Known primarily for their quality luggage options, GIVI has been selling a full line of helmets in Europe for years. GIVI is no newcomer to making helmets and it shows in their new HPS X.01 Tourer, the companies first commitment to selling helmets here in North America.

Constructed with a polycarbonate shell and weighing three pounds, the Tourer is no featherweight, yet never felt heavy during any of the 2,500 miles logged in it so far. The removable visor has a moderately aggressive design that compliments the round shape of the helmet shell nicely.

I found the visor to be well placed for blocking direct sun and didn’t produce much helmet lift except on the highway. It will pull you around if you turn your head up and catch the wind but even then it is not uncomfortable or unmanageable.

When the sun gets below the brim the Tourer also has a built in sun visor. It significantly cuts down the glare, and I even found myself using it with the front shield flipped up to get some wind on my face.

I was surprised to find that even with both the sun visor and face shield down there is very little lens distortion, concentrated in the complex curves near the edges. GIVI has also done an excellent job on the face shield coating because the only time it fogged was on a brisk 30 degree morning ride.

Being able to easily convert from a full face to ¾ is absolutely the most unique feature of the Tourer. I have only taken advantage of it a hand full of times as I am not particularly fond of the bug in teeth persuasion. But, on short rides at low speeds it was definitely fun, and this design indeed has its merits when the need to easily communicate to other riders or pedestrians is necessary. This ¾ design is much cooler and works best behind a large windscreen.

I have yet to remove the hypoallergenic cheek pads or liner for a washing as the venting on this helmet is good enough to keep me from sweating even on hot days. When the need arises however, everything is easily removable and snaps back into place just as readily.

The GIVI Tourer is a feature packed helmet. It’s a natural choice for adventure touring riders and the convertible design is a unique feature some riders will really appreciate. MSRP: $249.00 giviusa.com

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KLIM Casual Shirts

Although world-class armor is their main-stay, KLIM also now makes very comfy long and short sleeve button down shirts for post ride campfire shenanigans. Quality built with metal buttons and comfortable material which doesn’t shrink much after washing, we also like the extra inch or so of material at the bottom which prevent shirt popping. MSRP: $74.99 KLIM.com

PlayMobil ADV Toys

These are without a doubt the coolest ADV toys you can get for the two wheeled loving youngsters (or oldsters) in your life. With a good amount of model detail made from quality plastics, PlayMobil’s adventure Explorer and Biker at Camp Site kits are fun to look at and play with. MSRP: $19.95 PlayMobil.us

Pat’s Backcountry Instant Beer

If you’re looking for a brew at the end of the trail, Pat’s Backcountry Beverage’s instant beer is right up your alley. With just a few steps, you can produce refreshing carbonated beer, sodas or energy drinks with only some water and packets. MSRP: $49.95 PatsBCB.com

Kinder Rider

Ever wish your kid(s) could come along with you on your adventures? KinderRider’s line of children’s adventure armor may be just the thing to get your precious cargo there safe and dry. With lots of pockets, working vents and expansion gussets to make your value last, this is one bit of safety and comfort which can’t be overlooked. Also remember to check out their selection of kids boots and helmets. MSRP: $90–$100 KinderRiderInc.com

UAG Cell Phone and Tablet Cases

The biggest drawback to ultra-armored electronics devices is they simply aren’t very usable for EDC (Every Day Carry). Extra weight and bulk can make them uncomfortable to keep in your pocket, or even hold. When you’re not looking for 100% waterproof protection, the UAG cases offer a great value which meets military drop test standards. Available for a wide range of phones, they offer one piece designs and do not use the ultra-soft silicone rubber found in other cases which can stretch over time and make getting your phone in and out of pockets troublesome. MSRP: Approx. $35 UrbanArmorGear.com

Motion Pro Titanium Wrenches

If ultra-lightweight backpackers will drill holes in tooth brushes to save a couple grams, it just makes sense for long distance riders to minimize their loads with light weight wrenches. The Motion Pro Ti (Titanium) Wrenches are so light you won’t even believe you’re holding them. At almost 100 bucks for a set of four wrenches (8, 10, 12 and 14mm) with a wrap, they are a bit pricey but will definitely impress the heck out of anyone who understands the value of quality tools… and they’ll fit nicely in a stocking! MSRP: $108.89 MotionPro.com

FORKS A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection

Around the world, three year solo motorcycle adventure comes to life in food, photos, and stories in FORKS, a new full color photo journey and global cookbook with 40 signature recipes by Allan Karl. “This book presents readers an opportunity to try something new. Perhaps to taste flavors of a new food or to journey into dangerous or unknown territories". Hardcover $28.79 forksthebook.com