Perfect Wedding Gifts for Outdoor Couples and Wedding Parties

Perfect Wedding Gifts for Outdoor Couples

Fall in Colorado is one of the most popular times of the year for outdoor weddings. It’s also a great time to consider gifting multi-season gear that can transition from summer to fall.

While wedding gift guides are traditionally in abundance during the summer months, once fall approaches, it can sometimes be challenging to find seasonally appropriate gift  ideas (Engearment writer Kate likens the difficulty of finding fall wedding gift resources to that of hunting for graduation cards for summer or winter semester graduates: not impossible, but not easy either).

The Engearment squad has compiled an epic resource for outdoor-loving couples. Whether you are looking for the perfect wedding gift or looking for that next piece of camp gear to keep your partner happy – this guide is for you!

P.S. There’s also plenty of gift ideas for the entire wedding party, or favors to guests.

Wedding Gifts for Outdoor Couples – No More Gift Cards!

Let’s face it, gifting an REI gift card is kind of bland.  Wouldn’t it be more meaningful to get the newly married couple that perfect outdoor gift? This gift guide is comprised of gift ideas for couples that like to – camp, hike, bike, and much more.  From all kinds of price points too.  If you are the ones getting married, this can make for a great gift registry idea! No more gift cards.  Let’s get them set up with legit gear that they will use and love!

Camp Gear

If the couple you are shopping for likes to camp, or is curious about getting into camping, then we have you hooked up!  Below are some of the best couples camp gear out there.  Trust us, we actually tested all of this out for you, to make sure it is going to serve the recipients well.  From tents and sleeping bags to headlamps and camp furniture.  Engearment approved couples camp gear!

Sleeping Bags

One of the biggest improvements in couples camping can be switching to a two-person sleeping bag.  This is great as it keeps the couple closer together (plenty of good things happen! LOL) but it also makes packing easier.  Think about it, wouldn’t you want to replicate the home sleeping experience while camping?  Below are some of our favorite two-person sleeping bags.  Some synthetic, some down, but all awesome.

Big Agnes Dream Island 15 Degree Two Person Sleeping Bag

This two-person sleeping bag is the warmest one we have tested.  The cotton material feels great against the skin too.  It is rather heavy at 7.5 lbs, but it is worth it if sleeping at, or below, freezing temps.  Grab one here for $270.

Thermarest Vela Double Down Quilt

This is a legit backpacking worthy quilt.  It is just over 2lbs and packs up very small.  While not as warm as the other sleeping bags, it packs quite a punch.  Ideal for the backpacking couple. $280

Rumpl

While Rumpl is not a sleeping bag or a quilt, they do offer some great, packable blankets. In this case, we have loved the original and sherpa blankets.  They pack up small and provide great comfort around the campfire.  They are also great for keeping dogs warm in the tent!

 

Sleeping Pads

While you can absolutely use two separate sleeping pads with the double-wide sleeping bags, it requires a little finesse.  You should attach the pads together with loops and it is ideal to have pads that are the same size, temp rating, and shape.  That can be tricky to nail down all of that!  Why not just make it simple and get a two-person sleeping pad to share?

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Double Wide Sleeping Pad

This new and improved two-person sleeping pad from Big Agnes is the real deal.  I love the new, durable materials. The pad also has insulation and heat reflective materials to retain as much warmth as possible.  It is a good deal at $199

Thermarest NeoAir Camper Duo Sleeping Pad

This two-person sleeping pad features two separately inflatable chambers.  One for each sleeper.  This is great if one of you wants a firm sleeping pad and the other wants a marshmallow.  Made in the USA for the bonus! MSRP $299

NEMO Cosmo Double

This sleeping pad has served us well for the last few years.  It features a built-in foot pump to make inflation simple (and not exhausting). Insulated and rated to 15 degrees, making this great for shoulder season use.  $220

Tents

There are a lot of great tents out there.  Below are a few that have quite a bit of experience with and can recommend.  It should be noted that tents can range from high end, ultralight minimalist to heavy glamping style tents. We chose to focus on high-quality tents that can be used for car camping or backpacking.  While staying within a reasonable price point.  For more in-depth coverage on high-end four-season tents, check out our stacked line up of reviews on Hilleberg, Fjallraven, Black Diamond, Exped, NEMO and more on Engearment.com.

Kelty Ranger Doug

The Ranger Doug tent is a great tent at a great price.  Available in 2, 3 and 4 person sizes.  We used the two-person version this summer and found it remarkably easy to set up.  This would make a great car camping or backpacking tent.  Fairly priced at $240

NEMO Galaxy 2

This is a great tent for stargazing as part of the fly can rollback. At 6lbs all in, this is a backpackable tent. NEMO even throws in a footprint as well. It is a great deal at $199

NEMO Galaxy 2 tent

REI Half Dome 2 Plus

I love this tent.  It has been in our family for years and always impresses me. It is only 5 lbs, yet has 44″ height and is plenty big enough for two large adults.  Bonus – it is now available in four colors. Great deal at $229

Camp Furniture

Make camp more comfortable with adding some good camp chairs, tables, and hammocks.  When the weather goes south, head under one of these canopies!

Kelty Big Shady

This is easily the biggest camp canopy we have tested.  Recently, we camped in a 7 our rainstorm.  The Big Shady was a welcome asset to keep us, and our firewood, dry.  MSRP $250

Kelty Low Loveseat

This two-person camp chair is great for car camping or outdoor concerts.  It saw a lot of use this summer and it was my wife’s favorite!  MSRP $99

Big Agnes Big 6 and Mica Basin Chairs

Both of these camp chairs fold up to a small package.  These also make great chairs for outdoor concerts. Big 6 $150 Mica Basin $130

Helinox Chair Zero

This is the lightest, most packable chair in this guide.  Just over 1 lb and still comfortable.  This chair is very impressive! MSRP $120

ENO Lounger DL Chair

This is the most comfortable chair in the guide.  It has a built-in pillow, cup holder and can be adjusted to two different heights.  Not as light as the chairs above, but it is very much worth it at camp!  MSRP $125

ENO Hammocks

The Double Nest hammock has been in our camp kit for years.  It sets up quickly and can easily hold two adults.  I can not recommend these enough!  Get one for yourself while you are at it.  MSRP $70

Yakima Slim Shady Canopy

This stoweable canopy attaches to your roof rack and provides a great refuge from sun and rain.  We have ours mounted on a 4Runner, but most any other vehicle with a roof rack will work.  The awning compacts up into a weatherproof pouch when not in use.  We love this thing!  MSRP $300

Camp Accessories

Sometimes it is the small things that really make the camping adventure that much more special.  Of course, there are the essentials like headlamps, lights, chargers and such.  Then there are little odds and ends that seem to sweeten the experience.  Below is a mix of the tried and true as well as some really fun items to spruce up the camp.

YETI Hopper Flip 8 $199

The most compact of YETI’s Hopper soft cooler series, the Hopper Flip 8 is a great option for those who only need to pack the essentials or have limited storage space. Take it to festivals, or on a romantic picnic; the possibilities offered by the YETI Hopper Flip 8 are endless.

Designed for the ultimate portability, YETI Hopper Flip 8 features include a flip top opening for easy access, cubed shape for easy storing, and Hitch Point grids to attach a bottle opener.

YETI Hopper Flip 8 also makes a practical Best Man or Maid/Matron of Honor gift. Make the gift even more memorable by filling it with a 6-pack of their favorite beverage. MSRP $199

 

Mountain Lux Candles ($5 to $20/each)

Mixologists creating special cocktails for weddings have become commonplace. However, how many weddings have you heard of that include their own customized candle scent?

In addition to providing couples the opportunity to design a signature fragrance for their wedding, Mountain Lux Candles also creates personalized wedding favors for use as table decorations, or gifts to guests and/or members of the wedding party.

Thoughtfully labeled and individually wrapped in delicate organza bags, the candles can be placed in hotel rooms of wedding guests, or throughout the wedding venue for a truly memorable ambiance.

Mountain Lux wedding favor packages can be created in a variety of sizes. Ranging from $5 to $20, the price is based on the size and number (minimum of 20 is required) of favors ordered. As a bonus, a complimentary 8 oz candle of their design is given to the wedding couple.

For a unique experience, wedding, engagement, or bachelor/bachelorette candle designing parties are also available upon request at the Mountain Lux studio in Golden.

 

Titan Deep Freeze Lunch Box $28

This little cooler is a great lunch box.  Featuring two removable ice packs that store nice and flat.  This cooler also expands to increase space.

 

For an easy gift idea one-stop-shop, check out Barebones Living. They sent over a bunch of really cool items for us to use this summer. Some of our favorites are below:

Pathfinder Cooler – 16 cans. $60. 

Maple and Steel Cutting Board $40

Hori Hori and Sheath $50

Edison String Lights LED USB powered $60

Field Hatchet $65

YETI Rambler 16 oz. Stackable Pints $49.99 (pair) $24.99 (separate).

Say goodbye to the ubiquitous red plastic party cup.

With more color options than before, the space-saving (van life, anyone?) YETI Rambler 16 oz. Stackable Pints feature an indented bottom that makes it easier to hold (ideal when you’re balancing food and beverage at a picnic or party) and fit into most beverage holders.

Additionally, YETI fans will appreciate that the YETI Rambler 16 oz. Stackable Pints are now available to purchase as singles so that couples can mix and match their favorite colors.

Want to be extra? Customize the stackable pints with their sorority or fraternity, alma mater, favorite national park, or an outdoor motif. YETI Rambler 16 oz Stackable Pints make practical gifts for either the special couple or entire wedding party.

Nit Ize Runoff Waterproof Packing Cubes

These are awesome for electric items that should not get wet.  Also, these are very useful for packing clothes and saving space.  Basically, these are wonderful and everyone should have a couple.  I have used the medium $45 for smaller electronics and the large $55 for mirrorless camera and lenses.

 

Backpacker’s Pantry Two Person Meal Kits $74.10

Send the newlyweds on their next outdoor adventure with Backpacker’s Pantry Two Person Meal Kits. Ranging from Three Sisters Stew to Changmai Coconut Curry with Beef, seven options are available to create a customized menu.

Backed by a 10-year shelf life, Backpacker’s Pantry dehydrated meal kits are easy to prepare: just mix contents with boiling water, let stand, and serve. As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1 percent of its sales to nonprofits dedicated to protecting to the environment

 

Headlamps

Biolite Headlamp 330

This micro USB rechargeable headlamp is a real pleasure to use (and wear).  The lightweight (69 grams) headlamp is very comfortable thanks to the 3D Slimfit headband. 330 lumens is enough to light up any situation!  Dimmable, red light, and tiltable lamp.  Not much else you could ask for in a headlamp $50

Rings

Yep, rings. While most people go for traditional rings, outdoorsy folk may like something a little more…. forgiving.  Enter the silicone rings.  These soft rings keep the symbolism of marriage (or other traditions and styles) while allowing the wearer maximum pliability and safety.

QALO Rings

From stackable sets to crossover designs to engravings on contrasting colors, the variety of silicone ring styles and colors QALO offers are as unique as the individuals who wear them.

We had no idea that silicone rings could be so stylish! Fortunately, the creative minds at QALO have a much larger sense of imagination, including their most recent metallic (appearance is more of a matte finish) collection.

For minimalists who appreciates clean lines, the Metallic Strata Silicone Ring $29.95 is a perfect choice. So comfortable, you will nearly forget you are wearing it. They also appear less rounded for a closer jewelry-type look.

Looking for a unique and affordable gift for members of your wedding party? QALO offers personalized rings for $39.95.

ENSO Rings

My wife loved the rings from ENSO.  The colors were shockingly good and the look was very pleasing.  I wore the Classic Silicone Ring  $30 while my wife opted for the Thin Elements $40 style.

Interesting side note: ENSO Rings became a household name after they were featured on ABC’s business reality TV show, Shark Tank, in October 2017. The initial pitch suggested that surprisingly resilient silicone rings could be worn in tough activities where traditional metal rings are typically removed, and eliminate the risk of ring avulsion.

 

 

Shoes

His and her shoes are so…. cute 🙂 Some of our favorites are below.  All are functional, durable and will perform as good as they look.

Forsake Phil Mid

A waterproof leather casual boot that looks good in the urban environment as well as the mountains. Yes, these are actually waterproof.  What I love about them is they are more comfortable than they look!  MSRP$140

Forsake Lucie Mid

Like the Phil above, these good looking boots work just as well in the city as they do outside.  Waterproof insert and premium suede make these long-lasting.  MSRP $140

Forsake Lucie Mid Waterproof Shoes

North Face Ultra Fastpack III GTX

These hiking shoes have a GoreTex insert to keep feet dry and Vibram MegaGrip outsole for great traction in dry or wet conditions.  My wife and I use these almost daily.  The FastFoam is very comfortable and the toe cap has done great at keeping our toes protected.  Mens $150 and Womens $150 

Pakems

These packable shoes are such a great gift.  They are waterproof, insulated, comfortable and pack up small!  Hence the name, Pakems.  There are several styles to choose from, but we went with the Vail model.  Because we love Vail (and this model is a high top!).  Warning, if you only get one pair, you be assured that the wife will snag them.  Just my experience LOL.  But seriously, get them each a pair MSRP $80

Coolers

Titan Deep Freeze 20 Quart Roto Cooler

Excellent compact cooler for a day or weekend use. This is a super sturdy cooler that keeps food WAY colder than my old Coleman cooler. So sturdy that it’s certified to resist a grizzly bear attack by the Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). This cooler is all about insulation; it keeps food ice-cold for 2 days if it’s half-full of ice and comfortably cool with only 1.5 liters of ice, which is how I usually use it on a weekend.

The amount of interior space is a bit surprising when you open it up – the walls are really thick and there’s not as much capacity as there looks to be from the outside. However, it fits a Tupperware of leftovers, a yogurt container, veggies, a 6-pack of beer, and 1.5 liters of ice, which is just fine for us for a weekend. Get the 50L version for a road-trip and you’ll be able to keep a week’s worth of food cold indefinitely if you swap out ice every 3 days or so. MSRP $150 for 20qt  MSRP $245 for 55qt

Arctic Zone 30-can High-Performance Self-Inflating Cooler

This is a game-changer! Here’s the dilemma: you’re flying to Seattle, where you’re going to rent a car and travel around for a week, hiking near the ocean and climbing in the Cascades. You’d love to be able to eat fresh, keeping some veggies, cheese, sausage, and some celebratory beers on hand, but you can’t fly with a cooler – what to do? This inflatable cooler rolls up to a compact cylinder smaller than most sleeping bags and fits right in your duffel bag. It’s not as insulative as a hard cooler, but it keeps food cold for about 2 days in temps up to the 90s (F) with a liter of ice. Considering that you can fly with it, I’d say that’s more than enough performance. It almost completely self-inflates in a couple of minutes, and you can top it off by blowing through the valve. The lining is leak-proof and it can easily be wiped or hosed out for cleaning. MSRP $50

Gregory Amasa 10 H20 women’s hydration pack

My wife really likes this little bag. It comes with a 3-liter hydration bladder that easily stows in its own pocket. The bag has several small pockets which help keep small items like phone, keys, and some bars organized, and it has a stretch panel on the back that you can stuff a windbreaker or raincoat into for quick access. It doesn’t hold a ton of stuff, so may not be the best choice for an all-day hike in cooler weather, but is ideal for warm weather or mountain biking, where you don’t want to carry much on your back anyway – just the essentials. MSRP $99

Osprey Transporter 130 duffel bag

This thing is huge! So big you have to be careful not to exceed the checked bag weight limit. On our recent trip to Washington, this duffel swallowed up all our climbing gear, 2 ropes, tent, stove, 2 sleeping bags and pads, 2 other backpacks, and a rolled-up inflatable cooler. It’s simple and burly, made of really thick rubberized nylon, and has two easy-to-grab handles for picking up and heaving into the back of a car. For carrying through the airport, pull the stowed shoulder straps out of their pouch (they even have lifter-straps!), clip them in, and you’re ready to go. Then the straps stow away really quickly for sending it onto the airplane, or a bus, or whatever. This thing is built like a tank and designed to withstand years of rough use. You needn’t fear a buckle breaking – the few external buckles and zipper pulls are tucked away and would be really hard to damage. 

For a truly mammoth duffel bag, this is the best, built-to-last-a-lifetime bag I’ve seen on the market. Osprey’s Transporter duffel bags come in similar sizes to Patagonia’s Black Hole bags (also very high quality) but are a better value, each costing about $20 less for a similar size. Notably, the Black Hole tops out at 100 liters. For climbers and backpackers who are traveling with lots of gear, get the 130-liter duffel, you won’t regret it. Just be judicious if you need to keep the weight below 50 pounds – this thing can take a whole lot more. MSRP $180

 

 

Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote 61 L $99

Looking for a practical gift that is also good for the planet? The Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote 61L will haul laundry, groceries, gear, and more!

What makes this tote unique is its construction.

Part of the Recycled Black Hole Bags collection, the Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote 61L’s body fabric and webbing are 100 percent constructed from recycled plastic bottles. The repurposed Black Hole line is sturdy and weather resistant with a DWR finish and TPU-film laminate.

 

 

Women’s clothing

Title Nine – clothing actually cut for women!

Majestic Skort

Another great travel piece; comfy and dries quickly. Is a great option for all all-day hike and also stylish for going out to dinner in. Lilly wore it on a couple of runs and decided that it might be comfy for running in cooler fall temps, but is a bit heavy for summer running. If you’re between sizes, size down. MSRP $69

Air Con Sweater

Perfect to throw on after exercise, you can dress it up or dress it down, so a nice staple for travel. Could throw it on at the trailhead or wear to work, or out to dinner. Fits true to size. MSRP $79

 

Henerala shirt

Well fitted for the female form, wore two consecutive days on a rigorous bike-packing trek and it didn’t stretch out or smell, and it dries quickly. Good for outdoor use and travel. If you have broad shoulders you might want to size up. MSRP $39

Dauntless Joggers pants

My wife loves these pants for a variety of activities, from climbing to hiking to just lounging. Last week she wore them in the climbing gym before work AND during our red-eye flight that night – they’re that comfy, she says. They are a great all-in-one pant to bring traveling. Fit true to size and fit a woman’s curves well. Ideal for gym and sport climbing but probably not the best choice for trad climbing and heavy-duty use since they are so light and stretchy. MSRP $79

Clamber pants

“Finally a pant built for a woman’s figure, not Spongebob Squarepants!” my wife exclaimed when she tried these on. It’s really difficult to find women’s climbing pants that have a waist smaller than the hips – the way a lot of women are shaped. These pants have that shape and fit true to size. They are made of a thicker, more durable fabric than the lightweight lounger pants, and should stand up to the abrasion of outdoor rock climbing. MSRP $89

Men’s clothing

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

My Patagonia Nano-Air jacket travels with me almost everywhere – it’s super versatile, dries quickly, and is warm for its bulk. From spring through fall, it’s my go-to insulation layer to bring along on for rock climbing, hiking, and travel, and it’s usually the jacket I have crumpled in the back of my car for throwing on when I get back to the trailhead for a tailgate beer. In winter, I wear it while warming up on Nordic skis, or as a quick layer to throw on when the wind bites while backcountry skiing. 

The thing about this jacket is that it breathes really well, so you can wear it while hiking on a cold alpine-start morning without breaking a hard sweat. Often, if I’m chilly after a cold belay while climbing, I’ll just keep this jacket on while climbing the next pitch – I don’t tend to overheat while wearing it. I was a little disappointed that the older version didn’t stuff into its pocket, but they just released a new version, the Nano-Air Light Hybrid, that does, which is very convenient for clipping to a harness during a pitch. The new design is also a little lighter and slimmer, with stretchy, lower-profile wrist cuffs that stay out of the way when you’re frying bacon. MSRP $199

Patagonia Micro Puff

The Micro Puff has been a favorite with the Engearment team.  Check out all the styles for the Micro Puff. Here is our review on the Micro Puff:

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody – Patagonia’s Lightest Packable Insulation Ever

We hope you found this guide helpful.  Whether it is for newlyweds, a young couple or lifelong partners.  Gifting something that helps others, especially ones you care about, enjoy the outdoors is a special thing.  The memories you get to help make and the adventures they get to enjoy are priceless.  The Engearment team had a great time putting this together.  All of the gear in this guide is tried and true and sure to provide a good experience for the lucky recipient!

If you are looking for some great activities to enjoy outdoors, check out this guide from our friends over at Trip Outside – https://www.tripoutside.com/62-ways-to-get-active-in-the-great-outdoors/

See also –

Fathers Day Gift Guide 2019 – Engearment Approved Dad Stuff