Credit:
Reviewed / Solo Stove / Parks Project / JetBoil
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When your Dad is a dedicated hiker, biker, camper, or fisherman, chances are that whatever your outdoorsy dad is doing right now he's mentally getting ready for his next adventure.
Father's Day is Sunday, June 16 this year, and if you're shopping for an outdoorsy dad, you're in luck. We've searched far and wide for the best of the best tools, toys, and apparel for the favorite father figure in your life.
Read on to find the perfect gift for any dad, whether he's a consummate camper or novice outdoorsman.
1. A set of climbing gym ready refrigerator magnets
Turn his fridge into a miniature climbing gym.
For the dad that would rather be on the crags. This set of fridge magnets are shaped like climbing holds and are a fun, unexpected Father's Day gift for the dad who daydreams of holds and horns.
2. An essential book on our National Parks
Few other places in the world can boast such diversity of landscape and wildlife as the United States, and this book celebrates their awesome beauty.
Home to the world's tallest trees, the largest carnivores, colossal waterfalls, and plant life as far as the eye can see, National Parks are an intrinsic part of the culture and landscape of America. Whether he enjoys hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, or forest bathing, The Parklands: Trails and Secrets from the National Parks of the United States is filled with arcane and quirky facts about each of our National Parks, as well as essential information for planning a next big adventure.
3. A Rumpl Everywhere Towel
This genius towel packs up tiny and is super lightweight.
You really can't go wrong with anything by Rumpl. Their products are smart, well-made, super strong, and made to last. Right now, however, we are loving the Rumpl Everywhere Towel.
Good things come in compact packages, at least as far as these towels are concerned: They are wildly absorbent and they dry in minutes, making you wonder why you ever bothered carting around a big bulky towel in the past.
Right now these towels are being sold in limited quantities in styles printed with vistas of some of the country's best-loved national parks, making them practical and extra special.
4. A Landmark Project NPS map tee
If Dad is the type that's working to cross every national park off his bucket this, this shirt will be the perfect walking to-do list to keep him on track.
For the biggest national park fanatic, The Landmark Project has created an NPS map shirt crafted from soft, organic cotton. Plus, this company has given back in a big way, donating over $500,000 of proceeds to the U.S. Forest Service since 2017.
5. Glasses to toast his favorite rock formations
Commemorate his favorite national park with these rock glasses.
He may be far from the mountains, but even when he’s sitting at home—we promise you—he’s dreaming of bigger peaks. These rocks glasses feature silhouettes of one of six iconic formations, from the Grand Canyon, to Everest, to Kilimanjaro, to Half Dome. He’ll be sipping some inspiration with these gorgeous and collectible pieces.
6. A Black Diamond headlamp to light his way
This headlamp is lightweight, adjustable, and is just as useful for nighttime mountain descents as it is for late-night reading.
If he’s spending any amount of time outdoors, he’s going to need a light. With an excellent waterproof rating and multiple light modes, this one by Black Diamond consistently ranks high for performance.
If Dad’s outdoorsmanship has been limited to hangouts in the neighborhood as the sun goes down, this headlamp is highly recommended for nighttime dog walks and for cooking on a grill after dark.
7. A fantastic set of Smartwool socks
These truly deliver: They are cushioning, wicking, and odor-mitigating and make any shoe feel 100% more comfortable—even during the breaking-in stage.
At this point, Smartwool socks are iconic. Pioneers of the movement that debunked the idea that wool is itchy, stuffy, and only good for cold winter nights, their socks were game changers when they first came on the outdoorsy scene.
Since that time, their products have only gotten better and better and their socks continue to be top-performers for day hikes, thru-hikes, and any sort of trail tackling.
8. An Aeropress for coffee on the go
All you need is hot water and some coffee grounds and within minutes Dad can enjoy a delicious cup of joe.
Dad’s campsite coffee game is about to get a whole lot better. This go-to tool for traveling light is compact, convenient, and makes great-tasting coffee that’s every bit on par with the kind of cup you’d brew from a Keurig.
He’ll be thrilled to ditch those instant coffee grounds and enjoy a cup of coffee that doesn’t taste like dirt.
9. Versatile Taylor Stitch shorts for the stylish adventurer
These stylish hemp shorts are a sure-fire hit for the outdoors dad.
These shorts by Taylor Stitch are the holy grail of style-meets-function. Made with cool, breathable hemp that’s dyed in classic black, they’re perfect for staying cool on the trail, and looking cool while dishing out dad jokes at the barbecue.
10. A protective Patagonia hoodie to keep him cool
This lightweight hoodie will make his backcountry packing list all year round.
Whether he hikes, climbs, boats, or fishes, Dad will get a lot of wear out of this lightweight hoodie by Patagonia that offers sun-protection and helps keep him cool at the same time. Reviewers love the silky soft comfort of this shirt that dries quickly and offers UPF 40+, so Dad won’t need to stop for a second to apply sunblock when he’d rather be bagging peaks or catching “the big one.”
11. A Thousands Chapter Helmet for a safer ride
He won’t just love this helmet, it will keep him safe.
There are so many great features to the Thousands Chapter Helmet that we are sure to leave something out, but here is our best effort to get them all in.
First off, it has a multi-directional impact system (MIPS) that allows the helmet to internally self-adjust to absorb more impact for greater protection. It has a terrific-looking low profile with a mini-visor to cut glare. It has a superior ventilation system for comfort on long and arduous rides. It has a clip-on, motion-activated tail light for added safety.
Plus, it has a hidden security portal that you can thread a U-lock through and, if your helmet is stolen while using this system, they’ll replace it for free.
12. A portable smokeless Solo stove
Enjoy a beautiful outdoor fire without all the smoke.
No matter where Dad roams, he'll be able to enjoy a cozy firepit under the stars, with the Ranger campfire stove by Solo Stove. These portable, smokeless campfires are small enough to set up at home on a deck, in a backyard or wherever his travels may take him.
13. A Kelty loveseat to cuddle up in
This is a comfy camping seat that fits more than one.
Campfires are always warmer when you can snuggle up with your favorite people and pets. Not only is this Kelty loveseat comfy with quilted padding but it's also basically made for cuddles and easily fits two people and either a small child or a dog that thinks he's a child.
14. A sharp multi-tool with a whistle and a fire starter
This tool can sharpen a range of knives, from serrated to straight, as well as fish hooks—and it even comes with an emergency whistle.
There are few buzzkills worse than a dull knife or a dud campfire when you’re trying to enjoy a getaway in the great outdoors. This cool little multi-tool, that’s compact enough to fit in his pocket, will save Dad from the disappointment of both.
15. A beginner SUP board
This SUP board is the perfect shape for flat water stand-up paddle boarding and for small wave riding—plus it easily converts into a kayak with the included seat and footrest.
The Hydro-Force Aqua Wander SUP all-purpose board is perfect for the dad who wants to dabble in water sports but is indecisive about how he wants to commit.
16. A versatile pair of Merrell camp shoes
Durable quilted nylon uppers will ensure Dad's feet are protected and they even feature a collapsable back that converts them into a pair of slides!
After a long day on a trail, Dad's going to want a soft pair of mocs to slip his feet into.
Thanks to their soft foam soles, these Merrell Hut Mocs are perfect for giving his feet a bit of rest from a long day adventuring.
With a pair of these, that cool outdoorsman in your life can focus on what they do best: relax.
17. A perfectly comfy Klymit sleep mat
The Klymit V2 self-inflating air mattress is compact and comfy and is equally as good for backpacking as it is for car camping.
Dad’s certainly had his share of sleepless nights while parenting. Gift him with a good night’s sleep while he’s camping out.
The Klymit V2’s patented V-shaped sleep chambers get rave reviews for comfort and for keeping sleepers well-insulated against the cold ground, and it’s touted as an excellent choice for side sleepers.
18. A book of 100 Hikes of a Lifetime
From Appalachia to Micronesia, a Swiss wine trail to Bhutan’s snowy passes, this book maps 100 hikes for people of all experience levels and all levels of wanderlust.
This isn't your normal coffee table book. For a dad who daydreams of their next big adventure, this book is filled with stunning National Geographic photographs of some of the best and most picturesque hikes in the world. Each is described in detail, including history and valuable, know-before-you-go advice about travel, routes, and wildlife. Hikes are broken down into exhaustive detail for the hiker that doesn't just want to daydream, but wants to do!
19. A sweet gift that will help him find his way
His children will always be his true north, but this compass will help keep him on course if he gets lost on the trail.
This brass compass fits in his pocket or can be worn on his neck and it can be engraved not only with the saying of your choice but in the typeface and style of your choosing. We are particularly partial to the option of choosing a simple saying in your child’s handwriting.
20. A Lifestraw for clean water wherever he goes
Ensure he can get a drink from anywhere with a Lifestraw Filter.
If Dad has a thirst for adventure he'll be able to quench it safely with this compact, personal water filtration system by LifeStraw. A life of outdoor adventures can make hydration unpredictable. Whether he's looking at a clear (but questionable) stream or a suspect-looking park spigot, the LifeStraw will clear that water and make it potable in no time.
With claims to remove 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites and up to 0.2 microns, this little tool is super handy to have on hand when thirst hits and there is only funky water to be found!
21. High-tech binoculars to take wherever he goes
These binoculars transmit outdoor light better than roof and porro prism binoculars, making for spectacular viewing, especially when on bodies of water.
These binoculars will help Dad keep everything in clear view.
These 18mm 12x24 binoculars fold up compactly, are easy to grip, and are waterproof. As a bonus, they also come with a phone adaptor, so Dad can take shots and videos of faraway wildlife, so he can always bring a bit of the outdoors home with him.
22. A compact Celestron telescope for taking in the night sky
Give him a closeup of the night sky with this powerful telescope.
For the stargazing dad, this highly ranked Celstron telescope not only gives excellent views of the night sky, but it’s also easy to set up and is compact enough to take anywhere.
My family has this telescope and we love it for its crisp images, its easy setup, and its adjustability. We aren’t expecting Dad to share, but this telescope can adjust down low. This makes it a great choice for families that have little ones who are every bit as interested in looking at the stars as Dad is.
23. A JetBoil to get water boiling fast
Hot coffee on the trail? No problem, the JetBoil heats it easy.
Whether he wants to cook soup in a flash, or he just wants to get his water boiling at lightning speed for that morning coffee, a JetBoil is a lightweight, ingenious tool that boils water in 60 seconds, even at subzero temperatures.
24. An incredible cap that’s loaded with features
With so much in such a tiny package, this hat is the ultimate topper to any Father’s Day.
This cap may look basic on the outside, but it’s filled with all sorts of impressive wow. Made from 100% nylon, this cap is virtually sweat-free and it comes with a light deflecting brim and UPF 50 to keep Dad’s noggin from burning. It’s stain- and water-resistant for added durability, and it has “clamshell technology” that allows it to fold up small enough to fit in a jacket pocket.
It also comes with cool ventilation panels that double as sunglass hooks, so Dad will never have to shed a tear over glasses that took a dive over a cliff’s edge.
25. A stink-free Patagonia T-shirt that looks and feels cool
This excellent tee is a good pick for all levels of outdoorsman.
The Patagonia Capilene Shirt is light, breathable, moisture-wicking, and it has UPF 50.
Like all of Patagonia’s products, these shirts are ethically made from 50 to 100% recycled materials and are Fair Trade-certified. And, because they are made with an anti-stink technology (more formally known as HeiQ Fresh), they can easily take Dad from the mountain peak to the brewpub.
26. A portable Stanley brew pub
This vacuum-sealed growler has a leak-proof design, making it perfect for any sort of adventures Dad may take on. Plus it keeps drinks ice cold for 24 hours (or piping hot for 18).
Who doesn’t like a cold one at the end of a long hike? Help Dad keep his brews good and frosty with this vacuum-sealed Stanley growler.
27. A comfy and compact camp chair
Pop a squat, Dad—this comfy camp chair is made for packing in.
For a comfy seat wherever he may go, this genius camp chair is about the size and weight of a 64 oz water bottle. It easily fits in a backpack and can be toted anywhere, from the beach to the bandstand.
It sets up in seconds and collapses just as easily and it's the perfect height for firepit hangs—just right for the dad who’s up for going anywhere and who wants a soft place to sit when he gets there.
28. A Yeti water bottle that's worth the splurge
Whatever Dad wants to fill it with, this bottle can handle it, staying cold for a good 24 hours and standing up to drops with aplomb.
Dad has probably been drinking from the same, beat-up plastic bike bottle that he got in college. If Dad is less likely to splurge on himself, it’s time for an upgrade, with one of our favorite insulated water bottles.
The Yeti Rambler is easy to chug from, easy to wash, and—at a 26-ounce capacity—has enough room to accommodate “three lemonades, four mint juleps, or one long chug of water,” according to the company.
29. A book of inspiration
Stoke his getaway dreams with this inspirational travel book.
Your outdoorsy dad is probably already dreaming of his next adventure. Whether it’s a trip to the Andes, a visit to the Grand Canyon, or a simple escape to the local fishing hole, this full-color coffee table book is an ultimate great escape gift. Featuring 245 different destinations, and filled with gorgeous National Geographic photography, this will give his mind the getaway it needs.
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