Picking a unique and exciting Father’s Day gift shouldn’t be that hard. Hint: avoiding cliché gifts like whiskey stones or neckties is a good start. But if you really want to hit a Father’s Day home run this year, you’ve got to go a little bit deeper.
The good news is there’s an endless number of outdoor gifts for the outdoorsy dad. The bad news is finding the right outdoor gear can be slightly intimidating. But there’s no need to get overwhelmed. After putting an array of gear through the paces ourselves, we’ve got a list of gear and gadgets to adorn most any dad that revels in the outdoor lifestyle. Act quickly and everything on this list can arrive at his door ahead of Father’s Day. Here’s hoping you can be there to watch him unwrap it in person.
Kelty Zyp Daypack
My first memories of exploring with my dad are filled with the dusty, dry soil of the Sierra Nevada erupting in plumes under each footstep. Our lungs seemed to ignite when we climbed those mountains, reaching the end of each trail at nearly 9,000 feet. And, if your dad is like mine… he still has the same backpack he did all those years ago.
This year, upgrade dad’s trail game with the new Zyp Daypack from Kelty. One of our favorite packs of 2019, the all-new Zyp is a legit lightweight hiking pack designed with comfort, and breathability in mind—so Dad will never have to choose between carry weight and back country essentials. Kelty’s genius NadaTech Suspension minimizes points of contact to maximize breathability and moisture management, and their PerfectFIT™ Technology makes on-body adjustment a breeze. Available in 28, 38 and 48L sizes.
kelty.com; MSRP $129.95, $149.95, $169.95
Danner Trail 2650
Chances are, if you dig deep enough into your dad’s closet you’ll find that old heavyweight lumberjack style flannel and matching 15lb hiking boots. This year, let’s do dear ol’ dad a favor and make sure that antiquated gear doesn’t see the light of day again.
Give him the gift of inspired performance in Danner’s new Trail 2650. Weighing in at just under 12 ounces, the Trail 2650 is a supportive performance shoe packed with technology and comfort. The 2650 features a durable leather and textile upper with breathable mesh lining. As a nod to the brands Mountain Light Cascade boot that trekked the PCT in the movie Wild, these shoes feature Danner’s iconic red laces. By combining an ultra-lightweight EVA midsole and Danner’s Trailguard platform, the Trail 2650 offers best-in-class comfort, protection and stability.
danner.com/trail2650; MSRP $150
Otterbox Venture Coolers
If your dad is the hiking, fishing, camping and BBQ type, he needs a cooler that has as much gumption as he does. Enter the OtterBox Venture coolers: American-made and built tough, Venture offers dad a right-size cooler for any and every adventure (25L, 45L, 65L).
With so many options around, why should you roll with the Venture? First, Venture coolers keep ice for up to 10 days. Second, each Venture cooler is injected molded rather than rotomolded resulting in high quality product that can be customized with OtterBox Accessories. That means whether Dad is headed out camping, or to the weekend soccer tournament (again), Venture’s modular system configures to meet all of his endeavors. And did we mention you can use the Venture Locking Kit ($99.99) to make the cooler certified bear-resistant?
Otterbox.com; MSRP $229.99 – $449.99
Leatherman Signal
Early on, dad taught you the value of a good knife while exploring the great outdoors. Return the favor by giving him the Leatherman Signal — the multi-tool that pairs Leatherman’s traditional functional tools with preparedness features for the great outdoors. With a firestarter, hammer, one-handed blade and even an emergency whistle, the Signal offers a quiver of survival tools in a singular handheld gem.
The Signal ensures that dad will be ready for the expected (and unexpected) no matter where life takes him. And because life-saving gear doesn’t have to always look so serious, the Signal has a new line of color options that lets you match up dad’s personality and color preferences. By adding these fun colors, the Signal doesn’t just become a more approachable survival tool, but ensures that good ol’ dad can save the day in style.
leatherman.com; MSRP $119.95
Classic STANLEY
My most prized personal possession is a tin cup. This simple tin cup hung from the water pump at my grandfather’s farm in the middle of Missouri. It was his cup, his vessel of refreshment after a hard days work. My dad drank from it as a child, and likewise, as a child I took my own deep drinks of ice cold well water from that cup. Today, that simple tin cup holds not just memories, but a place of distinction in my home.
Here’s the point, this Father’s Day give your dad a gift that will not only serve him, but will prove to be something that lasts for generations to come. For over 100 years STANLEY has served up legendary performance and durability. Whether you go with the Classic Legendary Bottle, the modern Twin Lock Travel Mug or the distinctive Master Flask, you’ll be giving a gift that your Old Man will not only enjoy, but appreciate for years to come.
stanley-pmi.com; MSRP $25-$50
Field Company Cast Iron Skillet
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better Father’s Day gift than a cast-iron skillet. From the kitchen to the campsite, once he’s familiar with the glory of cooking on cast iron, he’ll never go back to Teflon again. This piece of kitchen equipment is unmatched in terms of versatility, durability, and functionality.
The purpose of cast iron goes way beyond simple cornbread to make delectable appetizers, desserts, steaks and much more. It’s the reason every seasoned (no pun intended) home cook knows the value of keeping at least one trusty cast-iron skillet in their cook–and bake–ware arsenal. Our recommendation: The Field Skillet. The lightest, smoothest cast iron skillet on the market, this is the new cast iron that cooks just like an old one. More than a pan, the Field Skillet is investment in sustainability, American manufacturing, and a way better dinner. Give it to dad this year, and we promise it will eventually come back around to you.
fieldcompany.com; MSRP $135 and $100
Eagle Creek Duffels
If you’re an avid Gumption reader, then you’re no stranger to our affinity for Eagle Creek’s line of duffels. From holiday guides to travel guides, these durable and savvy bags have been a mainstay in our line-up, and for good reason. Simply put, they are the best damn duffel bags we’ve ever used.
These are the only bags we trust to haul up mountainsides, down rivers, up to the cabin and on the sketchiest airplanes you can find. The Cargo Haulers are made with an extra-durable, water-repellent coated Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite fabric, ready to withstand a lifetime of abuse. Available in 45L, 60L, 90L and 120L sizes these duffels are lighter, stronger and pack away better than any other option we’ve tried. Equally as tough, but constructed with bluesign® approved materials, the Migrate Series is the perfect gift for the eco-warrior dad that’s always on the go. Either way, you get a duffel built with big resilience for big adventures.
Eaglecreek.com; MRSP $119, $109, $99, $89
KLYMIT Versa Luxe Blanket
We’ve all had a hand in adding a little extra stress and a few sleepless nights to the lives of dear old dad. Now is the time to give an appropriate “thank you” for all those late nights of waiting up.
The Klymit Versa Luxe Blanket offers big comfort for big nights or adventures. The blanket stores easily in the foot box, creating the perfect pillow. As a 58 x 80 inch blanket, it can completely encompass pop, or he can choose to share it with you, or maybe even mom. Corner snaps, a cinch cord on one end and foot box on the other create a sleep system. Engineered for versatility. The outside soft touch ripstop serves as a barrier for the elements, while the soft fleece keeps you warm and cozy.
Klymit.com; MSRP $119.95
FITS Father’s Day Gift Pack
We know… some of you are already putting socks into that mental “cliché category”. But we assure you these socks will change the way you think about socks. Created by third and fourth generation textile manufacturers who set out to develop the absolute best fitting & most durable socks available, FITS has an array of adventure ready options from hiking to running to skiing. With proprietary engineering and technology used to create the most comfortable, best fitting socks in the world we promise that once dad puts them on, he’ll never take them off.
This Father’s Day, make life easy by gifting dad a boxed Business Crew 3-Pack. Featuring FITS’ ‘Full Contact Fit’, the Business Crew hugs each contour of the foot, keeping Dad comfortable all day long. This is the only sock that he won’t want to take off at the end of a busy day.
fitssock.com; MSRP $51.27
One Eleven Adventure Watch
Obsessively designed to make a bold statement, One Eleven has crafted a watch to match your dad’s hustle. The heart of every One Eleven solar watch starts with a high quality, solar powered movement that continually charges in both natural and artificial light. This eliminates the need to replace a battery, reducing the toxic waste that goes back into our planet. No matter which of the One Eleven outdoor watches you choose, Dad will have an adventure partner that is both dependable and good-looking.
111watches.com; MSRP $75
Yukon Charlies Carbon LITE™ Flip Out Poles
If your dad walks or hikes regularly (and, really, if he doesn’t, he should), then you can’t go wrong with a quality pair of trekking poles. Poles improve balance and cut down significantly on wear and tear in the legs, especially in knees, particularly heading downhill. But poles also make walking—one of the best and certainly easiest workouts you can do—even healthier. They stave off injuries and lessen impact, sure, but they also get your whole upper body involved.
The Carbon LITE Flip Out Poles from Yukon Charlies aren’t just feathery light, but exceedingly durable, and have comfy handles and an easily adjustable length. The deployment system is quick and easy to fully extend and is extremely and includes the Fast Lock™ system for added adjustability.
YukonCharlies.com; MSRP $99.99
Backcountry Canyonlands Wind Jacket
Whether your Dad is aiming to satisfy his global wanderlust, or just looking to fill out his outdoor kit, the Canyonlands Wind Jacket from Backcountry makes a stellar Father’s Day Gift. Why is a Wind Jacket important? Having a layer of protection against the wind is vital in particular environments. Wind can slice through fleece and baselayers, and windchill can be enough to wreak havoc on any adventure. This Backcountry exclusive packs inside its own pocket and packs down to the size of your fist. Ventilation panels at each side amplify airflow in warmer weather. The cuffs and hood have elastic bindings to stay secure and complement the jacket’s light compactness.
Backcountry.com; MSRP $99.95