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Commuting to work every day is one of life’s most arduous activities. And if you’re going back and forth in an urban environment, chances are you’re opting for the subway, bus, bike, or even your own two feet. You’ll often be asked to withstand rain, snow, or just plain cold weather, so you’d better be prepared. If you or someone you know endures this trek each and every day, this gift guide is for you. Here are the best gifts for the urban commuter.
Article Overview
- G-SHOCK GST-B1000
- Hydro Flask 24oz Wide Mouth with Flex Chug Cap
- Peak Design Tech Pouch
- Pioneer Carry Zen Zips
- CodeOfBell BASI[X] VAPOR HAT
- Vans Crosspath XC Gore-TEX
- Snow Peak GORE-TEX Rain Pants
- Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Rite in the Rain Complete Planner Kit
- Black Ember Citadel 25
- Lululemon Cold City 600-Down-Fill Parka
G-SHOCK GST-B1000
G-SHOCK recently came out with arguably its best all-metal analog watch yet, taking the B100 series and giving it a sleek makeover. Housed in a 44.2mm case with a 46.9mm lug-to-lug, the stainless steel GST-B1000 is about 1.5oz lighter than other full-metal G-SHOCKs while still maintaining 200m of water resistance. Full shock protection comes thanks to the Carbon Core Guard structure and urethane buffering components that connect the stainless steel bracelet to the case to absorb impacts. Inside, the watch is powered by the brand’s Tough Solar quartz and you get a stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarm, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Hydro Flask 24oz Wide Mouth with Flex Chug Cap
When commuting, you want a water bottle that’s slim enough to stick in your bag but also capacitous enough to limit refills throughout the day. Hydro Flask has an extensive range of options, but we’d opt for this 24-ounce Wide Mouth with double-wall stainless steel construction, a leakproof lid, and a Flex Chug Cap for easy sipping.
Peak Design Tech Pouch
Even if you have your waterproof backpack, your smaller tech essentials deserve even more protection with Peak Design’s Tech Pouch. Built with a 200D Versa Shell and thin high-density foam padding, the pouch features thoughtful organization inside with 7 distinct compartments.
Pioneer Carry Zen Zips
Waterproof backpacks are key when commuting, but sometimes you wanna give your smaller essentials some extra coverage. For our money, we love the Zen Zips from Pioneer Carry, which are perfect for anything from AirPods to extra chargers. It’s built with YKK AquaGuard zippers and the brand’s 10XD fabric, a UHMWP that’s 10x stronger than steel.
CodeOfBell BASI[X] VAPOR HAT
There are plenty of waterproof hats on the market, but few of them actually look like a stylish hat you’d wear rain or shine. Known for combining utility and form in the best way, CodeOfBell has made its BASI[X] out of recycled ECOPAK, which is waterproof and durable, and also features laser-cut slits and vents to allow heat to escape.
Vans Crosspath XC Gore-TEX
Vans recently dropped the Crosspath XC Gore-Tex, basically taking their most serious trail shoe and loading it up with proven outdoor tech like breathable Gore-Tex waterproofing and a custom Vibram sole.
Snow Peak GORE-TEX Rain Pants
The outdoor experts at Japanese gear brand Snow Peak came out with its first GORE-TEX range, featuring these Rain Pants. Meticulously constructed with zippered pockets for protecting your gear and sealed seams for extra coverage, the comfortable polyester trousers are perfect for facing the elements.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
From its IP57 waterproof rating to its lifestyle integration, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 is simply the best pick when it comes to commuting.
Rite in the Rain Complete Planner Kit
Rite in the Rain is known for its waterproof EDC notebooks, but this gives you a commuting-friendly planner kit for keeping track of all your appointments. Inside the Cordura housing is a replaceable weekly planner with waterproof pages and a pen that can write through water as well.
Black Ember Citadel 25
On top of its clean minimalist aesthetic, Black Ember’s Citadel 25L backpack is our favorite pick for commuting. It’s a great option for those wanting something modular and slightly tactical, with its MOLLE webbing and its tough EmberTex nylon fabric. There’s also a 16-inch laptop sleeve in back.
Lululemon Cold City 600-Down-Fill Parka
Lululemon makes great rain gear such as this Cold City parka that’s waterproof, insulated with 600-fill down, and has plenty of pockets. Also, a parka is preferable when commuting for its low tail in the back, which prevents your pants from getting wet from bus stop benches or bike seats.
