15 Essential Gifts for the Traveler

With the holiday season approaching it’s a prime time to enjoy some downtime away from home. And if you’re thinking of holiday gifts for loved ones who will be enjoying a getaway of their own (or who regularly roam throughout the year), we’ve got some top recommendations with 15 gifts for the traveler below…

Flint and Tinder Micro-Bamboo Boxer Brief (US$ 34)

Traveling can be demanding enough without adding uncomfortable underwear to the mix. But Flint and Tinder come to the rescue with their Micro-Bamboo Boxer Brief. The brief’s soft, moisture-wicking bamboo fabric and covered waistband make them appealingly comfortable to wear. And as an added bonus, the elasticized legs stay put so you don’t need to deal with frustrating adjustments on the go.

Topo Designs Accessory Bag – 3 Pack (US$ 40)

Tired of having to rummage for smaller items lost in the recesses of your travel bag? This 3-pack collection of Accessory Bags from Topo Designs solves that problem. With three sizes you can pick and choose to suit a variety of travel items, from cables and chargers, to passports, pens and notebooks. In addition to reaching small items quickly, it’s easy to transfer items between luggage pieces and day bags.

Aer Dopp Kit (US$ 45)

A lot of Dopp kits are essentially small sacks that create a jumbled free-for-all with your toiletries. But the Aer Dopp Kit is different, offering dual compartments and multiple pockets and loops for organizing your toiletry essentials. The rugged 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior will stand up to years of demanding travel use, and the water-resistant lining makes it easy to clean in the event of accidental spills.

Tortuga Outbreaker Packing Cubes (US$ 59)

Tortuga’s Outbreaker Packing Cubes are great for keeping your travel gear neat and accessible throughout your journey. The set includes two small cubes and one large cube, each with mesh panels for convenient visibility of the contents and a durable sailcloth construction that offers structure for easier packing.

Unbound Merino Grey Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt (US$ 65)

Merino wool offers a host of handy properties for traveling, all present in this versatile t-shirt from Unbound Merino. Moisture wicking, antibacterial, odor-resistant and anti-wrinkle features make this a great addition to a packing list, whether you’re roaming outdoors or venturing down city streets.

Matador Beast Packable Backpack (US$ 89.99)

Matador’s Beast packable backpack offers a practical combination of technical and travel-friendly design. The 28L pack is made with water-resistant PU-coated nylon and features a comfortable suspension system, quick-access pockets and hydration bladder compatibility. All in a design that packs down compactly for easy storage at home, in luggage, or a vehicle until needed.

Proof Nomad Pant (US$ 98)

The Proof Nomad Pant helps you pack less by getting more out of one garment. The quick-drying fabric offers four-way stretch for easy movement and is resistant to both water and stains. The stylish and understated design works in both formal and informal environments, and a concealed zip pocket keeps your small valuables safe on the move.

Mizzen+Main Knox Shirt (US$ 125)

The Mizzen+Main Knox Shirt combines performance and style, ideal for a variety of travel settings. Dress it up or down as required, and enjoy flexible movement thanks to its four-way stretch. Additionally, this lightweight shirt is quick-drying, wrinkle resistant and moisture wicking, helping you stay cool and crisp on your journeys.

Western Rise Men’s AT Slim Rivet Pant™ (US$ 129)

The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant looks good in urban environments but is tough enough for outdoor ones too. Five pockets keep small essentials close at hand, and the water-repellent, stretch nylon canvas is both comfortable and quick-drying for travel convenience.

B&O PLAY Beoplay P2 (US$ 169)

This portable speaker offers great sound for its price and weight, coming in at just 275 grams (9.7 oz). Both splash and dust resistant for peace of mind while you’re roaming, the Beoplay P2 offers up to 10 hours of battery life and includes an inbuilt microphone for calls and voice commands.

Outlier Slim Dungarees (US$ 198)

Outlier’s five-pocket Slim Dungarees look classy in the city but are rugged enough to explore further afield. Resistant to water and stains, their quick-drying and breathable design helps keep you comfortable and stays cleaner for longer, so you can cut down on laundry time.

Patagonia Black Hole MLC (US$ 199)

The versatile Patagonia Black Hole MLC moves smoothly between a range of environments thanks to multiple carry options including backpack, shoulder bag and briefcase-style modes. The clamshell main compartment opens wide for easy packing and access to your gear, with a choice of interior and exterior pockets to keep your travel items tidy on the go. Additionally, the soft-sided construction is handy for fitting in overhead luggage bins, and the water-repellent fabric helps keep the elements at bay.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket (US$ 199)

The Nano Puff Jacket (mens / womens) is both water resistant and windproof, with PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco that retains 98% of its warmth even when wet. And for added travel-friendly design, the jacket packs down into its own interior zipped pocket for easy packing and storage when not in use.

Tortuga Homebase Backpack (US$ 245)

The Tortuga Homebase Backpack is a lightweight and durable carry-on bag with a clamshell opening for convenient packing and retrieval of your gear. It comes with a two-sided packing cube that’s useful for separating clean and dirty clothing, along with quick-access pockets for travel essentials and a dedicated laptop compartment.

Raden A28 Check (US$ 395)

The Raden A28 packs plenty of useful features into a sleek check-in case designed to make traveling easier. The A28 is crafted with a durable yet lightweight ploycarbonate shell and includes spinner wheels for freedom of movement, an inbuilt luggage scale, an integrated battery and USB ports to charge devices on the go, and proximity sensors for handy Bluetooth location.

*Update December 2017: Travelers should take note that from 15 January 2018 some US airlines will require smart luggage to have a removable battery that can be kept in the passenger cabin if the luggage needs to be checked. Find out more here.