Header photo by Gretchen Powers, @gpowersfilm.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and chances are, you have a lady in your life looking to spend more time outside this year. In fact, nearly half of all outdoor activity participants are female, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
And with more outdoor-focused products being designed for women, by women (see Women-led Wednesday, for example), shopping for your adventurous valentine is easier than ever. So forego the long-stemmed roses and heart-shaped box of chocolates, and give one of these inspiring gifts this Valentine’s Day. (Bonus: you’ll be supporting women-owned small businesses too!)
Bronwen Jewelry
Bronwen Lodato makes jewelry inspired by a life lived in motion. She launched her “active jewelry” brand in 2008 (at the Outdoor Retailer show) to meet the needs of women looking for delicate, yet durable jewelry. Bronwen and her team create earrings, necklaces and other beautifully designed pieces for women and children at her studio in Bend, Oregon.
Coalition Snow
Coalition Snow is the world’s first company to make skis and snowboards designed by women. Jen Gurecki set out to create a line of high-performance women’s skis and snowboards, after learning other women wanted thoughtfully-designed equipment for the mountains. The company has built a #sisterhoodofshred alliance that encourages women to be bold and create their own rules—in the office and the outdoors. The company also hosts the Juicy Bits podcast every two weeks and recently launched Sisu Magazine.
Enna Chocolate
Enna Glazier creates chocolates from bean to bar at a tiny factory in New Hampshire. She uses fine cacao grown in different locations from around the world, each resulting in a different flavor profile. She even hosts chocolate adventures to visit cacao farms to learn about the origins, including a trip to Belize in February 2019!
Food for the Sole
Food for the Sole, founded by a mother and son duo in Oregon, makes small-batch, nutritious dehydrated meals ready for your next adventure. Their menu is vegan and gluten free—all made from the fresh, tasty ingredients (about $11/meal). They even offer cold-soak meals that rehydrate in the bag. Yum!
Kula Cloth
Adventure-preneur Anastasia Allison created the first intentionally-designed pee cloth for women. Never heard of a pee cloth? Women have been using reusable cloths for years as an eco-friendly and lightweight alternative to toilet paper in the outdoors. The Kula Cloth is a “next-level pee cloth” though made of anti-microbial, waterproof fabric (so no need to worry about wet hands). Plus its reflective thread makes it easy to find at night and it can secures to your pack (or tent) with a snap. But it’s not limited to outdoor use—consider buying one for your next RV trip!
She Explores book
Gale Straub, founder of She-Explores.com and host of She Explores podcast, has created a 200-page book featuring stories, artwork and photographs from 40 outdoor women. Topics include mental health, inclusion, conservation, and diversity. You can pre-order the book now for an expected release date in March.
Stay Wild Magazine subscription
Husband and wife duo Justin and Amy Morrison launched their first issue of Stay Wild magazine in 2014 to “fill the demand of an emerging community of fun-loving, adventure-seeking outsiders.” The quarterly print magazine features tales of travel, action sports and outdoor lifestyles –with stunning imagery to boot! Get an annual subscription for just $25.
SugarSky
SugarSky is a line of eco-friendly, UV-rated headwear and accessories handmade in the U.S. Skyler Thomas turned her passion project into a business in 2015 when she launched her first line of headbands. She’s since expanded her line of products, which feature fun, outdoor-inspired fabrics made from the high quality materials and craftsmanship. Bonus: the stretchy fabric stays securely fixed to your head during a rainy hike or a sweaty yoga class.
Wild Woman Box
This monthly subscription box was designed to embody all the roles a woman plays in her life and pursue each day with passion. Each month, the Wild Woman box is delivered with 4 to 7 products including delicious treats, natural body care products and outdoor gear—whether it’s for the soccer field or the mountain tops. You can subscribe for $37.95 per month or a 3-month prepay of $112.95
Founders Elizabeth Smith and Karen Hoskin are on a mission to help you lead a zero-waste life—with convenience. Their reusable products aim to rid your life of single-use plastics and excess trash. Their stylish kits include grocery bags, lunchbox supplies and picnic accessories for women and families on the go. Plus they’re great for hiking and travel too!
