What would the holidays be without presents? Well, they’d still be pretty fabulous in our book, but there’s a certain joy in placing a present under a tree that we just don’t get from anything else in the world. This year, the OutThere elves have travelled all around the globe with more tech in our hands – and on our heads – than ever before. So jingle your bells and let it snow, for this is the official OutThere travel gadgets gift guide 2024… ho, ho, ho!
The Pi8 In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds by Bowers & Wilkins, as recommended by Steffen Michels
As someone who appreciates experiences over things, it’s not often that I get excited about a new product. But when the David Beckham-endorsed Pi8 In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds by audio experts Bowers & Wilkins dropped in late August (alongside the equally popular Pi6), I knew I had to get my hands on a pair: the British heritage brand, often credited as ‘the artist’s choice’ and a more artisanal alternative to the biggest names in tech, owns its niche and has cultivated a bit of a cult following among those looking for ‘the real deal’ in all things audio equipment.
So what makes the Pi8 so special? Well, firstly, there’s a line of improvements from previous models ranging from repositioned microphones to better battery life (the earbuds themselves offer 6.5 hours of superb sound quality – beating out some of the biggest competing products on the market – with an added 13.5 hours of charge available from the pebble-shaped Smartcase). Beyond that, the earbuds’ optimised fit and comfort is the direct result of a wide-ranging research project on ear shapes across gender and ethnicity. It’s reflective of a commitment to creating a product that fits all, conveniently making the gadget a safe gifting choice.
It’s hard to overstate how essential the earbuds have been on my recent travels: I’ve worn them in airports to shield myself from stressful sound levels (the noise cancellation is excellent); I’ve taken them to beaches and to the Roman Forum to listen to a podcast on the site as I walked through it; and on flights, I connected them to the in-flight entertainment system (a benefit made possible through built-in Wireless Audio Retransmission technology) so as to avoid using the substandard and single-use plastic-wrapped headphones provided by airlines. If I didn’t already own a pair, I gift myself another for Christmas!
The Fujifilm X-S20 camera, as recommended by Martin Perry
Looking for the perfect gift for your travelling photography enthusiast or budding YouTuber? I’ve got you covered. As a seasoned traveller, I’m always looking for ways to reduce the amount of stuff I have to pack, but as a professional storyteller, I also want to make sure I always capture my journeys with high-quality photographs and videos. So I was delighted when I discovered the Fujifilm X-S20 (so much so, in fact, I wrote about it), which offers a compact form factor without compromising on image quality.
It also has a nifty Vlog mode which takes care of a lot of the boring technical stuff, allowing you to concentrate on capturing your memories. I was particularly impressed with the camera’s in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), which allows for both smoother hand-held video and sharper stills in low light, two of the biggest challenges when it comes to capturing your travels. A dedicated dial gives you instant access to 19 inbuilt classic Fujifilm simulations for both stills and video. On top of all that, this camera has the understated aesthetic of a Fujifilm 35mm camera, so it will look the business around even the most style-conscious traveller’s neck. Pair it with the award-winning Fujinon 18-55mm kit lens with its crystal-clear optics and you’ve got close to the perfect travel camera!
The Therm-ic Ultra Heat Boost Gloves, as recommended by Rupert Mellor
Not much floats this traveller’s boat more than pushing my limits on a snowboard on a perfect powder day. But many’s the time I’ve come close to quitting the slopes early due to nagging pain in my hands from the poor circulation I share with many downhillers. Until, that is, these bad boys came into my life.
Developed with Nepalese mountaineering legend Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purjan MBE ahead of his world-first winter ascent of K2 in 2021, the Ultra Heat Boost Gloves by France-based technical outdoor clothing brand Therm-ic, knock spots off every other heated glove I’ve tried. Powered for up to ten hours by ultra-lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, they keep digits toasty with a 360-degree heat delivery system, PrimaLoft6 Gold insulation technology and three heat settings. Their eco-friendly composition, using 90 per cent recycled polyester, also comprises a waterproof and breathable membrane, heat-regulating leather palms and a thin sleeve design that gives a better fit with ski jackets to seal warmth in. And they’re devilishly handsome to boot.
Now it’s burning thigh muscles, not freezing fingers, that call time on my mountain days.
The Therabody SmartGoggles 2nd Gen, as recommended by Bradley Burke
Flying may be one of the safest ways to travel, but that knowledge does little to steady my nerves when my plane starts to shake like a rickety bus on a gravel road. Anyone who has ever travelled with me knows I’m an anxious flyer. It’s not ideal, but it’s something I’ve learnt to manage over the years with a few trusty in-flight rituals. Back in the day, these rituals involved popping a sleeping pill and queuing up a Mariah Carey playlist. These days, I reach for my Therabody SmartGoggles.
From the masterminds behind Theragun, these goggles combine heat, vibration, and facial massages across three unique modes designed to help you sleep better, ease eye strain and headaches caused by too much screen time, and promote deep relaxation. With Bluetooth compatibility, they connect seamlessly to the TheraMind app, where you can access a roster of customisable sound therapy sessions ranging from five to 30 minutes. The latest second-generation model is also lighter, quieter, and blocks out 100% of light, making it easy to forget you’re hurtling through the sky at 35,000 feet.
Perhaps one of the device’s most impressive features is its built-in biometric sensor, which helps regulate your heart rate by adjusting its vibration patterns in real time – a godsend during turbulence. The goggles are also an effective ally against jet lag. By calming my mind and relieving tension, I’ve found that they help me to wind down and transition more smoothly to new time zones.
With a compact, travel-friendly design and up to three hours of battery life, Therabody SmartGoggles offer the comfort and convenience that any frequent flyer will truly appreciate.
The TROVA GO, as recommended by Uwern Jong
I rarely leave home without my TROVA GO – the ultimate compact, biometric smart safe for jet-setters. Perfectly pocket-sized, it’s made to keep valuables secure and hidden, whether cash, jewellery, medication, or watches. This small but essential accessory truly provides travellers with worry-free globetrotting. Know someone who’s worried about hotel safes, or not thrilled about their things sitting in the overhead bin while they nap on a plane? TROVA GO’s discreet design flies under the radar, keeping opportunistic eyes off their stash. The gadget looks like a sleek power bank and easily fits into any travel routine. But beyond the peace of mind it brings, the devil is in the detail: all TROVAs are constructed with a super-strong aluminium alloy and a powerful magnetic closure to safely secure whatever is placed inside them. Using Bluetooth, they wirelessly connect to the TROVA app, which is only accessible through a phone owner’s native biometric verification.
This year, the launch of the all-new TROVA GO PLUS took things up a notch, with the new gadget boasting 60% more space while staying small enough to slip into a pocket. It features a stronger seal, rapid USB-C charging and a longer battery life. It’s ideal for bigger watches, wads of foreign currency, a Cartier bracelet, a confidential healthcare kit or a vape pen. The next level in travel security, the TROVA GO PLUS is peace of mind in the shape of a gadget – and a rather great thing to find beneath a tree…
www.bowerswilkins.com | www.fujifilm-x.com | www.therm-ic.com | www.therabody.com | www.trovaofficial.com
Photography courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins, Fujifilm, Therm-ic, Therabody, Trova and via Unsplash
