Stefan Loble
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PrintTo me, planning for big travels in 2022 is a combination of dreaming, training, and getting better organized. This year’s holiday gift list is designed to help you provide inspiration - or organization - to the ones you love.
Travel Gear
$55
This packable daypack by Matador is the perfect solution to having an extra backpack / daypack with you, for what seems like almost no weight at 136 grams.
$32
Compression socks make me feel fantastic on long flights and help with athletic recovery. These ones by Comrad make compression socks cool, and are a gift that can open the benefits of compression to someone new.
$60
When I travel, slippers are a decadent luxury. These lightweight, packabe versions for men and women are a great - and seldom thought of - addition to your loved one’s bag.
From $26
Among the many packing cubes out there, our BluffCube made its mark. Its compression top and full side access zipper make it both the most compressible and accessible packing cube we’ve seen. Perfect for travel and outdoor trips, alike.
$70
Basic laptop sleeve right? Not so fast. This one has a durable, but also beautiful fabric weave and a full wrap around rubber bumper, all with a small, minimalist profile.
$11
I always pack one of these lights with me when I travel, and find they're an easy gift when you can’t see in hotel rooms with poor lighting. PS. They work great on a plane too.
$299
The whole purpose of the light phone is to disconnect. This can help your loved one achieve the distance they are looking for, without falling off the map.
$14
I find these journals inspiring. I carry the “Dope Rhymes” version, because you know - that’s what I put in my journal. Pick the right message, and your loved one will carry it with pride.
$29
This cord can be the backup version you stash to never be without. Or, it can be the daily go-to that addresses all your needs. They offer both short and long versions, both of which make great gifts for bailing out someone in a pinch.
$35
If you know someone who is always on the go, I’ve spent years looking for the best reusable cutlery to pack in my bag. These are my current favorites, with all three pieces that are just right - and pack down small.
$7
The only drawback of metal utensils is that they cause havoc at airport security. For those moments, I carry this plastic version, which I’ve never had a problem with.
$22
I hate a mess of unorganized keys in my pocket. That’s why we teamed up with KeySmart to create a Bluffworks version. There is a small little place in the right front pocket of your Ascender chinos specifically designed to carry a Keysmart. Your loved one will handle this gift every single day.
$200
Picture this: I am in Imosuane, a dusty village in Morocco with excellent surf but - it’s noisy at night, due to the stray dogs that sleep all day, and bark all night. Glad I had my SleepBuds. I use these every night at home, plus on planes, and at my destination to fully recharge. An impactful gift for someone who struggles with sleep.
$24
I had never used a neck pillow, until Candy Cane came along. It’s inflatable, folds up super small, and does a better job than a standard horseshoe pillow. Now, it rides in my bag with me. It is an unexpected and useful gift for a frequent or long haul traveler.
$329
This watch is my favorite. Its classic looks and solar powered drive mean it can go a long time without worry or break down. Someone lucky enough to receive this from you will wear it for years.
$68
This scarf has got pockets. That’s the secret we packed into this go-anywhere accessory made out of our popular Threshold fabric. Perfect for staying warm on a cold plane, while keeping necessities close at hand.
From $103
I have high expectations for my footwear. I want good support, comfort, and durability packed into one shoe that is small enough for travel. The solution by Tropicfeel is a great addition to someone’s packing list.
$479
As my son grew, we got this helmet-to-helmet communication system for staying in touch while biking in NYC. A special gift that makes activities together more fun.
$48
Being organized makes us feel better, and this pouch’s soft structure, plus super internal organization system helps keep your personal care items well organized on the road.
Fitness
$215
For rucking - basically just walking with weight - this bag is the standard. Durable, well built. It’s a good challenge gift for someone to take on an activity that is harder than it seems.
$31-$95
Weight is what makes a ruck challenging. Here are three options: a ruck plate, a slam ball, or a pre-filled sandbag.
$49
Sometimes, an old fad comes back and we know why it was once popular. These bands are an upgrade on the 80’s version and are a great option to add to light exercise like yoga or walking.
$119
As we age, shoulders in particular need care. These war clubs are adjustable, allowing you to add or remove weight. 20 years from now, these will still be in your recipient's gym.
$70
This happens to be my favorite foam roller, period. The fact that it is portable makes it even better. When traveling, I bring it with me to stay loose. A super opener for someone who didn't know it existed.
$530
If you have a loved one who likes to go hard, but is no longer in their 20s, the compression pants made by AirRelax are incredible for increasing blood flow and speeding recovery.
$199
This new mini percussive therapy gun means you can have the therapeutic benefits of massage while taking on strenuous activities far away.
$69
Spikeball is a super fun game that can be played ultra casually (with kids, as college students who play with a beer in one hand), or very competitively. Is a great family gift that travels anywhere.
Personal Care
$12
I am really impressed with Humankind. Their natural products are all designed to come in refillable containers, so you can reduce plastic waste. A great gift and introduction to a brand who makes amazing things.
$75
Supply’s razor is substantial. When you pick it up, it means something in your hand. I notice that the blades last so much longer than the mass-market cartridges and whoever you give it to will love using it every day.
$42 - Stryx, $12 - Pipette
News flash - we need daily SPF and moisturizer. Solving the problem of what to use - for men and for women - is a helpful gift for someone who hasn’t taken the time to figure it out.
Home
$175
An upgrade to the standard book light is by Lumio. Depending on how much you open the book, it will cast a small amount of light, or bring an entire new glow to someone lucky enough to receive it.
$60
About once a week, I change our own sign to note the sentiment of the moment for my family, or to make them laugh. It’s a great shared experience if you know someone who lives with a rowdy crew.
From $12
Hang on to your hat, there are some spicy socks in this bunch. I’ve noticed that when a message fits, the wearer seems to own it, deep down. Just go for it.
$60
At the top of my list is refreshing our spice rack. I bet some of the things in your cabinet are old too, and I find spices by Diaspora to be potent and inspiring. My mom gave them to me, and I always think of her.
$65
Where the first goal of these pouches is to reduce the number of single use plastic bags, I find they also open a whole new route to convenient storage in a different way. I’d be excited to receive them for home or travel.
I hope you find something on this list that helps your loved ones either dream big for 2022, or make packing their bag a little easier.
Happy holidays,
Travel Gear
Packing Lists
Stefan's Journal