I’ll preface this guide by reminding one and all that the greatest gifts cannot be bought. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. So, during this festive season, check in with loved ones and make time away from your devices to be present. With that out of the way, who’s going to buy me a Leica M11? Alas, shed a tear for me during the holidays, as none of said loved ones is willing to spare $8,995 for little ole me (insert soft weeping). I’ll channel that heartbreak into recommending some top-notch gifts for the minimalist who fancies a bit of luxury. 
I consider myself a “practical gift giver,” code for, I’ve saved a few quid, bought dad a spatula, and made a charitable donation to my M11 fund. It also means I’m confident the items listed will genuinely be of value and are products I have experienced firsthand. Traveling full-time, minimalism keeps my rig light on its toes and free from clutter, but that doesn’t mean my life is void of luxury—quite the contrary. Instead, almost every item I own has been cherry-picked, and ensures that even essentials wouldn’t look out of place amongst the Buckingham Palace silverware. I take a buy-once, cry-once approach, which ensures everything I own is fit for purpose and dependable in the field. To this end, cue my gift guide with rigorously field-tested products I’m confident will enrich the life of any adventurer.
Bialetti Moka Express Italia
I’ve enjoyed a wide range of coffee makers, but recently came full circle to the classic Bialetti stove-top espresso maker. It’s simple, compact, nigh on indestructible, and makes great coffee—what’s not to love? There’s a variety of models available, but I’d recommend the classic Moka Express, which has been an Italian household staple since 1933. This “Italia” variant boasts a striking Made in Italy colorway and is available in two sizes (three or six cups). The Moka Express is suitable for gas, electric, and induction hobs (but requires an adapter for the latter).
$55-65 | bialetti.com
Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo 3D Pro Sandals
The Cairn Evo 3D Pro sandals are a staple of my adventure pack list and are without question the best minimalist footwear I’ve ever owned. Whether I’m running errands around town, bikepacking, kayaking, hiking, or indeed, overlanding, these premium sandals rarely leave my feet. Further still, they’re lightweight and have a stack height of just 16 millimeters, which makes them extremely stowable when not in use. Key features include a premium polyester and nylon webbing upper, 3D molded EVA foam footbed, Vibram Megagrip rubber compound outsole, and a G-hook-and-loop heel strap system that won’t gum up in mud or pull off in whitewater.
$140 | bedrocksandals.com
Austere Manufacturing Lock Belt
I love it when a company reimagines the ordinary into something extraordinary, and the Lock belt from Austere Manufacturing is one such example of innovation at its finest. The belt is the result of more than two years of research, development, and rigorous testing. It boasts a low-profile design that delivers all-day comfort and won’t slip or self-adjust under high or intermittent loading, thanks to a patent-pending double-plate locking billet aluminum buckle. I’ve just returned from the best part of a year living on the road with this belt, and the attention to detail and performance is exceptional.
$94 | austeremanufacturing.com
Ombraz Refugio
I first reviewed a pair of Ombraz for Expedition Portal back in November 2021, and the experience was transformative. Since then, they have been the only shades I wear, and the Refugio are undoubtedly my favorite to date. It’s the company’s first sport-forward performance profile (inspired by retro, wraparound silhouettes beloved by endurance athletes), and subsequently delivers elevated mountain performance. Key features include Zeiss optics, 100 percent UVA/UVB protection, “indestructible” TR-90 frames, and hard-coating for scratch resistance. The company plants 20 mangrove trees for every pair purchased.
$195 | ombraz.com
Snow Peak Titanium Double-Walled Mugs
Whether I’m on a human-powered adventure or traveling in my overland rig, I’m always looking at ways to reduce the weight of my pack list. It may seem trivial to save a few ounces here and there, but I assure you, they add up quickly. With this in mind, cue Snow Peak’s titanium double-walled mug, which weighs just 3.7 ounces (450 milliliters) and features two layers of titanium for heat retention. I’ve used single-wall alternatives in the backcountry, and you barely have time to enjoy your beverage before it goes cold, so this double-walled mug is a revelation.
$50 | snowpeak.com
Durston X-Dome 1+
The Durston X-Dome 1+ is extremely lightweight (34.7 ounces), yet provides a generous 3-season-ready living space and innovative features. Its interior size defies its weight and packed-down size, providing a generous 23 square feet of space and 42 inches of headroom. Other highlights include the overhanging doorway, interior hang loops and pockets, double-wall protection, dual-peak vents (to reduce condensation), and integrated magnets to secure fly doors. The large vestibule is positioned beside the main doorway rather than blocking it (like most tents), and offers 9.2 square feet of space for storing gear.
$379-423 | durstongear.com
Peak Design Carbon-Fiber Travel Tripod
The Peak Design carbon-fiber travel tripod finds a sweet spot between size, weight, and function, and is the ideal choice for those seeking an everyday do-it-all tripod. Given the premium price point, I deliberated taking the plunge for almost a year, but since purchasing, I’ve never looked back. It packs down to the diameter of a water bottle (weighs 2.81 pounds) and features ergonomic adjustment points, built-in mobile compatibility, and is 100 percent serviceable. It includes an integrated ball head, ARCA-compatible standard plate, a hex tool with a carrying clip, and a bushing removal tool for maintenance.
$600 | peakdesign.com
Jetboil Flash 1.0-liter Fast Boil System
I was gifted a Jetboil some years back, so it seemed fitting to include it in this guide, especially since it’s become one of my daily essentials. I originally added this system to my vehicle as a backup in case my primary stove had an issue, but it boils water so quickly (in 120 seconds or less) that I use it every day for preparing hot drinks and simple meals. It incorporates a turn-and-click ignition, drink-through lid with pour spout and strainer, an ergonomic grip, secure pot connection, compact all-in-one packability, and FluxRing technology for fuel efficiency.
$145 | jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com
Light Phone III
I recently purchased a Light Phone III in an effort to set healthy boundaries when it comes to being online and connected. During the weekdays, I rely on my smartphone for work/life, but generally speaking, during evenings and weekends, I carry only my Light Phone. Whereas the former is engineered to rob our attention for profit, the latter is distraction-free and features only essentials. The “Toolbox” can be configured with only basic tools, including an alarm, directions, a calculator, a calendar, a hotspot, music, podcasts, and notes. It also incorporates a camera that produces very pleasing, film-like photos. Finally, the company is committed to sustainability, so its phones are designed to be serviceable.
$699 | thelightphone.com
Garmin Tread 2 GPS Navigator
I’ve just completed the best part of 1,000 miles of designated trails in Croatia, mapped by the Garmin Tread, and was very impressed. The Tread 2 Powersport 6-inch variant is the ideal accompaniment to any adventure motorcycle or bike. A GPS device is essential for backcountry riders, since it provides reliable navigation in locations with limited or non-existent mobile service. Additional attributes include preloaded topographic maps with landmarks and campgrounds, an IP67 dust/water rating, turn-by-turn trail navigation for unpaved roads/trails, a built-in media player, inReach SOS technology, and up to seven hours of runtime.
$700 | garmin.com
What I Want for Christmas
Rons Bikes Tactonic Rambler Bike Hike Boots
I purchased a second Large Fabio Chest from Ron’s Bikes because, in my opinion, it’s the ultimate do-it-all bikepacking bag. Ronnie has returned with a cycling shoe that delivers the all-day comfort/support of a hiking boot with the flat sole/technical features of a riding-specific shoe. The Tactonic Rambler is manufactured on a stitchdown platform, which allows for easy resoling and delivers exceptional durability. The upper is a thick, 5- to 6-ounce leather tanned from US hide, trimmed with merino wool felt for cushioning and moisture regulation. The dual-density soles are molded at one of the last US outsole suppliers, featuring a lightweight midsole and traction tread.
$475 | ronsbikes.com
Western Mountaineering MegaLite Sleeping Bag
This year, I spent every night for seven months sleeping in my old Western Mountaineering sleeping bag, and it remains perfect. For Christmas, I’d love the MegaLite Sleeping Bag. Whether I’m hiking, biking, or kayaking, weight savings is crucial, and to this end, the MegaLite weighs just 1 pound, 8 ounces—remarkable for a three-season bag rated to 30℉. Additional features include a wider mummy cut, 850+ fill power ethically sourced goose down, a full-length YKK zipper, an insulated draft tube and top draft collar, a breathable 12-denier ripstop nylon outer shell, and full baffle construction.
$565-600 | westernmountaineering.com
Campo Libre AMA Relax
Despite almost 15 years of travel, I’ve never bought a proper camp chair, and on my most recent 10,000-kilometer adventure, I spent the tour sitting on a 10-inch portable doorstep. Meanwhile, my travel companions were kicking back in a couple of premium Campo Libre AMA Relax chairs. I made the mistake of sitting in one for a brief moment and immediately fell in love. It features an innovative folding mechanism for easy setup, a four-way adjustable backrest, a mesh pocket, and an aluminum frame with robust canvas and bamboo armrests.
$177 | campolibre.eu
Overland Journal Subscription
This gift guide presents items I believe to be worth your investment. To this end, I’ll conclude with the Overland Journal. I’m grateful to be part of this wonderful team and witness the meticulous attention to detail and love that goes into every issue. Published five times per year, each issue provides over 130 pages of stories, reviews, and photography from around the world that seek to inspire and educate. Time is life’s most precious currency, and we strive to create a publication that’s worth yours. Lose yourself in the Overland Journal, and in the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, “There’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” Use code holiday25 from December 1-31 to get 25 percent off everything in your cart, including merchandise.
$65/yr | overlandjournal.com
Check out the recent guides from Graeme Bell and Ashley Giordano for more gift ideas:
Do It for the Kids Gift Guide
10 Holiday Gifts for the Overlander Who Has it All
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