
A gift guide for vegans who love the outdoors
If you're shopping for someone who prefers trail mix over tech gadgets and finds joy in a scenic hike, this guide covers you. I’ve rounded up thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts that will suit both their plant-powered lifestyle and their love for adventure.
From vegan camping gear to snacks that keep up with them on the trail, these picks will impress even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast.
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1. Gifts for vegans who love the outdoors
No leather, wool, down, or feathers, please!
Looking for the ultimate gift for an outdoor enthusiast? The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a steal!
This inter-agency pass unlocks access to over 2,000 recreation areas nationwide, including stunning spots managed by the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and more. Whether it's exploring epic forests, serene lakes, or wild desert landscapes, this pass is like a golden ticket to nature's best playgrounds.
Here in Ohio, we're fortunate to have free access to our National Parks. But if you've ever found yourself unexpectedly paying an entry fee at a stunning forest (we're looking at you, Virginia!), you'll appreciate the convenience of this pass.
Bonus perk: US Military members and their families can get a free annual pass.
Am I honestly suggesting you splurge on an expensive jacket as a gift? In this economy? Absolutely! Your loved one will appreciate the high-quality, cozy comfort of this North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket.
Yes, it costs a pretty penny, and yes, they're not a strictly vegan company. So, why is it included in this guide? Simple.
The North Face makes some high-quality gear that lasts for years and has a lifetime guarantee. That's good for your wallet and for the planet.
Of course, you'll have to ignore their malarky about responsible wool; wool isn't vegan, and feathers and down aren't vegan, either. Check the labels carefully before purchasing. Look for "Eco Insulation" like this ThermoBall jacket.
Features:
- Eco-insulation: Made with recycled materials, ThermoBall technology revolutionizes synthetic insulation. Developed in partnership with PrimaLoft, this innovative insulation offers a synthetic alternative to down and provides all-weather warmth.
- Water Resistant: Features 100% recycled fabric with a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) Finish.
- Lightweight: Fits the body for a close, warm layer.
- Packable Design: This jacket stows in the hand pocket, making it great for keeping in your backpack or throwing in your luggage for a warm-layer option. An internal, secure-zip chest pocket and covered zip hand pockets store your phone and wallet.
- Covered Cuffs: Elastic cuffs fit over gloves, and a hem cinch cord lets you customize the fit at the waist.
Shopping Options:
For the vegan adventurer who's always chasing the next summit or trail, the Black Diamond Distance Z Folding Trekking Poles are a great gift they'll thank you for every time they hit the trail.
These ultra-lightweight aluminum trekking poles are designed to provide sturdy support and withstand the rigors of the trial, ensuring their longevity. They fold up in seconds into three compact sections, so they're easy to stash when not in use—because nobody needs clunky poles sticking out of their pack while they're trying to enjoy the view.
Perfect for everything from day hikes to long-distance treks, these poles are versatile, add stability on uneven terrain, protect those plant-powered knees, and help conserve energy on those relentless ascents.
The EVA foam grips keep things comfortable, and the adjustable wrist straps ensure they stay put when the trail gets tricky. Whether your giftee is trekking through the Alps or tackling their favorite local trail, these poles offer lightweight strength and performance that'll keep them moving forward easily.
A practical, adventure-ready gift for anyone who values comfort, performance, and well—solid footing!
Looking for a gift that screams "thoughtful and functional"? The Burton Gore-Tex Gloves are perfect for the vegan adventurer (or anyone with cold hands).
These gloves aren’t just waterproof—they're seriously waterproof, like “still-warm-after-hours-in-a-blizzard” waterproof, thanks to the Gore-Tex tech and Thermacore insulation. And the best part? They're 100% vegan, so no animals were harmed in the making of these mini hand heaters. With touchscreen-compatible liners, your giftee can still text while pretending they’re not cold.
Whether they're shredding powder or shoveling snow, these gloves are like little sleeping bags for their fingers—practical, cozy, and cruelty-free.
Shopping Options
Water. We all need it, and sometimes, finding clean water on the trail isn't as easy as finding your next vegan snack. Enter the Platypus Quickdraw Ultralight Water Filter System—a must-have for any adventurer who likes their H2O fresh, fast, and free of creepy crawlies. This lightweight wonder weighs just 3.3 ounces and filters up to 3 liters per minute, so you can spend less time pumping and more time exploring.
Why You'll Like This Filter
Its durable hollow fiber filter removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, giving peace of mind that what you're drinking won't ruin your hike—or your stomach. Plus, it's compact enough to stash in your pack without taking up precious space.
Whether it's filtering from a mountain stream or dodging sketchy water sources at camp, this filter system ensures your favorite outdoor lover will stay hydrated and healthy on the trail.
A gift that literally keeps them alive?
Now that's thoughtful.
Give the gift of light! For your outdoor enthusiast friend who needs reliable gear without extra weight, the Nitecore NU25 400 UL is the headlamp that delivers.
Weighing in at just over an ounce, this little powerhouse blasts 400 lumens of brightness-perfect for illuminating midnight trail runs, setting up camp after dark, or finding snacks in the tent at 2 a.m. But its versatility doesn't stop there. Its USB-C rechargeable feature makes it ready for any adventure, from a quick evening hike to a multi-day camping trip.
And let's talk about the included Lumentac organizer- a small but mighty tool to keep gear sorted because who wants to untangle cords in the wild?
This headlamp makes a great gift, practical and bright enough to turn the darkest trails into daylight.
Is there a vegan who climbs on your gift list? This one is for them.
These Black Diamond Crag Gloves are a unique gift for vegan climbers. They are lightweight, breathable, and durable, providing excellent hand protection without compromising dexterity. The gloves are designed to shield hands from rough rock surfaces and sharp edges, reducing the risk of cuts and blisters. Whether climbing or belaying, the gloves offer enhanced grip and control, thereby improving the overall climbing experience.
Features
- Highly breathable stretch mesh fabric and knuckle padding
- Synthetic leather palm and fingers with a reinforced index finger and thumb crotch for durability
- Hook-and-loop cuff closure with pull-on/clip-in loop
Three Reasons to Gift These Crag Gloves
- Kind to Animals, Kind to Hands: Vegan crag gloves let them protect their hands without the guilt of leather. Because nothing says "I care about you" quite like sparing both their palms and a cow.
- Sustainable Style: These gloves are more than just a practical gift. They're a statement. By choosing these gloves, you’re not just thinking about their next climb, but also about the planet. It’s like giving them two gifts: happy hands and a slightly happier Earth.
- Perfectly Thoughtful: You've found gloves that align with their values and keep them climbing. This isn't just a gift, it’s a moment that says, 'I really understand you', wrapped in synthetic fabric. Plus, they'll thank you every time they avoid a painful blister!
Shopping Options
Like many families, mine has a tradition of gifting socks. Over the years, I've received numerous pairs of wool socks. However, as I've transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, I've been on a personal quest to find the perfect alternative. The socks I seek must keep my feet warm during winter hikes, just like wool, but without animal products.
These Darn Tough Socks fit the bill.
They're made from vegan Synthetic Coolmax® yarns, which help feet beat the heat and stay dry while hiking. The reinforced footbed and Achilles cushion improve the socks' comfort and help them last longer.
Made in Vermont and backed by a lifetime guarantee, Darn Tough Socks are not just a gift but an investment that will stand with your friend for a long time.
Before You Shop
When choosing your Darn Tough Socks, remember that the brand offers diverse styles. While not all of them are vegan, the variety of synthetic fiber options empowers you to make a choice that aligns with your values.
Shopping Options
These Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Meals are perfect for the vegan adventurer.
Outdoor Herbivore uses whole food ingredients and a blend of freeze-dried and dehydrated organic components, over 85% of which are grown right here in the U.S. So not only is your giftee getting high-quality, nutrient-packed meals, but they also support sustainable farming practices.
Designed for the convenience you need for life on the trail, these meals are a breeze to prepare—just add water!
They come in lightweight, resealable bags, perfect for saving space in a pack and reducing the environmental impact (because we all know vegans love a good eco-friendly choice). Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these meals offer hearty, delicious options that keep the adventure going strong without the hassle of bulky, perishable food.
Shopping Note
While Outdoor Herbivore is not a strictly vegan company, it offers a wide selection of vegan meals that will surely cater to your favorite plant-powered adventurer. From breakfast to dinner, every meal has a delicious and hearty option.
Meet the ultimate multitasker for the outdoor foodie: The Titanium Long Handle Spork.
Part spoon, part fork, this ultralight spork is built for adventurers who don't mess around when it comes to camp meals. Its long handle is perfect for reaching the bottom of those deep dehydrated meal bags, keeping hands clean while scooping up every last bite.
Titanium means it's tough but feather-light. Basically, it's indestructible but still lighter than that granola bar you're about to devour. Plus, it's portable, easy to pack, and comes with a bag so that it won't get lost in the chaos of your friend's backpack.
Whether they're at a campsite, a picnic, or halfway up a mountain, this spork is the tool they didn't know they needed—until you gifted it to them.
2. Books
Vegan adventures await
Give the gift of inspiration
Offer the plant-powered adventurer in your life a dose of inspiration with this collection of books featuring remarkable vegan athletes. These aren’t only cookbooks; they’re personal stories that showcase the triumphs, struggles, and incredible journeys of trailblazers like Rich Roll, Brendan Brazier, and Scott Jurek.
These athletes prove that a plant-based diet can fuel extraordinary feats, whether conquering ultra-marathons, climbing mountains, or simply pushing boundaries. Each page is filled with motivation, practical advice, and a healthy serving of humor, making them perfect companions for long hikes or cozy nights by the campfire.
Whether your friend is looking to improve their athletic performance or simply seeking inspiration from those who’ve embraced a compassionate lifestyle, these stories will ignite their passion for sport and sustainability.
It’s the perfect gift to encourage them to lace up their hiking boots and hit the trail—because the great outdoors is calling!
Thruhikers: A Guide to Life on the Trail might seem like an unexpected pick—mainly because the authors aren’t vegan, and some of the gear recommendations aren't either.
But here’s the twist: the recipes are entirely plant-based, and the book’s focus on sustainability and low-impact hiking fits perfectly with a plant-powered lifestyle. Sure, you might have to swap out a few gear suggestions, but the advice and insights are rock solid.
Five Reasons This Book Is a Good Gift
- With practical advice on staying energized, including plant-friendly snacks and meal ideas, this book helps hikers power through their journey with simple, nutritious food.
- Thru-hiking and sustainability go hand-in-hand, and this book emphasizes low-impact hiking, perfect for anyone who values the environment as much as the trail.
- Packed with insights from experienced hikers, this book offers advice for thriving on long treks, with plenty of flexibility for plant-powered hikers to adapt to their diet.
- Full of relatable stories and humor, it keeps readers motivated and entertained, making it a great read both on and off the trail.
- Beyond food, it covers packing tips and eco-conscious gear that any outdoor enthusiast—especially those living sustainably—will appreciate—a thoughtful, helpful gift for anyone who loves adventure and the planet.
Adaptable, full of wisdom, and packed with inspiration, this book is a great choice for any vegan hiker.
3. Gifts under $10
Gifts for every budget
Because it's not about how much you spend
Who says you need to break the bank to find the perfect gift for the plant-powered adventurer in your life? Our selection of vegan gifts under $10 proves that thoughtful and practical can also be budget-friendly.
These affordable finds are perfect for enhancing any outdoor experience without draining your wallet.
Truth in advertising
I am committed to providing accurate information to the vegan community. This work used the following extensively researched and cited sources listed here to ensure transparency and reliability.
Please contact me if you find something wrong.