1. Merino Wool Socks

Merino wool is a natural material that naturally wicks away moisture and resists odors, making it the perfect material for socks used in extended outdoor adventures.

Recommended merino wool socks:

When you're hiking in warm weather, pull on the Simms® Merino Lightweight Hiker Socks. Mid-calf height is great for hiking boots. These are made of 71% Merino wool and are made in the USA. GET IT HERE.

2. LifeStraw

The LifeStraw is an award winning outdoor product used in sports, survival and emergencies. It makes contaminated water safe to drink by removing 99.999% of bacteria, microplastics and parasites that can be found in streams and lakes. Use it to drink directly from a water source, or fill up a container or water bottle and use your LifeStraw to enjoy clean water on the go.

Recommended LifeStraw products:

• The LifeStraw Flex is a versatile, 2-stage personal water filter that you can use for a variety purposes. This LifeStraw filter can be used as a personal straw, with the included soft touch bottle, as a gravity filter, or attached to a plastic water bottle or a hydration bladder. GET IT HERE.

• Lightweight and compact, the LifesStraw Personal1.6-oz. Water Filter allows you to drink directly from lakes, rivers, or your water bottle by simply putting the lower part of the straw in the water and sipping. GET IT HERE.

3. Outdoor Multi-Tool

A reliable multi-tool is another essential for any outdoor adventurer’s bag. A multi-tool allows you to fix anything on the go including hiking gear, camping equipment and can even be useful in emergency situations.

Recommended outdoor multi-tool:

Cabela's® Knife and Multi-Tool Combo features a great outdoor knife and a multi-tool with 8 handy tools, including: standard pliers, needle-nose pliers, Phillips screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, wire cutters, bottle opener, locking knife and a foldable carabiner. GET IT HERE.

4. Gear Repair Kit

Another day-hiking essential is a gear repair kit, which provides materials and tools to repair their gear while out in nature. However, much like the traditional first aid kits, gear repair kits can be filled with unnecessary plastic waste.

Recommended gear repair kit product:

Earth in Common Zero Waste Gear Repair Kit products are selected to ensure that no wasteful single use plastics are used and include useful tools such as a multitool card, replacement buckles, sewing kits and reusable zip ties. GET IT HERE.

5. Paracord Survival Bracelet

Compact and portable, a paracord survival bracelet can lend some useful resources in an emergency situation. This essential survival tool is ideal for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, hunting, fishing or spending any time outdoors!

Recommended Paracord Survival Bracelet:

Earth in Common Multi-Function Paracord Survival Bracelets can be worn around the wrist or buckled to any bit of hiking gear to ensure that useful tools are with you on any adventure. Features include paracord rope, a flint Firestarter, a compass and a whistle. GET IT HERE.

6. Durable & Re-Usable Water Bottle

This one is pretty self explanatory. Did you know that most single-use water bottles don’t get recycled? A 2018 report by the UN found only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. Reusable water bottles are an obvious sustainable option, but which ones are suitable for rugged outdoor adventures?

Recommended Durable & Re-Usable Water Bottles:

• The YETI® Rambler® Bottle keeps your water ice cold while giving you a wide mouth for guzzling when thirst strikes! This insulated bottle features a TripleHaul™ handle that seals with a simple twist, while offering multiple carrying options. The Yeti Rambler Bottle boasts BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel construction, and a No Sweat™ design means condensation won't build up on the outside. GET IT HERE.

• Why choose BPA-free plastic over metal? The Nalgene® Wide-Mouth Loop-Top 32 oz. Water Bottle is 100% BPA-free, featuring a wide mouth for easily adding ice and attaching to purifiers or filters, and is suitable for warm or cold beverages. Extended backpacking adventures might require the boiling of water to make it safe for drinking. Non-insulted bottles made by Nalgene® are durable enough to handle boiled water and allows your water to cool to drinkable temperatures. Also, it’s once it’s empty, it’s lightweight and easy to carry. GET IT HERE.

7. Re-chargeable Hand Warmers

Never dispose of single-use hand warmers again. Re-chargeable electric hand warmers can now compact and can provide long lasting heat while enjoying the outdoors.

Recommended re-chargeable hand warmer product:

The Zippo HeatBank® 9s Plus is a high tech solution for low temperatures. This perfect portable companion keeps you warm, connected, and comfortable with its six heat settings, dual charging ports, and intuitive controls. The convenient power bank also recharges your USB compatible device in case of emergency while out on an adventure. GET IT HERE.

8. Portable Backpacking Stove

While campfires are steeped in the tradition of camping, Leave No Trace organizations have been found them to cause a lasting impact to the backcountry. With the recent development of lightweight, efficient camp stoves, these have become an essential piece of equipment for hiking and minimum-impact camping. Weighing just over 100g plus the weight of a small fuel canister, portable backpacking stoves are perfect for an overnight hike or even a warm instant coffee while you enjoy the views on a day-hike.

Recommended portable backpacking stove:

The PocketRocket™ 2 Backpacking Stove from MSR delivers fast and effective cooking performance at camp or on the trail. This ultralight 2.6 oz. backpacking stove combines a focused burner design and protective WindClip™ windshield to deliver consistent, persistent heat when you want it. At a packed weight of just over 100g (4.2 oz.), it can boils 1 liter of water in 3.5 minutes! GET IT HERE.

9. Re-usable Snack Bags

It goes without saying that snacks are essential to any outdoor adventure. As we strive towards a world that is free of single-use plastics, switching from single-use ziplocs to re-usable snack bags are a great place to start.

Recommended re-usable snack bags:

Earth in Common Snack Bags are 100% BPA-free, non-toxic, food-grade reusable food storage bags. Made of high grade silicone, these snack bags are easy to clean, dishwasher save and great for taking snacks on the go. GET IT HERE.

10. Multi-Functional Neck Gaiter

Neck gaiters are extremely versatile and have multiple useful functions to protect you while you are conquering the outdoors including a scarf, hairband/bandana, face cover, balaclava, sun-guard or hood.

Recommended multi-functional neck gaiter product:

Earth in Common Neck Gaiters are handmade in Vancouver, BC and are made of sustainably produced fabrics such as organic cotton and certified TENCEL Lyocell fabric (unlike conventional neck gaiters made of polyester microplastics that can take around 450 years to breakdown). This organic cotton neck gaiter composition provides moisture control, reduces bacterial growth and is ideal for sensitive skin. GET IT HERE.

11. Outdoor First Aid Kit

Outdoor first aid kits are an essential product to any hiker’s bag. However, conventional first aid kits include many products that produce single use plastic waste such as band aids, wrappers and wipes.

Recommended outdoor first aid kit product:

Our Earth in Common Outdoor First Aid Kits are carefully curated to ensure that no wasteful single use plastics are used, allowing hikers to be prepared and Leave No Trace while out on an adventure. GET IT HERE.

12. Support a Charity for Environmental or Climate Change

Make an “In Honour” donation to a charity that is doing something great for the environment. Here is a list of 4 non-profit organizations that are tackling issues related to sustainable living and climate change:

• 1% for the Planet: When you donate to 1% for the Planet, you invest in solutions. Their work is to bring together businesses and individuals in support of on-the-ground environmental nonprofits addressing our planet’s biggest challenges today.

• Plastic Bank: Donating to Plastic Bank contributes to the recovery and recycling of ocean-bound plastic through Social Plastic ecosystems. $0.55 prevents 1 kg of plastic from contaminating our oceans.

• Ocean Conservancy: Donating to Ocean Conservancy helps the organization address ongoing threats to the ocean. They are on the front lines of ocean protection, investing in research, leadership and advocacy that advances evidence-based solutions that work.

• One Tree Planted: Donating to One Tree Planted helps to plant trees where they are most needed now. Today, they're raising funds to recover areas degraded by agricultural use, protect watersheds upstream of countless families and villages and reforest landscapes with strong cultural ties to Indigenous communities.

If you have any other suggestions for great eco friendly and sustainable gifts, drop a comment below!

Happy gifting, and happy adventuring!