The people who spend the most days traveling, on the road or in the air, are the ones you want to sit next to at dinner — they just tell the best stories. Shopping for such a person, however, is daunting. Their kits have been so meticulously curated and perfected over years. Fortunately, with use comes wear, and gadgets tend not to age well. That’s where you come in. Replace a piece of luggage that’s falling apart, or gift a gadget that promises to enhance their travel experience. If it’s good enough, it may even earn a place in their kit for years to come.
Khaki Pilot Auto Day Date
This 42mm steel timepiece is crafted just like the pilot watches of the early 20th century but adds automatic movement and 80 hours of power reserve. It’s striking, with bright, sword-shaped hands and Arabic numerals, yet subtle, with a simple leather strap and useful day and date complications. Essentially, it’s a handsome and vintage-inspired watch that he’ll wear — and not think twice about.
Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds
These are great alternatives to Apple’s AirPods, especially if those don’t fit his ears. They’re more feature-packed, with customizable sound settings (via an app) and more sweat resistant. Thanks to a four-mic array, taking calls is clear and seamless, which is pivital for a world traveler. (Read our full review of the Jabra Elite 65t earbuds here.)
Native Union Smart 4 Charger International
This international wall adapter has four ports, including one USB-C, which makes charging devices that were drained on a long flight a breeze. It works with all wall outlets in the US, Europe and the UK.
Logitech Keys-to-Go Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
This isn’t the most high-tech item on the list. Actually far from it. But it’s a super useful gadget for anybody who takes notes or writes emails on their smartphone or tablet. Simply connect via Bluetooth and you’re good to go.
Roku Streaming Stick
Simple and small, this streaming stick easily fits in a suitcase’s side pocket. When you get all settled into a new hotel room, just plug this little guy into the TV and you have Netflix (or most other streaming apps) at your finger tips. No more being upcharged for hotel-room movies.
Away Large Aluminum Packing Case
Every person on the move needs a bag to match. This roller by Away Travel is tough as nails, with an aluminum hard shell, and it’s nice enough to look at home in any First Class cabin.
Calvin Klein x Pendleton Blanket
It might not be as high-level as having your own American Airlines Concierge Key card, like George Clooney in “Up in the Air,” but traveling with your own premium-blend blanket — let alone a heritage saddle blanket — is a status symbol for any frequent flier.
Chris Venetian Slip-Ons by Frye
With a suede exterior and a leather outsole, these bespoke slip-on shoes can glide through security lines while also looking professional at the airport bar. Frye is notorious for making really high-quality and dependable shoes, and these are no different.
Tanner Goods Drifter Dopp Kit
This dopp kit combines leather accents with a waxed cotton canvas and filter twill bag. It’s durable, functional and American made. He’ll use it for the next five years, minimum.
Aer Duffel Pack 2
This is a duffel-backpack hybrid has a ballistic nylon exterior. It’s small enough to sleep above in carry-on or below with the checked hard-shells. It also has several quick-access pockets, a laptop sleeve, plus a large main compartment. Whatever you need, this bag can do it all.
Gear Patrol Magazine: Issue Six
The sixth iteration of Gear Patrol Magazine is a little bit different. We’ve cut it down by roughly a hundred pages, but also put a stronger focus and what we care most about: product journalism. This issue has a number of adventure stories, but it also focuses on the essential travel gear to get you from Point A to Point B.
Buy Now: $20
