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 — this is the roller bag to give as a gift this year. Big discount at Peak Design, excellent materials, draw bridge opening, carbon fiber trolly, oversized wheels. Thing is a dream to roll around and live out of. PeakDesign.com
The minimalist bombproof wallet — Doesn’t stretch, doesn’t tear, will likely outlast you in the apocolypse. Available in two styles and my fav is the one with the mechanical coin pouch opening. Perfect for an airtag, medicine, guitar picks, etc. ReFormCarry.com
The better device — This device makes you more productive, less destracted and more healthy. NO blue light on the screen yet it does everything. And they have a new kids version (which is where this really shined for me… when my daughter uses it for games she doesn’t turn into a monster when it’s time to turn it off). Changed my parenting game. DaylightComputer.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.
The “actually worth it” supplement — These guys are making supplements with organs like liver, brain, bone marrow, testicles… and when I started taking their “Whole Package” supplement I noticed a big difference (read: morning wood). Warrior Stack for peak performance, Exercise Stack for better workouts and recovery. HeartAndSoil.co
You’ve seen me in this shirt — This is the “Marfa” shirt from Poncho, one of many of their shirts I wear. Super soft, deadly looks, casual but classy enough to church you up a bit. They also have my fav golf shirt and a flannel that’s sneaky (watch the vid). Ponchooutdoors.com
(Good) Gifts that give back well — Excellent shirts and sweaters and hats with a nice little “imperfect heart” logo (watch the vid), but here’s the thing: these blanks are actually rad. Great fitting, super cozy. Get a cozy cute sweater for a lady in your life, then tell them the story about how this company gave $250,000 to charities supporting women and children so far. HouseOfShan.com
My new daily driver — Bellroy have always been my case/wallet combo and I just upgraded to their new Innovera textured case and Mag Wallet. Perfect details. Magnetic snap on the wallet lid. Juicy. And their Hide & Seek Wallet is famous for good reason. Great gifts. Bellroy.com
The sling gifts this year — Alpaka make excellent slings and two I’d recommend are the Flow Satchel and the Metro Crossbody for their legit “useful in the everyday” designs. Water bottle sleeves, perfect capacity, and sleek to move around with. Not to mention the Axoflux external material 👌. AlpakaGear.com
Everyone loves sweats — but did you know this: wearing a perfect top/bottom sweat combo can make you look a little classy (even though you’re just wearing sweats). These are my go-to because 100% organic, no chems, no PFAS, clean on my junk… that, and they’re so cozy and dense {heavy breathing}. JustWearCotton.com
The $150 duffel pack that will last — this is the lightest weight duffel pack I’ve seen and it’s built really well. Stowable straps, main compartment divider, top and bottom segmented pockets, compression straps. For the price it’s hard to beat this thing. They’ll use it for years. EagleCreek.com
The “live out of it” toiletry kit — Dopp kits make great gifts, and this is the one I’m giving these days. Super organized, super durable, easy to wipe clean (can literally rinse it out), tons of compartments, and hangs to free up counter space. Throw it in a bag and live anywhere. GravelTravel.com
The pro minimal traveler outfit — The Flowstate Hoodie plus the Outset Jogger and you’re cozy enough to sleep on the plane, head straight to a dinner meeting, then for an evening stroll along the river with a friend. Stylish, upgraded essentials. Throw in their Travel Pack for one of the best hybrid daily/travel bags. Nomatic.com
More cards, better fit — for the guy who needs more cards, the new Cardholder Pro has sleeker edges, all metal click mechanism, and a bunch of accessories to customize it with (coin tray, money clip, tracker card, etc). Feels really good in the hand. Made from recycled aluminum. Ekster.com
Magnets… how… do… they… work — This belt is super clean and classy in design, then there’s the whole it holds together with magnets thing {sounds of delight}. Been using it for a while now and loving it. Also check out their excellent Wally Bifold; money clip cash holder with ingenious double card holder design. DistilUnion.com
For the pro traveler — the Globerider from Matador is an absolutely killer travel backpack. Comfy straps, huge capacity, power mesh galore, perfect tech taco pocket, and materials that go for years and years. I recommend going with the 35 liter version. 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.
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