The 10 Best Outdoor Mothers' Day Gifts of 2020

These 10 presents are a small token of appreciation for those helping raise the next generation of nature lovers. From comfortable camp slippers to a dose of inspiration, we’ve got your outdoorsy gift ideas covered. 

Montane Prism Booties—$40 (on sale for 30% off)

After crushing all the miles, recovery footwear is a welcome gift. These booties answer the call with comfort and warmth, thanks to Primaloft Gold insulation that stays warm when wet and the water-resistant soles. They pack down to the size of a can in their included stuff sack, tipping the scales at just 5.8 ounces. Buy now on REI

Flylow Aster Shirt—$75

This plaid-patterned polyester/spandex button up top has the look of an old-school bike jersey, but the function of a lightweight trail top. With two side pockets, a drop tail and six chest buttons, it’s breezy and functional for upcoming summer adventures. Buy now from Flylow

Kooshoo Organic Hair Ties—$15 (pack of 5)

Ask any long-haired individual, and everyone’s lost a hair tie on the trail or in water. Unlike traditional synthetic materials that only break down leaving microplastics behind, Kooshoo hair ties are constructed with natural tree rubber and organic cotton, which are 100 percent biodegradable. In a composting environment, they will completely biodegrade within 10 years. Buy now on Amazon

Nemo Fillo King Camping Pillow—$70

With 6 inches of loft, Nemo’s newest pillow is fit for a king—or better yet, a queen. Measuring 14 by 17 inches, the baffled air cell fill cradles side sleepers and is more than half as big as a bedroom pillow. Features like a washable removable jersey blend cover, 14 ounces of weight and an integrated stuff sack extend its use from the backyard to the backcountry. Buy now on REI 

Women Who Hike: Walking With America’s Most Inspiring Adventurers—$20

Given the stay-at-home orders and park closures, many people are turning pages of books rather than ticking off miles. This book by BACKPACKER contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort profiles 20 female adventurers, like Kristin Hostetter, Katie Boué and Caroline Gleich. It’s a surefire way to inspire from the comfort of a backyard hammock. Buy now on Amazon 

Helly Hansen Campfire Pants—$90

Who doesn’t love switching into comfy clothes around a campfire? Drawstring waist and elastic cuffs make these lightweight pants adaptable for sizing and changing temps, while the DWR-treated quick-drying fabric battles the weather. Plus, the cargo thigh pocket and two hip pockets hold all the goods. Buy now on Amazon

Purple Rain Adventure Skirt—$72

Women’s clothing seems to be forever lacking in pockets, so this skirt with four large pockets should spark attention. Thanks to the polyester/spandex mix, A-line shape and a large waist band, there’s ease of maneuverability for jumping over streams and climbing over downed trees. The DWR finish beads water, with UV 40+ protection to boot. Buy now from Purple Rain 

Balega UltraGlide No Show Socks—$16

We’ve heard all the blister-free claims. But the proprietary blend of these no-show socks is what makes them stand out. The yarn is low-friction because of its polytetrafluoroethylene ingredient acting as a lubricant. When combined with a modified polyester yarn versus standard nylon fiber, these socks wick moisture away, thus preventing any hot spots. Buy now on Amazon 

GSI Outdoors Escape HS 3 L Pot + Frypan—$80

Simplify backcountry cooking for a group with this set. The Teflon-coated anodized base of the 3-liter pot and 9-inch fry pan means speedy and efficient cooking, while the silicone body of the pot collapses to 2.5 inches and nests within the pan for lightweight and compact carrying. Buy now on REI 

Make a Charitable Gift

Any holiday makes a great time to give back. But particularly during these tumultuous months in 2020, nonprofits are hurting. So give a charitable gift in honor of your loved one. Here are a few suggestions for organizations that do some serious good for the outdoors: The Conservation Alliance, American Hiking Society, Big City Mountaineers, SheJumps and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.