Forget Flowers! 3 Adventure-Ready Valentine’s Day Bouquets

Roses are red, violets are blue…...but let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day here at Eastside Sports or in the Eastern Sierra isn’t about fancy dinners and overpriced flower arrangements ordered at the last second. Why? Because our love language is adventure (a.k.a. quality time?). We'd all rather be chasing sunrises in the alpine, sending that dream climb, and sharing a warm drink after a long day in the mountains...and flowers won’t help keep you fueled in the backcountry, send your next climb, or survive a multi-day trek on the PCT or JMT.

So, why not give a Valentine’s bouquet that actually fits the lifestyle?

This Valentine’s Day, ditch the traditional bouquet and surprise your adventure-loving partner, whether they be a climbing partner, trail buddy, or backcountry chef, with something that speaks to their wild heart. Here are three creative takes on alternative Valentine’s bouquets, perfect for climbers, backpackers, and backcountry snack enthusiasts alike.

1. The Climber’s Bouquet: Cams, Nuts & Slings

For the Valentine who would rather be placing gear than picking petals. Roses? Cute. But if your Valentine prefers hanging off granite faces over fancy candlelit dinners, a climbing “bouquet” is the perfect way to show your appreciation.

Whether they’re leading routes in Pine Creek and the Owens River Gorge or getting after it bouldering in the Buttermilks or the Volcanic Tablelands, this gift will get plenty of use. Build your own with:

• Cams & Nuts – Nothing says “I’m committed” like gifting your partner a fresh #1 or #2 Camalot. Bonus points for a color that matches their eyes or favorite outfit?
• Slings & Cordalette – A Dyneema sling or some 7mm cord to serve as anchor material and tie together the rock of your relationship? Swoon.
• Chalk & Tape – Keep them sending strong with a fresh block of FrictionLabs chalk and a roll of climbing tape for Bishop’s sharp volcanic tuft and gritty granite...because let’s be real, these two things get trashed faster than a pair of gym shoes.

****Plus, we are holding BIG in-store only climbing sale of 20-30% on select high-quality overstock items that you know and love, to include cams, slings, personal anchor tethers, packs, and more! Come into the store and score yourself a MEGA deal!

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2. The Backcountry Snack Bouquet: Instant Coffee, Gels & More

Perfect for the Backcountry Foodie (Or Just a Snack Goblin). If your Valentine’s love language is "never hiking hungry" and fuels their days with high-calorie snacks and fast-burning energy, this backcountry fuel bouquet is straight-up elite.

Keep the stoke (and equally as critical, the blood sugar) high by packing it with:

• Instant Coffee – Because dawn patrol missions up Mt. Tom require more than just love—they require top-notch flavorful (and ethically sourced) caffeine from Wild Society...duh.
• Gels & Energy Bars – A mix of GU, Muir Energy, and CLIF Bloks for long trail days.
• Drink Mixes – Tailwind performance hydration powder to keep them hydrated at altitude.
• Chocolate & Trail Mix – Because no Valentine’s gift is complete without a little sweetness.
• Cutlery - Nothing seemingly more forgotten or accidentally broken but more irreplaceable than quality backcountry cutlery...we go with the Vargo Titanium Long-Handled Spoon.
• A "backcountry vase" - Stuff it all inside a semi-unbreakable kettle or pot and put it on a tried-and-true MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove with fuel to make it an all-around gift that’s as practical as it is fun.

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3. The Backpacker’s Bouquet: Gear for the Trail

Does your special someone treat REI like a candy store? Know someone going to hike the Pacific Crest Trail this year? Some people collect shoes. Others collect dry sacks, topo maps, and ultralight gear they don’t actually need but will definitely use “one day.” If that sounds like your Valentine, craft them a backpacking bouquet because romance is great, but so is not getting your snacks stolen by a 400-pound black bear.

For the partner who spends as much time looking at topographic maps than Instagram, create a bouquet packed with backpacking-ready essentials:

• BearVault Bear Canister – A true Eastside essential, because nothing ruins a romantic backpacking trip like losing your food to a curious black bear.
• Darn Tough Socks – Because warm, dry (and hella fashionable )feet make for happy trail days.
• Osprey Dry Bags/Sacks – Keep dry things dry and safe from unexpected stream crossings, spring storms, or accidental drops!
• Bandannas - nothing says "statement piece" more than wicked cool bandanna - the true multi-use MVP of your backpacking gear. It can be a headband, dust mask, sweat rag, or emergency napkin when they inevitably spill your backcountry coffee.
• Key Toiletries - The things you don't need...until you REALLY REALLY need them. Don't give your partner the chance to forget essentials like bug repellent, eco-friendly soap, and sunscreen!
• Maps – Help them plan their next trip with Tom Harrison, National Geographic, or USGS survey maps, no matter if it’s a section of the JMT, a weekend loop in Evolution Basin, or a quest to finish the Sierra High Route.
• Dry Sacks - Wrap it all in a Osprey lightweight pack liner or stuff sack to keep dry things dry and make it an all-around a gift they’ll actually take into the mountains.

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4. Adventure is the Best Gift—Let Us Help You Find It!

This Valentine’s Day, skip the clichés and give a gift that fits your partner’s outdoor lifestyle. Whether they live for the sharp end, thrive on summit snacks, or dream of multi-day treks, Eastside Sports has the perfect gear to build a "bouquet" that will actually get used.

Stop by our shop in Bishop, call our number to chat, or browse online to create the perfect adventure-ready Valentine’s gift. Need suggestions? Our staff is here and eager to help!