While your loved ones are busy planning travel for 2022 and beyond, getting a head start on their wish list is key in ensuring they pack the right adventure gear for every type of trip. And there’s no better time than this holiday season to gift your favourite wanderlust some active travel essentials for a comfortable (and stylish!) trip.

Whether it’s a cozy heated vest perfect for a hiking trip in Iceland, a tote bag to keep in line with Lake Como fashion, or a cycling water bottle designed by an ex-NASA engineer, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite active travel essentials that check all the boxes.

For the Biker of the Family

Bivo One Cycling Water Bottle

The perfect cycling water bottle for everyday use or to pack with you on your next biking trip. Designed by an ex-Nasa engineer, Bivo’s water bottles are all developed to achieve an unmatched flow rate without the need to squeeze. The Bivo One is made from high-quality stainless steel and food-grade silicone—no plastic taste here! And the company takes sustainability to a whole new level. All Bivo Bottles are carbon neutral and use 69% less plastic than a traditional 21 oz bike bottle.

Bivo blue water bottle

Custom Engraved HX-One Home Kit

There’s no better way to show some love for your favourite biker than with a custom engraved toolbox. This set of precision hex wrenches and bit drivers are beautifully packaged in a CNC machined Beechwood box, and the tools are made with S2 steel for the optimal balance of strength, hardness, shock resistance and dimensional control.

Machines for Freedom Summerweight Cycling Jersey

A first of its kind, this lightweight jersey will protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure in style. Its weightless fabric will keep you cooler on the hottest summer days while UPF 50+ protection keeps harmful UV rays out.

Machines for Freedom Cycling Jersey

Rapha Classic Mitts

Rapha Classic Cycling Mitts

Inspired by traditional cycling mitts, this pair features classic shaping with a four-way stretch fabric that makes for a comfortable fit. The palm is made with high-quality leather from Pittards, providing excellent grip in all weather conditions. Once you’ve finished your ride, two-finger pulls make removing the mitts easier.

Velocio Foundation Shorts

These are an excellent option for performance shorts, with the added benefit of being made in Europe. They also have a built-in chamois, are lightweight, and Velocio is a committed member of 1% for the Planet program.

Velocio foundation shorts

For the Hiking Enthusiast

norda 001 x ciele cooper’s hawk

The Cooper’s Hawk Edition, a joint adventure from Montréal-based Ciele Athletics and Norda Run, is inspired by community building that takes place within the natural environment of Montréal’s Mont-Royal—with the Cooper’s Hawk being the first of North American true hawk to recently return and nest in Mont-Royal.

These lightweight trail running are complete with a strong midsole cushion (perfect for ascending up the steps up Mont Royal to witness the Cooper’s Hawk for yourself!) and will ensure comfort while embarking on the longest of hikes (like on our Camino de Santiago Walking Trip!). The upper portion is constructed with Dyneema®, the world’s strongest and lightest fibre, to deliver the best possible performance.

norda x ciele cooper's hawk running shoes

Ororo Heated Padded Vest

A lightweight heated vest that’s water, wind-resistant, and will keep you cozy for up to 10 hours. Perfect for wandering the coastline of Snaefellsjökull National Park in Iceland, or exploring the craggy corners of Newfoundland in comfort, style and warmth.

Ororo Men's Heated Vest

icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Tee

The Tech Lite II provides stretch, comfort, breathability and odour resistance for just about any adventure you can think of. Perfect for hiking in all types of weather conditions. Its soft merino fibres will regulate your body temperature in both heat and cold.

Darn Tough Sunset Ridge Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock

Made with merino wool, these lightweight hiking socks will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. All of Darn Tough’s products are made in Vermont, and their socks will last a lifetime. The company provides an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee as very few are needed since they can be worn consecutively due to their lasting comfort, durability and fit.

Ciele Athletics GOCap SC Khan

This vibrant cap is made with COOLwick™ performance fabrics that quickly whisks sweat away from your skin and to the outside of the fabric. It’s great for hiking, running and everyday use—and there are so many colours to choose from!

Ciele Athletics Cap

icebreaker Unisex Merino Flexi Chute

merino wool wraps in blue, orange and green Wear this ultra-versatile wrap as a beanie, headband, facemask or neck gaiter. Perfect for those chilly morning hikes and bike rides in the coldest of destinations. Made from 100% merino wool jersey for natural softness, breathability and odour resistance.

Carry-on Essentials

Nosetta Celesia Medium Tote

Inspired by the lifestyle of Lake Como, Nosetta products are designed in Italy and handcrafted with the finest Italian materials meant to last a lifetime. This lightweight, spacious tote features two interior pockets, high-quality Italian denim, leather handles and a magnetic snap closure. And its waterproof finish means you can cruise along the banks of Lake Como with function and style—no need to worry about getting your things wet!

Nosetta blue leather tote bag

Saje Natural Wellness Pocket Farmacy® Physical Edition

Saje Pockey Farmacy Throw this travel pack in your carry-on or pack it for a long day of bike riding. Saje’s top five essential oil roll-ons are perfect for when you need some topical TLC. Each oil blend is designed to relieve muscle aches, soreness, headaches, tension, digestive issues and so much more.

Rapha Handbook Box Set

No trip is complete without some in-flight reading material! Perfect to bring with you on your next biking trip, The Rapha Handbooks were created to help cyclists of all experience levels make the most out of their time on the bike. Includes four collectible books.

Rapha Cycling Handbooks

Fossil Ryan RFID Passcase

Sleek enough to fit into any carry-on, this leather Passcase comes with 12 credit card slots RFID blocking technology to keep your important documents safe from skimming.

Salt & Stone Natural Minerals Sunscreen

Salt & Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF30

We love this ultra-lightweight SPF 30 lotion for its water resistance, sweat resistance and all-natural ingredients. This non-greasy, reef-safe formula sinks into the skin effortlessly with no white residue. It’s made from Ashwagandha, Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea, and features sustainable packaging made from recycled ocean plastic and sugar cane.

We’re certain that any active travellers in your life will love unwrapping these gifts the most. But if you’re looking to go the extra mile, you can always give the gift of travel! Whether booking and gifting a trip or giving a credit to a fellow traveller, our team can create a personalized gift certificate for the holiday season—or any season! Get in touch with us to learn more about our gift certificates here.

Luxury Has Changed

Published in Travel Professional magazine | By Kathryn Folliott