Gift Ideas for Travelers
Whether you’re planning to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid Milad ul-Nabi, New Year, the solstice, or just the happy holidays, this is a time of year for giving. Therefore, why not whip up the wanderlust of a globetrotting relative or friend with one of these perfect presents for travellers?
North Street Scout 21 Duffle Bag
Effortlessly mixing cheerful looks and functional design, the Scout 21 from North St Bags is ideal for travel, whether you’re heading for the beach in Bali or exploring the markets in Marrakesh. With a simple shape and single main compartment, it’s the antithesis to multi-zipped high-tech backpacks.
The outer layer of canvas-type fabric (Cordura) is tough, and a waterproof lining on the inside protects your belongings when it rains. Additionally, there is a small internal pocket with a zip and key tape. North Street bags are made to order in a range of colors, and custom shades are also available for a totally bespoke gift for your luggage-toting significant other.
- Plus points: no-frills style, retro looks, fun
- Worth noting: inner lining is waterproof but the zip is not, so this bag isn’t for total immersion on kayak trips
- Cost: US$99
- Rating: quality 9/10, practicality 8/10, value 8/10
- More info: northstbags.com
Bergans of Norway Eidfjord Jacket
Bergans of Norway is a respectable outdoor company known for developing quality products such as the Eidfjord Jacket. Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and breathable, this jacket is ideal for trekking or travel anywhere wet and cold. During testing, we were impressed by handy features such as underarm zips for ventilation and pockets positioned to avoid backpack straps.
The Eidfjord is available in male or female cuts with various color options, and it’s made from Ecodear fabric, partially derived from plants rather than traditional oil-based materials. This makes it an ideal gift for the environmentally conscious person in your life.
- Plus points: soft-to-touch fabric is comfortable, flexible, and quiet
- Worth noting: voluminous hood designed to fit over a mountaineering helmet; for other activities, adjustment cords need to be pulled tight for a proper fit
- Cost: £280, €379, US$339
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 8/10; value 8/10
- More info: bergans.com
Leki Micro Vario Carbon Antishock Walking Poles
For long-distance hiking, walking poles can ease the strain and make a thoughtful gift for a loved one. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Antishock poles are lightweight and fold easily to fit inside a backpack, making them particularly convenient when traveling by plane to a trekking destination.
Thanks to a quick-release lever, you can easily adjust the pole height, which is ideal when switching between uphill and downhill trails. A damper provides shock absorption without compromising grip or stability, enhancing the hiking experience.
- Plus points: ultra-light, compact, extremely comfortable
- Worth noting: minimum pole length on the Lady version is 101cm; those under 1.5m tall may find this too long
- Cost: £154.95, US$219.95, €169.95
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 8/10; value 8/10
- More info: leki.com
Common Ground Shoes
If your partner supports a cause, consider gifting them these unique shoes from Common Ground. The relaxed slip-on style is ideal for easy travel, beach-strolling, or comfortably lounging at home. Options include solid colors and designs with different graphics on each foot, representing important social issues.
- Plus points: unique, stylish, thought-provoking
- Worth noting: our tester found the split in the fabric on the upper part of the shoe slightly uncomfortable; those with high arches may want to size up
- Cost: US$70
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 8/10; value 8/10
- More info: common-ground.com
Olympus TG-Tracker Video Camera
For capturing special travel moments such as diving with sharks or snowboarding with friends, the Olympus TG-Tracker is an impressive action camera that makes a perfect holiday gift. It’s tough on the outside, packed with high-tech features on the inside, and very user-friendly.
Notable features include a flip-out screen, fisheye lens, a lamp for night shots, and a mirror for selfies. Additionally, it offers hidden capabilities such as HD, 4K recording options, GPS for location tagging, plus wifi and cable connectivity for effortless sharing to smartphones or TVs.
- Plus points: compact, shockproof, waterproof, dustproof, no additional protective case required
- Worth noting: screw-on coupling allows easy attachments to helmets or handlebars
- Cost: £279.99, US$349.99, €349.00
- Rating: quality 9/10, practicality 9/10, value 9/10
- More info: olympusamerica.com or olympus.co.uk
Leatherman Juice CS4
If your best friend loves traditional gadgets, the Juice CS4 from Leatherman combines classic design with advanced engineering. Perfect for trekking, camping, or long-distance travel, this multi-tool includes essential tools such as scissors, pliers, a knife, and more to get you through daily challenges.
- Plus points: compact, ergonomic, subtle appearance
- Worth noting: blade is chamfered on both sides, suitable for both left- and right-hand users
- Cost: US$83.85, £89.95
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10
- More info: leatherman.com
