Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner! Finding the right gifts can be a challenge, especially when it seems like they already have everything. Luckily, we’ve got the best gift ideas for the outdoorsy photographer parent in your life. Whether mom and dad are avid hikers, bird watchers, beachgoers, or polar bear guides in Svalbard, Norway, we’ve got you covered.
Camera
In a surprising twist, a camera is our first suggestion. One of the first things any outdoorsman should consider is a tool to record what they see so that they can look back fondly at their adventures or share their findings with friends and family. This can be done with something as simple and robust as the OM System Tough TG-7, or a top-quality interchangeable lens camera like the Nikon Z5 II.
Why should you go for one over the other? There are many reasons, but a camera like the TG-7 is best suited for long backpacking trips, snorkeling, and situations where drops, spills, and even splashes are expected. That’s right, the TG-7 is waterproof to certain depths and shockproof from certain heights. Point and shoot cameras are great for portability and travel.
On the other hand, a mirrorless camera like the Z5 II delivers exceptional image quality, the ability to change and upgrade lenses, and greater control over settings and ultimately the final photograph. While a bit bulkier than the point and shoot, it’s still compact enough to travel easily. It’s not as tough as the TG-7, but if printing and framing shots is the final goal, this is the style of camera for your mom or dad.
Lenses
What is an interchangeable lens camera without a lens? While many cameras can come pre-packaged with a small zoom (or kit lens), many photographers quickly find these optics limiting when it comes to expanding their horizons. There’s good reason to go beyond the kit lens but choosing the right lens can be overwhelming. There are just so many options to pick from.
Luckily, many brands have opted to make versatile, all-in-one lenses that cover a wide array of shooting scenarios. For instance, a zoom lens like the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5/6 Di III VXD G2 delivers focal lengths that are well suited for everything from landscapes to portraits. Close-focusing capabilities mean users can snap shots of flowers, insects, and any small details they might see along the way, without needing to lug around extra lenses.
Bags
Who doesn’t love a new bag or backpack? Outdoor enthusiasts benefit most from well-padded yet breathable bags with waist and sternal support. These are ideal for long treks, as they spread the load for longer, more comfortable ventures. Another key detail has to be attachment points. There’s a lot to carry, but a good amount of gear we want quick access to like water bottles, our phone, bear spray, any held geld GPS device we may be carrying.
There are a number of backpacks well suited for the nature photographer, but Lowepro seems to have this niche down to a science. The PhotoSport BP 24L AW III Photo Backpack is the perfect choice for those looking to day hike or even backpack with their camera gear. It’s designed with versatility in mind, featuring a removable camera insert, which can be swapped out for additional gear storage when photography is not on the menu.
Backpacking is fun on its own, but let’s throw a kayak into the mix just for fun. Does your family head out on multiday kayaking trips? Perhaps they hike during rain or shine? Whatever the reason, you’re going to need a good dry bag. Waterproof dry bags can be used to keep specific bits of gear dry but can also house our entire backpack when kayaking or boating.
Harnesses
Backpacks are great for getting our gear from point A to point B, but what happens when a photo opportunity presents itself and our camera is packed away? We could put our camera over our shoulder or on a cross-body strap, but then it’s swinging around as we’re trekking up the trail. The solution is a camera harness or capture clip.
The Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Photo Harness allows the wearer to attach the camera to their chest or belt in a secure manner so it’s not loosely swaying in the breeze. This also puts in arms reach for those unexpected moments. What makes this a great solution for especially heavy rigs is the even weight distribution which reduces soreness and fatigue.
For smaller setups, the Peak Design Capture Clip v3 can suffice. This can be attached to your existing backpack strap or belt instead of relying on an entire rig across your torso. For those more serious about photography, the quick-release plate is what we call an Arca-type plate, meaning it is compatible with most tripods on the market.
Tripods
Whether for taking scenic landscape photos or using a spotting scope, a tripod is an essential tool for many outdoor enthusiasts. Traditional full-sized tripods can be quite cumbersome, but the smaller travel tripods fold up nice and small and tend to weigh very little. They’re not as robust as their full-sized counterparts, but if the camera is compact, we’re in business.
Photographers will benefit most from a ball head, which is a ball-and-socket joint that can move freely in nearly any direction and lock quickly. These are fast to adjust and quite compact in form factor. For scopes or other optics, a panning head like a fluid head is ideal. These offer resistance and a limited, but smooth range of motion. These are heavier, but much easier to use when looking through a highly magnified optic.
One of the most versatile tripods for nature photographers is the Fotopro X-GO Plus Carbon Fiber Tripod kit, which comes paired with the FPH-52Q ball head. The carbon fiber material makes this tripod incredibly lightweight while retaining the stability users need to support a variety of cameras with small to medium-sized lenses. Splaying the legs out completely allows the tripod to go as low us just 9.8” off the ground, and the variable leg angles enable all-terrain use.
Scope users will be served better by something like the Sirui CT04 Pilot Series Tripod with the CT5 Fluid Head. It is impressively light at just under 3 lb, and while this does come at a sacrifice to load capacity, which is just 6.6 lb, this is a nonissue for spotting scope users. What should be the focus is how lightweight and portable this option is. And yes, it comes in dark green.
Binoculars
Bird-watching—it sneaks up on you real fast. Before you know it, you’re 40, sipping coffee at your table and sifting through bird guides trying to figure out what that little yellow guy was that just visited your bird feeder. Even hikers like to keep a pair of binoculars handy for some long-distance observation here and there. If this sounds like a parent of yours, what better reason is there to get them a new pair of binoculars.
Whether you’re from a family of nature enthusiasts or not, there’s always a need for a good pair of binoculars. They can be used for checking out birds in the yard or viewing sporting events from afar. The applications are vast, so the question is not should I get mom or dad a pair of binoculars but rather, what’s the right pair to get them? We recommend the Vortex Diamondback HD line, which offers an impressive blend of clarity and build quality for all skill levels.
Flashlight/Headlamp
Have you ever tried rummaging through your bag at night with no real light source? It’s a pain, so why would you expect someone to do so with a camera bag full of expensive gear and random odds and ends. Gift mom or dad the magic of light with a flashlight, or better yet, a headlamp!
A headlamp is essential for lighting your path hands free. This gives users the ability to operate their cameras and any other accessories in a well-lit environment. Many of these, like the Pelican 2760 Gen 3 LED, feature a red-light mode that keeps the users to retain their night-acclimated vision. Just be sure to remind the recipient to turn that red light off when snapping picks of starry landscapes.
Rite in the Rain Journal + Accessories
Journaling seems like a lost art in the digital age, but there’s something to be said about physically writing something down. In nature, it may be an experience that you want to jot down really quickly, or an observation you want to memorize. No matter what you’re putting on paper, you’ll need something durable that can withstand the elements.
Rite in the Rain has developed weather-resistant journals and notepads for just such an occasion. Take notes or sketch worry-free with water, oil, grease, and dirt-resistant pages. All of which is contained between a tough, flexible yellow Polydura cover, which is printed with rulers, conversion charts, and map scales for the rugged outdoors person.
While most standard ink ballpoint pens will suffice, you can pair the notebook with one of Rite in the Rain’s specially designed wiring utensils to ensure the best results. The All-weather Metal Clicker Pen is simple, robust, and uses a pressurized ink cartridge, which allows users to write on wet paper, upside down, and in any temperature above -30 degrees.
Laser Rangefinder
What is a laser rangefinder? Basically, this optical device uses a laser to bounce light off of a surface and reads the time it takes for the light to reflect to determine distance. Popular among golfers, these are used to get fast, accurate yardages to the pin and other targets, better representing the actual playing distance.
By using a rangefinder, golfers eliminate any guesswork and gain confidence on the course. Nikon even offers a stabilized version with the 6x21 COOLSHOT PRO III Stabilized Golf Laser Rangefinder, which reduces hand shake so you can concentrate and get fast, accurate readings. Additionally, a weather-resistant build means a little rain won’t ruin the game.
Multi-Tools
A solid multi-tool is one of the most important items in the kit of any outdoor enthusiast. It is an essential tool that can be used at home and on the trail for a myriad of applications. The knife can be used to open packaged goods or for field crafting, while the screwdriver, file, and other tools can be used to make quick repairs. The pliers are great for reaching into tight spaces, but they can even be used to grip hot cookware at camp.
Some multitools come with a small scissor and even a saw for an even wider range of use-cases. A great example has to be the Leatherman ARC Stainless Multi-Tool, which features 21 unique tools and a magnetic locking system to keep everything in place when not in use. The screwdriver bit can be swapped out.
GPS Navigation/Handheld GPS
If there’s one aspect of backpacking that unsettles most, it’s the chance of getting lost. While trails are often well marked, even the most experienced hikers can get turned around in the woods. Our phones are helpful, but we need to keep them charged for calls and communications.
If you do need to reach help and your phone is dead or has no service, a handheld GPS like the Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator provides peace of mind to any off-the-beaten-path adventure with no need for cellular service and a 14-day charge. It does require a subscription to Garmin’s Global Satellite Network, but this can be purchased situationally.
B&H Gift Card
You know what’s always in stock? Gift cards! If you have an outdoorsy parent who seems to have it all and you just don’t know where to start, why not give them the choice to pick out what they want or need! B&H gift cards never expire and can be used online, over the phone, in store, and even via fax. Just be sure to pair it with dinner, some chocolate, or maybe flowers.
There’s no shortage of great gift ideas for the outdoorsy moms and dads out there. If you’re looking for something that we didn’t touch upon in this article, check out the field accessories on our webstore for more ideas. For other helpful gift guides, check out our others guides, articles, and reviews on the B&H Explora page!
