Forget roses. I don鈥檛 need chocolate. And the last thing I want to do for Valentine鈥檚 Day is go out to an overpriced prix fixe dinner. What I want for Valentine鈥檚 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. (滨迟鈥檚 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鈥攊n the rain. He had overestimated both my climbing ability and my comfort level with exposure. I cried. He calmed me. He鈥檇 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, 鈥淵our knee is already hurt. We might as well run.鈥� We did. He recovered.

We鈥檝e since had two kids, and juggled jobs, finances, friends, and household chores. We often tag-team who goes to our sons鈥� 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鈥檝e amassed over the years.

We鈥檝e all heard about the numerous studies that prove spending time in nature,, and can even. And there鈥檚 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鈥檛 be ignored, and there is something to be said for opening up to someone and connecting while you鈥檙e not face to face鈥攃onsider 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鈥檛 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鈥檝e been together is to spend time on the trail. Right around our fifteenth anniversary, I was invited to a 鈥渃ouple鈥檚-oriented鈥� travel-writers鈥� trip on the island of Kauai. (The perks of the job are sometimes very good.) My husband and I听 were treated to fancy dinners and stayed in nice places. But we connected the most鈥攁nd I knew this would happen鈥攚hen just the two of us hiked the on the Na Pali Coast. It didn鈥檛 hurt that the views were spectacular and swimming underneath a waterfall was otherworldly. But it was the walking and talking I liked the most鈥攕omething we can attain anywhere, anytime if we just make the effort.

So, instead of spending money on clich茅d Valentine鈥檚 gifts like flowers, chocolate, or jewelry鈥攐r even buying each other adventure-enabling gear that we鈥檇 likely use separately鈥攁ll I want to do is dust off the gear we already have and head outside, together. 滨迟鈥檚 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鈥檚 more than romance I鈥檓 after. 滨迟鈥檚 the connection. And connection is everything.

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As a lifelong runner and adventurer, I鈥檓 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鈥檛 hurt.)

Here are 11 adventure-enabling gifts under a hundred bucks that your partner would truly appreciate听 this Valentine鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檙e 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鈥攁nd getting your partner their favorite beverage听 is the least you could do. Some of our favorites are ($28/four pack), (from $9/six-pack), and ($8/six-pack).听 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鈥檛 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鈥攐r that would speak to your partner and helps them raise awareness about the cause. February鈥檚 bracelet honors humpback whales. With each one听 purchased, the company pulls one pound of trash from the ocean.

Energy Fuel

Show your partner you pay attention to听 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鈥揑 mean, 鈥渟port鈥�. 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鈥檛 love a Patagonia fleece? This one takes the super-breathable, yet warmth-trapping zig-zag channels of the company鈥檚 R1 Air鈥攊deal for cold-weather endurance pursuits鈥攁nd 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鈥檒l just leave it at that.

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Just because you鈥攍ike me鈥攚aited until the last minute to get a Valentine鈥檚 Day gift for your significant other听doesn鈥檛 mean it can鈥檛 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,听a gift that鈥檚 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听that will do just that.

Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp ($30)

The most capable outdoorsfolks don鈥檛 upgrade their headlamps; instead听they听just trudge along for years with the same听simple light because it still works OK and was cheap. hits the practicality sweet spot: it鈥檚 feature rich without being overbuilt听and听is relatively inexpensive. With a stormproof (IPX4) housing, three LEDs, and a red-light mode, this听will be a nice improvement for your partner. It also locks, which means they won鈥檛 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听you can gift听a significant other who鈥檚听into gardening or landscaping. Burly but nimble, which lowers the chances of spearing a toe with a shovel tip, these听can be hosed off and thrown in the听garage when you鈥檙e done. Plus: dry feet are happy feet, making for a happy partner.

Mystery Ranch Traditional Face Mask ($16)

If you鈥檙e 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听only to find that it鈥檚 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鈥檚 comfortable and functional: the bendable nosepiece means it doesn鈥檛 slip, and the filter sleeve and breathable outer offer听solid performance and protection.

Dermatone SPF 23 Original Tin Face Balm ($7)

Every time your significant other puts on , it will be like you鈥檙e delivering them a little kiss on the cheek. 滨迟鈥檚 incredible how much comfort a nongreasy SPF moisturizer adds to your exposed skin on a cold ski day. This听tidy little tin can live in their ski pocket all season鈥攔eminding 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听鈥渃heck out the knives鈥� 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 国产吃瓜黑料, 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听her enough confidence to whittle, but it鈥檚 also aesthetically pleasing enough to complement a cheese board.听

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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听听will听stand up to daily abuse. 滨迟鈥檚 built from the same vegetable-tanned American leather in the brand鈥檚 famous boots. The simple design carries your most important cards but also limits听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听owner in your house can have their own, to cut down on any听mix-ups. 滨迟鈥檚 a thing, trust me.

Billykirk Leather Valet Tray ($40)

After work听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听items听I need to remember and听can鈥檛 lose.

Arcade Padre Comfort Stretch Leather Belt ($48)

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

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听go through. They can also be assured it won鈥檛 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听overkill. But now we鈥檙e 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听. A padded sleeve holds a听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鈥攊n a good way鈥攎aking it one of a kind.

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

Nutribullet Blender Combo ($140)

The only thing I鈥檓 lusting over at the moment is . Last month I completed the听Whole30听diet听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鈥檓 secretly hoping it鈥檒l go on sale for the Valentine鈥檚 and Presidents鈥櫶鼶ay weekend, but if not, I might just have to bite the bullet. 鈥擩enny Earnest, audience development director

Thanksgiving Dinner

I鈥檝e got a tradition going on nine years now that started with a couple of my old housemates: Thanksgiving on Valentine鈥檚 Day. Our tagline is:听Because there are too many Valentine鈥檚 Days and not enough Thanksgivings.听Valentine鈥檚 Day kind of sucks for everyone鈥攁 lot of single people dread it,听couples have to deal with hunting down reservations at packed restaurants and trying to engineer a romantic experience鈥攕o 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鈥檇 met through different avenues. We all became close friends, and now that鈥檚 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听get all your favorite people together for a feast instead. If that doesn鈥檛 celebrate love, I don鈥檛 know what does.听鈥擥loria Liu, features editor

Pyle Endurance Swim Headphones ($35)

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

America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80)

If I weren鈥檛 currently free-soloing it this Valentine鈥檚听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听instead of roses,听or rock climbing in Joshua Tree听instead of a rock for your finger. Plus, the pass can be signed by both you and your climbing partner鈥攅r, significant other. How romantic! 鈥擬aren Larsen, Buyer鈥檚 Guide deputy editor

Smartwool Socks ($14 and Up)听

These听top my Christmas wish list every year, and if I had a winter birthday, they鈥檇 be on the top of that list, too.听They are just . Comfy, warm, attractive, and durable. Just don鈥檛 put them in the dryer! 鈥擬arie Meyer, editorial assistant

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

I鈥檓 all about practicality on Valentine鈥檚 Day. That鈥檚 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鈥檓 quite certain my coworkers are starting to notice. Yes, you can sport it for multiple sessions听without washing it, thanks to听antimicrobial lanolin in the wool that fights stink. 滨迟鈥檚 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听just has to put up with me asking her to sniff-test it every other week. So romantic! 鈥擶ill Taylor, gear director

Four Seasons Bath Robe ($199)

I don鈥檛 have enough money to actually buy in good conscience, but that won鈥檛 stop me for much longer. I haven鈥檛 found another model听on the market that feels like this one. It has the听perfect heft, isn鈥檛 overly soft, and the hem hits around听midcalf, so you can听lounge properly. I might just pull the trigger on this as a self-care Valentine鈥檚 Day gift.听鈥擡mily Reed, video producer

Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer ($22)

滨迟鈥檚 bouldering season here in New Mexico, and听days at the crag can be unforgivably cold. I鈥檝e been eyeing this to keep inside my belay parka for quick warm-ups in between climbs. Plus, it can be refilled听with lighter fluid, so I don鈥檛 have to worry about charging it at night. Because when my partner can鈥檛 keep me warm at the crag, this should do the trick.听鈥擡.R.

Girlfriend Collective Apparel ($38 and Up)听

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

SeaVees Wool Slippers ($68)

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

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In my opinion, the key to a good Valentine鈥檚 Day gift听is the intention behind choosing it. 滨迟鈥檚 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鈥檙e a capable, badass outdoorsperson interested in more than price-inflated roses.

Voke Tabs ($7)听

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. 听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鈥檛 make me feel like I鈥檓 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听but can also get to sleep afterward. That extra workout is my love language.

Flylow Duct Tape ($5)听

Regular duct tape, with its听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 鈥淪ki Bum鈥� 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)听

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听but can also fight fog or grime buildup when you鈥檙e听waiting in a snowy lift line. They aren鈥檛 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)听

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鈥攚hether in an A-frame on a pack or rattling around a roof box鈥攂ut 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鈥檚 Day.

MountainFlow Eco-Wax ($19)听

Skiing pow on freshly waxed skis is sexy. But skiing with 听that doesn鈥檛 leave potentially harmful chemicals in your lungs or the snowpack? Really sexy. Valentine鈥檚 Day happens to fall听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鈥檚 sticks the night before the next few powder days).

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

For Skiers and Snowboarders

First off, there鈥檚 the location: you鈥檙e five minutes from the slopes of California鈥檚听 and a few more from the legendary steeps of Squaw Valley. On weekends,听a free, on-demand shuttle called the听听that鈥檚 operated by the ski resort听will pick you up at the cabin and deliver you to the hill. Then, of course, there鈥檚 the house itself: a听thoughtfully restored, dog-friendly A-frame with two bedrooms, a wood-burning stove, a full听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听with no cell service. (Don鈥檛 fret: there鈥檚 a landline if you really need to make a call.) There鈥檚听 in the surrounding area, from hiking in the Columbia River Gorge to exploring the Guler Ice Cave. Your cabin鈥攚hich is less than 200 square feet鈥攃omes 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鈥檙e craving a beach day, you鈥檙e just 40 minutes by car听from the seaside town of Hilo (don鈥檛 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鈥檛 sound ideal to you, then consider a lodge听next to a full-service hotel, like 听in the Catskills, near the town of Windham, New York. It offers three Scandinavian-style A-frames听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听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. 滨迟鈥檚 not fancy: most everything needs to be packed in. You鈥檒l need your own sleeping bag, use a detached outhouse, build your own fire, and melt snow for water. Getting there is straightforward鈥攊t鈥檚 a 250-yard walk or ski from the road. And there鈥檚 a path听from the cabin that connects to the 300-mile-long听, beloved by Vermont鈥檚 nordic skiers.

For the Whole Family

These nine year-round cabins in Ca帽on City, Colorado, about two and a half hours south of听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鈥檙e bringing the kids, you can opt for a听two-bedroom house (from $375). You鈥檒l score views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains听from your front stoop. The town鈥檚 main attraction is the Royal Gorge, a 1,200-foot-deep canyon that runs for ten听miles and contains the Arkansas River, a paddler鈥檚 paradise come summertime. For a sweet view of the surrounding area, be sure to walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world鈥檚 highest suspension bridges.

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

Fj盲llr盲ven Kanken Art Toiletry Bag ($45)听

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

Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream ($12)

Friends don鈥檛 let friends use deodorant with aluminum in it. That鈥檚 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听and a subtle, pleasing scent.听

Sudski Shower Beer Holder ($15)听

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

鈥楨very Day Is Saturday,鈥� by Sarah Copeland ($46)

is filled with crowd-pleasing dishes, like spaghetti with bacon and soppressata meatballs. It also has helpful 鈥済et ahead鈥� notes, flagging prep tasks that can be done days in advance. We included it in our听roundup of cookbooks with healthy recipes that don鈥檛 sacrifice taste.听

Kavu Fleece Spectator Fanny Pack ($30)听

听has two zippered compartments and a padded back panel, so she鈥檒l听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听from the farmers鈥� market to the park. Plus, the bag鈥檚 interior is fully lined with welded seams, so it鈥檚 easy to clean.听

Therm-a-Rest Double Hammock ($60)听

Spend more time chilling outdoors in a . This one is durable鈥攎ade with听ripstop polyester fabric鈥攁nd weighs less than two pounds. When it鈥檚 open, it has a side pocket flap that can fit a sleeve of Oreos.听

Bramble Outdoor Camp Towel ($35)听

Your pal听will hardly realize she packed听 until she needs it.听Bramble鈥檚 version doesn鈥檛 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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There鈥檚 no better way to spend Valentine鈥檚 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鈥攁 combination of trails 210, 212, 215 and 230鈥�.听Heart Lake is popular with families and fishermen, and nearby hills and old train bridges offer .

Moonlit Hike

Washington County, Utah

Who isn鈥檛 moved by southwest Utah鈥檚 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, 听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听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鈥檚 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鈥攜ou鈥檒l have to gain a few hundred feet of elevation鈥攁nd 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鈥檚 Nude Beaches Guide .

Kalalau Trail

Kauai, Hawaii

The Kalalua is a strenuous 听along the staggering Na Pali coast on the island of Kauai. The route鈥斺�攊s 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鈥檚 called, is blocked on both sides by the sheer, jagged cliffs鈥攊t鈥檚 the kind of quintessential Hawaiian scene usually reserved for postcards.

Devil鈥檚 Slide

Idyllwild, California

Devil鈥檚 Slide is not the easiest hike. 滨迟鈥檚 听with 1,700 feet of elevation gain up the San Jacinto Mountains, between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. The views from the top鈥攗ndulating granite peaks and pines stretching down to the valley below鈥攅arned by those pounding calves, are some of the best in Southern California. 听

But while the sights may be incredible, it鈥檚 the after-hike activities that kick up the romance. Depending on your tastes, you can decamp to the lovely 听about two miles from the trailhead. Or, if you鈥檙e 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 鈥� 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鈥檚 that saying 鈥渟pend money on experiences, not things.鈥� I support this wholeheartedly, but I also realize that sometimes certain 鈥渢hings鈥� make those experiences even better. To help you and your loved one have the best Valentine鈥檚 Day possible, I鈥檝e 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鈥檚 Day, I suggest buying an , using it to plan a trip to somewhere you鈥檝e never gone (even if it鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥攁nd 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鈥檚 Day hut trip gear. It packs down to the size of a soup can but throws out 80 frosted lumens鈥攋ust 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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