While the seasoned business traveler may have chosen his profession, he certainly can’t predict every situation he’ll encounter on the road. From inconvenient layovers to rush-hour traffic to unpredictable weather, the business traveler must — above almost everything else — be flexible. And as such, his wardrobe and packing list should reflect this. It’s possible to dress professionally and be prepared for anything. It’s completely reasonable to ask the most of your luggage and accessories on the road — why compromise? So with that in mind, we curated a gift lift apt for those who spend the majority of the year on the road. It may not do away with extra baggage fees, but it’ll definitely address many nuisances you’re sure to encounter while traveling.
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono
Business travelers can always use a trusty watch with superb vintage styling in their collection. And Hamilton’s Intra-Matic Auto Chrono certainly delivers with a panda dial and an automatic chronograph movement. The stainless steel case checks in at 40mm, perfect for any travelers’ wrist.
Jax Marie Mage Jax Sunglasses
Made in Japan, the Jax sunglasses from Los Angeles-based brand Jacques Marie Mage are 10mm acetate and feature 18K gold hardware and dark blue CR39 lenses. The ’50s-inspired frame looks good on a range of face shapes and the style isn’t ubiquitous (in fact, it’s limited to 500 pieces). Regardless of what’s on your boarding pass, these shades say First Class.
Nanamica Gore-Tex Cap
It’s hard to prepare for every possible weather scenario, but at least with the Nanamica Gore-tex cap, you’ll keep your head dry whereever you land. The navy blue wool-blend hat is waterproof, adjustable and nondescript. It’ll look good whether you’re catching a cab to a meeting or boarding the red eye home.
Arc’Teryx Veilance Casing Passport Wallet
This minimalist leather passport wallet is cut from Veilance-spec water-resistant Horween leather. It has a stitch-free construction to keep it slim, so it’ll easily fit in your blazer pocket. Made in Canada, the style looks just as appropriate with a suit as it does with a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.
The Lost Explorer Traveler’s Protection Balm
Pressurized plane cabins, sleepless travel days and unfamiliar climates are hell on your skin, so it’s worth investing in the Traveler’s Protection Balm to help soothe your body’s largest organ. Made from a blend of essential oils, the balm is enriched with Ravensara oil and Camphor, and is designed for multi-purpose use. Just apply a small amount to your skin as needed while en route — or after you’ve reached your destination.
J.Crew Destination Performance Suit Jacket
You don’t always have access to a steamer or dry-cleaner when on the road. Taking this into account, J.Crew designed a jacket that is machine washable and low-upkeep. It’s also supremely comfortable (with added stretch) and and water repellent — it’s arguably one of the better travel blazers out there.
Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum International Carry-On
Tumi’s take on the aluminum suitcase is a step above much of the competition. It has a durable shell that appears more sculptural than utilitarian. The water-resistant design features four smooth-rolling wheels and a retractable handle. If the job requires you on the road for the majority of the year, your suitcase should be designed to handle it all. Tumi’s design hits the mark and gets extra points for its unique style.
Korchmar Lux Wesley Briefcase
Made in the USA from full-grain aniline leather, this slim briefcase features solid brass hardwear and a signature 6.4-ounce twill lining. Designed to hold a laptop or tablet, this briefcase will pair nicely with your suitcase for any professional trip. What’s more, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better quality bag for the price — it’s a near steal.
Filson Travel Kit
No matter what type of trip you’re on, you’ll always pack a Dopp kit, so it’s worth investing in a model that will stand up to near-constant use. Filson makes a superlative option cut from water-repellent cotton twill. The style features leather accents, a rust-proof zipper and four stow pockets.
Todd Snyder Cashmere Turtleneck
This medium-guage cashmere turtleneck tee is perfect for layering and ideal for the unpredictable cabin temperatures on many domestic flights. It features a tubular hem, knit cuffs and classic roll-neck styling. It’s a breathable, warm layer that’s also supremely soft against the skin — a small luxury that’ll make even the longest layovers more bearable.
Incotex Urban Traveller Tech Trouser
You leave Tuscon where it’s 90 and sunny and land in Chicago where it’s 40 and rainy. Can one wardrobe be versatile enough for a trip like that? If so, the Incotex Urban Traveller Tech Trousers would be a part of it. They’re cut from water-resistant polyester and feature an elasticated waist for comfort on the go. What’s more, the slim silhouette won’t look out of place with your blazer, either.
Sanders Suede Chukka Boot
Sanders has been making high-quality shoes in Northamptonshire since 1873. This business-friendly boot features a brown suede upper, a two-eye design and a chunky crepe sole. That means it’ll be comfortable trekking from terminal to terminal and appropriate for any type of professional meeting.
Anker PowerCore Ultra High Capacity Power Bank
This little device will save you from crowding around the outlets at the airport like the horges of power-starved tech devotees waiting for flights. Weighing in a 12.5-ounces, it will charge a iPhone 7 almost seven times and it will recharge itself overnight (in 10 hours).
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
Essentially every hotel in North America has complimentary WiFi, so take your entertainment with you while you travel. The Amazon Fire TV Stick plugs into any TV’s HDMI port and allows acces to Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, Prime Video and more. It’s a small package that delivers the small comforts of home.
Joomfeen Worldwide Universal Power Adapter
If business routinely takes you overseas, this small investment is a necessity. It covers more than 150 countries and features two USB ports and a single AC power socket (that means you can charge up to three devices at once). Because after a long day, the last thing you want is to end up at your hotel without a charger.
Equator Instant Coffee
Airline coffee, truckstop coffee and hotel coffee are ubiuitous, but definitely leave something to be desired. If you care about your beans, but need something you can pack with you and drink when the options are slim, this 6-pack from Equator has you covered. It’ll taste close to your favorite pour-over, but you can easily enjoy it at 35,000 feet.
The Travel Atlas by Lonely Planet
If your passport is filled with stamps from recent business trips, this atlas will certainly be appreciated. It’s full of maps, climate info, sample iteraries and necessary cultural information about every part of the world. At 448 pages, it’s not small, but it’s required reading for the globetrotter.