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Nov 28, 2018 • 7 min read
On the whole, travellers tend to favour memorable experiences over physical possessions. It’s an admirable trait, but one that makes them a notoriously tricky bunch to buy presents for.
However, fear not, disgruntled gift giver! In this set of gear reviews, we take a look at a cross-section of gift items that are perfect for those with a penchant for exploring pastures new, from jewellery that stokes wanderlust to practical kit that’ll prove invaluable on the road. Because ultimately, nothing says ‘I care about you’ like a quality pair of trekking socks.
Stocking-fillers
Kora Upside Down Socks
Giving socks to loved ones for Christmas is a tradition as old as plum pudding. Trekkers may instinctively seek padding underfoot, but the Upside Down socks from yak wool specialists Kora offer padding on the top of the foot (where it’s needed), while under the sole, the fabric is comparatively thin to avoid creases (which cause blisters). It’s counter-intuitive, but in testing, we found it really does work. While they’re tailored to tackling mountain trails, they’re equally good for lounging at home, daydreaming of dramatic peaks.
Lifeventure Travel Washbag
It might seem a little practical for a present, but giving someone this washbag from gadget specialist Lifeventure is actually bestowing upon them the gift of good personal hygiene on the road, a luxury that shouldn’t be overlooked. The small receptacle keeps lotions and potions safe and tidy in transit, then simply unzips and hangs up (via an integrated hook), so contents are easily accessible while enjoying a soak. Features include a waterproof internal pouch and even a mirror for off-grid journeys where you can’t easily assess the state of your sweat-strewn locks.
BAM Luxe Bamboo Neck Tube
Like socks, a scarf is another fail-safe festive favorite. BAM has given the humble winter garment a modern twist to produce the Neck Tube, a cylinder of luxuriously soft bamboo fabric that’s moisture-wicking and naturally anti-bacterial. Its protective properties are manifold: it’ll keep loved ones warm in cold climates, protect sensitive necks from sunburn in the harshest heat, and can be pulled up to cover mouths and noses when city smells get a little overwhelming.
Mid-range gifts
Kitsound Kinetic Neckband Earphones
These Kinetic Neckband Earphones will come as music to the ears of any travelling audiophile in your life. The sleek Bluetooth headphones harbor no long cable to tangle with backpack straps or aircraft seatbelts, and sound quality is excellent for their size. They are ideal for the more relaxed side of travel; however, while walking or jogging, the neckband may bounce and pull out the earpieces.
Cassiopi locket and cufflinks
For those who like to wear their love of travel, these personalised cufflinks and locket from independent outfit Cassiopi make for a lovely present. Carefully hand-crafted in England and shipped worldwide, the locket features a compass design interlaced with the classic travel maxim ‘not all those who wander are lost’ (taken from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings), while the cufflinks feature a compass and globe design. For geographical relevance, you can choose the continent depicted on the globe cufflink, and for emotional relevance, you can choose the message concealed inside the locket.
Opinel Nomad Cooking Kit
One for globetrotting foodies who take mealtimes seriously, even if they’re in the middle of nowhere – the Nomad Cooking Kit, created by the iconic knife manufacturer Opinel, is certain to add a sprinkle of culinary class to any outdoor eating experience. This suave-looking set of utensils includes a compact chopping board, two stainless-steel knives, a vegetable peeler, and – most importantly – a corkscrew; all of which feel good in the hand and are sourced from high-quality materials (so they should last a fair few dinner services).
That special something
Samsung Galaxy Watch
The latest in wearable tech, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is the ideal gift for the digital traveller who likes to be in touch with their biorhythms, as well as the rest of the world. Simply Bluetooth it to your phone to see emails, texts, and app notifications on the screen. Available in two sizes and a range of colours, the watch includes an altimeter allowing users to know when they’ve climbed 10 flights of stairs or how many more metres to go to reach Everest Base Camp, plus numerous wellness features to monitor sleep patterns (handy for Caribbean hammocks) or stress levels (useful for Asian buses).
F/CE 950 Travel Backpack
Travellers tend to get a tad sentimental when it comes to old backpacks; however, if a partner or travel buddy’s bag has been around the block one too many times, investing in a new receptacle can prove to be a winning gift. The 950 Travel Backpack, from Japanese brand F/CE, combines stripped-back style with serious practical features, ideal for day trips or weekend city breaks. Padded and ventilated shoulder straps ensure long-lasting comfort while the different-sized compartments (including one with a padded laptop sleeve) help to keep your kit safe and organised.
GoXtreme Barracuda action camera
Give the gift of lifelong memories – or at least a few more ‘likes’ on social media – with the Barracuda action camera from GoXtreme. This camera easily handles action shots and truly excels when the going gets wet, whether used for rafting, snorkelling, or even diving up to 10m. Operation is intuitive and simple as a waterproof case is unnecessary. Options include stills, time-lapse, and 720p/1080p/4K video at various frame rates. In testing, we found the camera’s 3.75GB file limit allowed 10 minutes of 4K video; however, 720p at a high frame rate yielded 28 minutes and better results – ensuring that recorded heartfelt thank you message remains impressively crisp and clear.
