No doubt, everybody loves flowers (and they’re sure to make mom smile). But if you’ve been in a Mother’s Day flower rut, how about something outdoorsy? Here are a few of our picks, many in the same price range as a bouquet from the corner store. —Sean McCoy
Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern with Candle Mode — These lanterns will let mom enjoy the flicker of fire with the convenience of an on/off switch and L.E.D. light. With three brightness settings, the lantern can run up to 70 hours on its AAA batteries. $39.
GSI Glacier Nesting Stainless Wineglasses — What better way to toast your mom (or the mother of your children) than nesting stainless steel wine glasses at a favorite campsite? At $14.95, get two and carry them in with a bottle of white or red.
Wigwam Single Trax Pro — A perfect running sock is a great gift. Wigwam’s Single Trax Pro have a low cut and a smidge of cushioning on the sole for the run. A synthetic and merino wool blend lets the socks breathe and stay comfy and odor-free even after a long, 10-mile day. $14.99.
Icebreakers Siren Long Sleeve Crewe — A quality base layer makes every outing more comfortable, and the softness, versatility and longevity of merino wool makes a great base material. At $69.99, this 96-percent merino (4 percent Lycra) long-sleeve base will last mom for many years of comfortable use.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack — “Great as a summit pack, carrying groceries when on foot or on a bike or as an extra traveling tote.” That’s how Sea to Summit markets its uber-packable Ultra-Sil Day Pack. Made of a thin and slippery silicone-coated nylon, the pack weighs just 2.4 ounces and stuffs into its own keychain-size pouch. $32.
ExOfficio Lacy Give-N-Go Shelf Bra Camisole — In many ways a perfect travel garment; small, packable and anti-microbial, this camisole is made to be worn day after day, rinsed out in sinks and hung up to dry quickly. The undershirt retails for $40.
Headsweats Ultralite Hat — With summer on the way it’s time to pick that perfect running hat. Personally, I love Headsweats for their comfortable design and wicking, quick dry materials. The Ultralite will run for hundreds of miles and mom will have it made in the shade. It retails for $22.
Mountain Mamma Harness — For the soon-to-be mom, check out the climbing harness for pregnant women from Mountain Mamma, Inc. The Mountain Mamma Harness has an X-Strap design to support the upper body and open midsection to accommodate a growing belly. The harness retails for $122.
Therm-a-Rest Women’s Trail Pro — Mom needs a good night sleep out there. This air mattress was designed with women in mind. Therm-a-Rest claims this is its “warmest and most comfortable backpacking mattress ever.” It blows up to two inches thick and weighs in at two pounds for a luxury backpacking sleep. $84.95.
The Handful sports bra — A supportive gesture for your sport loving partner, the Handful sports bra got a great review last year from contributor Chelsey Magness, who put the garment through the rigors of the Patagonian Expedition Race in Chile. The bras cost between $24 and $42 depending on model.
Novara Edgewater Bike Jacket — OK, this one costs more than flowers for sure. But the Novara Edgewater Bike Jacket is worth a look. At $119, the new women’s biking jacket blends style and performance with protection against wind and rain as well as on-the-bike safety touches like a reversible belt with reflective “hits” to let cars better see a rider on the road.
