Gear Guide

A travel-inspired holiday gift guide

VAWN HIMMELSBACH, Chic Savvy Travels

If travel is on the agenda for 2012, consider a travel-inspired gift for your significant other, best friend or family member (or even yourself!). Here are a few picks that will come in handy for that next trip.

Vapur Anti-Bottle

I’m not a fan of large purses, which means I never have room to carry a bulky reusable water bottle (which also means I don’t drink enough water). My new favourite product is the Vapur Anti-Bottle, which stands when full, but can be rolled, folded or flattened when empty, so you can tuck it into a small purse or coat pocket — perfect for traveling. It’s also surprisingly strong (it’s constructed of three layers of ultra-durable plastic), has an attached carabiner (so you can clip it onto a backpack) and is BPA-free. You can even freeze it and turn it into an icepack. Consider than 200 billion bottles of water are consumed globally each year — which makes this a great eco-friendly gift.

Crumpled City Maps

You may not think a map is the greatest gift idea, but perhaps you haven’t come across the Crumpled City Maps by Palomar (a very cool European company). Unlike paper maps, these maps can be, well, crumpled — in fact, they’re practically indestructible. Made of a “special technological material,” they weigh only 21 grams and are 100 per cent waterproof, and can be crammed into your pocket or backpack without folding. The maps are available for 27 cities, including Barcelona, Hong Kong, New York, Auckland and Toronto, and include a sightseeing index as well as unique “soulsights” to inspire you.

Rimowa Salsa Air Ultralight

If luggage is on the wish list this year, why settle for a boring black suitcase (you know, the one that looks identical to all the other boring black suitcases on the baggage carousel at the airport)? Instead, check out Rimowa’s Salsa Air Ultralight, the company’s super-light carry-on luggage. Having tested out one of these suitcases on a recent trip, I can attest to the fact it’s incredibly light, and is the perfect size to carry on a plane. The hard shell (made of aluminum and polycarbonate) makes it durable, yet it weighs only 4.2 pounds. This is German engineering at its best (complete with ergonomic handle) — and it comes in a range of great colours, including my new favourite: Inca Gold.

The Travel Mat

If your best friend is a yoga fanatic, wrap a bow around The Travel Mat (in Midnight) from Halfmoon Yoga Products for her (or his) next trip or yoga retreat. This yoga mat weighs just over one pound and rolls into a 24-inch tube or an 8-by-12-inch rectangle, which makes it easy to pack. While the surface is tacky enough for those downward dogs, it’s also non-absorbent, so it’s easy to sponge clean or wash in the shower, and it dries quickly — ideal for traveling. And it’s from a great Canadian company, to boot.

Fila Moto Stretch Jacket

Fila’s fall/winter lineup includes stylish athletic gear that’s great for travel. The Fila Moto Stretch Jacket is downtown chic, but made of moisture-wick fabric to keep you dry — and it’s lined with cozy fleece. And the Fila Axis Quarter Zip LS is not just a sweater: It incorporates UV protection, moisture resistance and odour prevention, along with secure pockets for cash, cards and keys, making it a great layering piece for travel. There’s also a great selection for the men in your life, including the Men’s Fila Moto Jacket and the Fila Admirale Soft Shell.

Date Added: December 7, 2011 | Comments (0)