The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, days are slowly growing longer, and we're ready for a fantastic season full of outdoor adventures. If you're a nature lover, it's impossible not to feel energized and invigorated around this time of the year! Perfect for spring adventures planned for the first warm day of the season to summer excursions and fall getaways, we've hand-picked our 14 favorite products for nature lovers – goodies, gear, and gifts that celebrate nature and inspire us to explore - including some great games to excite and encourage young adventurers.
Carefully curated by our team of local travel experts and nature lovers based on their personal experiences, these products help us embrace the great outdoors. For more incredible product recommendations in your inbox each week, sign up for our Hand-Picked email.
Nature Lovers Must-Haves
Here are our top picks for must-have items to make your outdoor adventures the best they can be!
1. Darn Tough Hiking Socks
We've trail-tested dozens of different socks over the years, but we always come back to the Darn Tough Hiker Cushion Socks. Plus they come in both men's and women's sizes and are an all-around favorite among hikers of all ability levels. Trust us, your tired feet will thank you.
2. Wondery Bucket List Sticker Bottle
If visiting all of our incredible National Parks is on your Bucket List, you'll love the Wondery Outdoors Parks of the USA bottle. Keep track of your adventures (and show off your progress) by adding stickers as you explore. Plus, Wondery donates a portion of all sales to the National Parks Conservation Association!
3. Nature Meditations Deck
Time outdoors is time well spent! If you find calm and clarity in nature, you'll love this deck of mini-meditation cards that encourage mindfulness practices in an accessible, nature-centric way.
4. Patagonia Atom Sling Bag
When you're out for a day in nature, you don't need to lug around a big backpack built for long treks. The Patagonia Atom Sling Bag is a favorite among the OnlyInYourState editors for its comfort, carrying capacity, and easy access.
Staff Pick: OnlyInYourState Editor Sarah M. has this to say: "This is a great bag for a short hike, a day at the park, or just when you're out and about exploring. I can also wear it comfortably while biking!"
5. Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
While you should always try on hiking boots to ensure a perfect fit for long treks, a sturdy, low-top hiking shoe is a great alternative when you know the trails won't be too tough. The Merrell Moab 3 is a solid option (with both men's and women's
women's sizes) and a bestseller that provides a comfortable fit for most feet.
6. MSR Dynalock Ascent Poles
If you're planning a more challenging adventure, a sturdy set of trekking poles is a must-have. The MSR Dynalock Ascent Poles are comfortable, collapsable, versatile, and have a more secure locking system than other poles we've tried.
7. Field Notes National Park Series
The Classic Field Notes pocket-sized notebooks have long been a favorite for several of our editors, but the gorgeous Field Notes National Parks Series are too cool to pass up.
Staff Pick: OnlyInYourState Sr. Manager Catherine A. has gifted these to pretty much everyone (including our whole team of travel experts!): "I always carry a little memo book while exploring so I can take notes for future adventures. I love the classic Field Notes and recently added the Parks Series to my collection!"
Shop Field Notes National Parks Series
8. Hummingbird Feeder
Springtime is hummingbird migration season and these little guys could use some help along the way. Some species are making a journey all the way from Mexico to Canada! A simple hummingbird feeder is all you need - and you get the added bonus of inviting nature right into your own backyard!
To learn more about the 2024 hummingbird migration, check out our recent feature article here.
9. Wildflower Pollinator Seed Mix
Save the bees! We'd be seriously in trouble if bumblebees cease to... well... be. Many plant species that support pollinators have become sparse as our human impact grows, so it's time for us to be a part of the solution.
This pollinator seed mix not only helps our buzzy little friends, it's also a colorful addition to any yard or garden!
10. HART Outdoor First Aid Kit
No matter how far you roam, eventually you'll end up with some bumps, bruises, and blisters... but there's always the risk of injuries that require more than just grit to get through. The HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit has everything you need to treat minor injuries on the trail.
For an even smaller & lighter option, HART also has a basic Pocket First Aid Kit that fits in any bag. Safety first!
Shop HART Outdoor First Aid Kit
Shop HART Pocket First Aid Kit
11. Sibley Identification Guides
If you're fascinated by flora & fauna, a trusty identification guide is your best friend. We're big fans of the Sibley Guide to Birds and the Sibley Guide to Trees, not only for the excellent information they contain, but also for the stunning illustrations of thousands of species created by David Allen Sibley. They're as beautiful as they are useful for nature lovers!
Staff Pick: OnlyInYourState Editor Meg A. is our resident bird nerd: "Between my Sibley Guide and the Merlin Bird ID app, I've learned so much and can't recommend this guide highly enough!"
(Not) Just For Kids
One of the best things we can do as nature lovers is to spread our passion and encourage young adventurers to discover the wonders of the outdoors!
12. Go Find It Nature Scavenger Hunt
This perfectly pocket-sized game is sweet, easy, and fun for all ages! Go Find It encourages exploration and discovery by focusing on simple sensory elements found in nature. We're big fans!
13. Campfire Stories For Kids Deck
Family camping trips are some of our favorite childhood memories. There's nothing quite like gathering together around a campfire after a day of exploring, and this neat little deck encourages imaginative storytelling using cool creatures and outdoor activities for inspiration.
Shop Campfire Stories For Kids
14. Forest Tracks: What Animal Am I
Kids are never too young to start learning about the wonders of our world! Start them early with this colorful, interactive board book written with the tiniest of explorers in mind. Parents might learn a thing or two about animal tracks too!
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