Whether you’re shopping for a total nature newbie or someone who’s low key outdoors obsessed, the items on our Valentine’s Day gift guide will surely inspire and enable more adventures. Whoever, wherever, however. Let’s go!
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For whiskey-drinking mountaineers
Up your rocks glass game with these glasses in the shape of Mt. Everest, offering even more inspiration to conquer the great outdoors with every sip of liquid courage.
For gearheads who geek out on history
This book is perfect for anyone fascinated by the evolution of outdoor gear and/or inspired by the stories of the people who set out on the most daring first attempts. Written by explorer and survivalist Ed Stafford, Expeditions Unpacked details 25 great expeditions by taking an up-close-and-personal look at the equipment these explorers took along with them. Some of the most notable expeditions highlighted in this coffee table book include Amelia Earhart’s 15-hour flight across the Atlantic in 1932 and Roald Amundsen’s 19-month race to the South Pole, 1910-1920.
For fans of flannel
This Tamok wool shirt from Norrøna is a heavier weight than regular flannels and performs as a technical mid-layer, yet has the appearance of a classic flannel with a bit of extra flare, like a bonus and oh-so-convenient chest pocket and corduroy elbow reinforcements. It’s available in men’s and women’s styles, as a comfortable blend of reprocessed wool and nylon.
For the person who collects clothes
UNIQLO makes great everyday apparel at an affordable price. While not the most technical gear, it’s actually a nice gift option because it’s not a huge investment and still rather stylish. There’s tons of color options, so get crazy with it.
For non-plastic people
Reducing single-use plastic should be on everyone’s 2020 resolutions list, so let’s set ourselves up for success with long-lasting reusable bottles like this 40 oz stainless steel option from CamelBak. The vacuum-insulated Chute bottle maintains drink temperatures—whether hot or cold—and comes with a stowable leak-proof cap. Bring it on the trail or while traveling. It’s perfect for the car, the train, and the plane. Wherever you are, bring it along to avoid purchasing single use plastic water bottles this year.
Another important plastic-saving piece of gear are large water storage devices to take car camping. If you’re guilty of grabbing a cartful of gallon jugs, please, consider a water reservoir for your next camp trip like this 8 liter bladder from HydraPak. The Expedition comes with a wide-mouth cap for easy pouring and has a flexible handle that helps you carry and hang it. On its own, it’s extremely lightweight (9 oz) and packable. Such a smart investment and great gift for eco-conscious adventurers.
For those who consider tailgating an outdoor activity
This soft nylon shell cooler from Polar Bear Coolers is well insulated and will keep your beers and ice cold for 24 hours in 100+ degree heat. It’s easy to grab and go whether that’s tailgating, camping, or a day at the beach. For an extra special touch, choose to have the side pocket monogrammed.
For the yogi
Gaiam makes some of the best yoga mats, and we love this mountain design. This 6mm cushioned mat provides a stable non-slip surface, and it’s manufactured free of latex and the top six most harmful phthalates. This is an ideal thickness for inversions and lightweight enough to accompany you to the studio. Bonus: it has a lifetime guarantee.
For the trendy traveler
Fjallraven duffles are spacious, sturdy travel companions and a statement piece at the same time. Made from recycled polyester and organic cotton, various styles have added features to deliver on the durability front, including a waterproof base with extra padding, padded shoulder straps with ventilating airmesh for extra comfort when wearing as a backpack, and double handles on each of the ends providing stable grips to help haul the bag. This bag is built to last (and look good while doing it).
For the business casual who skews more casual
There’s a reason this Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket is so damn popular. It’s comfortable and cozy. It’ll keep you warm, and it’s also lightweight enough to continue wearing indoors. You can dress it up or down, which means it passes the business casual test for a lot of office folks.
For the winter wanderess
One of The North Face’s best selling parkas comes with a lifetime warranty and all the bells and whistles you’d expect.
And, she’ll need a pair of boots to take on cold temps, snow, ice, rain—you name it. Sorels are built to last.
For the backpacker seeking comfort
For anyone with a love/hate relationship with backpacking, the Flexlight Chair from REI will be a saving grace after a long day on the trail. Every ounce matters, but there are some ounces that are nonnegotiable. For some, that includes a one-pound (!) mini folding chair. Because after a long day, sitting in a comfortable chair is just so much better than sitting on a log or a rock or the ground.
For the ski/board bunny
Some of the best in the field, these Smith I/O MAG™ S ChromaPop Goggles feature an innovative new interchangeable system that’s designed for peak performance and a perfect fit. These are a smaller lens that’s still big on field of vision. With anti-fog technology and optical clarity, these ChromaPop performance lenses help you see the snow and lets you change lenses between bright light and low light conditions.
For on-the-go gourmands
This camp cookbook includes recipes ranging from breakfast and lunch to snacks and full-on feasts. Highlights include the dutch oven pork, blueberry skillet scones, and veggie chowder. It also has drink recipes because camping and cocktails go hand in hand.
For those who appreciate a nice fanny
In true Cotopaxi form, the Bataan Hip Pack stands out with its colorful style, making it the perfect fanny pack for any fashionista. It is made with repurposed materials, and the nylon ripstop fabric is durable and lightweight.
March 12 is Int’l Fanny Pack Day, so check out our fanny pack face-off of the industry’s best seven hip packs!
For an experience of a lifetime
Sign up for one of REI’s many guided adventures, such as a five-day hiking excursion on the Grand Canyon or an eight-day Costa Rican adventure full of hiking, biking, and rafting. REI takes care of everything from overnight accommodations, food, transportation, and expert guides. This could be a fun thing to do solo and meet other like-minded adventurers, too!