From travel clothes to road trip goodies here are some of my favorite finds over the past year. Each item was gear tested on a trip or adventure. Hope you find the perfect gift for your favorite adventurer, road tripper, or traveler (or for yourself!).

Travel Clothes I Found During My Travels:

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) Compass 4-Points Trek Pant ($59.99) – I snatched up these pants when I wandered into an Eastern Mountain Sports store in Lake Placid.  It was unseasonably warm, so I rolled up the pants and secured with the side snap closures.  They come in 5 colors.  Mine are dark forest.  The wrinkle-resistant fabric is water-shedding, quick-drying, and abrasion-resistant.  They also come with a multicolor webbing belt. 

The North Face Bridgeway Hybrid Tights ($100) – I found these in Sunlight Sports in Cody, Wyoming.  The taupe green color and 2 side pockets were the two main reasons I bought the pants.  They’re leggings so I didn’t even try them on.  When I tried them on at home, I loved the fit.  The thicker material makes these great for travel.  The style is perfect to wear with boots or sneakers.  They’re made from 91% recycled fabric that is moisture-wicking and fast drying.  I like them so much I ended up buying a black pair for travel and found them for 50% off!

Jules Los Angeles Convertible Cape Wrap ($138) – I found this while shopping at The Springs Resort and Spa during a one night in Pagosa Springs while in Southwest Colorado for the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14^th.  Their spa always has fabulous finds.  I instantly fell in love with it and took in on a road trip a couple of days later.  The Convertible Cape Wrap is a lightweight poncho is made of micro modal jersey and spandex.  From a poncho to a scarf, it can be worn multiple ways making it perfect for travel.  I couldn’t believe how small it packs down to!  It comes in 4 colors and is made in the USA. 

Moxie Malas Amplifiers Single Bracelets ($20-25 each) – I also found these while shopping at The Springs Resort and Spa.  Jewelry and scarves are my weaknesses while traveling.  They are the two things I buy because when I wear the pieces it reminds me of where I bought them.  These bracelets made with 4mm beads are stackable, colorful, and amplify specific energy.  I got three – African turquoise, amazonite, and rhodonite.  The African turquoise promotes peace.  The amazonite promotes positivity.  The rhodonite supports compassion and forgiveness.  All three are perfect for the stress and craziness of travel.

Heyday Bozeman Quill Hoop Earrings ($64) and Quill + Turquoise Necklace ($66) – The Heyday storefront is in Bozeman, but they have a great website where you can shop from the comforts of your couch.  I saw these earrings online after they created quite a buzz when Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) wore them in Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 3.  The earrings come in two sizes (short <2.5” or long >2”) and two colors (black and mostly white).  I got the short earring in white.  Hanging from a 1” brass hoops are natural porcupine quills set in recycled .22 bullet casings.  I love the use of natural and recycled materials.  They are super light making them great for travel.  I added the necklace to make a set.  It’s fabulous and I love the accent turquoise bead.  I get stopped every time I wear the necklace and earrings. 

Stay Toasty in the Cold:

Field Sheer Proton Heated Base Layer Shirt ($159.99) – I first tested this midweight base layer when temperatures plunged well below zero in Denver, and I was doing television live shots out in it.  The base layer has multi-zone heat areas on the back.  There’s an easily accessible button near the bottom of shirt.  You can also control the heat level via the MW Connect App.  On low the heat lasts for 10 hours.  There are 4 heating settings.  I typically keep mine on low.  I do wear a tank or lightweight tee under this base layer that is half zip design with in-seam thumbholes.  For men, Field Sheer’s Primer Shirt Plus ($159.99) is a half zip base layer.

Field Sheer Premium BT Heated Insoles ($149.99) – Heated socks are great, but these heated insoles are even better.  These have anti-odor and moisture wicking technology and there’s no bulky battery on your leg.  You can control the heat level through the MW App.  They are rechargeable and on the lower heat settings, one charge will last up to 7 hours.  The heat zone is under the toes, where you need it the most.  I first tested them in an arctic outbreak in Denver, then used them multiple days on an adventure trip in Quebec Province, Canada.  They’re easy to trade in and out of a variety of footwear from sneakers to snow boots.  They are unisex and come in several sizes.  Trim the top to fit your shoes just like you would with any other insoles.   

Apricoat Adventure Pants ($149) – I got these pants right before AdventureWeek in Quebec Province.  They really held up to Canada’s cold and snow.  They come in three colors, and I got blue.  I did size up to allow for extra room to add leggings or a base layer underneath.  Since they are a little big, I appreciate the drawstring waist.  I wore these pants multiple days, and they held up to every adventure.  They are made from 100% recycled materials, have 4-way stretch, 11 pockets, are lightweight, and stain and water resistant.  They’re also available for men.

Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket ($499) – Yes, it’s expensive, but wow does this waterproof and windproof jacket made of GORE-Tex keep you dry.  I first gear tested during a weeklong adventure in Quebec Province, Canada.  While it’s great as a shell while skiing or riding, I also found it to be the perfect outer layer while snowshoeing, fat biking, and even dogsledding.  Since it’s not an insulated ski jacket, it also packs really well.  It does have a fleece liner adding warmth to the jacket.  I also took this jacket on a trip to Ireland in April.  It was perfect for a rainy and chilly morning at Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland.  I also wore it in early June on a very muddy off-road adventure in Cody, Wyoming after a night and early morning of torrential downpours.  It’s an investment piece for years of use in snowy, windy, cold, and wet conditions.  Plus, the jacket is made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.

For a Tropical Getaway:

Outdoor Research Bugout Brim Hat ($49) – This is a great gift if heading to a beach, rainforest, or tropical destination.  This hat provides dual protection against bugs and the sun.  I first gear tested it while fishing in Costa Rica then really put it to the test while exploring Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National It has been treated with Insect Shield permethrin to repel mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and those pesky midges also known as no-see-ums.  The wide brim shields your face from the sun and the hat has a UPF 50+ protection rating for your face, scalp, and ears.  The hat has a strap and is gender neutral.   Outdoor Research is based in Seattle and has been a trusted outdoor brand since 1981.

Outdoor Research Essential Boxy Tee ($48) – This super soft shirt made from recycled materials was one of my favorite spring and summer finds.  It has UPF 30 protection for a bonus.  I first gear tested the shirt in rhubarb heather during a 13-day trip in El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica in April.  After the trip I bought the lavender heather and snow colors.  It pairs nicely with the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit Pants ($89) for a travel outfit that can go from the trail to dinner.

Booe Waterproof Belt Bag ($79.99) – I included this 100% waterproof bag in my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide after I used it on a day trip to the Rosario Islands while in Cartagena, Colombia.  I’ve used my moss green bag on every tropical and water trip, including learning to sail on Lake Superior, this year.  It’s great for boating, but it’s also great for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.  I put my ID, credit cards, portable charger, phone and more in it and especially like that I can wear it as a crossbody bag getting on and off boats.  The zipper keeps dust out too making it would be great for a desert getaway or on OHV adventures.  The strap is adjustable so you can wear it around your waist, as a crossbody, or on your shoulder.  It has an interior phone pocket with a clear screen so you can use your phone without taking it out of the bag.  In my luggage, I put the strap inside and the bag as a small packing cube putting waterproof phone case, extra sunglasses, headlamp, and other things I need for a water-focused vacation.

For the Hiker:

Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle ($19) or Performance Hike Light Cushion Low Ankle Socks ($20) – It’s hard to beat Smartwool socks while adventuring in the outdoors.  They’re made with Merino wool, which is naturally odor resistant, protects from blisters, and wicks moisture away from your feet.  The targeted cushion ones are running socks, but I’ve found they’re great for hiking too when paired with a trail running shoe.  The socks are also made with recycled nylon.

Sawyer Products Bottle Filtration System ($39.98) – This lightweight 24-ounce bottle is perfect for hiking, camping, traveling, and for emergency kit.  I used this bottle while traveling in the Marshall Islands with Sawyer as they completed border-to-border clean water access in the Pacific Island Nation.  Sawyer has teamed up with over 140 charities in 80 countries to help with disaster relief and clean water access.  You can fill the bottle and drink water from a freshwater lake, stream, river, or while traveling because of the fast-flowing Sawyer mini filter inside the bottle.  The bottle filtration system is rated up to 100,000 gallons.  Sawyer filters are tested 3 times during manufacturing process, and they remove 99.99999% of bacteria, salmonella, cholera, E. coli, and 99.9999% of protozoa exceeding EPA recommendations.

Sawyer Products Permethrin Fabric Treatment and Picaridin Spray Bundle ($38.98) – Help your favorite hiker keep pesky bugs aways with these two products.  Before I went to the Marshall Islands with Sawyer, I sprayed several outfits with Permethrin Fabric Treatment. You can also treat tents, backpacks, and other gear.  It dries quickly and there is no smell once dry. It protects clothes from 55+ insects like mosquitos and ticks for 6 weeks or 6 washes.  The Picaridin spray works for up to 12 hours to repel mosquitos, ticks, and other bugs.  Take it from a mosquito magnet – both of these products really work.  I’m also a big fan of the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion ($9.95).  The fragrance-free lotion has 20% picaridin and keeps biting flies, gnats, and chiggers for up to 8 hours and up to 14 hours for mosquitos and ticks.  Add it to bundle for a full-bug protection kit or it makes a great stocking stuffer for a hiker, beach goer, camper, or anyone who spends time in the outdoors.

Road Trip Goodies:

Hamilton Beach Blend Now ($29.99) – I jumped on the portable cordless blender and still wonder why I waited so long.  With two taps of the power button this rechargeable blender in your hand blends everything from AG1 greens to your favorite smoothie while road tripping or at home.  I’m surprised how much I use it at home and it’s a lot easier to clean than larger blenders.  In this mini blender, you can blend 28 protein shakes on one charge.  I really like the 16-ounce jar with travel lid.  really like the blade guard cap for extra safety.  It doubles as a measuring cup too.  The Blend Now comes in three colors.

  PackIt Freezable Snack Bag ($14.99) – You flatten it and freeze overnight.  It’s great for snacks, medicine, and cosmetics.  You just freeze, pack, and go.  I use mine for road trip snacks, but you can use it for the gym or work.  It’s surprising how much you can get into this small snack bag.  I got the navy leaves print.  It comes in 5 other prints any black.  It’s worth getting a couple of these for a gift.  On a road trip pack several and store in the top of your larger cooler for snacking on the go.  I’m adding at least one more to my road trip kit so I can keep milk alternative coffee creamers (in small mason jars), yogurts, and other breakfast items together.  They’ll add cool insulation to your other perishable items.  I’ve left mine in the passenger seat in the sunshine for several hours and my mini Perfect Bars and other snacks stayed cool, and the chocolate didn’t melt.

Klean Kanteen TKCantainer 16oz ($34.95) – This insulated container is made from 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel.  It keeps food cold for 25 hours and hot for 7 hours.  It’s the perfect size for soup or rice and beans to have a hot lunch during a road trip or after a winter backcountry adventure.  It’s shatterproof, BPA and toxin-free, and its wide mouth design makes it easy to clean.  It is dishwasher safe.  I really like the small handle that folds flush into the lid.  The Klean Kanteen TKCanister 32oz ($39.95) is great for pasta salads and cut up fruit.  You can also get the complete set ($104.85) which includes 8 oz, 16 oz, and 32 oz TKCanisters.

Reach International Outfitters Adventure Bucket List ($54.99) – These scratch-off adventure cards will send you on fun adventures throughout a state for every season.  There are helpful icons at the bottom of each card like season and price.  A couple of my road trip loving friends are getting this gift to explore their states in a fun way.  They have multiple states including Colorado, Utah and Texas with more coming in 2024.

Author Jennifer Broome loves sharing the gear she finds that makes adventuring, road tripping, and traveling more efficient, sustainable, and fun. Stocking stuffers coming soon! For more gift ideas check out the 2022 holiday gift guide or 2021 holiday gift guide.