Amazing Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Backpackers Will Love

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Are you married to a backpacker? Maybe you’re dating someone who wants to go backpacking someday. If that’s the case, it will certainly cheer him or her up if you get them backpacking gear to celebrate your love. They’ll also love it if you finally relent and go on that year-long backpacking trip they’ve been dreaming about. Be an awesome lover and get any of these Valentine’s Day gift ideas backpackers will surely love.

Backpacking is an exciting activity that every couple should try at least once in their lives. It requires thorough preparation, however. You can’t just go backpacking the moment you decide you want to. Make sure to do due diligence and research about the places you’ll go and the backpacking gear you’ll need. Speaking of, check this video to know about some of the basic gear you’ll need.

 

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Backpack

The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack is on top of Gear Junkie’s list of 2019’s best travel backpack overall and is still a force to contend with this year. This backpack is the smallest version of their popular Allpa line, which includes 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L varieties.

The Allpa 28L is great for travelers who’ll be gone for just a few days or prefer not to travel light and not lug around a clunky backpack. It’s small enough for everyday use. Plus, its minimalist design looks so cool that you’d want to bring it all the time.

More important than its looks is its durability and functionality. The Cotopaxi Allpa is made of sturdy 1000D polyester and 1680D ballistic nylon paneling that will not show any wear no matter how rough things get. It also comes with a number of strategic storage compartments such as the padded laptop sleeve, zippered mesh pockets, and compression straps.

Versatility is also part of the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L’s appeal. You can use it as a backpack or tuck away the straps to carry it like a briefcase. It also features four reinforced grab handles, security YKK zippers, and carabiner lash loops. And if it rains hard while you’re out, just whip out the rain cover to further protect the already water-resistant and TPU-coated backpack.

(Related: Top Tactical Backpacks to Help You Survive Emergencies)

 

Hiking Boots

Backpacking is hiking for more than one day. Trekking is also a form of walking but with the intention of exploring the scenery. I know what you’re thinking. They’re all just the same thing. Well, there are differences and similarities. One similarity is the need for the right pair of shoes.

Hiking boots should be on your list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the backpacker in your life. One such pair is the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX, which REI considers the best pair of backpacking boots for women.

The Trango is a popular line of lightweight hiking boots made of synthetic materials. The 20-ounce backpacking gear features abrasion-resistant polyester uppers lined with Gore-Tex to make it waterproof. The extremely durable hiking boots boasts of the Vibram Mulaz outsole with a technical edging platform and aggressive rear lugs. The Trango also sports a 3D Flex insert for better ankle mobility.

 

Tent

Most travel backpackers sleep in hostels, dorms, campsites, or other low cost accommodations. There’s this thing called out couchsurfing where you spend a night or so in other people’s homes and sleep on their couch or whatever sleeping arrangement is offered.

Backpackers also look for any place they can doze off for free such as night trains, bus stations, ferry decks, beaches, and even in public parks. You can also get some rest in 24-hour restaurants though you should get a bite first so the staff won’t mind that much.

Many backpackers choose to take the scenic yet wild route to “get away from it all.” Wilderness backpackers often rough it out in tents and sleeping bags though there are places where some type of lodging is available.

Both kinds of backpackers will benefit from bringing a tent during their adventure. You need the right kind, though, and not just any tent you can afford. Aside from the price, you have to consider such factors as weight, durability, weather protection, and space, among others. Lucky for your significant other, he or she will be receiving a high quality tent as their Valentine’s Day present.

Many agree that the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of the best backpacking tents around. In fact, t3 and Clever Hiker has it on top of their respective lists.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 fits two persons so it’s great for you and your partner’s backpacking adventure. You can opt for the UL3 if you want more interior space though the UL2 feels roomy enough. It also comes with a generous headroom, almost vertical walls, large dual zipper doors and vestibules along with impressive pockets. You also get a couple of porches.

The well-ventilated tent is made of double rip-top nylon while the seams are made waterproof with solvent-free PU tape. The set weighs only 3 pounds and 1 ounce (1.4 kg) and measures 10 x 50 cm when packed. The freestanding tent is quick and easy to pitch and break down, which is quite important if it suddenly rains.

Photo by sutthinon/Bigstock

(Related: Unbelievable Backpacking Hacks You Have to Know)

 

Sleeping Bag

As mentioned, backpackers sleep anywhere as long as it’s free or cheap. As expected, comfort is something to be desired in these situations. That makes sleeping bags the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for backpackers. Watch the video below to know what to look for in a sleeping bag.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day gift ideas backpackers will truly appreciate, you’d ideally want something of high quality. Unfortunately, such superior backpacking essentials are expensive. Fortunately, there are items that are kinder to the pockets but still do the job.

The best budget sleeping bag of 2019 according to Digital Trends is the Kelty Cosmic 20. This sleeping bag is 87% 600 fill power down and 27% synthetic fibers, which is good enough for insulation but makes it heavier than you’d want. It weighs 2 pounds and 4 pounces, which is a tad and the heavier side compared to expensive sleeping bags.

The weight aside, the Kelty Cosmic 20 sleeping bag serves its purpose, which is to keep you warm and comfortable. Plus, it comes with a stash pocket and neck baffle.

 

Water Bottle

Perhaps one of the simplest Valentine’s Day gift ideas on this list, water bottles are essential for every backpacker. All the walking and traveling may take its toll on your body. One way to help it keep up with the rigors of backpacking is to stay hydrated.

Get your spouse something like the Hydro Flask 32 oz. Wide Mouth water bottle. It’s made of 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, which doesn’t absorb the flavor of whatever you put inside it. That means you can fill it with water, juice, tea, coffee, or soup and not worry at all.

The Hydro Flask boasts of the TempShield double wall insulation that keeps its contents hot or cold. Hot drinks stay hot for up to 6 hours while cold lasts for 24 hours. The double wall also keeps your bottle from sweating that’s common with single wall bottles.

The BPA-free water bottle is coated in the Color last Powder Coat that helps keep its color. The dishwasher safe powder coat also makes your Hydro Flask slip-free. You can purchase the Hydro Flip Lid and wide Mouth Straw Lid to turn your phthalate-free flask even more versatile.

Perhaps the only drawback with the Hydro Flask is its size and weight. It’s bulkier and heavier compared to other water bottles because of the double wall and extra space for your drink. These are okay, though, if you value performance more.

 

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Hydration Bladder

If you really want something lighter and more portable for your water, use a collapsible water bottle or a hydration bladder instead. The latter is favored by runners and hikers since they’re lightweight and can carry enough water for a day. If you’re backpacking, though, you may prefer something that carries more.

Still, most hydration bladders are compatible with backpacking packs and you could use as much water as you can carry, especially if you’re multi-day hiking through the wilderness. In other words, you can get a hydration bladder aside from your water bottle.

The Source Outdoor Widepac Hydration System Reservoir tops the list of the best hydration bladders of 2020, according to Best Hiking. The Widepac hydration bladder is composed of three layers of durable polyethylene material that’s made incredibly smooth with the help of their Source Glass-Like technology, which is described as 2,000% smoother than TPU films. This quality makes it super easy to clean the reservoir.

The Widepac slide closure at the top also allows you to clean the inside of the hydration bladder a lot easier. The wide mouth also makes refilling, draining, and adding ice a breeze.

Source Outdoor also utilized the GrungeGuard technology in which they treated the polyethylene layers with an EPA-registered antimicrobial agent approved by the FDA. This keeps bacteria from growing on the bladder and the tube.

The tube attached at the bottom part of the reservoir can easily be disconnected with just one push of the button on the joint. The other end of the tube comes with the silicone Helix bite valve that is locked by simply twisting it. This will prevent water from leaking out. A cover, meanwhile, keeps dirt and other particles away from the bite valve.

The Source Outdoor Widepac hydration bladder measures 8.5 x 16.7 inches, weighs 6.3 ounces when empty, and carries up to 3 liters (100 ounces) of water.

Photo by AYAimages/Bigstock

(Related: Top 8 Hydration Packs To Keep The Thirst Away)

 

Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles are designed for climbing, skiing, and hiking but they’re not limited to the cold season. You can take them with you when you go backpacking any time of the year.

Comfort is one of the most important factors in choosing trekking poles and the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork definitely checks the box. The ergonomically angled grip is made of natural cork which is soft in your hands and wicks away sweat. The section below the cork grip is an extension of the non-slip EVA foam that you can also hold on to if needed. There’s also a wide 360-degree padded webbing wrist on each pole.

The mid and lower shafts of the Alpine Ergo Cork Trekking Pole are made of carbon fiber while the upper shaft is aluminum making them pretty lightweight at just over a pound for a pair. The carbon construction also makes this backpacking gear very sturdy and durable. You can lengthen or shorten the poles easily with the help of the Dual FlickLock Pro adjustability feature.

The replaceable Flex Tech tip flexes when your pole gets stuck between two rocks and prevents the pole from breaking. This is one way Black Diamond assures its poles will last a long time.

The Best Backpacking Gear You Need to Enjoy the Outdoors
Photo by Maridav/Bigstock

(Related: The Best Backpacking Gear You Need to Enjoy the Outdoors)

 

Communication Device

Safety is of utmost importance, especially if you’re backpacking in the wilderness. Aside from the usual backpacking gear, you should have a device to help you stay in communication with people back home. Not only can you check on your loved ones using a satellite messenger, you can also contact people or send distress signals when you’re in trouble.

The SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger is one of the best satellite messengers in the market. The Bluetooth-enabled device allows you to exchange text or email messages with anyone who has a mobile phone or an email address from wherever you are. You can store phone numbers and other details to your contact list. If you need to send a message, simply select the name on the list and type away. You can also send your location, elevation and other vital details by clicking some buttons.

In case you have an emergency, you can send SOS messages through the menu or to press the red button hidden under the black SOS tab. Your message will be received by the 24/7 search and rescue center which will then dispatch members to your location. So in case you do get a SPOT X satellite messenger as your Valentine’s Day gift, please don’t play around with the SOS button.

 

Solar Charger

Use the sun to your advantage while you’re on your backpacking adventure. Get your spouse a solar charger for Valentine’s Day and never worry about your phones running out of juice while your outdoors. With the QuadraPro Solar Power Bank, you will always have a way to contact someone, especially if you’re in an emergency situation.

The QuadraPro Solar Power Bank sports four individual solar panels that can generate up to 5.5 watts of electricity. It also comes with a USB cord that you can plug into a power outlet to charge your solar power bank.

The solar power bank has a 6,500 mAh battery capacity, a couple of USB output jacks, and wireless charging feature to help out with charging up to three devices at the same time. The device comes with built-in LED flashlight, built-in magnets, and built-in loops and carabiners to attach to your backpack or hang somewhere while the device charges under the sun.

The device is wrapped in form-fitting rubber cap to make it resistant to water. Don’t submerge it in water, though. Each purchase of the QuadraPro Solar Power Bank from Frog & CO, formerly Survival Frog, includes a high quality leather case and a three-year warranty.

Incidentally, Survival Frog is currently offering their pocket stoves for half the price as long as you buy 3 or more. Pocket stoves are also essential backpacking gear so you might want to take advantage of their amazing sale.

 

Camera

Most backpackers prefer the wilderness to get away from the toxicity of the digital world and take in as much of nature as possible. However, you may want to have a device to help you remember all the beautiful things you see and the fun activities you do.

You’ll need your smartphone not only to take photos but to communicate with your family back home. For your actions shots, you’ll want a GoPro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVH3SWge86I

The GoPro Hero5 Black Digital Action Camera is one of the best Valentine’s Day gift ideas backpackers will love. It measures 1.8 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches and weighs only 4.2 ounces so it doesn’t take up so much space in your gear. It sports a 2-inch full color LCD touchscreen where you can change settings, preview and playback your shots, and trim your videos.

It also does a lot of impressive things for its size. The GoPro Hero5 can take amazing 4K HD videos and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse modes. The durable action camera is waterproof up to 10 meters, can support voice command, and has a removable battery.

Photo by scharfsinn86/Bigstock

(Related: Cool High Tech Outdoor Gadgets To Bring On Your Adventure)

Follow Gentleman Pirate Club and read more interesting articles on backpacking and other outdoor sports. You’ll get to see more potential Valentine’s Day gift ideas backpackers would be happy to receive. Plus, you’ll find lots of tips that would definitely come in handy the moment you go on that much awaited backpacking adventure with your significant other.

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Gentleman Pirate Club aims to share valuable knowledge and tips on how you can prepare and survive emergencies and other dire situations. We think of different scenarios and show you the many ways you can survive them. We also believe in self-sufficiency as a way to prepare for whatever lies ahead. As our ship sails in these waters, we look for valuable treasures. When we spot one, we tell you where it is.

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