“What are some actually useful, sustainable gifts for people who travel a lot?”
We hear it all the time… we’ve thought it ourselves!
This guide is packed with thoughtful, practical, and planet-friendly gifts for travelers who believe that how we move through the world matters. Whether you’re shopping for a slow traveler, a digital nomad, a weekend hiker, or someone planning the journey of a lifetime, these gifts are chosen with intention: to support lighter packing, smarter choices, and a deeper connection with the places we visit.
We’ve included small-but-mighty essentials, smart splurges, and even digital gifts that don’t take up space — all from brands we trust and use ourselves. Some support clean energy access. Others cut down on single-use waste. All of them help make travel more sustainable, more comfortable, and more connected.
Small Stuff, Big Impact
Because the most meaningful travel gifts aren’t always big — just thoughtfully made and ready for adventure.
Forge Smart Tracking Tags
A smart solution for travelers who don’t want apps, subscriptions, or complicated tech. The Forge TSID Tag offers a simple, secure way to help lost luggage (or backpacks, strollers, or gear) find its way home — no batteries, no downloads, no personal data required.
Just scan the QR code, enter your contact info once, and you’re done. If someone finds your tagged item, they can instantly contact you via a secure portal — without seeing your private info. You get real-time text or email alerts the moment it’s scanned.
2 tags for $17.95 or 4 for $29.95
We’ve used Forge’s combo locks for years, especially while moving with the military. Now we’re ready to upgrade to their smart luggage tags — simple, reliable, and tough enough for serious travel.
Darn Tough Socks
Made in Vermont, these merino wool socks are legendary for durability and comfort — and they come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. One great pair means fewer socks in landfills and fewer blisters on the trail. They also make specialized socks for skiers, snowboarders, and hunters… not only hikers like ourselves.
Socks start at about $25 per pair (little cheaper for kids)
Scott and I both love our Darn Tough socks and want them to get more business… because we haven bought new one’s in a while!
Klean Kanteen Rise Reflect Insulated Bottle
Plastic-free, BPA-free, and made from 90% recycled stainless steel, this sleek 16oz bottle is built to last — and look good doing it. The bamboo cap and electropolished interior mean no weird flavors, no plastic contact, and no harmful chemicals. It keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, perfect for long travel days, early treks, or slow sips at a mountain viewpoint. Plus, Klean Kanteen is a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral company, so your gift supports better manufacturing and a healthier planet.
This 5-star review water bottle is $39.95
We’ve used Klean Kanteen for longer than we really care to admit (the 1990’s, whoa). And guess what? Those early camping water bottles are still going strong. This is a gift that will last a lifetime.
Laek Quick-Dry Travel Towels
Absorbent, quick-dry, and built to last — these plush yet durable travel towels are designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Full-sized but packable, made with recycled polyester, they’re ideal for carry-on travelers, hikers, and anyone who values space-saving gear that doesn’t compromise performance.
– The Adventure Towel is lightweight and ultra-compact, perfect for trail-end dips, hostel stays, or spontaneous swims. Available in four unique designs, including one inspired by U.S. National Parks.
– The Beach Towel is oversized and slightly thicker, perfect for breezy coastlines or lounging on warm sand in style.
Starting at $34 or Bundle & Save: Available in 3- and 4-pack sets, an inexpensive way to buy for multiple traveling friends.
We take our Laek towels on almost every trip. A good travel towel isn’t just for drying off — it’s a multi-use essential. From covering sketchy hostel pillows to laying out on a riverside picnic or drying off after a surprise swim, it’s one of those items you’ll use way more than you think. Bonus: it packs down so small, you’ll forget it’s in your bag — until you’re really glad it is.
Peak Gear Neck Wallet
This is the kind of ultra-practical gift that travelers don’t always know they need — until they do. Made from durable, water-repellent ripstop nylon with smooth YKK zippers, premium stitching, and soft, adjustable straps, this wallet is designed for comfort, security, and versatility. It’s lightweight enough to wear around your neck, crossbody, or hidden under clothes, making it ideal for navigating crowded markets, long travel days, or off-the-grid hikes.
There’s space for multiple passports, credit cards, cash, a phone, and even a mask — all organized in multiple zippered compartments. Bonus: Peak Gear partners with ReturnMe, the world’s largest lost & found service, so every wallet includes two recovery tags and lifetime access to help get lost items back, plus $250 theft insurance for extra peace of mind.
Starting at $34 or Bundle & Save: Available in 3- and 4-pack sets, an inexpensive way to buy for multiple traveling friends.
Our go-to gear guy Scott says RFID protection isn’t really necessary — but this best-selling wallet is well-reviewed for its design, quality, and real-world usability. Consider the RFID shielding a bonus, not the main feature.
BioLite Rechargeable Headlamp
These ultra-comfortable, USB-rechargeable headlamps are ideal for early hikes, hostel stays, or power outages in remote places. Lightweight, durable, and thoughtfully designed, they’re a practical essential for travelers who venture beyond the beaten path. Even better — every purchase supports BioLite’s mission to bring renewable energy access to off-grid communities around the world. Travel light, shine bright, and help light up lives.
Headlamps start at $39.95 (300 lumens ) to $69.95 (500 lumens)
We never travel to South America without a headlamp… night hikes, pre-dawn hikes, power outages, you name it. We’re testing BioLite on our next trip but already love its performance here in Oregon.
Give the Gift of Stories
No extra weight in their pack — just books, ideas, and inspiration that go wherever they do.
Audible for the Thoughtful Traveler
For the traveler who loves to pack light but craves a good story, an Audible membership is a perfect gift. No heavy books to lug around — just endless adventures, ready to stream or download for offline listening on the plane, in the mountains, or wherever Wi-Fi is scarce. Every membership includes access to the Audible Plus Catalog, a rotating library of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals that can be downloaded and enjoyed offline during the subscription. Want to gift something more permanent? Monthly credits let them own titles for life — no subscription needed to keep listening. It’s the gift of entertainment, inspiration, and a little mental escape — all in their pocket.
Audible Gift Subscriptions start at 1 month for $15 and go up to a full year for $150.
We love the 3-month option — it gives slow travelers plenty of time to make the most of their journeys, whether they’re wandering through Patagonia or riding buses across Central America.
Kindle Unlimited, The Lightweight Library Every Traveler Needs
We’re big fans of using our local libraries — and many travelers are too. But if you’ve ever hit the road with the first book in a series, only to discover a long wait for the next one, you know how frustrating that can be. That’s where Kindle Unlimited comes in.
This digital subscription gives travelers access to over 4 million titles — including global fiction, nonfiction, travel guides, and even books on sustainable living. Whether they’re camping in Patagonia or catching a night bus through Mexico, books can be downloaded for offline reading, no Wi-Fi required once they’re on the device. It’s the perfect match for slow travelers who love to read on the move without lugging extra weight.
Gift memberships start at $65.95 for 6 months, with options for 12 months and 24 months for avid readers heading off on longer adventures.
Scott and I often return to our Audible library to listen to old favorites when we are on the road… even when we do not have an active subscription.
Smart Splurge for Your Favorite Traveler
One standout gift, built to last — for travelers who value quality over quantity.
Zero-G Travel Bag by Six Moons Design
For the minimalist traveler who still loves to stay organized, the Zero-G Travel Bag by Portland-based Six Moon Designs is a game-changer. Weighing just 1.8 oz, this modular pouch system keeps passports, charging cables, toiletries, and small essentials neatly in place — without adding bulk.
With three compartments, see-through mesh panels, and a clever folding design, it works as both a packing tool and an everyday carry. Bonus: it’s made with ultralight, durable materials trusted by long-distance hikers and serious adventurers. Perfect for slow travelers, thru-hikers, and digital nomads who believe that less really is more — especially when it’s this well-designed.
Starting at $95 for heather gray to $105 for purple, blue, and our favorite, coyote brown.
Scott loved this bag so much I borrowed it for our last trip to Peru… and never gave it back. Hmmm. Maybe I should buy him a new one for Christmas?
