Gift Guide: 10+ Gift Ideas for Adventurous Travelers

Paraglider silhouette flying over misty mountain valley in beautiful warm sunset colors

Written by Katherine Parker-Magyar on

Katherine is a travel and culture writer based in New York City. She has traveled to all 7 continents, 86 countries, and all 50 states; follow along on Instagram @katherineparkermagyar or visit her website.

Paraglider silhouette flying over misty mountain valley in beautiful warm sunset colors

 

WHAT DO YOU BUY FOR THE WORLD TRAVELER IN YOUR LIFE? WE’VE GOT 10 HOLIDAY GIFTS PERFECT FOR YOUR MOST ADVENTUROUS FRIEND.

 

Gifting the perfect item to your friends and loved one always seems a little tricky. You want something that shows them that you understand them perfectly and wish to celebrate what makes them unique. We’ve covered travel gift guides for men and for women (and featured a special list for millennials), but what to get your most adventurous friend? 

Well, we know adventure travelers pretty well, so count on these 10 gifts ideas wowing the traveler in your life most intent on seeing the world. Whether they’re ski fanatics or avid campers, jet-set wanderers or solo explorers, these items are guaranteed to be packed in their carry-on for all their upcoming adventures. 

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO’S ALWAYS PREPARED

For the consummate traveler in your life, look no further than the ORV Trunk 36 ($419). The oversized treaded wheels handle rough terrain while the trunk’s fabric and wet/dry compartment is well-suited for any and all inclement weather. The external lash points secure additional gear while the padded sleeves protect your laptop while you’re on the go. The best part? There’s even a key fob bottle opener so your favorite traveler can toast their arrival with style (and wine). 

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO LOVES TO COLLECT PASSPORT STAMPS

There’s nothing worse than frantically rummaging for your bag while you advance the line at customs, which is why this RFID Travel Zip Organizer ($40) is perfect for the globe-trotter in your life. The zippered holder is both stylish and uber-functional: The pockets inside are perfect for storing your boarding pass post-flight (a travel necessity for frequent fliers, in case you need to redeem points later!), you can store up to seven credit cards, and there’s even a front slip pocket for oversized cell phones.

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO NEVER CHECKS A BAG

Who needs to check a bag? For the adventurer who travels light, the National Geographic Borderless Convertible Carry-On ($299) is just what the doctor ordered. This weather- and dirt-resistant carry-on is ideal for rugged travelers, as is the emergency whistle and reflective hits that improve visibility in low-light conditions. For the rest of us, the compact, sleek design is simply the best accessory when boarding the plane to your next adventure.

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO PREFERS TO SLEEP BENEATH THE STARS

The spacious, four-person Wawona 4 tent ($299) is both cheerfully designed (in not-so mellow yellow) and endlessly practical: The large windows cool down the tent on warmer days while the large top vents prevent condensation. Plus, the duffel-bag-style sack is perfect for the adventurous travelers who are always on the go. If your adventurous loved one is the consummate camper, then look no further than our dedicated list of camping gift ideas.

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO IS ALWAYS DOCUMENTING EVERYTHING

For the friend in your life who will take photos in all conditions, regardless of the weather, the Peak Design Shell Camera Cover ($45) is the perfect gift to unwrap on the holidays. This way, the photographic evidence of their travels isn’t compromised by a little snowfall (or even a rainstorm). This is the gift that keeps on giving—especially when you’ll be able to relive their trip via Facebook (or Instagram) weeks later. 

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO’S ALWAYS ORGANIZED ON-THE-GO

For the friend in your life whose carry-on is more organized than Martha Stewart’s kitchen, look no further than the Pack-It Specter™ Starter Set ($59). Perfect for compartmentalizing items by day or function, it also includes multiple sizes of cubes and packing folders that will keep their travel items organized and minimize wrinkles. Plus, they are ultra light—a bonus for easier travel. 

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO LONGS FOR ARCTIC EXPLORATION

For the friend in your life who daydreams of visiting Antarctica, the newly released Vibram® Arctic Grip Kodiak boots (starting at $155) are the gift that will lead them one step closer to their dream trip (pun intended). The outsole is engineered to perform on wet ice, so even if they haven’t frolicked with penguins in the arctic yet, at least they’ll look the part.

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO LIVES FOR SKI SEASON

For the friend in your life for whom the mountains are always calling, look no further than the Women’s Summit L5 Gore-Tex® Pro Bib ($550). Designed in 100% windproof fabric (and available in either look-at-me blue or blend-in black), it’s perfect for the friend who just can’t stay away from the slopes. If your adventurous loved one is the consummate skier, then look no further than our dedicated list of skiing and snowboarding gift ideas

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO WOULD RATHER BE FISHING

The consummate fisherman or fisherwoman would be sure to appreciate the Wilderness Systems Anchor Trolley Kit ($45). This uber-popular (order soon!) and equally practical kit allows you to position your fishing line from anywhere on the boat—perfect for the adventurer who prefers to catch his dinner.

 

FOR THE ADVENTURER WHO’S STYLISH REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER

The Thermoball™ Jacket from the North Face ($199, available both in Women’s and Men’s sizes) is the perfect gift for the friend in your life who doesn’t let a little cold weather cramp their style. Plus, the variety of colors ensures you can pick their ideal style statement (or rest easy, knowing they can exchange for a different hue in the new year). 

For those willing to set out into the unknown in warmer weather, the affordable and endlessly stylish Venture weatherproof rain jacket from The North Face (99.00 to $119.00, in Women’s and Men’s sizes) was designed for hiking and features lightweight, breathable materials.

 

Looking for gift ideas for other travelers in your life? Check out Eagle Creek’s wide range of packing organizers—a unique travel gift that any world trotter will appreciate.

 

  

RELATED LINKS (FROM EAGLE CREEK BLOG):

Best Travel Gifts for Men

Best Travel Gifts for Women

20 Gifts Perfect for Millennial Travelers