Presents for the Traveler

Crumpler Spring Peeper Duffel Bag (Medium)
$170, www.crumpler.com, 2.9 lbs
In a world of backpacks, duffels, suitcases, suitcases that turn into backpacks, backpacks that turn into rolling duffels, and duffels that sprout backpack straps, there's something wonderfully satisfying about a simple duffel bag that gets everything right. And the Spring Peeper from the Aussie bag-heads Crumpler is just that. It boasts a super-durable, weather-resistant 900D outer fabric and a 150D ripstop interior, making it tough enough to surrender at check-in, yet the 90-liter volume (size M) easily fits into any overhead. Two zip pockets—one mesh, the other rubberized to isolate your wet from your dry—line either side of the interior; other than that it offers a veritable black hole of storage space. Padded hand grabs at either end, combined with a padded shoulder strap and twin main handles swaddled in cushiony neoprene, offer a variety of carrying options, while the foam-reinforced bottom also has soft rubber feet to ease the gentle kicks executed while crawling along on centipede check-in lines. Two exterior pockets (one between one of the handle straps, the other--ideal for storing the detachable shoulder strap--secreted away on the side) keep must-have's at easy reach. But don't expect to be too stealthy with this bag in tow…this kinda duffel makes you stand out as the savvy traveler you are.
Also comes in small and large in a variety of color schemes.
Product Type: Duffle Bags
Good For: Globe-trotting, weekend escapes
Tested In: The following (exhausting) itinerary: A cab ride to Dulles Airport, then another back to DC (when a flight was cancelled) to catch a train to Newark Airport; Newark to Edinburgh, followed by three days of vehicle-assisted mountain biking that ended in Aviemore; an overnight train from Aviemore to London; a flight from London to Vienna, Austria, to the capital of Montenegro; then back from Podgorice through Belgrade to London before returning to Dulles, and then a cab ride home.

Nobis Mr. Artsy Fartsy Hat
$58, www.nobis.ca
Finally, a winter knit cap with some real personality. Nobis—a small wunderkind hat and apparel company outta Canada—eschews the obvious (read: graphics) for the subtle by employing a fantastic weave construction that appears to grow up from the hat's hem. It's a quiet yet distinct organic trick that echoes both Mother Nature and H.R. Giger of Alien fame. The hand-knit merino wool keep things cozy, and a faux-fur underband offers an additional layer of warmth around the ears and forehead, while the irregular, slightly rolled lower hem proves that you're perfectly comfortable with breaking the mold. And ladies—don't let the product's salutation fool ya—Mr. can easily be worn by a Ms. Or explore Nobis' wide array of styles. Better yet, go with our personal fav, the Ms. Sweet.
Comes in Army Green and Charcoal
Product Type: Hats
Good For: Traveling, Stylish Après, Hiding Helmet Hair
Tested In: The (so-called) "Snow-Pocolypse" of 2009 in the nation's capital; Italy; Scotland; Montenegro

IO Bio Track Jacket
$140, www.io-bio.com, 9.5 ounces
Australia's IO Bio has been behind the merino wool craze for years now, supplying a host of high-end outdoor brands with the thinnest, highest-quality versions of this all-natural miracle fabric. But they stepped from behind the curtain about a year back—and we're glad they did. Witness their signature Track Jacket, which gets just about everything right, from a loose, travel-friendly fit to a fashion-forward aesthetic (note the piped seams and the red-n-white logo badge on the left sleeve). And, as expected, performance isn't sacrificed in the name of fashion. The wool is of the finest quality—thin, warm, and soft to the touch, and the 5 percent elastane gives the garment the right amount of stretch. A high collar seals in warmth, twin thumb loops add a bit more heat, and concealed zip hand pockets make room for mid-flight essentials (though some may wish they were positioned at an angle). Wear this and you can fend off anything, from an over-pumped A/C on a cross-continental journey to a post-flight hike to hours-long urban exploration.
Comes in black and blue/grey
Product Type: Midweight Layer
Good For: Traveling, day hiking, proving travel gear doesn't have to sacrifice style for substance
Tested In: The United Kingdom; Washington, DC; Italy