I’ve got a pretty adventurous mum.

Over the years, we’ve hiked together, travelled together, tandem biked together - I think we’ve clocked 5 multi-day hikes together at this point. And she is always the instigator and I’m along for the ride. The conversation normally goes like this - Her: ‘How about we do the XXX multi-day hike?’ Me: ‘Sounds good! When?’ And then she goes into the literary, dates and route she has already been planning for weeks.

I think for many of us, our parents have been the ones to encourage us to get outdoors from a young age and this has grown into an appreciation and passion of our own. I can remember going on hikes when I was maybe 5, no idea where we were going or for how long, but just having fun outdoors with those who meant the most to me. 

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 12 and it’s the time of the year to celebrate and show gratitude to the special mums in our lives. We’ve put together our gear guide to inspire and equip them to get outdoors like they have all our lives. 

1. KEEN TARGHEE IV WOMENS WATERPROOF MID HIKING BOOTS 

 

First things first, for any small or big adventure, a comfy and reliable pair of shoes are needed. The Keen Targhee IV Mid Hiking Boots feature Keen’s signature wider toe box for a comfortable fit, they’re waterproof for wet weather adventures and have a premium, environmentally preferred nubuck leather upper for long-lasting durability.

 

2. PATAGONIA QUANDARY WOMENS HIKING PANTS 

 

A good pair of versatile pants are a must for any mum. The Patagonia Quandary Pants are technically hiking pants, but that doesn’t mean they need to be limited to the trails. With features with the outdoors in mind including a UPF rating of 40+ and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish while also being lightweight but stretchy make them a great pair of pants for travelling too.

 

3. XTM CUMBERLAND WOMENS LONG SLEEVE HIKING SHIRT

 

 

A long sleeve shirt is a great addition to a hiking ensemble. For winter coming up, it's a light layer to chuck on without heating up too much and in summer, it's a good layer for sun protection. The shirt is designed with women in mind with a comfortable cut and also features ventilation points on the back panel and the underarm panels for a breezy hike. The XTM Cumberland Women’s Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt is also a certified carbon-neutral product so you can feel extra good about giving this to a mum in your life this year. 

 

4. ARCTERYX ATOM WOMEN'S INSULATED JACKET

 

 

Mums deserve the best and as voted as part of Wild Earth’s Gear of the Year 2024, the Arcteryx Atom Women's Insulated Jacket is the best of the best. It is a lightweight, synthetic insulated jacket that can be used as a layer in your winter kit or as a stand-alone jacket. It offers exceptional ventilation so it is great for dumping heat when needed but as it is synthetic, it will also retain its heat when wet. 

5. THE NORTH FACE BASE CAMP DUFFEL BAG - S

 

 

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag is a versatile bag and it would soon become a staple in any mum’s gear collection. The Small has a 50L capacity, a mesh internal pocket for small items for organisation and a waterproof finish. My favourite part? Rather than just a single strap like most duffles, this duffle comes with 2 additional straps which turns it into a backpack that is so convenient for travelling or for heavier loads. 

6. WILD - PAPERBACK BOOK - CHERYL STRAYED

 

I can confirm that this is a winner as a Mother’s Day gift as I gave it to my own mum and she loved it. Not only that, she lent it to my grandma who also loved it. If you haven’t heard of Wild, it is the true story of Cheryl Strayed who solo-hiked the iconic Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. The book recounts how Cheryl embarked on hiking thousands of kilometres without training, the internal battles along the way and how this journey led to healing after losing everything. 

7. ARCTERYX MALLOW TOQUE BEANIE - STORM GLOW

 

Heading into colder temps, a beanie is a great option as a gift for Mum. The Arcteryx Mallow Toque Beanie is a classic design and is 50% tech wool/ 50% recycled polyester for a warm fit. The Storm Glow pink/purple colour is a crowd favourite here at Wild Earth and would be a nice accessory in Mum’s winter kit. 

 

8. RAB AXION PRO DOWN WOMEN'S HIKING JACKET

 

The Rab Axion Pro Down Women’s Hiking Jacket is made to go from the cities to the mountains. It is made with 100% recycled outer and 100% recycled 700 fill down and features zipped pockets and adjustable sleeve cuffs to keep out the cold. The hood is detachable so it can be a jacket for city use and then the hood can be popped on for when extra warmth is needed in the alpine. 

8. Wash Bloc Coconut and Vanilla Solid Shampoo Bloc

 

As socks and jocks are a staple for Father’s Day, self-care gifts are classic for Mother’s Day. The Wash Bloc Coconut and Vanilla Solid Shampoo Bloc is an awesome gift for any eco-conscious, on the road or active mum. The bars are made with essential oils and natural ingredients. This includes coconut oil so Mum can imagine she is sipping on a pina colada on an island. Maybe next year’s gift?

10. OSPREY TEMPEST VELOCITY 20L WOMEN'S HIKING BACKPACK 

 

 

Looking for a gift that will suit a climber, skier and hiker? The Osprey Tempest Velocity 20L Women’s Hiking Backpack has it all. The harness front is designed almost like a running vest with comfortable straps for support and also allows for storage for snacks or flasks. It also has traditional features such as a sleeve for a hydration bladder, straps to stow hiking poles and hip pockets for small storage. 

If you want to treat a special mum in your life, check out Wild Earth's Mother's Day Gift Guide HERE for more gift picks for mums!
 
Not sure what to get Mum this Mother’s Day? Visit us in-store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.

 

About the contributor: 

   Jess Fiske is the Social Media Coordinator at Wild Earth. When she isn’t rollerblading in the streets of Coolangatta, you will find her either hiking in SEQ or strapping on her snowboard somewhere cold. Always planning her next adventure, Jess loves to get outdoors and travel off the beaten path. Follow her adventures on Instagram.