At GearJunkie, we test, use, and rely on all manner of gear — for all seasons and conditions. Check out some of our favorite ideas to gift the special outdoorsy person in your life this Valentine’s Day.
Valentine's Day Gifts
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
Keep your body and your heart warm this Valentine’s Day with the Stretchdown Parka from Mountain Hardwear. Made for the coldest winter days, the Stretchdown Parka will keep you outside and active regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you.
Mountain Hardwear’s “Stretchdown” weaves pockets of down insulation from a single stretch fabric, giving you the freedom to move without sacrificing warmth. Better yet, the jacket is made with the highest-quality goose-down insulation and is Bluesign-approved. With pockets galore and a two-way zipper, you’ll be ready for anything.
Wear it as a lifestyle piece around the campfire or as part of your ice climbing kit — either way, this jacket will get the job done.
alder open-air pant & go far fleece
Founded by National Geographic Explorer Mikayla Wujec and fashion marketing leader Naomi Blackman, alder was created to starkly contrast the “hardcore athletic brands” that dominate the outdoor space. Instead, alder produces community-informed designs that have sustainable and ethical production practices. And with that, they offer inclusive sizing that encourages diversity and inclusivity in outdoor pursuits.
The open-air pants are a product of the brand’s mission, and are thoughtfully designed to keep up with you on all of your adventures. With a flatter, high-waist fit, tapered legs, curved back yoke, and front-forward seams, you can count on comfort. The pants also have a four-way stretch fabric, several pockets (including an invisible thigh zip pocket), and reflective striping.
And if you’re looking to add to an outer layer for your special someone, the go far fleece will give you all the cozy vibes with recycled materials, pockets, and reflective strips for low-light visibility.
Alder offers more than twice the usual size range for athletic wear, with sizes from XS to 6X.
Kyrgies All Natural Molded Sole Slippers
Kyrgies All Natural Molded Sole Slippers are not only super-cozy house shoes, they are also made by an awesome company. Kyrgies are handcrafted by a women-owned and -operated felt producer in Kyrgyzstan that’s Climate Neutral Certified. And the felt is made of wool that’s sourced from small family-run farms.
These would make great Valentine’s Day gifts for him or her. I have the Women’s Low Back Molded Soles, and my boyfriend has a pair of the Men’s Wool Slides, and we’ve been matching with warm toes as we work from home.
Because they’re made of wool, which makes them naturally moisture-wicking, warm, and breathable, we can slip our bare feet right in, and they stay toasty but not sweaty. The soles of the slippers are made of leather and feel like they’ll hold up well over the years.
Outdoor Research Men's Feedback Shirt Jacket
Love your classic flannel button-up but wish it were a bit warmer? Outdoor Research grants that wish with its fleece-lined Feedback Shirt Jacket.
Made with 85% recycled synthetic insulation and sherpa fleece lining, this “shacket” offers exceptional warmth and enduring comfort. This flannel-style overshirt has several thoughtfully placed pockets throughout, and its UPF 50 sun protection is ideal for chilly, sunny adventures.
From casual wear around town to crisp winter hikes, we love the stylish Feedback Shirt Jacket. When temperatures fall, it’s one of the first things our editors reach for.
BUFF Merino Midweight Neckwear
If you or your partner like to keep the outdoor adventures rolling even when the temperatures drop, then consider the Midweight Merino neckwear from BUFF.
With more warmth than BUFF’s lightweight neckwear, this softly textured merino wool one can act as a beanie, balaclava, and more for active pursuits.
Made to be breathable and odor resistant, this is a great gift for someone into springtime cross-country ski tours, winter trekking, or evening runs. The midweight wool fabric performs across a range of cooler temperatures, dries quickly, and retains heat naturally.
If you’re looking to add a little more flair to your gift, consider the Crossknit Beanie or Crossknit Headband — both of which can add style and performance for casual hangs or outdoor workouts.
A Guided Adventure With 57hours
Instead of gear, give them an adventure! A guided adventure is a great way to try a new activity, learn about a new area, or simply refine existing skills. Last year, I booked a backcountry splitboarding trip through 57hours. I was paired with an amazing guide, Willie Benegas, who led me to deep powder stashes in the Wasatch Range. It was amazing (read the whole story).
’Tis the season for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. But, 57hours offers other adventures like rock climbing, mountain biking, polar exploration, surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, and more. Benegas said 57hours is one of his favorite companies to work with, as “they treat the guides right.”
Check out the site to find adventures close to you or anywhere around the world. Gift cards are also available so they can choose the perfect trip.
California Cowboy High Sierra Flannel
California Cowboy is one of those brands whose ethos is mostly just fun. But, it also makes some quality stuff. If you look past its more summery offerings of après shirts and “lounging” robes, you’ll find the High Sierra Flannel ($148, $74 on sale).
This flannel is one of our favorites for a lot of reasons. But number one, because it’s warm and cozy. Like, thick, waffle-texture, terry-cloth-fabric heavyweight cozy. On a real chilly day at home or the office, this flannel is all I need.
The second reason we love this flannel is the pockets. Outside this flannel shirt’s cozy thermal lining is a bold plaid pattern (there are a few to choose from) adorned with double chest pockets, a waterproof pocket, a phone pocket, a bottle pocket, and more.
The High Sierra is available in men’s and women’s sizing, making it a great gift for anyone! Our favorite variations? The men’s Campfire or women’s Golden Hour or Chilly Pepper plaid.
Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie
The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie is an everyday puffy for anyone who works or commutes in the cold. The jacket uses a mix of insulation, with 700-fill down insulation in the body and the brand’s synthetic VerticalX ECO on the tops of the shoulders and wrist cuffs.
I picked up this puffy for its all-around approach in preparation for another Denver winter. Once the snow and mountain winds finally came, it’s been my go-to jacket. During miles-long walks in sunlight, the jacket stays partially unzipped. For return trips after dark, its wind-blocking fabric helped keep me cozy and warm.
The lined hand pockets are easy to access and the two interior dump pockets come in clutch for keeping track of my gloves and beanie once I’m indoors. The mapped insulation creates a cushion of warmth that didn’t leak out when the winds turn gusty.
Most people may find it too warm for rigorous hiking (zipped up, at least) and overkill for running errands in a car. However, this is a great choice for camping, winter walks, or even waiting on transportation.
Swanky Badger Natural Soap Starter Set
Trouble shopping for your outdoorsy loved ones? Swanky Badger has you covered with its variety box of all-natural, cruelty-free, handmade-in-the-USA soap.
We like this soap because we believe what we put on our bodies should be just as important as what we put in our bodies. Swanky Badger avoids synthetic lathering agents that dry out your skin and substances such as parabens, surfactants, and artificial dyes. Instead, you’ll find organic ingredients like olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, and shea butter.
We tried this soap and were most excited about the unique scents the brand offers. Our favorite scents are Citrus IPA, Fresh Eucalyptus, and Morning Brew (which smells like a coffee shop!). These would be fun as gifts — but also grab some for yourself to throw in your travel and camping dopp kits!
