BANFF Film Festival Tickets ($20)
What’s the second best thing to being hardcore outdoorsy? Watching people who have more talent, better gear and access to some of the best filmmakers in the world being hardcore outdoorsy! Get her psyched for upcoming adventures by taking her to the BANFF Film Festival, one of the most prestigious mountain film festivals on the planet. This year’s tour features a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental and adventure films. It’s currently screening in select cities nationwide, but you can catch it at the Boulder Theater on Feb. 24 and 25 (Plus, the proceeds from this show go directly to the Access Fund!). Watch the trailer here.
ENO DoubleDeluxe Hammock ($85)
Sleeping on the ground is for animals. Relax, cuddle and stargaze with your valentine in ENO’s DoubleDeluxe Hammock. It’s lightweight, durable and the attached stuff sack packs it down to about the size of a grapefruit. This gift is perfect for a day in the park, a car camping getaway or making out in your own backyard.
Black Diamond Stopper Set Pro No. 1-13 ($128)
Invest in your girl’s rack by hooking her up with the Black Diamond Stopper Pro Set. These nuts are easy to place, easy to clean and protect everything from finger locks to thin hairline seams. Really want to impress her? Arrange them like a bouquet of flowers in a vase filled with chalk and Clif Bars (and maybe a few of these pink quickdraws). Add a little note that says “I’m nuts about you.”
Sending Tank (~$65)
Tank tops with built-in support are an essential in every adventurous woman’s wardrobe. They get year round use from the yoga studio to the crag. I call these ‘sending tanks’ because I feel strong, sexy and ready to send my project while wearing one. Here are a few of my favorites (from left to right in the photo):
Let your valentine know how much you appreciate her lats by showing them off in Prana’s Dreaming Top ($69). This is the perfect tank to go from climbing to beer after a sunny afternoon bouldering sesh. The back detail features intricate webbing that adds to the support.
Being a busty girl in the climbing world is a struggle, considering most companies design their clothes to fit the stereotypical image of the female climber (small-chested women with petite, waify frames). That’s why I love Lululemon’s Wild Tank ($64). The draping back keeps me cool and the thick straps provide amazing support without digging into my skin. Whether she’s going for a dyno or a handstand, this top will allow your valentine to move freely without having to worry about locking the girls down into a heavy duty Fort-Knox-like sports bra.
The Patagonia Bisect Tank ($59) is made from an organic cotton and spandex blend for a fitted, breathable feel. The low cut racerback design keeps the straps out of the way of backpacks. My favorite part is that the length hits at the hip, so it stays put under my harness and doesn’t ride up when I’m getting my vinyasa flow on.
Avalanche Education Course – AIARE Level 1 ($360)
Nothing says “I love you” more than a survival skill set that could potentially save your valentine’s life one day. Since you’re likely her primary backcountry partner, take the course together. Better yet, if you already have your certification, register her for the upcoming women’s-specific course hosted by the Colorado Mountain School. Bonus: Throw in Adventure Medical Kit’s Ultralight & Watertight .5 ($17) so she’ll have first-aid gear on hand for backcountry blunders.
Topo X Woolrich Rover Pack ($189)
If you’re dating a girl who is willing to spend a month’s salary on a designer purse that can barely fit a tube of Chapstick, you’re doing it wrong. The retro mountain chic look is hot right now and the Topo X Woolrich Rover Pack is a simple, yet rugged pack that won’t force your woman to compromise function for style. This pack is great for short day hikes and the laptop sleeve transforms it into a sleek commuter bag that will be the envy of lumbersexual baristas everywhere.
When it comes down to it, adventurous women pride themselves on being pretty low maintenance. We don’t need pricey gifts or fancy dinners to make us happy because getting dirty outside with the men we love is a better use of our time. Show your valentine how much she inspires you with a hand-written card tucked inside a guidebook for the place she’s always talking about going someday. Then grab a box of chocolates, a bottle of whiskey and celebrate your passion for adventurous living by playing in the mountains for the weekend.
