My boyfriend loves to mountain climbing and the outdoors. What can l get him that is inexpensive, but also leaning towards his other love in life?

You could get him a good compass for 45 euro. Silva make the best. Something l hate about presents is when a person gets me something cheap that is a big thing but low quality, like a bad digital camera, when I'd really prefer something small that is good quality. So do not go buying something random in an outdoor shop that is on sale or cheap. You could get him a cool design chalk bag if he rock climbs. You could get him a pocket rocket camping stove, by MSR(they r cool). You could pick up a bouldering mat with a cool design if you're looking to spend in the region of 100 euro. You should really give a price range. l mean what is inexpensive when it comes to ur boyfriend. You might be a working professional or a broke student for all anyone knows.

Garion took the answer right out of my mouth, a compass!

GPS is swell & all that, but nothing is better than a nice compass! & if he does not know how to use one, get him a book or DVD to go along with it that will show him how to use it.
l own a few types, but one that is functional & bombproof is the order of the day. Look at these.

http://thecompassstore.com/explorerpro.html ( l have a more than one of these & they r quite reliable)

http://thecompassstore.com/51m3dl.html

http://thecompassstore.com/dakar.html

these r all pretty basic, u could get more technical & use specific if the need be.

a few more links for kicks.
http://thecompassstore.com/
http://rei.com/booksmaps

If that is not up u alley, get him a nice knife.

l agree with the others.a compass. While l do have a high-end GPS with digital maps and compass, l still carry a paper topo map and compass ( l have an old Silva Ranger with clinometer that l used to use in geology field camp).

Other things might be a titanium cook set (around $40 to $50), a light weight stove ( l use a butane stove - around $40 - $50), trekking poles ($100), ice ax (starting at $60), or a water filter ($60 or so).

l would suggest some nice safety gear - something people do not usually buy for themselves but it will show you care:

a good pair of glacier sunglasses ($70), a nice superlight goretex shell (Marmot, Sierra Designs, $100), a nice climbing helmet (Petzl, $60), a couple of locking carabiners (Petzl, Black Diamond, $25 ea), a light rapel rope (30m, $50), a small first aid kit ($25), a real headlamp (Petzl, $40), or an emergency headlamp (LED, $30).

Good Luck