Roof-Top Tents – $179

Winter is clearly upon us, but your camping season doesn’t have to end. In fact, it can go all year long with this insulated roof tent liner made by Tepui. Although it is designed for their tents, forum feedback indicates they will attach to a variety of tent brands with similar dimensions. Just be sure to check the measurements of your tent against their’s online, and then choose one of three available sizes.
To learn more, visit the Tepui website here.

Kelty Love Seat – $99

The number of camp chairs we could include in this guide is endless, but how many camp love seats can you think of? Well, that number can be at least one from now on, thanks to Kelty. This two-person couch is ideal for cuddling by the fire or lounging outside to read a book on a lazy afternoon. It’s available in low and high models, carries a weight rating of 500 pounds, and features dual insulated adjustable cup holders, an integrated carry sleeve, and a 600D polyester fabric over a steel frame for durability.

To learn more, check it out on the Kelty website here.

Roambuilt Shovel – $75

If you’re looking for a strong, versatile, lightweight shovel that looks awesome to boot, then the Roambuilt V-Nose could be the perfect gift. It’s made entirely from aluminum alloy, with a billet handle designed for use as a hammer. It weighs only 3 pounds and is made right here in the USA.

Check it out on the Roambuilt website here.

Front Runner Jerry Can with Spout – $58

If you’ve ever tried pouring water from a jerry can, you’ll know it’s far from efficient. That’s why I’m digging this can from Front Runner Outfitters with a built-in spout. The tap is recessed into the can to protect it from being smashed or broken and can be unscrewed and swapped with other fittings. The tank itself is made from food-grade polyethylene and is BPA free with a total capacity of 5.3 gallons. Despite these features, it still fits in standard NATO jerry can holders.

To learn more, check it out on their website here.

Danner Mountain 600 – $200

It’s tough to find a boot that will stand up to the trail as well as the office, but the Mountain 600 is up to the job. This lightweight hiking boot packs a heritage look, but with a full leather upper and Danner’s waterproof barrier for a dry fit regardless of the weather. A removable ortholite footbed and a Vibram SPE midsole with their Fuga outsole give the shoe plenty of cushion, while also providing loads of grip on the trail. It’s what Danner calls Performance Heritage, a combination of their classic styling with lightweight innovation.

To learn more, check it out on the website here.

Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil – $59

In an age where practically every word we write is on a computer or phone, it can feel like penmanship and sketching is a lost art. Maybe that’s why I’ve begun to appreciate fine pens and pencils like this Rotring. They’re practical for everyday use, whether at home or in the office, and seem to spur creativity and joy regardless of what you’re putting to paper. Rotring has been producing German-engineered, expertly made drafting tools since 1928.
To learn more, visit the website here.

America The Beautiful Pass – $80

Like the passport above, an America The Beautiful Pass is a gift that the outdoorsmen and women in your life will enjoy all year long. It grants them and three guests unlimited access to our national parks, as well as many state parks and preserves throughout the nation.

To learn more, visit the park’s website here.

Blue Ridge Overland Gear Tire Storage Bag – $69

There are plenty of things we like to keep outside of our vehicles. Trash, firewood, spare fluids, dirty boots, and all of that can be conveniently stored in a Blue Ridge Overland Gear tire bag. Available in standard and XL sizes, these durable pieces of kit are made from a vinyl-coated polyester truck tarp right here in the USA. They can be paired with other MOLLE accessories or buckles to one of their MaxTrax carriers, as shown here. Unlike some of the other tire bags on the market, the BROG mounting system is very secure, so you won’t find the bag sagging down like a backpack on a moody teenager after each trail ride.

To find out more, visit the Blue Ridge Overland Gear website here.

Blue Ridge Overland Gear Packing Cubes & Cube Caddy- $29+

Packing cubes are pretty much the best thing to happen to luggage since the compression sack. They not only keep things organized and easy to find, but also save space and keep the interior of your vehicle neat. I’ve used various brands while living on the road for the last two years, but the Blue Ridge versions are the sturdiest designs I’ve seen yet. They’re available in multiple colors and sizes and can be used for clothes, recovery gear, vehicle fluids and more. There’s even a cube caddy, which is designed to keep the cubes together in the back of your truck, and make it easier to tote them inside the house or around camp.

To learn more, visit the Blue Ridge Overland Gear Website here.

Gerber Flat Iron – $48

I love a good folding blade, but sometimes I feel like the same old recipe gets boring. Fortunately, Gerber has changed things up with a cleaver blade in a folding application. Called the Flat Iron, it boasts a 3.6-inch blade, a textured G-10 composite handle, and a sturdy frame lock design. The reverse curvature of the knife’s spine keeps knuckles away from the cutting surface, allowing the user to cut and chop with precision.

Pricing is set at just $48, and you can learn more on their website here.

Tailgater Tire Table – $139 – 15% off code ExpeditionPortal15

We recently reviewed the Tailgater Tire Table here, but to sum things up, it’s a durable, free-standing, versatile camp table that attaches to your tire for stability in all ground conditions. We fell in love with its simplicity and effectiveness during our test, and are sure your family and friends will as well.

Tailgater is currently offering 15% off of orders with the code ExpeditionPortal15 online, so be sure to check it out here.

5.11 Dart 24 30L Pack – $119

The 5.11 is probably best known for its tactical function and appearance, but this bag takes a low-profile approach, hiding big functionality in a “low-vis” appearance. While the outside keeps things chill with colors like heathered gray, the inside features a carefully thought out organization system with side entry compartments, dedicated admin and organization panels, a removable laptop sleeve, and a padded back with air spacer mesh. It’s form meets function, and we love it.
To learn more, check it out on their website here.

Weathertech Full-Vehicle Window Shades – $139 (varies)

Sleeping in your vehicle is becoming a more popular solution for overlanders each year, but camping in a fishbowl for the world to see isn’t exactly attractive. That’s why the Weathertech window covers are one of our top picks for this year. While they aren’t available for every vehicle, many popular platforms like the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are available.

Pricing varies, but you can check out your vehicle on the Weathertech website here.

Give’R Gloves – $45

Gloves are one of the most important pieces of your tool kit, but also one of the most overlooked. If someone you care about is lacking hand protection, give them a personalized pair of Give’r gloves. These gloves are branded with up to three letters for initials, coated with a natural wax for weatherproofing, and come from a small business dedicated to their local community and giving back to the outdoors.
To learn more, visit their website here.

To look at outdoor gear over $200, click here!

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Chris didn’t receive a real taste of the outdoors until moving to Prescott, Arizona, in 2009. While working on his business degree, he learned to fly and spent his weekends exploring the Arizona desert and high country. It was there that he fell in love with backcountry travel and four-wheel drive vehicles, eventually leading him to Overland Journal and Expedition Portal. After several years of honing his skills in writing, photography, and off-road driving, Chris now works for the company full time as Expedition Portal's Senior Editor while living full-time on the road.