Forget roses. I don’t need chocolate. And the last thing I want to do for Valentine’s Day is go out to an overpriced prix fixe dinner. What I want for Valentine’s Day, and what I think is the most valuable gift from one partner to another, is to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Time outside together is my love language.

My husband, Mark, and I have been married for 21 years. We started dating when he worked at Rock & Ice Magazine and I worked at Trail Runner Magazine. (����’s a very Boulder, Colorado love story.) We spent those early days trail running and climbing together. One of our first dates was a three-pitch climb on a very exposed face on Independence Pass—in the rain. He had overestimated both my climbing ability and my comfort level with exposure. I cried. He calmed me. He’d been a climbing guide and knew how to talk me off a ledge, literally and figuratively.

While we were dating, I occasionally dragged him into adventure races when my team and I needed another teammate. We still joke about the 24-hour race in California where his knee was bothering him about 22 hours in and we were reduced to a walk. I said something caring and comforting like, “Your knee is already hurt. We might as well run.” We did. He recovered.

We’ve since had two kids, and juggled jobs, finances, friends, and household chores. We often tag-team who goes to our sons’ soccer games on weekends while the other does their outdoor sport with friends, alone, or with the dog. Our relationship tends to collect dust, as does a lot of the outdoor gear that we’ve amassed over the years.

We’ve all heard about the numerous studies that prove spending time in nature,, and can even. And there’s a good reason why more therapists are adopting, either working with clients through dance or, especially here in Boulder, going for hikes. The mind-body connection can’t be ignored, and there is something to be said for opening up to someone and connecting while you’re not face to face—consider why running partners become so close; why kids often share more openly with their parents while in the car; and why two stubborn people who have been married 21 years actually talk more when outside doing an activity together.

A few recent studies have taken a look at how. But I don’t need a study to tell me that spending quality time outdoors together is good for my relationship with my husband. (That said, if I need to use science as an argument to get him out the door with me, so be it.)

One of my favorite ways to celebrate any event in the 23 years we’ve been together is to spend time on the trail. Right around our fifteenth anniversary, I was invited to a “couple’s-oriented” travel-writers’ trip on the island of Kauai. (The perks of the job are sometimes very good.) My husband and I�� were treated to fancy dinners and stayed in nice places. But we connected the most—and I knew this would happen—when just the two of us hiked the on the Na Pali Coast. It didn’t hurt that the views were spectacular and swimming underneath a waterfall was otherworldly. But it was the walking and talking I liked the most—something we can attain anywhere, anytime if we just make the effort.

So, instead of spending money on clichéd Valentine’s gifts like flowers, chocolate, or jewelry—or even buying each other adventure-enabling gear that we’d likely use separately—all I want to do is dust off the gear we already have and head outside, together. ����’s the time, and the space, that is most valuable.

We may go on a hike with the dog. We may get creative, put on headlamps, and go for a night hike. Or we may grab our skinny skis and the dog and glide through a snow-covered open space to a lake. That may sound romantic, but it’s more than romance I’m after. ����’s the connection. And connection is everything.

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As a lifelong runner and adventurer, I’m going to speak for outdoorsy people in general and state this: A thoughtful, handwritten note on the back of an REI receipt means more than an $8 Hallmark card. Or, as an alternative to a prix-fix dinner out, how about a sunset winter hike with a can of wine or beer to crack open and share at the top of the climb? (The hike alone would make me fall in love all over again, but the celebratory can certainly wouldn’t hurt.)

Here are 11 adventure-enabling gifts under a hundred bucks that your partner would truly appreciate�� this Valentine’s Day.

Activities

Write a sweet note with a plan to go hiking, climbing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or resort skiing, then take care of all the logistics yourself. Just tell your partner what to dress for and when to be ready, pack the snacks and go.

Or, if your significant other could use some alone time (young kids, anyone?), make a card with an offer to watch the kids so they can do their favorite activity alone with plenty of time to spare. As a working parent myself, time is often the greatest gift of all.

Nordic Trail Pass, Climbing Gym Pass, Yoga Class

If your partner’s favorite activity costs money, like Nordic skiing on groomed trails, climbing indoors on plastic, or doing shavasana in a group setting, buy them a day or session pass to do that thing they love. And offer them a ride there while you’re at it.

The Favorite Drink Hike or Ski (from $8/six pack)

Lightweight aluminum cans tuck safely into daypacks a lot better than glass bottles—and getting your partner their favorite beverage�� is the least you could do. Some of our favorites are ($28/four pack), (from $9/six-pack), and ($8/six-pack).�� Throw in a plan for a hike or skin to the top of your local peak, offer to carry the can, and make a date out of it. A little salty snack wouldn’t hurt either.

4Oceans Humpback Whale Limited Edition Bracelet ($20)

4Oceans pulls plastic from the sea and makes meaningful bracelets out of them. Themed bracelets allow you to choose a cause/animal/bracelet that speaks to you—or that would speak to your partner and helps them raise awareness about the cause. February’s bracelet honors humpback whales. With each one�� purchased, the company pulls one pound of trash from the ocean.

Energy Fuel

Show your partner you pay attention to�� what they use to fuel their adventures and give them a collection for their next outing. Goods like electrolyte tabs ($8/10 serving tube), ($3/pack) and a ($10/6 waffles) will resonate with your adventure partner better than a heart-shaped box of candy.

Prana Chalk Bag ($35)

A chalk bag enables climbing indoors and out, and tells your partner you support their addiction–I mean, “sport”. Be extra cute and fill it with candy, or consider getting it monogrammed (price varies).

Miir 12 Ounce Camp Cup ($38 personalized) and Camping Reservation (price varies)

An insulated, personalized coffee mug with a lid works for home, office, and in the best-case scenario, camping. Book a weekend reservation for you and your partner for an upcoming date, print it out, and stick it in the mug for a gift that lets them anticipate adventure, and enjoy warm (or cold) liquids before, during, and after.

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 ($60)

Runners, skiers, and active people in general will relish in the comfort of these slides (it overrules the looks, trust me). They will thank you every time they slip into them post-activity. The recovery properties, dual-density cushioning, and arch-supporting shape relieves their feet and lets them get back out there quickly and feeling refreshed.

Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device ($100)

Enable winter running in icy, gnarly conditions with these comfortable and grippy add-ons to your favorite runners. A softshell toe cover combines with 14 stainless steel spikes gives runners and hikers full access to snowy, icy mountain terrain all winter long. And at just 7.8 ounces, they easily tuck into a pack or vest.

Patagonia R1 Air Crew ($99)

Who doesn’t love a Patagonia fleece? This one takes the super-breathable, yet warmth-trapping zig-zag channels of the company’s R1 Air—ideal for cold-weather endurance pursuits—and styles it into a casual-looking crew. The piece crosses over from lounging, to around-town casual-wear, and of course, adventures of all sorts.

Massage (price varies)

Booking your partner a sports massage is always a good idea, period. We’ll just leave it at that.

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Just because you—like me—waited until the last minute to get a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other��doesn’t mean it can’t be excellent. The goal here is to be thoughtful. Anyone can buy a giant bouquet of expensive flowers, but I feel like romance can be strongly shown in practicality; after all,��a gift that’s used by your partner dozens (or hundreds) of times will give them many opportunities to think of you fondly. Here are a handful of great gear items��that will do just that.

Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp ($30)

The most capable outdoorsfolks don’t upgrade their headlamps; instead��they��just trudge along for years with the same��simple light because it still works OK and was cheap. hits the practicality sweet spot: it’s feature rich without being overbuilt��and��is relatively inexpensive. With a stormproof (IPX4) housing, three LEDs, and a red-light mode, this��will be a nice improvement for your partner. It also locks, which means they won’t have worry about it turning on inside their pack and draining the three AAA batteries inside.

Bogs Bozeman Tall Boot ($150)

It sucks to gunk up your favorite running shoes with a messy yard project, so a solid pair of mud boots like the is one of the most thoughtful things��you can gift��a significant other who’s��into gardening or landscaping. Burly but nimble, which lowers the chances of spearing a toe with a shovel tip, these��can be hosed off and thrown in the��garage when you’re done. Plus: dry feet are happy feet, making for a happy partner.

Mystery Ranch Traditional Face Mask ($16)

If you’re like my family, you have a drawer full of masks, but they always seem to be dirty. How many times have you reached for your favorite one before a trail run��only to find that it’s sweaty because your partner just used it? Solve that by getting them a new, dedicated mask that you promise will be only theirs. We love from Mystery Ranch, based in Bozeman, Montana, because it’s comfortable and functional: the bendable nosepiece means it doesn’t slip, and the filter sleeve and breathable outer offer��solid performance and protection.

Dermatone SPF 23 Original Tin Face Balm ($7)

Every time your significant other puts on , it will be like you’re delivering them a little kiss on the cheek. ����’s incredible how much comfort a nongreasy SPF moisturizer adds to your exposed skin on a cold ski day. This��tidy little tin can live in their ski pocket all season—reminding your partner how much you care about them and their face again and again.

Opinel No. 9 Knife ($18)

Early in our relationship, when my wife asked me if I wanted to go��“check out the knives” as we were shopping for a camping trip, I knew she was the one. I have tested hundreds of blades for my job here at ���ϳԹ���, which is a perk she enjoys, too. But her favorite, the one that lives in her desk year-round, is the inexpensive . The hardy handle and simple lock give��her enough confidence to whittle, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing enough to complement a cheese board.��

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These gifts not only last for years with proper care, but over time they also take on a beautiful one-of-a-kind patina. Here are seven of our favorite leather items that make great presents.

Red Wing Heritage Classic Bifold Veg-Tan ($130)

Red Wing shoes are known to last for decades, so you can trust that����will��stand up to daily abuse. ����’s built from the same vegetable-tanned American leather in the brand’s famous boots. The simple design carries your most important cards but also limits��overstuffing with minimal slots. And like a good leather jacket, it will get more supple over time.

Nomad Horween Leather AirPods Case ($30)

A for AirPods might seem frivolous, but thanks to the soft leather plus a polycarbonate trim, you get a solid dose of protection and can worry less about cracking your case as it crashes around in your bag or lands with a thud on your tile floor. Also, the cases come in multiple colors, so each pod��owner in your house can have their own, to cut down on any��mix-ups. ����’s a thing, trust me.

Billykirk Leather Valet Tray ($40)

After work��I used to come home, take my keys out of my pocket, and gingerly place them on top of the bookshelf, trying very hard not to scratch the wood. Now? I come in, throw my keys in , and never worry. And the days of searching for my sunglasses are over. They go in this, too, along with my wallet and whatever other everyday-carry��items��I need to remember and��can’t lose.

Arcade Padre Comfort Stretch Leather Belt ($48)

Thank you, Arcade, for inventing a that’s actually comfortable. The��secret is a piece of stretchy nylon fashioned between the��belt and the buckle. With just a touch of give, the fabric makes the belt fit better—it makes for a snugger wrap—and it also allows the Padre to move with your body throughout the day. The leather itself is simple and high quality��and looks good with jeans or slacks.��

Billykirk No. 495 Camera Strap ($115)

Why buy a ? Because this will be the last camera strap your crush will ever need, no matter how many cameras they��go through. They can also be assured it won’t fray and break, leaving their DSLR on the ground in pieces. Even better: each strap is handmade in the United States and comes with equally durable and stunning nickel-plated brass hardware.

Huckberry Leather Coaster Pack ($30)

In college, coasters were��overkill. But now we’re all grown up and sick of leaving moisture rings on our coffee tables, so we finally understand their value. of simple, Huckberry-branded leather coasters will save your furniture and add a touch of class to any living room.

Bellroy Tech Folio 13-Inch Laptop Organizer ($340)

If your partner is ultraorganized, this is a��. A padded sleeve holds a��laptop, while additional pockets organize everything from cords to AirPods to tablets. All zipped up, the case looks professional and is perfect for bouncing around between meetings. Like every other leather item on this list, the Tech Folio will scuff up and change color—in a good way—making it one of a kind.

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Forget chocolate and roses. All you really need to celebrate��Valentine’s Day is quality time outside��and a cozy place to curl up at night. We found some��cabins��located in ideal places for exploring, making them perfect retreats��for adventurous couples.

For Skiers and Snowboarders

First off, there’s the location: you’re five minutes from the slopes of California’s�� and a few more from the legendary steeps of Squaw Valley. On weekends,��a free, on-demand shuttle called the����that’s operated by the ski resort��will pick you up at the cabin and deliver you to the hill. Then, of course, there’s the house itself: a��thoughtfully restored, dog-friendly A-frame with two bedrooms, a wood-burning stove, a full��kitchen, and a deck overlooking pine forests and snowcapped peaks (from $224).

For Digital Detoxers

Located two hours from Portland, Oregon, near the volcanic peak of Mount Adams, Washington, this collection of tiny cabins dot a campground��with no cell service. (Don’t fret: there’s a landline if you really need to make a call.) There’s�� in the surrounding area, from hiking in the Columbia River Gorge to exploring the Guler Ice Cave. Your cabin—which is less than 200 square feet—comes well stocked with a kitchen, a private bathroom, books, and a wireless speaker (from $99). Provisions like marshmallows, oatmeal, and hot chocolate are available for purchase.

For National Park Fans

This sleek one-bedroom cabin (from $393), just five minutes from , on the Big Island, was recently made available to rent. You can hike through rainforests into a volcanic crater and spot lava flow from previous eruptions. If you’re craving a beach day, you’re just 40 minutes by car��from the seaside town of Hilo (don’t miss the stunning 80-foot-high Rainbow Falls nearby). A hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, and a spacious king bed will keep you happy by night.

For Those Who Want to Get Away (But Not Too Far)

If the idea of being in a remote cabin alone in the woods doesn’t sound ideal to you, then consider a lodge��next to a full-service hotel, like ��in the Catskills, near the town of Windham, New York. It offers three Scandinavian-style A-frames��that are just 220 square feet and come with a queen bed, an attached bath, and access to a nearby wood-barrel sauna (from $299). You may not want to leave the property, thanks to a hip on-site bar and restaurant, but if you do, skiing at Windham Mountain is just a few minutes away.

For Ocean Lovers

Birdwatchers and sea kayakers love Dauphin Island, Alabama, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico accessed via a short ferry ride from Mobile Point or a drive��over a three-mile-long bridge. Walk through the , sea-kayak from the marina, or pet stingrays at the . Stay at this remodeled A-frame, which has views of the Gulf Coast and is just steps away from white-sand beaches (from $72).

For Hardy, Do-It-Yourselfers

Available for bookings from December through March, this wintertime backcountry hut (from $88) is located on private land in Huntington, Vermont. ����’s not fancy: most everything needs to be packed in. You’ll need your own sleeping bag, use a detached outhouse, build your own fire, and melt snow for water. Getting there is straightforward—it’s a 250-yard walk or ski from the road. And there’s a path��from the cabin that connects to the 300-mile-long��, beloved by Vermont’s nordic skiers.

For the Whole Family

These nine year-round cabins in Cañon City, Colorado, about two and a half hours south of��Denver, come in a variety of sizes, depending on your group. There are 600-square-foot, one-bedroom cabins for just the two of you, or, if you’re bringing the kids, you can opt for a��two-bedroom house (from $375). You’ll score views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains��from your front stoop. The town’s main attraction is the Royal Gorge, a 1,200-foot-deep canyon that runs for ten��miles and contains the Arkansas River, a paddler’s paradise come summertime. For a sweet view of the surrounding area, be sure to walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges.

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Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female friendship, popularized by a 2010 episode of . ����’s a cause worth celebrating year-round��but important enough to set aside a specific day. If you’re already planning on showering your buds with��love, praise, and affirmation, a��gift is an excellent addition. In this spirit, we picked eight items that’ll show the outdoorsy ladies in your life how much you care about them.

Fjällräven Kanken Art Toiletry Bag ($45)��

We included in our roundup of the best grooming gear of 2020, because it’s an organizational dream with zippered compartments that allow bottles and creams to stand upright. This kit is ideal for the gal��with an avalanche of beauty products.

Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream ($12)

Friends don’t let friends use deodorant with aluminum in it. That’s why we tested 17 different natural deos to find the one that fights stink the best. came out on top for its long-lasting, odor-blocking properties��and a subtle, pleasing scent.��

Sudski Shower Beer Holder ($15)��

Gifting a encourages both hydration and hygiene. Plus, your bestie will think of you every time��she cracks open a cold one in the shower. What’s��a greater testament to friendship��than that?��

‘Every Day Is Saturday,’ by Sarah Copeland ($46)

is filled with crowd-pleasing dishes, like spaghetti with bacon and soppressata meatballs. It also has helpful “get ahead” notes, flagging prep tasks that can be done days in advance. We included it in our��roundup of cookbooks with healthy recipes that don’t sacrifice taste.��

Kavu Fleece Spectator Fanny Pack ($30)��

��has two zippered compartments and a padded back panel, so she’ll��be comfy while her essentials remain accessible and organized.

Hydro Flask 20L Insulated Tote ($65)

Picnics just got an upgrade: this insulated, collapsible is the perfect size to transport goods and produce��from the farmers’ market to the park. Plus, the bag’s interior is fully lined with welded seams, so it’s easy to clean.��

Therm-a-Rest Double Hammock ($60)��

Spend more time chilling outdoors in a . This one is durable—made with��ripstop polyester fabric—and weighs less than two pounds. When it’s open, it has a side pocket flap that can fit a sleeve of Oreos.��

Bramble Outdoor Camp Towel ($35)��

Your pal��will hardly realize she packed�� until she needs it.��Bramble’s version doesn’t take up much space in a backpack, but it dries quickly and is superabsorbent, thanks to its recycled polyester-nylon blend.

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Love is in the air. Apparently it’s in our wallets, too. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend an on Valentine’s Day in 2020. We often drop��that money on fancy dinners, roses, and sweets for our significant others, but at ���ϳԹ���, we immediately thought of all the cool gear and experiences we could get for less��or just as much.��Here’s what our staffers really wish their partners would actually spend their money on.

Nutribullet Blender Combo ($140)

The only thing I’m lusting over at the moment is . Last month I completed the��Whole30��diet��with my boyfriend, during which we discovered the sheer delight of frothy, homemade Orange Juliuses and whipped paleo chocolate pudding. He scored the Nutribullet over Black Friday last year when it was on sale for a hundred bucks, and on principle, I refuse to pay full price for it! I’m secretly hoping it’ll go on sale for the Valentine’s and Presidents’��Day weekend, but if not, I might just have to bite the bullet. —Jenny Earnest, audience development director

Thanksgiving Dinner

I’ve got a tradition going on nine years now that started with a couple of my old housemates: Thanksgiving on Valentine’s Day. Our tagline is:��Because there are too many Valentine’s Days and not enough Thanksgivings.��Valentine’s Day kind of sucks for everyone—a lot of single people dread it,��couples have to deal with hunting down reservations at packed restaurants and trying to engineer a romantic experience—so we ditch all that and have Thanksgiving instead. Couples, single people, families, are all invited. My favorite T-Day on V-Day was in 2013, when the invite list ballooned to 35 people, who all showed up to my two-bedroom apartment in Boulder, Colorado. People were eating on the ground, but it was so much fun. Last year, our first T-Day on V-Day in a new town, I mashed together a bunch of women who I’d met through different avenues. We all became close friends, and now that’s our friendiversary. When my best friend moved to the East Coast, she kept holding her own T-Day on V-Day there. For the same price of a fancy restaurant date and flowers, you can��get all your favorite people together for a feast instead. If that doesn’t celebrate love, I don’t know what does.��—Gloria Liu, features editor

Pyle Endurance Swim Headphones ($35)

I love indoor lap swimming for strength training��and as��a way to zone out and exercise��regardless of the weather. After about 20 minutes, though, the quiet tranquility of the pool gets a little old.��Listening to a favorite playlist or a familiar audiobook lets me recharge without losing count of my laps.����have��solid sound quality, are IPX8 waterproof rated, and feature��four��gigs of internal MP3��storage to load up with ear candy.��—Emily Clausen, email marketing specialist

America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80)

If I weren’t currently free-soloing it this Valentine’s��Day, I would want . For less than half of what most Americans spend on the holiday, you get one whole year of wild columbines in Rocky Mountain National Park��instead of roses,��or rock climbing in Joshua Tree��instead of a rock for your finger. Plus, the pass can be signed by both you and your climbing partner—er, significant other. How romantic! —Maren Larsen, Buyer’s Guide deputy editor

Smartwool Socks ($14 and Up)��

These��top my Christmas wish list every year, and if I had a winter birthday, they’d be on the top of that list, too.��They are just . Comfy, warm, attractive, and durable. Just don’t put them in the dryer! —Marie Meyer, editorial assistant

Unbound Merino Wool Crew Neck T-Shirt ($65)

I’m all about practicality on Valentine’s Day. That’s why I want my wife to buy me another of these wool tees. I wear this one a few times a week as a stand-alone piece or as an undershirt, and I’m quite certain my coworkers are starting to notice. Yes, you can sport it for multiple sessions��without washing it, thanks to��antimicrobial lanolin in the wool that fights stink. ����’s not quite as soft as your average cotton shirt, but you get the temperature-regulating benefits of the natural fiber; I can sweat in it on my bike commute to the office and not get cold and clammy sitting at my desk. Plus, I love the sturdy construction that I know will last for years. My wife��just has to put up with me asking her to sniff-test it every other week. So romantic! —Will Taylor, gear director

Four Seasons Bath Robe ($199)

I don’t have enough money to actually buy in good conscience, but that won’t stop me for much longer. I haven’t found another model��on the market that feels like this one. It has the��perfect heft, isn’t overly soft, and the hem hits around��midcalf, so you can��lounge properly. I might just pull the trigger on this as a self-care Valentine’s Day gift.��—Emily Reed, video producer

Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer ($22)

����’s bouldering season here in New Mexico, and��days at the crag can be unforgivably cold. I’ve been eyeing this to keep inside my belay parka for quick warm-ups in between climbs. Plus, it can be refilled��with lighter fluid, so I don’t have to worry about charging it at night. Because when my partner can’t keep me warm at the crag, this should do the trick.��—E.R.

Girlfriend Collective Apparel ($38 and Up)��

I asked my partner for an activewear set from ��this Valentine’s Day. Not only is most of my workout gear made for Minnesota winters (I only recently moved to Santa Fe), but I read��awesome reviews about how inclusive the��brand is for women of all shapes��and sizes, and their models definitely reflect that. ����’s��also dedicated to making pieces sustainably, such as constructing its��tops and bottoms out of��recycled bottles. —Mary Mathis, digital visuals editor

SeaVees Wool Slippers ($68)

My husband is pretty, um, frugal��when it comes to gift-giving.��Which is why, since retailers often have��sales around Valentine’s Day, I’m bound to get a lovely pair of that are half off, like these from SeeVees. I’m sure he’ll point out that I can break them in during the remaining cold days but they’ll still seem new when I pull them out again in November. OK, honey. I do really hate cold feet.—Tasha Zemke, copy editor

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In my opinion, the key to a good Valentine’s Day gift��is the intention behind choosing it. ����’s an opportunity to show your partner you understand them, not how much money you can spend. Here are five gifts that range from $5 to $19 that will tell your partner you know they’re a capable, badass outdoorsperson interested in more than price-inflated roses.

Voke Tabs ($7)��

As the father of a toddler who still cherishes his time getting after it outdoors, I cannot think of a more thoughtful gift than more energy. ��are the most efficient caffeine-delivery system I have found. They provide 77 milligrams of caffeine per tablet (basically a shot of espresso) and don’t make me feel like I’m on recreational drugs. The comedown is also significantly more chill than an afternoon cup of coffee. If I take one toward the end of my workday, I have enough energy for a headlamp run��but can also get to sleep afterward. That extra workout is my love language.

Flylow Duct Tape ($5)��

Regular duct tape, with its��millions of outdoor applications, is about as practical a gift as you can give an outdoor enthusiast. While it definitely honors the fact that you see them as a core athlete, it does lack a layer of creativity. Enter my personal new favorite . It is one part “Ski Bum” bumper sticker, one part amazing tool for my backcountry repair kit. It speaks to both your pragmatic and whimsical sides and will show your partner you know they have steeze.

Gogglesoc ($17)��

Nothing kills the mood on a ski day quicker than foggy or scratched lenses. not only significantly lengthen the life of your goggles when you store them��but can also fight fog or grime buildup when you’re��waiting in a snowy lift line. They aren’t just practical, though: their designs have heaps of flair (I go with novelty cat), so you can show your partner you get their sense of humor.

Voile Ski Strap ($7)��

This was the pick my wife was the most excited about. We believe that no family can have too many of these fantastically . They mostly hold our skis together for transport—whether in an A-frame on a pack or rattling around a roof box—but they are also capable of keeping a busted pack together or holding frozen skins on the bottom of your skis. I currently have three stashed in my kit and would be excited to get another one for Valentine’s Day.

MountainFlow Eco-Wax ($19)��

Skiing pow on freshly waxed skis is sexy. But skiing with ��that doesn’t leave potentially harmful chemicals in your lungs or the snowpack? Really sexy. Valentine’s Day happens to fall��in the middle of primo powder season, and letting your partner know you care about their skis as well as the environment is a winning combo. Pro tip: include a few handmade gift certificates that can be redeemed for fresh wax jobs (and plan on waxing your partner’s sticks the night before the next few powder days).

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There’s no better way to spend Valentine’s Day than getting the endorphins going and working up a sweat. So, in the service of love, we pulled together the most romantic hikes we could find to make sure your V-Day romp is truly breathtaking.

Heart Lake

Anacortes, Washington

This year-round trail lies an hour and a half north of Seattle, on a wooded island jutting into the Puget Sound. A three-mile loop meanders around a beautiful, heart-shape lake in the shadow of coastal pines and nearby Mt. Erie. Expect the smell of cedar, the sound of birdsong, and the occasional deer. (One thing to keep in mind: the Washington Trail Association notes that the trip is technically several trails—a combination of trails 210, 212, 215 and 230—.��Heart Lake is popular with families and fishermen, and nearby hills and old train bridges offer .

Moonlit Hike

Washington County, Utah

Who isn’t moved by southwest Utah’s red rocks and sweeping plateaus? Forty miles west of Zion National Park sits the , with 6,500 acres of public desert, splashed in hues of orange and pink. Just outside the town of Santa Clara is a massive, west-facing tabletop plateau, complete with panoramic views of this tiny bit of the Mojave that extends into in southern Utah. The local paper, the St. George News, ��making the 2.5-mile hike to the top of the mountain a little before sunset, then walking back down to your car by the moonlight.

Palomarin Trail

Point��Reyes, California

Bay Area trails are chock full of gorgeous views, from ancient redwoods to fog-covered peaks, but the best spots may well be Marin County, just over the Golden Gate Bridge north of San Francisco. Of the county’s many jaw-dropping hikes, one of its most beloved ends with an incredible 40-foot waterfall cascading directly onto Wildcat Beach. Alamere Falls is about four miles into the , in the Point Reyes National Sea Shore, about 30 miles north of San Francisco. The first mile or so hugs a craggy shore-side cliff and features spectacular views of the Pacific. The hike is a bit strenuous—you’ll have to gain a few hundred feet of elevation—and the rock scramble down to the beach may be a little hairy, but the view is worth it. Plus, depending on how traditional your relationship is, feel free to drop by Bass Lake on your walk back, a watering hole the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s Nude Beaches Guide .

Kalalau Trail

Kauai, Hawaii

The Kalalua is a strenuous ��along the staggering Na Pali coast on the island of Kauai. The route——is the only access to this rugged, remote stretch of beautiful coastline. After passing through five lush valleys, the trail drops you at the most romantic of destinations: your own private beach. Kalalua Beach, it’s called, is blocked on both sides by the sheer, jagged cliffs—it’s the kind of quintessential Hawaiian scene usually reserved for postcards.

Devil’s Slide

Idyllwild, California

Devil’s Slide is not the easiest hike. ����’s ��with 1,700 feet of elevation gain up the San Jacinto Mountains, between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. The views from the top—undulating granite peaks and pines stretching down to the valley below—earned by those pounding calves, are some of the best in Southern California. ��

But while the sights may be incredible, it’s the after-hike activities that kick up the romance. Depending on your tastes, you can decamp to the lovely ��about two miles from the trailhead. Or, if you’re a more hardcore couple, you can commit to a 16-mile roundtrip and crush another 2,700 vertical feet to summit . You can also reach the peak from the Mountain Station — the terminus for the , a rotating, window-filled tram that descends 6,000 feet over the desert from the peaks to Palm Springs.

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There’s that saying “spend money on experiences, not things.” I support this wholeheartedly, but I also realize that sometimes certain “things” make those experiences even better. To help you and your loved one have the best Valentine’s Day possible, I’ve picked five pieces of gear that can help kick-start your adventures.

Rand McNally Road Atlas ($15)

I think car travel is considerably more romantic than flying. You have full control and can be spontaneous, plus it forces you and your partner into a confined space for long periods of time, which often leads to great conversations. This Valentine’s Day, I suggest buying an , using it to plan a trip to somewhere you’ve never gone (even if it’s close to home), and then shutting off your phone, its digital mapping feature, and Instagram until you get to your destination.

America the Beautiful Pass ($80)

gets you into some 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all the national parks. It was the best $80 investment my wife and I made last year. We thought of it like a ski pass and wanted to get our money’s worth. During the year, we ended up visiting nine different sites, including the Grand Canyon, Tuolumne Meadows, and Crater Lake. Since the holiday falls in the dead of winter, consider heading to parks like Grand Teton to enjoy the snow or Joshua Tree to get away from the weather.

Avex Claret Insulated Wine Glass ($20)

Stash two of in your car and break them out on your atlas-fueled road trip or national parks adventure. (Check the park rules before you start drinking.) I like these tumblers because they have a great hand feel thanks to a powder-coated outer and a stainless-steel lip that prevents drips from running down the side. The vacuum insulation keeps your red wines from getting too cold in winter and your whites from getting too hot in summer. Tip: bring the same kind of wine that you and your partner shared on a previous special occasion. I still score points when I bust out the $11 bottle of chardonnay we drank on the camping trip where I first told my wife I loved her.

Good To-Go Double Serving Gift Pack ($46)

Instead of making reservations at some stuffy, overpriced, crowded restaurant on Valentine’s Day, buy one of these and find the closest yurt or hut that you and your partner can ski or snowshoe into. Food is often the hardest part of hut planning, and Good To-Go makes it easy because all you have to do is add water—and believe me, the pad Thai and Indian vegetable korma are truly delicious. Tip: Good To-Go has a great blog post about .

Black Diamond Apollo 15 Lantern ($23)

is your other go-to, must-have, Valentine’s Day hut trip gear. It packs down to the size of a soup can but throws out 80 frosted lumens—just enough for mood lighting in a hut or yurt. Use the lantern to cook by, and then use it to play cards, then shut it off, pour some wine into your Avex cups, and head outside to enjoy a cold night under the stars.

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