When you’ve lived in the Midwest for as long as we have, you pretty much become a professional coat expert. Actually, make that all winter gear — if you’re looking for something that’s stylish but will keep you WARM, I probably already own it or can recommend it. Dave and I both have our share of coats and jackets that we turn to year after year, and I have my favorite brands that I know I can always trust to make good quality outerwear. Backcountry has always been one of my go-to resources for shopping for cold weather clothing, especially when it comes to finding new coats for Charlie and Jack or holiday gifts for my extended family. In case you’re still searching for a gift that’s sure to be appreciated, I wanted to share some of my favorite styles for men and women from Backcountry!

Don’t get me wrong, I love a pretty peacoat or an elegant trench as much as the next girl, but most days my outer layers look something like this. Our weekends usually involve a trip to the park or a long walk in our local forest preserve (even when it’s frigid!) and I want a coat that can look cute but stand up to lots of activity. I think every woman in my family owns some version of this Patagonia Los Gatos Quarter-Zip, and I love that I can throw it on over leggings for a walk or wear it with denim while I run errands. It’s currently on sale in several colors if you want to snag one for one of the ladies on your list! I’m wearing a large for the bump but honestly appreciate when this style fits oversized — I’ll continue to wear post-baby!

Dave is just as picky about coats as I am, and this Patagonia Hooded Down Sweater Jacket is a winner in his book. It’s lightweight but well-lined to keep you toasty and it’s even water-resistant for drizzly days. There’s also a hood you can pull up in case that winter wind gets particularly brutal. The perfect jacket for dad duty! Dave’s exact color is sadly sold out at the moment, but Backcountry has four other colors in stock that would look handsome on any guy.

I recently picked up this fun Fjallraven backpack, too, which will be a gamechanger on our winter family walks. It’s super comfy and not bulky like other backpacks, and it holds everything I need to carry with me for a day out with toddlers (if you know, you know).
Winter essentials are some of my favorite gifts to give my friends and family, and Backcountry is truly one of the best places to shop for them. Linking some more of my favorite winter styles for men below — any of these would make a wonderful present!

Now through 12/20, get 40% off winter gear + lots of other amazing outdoor wear at Backcountry’s Gear and Apparel Sale! Backcountry is making things even easier by partnering with Klarna to let you set up an interest-free payment plan on any order. And don’t forget that new customers can use my code LIZADAMS15 for 15% off their first purchase (exclusions apply)!

We love to stay active even when it’s cold out, and these jackets help us get outside all winter long!

A big thank you to Backcountry for sponsoring this post!