Find the perfect gift for the outdoorsy mom in your life in our Mother’s Day Gift Guide!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about something special for Mom. If your mom is an outdoor enthusiast, then you’re in luck! We’ve put together a gift guide for outdoorsy moms that will help you find the perfect present to show your appreciation for all that she does.
Whether your mom enjoys hiking, camping, or just spending time in nature, we’ve got you covered with a selection of gifts that are both practical and thoughtful. From waterproof jackets and comfortable leggings (with pockets!) to spa day, our gift guide has gear and experiences your Mom will love.
Discover the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the outdoorsy mom in your life in our gift guide!
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Outdoor Gear for Outdoor Women
1. Helly Hansen Verglas 3-Layer Shell Jacket
The Helly Hansen Verglas 3-Layer Shell Jacket is perfect for outdoor adventures in any weather! It’s made with Helly Tech Protection fabric, which is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, so that Mom will stays dry on her outdoor expeditions. The adjustable cuffs, adjustable hood, and taped seams keep wind and rain out, and the hood is also helmet compatible (perfect for ski touring or climbing)! There are also pit zips for ventilation so you don’t overheat. I have a TON of jackets, but the HH Verglas 3L Shell is my fav!
2. Manta Sleep Mask SOUND
The Manta Sleep Mask SOUND is a perfect gift for any mom who enjoys getting some quality sleep after a long day of outdoor activities. It features adjustable, blackout C-shaped eyecups that don’t press on the eyes; soft, breathable fabric; and super thin, built-in Bluetooth headphones so your mom can listen to soothing sounds or music while she drifts off to sleep (play your relaxation/meditation app or podcast of choice!). It’s even side sleeper approved! I’ve been testing mine since January and love that the eye cups are removable and washable, AND block out all light without putting any pressure on my eyes. Available from Manta Sleep. (Note: The original Manta Sleep Mask without speakers is a lot more affordable. Get it on Amazon.)
3. Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press
The Aeropress is a classic portable coffee maker for coffee snobs that is well loved by van lifers and backcountry campers alike, but the Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press is best for hiking because all pieces fit inside the travel press. Make delicious espresso on the trail in one minute with awesome flavor and no grit or mess (the grounds are compressed into a little compostable pod with the paper filter). Weighs 326 grams and includes micro-filters, a stirrer, and coffee scoop.
4. Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3
The Peak Capture Camera Clip V3 is a great accessory for moms who love to take pictures on their outdoor adventures. It allows her to clip her camera securely to her backpack or belt, for easy camera access to capture those stunning outdoor shots on the go. Works with compact, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras, and a GoPro with the GoPro attachment. Keep the camera handy without it swinging around!
5. Lululemon Align High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants (with pockets!)
The Lululemon Align High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants are a stylish and comfortable choice for yoga, travel, and every day adventures. They’re made with Lululemon’s buttery soft Nulu fabric, which has 4-way stretch and is sweat-wicking and breathable. Best of all, they have pockets!! There are two pockets in the front (with a thoughtful card sleeve), and one in the back.
Prefer leggings? The Lululemon Align leggings come in a variety of styles (cropped/full-length, skinny/mini-flared, high rise/low rise) in the same Nulu fabric.
6. Osprey Tempest 30 L Backpack
If Mom needs a light and comfortable backpack, try the Osprey Tempest 30 L (Women’s) Backpack. Since it’s a women’s pack, it has “a shorter torso length, shoulder straps that are set closer together and a hip belt shaped to fit curvier hips.” I am 5’3″ and use the size XS/S. The Osprey Tempest 30L XS/S is 810g with a 28 L capacity; and the S/M is 860g with a 30 L capacity.
Features include: comfortable straps and hip belt, ventilated back, stow-on-the go trekking pole attachments, stretchy external pockets so you can stash/retrieve gear on the go, and 3L hydration pack compartment (hydration pack not included). It’s made with bluesign®-approved recycled 100Dx210D wave check high-tenacity nylon, and treated with PFC-free DWR, so gear will stay dry in light rain.
While the Osprey Tempest 30 L (Women’s) Backpack is the perfect size for The 10 Essentials, the Osprey Tempest 24 (24 L) would work for short day hikes in warm weather.
7. Garmin Forerunner 55 Smartwatch
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great gift for moms who run. The Forerunner 55 tracks speed, distance, cadence, heartrate, V02 Max, and more, making it easy for your mom to keep track of her fitness goals. The watch will provide runs customized to the user too! At 37 grams, with a 2 week battery life (20 hrs in GPS mode), with a price of under $300, this is a solid entry-level sports watch packed with useful features.
8. On Cloud 5 Shoes
On shoes are trendy and ultra comfortable. Designed so you’ll feel like you’re walking or running on a cloud, the unique CloudTec soles absorb impact and adds energy to every step. The Cloud 5 shoes are perfect for every day adventures and come in a wide range of colors, as well as a waterproof version. Made with 44% recycled materials and designed in Switzerland, these shoes are as thoughtfully-designed as they are stylish.
For hiking, check out the On Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots. I have been testing them since last fall and love how light and comfortable they are! On also makes amazing runners and trail runners.
9. Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack Medium
The Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack Medium is on-trend and made of waterproof recycled nylon. At 12 cm high x 28 cm long x 10 cm deep, it’s just the right size for a walk in the park or travel. An inner mesh pocket and security pocket on the back (against your body) helps organize essentials. Find it in 5 vibrant colors at Fjällräven. (In Calgary, there’s a store on 17th Ave SW.)
10. I’d Rather Be Camping / Hiking / At the Lake Socks
Still not sure what to get? These cute cotton-blend Lavley socks are sure to make Mom smile! Available in many outdoorsy themes (including fishing, hunting, rock climbing) and colors. One size fits all = Women’s size 7-12.
Gifts of Experience for Outdoorsy Moms
These experience gifts are a great way for your mom to enjoy some time outdoors while exploring the natural beauty of Southern Alberta:
Banff Gondola: The Banff Gondola is a fun getaway for Mom and the family, or a girls’ day/night out! Ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic dining and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For more ideas, see our story How to spend a fun spring weekend in Banff.
Guided Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Bow River: Develop skills on moving water on a guided Cochrane River Paddleboarding Trip, or Women on the Water Board Night (flat water) with Kelsey’s Caravan! Gear and transportation is provided.
Spa Day at Kananaskis Nordic Spa: The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that your mom is sure to love. The spa features several hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms, as well as a variety of spa treatments. Note: The spa is 18+. Read about our experience here: Warm up & chill out at Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
Dog Carting and Horseback Riding in Kananaskis: For a one-of-a-kind experience in Kananaskis, go dog carting with Snowy Owl Sled Dogs, then go on a trail ride at Boundary Ranch! We had so much fun on the Woof & Hoof Tour!! Read more about this awesome tour in our story Experience Dog Carting and Horseback Riding at Boundary Ranch.
Sunday Safari Brunch at The Calgary Zoo: The Calgary Zoo offers a Sunday brunch that is a unique and fun experience for the whole family. Enjoy the waffle bar, eggs benedicts, chocolate fountain, and more; then visit the animals. Reservations required.
With these gift ideas, your outdoorsy mom is sure to feel appreciated and ready for her next adventure! Happy Mother’s Day!
