The Ultimate Gift Guide for Adventurous Women (50+ Ideas for Every Budget & Style)

Smartwool Socks

Trail-tested and endlessly durable, these merino wool socks wick moisture, resist blisters, and last for YEARS. Pretty much everyone on our team swears by them on everything from Kilimanjaro to the Smokies.

Nalgene Water Bottle

Lightweight, leak-proof, and nearly indestructible, Nalgene bottles are the unsung heroes of every Explorer Chick backpack. The wide mouth makes them easy to clean and perfect for mixing up trail electrolyte drinks.

Buff Multifunctional Headwear

This tiny but mighty tube of fabric does it all: headband, neck gaiter, face cover, headband, and more. It’s a versatile must-have for every adventure and a fun, affordable way to add personality to her gear kit.

Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm

The secret weapon every Explorer Chick packs. Apply before hikes to prevent chafing and blisters, because nothing kills adventure vibes faster than thigh rub.

Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow

Explorer Chick CEO Nicki swears by her inflatable footrest for a luxury travel experience — it instantly transforms economy into first class. And it also helps with lowering inflammation and adding extra comfort.

Platypus PlatyPreserve Portable Wine Bottle

Let’s be real… wine just tastes better outdoors! This lightweight, flexible bottle keeps your favorite vino fresh without glass or bulk, perfect for toasting summit views or swapping stories under the stars.

Kula Cloth

This antimicrobial, reusable pee cloth replaces toilet paper on the trail, keeping your pack clean. It snaps closed for sanitary carry, dries fast, and comes in fun prints that prove practical gear can still have personality. Trust us: once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever hiked without it.

Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp

Small but powerful, this reliable headlamp keeps you confident on early trail starts and after-dinner camp walks. Simple, durable, and Explorer Chick–approved for all-night adventures.

Explorer Chick Gift Card

Name a better stocking stuffer… we’ll wait 😉 Give the gift of adventure — our gift cards can be used towards the payment of any of our adventures and come in $25, $50, $100, $200, and $500 denominations.

🎁 EC Gifting Tip: Bundle a few into a “Mini Adventure Kit” with socks, a Buff, and a reusable mug for the perfect small but mighty gift.

Smartwool Classic All-Season Tee

Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and softer than your favorite worn-in tee. Explorer Chick Founder Nicki wore this on Kilimanjaro—it handles sweat, sun, and summit selfies like a champ.

Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoodie

The holy grail of sun protection. This hoodie keeps you cool and covered with UPF 50 fabric that’s breathable enough for the desert and cozy enough for mountain mornings. This is the #1 most recommended gear item from our Explorer Chick guides!

Kuhl Freeflex Shorts

Soft, stretchy, and long enough to protect your thighs from chafing. Great pockets, quick-drying fabric, and that elusive combo of cute and practical.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

From chilly mornings to blazing afternoons, these zip-off pants adapt in seconds. Perfect for Explorer Chicks who pack light or hike in ever-changing weather.

Branwyn Bras & Undies

Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and endlessly comfy. A comfy wool option recommended by many of our guides for all-day adventures where you want to feel free, not squeezed.

humangear GoToob+ Travel Toiletry Bottles

Because exploding shampoo bottles are so not the adventure you signed up for. These soft, refillable silicone tubes are leakproof, TSA-friendly, and have a wide mouth for easy cleaning.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Warmth without the bulk. This iconic layer packs down small but delivers big on performance, keeping you cozy through alpine chill or cool desert nights. An EC essential for nearly every trip.

Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack

This hydration pack has everything you need: a 2L reservoir, built-in rain cover, and women-specific comfort design. Perfect for Explorer Chicks tackling long day hikes or rugged terrain.

Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket

A rain jacket that actually breathes. Lightweight yet protective, it doubles as a windbreaker when skies clear. A must-pack piece for unpredictable weather days on the trail.

Arc’teryx Kyanite Fleece

Soft, stretchy, and ridiculously versatile, the Kyanite is that “wear it every day” layer you’ll reach for long after the trip ends. It traps warmth without bulk, breathes beautifully on the move, and looks sleek enough for airport lounges or après-hike dinners.

​​Garmin InReach Mini 2

This palm-sized satellite communicator keeps you connected when cell service taps out, letting you send messages, share your location, and trigger an SOS anywhere in the world. It’s the ultimate peace-of-mind gadget for solo hikers and global explorers alike.

Osprey Daylite Carry-On Wheeled Duffel

For Explorer Chicks who prefer rolling through airports to hauling packs. Compact, durable, and fits perfectly in overhead bins or van storage.

Because Stuff Is Cool, But Memories Last Longer!

• Explorer Chick Guided Trips — The ultimate gift? An adventure she’ll never forget. From trekking to Everest Base Camp to kayaking the Galápagos, Explorer Chick’s all-women trips build confidence, community, and memories that outlast any gear.

• America the Beautiful Park Pass – Access 2,000+ national parks and public lands across the U.S. for an entire year for under $100—perfect for the woman who’s already planning her next road trip!
• Outdoor Skills Workshops – Wilderness first aid, navigation, and photography give her the tools to explore safely and boldly. Check your local outdoor store or library for classes!

Perfect for Explorer Chick Trips Like: Yellowstone, Patagonia, Yosemite

• Trekking Poles – Lightweight, durable, and knee-saving on steep descents. Perfect for Explorer Chicks tackling rugged terrain from the Smokies to the Inca Trail.
• Her Favorite Trail Snacks – Compact, calorie-packed, and ready to fuel any adventure. Gran her favorite bars, candy (great for long hikes!), and trail mix.
• Field Journals + Weatherproof Pens – For jotting down summit thoughts, gratitude lists, or that “what was I thinking?” moment on switchback number 47.

Perfect for Explorer Chick Trips Like: Belize, San Juan Islands

• Roll-Top Dry Bags – Keep gear dry and easy to find on kayaking or rafting trips, especially your phone and camera!
• Sunscreen & SPF Chapstick — maybe not the sexiest of gifts, but always appreciated by those who spend time out on the water!
• Quick-Dry Clothing with UV Protection – Breathable, sun-safe layers that move from kayak to beach without missing a beat.

Perfect for Explorer Chick Trips Like: Iceland, Banff, West Virginia

• Merino Wool Thermal Base Layers – Naturally warm, breathable, and odor-resistant for those subzero summit days.
• Microspikes for Icy Trail Traction – Small but mighty, they turn slippery slopes into confident climbs.
• Insulated Gloves with Touchscreen Compatibility – Because frostbite should never come between a woman and her trail selfie.

• Stasher Bags – Ditch the plastic sandwich baggies and pack snacks sustainably in these reusable silicone bags (and in a pinch, they double as a cell phone protector while doing water activities).
• Solar-Powered String Lights – Light up camp with renewable energy (and cozy vibes).
• Conservation Donations – Honor her love for the outdoors by protecting it. A donation to groups like the National Park Foundation and the Sierra Club helps preserve wild spaces.

Running out of time? These quick options still deliver major adventure vibes:

• Digital Gift Cards – REI, AllTrails+, or Gaia GPS for gear, maps, and upgrades. Or surprise her with an Explorer Chick gift card to fund her next big adventure!
• Magazine Subscriptions – Keep her wanderlust alive year-round with Outside or Backpacker.
• Printable DIY Gift Vouchers – Personal and meaningful. Think “One weekend hike with me + your favorite trail snacks.”