Holiday Travel Gift Guide 2022
Some of the year’s best - from me to you.
Holiday Travel Gift Guide 2022 Introduction
Well, it’s about time I did one of these right? I review, use, purchase, and research travel related products and services most of the year. So, I figured it was time to do my first Holiday Gift Guide. No matter which holiday you celebrate, this should help you with some ideas for the traveler in your life.
Most of these products I’ve reviewed personally, and I’ll provide a link to those reviews for you if you want to dig deeper.
For my usual transparency: I do use affiliate links on this page - it helps me run the site, and of course does not affect the end price you pay if you decide to use my links. This article is not sponsored or pay-for-placement, and has been curated solely by myself. Thanks for reading!
A Backpack For The Organized Adventurer or Urban Minimalist
Matador Seg30 - This was my winner for “Bag of the year” back in 2020, and it’s still a top recommendation for me. So much so that I should add - it’s my go to personal bag for travel. I love it and it means you don’t need additional packing cubes if that’s not your thing. This 30L pack is made of multiple “segments” of different sizes so you can split up your stuff however you want (underwear/socks, shirts, pants, cold/warm, smart/casual, etc.). It’s a really great idea and one of the few real non-gimmick innovations I’ve seen in the backpack space. This design also works in the woods or in the city. If you’re not quite at the 30L bag size yet - they also make a bigger 42L version that I also own and love. Full Review Here and the Seg42 Backpack Review. Both of these also come in at very reasonable prices for what you get.
Or, Go Ahead And Organize Your Pack Your Way
Packing Cubes - I discovered packing cubes back in 2012 and to this day, I have the same set with new additions. I’ve been using Eagle Creek Specter lightweight cubes since then, but they make a variety and have since updated those models, of course. Packing cubes do everything people say they do. Be smarter about how you pack, so you can be smarter about how you wander, right? For a discount brand that I’ve also used for years, I recommend Gonex. Think about how you pack, then go play packing-tetris with cubes for more efficient usage of space. Eagle Creek also has a selection of updated cubes if you head directly to their site. Still wrapping your head around Packing Cubes? Read our article on them here: Packing Cube Tips.
A Packable Pack For Those That Don’t Want An Outdoors Look
Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack - I’m actually in the process of testing this one for review as we speak, but I’m comfortable putting it on this list prior to releasing my review. A lot of packable bags still have that outdoors vibe. And, I know a lot of minimal travelers actually don’t like that. So, Matador takes all the properties people love about their outdoors packable bags, and sets out to create one with cleaner lines, less dangly stuff, and a laptop sleeve so you could fit in with your surroundings much better while on those urban trips. The short of it is - they succeeded.
A Safer Wallet For Travel
The Bellroy Card Pocket - The first item I ever purchased from Bellroy back in 2014. I liked it for travel so much that I just recently bought one of the updated versions - because that Ranger Green color is absolute fire. Both have all the same principles here, though. A zippered wallet that holds up to 15 cards (they say, no need for that though - trim those cards down!) and keeps things from falling out while you’re running around a (possibly foreign) city for the day. There’s a small spot for a sim card, and one side is designed for coins (which is helpful in Europe and Canada). I use the other side for cards, and then fold any bills/notes and put them in the middle. Though each pocket allows you to put cards in there if you want. When I travel, I just pop in all the cards I need depending on what perks I’m using. For a most basic travel set up: 1 Amex card, 1 VISA card, 1 debit card, and your License. Sorted. Since I have two I actually use my OG version to hold my “sock drawer” credit cards at home. That is, cards I don’t need on a daily basis (Should I write about the cards I use to help me wander smarter? Let me know on Instagram. I think I will, stay tuned).
Travel Pants For More Than Just Travel
Western Rise Evolution Pants 2.0 - The new, updated version of a classic pair of travel pants. Now with 4-way stretch fabric, a waistband that has some stretch to it for more comfort, and the same great versatile characteristics that made the originals so good for travel. The pants are lighter than jeans, are coated with DWR to repel stains and light water, and are durable enough to be used for hiking. It’s really great fabric tech in these things. What’s more, the newest versions come in a five-pocket style and a chino version so you can wear whichever best goes with your desired look. Wear them en route, around town, and to most dinners. Now you can pack less pants and use a smaller pack!
Socks For Days…
Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks - These are the best socks in the game for general purpose travel - or just for everyday life (I’ve transitioned most of my socks over to Darn Tough). They’ve got a high concentration of merino that allows you to get multiple wears out of them (I know that sounds odd, but trust me it works just fine) before you need to wash or change them out. And if you alternate between two pairs every other day, you’ll be able to go pretty long without washing either since they tend to “recharge” overnight. The best part? Darn Tough has a real, “any issue whatsoever” warranty. Fabric starts to weaken and get runs? They’ll credit you. Keep your toenail too long and poke a hole in the end? They’ll credit you. It’s amazing and if you wanted to you could buy two pairs and get them replaced for the rest of your life. Or you could buy more like I did. (They got me good, those geniuses at Darn Tough). Either way, they are amazing socks and they have all kinds now to fit your life.
Pouches, Pouches, And Pouches
Bellroy Travel Pouches - Are you a pouch addict? Then, again, you’re going to love Bellroy. While Bellroy doesn’t always make the most lightweight pouches (though they DO have one version!) - they always make awesome pouches. They’ve just got a little bit of extra panache. Better materials. Better looking. Little touches. These aren’t your utilitarian, black pouches you see everywhere. These are for someone that wants a little bit elevated, but still very useful, pouches for their travels. Bellroy makes a ton but I particularly like the Tech Kit, Classic Pouch, and Pencil Case. They even make a toiletry kit and all of these pouches come in great materials and color options. These nicer items are a perfect gift for the traveler that appreciates well made things, but might not always spend the money for themselves. I own every one mentioned but the toiletry kit.
Other Great Accessories For The Traveler In Your Life
Matador Camera Baselayer - A great option for the outdoor/hiker photographer or, to be honest, anyone carrying a single camera and lens. Instead of carrying a camera cube like I used to (which eats up valuable bag space) I now just put my camera with lens attached in this thing and take it with me. It’s padded, can attach a strap for carry, and when closed up this bad boy is waterproof so the elements can’t get at your expensive gear. Has a nice pocket for things like a battery and some SD cards as well. They nailed this one. Our full Matador Camera Baselayer review.
Matador Waterproof Containers - Nothing revolutionary here - just some great airtight containers made out of aluminum with silicone tops so they are nice and light. The bigger ones are just below the size of a hockey puck (great for snacks or whatever you want really) and the smaller, taller one is great as a pill case or what not. Handy stuff that will fit anywhere and add very little weight. I own both sizes and they light and convenient.
Anker GaNPrime 65W Charger - Charge all the things. Like, actually charge all the things. This pumps out enough power to charge a Macbook Pro. Have something smaller like an Air? This will charge that, your phone, and a tablet all at once with no issues. “GaN” technology is the industry's newest and it allows more power for better efficiency, less heat, and smaller chargers compared to their power output. No need for a power brick, a phone charger, and another charger for the tablet. This has you covered and you just need the power cords. They do make a few versions with more power, but for 85% of people, this will cover you for your laptop/tablet and phone. My favorite part is that it comes with a silicone stabilizer that means it can still hold itself in place in those loose outlets on things like planes. Clever. I don’t own this one yet - but it’s on my personal wish list :).
Aer Split Kit - At the moment, this is actually my toiletry kit. It forces you to really think about what you’re taking, and trim down your kit. But ultimately, it has all the space most people actually need (Remember, stop packing “just in case” stuff) and even comes with a little zipper section that once opened, expands with a little gusset action to help you fit just a little bit more if you need.
My Favorite On-Going Travel Items - Finally, just a running list of some of my favorite travel accessories on Amazon. Many of these I have, many I’ve saved for myself to get later or as needed. But, there are plenty of smaller items on this list to get for that traveler in your life that won’t break the bank!
Not so much migrating going on here…Serengeti 2022
Final Thoughts on the Holiday Travel Gift Guide for 2022
And so, we get to that point in the year when you know the end is coming - the end of the year that is. It’s a good time to sum up a few of the great items I’ve come across during the last 365, and pass those items on to you. Might be they help you, might be they help a friend. At the very least, it’s a great place to start!
Hopefully, you found this list intriguing, and I can’t wait to do another next year!
Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful holiday no matter which you celebrate - and remember to wander more, and wander smarter.
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