The gift guide from a guy who literally tests gear for a living
Gift-giving doesn’t have to be this sweaty-palmed, existential crisis.
We’re going with stuff that real people — travelers, creatives, gear nerds like me and probably you — actually want.
Everything in this guide has passed the Chase Reeves patented, overthink-it-until-you-love-it process. Here’s the video link. Let’s get into it.
(Note: these links support my work at no cost to you 🙏)
The PRO traveler setup — Perfect sized carry-on backpack, packs like a suitcase, built with my fav recycled material to date, tons of organization and an expandable pocket for their 15L day bag. Up to 25% off the travel system at PaktBags.com.
Sleek camera sling bling — Perfectly detailed organization and features camera people (like me) actually love to use (like the elastic quick latch!). Also, their Outset Jacket packs down well with “just right” insulation — the most sleek/sexy material jacket I have. Up to 40% off at Nomatic.com.
Elevate the everyday shoe — There’s only one sneaker I will wear when I need to elevate my look a bit, the Bramford from Birchbury. Wide toe box, barefoot design, really really nice leather. Also, stretchy laces, dude. Stretchy. They’ve also got a chukka boot that elevates the look even more. 20% off sitewide at Birchbury.com.
SPONSOR: Studio Neat’s Mark One Pen — My favorite pen by a long shot. Incredibly satisfying all-metal click mechanism, perfect width in my hand, very subtle texture. Check out their desk notebooks as well, very interesting gifts.
More useful than I thought — A packable blanket designed to fit in your glove box (and anywhere else) that secures around your neck with snaps. Great to throw on the ground because it’s washable, spill proof and insulated just enough. Excellent for long haul flights. 25% off sitewide at GravelTravel.com.
My literal everyday driver — The one thing that’s been constant about my carry setup for 3+ years is this phone/wallet duo. Not everyone loves a phone wallet, so maybe the Hide & Seek Wallet is a better bet for some. 25% of sitewide at Bellroy.com (min $75 spend).
My comfortable city camera backpack — Perfect protection and organization in a very stylish “light-duty adventure camera bag.” The top tech bin is… {breathing sounds}. I love the camera organization, side door access, multiple laptop compartments, but it’s that top tech bin that I just… {breathing intensifies}. Up to 20% off US sitewide at ShimodaDesigns.com.
Epic lightweight trail/travel pant — An ultralight pant that’s stretchy, durable, and solid enough to wear to dinner. Takes up no space in the travel bag, extremely breathable, strikingly cozy and lightweight. They also make a great merino long sleeve called “the traveler.” Up to 50% off at Seadon.co.
My everyday housework boot — The single most comfortable slip on chelsea boot I’ve ever worn. Slide in, do stuff on the property. I go with the waterproof espresso color, but the non-waterproof cedar color is slightly softer. There’s also a “tuff” version with faux fur lining for you cold weather dwellers. Up to 22% off sitewide at LemsShoes.com.
My current fav hard roller luggage — This is the only luggage I have that has a locking wheel switch at the top… surprisingly useful on trams/trains. Everything else is exactly what I want: lots of space, very durable, lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects. They also released their City Pack Pro in ultra recently 😅. 20% off sitewide at AerSF.com.
My current favorite island shoe — A wide-toe-box legendary loafer. I don’t know how the simple sole is so comfy, but it is. Nothing makes me feel more “off the clock.” They also have a high-top adventure boot out now for the avid barefooter. Up to 30% off at OrigoShoes.com.
For the new (or used) parent — Customized organization just for parents in a killer material set and style. Epic everyday city/park/day bag with kids. Get the discount bundle with the fanny pack cuz a waistbag diaper setup is killer. $45 savings at NoReceptionClub.com.
Watch this watch move — Vaer R1 Watch: Watches always make great gifts because they’re timely (lol). USA designs, cool company, really good looking watches. I like the R1 with the leather strap, or check the “under $200” section and get a whiteface S3. 15% off sitewide at VaerWatches.com.
For the ultralight adventure traveler — For the person who is a legit, “get lost and walk around A LOT” kind of traveler. This is what I did a 5 day Pondo Land tour with. The robic nylon is more affordable, I used the ultra version. 25% off sitewide at SixMoonDesigns.com.
The ultimate travel toiletry setup — A bunch of well designed (and affordable) bits to add to a toiletry setup. I use their flatpack toiletry bag because it… packs flat. Or get this packable backpack which works solid as a day bag, packs down to nothing in the travel bag. 25% off sitewide at MatadorEquipment.com.
Thanks for reading and watching and being a part of what I’m up to here. Shout out in the social media below and from my house to yours I hope your year end is loving, connected and matterful.
YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.
🎒🙌 win free bags 🙌🎒
Last time we gave away thousands of dollars of gear — never spam.
Daily Carry Bags
Travel Bags
Carry Accessories
Clothing Essentials
Home & Office
Affiliate Disclaimer: Matterful.co is a completely independent website and has no direct association with any of the manufacturers or companies we cover. We don’t accept payment for coverage unless specified as an advertisement or sponsored post, and our opinion and analysis are the product of our years of experience in product design. Most of our revenue is made through referral programs, which means that if you click on one of our product links, Matterful might receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support us, and allows us to keep providing videos, reviews and guides. Most of the time we work directly with small manufacturers who rely on influencers like Chase here at Matterful, and we love working these folks. We have relationships with so many of these indie manufacturers now, and they make such great products, that we're not incentivized one way or the other to recommend anything in particular to you... we stand to earn the most over time by being valuable to you, not any given manufacturers. If you’re dissatisfied with what we recommended and you return the product, we don’t see any money from it. Our continued financial success depends on making the best possible recommendations, and your satisfaction with the products we recommend. Also, we use Amazon links occasionally so we have to say this to you: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thanks for your support!