ML staff and partners offer up a Valentine’s-themed Gift Shed—plus an expedition-ready hot chocolate recipe to keep hearts warm in the cold temps.
ML Waffle Beanie
Made with a uniquely cozy honeycomb-like weave, the ML Waffle Beanie will help your loved one stay warm on any outdoor adventure. Thanks to an adjustable cuff and adaptable knit, it’ll fit snugly on your head while you’re hiking, camping, rocking errands or just vibin’ in nature. It’s made of no-itch double-layer waffle knit acrylic with a four-top-seam knit. Celebrate the life you love with this wear-anywhere beanie available in Camel, Rust, Heather Charcoal, Navy and Black.
www.mountainlifemedia.ca/store
MEC Hut Booties
Hello MEC Hut Booties—goodbye cold toes in the tent, hut or cabin. If every outdoor adventure has an end this cozy, we’re roughing it more often. These unisex booties are made with sustainable materials—the 100g Hyperloft polyester insulation is 50% recycled—and engineered for cozy warmth, featuring a Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon upper with TPU rands to protect against abrasion (and DWR to shed light moisture). Perfect for stargazing from the tent, short walks to the winter woodpile, backcountry cabin lounging, or just vibing in style.
Rocky Mtn Chocolate Valentine’s Day Bomb Box
Move over, Cupid. Rocky Mtn’s Bombs are here to melt some hearts and titillate tastebuds this Valentine’s Day. These handy love bombs contain a smooth milk-chocolate centre wrapped in caramel, dipped in more chocolate and intricately decorated. The box contains an assortment of 12 mouthwatering bombs (and is also available in a 6-piece).
Therm-a-Rest Argo Blanket
The two-person Argo uses eraLoft synthetic insulation to provide highly packable and water-resistant warmth around camp, in the van or at home. The lining is plush and next-to-skin cozy. And the bold prints and colours boast a nature-themed style while the snap loops allow you to use the Argo by itself or as a part of your sleep system (i.e., another Therm-a-Rest bag, quilt or sheet).
Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool
Giving your loved one peace of mind on any trail or adventure, the sleek Signal combines 19 tools into a compact, take-anywhere size. This sleek multi-tool readies you for the unexpected with its fire-starting ferro rod, emergency whistle and combo blade (with a straight edge for slicing and a serrated edge for tough materials), pliers and more. Plus, the blade is easy to sharpen (Signal even has a built-in sharpener for touch-ups on the go). And you can tighten up your gear with the customizable bit driver and anchor your tent stakes with the built-in hammer. www.leatherman.com
DIY Gift – Proper Hot Chocolate Recipe from an Expedition Chef
Powder, schmowder. Make your love a real hot chocolate this Valentine’s Day.
Inspired by the exceptional hot chocolate drinks served in alpine mountain huts, this homemade hot chocolate is ideal for backcountry skiers and splitboarders as it delivers an injection of fast-acting carbohydrates and protein (depending on the milk used) from simple yet high-quality food sources. Most, if not all, ingredients can be sourced from basic supermarkets.
This recipe offers three advantages over pre-made alternatives: higher quality ingredients; less plastic packaging waste per unit; and you can tailor the chocolate to suit your taste.
Homemade Alpine Hot Chocolate
Yields 1 serving.
Equipment for making on the hill or at a mountain hut/refuge:
-Lightweight camping stove and small pot
-Insulated cups
-Wooden spoon for stirring
-Grater or knife for shaving chocolate.
You can also make this at home in advance and carry in a good thermos.
Ingredients
-50g, 80% dark chocolate, broken into chunks
-250ml milk (e.g. cow, goat, oat, almond, hazelnut)
-A few threads of saffron
-Optional for decoration/garnish: square/shavings of chocolate and/or dried apple.
Method
Bring milk and saffron to a simmer in a saucepan or camping pot.
Add the chocolate, stirring until melted completely.
Pour into a mug and decorate with chocolate shavings and/or dried apple.
–Kieran Creevy
Kieran Creevy is an international expedition chef and mountain instructor.
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