There are as many types of travelers as there are people who travel. For the purposes of this guide, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 common personalities we’ve seen (or been) throughout our excursions across the world. And, we’ve partnered with Moosejaw to bring you gift ideas for every single one.
That said, we’ve made sure that all the gifts we mention below are versatile and durable, meaning that they’ll work as great gifts beyond one single archetype—and they’ll last for many years and adventures to come.
But wait, there’s more! Moosejaw's Anniversary Sale runs from November 8-22, featuring discounts up to 30% off and 20% off one full-price item with code CHEERS.
So, yeah, it may be a great time to start your holiday shopping…and maybe pick up some gear for yourself, too. Now, without further ado, let’s hop into some gift ideas.
The Adventurer
Matador Beast18
If your traveler’s idea of a good time involves landing at their destination and immediately taking off on a grand adventure, then they’ll love the Matador Beast 18. Built for day hikes but great for city strolls, too, the Beast is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. Its harness system is also top-notch, featuring thick, breathable mesh, a sturdy frame sheet with enough give to move with your body, and a comfortable hip belt, all of which makes carrying a heavy load less of pain (literally). And did we mention that it packs into a (relatively) small carrying case? Because it does, meaning your traveler can pack it away in their larger bag for the few moments they’re between adventures.
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The Minimalist
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch
The Minimalist doesn’t like to be weighed down by gear, which is why they’ll appreciate this simple, functional pouch. Aesthetics-wise, the Travel Pouch doesn’t have any extra bells and whistles. It has one pocket with a clear window to see what’s stashed inside. But, functionality-wise, the Travel Pouch is more than meets the eye. The clear window is touch-screen friendly, the fabric allows you to charge your phone through it (with wireless charging), and, best of all, it’s waterproof (rated IP67). Your minimalist traveler will likely appreciate that the few items they do deign to bring on the road will be protected from rainstorms, beach trips, or accidental spills.
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The Heritage Stylist
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Pullover
If your loved one appreciates that classic Heritage style as much as we do, then they’ll dig this fleece pullover. The button detailing, kangaroo pockets, and fleece material all give it a heritage vibe. Beyond style, this pullover is oh-so-cozy and warm, perfect for chilly days on the town. Its DWR finish also means that it’s water-resistant (though it’s definitely not a rain jacket). We also have to mention that it’s made from 100% recycled polyester. Fashion, function, and feeling-good-about-its-environmental-impact (we know, we know, but we had to try for alliteration). That’s a win, win, win right there.
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The Souvenir Collector
Timbuk2 Packable Travel Tote
For some people, one of the great joys of traveling is picking up souvenirs along the way. If that describes your loved one, then this tote will make a great gift. It’s packable, meaning they can toss it in their luggage on the way to their destination, then pull it out and fill it up for their trip back home. The organization is on the simple side, with a main bucket for larger items and two small zipped pockets for smaller trinkets. And its luggage pass-through makes lugging it fully-loaded through the airport easy. Who knows, your loved one might use their new tote to bring you back a gift from their travels.
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The Overpacker
Peak Design Packing Cubes
Help your favorite over-packer cram All The Things into their bag by gifting them a Peak Design packing cube. These nifty cubes are compressible, meaning your loved one can fill them up and compress their clothing down (without risking excessive wrinkles), saving space in their luggage for the important gear—a hairdryer, chess set, the entire box set of all seven Harry Potter novels. Plus, these cubes have an innovative quick access system and even more innovative “self-healing” fabric; the fibers are threaded in such a way that any small puncture will close. So, your over-packer can overpack for many years and adventures to come.
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The Always Prepared
Fjallraven Passport Wallet
If that special someone likes to travel with a printed-out itinerary of their trip, a credit card, emergency credit card, debit card, cash, coins, boarding passes, insurance cards, driver’s license, and multiple passports (maybe they’re Jason Bourne…or, you know, have a family), then the Fjallraven Passport Wallet is the perfect fit for them. This sleek travel wallet will fit all of the above and more, keeping everything together and organized in a tidy package.
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The Fashion Expert
Fjallraven Kanken Sling Shoulder Bag
Fjallraven is the brand of fashionistas. Their Kanken backpack range took the world by storm and is still popular across the world today. The Kanken Sling Pack is just as fashionable in an adorable, miniature package. Plus, it’s available in loads of colorways, so you can pick up one that suits your favorite fashionista. This small shoulder bag—which can also be worn crossbody—is the perfect size for the essentials plus a little extra (meaning: phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and more). And, being from Fjallraven, it’s made with quality, durable materials that are built to last.
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The Creature Comfort Lover
Moosejaw Secret Agent Zip Hoody
The Secret Agent Hoody is your classic hoody—and we mean that in a good way. It has that relaxed hoody fit, classic handwarmer pockets, and an adjustable hood. While it’s not the softest thing around, it has a nice thickness and great flexibility, almost like it comes already broken in. All in all, it’s the kind of hoody best for cool nights around a bonfire or a breezy afternoon on the town—perfect for your favorite world gallivanter who wants to take a little slice of cozy with them.
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The Pro Photographer
Peak Design Capture Clip
Your favorite photography-loving traveler probably understands that photo-ready moments are all around us. By keeping their camera easily accessible on the strap of their pack, camera sling, or even belt, the Peak Design Capture Clip ensures they capture every single moment that speaks to them. As per usual with Peak Design, the Capture Clip is well-designed and made of some tough stuff, so your loved one won’t have to worry about their expensive baby camera falling and breaking.
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The Eco-Friendly Explorer
Smartwool Popcorn Cable Crew Socks
We love Merino wool because of all its amazing properties—including warmth, breathability, odor-resistance, softness, and how quick it is to dry (helpful for sweaty feet!). Plus, it’s a natural fabric that takes far less time to decompose than synthetic fibers. If that’s not enough of a reason for your eco-conscious traveler, these socks are also made to be extremely durable, keeping them out of the landfill for far longer than ordinary socks. Sustainability aside, these socks are versatile—thin enough for hiking but cozy enough for lounging—and available in a variety of colors and styles.
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The Techie Traveler
The North Face Etip Recycled Glove
These gloves were made with the tech-focused in mind—the Etips on the palm sides of the gloves work with touch screens. Now, your favorite techie traveler won’t have to choose between using their devices and freezing fingers ever again. These gloves are also slim and lightweight, meaning they wear comfortably and won’t take up too much space in your loved one’s pack. Note that while these gloves are wind and water-resistant, they aren’t built for extremely cold temperatures or super wet snowfall.
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The Foodie
Sea to Summit X-Seal & Go Set
The Foodie understands that travel is synonymous with eating, whether it’s plane snacks or local cuisine. This container set is available in small and large sizes, and the edges, lid, and base are made of sturdy plastic. They have such a strong seal that we’d feel confident lugging soup around. Plus, the containers are collapsable. So, when your loved one munches through all their food, they can easily toss the containers in their pack without worrying about bulk. The set comes with both a cup and bowl-shaped container, which are microwave and dishwasher safe.
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The Party Animal
Stanley Classic Easy Fill Wide Mouth Flask
Some travelers just want to have a little fun anywhere, any time. Help them get there with this classic flask from Stanley. Made of stainless steel with a leak-proof cap, this flask can easily survive being thrown about inside a pack or around a fire. Its slim shape means it will easily stay out of the way until it’s needed. Plus, as its name suggests, its wide mouth makes for easy refills—a feature your favorite party animal will surely appreciate.
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The Coffee Fanatic
Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper
The Coffee Fanatic will appreciate the ability to make a delicious cup of brew without the hassle of lugging their full-size kit with them. This coffee dripper packs away flat for easy transport—perfect for outdoorsy exploits or to replace less-than-optimal hotel drip coffee makers. And, the dripper’s stainless steel mesh bottom means your loved one won’t have to bother with paper filters. Not only does this reduce waste, but all camping-obsessed coffee connoisseurs will love having one less thing to pack.
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The Parent of the Group
The North Face Bozer Hip Pack III
While hip packs aren’t just for dads these days, the PoG (Parent of the Group) will appreciate all the Bozer Hip III has to offer. With both hip pack and sling modes, it’s versatile to wear depending on what kind of carry strikes their fancy. It boasts enough space for the typical pocket items: sunglasses, phone, keys, wallet, and a little extra for Band-Aids and a small travel tube of sunscreen that the PoG never leaves home without. And the PoG will love the cinched front compartment, which is large enough for a water bottle. After all, as the PoG knows, #dehydrationisdangerous.
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So there you have it, folks. We hope you were able to find the perfect gift for the traveler in your life, regardless of their travel style. Don’t forget to take advantage of Moosejaw’s Anniversary Sale from November 8-22. Even if nothing on our list spoke to you, Moosejaw has a ton of amazing gear on their website and in stores. Until next time, have a happy holiday season!
