15 Great Gifts for Travelers
From must-have accessories to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, here's how to make your favorite adventurer's holiday a treat.
Electric bike
Our staffers fought to road-test the Electra Townie Go, an e-bike released in 2013. You pedal, but a battery and motor offer extra oomph--30 no-sweat miles per charge. $2,300; electrabike.com.
Bike bell
The bike enthusiast on your list can ring in the new year with this graphic, clear-toned bell. Pattern bike bell, $22;poketo.com.
Tote bag
A tailored but tough tote from Filson of Seattle (around since the Klondike Gold Rush) will hold plenty and hold up for many a trip. Canvas carry-all, $245;filson.com.
Waterproof backpack
Designed in Portland, the Zipper Roll Top Backpack stands up to any weather; it's made with waterproof, treated canvas to keep goods dry around town or on a hike. From $149;timadambags.com.
Our guide to camping in the West
Thermos
These sleek, petite new thermoses keep soup hot for up to four hours; they're also perfect for fresh snacks. Canisters from $18 each;kleankanteen.com.
Folding knife
A signal flag-inspired paint job updates the classic Opinel knife--a camper's best friend. Whiskey folding knife, $68;sonofasailorsupply.com.
More gifts for the home & garden enthusiast
Houndstooth scarf
In flight, the wide lambswool scarf we love is a cozy coverlet; on arrival, it makes even a rumpled traveler look pulled together. Houndstooth scarf, $140;alderandcoshop.com.
Infinity scarf
Cozy and versatile, these San Francisco-made scarves named after California cities will keep Jack Frost at bay. Stolen Sunday Grass Valley infinity scarf, $50;stolensunday.com.
iPad case
Soft, smart, and sustainably made, our favorite iPad cases are fashioned from reclaimed Patagonia fleece or Woolrich wool. iPad mini sleeve, $34;refleece.com.
iPhone case
The adventurers on your list may take a spill or capsize, but their phones will be fine with the best cases for worst cases. LifeProof iPhone case (for the iPhone 5 series) from $80, and LifeJacket float, $40; lifeproof.com.
iPhone photo lenses
Shutterbugs will flip for a set of three slide-on photo lenses (macro, fisheye, and polarized) made to enhance iPhone picture taking. iPhone specialty lens set, $49; restorationhardware.com.
Grown-up summer camp
No phones, laptops, or kids allowed at Camp Grounded; it's just adults having fun as they digitally detox in Anderson Valley, California. Hikes and yoga are on the agenda; s'mores are on the menu. 3 nights from $395 all-inclusive;campgrounded.org.
More on the Anderson Valley
Unique driving tour
Make a motorhead ecstatic with the World Class Driving Red Rock Muscle Car Experience--30 miles behind the wheel on a guided drive through a canyon near Las Vegas in three hot cars. $299/driver;worldclassdriving.com.
Luxury camping trip
For a splurge, there's Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. The romantic luxury tents on Vancouver Island are worth a seaplane ride. It's camping without all that pesky … camping. 3 nights from $5,445 U.S. all-inclusive; wildretreat.com.
Wilderness trip donation
Thanks to Yosemite-based NatureBridge, kids in underserved urban areas get to take wilderness trips all over the West. naturebridge.com.
Wrap your gifts in a unique way