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The madness of Denver International Airport check-in lines and I-70 traffic hasn’t slowed down interest in air travel and road trips. Because your favorite jet-setters are likely planning their next adventure, why not gift a little something to make their sailing (or soaring) smoother? Whether they’re globetrotting or just hopping in the car, they’re gonna love these local gifts that wish them bon voyage. Here are 10 of our favorite travel-inspired gifts with a Colorado slant.
Topo Designs Mountain Gear Bag
Maybe your giftee has a place for everything—and actually puts everything in its place. Or perhaps she flies by the seat of her pants and prefers more of a toss-it-in-and-find-it-later approach to packing. Whatever the strategy, the Mountain Gear Bag ($149) from Denver’s Topo Designs is ready for it. This versatile 48-liter hauler features one Big Gulp–esque primary compartment along with multiple exterior and interior organizer pockets. And it’s made with fully recycled nylon in Fair Wear–certified factories. Available online and at various retailers
Colorado Crafted Front Range Tote
It might be called the Front Range Tote ($99), but this bag of goodies from Colorado Crafted is ready to tag along to wonders far beyond its namesake geography. Packed inside are all the Colorado-born treats your traveler needs to fuel his next road trip, including organic, grass-fed beef jerky from Jamie’s Jerky, On Tap Kitchen honey mustard pretzels, and Buttercrunch popcorn from Too Haute Cowgirls. Technically, the snacks are sized for sharing, but we won’t judge any giftees who keep their faves in the front seat. Available online
DestinationScratched Colorado Bucket List Scratch-Off Poster
Commemorate your Colorado adventures with this fun scratch-off poster ($33), which includes 60 popular sites from around the state, including lesser-known locales like Bishop Castle and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge alongside oft-visited spots such as Rocky Mountain National Park and the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness. The poster is available in two colors (silver/white or silver/black), and the frame (in black or teak) is optional. Available online
Mountainsmith Trippin’ Fanny Pack
An all-purpose lumbar pack—or fanny pack, as we prefer to call it—is a go-to gift for the stylish (and sensible) traveler, and our favorite is the Trippin’ by Golden-based Mountainsmith. Designed as a 1980s throwback, the bag ($30) flaunts retro color blocks along with two zippered pockets to corral cash, trail maps, snacks, and even a small water bottle. It comfortably sits around the midsection but can be worn as a cross-body sling, too. Available online
Le Comptoir Américain Colorado Map Passport Holder
No one needs a passport holder, but this one cures any homesickness by bringing a piece of the Centennial State with you anywhere. Despite being handmade in Los Angeles, the case ($21) is designed to mimic a Colorado road map, and two clear pockets secure the passport’s covers in place. Available online
Ripton & Co. Gift Card
Move over jeggings. There’s a new breed of travel denim in town. Lightweight and stretchy—not that you’d know it from their double-take-worthy real denim look and feel—the full line of overalls, jorts, and all-new jants (what the rest of us call jeans) from Ripton & Co. are ready for cramped hours in economy. What’s the secret behind this snarky, Aspen-born performance fashion brand? No question it’s the bottoms’ unique cotton, elastane, and recycled polyester composition. Go for a gift card if you’re not certain on your giftee’s preferred size and style. Available online and at various local retailers
Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack
When Boulder-based brand Matador set out to make a new travel backpack, the designers drew inspiration from both traditional carry-ons and mountaineering-ready haulers. The result—the GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack ($350)—combines the best of both. Its city-chic style, clamshell opening, and array of organizer pockets fit right in in business class, but its full internal frame, waterproof exterior, and shockcord securement system will hold up on those unexpected detours that make a trip memorable. Available online and at various retailers
Kelty Trash Pak
While a trash bag isn’t the most glamorous gift, taking care of Mother Nature is a worthy one. This vehicle-mounted Trash Pak by Boulder-based Kelty ($125) stores any debris you might collect while bopping between campsites. Pro tip: You can also use the bag as extra external storage space when trunk capacity just isn’t enough. Available online
Colorado State Parks Pass
Jump-start a year of adventures by purchasing a Colorado State Parks Pass ($80 to $120) from Colorado Parks & Wildlife for your favorite explorer. The annual pass covers all state park entrance fees and can be vehicle-specific or transferrable. Either way, Colorado awaits. Available online
Curvd Everyday Earplugs
It’s hard to give someone peace for the holidays, but you can give them quiet with a pair of ergonomic and versatile Everyday Earplugs ($30) from Curvd, based in Fort Collins. Made with soft-to-the-touch silicone and featuring a low-profile silhouette, the earplugs are designed to dim the noise of airplane cabins, urban bustle, and hotel din by up to 30 decibels. A sleek, aluminum carrying case comes included, and there are plenty of color options to suit your silence seeker. Available online