It would be an understatement to say that the year behind us was challenging and stressful. However, we also have to admit that this was an excellent opportunity to rekindle our relationship with nature. With so many things going south and entertainment options as good as gone, camping easily became one of the most engaging, healthy, and satisfying ways to spend a weekend.

So, if your friends have decided to answer this "call of the wild" or you simply want to push them in the right direction, camping gear might just be the perfect present for the upcoming holiday season. Here are a couple of essentials.

Campfire tripod and a Dutch oven

One of the first images that crosses everyone's mind when hearing the word camping just has to be the one of a crackling fire and a Dutch oven brewing some hot, delicious beverage. Therefore, no matter whether your friend likes stews, soups, or a simple cup of tea, this present is a sure win – even more so, taking into account that Dutch ovens are just as fun to use in the backyard. Now, if you want to nail this one, make sure that the tripod and the oven are made from heavy-duty solid steel that will be able to survive a couple of bruises and light camping rains.

Camping camo suit

There is nothing wrong with a little bit of hype. And is there any better way to hype up your friends for the next camping trip than buying them a good old camo suit? The beauty of this gift, however, is that, aside from making people feel like Navy SEALs in action, hunting camo suits are incredibly durable, warm, waterproof, and well-insulated. Camping is nowhere near as fun when the temperatures drop, and the rains start falling. A simple insulated hunting jacket can do a lot to mitigate this problem. Of course, the full gear can only make the present better. So, why not make the investment today - you could even add in an insulated mylar blanket or some other accessories for extra warmth on those long and cold nights.

Automatic knife

 A quality automatic knife is a tool that can save your life when all other camping tools fail. Why? It can cut ropes, open cans, drill holes, turn tent wings into clothing, wood into tools and weapons, and, in the worst-case scenario, even be used for hunting. So much value from such a common and mundane tool, huh? If you agree with us, you can put some sharp blades on Santa's shopping list. In our opinion, high-quality OTF knives strike the perfect balance between price, weight, portability, and versatility, so you can go with one of them.

Solar charging panels

Getting in touch with the great outdoors doesn't mean abandoning the fun perks of modern gadgets. But, even if we put this aside, smartphones are incredibly useful when it comes to navigation and finding quick references necessary for survival. And you also use them to make emergency calls in perilous situations. If you want to keep your friends safe during camping, one of the best ways to do that is by making sure their smartphones and gadgets are juiced-up. Since they will be far from civilization, solar charging panels are your go-to option.

Cozy, warm tent

Ok, this one is a bit on the nose since your outgoing friends have probably checked the tents off their camping lists first. But, that doesn't mean you can't make their lives simpler, warmer, and if only a bit cozier. For instance, why would they squeeze in a small two-person tent when they can get a full-size vintage-style bell unit with all the perks the tents can offer? Roll-up screens, rugged build, windows, vents, stove jacks… These are the tents your friends will never want to leave.

Wood burning camp stove

Ok, solar panels are not the only way to charge the phone in the wilderness. These bad boys can do that as well. The main purpose of camp stoves is to provide a safe, portable campfire. Being spacious enough to work with anything that can be found in nature (sticks, twigs, kindling) is requirement number two. Well, the modern camp stove units are doing exactly that while being light and portable enough not to turn the backpack into dead weight. And then, there is the ability to turn the fire heat into electric power, which is simply awesome.

Aluminum folding bike

Going on camping doesn't have to mean spending the entire time outdoors sitting in front of a fire or hiking. On the contrary, mounting camping sites are usually in the vicinity of some pretty cool bike treks that offer endless fun. The same goes for the plain country roads. So, if your friend loves campfire but also has an itch for biking, buying an aluminum foldable bike might just be the perfect present you were looking for. Most of these units come packed with li-ion batteries that can squeeze out a whole 15 miles of sheer fun before going back to the charger.

We hope these few mentions have sparked a couple of ideas you can use for the next holiday season. Outgoing campers are easy targets for buying gifts. Keeping that in mind, though, we have to remind you that not all pieces of gear pack the same value and usability. The ones we mentioned above are a sure pick.