The holiday season is upon us, which means lots of time with friends and family, plenty of good food and drinks, and generally revelry all around. But, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety too as we all search for the perfect gift for our loved ones. If you have outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, or world explorers on your list this year, we’re here to help. A few days back, I posted my picks for the best outdoor gifts this year and this was a major topic of discussion on The Adventure Podcast this week too. Now, I’ve put together my choices for the best gifts for adventure travelers too, with a wide selection of items that will make your frequent flier very happy.
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack ($220)
Every traveler need the perfect pack to take with them when they hit the road and you’ll be hard pressed to find one that is better than the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L. With 42-liters of storage, multiple zippered organizational compartments, and both a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, this bag has everything you need for a trip lasting just a few days or a few weeks. It’s rugged, outer shell looks great, is very durable, and keeps the interior well protected, while the thick zippers are easy to pull, granting access to the interior quickly and efficiently. This bag is so good that it is now my go-to for any adventure, having seen me through long trips all over the world.
Apple AirPods Pro Earbuds ($249)
True wireless Bluetooth earbuds are a great choice for anyone who likes to listen to music and podcasts, or likes to watch videos on their laptop, tablet, or phone. If your adventurer happens to be an Apple fan, then the best option available is the new Apple AirPods Pro, which bring active noise cancellation, improved audio, better isolation, and a host of other nice new features too. All of that tech makes them a lightweight, compact, and excellent choice for any frequent traveler. Not an iPhone/iPad user? Give the Sony’s WF-1000XM3 ($230) buds a try instead. And yes, you can use these with an inflight entertainment system with the Twelve South AirFly Pro adapter.
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD ($169.95)
Keeping your smartphone, tablet, and other devices charged while on the go can be a real challenge at times, but with Goal Zero’s Sherpa 100PD USB battery pack, you’ll never have to fear. With its massive 25,600 mAh how battery, plethora of ports — including a USB-C PD option — and built-in Qi charging pad, its easy to keep all of your electronic gear functioning. Add in Goal Zero’s top-notch build-quality, amazing durability, and ease of use, and you have the best portable USB charger o the market. I never leave home without it.
Ravpower Prime 60-Watt 6-Port USB Charger ($27.99)
Having a good battery pack is great when you’re away from an outlet, but when travelers end up in a hotel room or find a place to plug-in at the airport, it’s nice to have a good charger that allows you to power everything up all at once. The Ravpower Prime 60-watt 6-Port USB Charger is perfect for those instance, providing plenty of ports to charge all of your items, including a USB-C PD (power delivery) port for recharging powerful tablets and laptops. This is another item that I never leave home without and it always makes me popular with others at the airport or those I’m sharing a room with. Light, compact, and oh-so handy.
686 Everywhere Pants ($89.95)
Finding the right travel pants can be a challenge at times, but you can stop the search and just go with the Everywhere Pant from 686. Designed to be comfortable, good looking, and durable enough to wear on extended excursions, the Everywhere Pant offers everything a traveler needs. That includes a stain and water resistant DWR finish, ten pockets for storing all of your goodies, and an RFID blocking pocket to keep your important information safe too. The fabrics are soft, breathable, and provide UPF 40+ protection from the sun as well. They’re so good that even though they’re designed for travel, you’ll want to wear them while at home too.
Arc’Teryx Konseal Hoody ($169.00)
When it comes to travel apparel, frequent travelers prefer items that are versatile, look great, and very comfortable. That sums the Arc’Teryx Konseal Hoody in a nutshell, offering a warm layer that can be worn on its own or as party of a layering system. The pullover top feature’s Arc’Teryx’s trademark high-quality construction and design, meaning it is a garment that will remain in heavy rotation for years to come. Perfect for use in the backcountry, while flying on a plane, or just grabbing dinner around town, this is great active travel piece for sure.
Pacsafe Vibe 25L Econyl Backpack ($119.95)
As important as it is to have a good travel pack, having a carry-on daypack is just as vital and the Pacsafe Vibe 25L Econyl model is my constant companion on all trips these days. In addition to having Pacsafe’s trademark anti-theft features, which include a cut-resistant mesh armor, RFID blocking pockets, and a built-in locking system, this pack has plenty of capacity, good organizational pockets, and is made from durable materials. Somehow, it also manages to be extremely sleek and compact too. And if that wasn’t enough, the Econyl fabrics also happen to be made from recycled nylon fibers, making it extremely eco-friendly too.
Hoka One One Hupana Flow Shoes ($115)
Designed to be a fitness shoe for wearing to the gym or on short runs, the Hoka One One Hupana Flow has become a favorite travel shoe for this writer. Comfortable and durable, with the versatility and protection of an athletic shoe, without the technical looks, it is a great option for active travelers. The knit upper wears very well and looks great too, while providing a high level of breathability. Hoka’s well-known super-cushy sole is toned back a bit here, but still shines through after long days of walking, making this an easy to recommend option for travel footwear.
Global Rescue Membership (Varies)
Adventure travelers often find themselves out in remote places doing more active things. This invariably adds a level of risk to their travels that most others don’t incur. Show your loved ones that you care, and want them to come home in one piece, by purchasing them a Global Rescue membership. The company offers all manner of services, including emergency rescues and evacuations, medical advisories, intelligence reports, and more. Prices vary depending on the level of service, but for a one-year subscription, covering 45 days of travel for a single individual, membership costs about $329.
The Gift of Travel ($$$)
Of course, the best gift you can give someone is the gift of travel. Yes, this isn’t an inexpensive present to be sure, but it is a thoughtful one that will be appreciated for a lifetime. Travel can open the door to so many things and generate some unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly itineraries from travel companies like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel, or have the cash to go all-out on an Abercrombie & Kent private tour, there are so many options to choose from that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do. But that’s the whole point, finding a wonderful destination to explore and doing it with those you love. This isn’t a gift that everyone can afford, but those who can will certainly relish it.
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