Adventure Gear from Yesteryear: 27 Vintage-Inspired Outdoor Essentials

This is a post dedicated to other people that love both the outdoors and the nostalgia of vintage aesthetics. Whether it’s sipping coffee out of an enamel mug by a cozy campfire or listening to your favorite vinyl records on a portable player, vintage gear adds an extra layer of charm to any outdoor adventure.

We’re trying to dip our toes in the vibes of iconic outdoor scenes from old-school movies like “The Great Outdoors” or “Stand by Me.” Those rugged explorers of yesteryear, venturing into the wilderness with little more than a canvas tent and a trusty pocket knife. Here are a few more great movies for anyone that loves the outdoors.

How to create a vintage-inspired setup for your next adventure.

Whether you’re a hiker, backpacker, camper, or just someone who appreciates a good vintage aesthetic, this post is bound to have something you love. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite vintage-style gear and items for all your outdoor adventures, from stylish dog collars and classic backpacker boots to canvas tents and classic enamel camp cups.

So grab a cup of coffee, throw on your favorite flannel, and let’s dive in together.

Backpacks

A good backpack is essential for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or backpacking, having a durable and comfortable backpack can make all the difference. While there are many options on the market, vintage-style backpacks offer a stylish and functional option for those who prefer a retro aesthetic.

Best Vintage Backpacks for Camping and Hiking:

Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack:

This vintage-style backpack combines style with functionality. Made from durable polyester fabric, the Little America backpack features a classic mountaineering design with modern features such as a padded laptop sleeve and adjustable drawstring closure.

Campsite Essentials

When it comes to camping, having the right gear can make all the difference. From keeping your food and drinks cold to staying warm at night, having the right gear is essential for a successful camping trip. While there are many options on the market, vintage-style gear offers a stylish and functional option for those who love a retro aesthetic when they trek into the wilderness.

Canvas Tent

A canvas tent is the ultimate vintage-style accessory for any camping trip. Here are a couple of options for a classic canvas tent.

Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent:

This durable canvas tent features a classic design and can comfortably fit up to eight people. With its sturdy construction and spacious interior, the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe Tent is perfect for all your outdoor adventures.

Springbar Highline 8 Canvas Tent:

This beautiful canvas tent features a vintage design and can comfortably fit up to eight people. With its durable construction and classic look, the Springbar Highline 8 Canvas Tent is a great addition to your next camping trip.

Vintage-style Tumblers and Cookware

When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s important to have durable and functional cookware and drinkware. Here are a couple of options for vintage-style tumblers and cookware that will help you enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

Stanley Classic Pendleton Insulated Tumbler

This vintage-style tumbler is perfect for keeping your coffee or hot cocoa warm on cold mornings. With a durable stainless steel construction and vacuum insulation, the Stanley Classic Tumbler is built to last. The Stanley Pendleton pattern tumbler just gives the whole thing that extra vintage vibe. I got one as a gift a while back and it’s just absolutely one of my favorite things.

I asked for one because I said I wanted a thermos I could use to fight a bear if I had to. I haven’t tested it yet, but the thing is pretty big and sturdy, so I wouldn’t bet against it.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

If it ain’t broke… This classic cast iron skillet is perfect for cooking up breakfast or dinner over an open flame and Lodge has been making these bad boys since the word vintage was invented. With a pre-seasoned finish, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a timeless addition to any outdoor kitchen.

COLETTI Classic Camping Coffee Percolator

The COLETTI Classic Camping Coffee Percolator is a high-quality, stainless steel percolator that’s perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a vintage-style aesthetic. The COLETTI Classic Camping Coffee Percolator is built to last, with a heavy-duty stainless steel construction that’s resistant to rust and corrosion and a tempered glass top. It’s also easy to clean, making it a great choice for camping trips.

Top-Rated Retro Coolers for Outdoor Enthusiasts:

Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler

This classic cooler features a vintage vibe and modern features such as rust-resistant steel construction and a leak-resistant drain. With a capacity of up to 85 cans, the Steel-Belted Cooler is perfect for long camping trips.

Igloo Legacy Cooler

The Igloo Legacy Cooler has an awesome retro charm to it. This is a cooler that was made for lovers of all things vintage. It’s in the name – Legacy. It has a metal exterior, stainless steel hardware, and a classic Igloo logo. With high-performance insulation and a 54-quart capacity, it’s perfect for keeping your food and drinks cold on any outdoor adventure. It also includes a built-in bottle opener on the outside of the cooler!

Vintage-Style Enamel Mugs for Campfire Coffee:

GSI Outdoors Enamelware Mug

This vintage-style mug is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee by the campfire. Made from durable enamelware, the mug is both stylish and functional. I can already feel the cool forest air in the morning.

Crow Canyon Home Enamelware Mug

This classic mug features a retro design with a durable enamel coating and a dishwasher-safe finish. With a variety of colors to choose from, the Crow Canyon Home Enamelware Mug is perfect for adding a pop of color to your camping gear.

Durable Wool Blankets for Camping in Style:

Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket

This classic wool blanket features a vintage design and is perfect for staying warm on cold nights in the great outdoors. Made from 100% pure wool, the Yakima Camp Blanket is warm, durable, and perfect for snuggling up by the campfire.

Pendleton, National Parks Blanket

The Pendleton, National Parks Blanket is one of my favorite things on this list. I just love the retro-feeling color patterns they’ve used for this particular line of cozy blankets. It features iconic designs based on America’s national parks, including Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Canyon. Made of soft, pure wool, this blanket is perfect for those crisp camp mornings.

Faribault Woolen Mill Company Cabin Blanket

This vintage-style wool blanket is perfect for adding a retro touch to your camping gear. Made in the USA from high-quality wool, the Cabin Blanket is warm, soft, and perfect for cozying up on chilly nights.

Campfire Grill

A campfire grill is a must-have for any outdoor adventure, allowing you to cook up delicious meals over an open flame like they did in the olden days. Here are a couple of options for a classic campfire grill.

Texsport Heavy Duty Camp Grill

This classic campfire grill is perfect for cooking up burgers, hot dogs, and veggies over an open flame. Made with heavy-duty steel and folding legs, the Texsport Heavy Duty Camp Grill is easy to transport and set up. It just feels like something Harrison Ford would be using while trekking through the Yukon with his trusty sidekick, Buck.

No idea what I’m talking about? I’ll give you a hint, check out this list of adventure movies…

UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit

This versatile grill and fire pit combo is perfect for cooking up meals and enjoying the campfire at the same time. With its durable stainless steel construction and compact size, the UCO Flatpack Portable Grill is the perfect addition to any outdoor adventure.

Accessories

Accessories can add a finishing touch to any outfit, and this is especially true when it comes to camping gear. Whether it’s a vintage-inspired backpacking boots or a stylish watch, these accessories are the cherry on top of your yesteryear gear pile.

Pocket Knife

A pocket knife is an essential tool for any outdoorsy person, and a vintage-style one adds a touch of charm to your gear. Here are a couple of options for a classic pocket knife.

Opinel No. 8 Pocket Knife

This classic folding knife features a beautiful beechwood handle and a sharp stainless steel blade. Beautiful craftsmanship and perfect for any outdoor adventure.

Case Trapper Pocket Knife

This beautiful pocket knife features two sharp stainless steel blades. With its durable construction and classic design, the Case Trapper Pocket Knife is a great addition to any camping or hiking trip.

Classic Swiss Army Knife

It doesn’t get any more classic than this. The swiss army multi-tool/pocket knife combo is a must-have for any camping trip. Check out 25 more camping gear must-haves here.

Portable Record Player

Why leave your love of music behind when you go camping? A portable record player is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite tunes in the great outdoors. There are several portable record players, but the one included here is special because you don’t need to plug it in to use it. So it’s perfect for a trek into the great outdoors.

Victrola Revolution GO 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Rechargeable Record Player

Take your records with you when you have this battery-operated and rechargeable record player. It’s Bluetooth compatible and the removable lid doubles as a record holder!

Vintage Watches

A timeless accessory for any outdoor adventure, a vintage-style watch is a must-have for those who love the great outdoors and classic style.

Timex Expedition Scout

This watch has a classic vintage design with a durable metal case and a leather strap that gives it a rugged look. It has a water-resistant rating of up to 50 meters, making it suitable for outdoor activities, and it features an INDIGLO night light for visibility in low-light conditions.

Hamilton Khaki Field

The Hamilton Khaki Field watch has a simple, vintage-inspired design that is both stylish and functional. It has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a leather strap that adds to its vintage appeal. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters and has a date display feature. Its luminous hands and markers also make it easy to read in low-light conditions.

Classic Backpacker Boots

No vintage-loving outdoorsy person is complete without a pair of classic backpacker boots. These boots not only look great with their retro design, but they’re also incredibly sturdy and durable, making them the perfect footwear for any hiking or backpacking trip. The right pair of backpacker boots should provide support, comfort, and protection for your feet while also looking stylish.

Danner Mountain Hiking Boot

These boots have a timeless design and are made with high-quality full-grain leather that only looks better with age. These boots are built to last and will be a favorite for years to come.

Red Wing Heritage Boot

These boots are made with a premium leather upper and sturdy construction, ensuring they can withstand tough terrain and weather conditions. They provide excellent traction, and the footbed offers all-day comfort. With their classic design and rugged build, these boots are perfect for any vintage-loving backpacker.

Stylish Dog Collars for Adventure Pups

If you’re an outdoorsy person who loves to bring your furry best friend along for the adventure, you’ll want them to look the part too! Here are a couple of options for stylish dog collars that are perfect for outdoor pups.

Mendota Products Leather Dog Collar

This vintage-style dog collar is made from English bridle leather and features a brass buckle and D-ring.

Wolfgang Man & Beast Dog Collar

This unique dog collar features several patterns to choose from, including several that give off a vintage aesthetic. With a metal buckle and D-ring, the Wolfgang Man & Beast Leather Dog Collar is both stylish and functional.

Onto the next adventure!

The popularity of outdoor activities has surged in recent years, with more and more people seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoy nature… and because we weren’t allowed to be indoors with each other for a couple years there…

If you’re anything like me, though, your love of the outdoors was well on its way before the year that shall not be named (20202) and grabbing some vintage gear is just a fun addition to something you already love. For many, outdoor adventures represent an opportunity to connect with the environment, rejuvenate the mind, and get some exercise. Combining functionality with a retro aesthetic, vintage gear allows campers, hikers, and backpackers to express their sense of style while also enjoying the great outdoors.

Not to mention the little bit of extra vintage style never hurts if you’re looking to take a few photos for Instagram.

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