I’ve long been an adventure seeker, but finding time for pursuing it can be challenging. Traveling is an ideal opportunity to slip in some outdoor excursions, and make time for it that you otherwise might not make. If you know others who like to be active while they travel, here are a few ideas for gifts that they will surely love.
The most important thing for any trip is to consider what you will need for your feet. If I’m walking, I’ll take outdoor shoes. But if it’s more serious trekking, then serious hiking boots must come into play. I’m pretty keen about the KEEN Targhees, which are light enough for walking around airports and towns, yet sturdy and protective enough for rugged spaces. They’ve taken me to new heights in British Columbia, Northern Ontario, Virginia, Arizona, all over my home province of Manitoba, and even Peru. They’ve fast become my hiking footwear of choice.
Unless you want to wear hikers for an entire trip, you’ll want other footwear – but shoes take up valuable luggage space. For recreational shoes that are next to zero extra weight, flexible usage, and suitcase-friendly, Xero fits that bill. Designed to fit your feet just like a glove, the lightweight minimalist footwear is inspired by the practice of barefoot running. Xero’s stylish shoes and sandals allow you to feel the ground underneath your feet, without actually touching it.
How many times have you been on a trip and wished for a waterproof bag for watersports? You’ll be happy to know that someone finally took the classic recreational wet bag and reimagined it as a traveling backpack. Advanced Elements is all about recreation on the go, and excelling in products that make portability a priority. Their 30 liter Watertech Gear bags are heavy duty water resistant, with comfortable shoulder straps and other features that make them ideal for travel, and every kind of outdoor adventure, whatever the weather.
Some backpacks are created simply to shove stuff in. Others are manufactured with more practicality in mind. Since 2000, Montana-based Mystery Ranch has made load-carriage and active framing the cornerstone of their products, making them more comfortable and durable for the long haul. They specialize in packs that adapt to awkward and changeable loads, focusing on fit and functionality. Built for missions, they’ve become first choice for fire, military, hunting and mountaineering, and anyone else who likes comfortable and capable backpacks.
Whether you’re lying on a beach, paddling a remote river, or cruising in a catamaran, good-looking sunglasses are a necessary accessory. Twenty year old Native Eyewear is one of the most stylish and efficient sporty brands I’ve seen, engineering eyewear with advanced polarized protection that blocks more infrared light than most other lenses on the market. They also use a patented grip material that keeps the frames in place with comfort, and adjustable nose pads that will make them feel custom fit. Just like a glove.
