Gifts for Adventurous Women

Gifts for the Adventurous Woman

Not every woman wants the monogrammed tumbler and bath-bomb gift basket for Christmas. Some would rather have a canvas rucksack, a USGI canteen, a camping tent, or a military-style jacket. Military surplus is one of the best categories to shop in for Christmas gifts for the outdoorsy woman — practical, durable, nothing pink, and built to last a decade.

Smaller Sizes and Unisex Surplus

A lot of surplus is unisex by default, and McGuire stocks the smaller sizes to go with the pieces that aren't. Not to mention the small and XS pieces that are waiting to be found by the lucky person who fits into them. Wool socks, base layers, watch caps, and shemaghs work regardless of gender. Field jackets and field pants come in XS and S for anyone with a smaller frame — the M-65 field jacket is a cult-classic women's piece that costs a fraction of what the boutique version would run. Canvas rucksacks are the kind of everyday bag that gets better with age.

Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking Gear

For the woman who actually hikes, camps, or backpacks, the surplus category runs deeper than most people realize. USGI canteens (1-quart and 2-quart), full hydration systems, and surplus water filters cover hydration for anyone who's out on a trail. USGI modular sleeping bags, bivy covers, and sleep sacks cover a “night out.”

Gifts by Budget

Under $25 covers the stocking-stuffer gifts she'll actually use: a carabiner, a shemagh (doubles as a scarf, headwrap, picnic blanket, or sun protection on the trail), a USGI canteen with cover, or a watch cap. $25-$75 is where most of the best gifts live: a woobie, a canvas rucksack, cold-weather base layers, or an M-65 field jacket in a smaller size. Over $75 is the bigger holiday gift: a USGI modular sleeping bag, an ECWCS parka, or a pair of USGI jungle boots or desert boots in women's sizes.

The Real Thing

McGuire doesn't stock pink versions of things or outdoor boutique brands. What we have is the real thing — genuine issue (actual military-contracted items) or MIL-SPEC (made to the military's specification). If she's the woman who'd rather be out at the lake than the beautician, this is her shop.

Also Worth Checking

Also worth checking: Gifts for Campers & Backpackers for the serious outdoors person, Gifts for the Guy Who Has Everything for the cult-classic surplus items that work for anyone (she probably has a toolbox too), or Gifts for Hunters if she hunts.

Shipping and Returns

Free shipping on contiguous US orders, no minimum. Weekday orders placed before 1pm Eastern go out the same day. 30-day returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's a good gift for a woman who doesn't like girly stuff?

A: Anything practical, durable, and not pink. (Red always works, though). Gloves, a shemagh, a USGI canteen, a canvas rucksack, or an M-65 field jacket are all solid picks. If she's into hiking, camping, or just likes her gear to last, military surplus is the opposite of a spa gift set.

Q: Does military surplus come in women's sizes?

A: Yes, absolutely. McGuire stocks smaller sizes (XS and S) across many jacket and pant lines. And we have lots (and lots) of best-selling items that are quickly sold out in the usual sizes, so you can get a real catch of a deal if you’re looking for the small and XS pieces. Most surplus gear doesn't need sizing at all — wool socks, watch caps, shemaghs, packs, canteens, and camping gear. If you're not sure of her size, a gift card is always a safe pick.

Q: Does McGuire have camping and hydration gear that works for a woman?

A: Yes, and most of it is for anyone. USGI canteens with cover and hydration systems are staples. USGI modular sleeping bags are the best you can get for cold weather and pair well with a woobie for the warmest combo you can find.

Q: What's the M-65 field jacket and why is it a good gift for a woman?

A: The M-65 is the Army's all-weather field jacket, first issued in 1965 — you've seen it in every Vietnam-era movie. It's a boxy olive jacket with four big pockets and a zip-out liner. For women, it's become a cult-classic piece: looks good over anything, holds up for decades, and costs a fraction of what a boutique version would run. Vintage M-65s in good shape are especially sought-after.

Q: What's a good Christmas gift under $25 for an outdoorsy woman?

A: A tactical belt, a shemagh, a USGI canteen, a warm watch cap, or a MOLLE pouch. Each one is practical, outdoorsy-useful, and lands as a useful Christmas gift she'll actually reach for.

Q: Can you ship it directly to her so it doesn't sit under my tree?

A: Yes. Enter a different shipping address at checkout and the package ships straight to her. Our shipments don't include gift notes — if you want her to know it came from you, send a text when the tracking pings. If you want to gift wrap it, ship it to your own address first.

Q: Do you sell gift cards?

A: Yes, both physical and digital. Digital gift cards deliver by email right away, which helps if Christmas is around the corner or you genuinely don't know her size. Physical gift cards ship on our normal schedule.