Husband and wife team Graeme and Luisa Bell have put their heads together to come up with a few Valentine’s gifts for all you lovers out there.
As a couple who have been together for close to a squillion years, we do not celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses, expensive meals, and lacy underpants. Instead, as we do with all gift-giving occasions, we focus on buying each other gear that we can use regularly as we fulfill our dream as long-term overland travelers. To us, the romance of a remote campsite with a glowing fire, a glass of red, and good food is worth more than all the jewelry, chocolates, and stuffed teddy bears in the world. Our gifts to each other are practical, convenient, comfortable, and well thought out; overlanding has been the best thing that has ever happened to our marriage (after the kids, of course). The following gift guide comprises gifts for her, a few for him, and, naturally, gifts for them. Let the love shine!
HERS
Patagonia Women’s All Seasons Hemp Canvas Bomber Hoody Jacket
The All Seasons Hemp Canvas Bomber Hoody Jacket combines functionality with sustainable design. This durable piece is crafted from a blend of industrial hemp, recycled polyester, and organic cotton, lined with recycled polyester taffeta for comfort. It features a cinch-down hood, a work-friendly zipper with a protective chin flap, and roomy chest pockets for essentials. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, this jacket is designed for warmth and breathability, ideal for varied climates.
$189 | patagonia.com
Kuiu Gila LS Hoodie
The Women’s Gila LS Hoodie from Kuiu is designed for overlanding and outdoor enthusiasts seeking sun protection and comfort in the wilderness. This long-sleeve hoodie features UPF 50+ UV protection, making it ideal for extended outdoor activities. Its lightweight and breathable fabric ensures comfort and mobility, while the bone color offers a versatile and stylish look for various outdoor settings. The Gila hoodie is also available in multiple camouflage color schemes for those who like to shoot their dinner. Perfect for hikers, hunters, climbers, and adventurers, the Gila LS hoodie combines functionality with the features we appreciate for overland journeys.
$80 | kuiu.com
Berne Vintage Washed Flex Denim Bib Overall
Keeping with the practical outdoor clothing theme, the Women’s Vintage Washed Flex Denim Bib Overall offers a blend of classic style and practical functionality, ideal for hardworking and adventurous women. It is crafted from a durable yet comfortable blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex denim, designed to provide flexibility and mobility. The overall features adjustable straps and waist for an optimal fit, alongside multiple pockets, including a zippered multi-tool bib pocket and side utility pockets, for convenient tool storage. The fabric’s vintage wash adds a stylish, worn-in look, making it a versatile addition to any traveler’s wardrobe. The overall alone is not high fashion, but it might be if combined with a brown, knit Carhartt beanie.
$57 | bernedirect.com
The Shemagh
The Combat Flip Flops Afghan-Made Shemagh is more than a fashion statement; it symbolizes support and resilience. Crafted in Kabul, Afghanistan, this 100 percent cotton shemagh serves multiple purposes, from sun protection to a fashion accessory, and carries a story of overcoming adversity. Its production supports local Afghan artisans, making it not just a versatile piece for outdoor, formal, or casual wear but also a contribution towards positive change in a war-torn region. Overall + Carhartt Beanie + Shemagh = Workers of the world unite!
$40 | combatflipflops.com
HIS
Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Ax
If you really truly love him and are looking for a gift that will make his eyes light up like a Golden Retriever going for a swim, this ax is just about perfect. The Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Ax is expertly crafted for versatility and efficiency in the great outdoors. Ideal for light forestry work and camping, it features a hand-forged steel head (the blacksmith’s initials are stamped on each head) and a sturdy hickory handle, ensuring durability and ease of use. This ax is renowned for its balance, offering the power needed for chopping tasks while maintaining a manageable size and weight for portability. Its quality construction and functional design make it a desirable, reliable tool for various outdoor activities and while overlanding.
$195 | cspforestry.com USA or gransforsbruk.com for Europe
Vollebak Planet Earth Hat V2
This boonie hat is giving us the fizz and is most definitely a premium product meant to last a lifetime. Crafted using an advanced Swiss material, the Planet Earth Hat offers fire resistance, water repellency, and durability with its carbon fiber ripstop weave. It features a detachable sun shield for UV protection, 36 hidden air vents for cooling in humid conditions, and 16 loops for carrying gear. Inspired by the boonie hat’s historic use in extreme conditions by military forces, this hat has been engineered to provide versatile protection in any environment, from jungles to deserts and urban settings, embodying the essence of a multifunctional headwear designed to replace up to twenty different hats, according to Vollebak.
$395 | vollebak.com
Leki Sherpa Trekking Pole
An overland journey without a few hikes thrown in is like wearing a tuxedo to the DMV; it’s interesting but silly. The Leki Sherpa Pole is a versatile, all-season mountaineering tool designed for high-terrain adventures, offering stability and confidence on demanding mountain tours. It features the innovative Aergon Air grip for comfort and control, a three-section adjustable aluminum shaft, and the SpeedLock 2 Plus system for easy length adjustment. The pole is equipped with a flex tip and comes with a Big Mountain Binding Basket and a Trekking 2.0 Basket, making it suitable for various conditions, including snow, mud, or soft terrain. This lightweight yet durable pole is crafted to support mountaineers in any environment.
$160 | lekiusa.com
THEIRS
Snow Peak Tuga Tent and Shelter
Those romantic forays into the wild require a comfortable and stylish habitat where loving, living, and relaxing come together. The Tuga is a two-room tent designed by Snow Peak for two to four people, offering a spacious and lightweight shelter option for camping enthusiasts. It features a new frame design that enhances interior space and reduces overall weight, also making it an efficient choice for those small group or family outings as the love grows. With side windows for extra ventilation and optional accessories available to enhance comfort, the Tuga provides ample room for sleeping and socializing outdoors.
$1,600 | snowpeak.com
Gerber ComplEAT Camp Cook Set
Gerber has just released a complete cook set called, you guessed it, the ComplEAT. The 16-piece Gerber ComplEAT Camp Cook Collection is a comprehensive outdoor cookware set designed for camping and overlanding enthusiasts. The set includes a sauté pan with a removable handle, a basting dome lid, a stock pot, a streamlined lid, four plates, four bowls, a mixing bowl, a hot pad, and a storage bag for easy transport and organization. The stock pot and sauté pan are constructed with a 3-ply base for even heat distribution, and the set nests together for space-saving convenience. The collection combines the utility of full-size cookware with the practicality of compact storage, ensuring no loose pots and pans during travel.
$200 | gerbergear.com
Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat
Nothing can ruin a journey into the great outdoors quite like a bad night’s sleep. The Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is proclaimed to be the crème de la crème for campers, featuring a stretch knit fabric on the upper surface for ultimate comfort in varying temperatures and a plush four-inch thick foam. Designed with Delta Coring to minimize weight and bulk without sacrificing durability, this pad includes a multi-function valve for easy inflation, deflation, and air pressure adjustment. The double mattress is perfect for romantic couples and their cold-weather adventures, boasting an R-value of 6.5, ensuring a warm and comfortable night’s sleep.
$389 | seatosummit.com
Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack
The exceptionally good-looking GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack is designed for modern travelers, emphasizing style and functionality. It features a sleek Arctic White color, providing a unique aesthetic for adventurers. The backpack is equipped with a comprehensive organization system, including a laptop pocket, external water bottle holder, and various compartments for efficient packing. Its durability and design cater to travelers seeking a reliable and stylish option for their journeys.
$350 | matadorequipment.com
Glade Optics Adapt 2 Goggles
The Adapt 2 by Glade Optics is a highly acclaimed goggle that eliminates the need for lens changes regardless of weather conditions. Featuring Reveal photochromic lens technology, it automatically adjusts tint to match the lighting, covering everything from clear to overcast skies. This makes the Adapt 2 a versatile choice for skiers, snowshoe hikers, and snowboarders seeking convenience without compromising on performance.
$150 | shopglade.com
Read More: Hard-Shell Rooftop Tents : Buyers Guide
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