As the holiday season approaches, we proudly present one of our favorite traditions: curating the ultimate gift guide for the gravel cyclist in your life. We've looked back at our favorite gear, apparel, and accessories from 2024 that offer practicality, uniqueness, and well-crafted design. Whether you're shopping for a dedicated cyclist or looking to treat yourself, we hope this year's selection inspires you to find the perfect gift.

5. Smith Motive Sunglasses

Finding sunglasses that effectively combine high-performance features, reliable eye protection, and style can be a daunting task, especially given the premium price tags attached to most quality cycling eyewear. Many riders find themselves compromising either on functionality or aesthetics, settling for either sport-specific shades that look overly technical off the bike, or fashionable frames that fall short during the long haul.

The Smith Motive sunglasses serve as a masterclass in blending performance features with modern style, making them a solid choice for riders who demand more from their eyewear. The half-frame design delivers an unobstructed field of view that's crucial when reading terrain on technical descents, while Smith's ChromaPop™ lens technology enhances contrast and natural colors.

Additional features include the non-slip Megol contact points that keep them firmly in place, the included clear lens and protective case, and impact resistant TR90 nylon frame. With six colors to choose from including this Matte Pacific Sedona + ChromaPop™ bronze Mirror, the Motive is my favorite sunglass of 2024.

SMITH MOTIVE SUNGLASSES | $185

Visit Smith

4. Ornot Handlebar Bag

Finding a well-designed handlebar bag is harder to find than you might expect. With so many options to choose from across a variety of price points, it’s easy to find yourself with an underwhelming bar bag that falls short of the hype. Although I’ve tested many over the past few years, I often found that the handlebar bag was an overrated accessory, that was until I discovered the 2nd generation Handlebar Bag from Ornot. Serving as command central for quick-access items while adding valuable cargo space for longer adventures, the Ornot Handlebar Bag represents a refined evolution of their original design, thoughtfully addressing every detail that matters without sacrificing style or function.

What sets this bag apart is its intelligent design: the wraparound zipper allows for effortless loading and retrieval, while the rigid frame sheet maintains structure regardless of content. The three cargo pockets – including two rear mesh pockets perfect for sunscreen or that mid-ride snack, and a front pocket ideal for maps or empty wrappers. Crafted from recycled ECOPAK™ fabric with a PFC-free DWR treatment, the bag proves that sustainability and performance can coexist. With 3.1 liters of capacity, included Voile straps, adjustable attachment points, and a phone holster for quick access, this bag might just be the perfect handlebar companion you've been looking for... Ornot.

ORNOT HANDLEBAR BAG | $86

Visit Ornot

3. Mission Workshop Helix 15L Tote

For our 3rd recommendation, we've got the perfect solution for that post-ride gear explosion that inevitably happens in your hatch, garage, or hotel room. The Mission Workshop Helix 15L Tote isn't just another bag – it's the answer to keeping your gravel kit organized and ready for the next adventure. Crafted from Dimension Polyant's legendary X-Pac fabric and proudly made in the USA, this versatile tote is ready to wrangle your helmet, shoes, nutrition, tools, and post-ride refresh essentials into one sleek package.

What makes the Helix particularly brilliant is its thoughtful design: the YKK top zip closure keeps dust and grime contained when you're tossing dirty gear in after a spirited session on the trails, while the external pockets provide quick access to essentials like your phone or car keys. When not in gear organizer mode, the tote packs down small for easy storage, ready to serve as an impromptu market bag. For the cyclist who appreciates both form and function, the Helix 15L Tote is a great gift idea that'll see use far beyond the bike.

MISSION WORKSHOP HELIX 15L TOTE | $170

Visit Mission Workshop

2. Topo Designs Top Tube Bag

We may be a bit biased on this next one given our involvement to bring it to life, but the latest bike bag to come available from Topo Designs may be the best gift idea for someone who appreciates something that manages to be truly unique, high-quality, and functional. In our latest collaboration, we teamed up with Topo Designs to make their first-ever top tube bag. This limited-edition design by Gravelstoke rider Danny Geary showcases Topo's signature durability while pushing new boundaries with its bold color choices..

Available in three distinctive colorways (Black/Neutral, Desert Palm/Sahara, and Pond Blue/Spice), each bag is crafted from recycled nylon and features thoughtful details like a heavy-duty waterproof YKK zipper, internal key clip, and electronics cable port. With its ample one-liter capacity and easy Velcro attachment system, it's ideal for keeping ride essentials close at hand. As Topo's first and only venture into the top tube bag space, this collaboration represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of gear that's both functionally and visually distinctive in the brand's history.

TOPO DESIGNS X GRAVELSTOKE TOP TUBE BAG | $65

Visit Topo Designs

1. Leatherman Skeletool CX

For the friend or loved one who values practical, versatile gear, the Leatherman Skeletool CX is one to consider. This lightweight multi-tool, weighing just 5 ounces, is perfect for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors—whether on a bikepacking trip, hiking expedition, or simply prepping at the trailhead.

The Skeletool CX combines a razor-sharp 154CM knife, needlenose pliers, wire cutters, and a versatile bit driver with both Phillips and flathead bits, all in a sleek, compact design. Its thoughtful engineering ensures it’s as handy around the campsite or in the gear bag as it is mid-ride.

Ideal for bikepackers and outdoor explorers alike, this multi-tool strikes the perfect balance of minimalist design and maximum utility. It’s not just a tool—it’s a dependable companion for anyone who appreciates functional, well-made gear wherever their adventures take them.

LEATHERMAN SKELETOOL CX | $89.95

Visit Leatherman