Sure… clothes can be a touchy item to give as a gift unless you really know the receiver (or you’re purchasing a gift for yourself!). But here are some suggestions for travel clothes that I’ve enjoyed in 2008.
The gals over at Contourwear are all about packing light (AMEN to that!). To that end, they’ve created the Adventure Travel Pack. Just 7 pieces of clothing allows you to create 35 different outfits when you mix and match the tops and bottoms. All of these fit easily in a small Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder, which can then fit into your carry-on bag or even a messenger bag. For your ATP, you can choose from several lines of clothing:
- Bamboo-Tencel – feels like a cotton/silk blend
- Performance Knit – feels like a soft cotton but is a blend of polyester and lycra
- Stretch Nylon – lightweight and breathable, this is a classy collection!
- Schoeller – 4-way stretch, breathable and very versatile
- Chamois – suede-like softness in some fun styles
Pack lights, gals!
Jet Set Skirt – Depending on where you’re traveling, it’s not often that you need a dressy outfit. But, if you’re traveling for the holidays or to a European city, consider tucking away the Jet Set Skirt. Made of a silky soft polyester/spandex blend, it’s machine washable and wrinkle-free, extremely important for the savvy traveler who wants to look good but may not have access to an iron. Jet Set has a variety of other clothes in this collection so that you can mix and match. (By the way, this skirt is on sale now at Magellan’s for under $50!)
You already know I’m an ExOfficio gal. I love their travel clothing for how practical they are and I’m a HUGE fan of the Insect Shield line. I haven’t taken a malaria prophylaxes in 16 years and haven’t worn a DEET-based lotion in I don’t know how long. Instead I wear the ExO clothes that are impregnated with the insect repellant (and sun protection). If you’re a fan of ExO (or want to be one), you can bid on a $200 personal shopping spree at the ExOfficio store in Seattle (with me!) and lunch. Got to Passports with Purpose and buy one or more $10 raffle tickets that will benefit Heifer International and choose Code “C01”.
ISIS Clothing – Specializing in outdoor and performance clothing for women, ISIS has a number of items that pack up super small and are perfect for traveling. My favorites include the Greta Pants (which feel like you’re wearing nothing) and their many blouses including the Twisted V-Neck Tee and Power Flower Top (above). You can be an outdoor gal or spruced up backpacker with ISIS.
Lost River Knit Shawl – Since traveling to India so much, I’ve come to appreciate a beautiful scarf or shawl. While this doesn’t come from India, the Lost River Knit Shawl can be worn as a shawl or a hooded wrap – for those times you’re entering a Muslim temple (seriously) or just need to protect yourself from the wind. You can then turn it upside down and it becomes a long (albeit light) jacket. This Malibu blue is my favorite color.
Hope this gives you some ideas for getting yourself or a loved one outfitted for 2009.
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
WanderGear Reviews
WanderGear: Gift Gadget Roundup
Wanderlust and Lipstick Gear on Cafe Press
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Mary Jo says
I’m a big Ex Officio fan as well. Just stopped by the Sea-Tac location, which resulted in a long wish list!
Roseann says
Hello!
I’ll be travelling to Siberia this winter ~ any travel, clothing, packing or other tips?
Thanks!