The Wander Out Holiday Gift Guide: Essentials for Ocean Lovers & Travelers
- Kelsey Williamson
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Holiday season always arrives so fast but it doesn’t have to be spent shopping last minute or mindlessly buying. It’s a perfect time to slow down, shop intentionally and choose gifts that actually enrich someone’s life and not just add to stuff in your house.
As a traveler, free diver and nomad, I’m always testing gear in saltwater, sand, humidity, long haul flights, boats, islands, the arctic, you name it. But I also try to be mindful of what I purchase and take in my luggage since I’m limited on space. So when I recommend a product, it’s because it’s something I personally use, trust, and would pack again tomorrow. This gift guide isn’t about over consumption.
It's about investing in thoughtful, durable and sustainable pieces that help you explore the world more consciously. Whether you’re shopping for a traveler, ocean lover, photographer or treating yourself (which I totally support), these are some of my favorite products...
Gift Guide for Ocean Lovers & Travelers
Garmin
Of course I’m including Garmin in this gift guide because if you’re an active diver, backpacker, freediver, hiker, someone who lives half their life on boats, or just an all around outdoor human, Garmin gear is essential. Their products aren’t just nice to have but they are the kind of gear that actually makes your adventures safer, smarter, and way more fun.
These are the exact Garmin products I currently use, love & the ones that travel the world with me.
Garmin Descent Mk3i
My everyday adventure watch that I never take it off. Yes, it’s a top tier dive computer, bright screen underwater, insanely durable but it’s also what I use for tracking everything in my life and on the move. It tracks my dives, workouts, hikes, recovery, runs, breath work, and even helps with jet lag.
If someone you love is obsessed with diving and the ocean, this is the gift they’ll also use daily.
Garmin INreach mini 2
If you scuba dive, hike remote trails, or disappear into the wilderness for days at a time, this is just smart to have. The inReach gives you global satellite communication, SOS capability, and location tracking, even when you have zero service.
This is one of those pieces of gear you hope you never need but you’ll always be glad you have.
Inreach mini Dive Case
If you scuba dive, this pairs perfectly with the inReach. You can’t use the device underwater, but with the dive case you can bring it down safely, surface, and instantly send a message or location ping. It’s a simple and a smart layer of safety for any dive. Just don't forget to charge it before your dive, clip it on, and you’re covered.
Descent t2 transceiver
This one is specific for scuba divers. If you scuba dive and have a Garmin watch then you will want to put this on your wish list. With this transceiver it pairs with your Garmin Descent dive watch to give real-time tank pressure, air time remaining, and depth-integrated data. It also allows you to see your buddy’s air levels, depth and send diver to diver messages with other Descent T2 transceiver-networked buddies wearing Descent Mk3i dive computers up to 30 meters away.
Garmin Descent x50i
This is the last Garmin product I'm going to recommend and another one for scuba divers. This is a premium dive computer with a huge 3-inch touch screen to display your dive stats. You can choose from multiple dive modes and multiple color maps plus so much more. So if you're a diver and already have a non scuba dive watch you love but need a new dive computer this is the way to go.
Insta360
For most of you joining our ocean safari expeditions I get asked a lot what action camera I recommend and honestly for those who don't plan on spending time to color grade the footage I definitely recommend Insta360 products. These are their two products that I have been using alongside my camera gear.
Ace Pro 2
This is the action camera I have been using the past year and shoots insanely sharp and stabilized footage. The colors underwater are true to life, it performs beautifully in low light and it also has a flip screen. Plus it has built-in Leica optics, so it seriously can't get much better than that.
Insta360 x5
For those wanting something a little different in an action camera, or if you don’t want to think about filming at all, the Insta360 X5 is the one. It’s their newest 360 camera and it’s perfect for boats, hikes, dive trips, extreme sports, and all the behind the scenes moments. The footage is smooth, the resolution is great, and you can reframe your shot after you film.
Travel & Ocean Favorites
All of these products listed below are exactly what I already use for traveling and freediving. This gear literally goes with me everywhere in the world...
Fuji X100vi
If you have come on one of my recent trips you have seen me use this camera. It is has been my favorite travel camera this past year because it's compact and you can create film simulation presets in the camera making it super easy to take beautiful color graded photos. The only down fall? Everyone is obsessed with it so it's always on back order but honestly it's worth the wait. So good luck finding one and if you're lucky enough to get your hands on one, learn how to upload those film presets and use it on all your travels!
Monos Metro weekender
My favorite carry-on/overnight bag for flights, road trips, and quick getaways. It’s 45L, fits way more than you expect, slides just perfectly under the seat, and keeps everything organized without feeling bulky. I’ll usually throw my camera gear or water housing inside, and the bottom pocket is perfect for shoes or packing extra layers like a big jacket.
Monos Carry-ons
My go to hard shell suitcase for flights. It’s durable, smooth to roll, and stylish without trying too hard. Monos carry-ons can handle long-haul travel, rough baggage handlers, and airport chaos, but still look clean and minimal. I use mine for camera gear with a camera cube and pack the other half with clothes or essentials.
Peak Design CUBES
My favorite way to pack and protect my camera gear while traveling. The dividers make it easy to customize the layout, everything stays padded and organized, and it fits perfectly inside my Monos carry-on. It keeps all my lenses, bodies, and batteries locked in place. Plus, they come in several sizes depending on your setup.
Peak Design Capture clip
If you're a photographer like myself then having one of these clips is a must especially for hikes or being able to access your camera quickly on the move without having to pull it constantly out of a bag. This clip just attaches to your bag strap and you can easily hang your camera off of it.
REI big haul rolling duffel
I love this luggage because the bottom is hard and the top is soft, which keeps it way lighter than a full hard shell suitcase. They make a few different sizes, but the 34-inch is my favorite because I can fit my freediving fins inside which is a lifesaver traveling all over the world with them. It’s durable, easy to roll, and perfect for big trips where you need to pack a lot without adding extra weight.
ALoha Bags
I use these bags for everything when I travel and just in life. They’re lightweight, water-resistant, and perfect for keeping wet things separate from dry things. I pack swimsuits, toiletries, socks, undergarments, camera gear, snacks, you name it. They come in tons of sizes and patterns, and they make staying organized in life way easier.
Airfly pro 2
If you travel and don’t own an AirFly yet, you need one. This little device lets you connect your Bluetooth headphones to airplane TVs. So you will never need to use the airplane headphones. It’s tiny, lightweight, and lives in my carry-on bag.
Juna world
These sleep gummies are incredible and I use them for long flights, weird time zones, and those nights when jet lag refuses to chill. These gummies help me fall asleep faster and stay asleep without feeling groggy the next day. I always keep a pack in my carry-on.
abysse wetsuits
My go to swimwear for freediving, boating, and long days in the water. Abysse pieces are insanely flattering, stay put when you’re diving or swimming, and are made with eco-conscious materials, which I love. They’re durable, functional, and have so many cute colors to choose from.
Riffe masks
This is my absolute favorite freediving mask. I always travel with extras because I never want to be without it. Of course, not every mask fits every face, but this one has been perfect for me, and I have a smaller oval shaped face. And the brand has other mask styles too if this shape isn’t your match.
GUll Snorkel
This is my favorite snorkel and I swear by it. If you’re buying your first snorkel, this is the one I always recommend. I used to only find it at one dive shop in Hawai‘i and would grab a new one every time I was there… until I finally tracked down the brand and realized you can get it from multiple dealers.
A good snorkel matters, especially for snorkeling and freediving. You want something reliable where you won’t drink a bunch of salt water.
Riffe rubber weight belt
If you’re a freediver and need a weightbelt, this rubber one is my absolute favorite. It stays snug, doesn’t slip around, and feels way more comfortable than traditional nylon belts. The clip is also very easy to use. A simple piece of gear, but honestly one of the most important.
Rux waterproof tote bag
This has been my new favorite waterproof bag this year, and I’m obsessed. It’s so much easier to see and access everything in a tote style bag vs. digging through a backpack. It’s durable, fully waterproof, and perfect for boats, beach days, and dive trips.
THE PEACH CLUB
My favorite travel friendly online workouts. No gym needed. I normally travel with resistance bands (and use dive weights if you're improvising like me). Hayden is great instructor and it's been perfect for me to get quick workouts in to stay strong and grounded while constantly on the move.
jade Travel yoga mats
Traveling full time made me realize how much I needed a lightweight yoga mat I could toss into the bottom of my checked bag. This one is perfect. It’s super packable, grippy, and great for quick stretches, breathwork, or a Peach Club workout in any hotel room or Airbnb.
Nomadix
This might be more of a stocking stuffer, but it’s one of those things that makes travel way easier. If you’re spending any time in the ocean, on boats, or bouncing between Airbnbs, having a lightweight microfiber towel is a lifesaver. It dries fast, packs tiny, and is perfect for everything from beach days to post dive moments. I also love their towel changing ponchos if you live near the ocean then you definitely need one of these!
If you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed checking out my favorite travel and diving essentials. These are the things that make my travels and life in the ocean and on the airplane smoother, safer, and of course more fun. I only recommend what I genuinely use and already love.
Here’s to intentional gifting, adventures that change you, and gear that should actually earn space in your bag.
Happy holidays!
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