Our gift ideas for adventurous Valentines.

Do you think Valentine's Day is a bit overrated? Good news, we do too.

We agree that “we don’t need this occasion to tell someone we love them, eh?” And that boxes of chocolates and bouquets of roses are fine for 5 minutes (ok, we’re not totally against the shock either).

But it's still a great excuse to make your favorite girl happy :). Whether it's your darling, your girlfriend, your best friend or even uncle Jean-Claude. A great opportunity to make plans on the comet and organize a trip for two.

So here we go, we're giving you all our adventure gift ideas & gear to prepare your next outdoor sessions (and change from the boring restaurant-cinema).

1. A night in a bivouac

What could be crazier than spending the night under a starry sky with your other half? Bivouacking remains THE great classic for going all out and disconnecting together.

Our adventure tips : if you can't be bothered to organize a nice bivouac yourself, we recommend opting for the Chilowé Club and its eco-responsible expeditions. Cantal, Ariège, Auvergne, Jura, Mercantour... or even around Paris, you should find the right spot to spend a me-mo-rable night.

Our essential gear : here mattresses, sleeping bags and tents are included. So to be really on top, we bet on quality clothes, all cozy to take care of your partner: a warm hat and the famous 3 layers (to be sexy as an onion): baselayer , fleece and down jacket .

2. A trail race

Whether it's to challenge yourself as a couple or to support your loved one in their first race, the world of trail running can be a great idea for a girl who loves to frolic in the great outdoors.

Our adventure tips : we start by finding the perfect trail (to start or discover new spots). Because getting a bib for a really nice race is a pretty fun gift :). Don't hesitate to check the selection of trails on our blog or via the Finishers race calendar.

Our essential gear : we find good trail shoes and quality socks because it is clearly the basis to be at the top and enjoy the experience. We can go even further with a hydration vest or belt to prevent your darling from drying out along the way.

Two-person trail running in the mountains.

3. A multi-day hike-trek

Going to discover crazy nature spots as a couple, in France or in Europe, with just your little legs. Pretty cool as a plan, right?

Our adventure tips : we choose a stylish hike over several days. For that, we start with a Recto Verso box , to organize your trip in complete autonomy and let your partner choose (and avoid hassles). Little extra? Only spots accessible by train and respectful of natural spaces. Enough to make the muules who are freaking out about their carbon footprint feel less guilty.

Essential gear : we ensure with the essential waterproof jacket (hello capricious weather) and competitive hiking shoes . Good hiking pants (or shorts depending on the season) also make a difference.

4. The bike adventure

Swallowing up kilometers with your nose in the wind and stopping wherever you want for an impromptu lunch. Bikepacking is the perfect option for duos who love pedaling towards the unknown.

Our adventure tips : for beginners, we recommend you go for a soft route, like Vélodyssée or ViaRhôna . Otherwise, we're betting on legendary roads like the GTMC or the Route des Grandes Alpes . The Komoot app should help you find inspiration.

The essential gear : a good pair of gloves and a decent pair of shorts (because love also means taking care of your partner's bottom). We also think of travel bags to carry all your little world during your trip.

5. An introduction to ski touring

What? Your sweetheart doesn't know the feeling of making their first tracks in fresh powder, surrounded by crazy landscapes? It's time to introduce them to seal skins and riding in complete freedom.

Our adventure tips : for a first experience for two, we go with a guide, so as not to end up stuck on a steep slope. For long outings with the option of a night in a refuge, we think of Explora Project and their ultra-cool (responsible) destinations.

Gear essentials : don't forget the DVA-shovel-probe trio (safety first). As for clothes, go for comfortable ski pants and a quality ski mask to protect your loved one's pretty eyes.

So, are you ready to think outside the box for Valentine's Day?

Whether you're giving an unusual outdoor experience or competitive gear (or both, if you really, really like it), the important thing is to create crazy memories.

With all this, your favorite adventurous muule will be DELIGHTED for Valentine's Day, we promise :).

Article written by Marine de Muule on February 6, 2025.