Signing checks to pay for an upcoming wedding will test even the most cool-headed among us. But there’s one area that all grooms readily open their wallets for: spreading some love among groomsmen.
When it comes to buying gifts for your best friends, finding a gift that strikes the right chord and honors your actual relationship is more important than a price tag. You want your gifts to showcase where your friendship has been in the past and where you want it to be in the future. Your dudes are supporting you on one of the biggest days of your life, so you might as well show them how much you appreciate their effort.
Whether you guys have spent two decades going on camping or biking trips, or you just hiked the PCT after college together, you can impress your outdoorsy best friends with gifts they can actually use on the trail. The gifts we’ve included on this list are curated for the kinds of guys who like figuring shit out for themselves. They might harbor a pipe dream of living off the grid, or they might just appreciate the freedom of the great outdoors more than most. No matter who your friends are, if their tastes lean even the tiniest bit rustic, you’ll find something for them here.
For the friend who demands koozies at the bachelor party
Upgrade those cheesy bachelor party koozies to something more fitting of a married man with this Puffin Beverage Jacket. It keeps a 12oz bevy cool for hours, but onlooker’s envy will last much longer. Plus, they’re just funny to look at.
For the longterm backpacker friend who brews his own beer
Inject new meaning into the idea of fireside beers with the GrowlerWerks uKeg. This stunning contraption is vacuum-insulated and serves frosty pours just like a full-size keg. And that’s not all; its unrivaled design will keep contents ice cold for up to two weeks.
For the van life enthusiast whose vehicle could use some sprucing up
If you could only (for some reason) own one blanket in your life, the Faribault Utility Wool Blanket would be your best choice. Made in the USA from 75% recycled wool, this workhorse is soft enough for the bedroom and sturdy enough to keep your dudes warm as they explore the wide world.
For the party animal who loves to BYOB
It’s not that you can’t put lite beer in this carrier, it’s just that you shouldn’t. Mix and match your craft beer like an adult with this sustainable, on-the-go BYOB carrier. Plus, you can have the company burn your wedding details into the side! If you get one for each groomsman, you can fill each with that guy’s favorite brews.
For the friend who's only half-kidding about the zombie apocalypse
While we don’t think the Survival Axe requires any explanation, its appeal falls broadly between your buddy who genuinely believes there is going to be a zombie apocalypse and anyone who spends their summers wandering national parks.
For the hiker who could use a style boost
Eagle Rock Crew Socks, which are made in the USA by Pendelton, are the gift most guys want to buy for themselves, but don’t. Do your friends a solid and put a pair of these classic flat knit socks in their groomsmen bag. Good on the dance floor, but great in hiking boots, too.
For the hipster who needs a haircut
Adjustable wool cap anyone? The Pennington Cap by Picture Organic Clothing is built to keep heads toasty for many, many years to come.
For the urban hiker who wants one backpack for life
For the friend who always has your back, try the simple dependability of the Duluth Pack Scout. Made in Duluth, Minnesota, this handcrafted bag only gets better with age. And even though you won’t need it, the stylish pack comes with a lifetime guarantee.
For the golfer who's allergic to country clubs
Yeah, yeah, we know. Everyone buys their groomsmen flasks. But hear us out: the Seamus 5 oz, which comes with a sharp tartan drawstring pouch, is the prince of flasks. Seamus Golf are makers of premium, handmade golf accessories in Portland, Oregon. You won’t regret kicking in for the monogrammed option, whether it’s intended for your friend’s golf bag or desk drawer.
For the classic DIY dude who probably knows how to hot wire a car
Leatherman has long been a milestone gift shared between men of utility. The slimmed-down Free T-4 Pocket Knife Multi Tool carries on this tradition by packing everything you need for the campsite into a tool that also works for your commute. And, as always, it’s Made in the USA.
For the health nut who could use a new hobby
It’s good to pick up new hobbies as you get older, and fermenting your food should be high on that list. Plus, just like fermented pickles, friendship gets better with age. This gift is a game changer for DIY dudes, not to mention this particular Fermentation Kit reminds us of a homemade bong!
For the frequent flyer who doesn't want to check his toolbox
For something that passes TSA guidelines as easily as it passes the friendship test (we just made that up), check out Gerber’s 7-in-1 Keychain Tool. A great utility gift whose exact shape and function is hard to define…kind of like some relationships. Plus, it’s dirt cheap, so you can throw one of these in with another great outdoorsy gift to make a set!
For the gym rat who'd rather be rock climbing
The Bobble Water Bottle uses a carbon filter to remove the taste and odor of chlorine from tap water. Even when you’re stuck in the city, you can taste clean spring water using this unassuming, resilient bottle.
For the lumberjack who cleaned himself up to watch you get married
Wood Thumb strikes again—put a spin on the rat race by gifting the brand’s signature skinny tie. Each tie is handmade in San Francisco using antique hardwood that’s been recycled from cool old objects like bourbon barrels. Now, that’s a tie with a backstory.
For the whitewater rafting enthusiast
For friends you can always rely on, the Yeti SideKick dry bag makes a compelling gesture of gratitude. Take solace knowing that as they go over the falls, their essentials will stay bone dry, and the Yeti label will be the last thing they see on any number of high-velocity water sends.
For the handy man who appreciates a note of irony
Kershaw’s reputation for peerless craftsmanship is on full display with the pocket-friendly Antic foldable knife. Note the screwdriver, prybar, bottle opener and ring design, the latter meant either for a lanyard or finger—hey, it’s a wedding isn’t it? Show your dudes you love them.
For the environmental activist who even protests in the snow
Nobody beats Patagonia for quality and conscience. The outdoor leader protects public lands, while innovating manufacturing practices to offer instant-classics like this Cuff Beanie, made from 95% recycled cashmere collected from factory floors and spun anew!
For the sportsman who can never find anything in his car
The historic colors of this Zippered Pouch honor Glacier National Park and American craftsmanship. What’s more, the company weaves all their products on Pacific Northwest mills. This particular bag can be used for golf or travel, and you can personalize it with a custom leather label.
