Holiday Gift Guide 2021: The Best Gear For Road Trippers

With the Covid-19 pandemic, many chose to skip flying and opt for road trips to get their travel fix in. When it comes to driving to your destination, there are certain accessories one needs for a comfortable cruise. Phone mounts help with an easy, hands-free experience when using a cellular device as a GPS; insulated bags are useful for keeping drinks and food cool; and even underrated items like a blanket for staying cozy or to be used for an impromptu picnic come in handy. And for those scenic tours, you’ll want something to capture it all. For the person in your life who prefers to journey by car, here are 10 best, and useful, gifts to buy this year.

iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Dash & Windshield Car Mount

Whether you’re driving in a state (like California) where holding a cellphone while driving is illegal, a mount for your smartphone is still a good idea. Most of us use our devices as a GPS, even when we have a built-in system in the car, and these trusty accessories aid in a hands-free experience. For those who are looking for a dash and windshield option, iOttie’s Easy One Touch 5 has consistently been rated one of the best. The mount has a telescopic arm that can extend eight inches, a secure suction cup, and a lock and release mechanism that’s easy to use. This latest version also has a magnetic cord organizer to store a charging cable when you’re not using it. If you prefer something with Qi wireless charging and automated clamping technology, check out the Auto Sense.

Kenu Airframe Pro

For something much more compact or if you prefer to not have anything obstructing your view, Kenu’s Airframe Pro is a true winner. The small vent mount is easy to store away and switch between cars, which is particularly important if you’re renting. It has an extra wide grip to support larger phones as well as a tilt and swivel joint that allows you to adjust it to the perfect angle. The company also offers the Airframe Wireless for fast Qi charging if you don’t want to worry about your battery running low.

GoPro Hero10 Black

GoPro has been a leader in the action camera space and their latest, the Hero10 Black, can shoot super smooth videos up to 5.3K. But in addition to using it during your adventures, the device can also double as a dash cam. And with the company’s GoPro Labs software, users can take advantage of USB Power Triggers that automatically starts and stops capture when plugged in. To make these a successful gift for a road tripper, get the Suction Cup accessory so that it can be mounted to a dashboard or windshield to capture that beautiful scenic drive. It’ll even work for those on a motorcycle thanks to its industrial-strength suction that can withstand speeds up to 150 mph. While you’re at it, consider also buying the 3-Way 2.0 grip so that your loved ones have a tripod to use when they make a pit stop at a picturesque point.

YETI Hopper M30 Soft Cooler

Rigged, hard-shelled coolers are difficult to stow away, which is why YETI’s Hopper is an ideal choice. The soft cooler is perfectly sized to fit in the back seat for easy access and is made with a high-density material that’s tough as nails. The bag boasts incredible insulation that the brand is beloved for as well as their signature HydroShield magnetic strip for a tight, leak-resistant seal. It also boasts several attachment points in case you want to bring along a bottle opener.

iKross Universal Backseat Headrest Mount

If you’re trying to keep the kids in the backseat entertained, and quiet, then a tablet is a surefire way. To ensure that they’re not putting the screen too close to their face or to share one between two or three of them, a mount will do the job. iKross makes one that’ll latch on to just about any headrest and will fit most seven to 12–inch iPads and tablets. The adjustable arm can move up and down as well as side to side so that everyone gets a desirable viewing experience.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

If you’re looking to capture your memories in a more retro way, Fujifilm’s Instax instant cameras are a great choice. The Square SQ1 has a cleaner look and is slimmer than the odd-shaped mini, and comes in some more sophisticated colors like chalk white and terracotta orange. It also prints slightly larger photos on square film and the results are near instant. You’ll also find a selfie mode on the device that’ll make taking pictures of yourself much easier.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

When sharing a car with others, there are moments when you may just need a little me time. To drown everyone out, these Bose earphones have arguably the best noise-canceling technology when it comes to true wireless earbuds. They also boast great sound quality and this latest iteration has a more comfortable and secure fit than its predecessor. It’ll last up to six hours and the case provides two additional charges. They’re also sweat- and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating.

Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press

For coffee lovers that won’t take their cup of joe any other way than how they make it themselves, Aeropress’ Go Travel Coffee Press makes it easy while on the road. This handy little instrument is both easy to use and clean, and brews about eight ounces of java. This particular version includes a plastic mug, where all of the parts neatly collapse into, so that you won’t need to bring an extra one along. If you want to pair this gift with a grinder, VSSL’s Java Coffee Grinder is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also boasts 50 different grind settings and a stainless steel burr for a consistent, smooth grind.

Matador Pocket Blanket

Scenic drives often call for impromptu stops to enjoy the view. Whether it’s taking a break for a picnic or just to enjoy the sunset, you’ll want something to sit on so that you don’t get your clothes dirty. Matador makes some really clever accessories and one of them is their Pocket Blanket. Despite being ultra thin, it’s made from a puncture- and water-resistant nylon that’ll stand up to any rough elements. It also has built-in, tethered corner stakes so that you can secure it to the ground as well as weighted corners. There are guides stitched into the blanket, making it easy to fold back up into its integrated pouch. And with how compact and lightweight it is, it won’t be a problem bringing it along on any trip.

Buffy Puffer Blanket

On long road trips, you definitely want to be comfortable, and a super silky blanket will certainly make the journey more enjoyable. Eco-friendly brand Buffy makes their Puffer Blanket with a blend of recycled polyester and eucalyptus that’s extremely soft and also happens to be spill- and stain-resistant. Plus, the four beautiful colors that it comes in are a result of water-saving, chemical-free dyes. Use it to snuggle up in the car or perhaps for that aforementioned picnic with the Matador Pocket Blanket.